Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2014-01-14T03:22:10Z

Kira477: /* Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 */

__NOTOC__

*To re-iterate the registration procedure: please register your intended chapters here.

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] ([[user:TheDefend|TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*Prologue - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:R6|R6]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[user:Tomojo|Tomojo]]+[[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, first 5%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yezhanquan|Yezhanquan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None (dropped by [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] at 20%) ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Novaren|Novaren]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===
::*Prologue - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
'''Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
'''Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
'''Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day'''
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:jima|jima]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] -'''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Tomoya13|Tomoya13]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮===
::*Chapter 1 -[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Chuta|Chuta]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10- [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]]; Dropped by [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::*Epilogue -

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡===
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Chapter 10 -
::*Epilogue -

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

===Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*Story 1 - [[user:RonnieCorny|RonnieCorny]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 2 -
::*Story 3 - [[user:Sharpestlives|Sharpestlives]]
::*Story 4 -

===Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*Story 5 - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 6 -
::*Extra Chapter - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 7 -
::*Story 8 -

===Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
::*Story 9 -
::*Story 10 -
::*Story 11 -
::*Story 12 -

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ===
::*Prologue - [[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
::*Prologue -
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

=== Single Side Stories ===
::*Eight years ago -
::*The Birth of Louise the Zero -
::*Tiffania's Troubles -
::*Louise's Tart -
::*Wardrobe of the Past -
::*Louise’s Room -

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</noinclude>
[[Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2014-01-13T13:55:52Z

Kira477: /* Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 */

__NOTOC__

*To re-iterate the registration procedure: please register your intended chapters here.

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] ([[user:TheDefend|TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*Prologue - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:R6|R6]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[user:Tomojo|Tomojo]]+[[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, first 5%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yezhanquan|Yezhanquan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None (dropped by [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] at 20%) ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Novaren|Novaren]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===
::*Prologue - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
'''Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
'''Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
'''Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day'''
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:jima|jima]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] -'''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Tomoya13|Tomoya13]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮===
::*Chapter 1 -[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Chuta|Chuta]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10- [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]]; Dropped by [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::*Epilogue -

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡===
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Chapter 10 -
::*Epilogue -

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

===Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*Story 1 - [[user:RonnieCorny|RonnieCorny]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 2 -
::*Story 3 - [[user:Sharpestlives|Sharpestlives]]
::*Story 4 -

===Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*Story 5 - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 6 -
::*Extra Chapter - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 7 -
::*Story 8 -

===Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
::*Story 9 -
::*Story 10 -
::*Story 11 -
::*Story 12 -

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ===
::*Prologue - [[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
::*Prologue -
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

=== Single Side Stories ===
::*Eight years ago -
::*The Birth of Louise the Zero -
::*Tiffania's Troubles -
::*Louise's Tart -
::*Wardrobe of the Past -
::*Louise’s Room -

<noinclude>
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[[Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter3

2014-01-13T13:53:36Z

Kira477: Created page with "Saito decided to explore the submarine with Tiffania and Luctiana. According to the growth of the barnacles and the seaweed on the submarine, Luctiana deduced that this submar..."

Saito decided to explore the submarine with Tiffania and Luctiana. According to the growth of the barnacles and the seaweed on the submarine, Luctiana deduced that this submarine should be here for around 10 years already.

In total, its length was at around 120 meters, shaped like a cigar, and at the top, a rectangular bridge resembling something like an old tin can, but much flatter, was built on it.

Saito wanted to say that this was something from his world, but he couldn't speak underwater. Relying on his hands has its limits after all. Then, Luctiana muttered a spell with an annoyed face.

"This is an underwater communication spell. Now we can talk underwater."

Although the sound quality was lousy, like being transmitted from a damaged speaker, but it was better than relying on body language.

"You should've used it from the start if you had such a spell." Saito said.

"Huh? You never asked anyway."

Wanting to enter the submarine, Saito began peeling off the shells attached on the bridge.

"Is this something from your world?" Tiffania asked.

"Yeah."

"That's amazing. Is that a boat?"

"I guess so... it's a boat made to travel underwater."

"This boat must be made from iron, right? A boat made of iron can actually float... is this something that only Saito's world can do?"

Luctiana smirked, "Hmph~ Even if this thing is made from iron, so long as the inside is empty, it can float. How ignorant. This is nothing! Using this to deal with us elves? Don't make me laugh."

Saito retorted. "This boat can not only float, but it also can travel underwater."

Luctiana's eyes went wide with surprise.

"Eh?"

"I say~ Even though you keep mocking us humans as some barbarians, but can you make such a huge submarine?"

Luctiana said, not wanting to admit defeat. "There's no need to dive underwater!"

"Why do you need to dive underwater then?" Tiffania asked.

Saito racked his brain for the answer.

"To keep ourselves hidden from enemies."

"Enemies?"

"This is a boat used in war, that's why my rune marking is glowing."

"And to think that fighting a war requires diving underwater..."

"That's the kind of world I live in."

Just then, Saito noticed something strange. It's impossible for this broken and rusty submarine to be functional. Basically, it's a weapon that can no longer function as one. So why are his rune markings glowing?

"Why are my rune markings still glowing?"

Derflinger said, "You'll know once you enter. It seems that the submarine itself is beyond repair, but the things inside should be functional."

"What's inside then?" Tiffania asked.

"No idea. But what I know is that there's something inside so incredible that even I'm trembling."

Although most of the shells has been peeled off, but because the cover was rusty, it was still stuck firmly on the bridge. Luctiana used magic, and the rust started falling off.

"The minute vibration of the water thanks to my magic will knock off the rust."

Soon, with a 'pong' sound, the cover popped open, and sank to the bottom.

The hole in front of them was like a gateway to hell. A creepy atmosphere emanated from the inside.

"Do we really have to enter?" Tffiana said, her face worried.

Saito nodded.

Relying on the light created by Luctiana's magic, they entered the submarine. Due to seawater leaking into the interior, everywhere was as rusty like a waste land.

Tiffania, who was observing the apparatuses, operating lever, water check valve and the wires etc, she suddenly asked a question.

"Saito, don't you have a plane? Does this boat operate on the same theory as your plane?"

"About that..."

Saito searched his unknowledgable brain for an answer.

Just what does it use to operate?

"No, this thing isn't relying on anything like oil to operate." Derflinger said, answering the question for Saito.

"Oh, as expected as a legendary sword. I remember that you'll have the general picture of the situation so long as you're beside him."

"That thing relies on... the energy generated by particles banging into another particles."

After hearing that, a certain word came to mind. Saito remembered occasionally seeing this word on television, the newspaper and the internet.

Nuclear submarine.

The core of the submarine is...

"Nuclear!"

"Eh? What's that?"

"Uh, a nuclear submarine probably relies on a nuclear reactor to be operational. But since the reactor is as rusty as this place, then it should mean..."

The word 'Radiation Leakage' flashed in Saito's mind. Radiation pollution, the Chernobyl incident. Those scary terms appeared all at once.

Saito shouted, "Tiffa! Luctiana! Get out of here now! We can't stay here!"

"Eh? What? What happened?"

"Uh! Basically, the area around here is poisonous."

Tiffania and Luctiana was taken aback by Saito's outburst. He grabbed their hands, wanting to escape this place, but he ended up knocking into an apparatus.

"It hurts! But it's better than being exposed by the radiation!"

"There's no problem, partner." Derflinger said, attempting to calm Saito down.

"What do you mean by no problem?! You have no idea how scary radiation can be!"

"I really have no idea what you mean by radiation, but I'm certain that we'll be fine. Although this boat relies on that power to be operational, but it seems that there's no fuel stick on the boat."

Saito remembered a news show he watched in Japan about nuclear power. A fuel stick made from uranium is needed for the reactor to work.

"So you mean we won't be exposed to any radiation?"

"Probably."

"But even you can't help but tremble at the things found inside here, right?"

"Yeah."
The interior of the submarine was separated by various walls. They headed further inside through the walls. On the way, Saito spotted a gold plate written in Russian.

"This submarine should be from Russia..."

Saito felt more and more uneasy. Once he touched the walls, the rune markings in Saito's left hand glowed even brighter.
Unexpectedly, there was still air at the most bottom end. It seems the submarine was submerged horizontally downwards, so all the air was collected at the end.

Relying on Luctiana's magic, they managed to open the door with the rusty from it falling to the ground like rain in front of them.

Inside was a room that seemed to be a control area of the submarine. Various dash boards, buttons and levers could be seen. In front of the control deck, there were four small, round chairs that looked like the chairs from a coffee shop lined up neatly side by side.

Even though the submarine had lost its power, because it was sleeping in the ocean for so long, the cold air was sealed inside this room, maintaining some kind of a tranquil atmosphere.

Saito's rune markings glowed even brighter than before, and started flashing seemingly in annoyance. The size of the thing that was placed here made him tremble uncontrollably.

Don't tell me...

Saito touched the control deck filled with rust and water droplets. He immediately understood what was contained by the boxes behind the room, how it was used and its power.

Fighter planes and tanks were nothing compared to this. The power that the circular 'guns' stored behind was beyond any power ever seen.

It made one feel that the magic in Halkgenia was only a toy.

Seeing Saito standing there shocked. Tiffania and Luctiana worriedly asked.

"Saito, what's wrong? Are you still okay?"

"What's going on?"

What do you call this weapon attached to this submarine? Saito remembered from the news he watched before.

It was an artifact left behind by the Cold War.

The strongest "gun" that humans had created.

Once it explodes, it had enough power to wipe a city clean.

"Brimir-san... just what do you want me to do with such a thing?"

It was a nuclear weapon.

Back in the cave after the search mission ended, Saito hid in a corner, bringing both knees to his arms.

This was because of the enormous potential within that thing he found.

... Could I use it as a bargaining chip?

Such a thinking almost made his brain explode.
The stubborn attitude of the elves, and the firestone which wiped out a dual purpose naval fleet ...if I'm unable to take out something as powerful as that, I don't think it's possible that I can negotiate with them.

On the other hand, Saito felt that he should not be using such a thing as a bargaining chip to negotiate with them. After all, nothing would be left if he were to use it.

But, but...

The situation on his side wasn't optimistic. No matter what, they're going lose their home. For the bigger picture, he should actively use it as a bargaining tool.

But, but, but...

What if the elves rejects him, what should he do?

When that time comes, must he really fire that thing?

Saito kept repeating the information received inside his mind, that is the system to denote the nuclear missiles. Although it was impossible to fire the missiles from the submarine, but after removing a few safety measures put in place, it would be able to explode directly like a bomb.

The rune markings on his left hand told him this method.

Just by using a certain, it was possible to transport the missiles inside the firing barrel, and then directly detonate it.
When he thought about that, Saito shook his head, and stared at his hands.

My god, what am I thinking? If I were to do that, I'm the same as that Joseph.

Then what should I do?

Saito sighed.

Luctiana, who was also sitting while hugging both knees, leaning her head on her hands, said.

"Is that strange wasteland that incredible?"

"It's not just incredible. Uh. No..."

"Huh? Then what is it?"

Saito wondered if he should tell Luctiana the truth. After all, it was an incredible bargaining chip, if it were to be taken away by the elves...

Thinking about this, he felt ashamed. Luctiana may be an elf, but she was willing to save him. Although their goals may be different, but she wasn't someone Saito should lie to.

"Very incredible."

"How incredible?"

"It can destroy an entire town... no, not just a town, even the capital would be finished."

"Elf magic can do the same as well~ It's just that we don't see the need to use it."

"Don't you understand? It means that even we have such an option now. If we were to use it, all of us would perish together."

"You plan to use such a scary thing?" Luctiana said, looking straight into Saito's eyes.

"Yeah."

The both stared at each other for a long time. Saito relented.

"I'm just kidding. How can I use such a thing? I think we should just seal it."

Saito crossed both his hands, placing it on his head, before lying down. Although that was what he said on the surface... but isn't there any other way to make the elves surrender the Holy Land?

As expected, do I have to threaten them?

But even so, Saito didn't want to use such a scary thing.

"Honestly..." Saito muttered.

"For me to make such a decision, the responsibility is simply too much for me."

If it was Louise, what would she do?

I think, she should be as hesitant as me. Saito thought.

But to not use the power given to him, and escape reality was weak. Louise probably thought the same as well.

"Gun..."

Is this something that will be forgiven if I were to use it?

Within his heart, a voice said 'Of course not'. Then another voice said 'Now is an emergency, don't hesitate!'

No matter, he still had the responsibility to make a decision. After all, he was the only one who could use that 'Gun'.

This reality changed into an especially heavy burden. Saito can't help but mutter one thing.

"Why me?"

On the other hand, Tiffania was worried about a troubled Saito. What he had found on the submarine seemed to be equipped with something very powerful, so powerful that it could fight against the elves magic. But he felt troubled because of this power.

Tiffania wanted to make Saito feel better, but she didn't know what she should do. Thus, she could only pace back and forth.

Tiffania pulled down her loose elven clothing, looking at the pair of melons in front of her chest.

Ah, if he were to see this...

The thought of it made Tiffania blush.

"Of course not! What was I thinking..."

Although just now was an emergency, and she showed him that when she became flustered, but after thinking about it rationally, she shouldn't be doing such a thing.

However, Tiffania wanted to make him feel better no matter what. Because each time when she was in trouble, Saito would always reach a hand out.

Then what should I do? When it comes to this, I think only his lover can comfort and encourage him? If only Louise was here then...

If it was Louise, she would surely make him feel better.

"If only I was Saito's lover..." Tiffania muttered.

That night when both moons hid inside the clouds, she gently kissed Saito in the darkness. After that, she should be thinking that this should be enough, but somehow...

Somehow, she felt that she wasn't like herself anymore.

Tiffania pressed against her chest. Although in the beginning, she had an ambiguous liking towards Saito, but...

Humans are really a species that easily fall in love with another of its kind.
That's right, because...

---I feel that, I'm always thinking about Saito.

After that night when they kissed, it has always been like that. Recently, Tiffania felt happy just swimming alongside with Saito.

Once she felt happiness, she wanted things to stay like this forever.

And to think that she wanted things to stay like this forever.

"Despite the situation being so urgent..."

Tiffania hated herself for being so weak. Now is not the time for me to immerse myself in happiness.

She thought of something she could do, and an idea flashed into her mind.

Right!

A familiar!

I haven't summoned a familiar. Maybe if I were to summon a familiar... would I become more useful?

Although Tiffania thought that she would bringing her familiar trouble summoning it in such a place, but this was something she had to do eventually, and perhaps her familiar might be the key in solving their current situation.

She had no idea what might appear, but it was better than doing nothing.

Tiffania walked to a corner, and tried to recall the summoning spell she learned in school. This was a spell not commonly used.

Because the incarnation was colloquial in nature, the words of the spell could be freely changed. The teacher mentioned that what was important wasn't the words being said, but the strong desire within one's heart.

The power of magic comes from willpower.

And words were only used to give meaning to that willpower.

There was also another reason in summoning a familiar.

A familiar was brought to a master through the magical strings of fate. This was why Saito and Louise had such a strong bond. Although their personality was worlds apart, but the both were aware that they could not live without each other.

If only I had such a person beside me...

Then would the feelings for Saito disappear?

Would it become an invisible bubble, and be absorbed by the vast ocean.

Tiffania took a deep breath, and raised her wand.

"My name is Tiffania Westwood, by the powers governing the five elements..."

She changed her mind, and put down her wand.

Summoning a familiar in such a situation would be too pathetic. Tiffania felt that she wouldn't be able to create a good bond between it as well. If that's the case, then there would be no point.

Tiffania was at loss as she hugged her knees and sat down. Even so, it changed nothing.

After recovering from her daze, she realized that she had been staring at the ring on her right hand. It was a ring from her mother. There was a shining spirit gem on the ring, but only the sliver ring setting remained. She had used the gem to cure Saito's injuries.

Because it was something that her dead mother left for her, even if only the setting remained, she still wore it. The design of the setting was unique, a net-like pattern overlapping each other layer by layer. Probably an elven style of design.

Everytime Tiffania sees this ring, she would always think of her mother. When she was young, her mother was killed by a knight using magic when she jumped to protect her.

Being a mixed-blood elf, she had no companions, and she was also banned from leaving home, so she only had her mother for company. Her mother often talked about the incidents regarding the desert. There was an oasis, and a huge town... though Tiffania never thought that she would come to this place in such a manner.

Tiffania realized that not all elves were as kind as her mother. She felt heartbroken upon thinking that. Even in the world of the elves, there was nowhere she belonged to.

Will there be a place for her in the human world then? She had a human companion, but, but...

He already had someone in mind. Because there was already a girl who had a strong bond with him.

Even if she were to live in the human world, she would still be in pain.

"Somewhere I belong..." Tiffania muttered.

Perhaps would those of the same elven kind as her mother... be someone gentle?

Will there be a place where I truly belong?

I really want to meet the elves who are the same kind as my mother... Tiffania thought.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2

2014-01-13T11:03:44Z

Kira477:

===Chapter 2: Mother Sea===
In front of Saito and the rest, a huge water dragon appeared. Its size was far larger than what Ari sent out to fight, standing at about 15 meters tall.

At first, what was thought to be deep blue scales were actually dark sliver upon closer inspection. The smooth sliver scales changes into different colours depending on how strong or weak the light is.

There were two horns that looked like corals growing on its head. A few huge barnacles surrounded around the base of the horns, and between its fingers and toes were thick webbing.

"What is it?"

It could speak clear, and comprehensible human language. Saito thought about another dragon that was capable of the same thing.

"Rhyme Dragons!"

Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid, was a Rhyme Dragon known to be able to use magic and understand human language.

"Ara, I didn't expect you to know that."

Luctiana said, impressed by Saito's deduction.

"That's because my friend's familiar is a rhyme dragon."

After saying that, the water rhyme dragon known as Mother Sea laughed.

"Being able to make my descendant become a familiar, that's amazing."

Mother Sea observed them with her white eyes.

Tiffania stared at the dragon with awe, "Is that your friend?"

Mother Sea narrowed her eyes with a smile, "What a beautiful young lady, it seems that you have human and elven blood within you."

"You can tell?" Tiffania said, shocked.

Mother Sea nodded, "After living for so long, I can basically figure out most things in the world. But not even I can understand what you're up to. That's because you're too casual."

"Then I'll be direct. I hope that you can let us temporarily hide here."

"Ara ara! You rascal! What trouble have you gotten yourself into again? Did you take your elder's book or objects without permission?"

"Of course not. I'm not a kid anymore."

Mother Sea turned to Luctiana, "But you must have taken away something, am I right?"

"Yes, it's them."

Luctiana pointed at Saito and Tiffania. Thus, Mother Sea reared her head to take a closer look at them, scaring Tiffania as she jumped behind Saito.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to eat you."

After a while, Mother Sea said.

"It seems that the both of you are not ordinary humans."

Luctiana said smugly, "They are the Devil's offsprings!"

Mother Sea remained silent as she kept her gaze on them.

Saito became nervous. Would this dragon say something like 'This horrible devil!' before eating him.

However, Mother Sea only said one thing.

"Welcome."

"You don't hate us?" Tiffania said.

Mother Sea nodded, "I know what your ancestors did to this land, and I probably also know what you're up to."

"Even though you live in this cave filled with the smell of seawater, why do you know so much?" Luctiana said.

After hearing that, Mother Sea took a deep breath. It seems that she was laughing.

"Because I've heard about the Devil from my Grandmother, and even if I'm living in such a cave, after experiencing so much, I naturally can understand a lot of things.

"Your grandmother told you about the things that happened 6000 years ago?"

"Yes, at that time, my grandmother herself was just a little girl."

My god... those dragons have such long lives. Saito looked at the water rhyme dragon in front of him, his heart sighing with emotion. If that idiotic Sylphid were to live for a thousand years more, would she be able to give off such an aura...?

"But I don't hate you, offsprings of the Devil."

After saying that, she stuck her nose closer to Tiffania. Tiffania slowly reached out a hand, and touched the tip of her nose.

Mother Sea seemed to be narrowing her eyes with a comfortable look.

"As expected of a Rhyme Dragon, the level of your understanding far surpass those elders at the committee."

Mother Sea nodded in response to Luctiana.

"I'm different from you elves. We're a race heading towards extinction, and we've already determined that whatever happens in this world is God's will. Whether we're heading towards extinction, or welcoming new guests... even if it's that great disaster, there's no difference."

"Huh! It just seems like you've given up on everything." Luctiana said.

"Haha, long-eared miss, my little girl, do you wish for me to hate the Devil? Or do you want me to stand on their side?

"Neither side is in the right. Anyway, I just need a place to hide, this is my first objective, and there's another one..."

Luctiana said the crucial phrase without beating about the bush.

"We want to take a look at the Devil's Door."

"Shouldn't you elves know more about this than me?"

"Only a small amount of elves knows about the details. But you should know where it is, right? After all, you're the living dictionary around here."

"Yes, I'm knowledgable, but my knowledge is not impeccable."

Saito and Tiffania were disappointed.

"Hey Luctiana, this is different from what you've said."

"What? It's not like I said that this is a 100% thing. Anyway, Mother Sea, do you know who else other than the elves knows about the location of the Devil's Door?"

"No idea. I don't interact much nowadays."

"What a useless ancient species!"

"What useless? Haven't you forgotten about my kindness towards you?"

Mother Sea stood up.

"You can stay here for now, as long as you want, but the air here might be too much for you to bear."

After saying that, loud footsteps sounded as Mother Sea went back to the depths of the cave.

Saito and the rest collected dry seaweed scattered around the area, and used it for fire to keep warm, and roasted fish, shellfish and other types of seafood that the dolphins had caught for food. Although the strong sea smell inside the cave was rather troubling, but they got used to it after a while. Humans can get used to anything. This was what Saito always believed in for a long time.

After resting for some time like that, Luctiana suddenly said.

"Okay..."

"What good ideas do you have now?" Saito said while chewing on a shellfish.

"Just go to sleep!"

"Hey! Long ear! What do we do next?"

"You ask me, but what can we do anyway? After all, Mother Sea said she doesn't know~"

"... Honestly, we clearly don't have time to relax like this."

After hearing that, Luctiana narrowed her eyes with a smile towards Saito.

"If you're too bored, why don't you continue what happened yesterday?"

Tiffania spat her fish out, "Wh-Wh-What!"

Saito's face went red, not knowing what to do.

"All you have to do is to continue kissing like yesterday, no?"

"You saw it?"

[[Image:ZnT20 041.jpg|thumb|]]
"You two are so daring, despite me sleeping beside you two, and that the boat is mine. As expected, barbarians have no idea of shame." Luctiana said bluntly as she stretched her hands.

"Stop being a peeping tom okay!"

"Huh? What are you talking about? The boat is so small, you can't consider that as peeping?"

"I saw it too."

Tiffania fainted when she heard Derflinger saying that as well.

"Aiya aiya... And I thought I was sure what kind of a person my partner was, but this time you really went too far. If that pink-haired girl were to know about this, even if you have nine lives, I doubt that would be enough."

"Id-Idiot! That's just an expression of our friendship or something... how should I say it..."

"Oh~ So barbarians do such a thing to friends? Oh~"

Just then, Tiffania sat up, and shook her head wildly.

"It's... It's all my fault! Not Saito."

"Then may I ask why did you do that?"

For some reason, Derflinger purposely asked in a special manner like interviewing someone.

"Because once I looked at Saito's face, I don't know why, but a strange feeling poured out from my heart! That's why I'm unable to control myself!"

"It means that you've fallen for him, my partner is a man who has greatly sinned."

"I really don't understand why myself!"

Tiffania covered her face in shame, but Derflinger continued.

"I say, what do you plan on accomplishing by being such a womanizer?"

Saito said, "I'm not a womanizer! Then again, this is not the time to say such crap! Honestly, just where the hell is that Holy Land..."

"It's the Devil's Door, it's not some Holy Land, or some divine place."

"Whatever, it's the same anyway... Ah!"

Saito pulled out the sword on his waist.

"Hey! Derfli! Didn't you say that you've remembered everything already, right? Then you should know where is the location of the Holy Land."

"You mean that? The place where Brimir was headed for using the Teleportation Gate right? I think I remember."

"Eh eh eh eh eh! Why didn't you say so earlier?!"

"But, there's a problem."

"What problem? Okay, everybody get ready! We're ready to move on!"

"It should be somewhere around a desert? Or the sea? Anyway, compared to last time, the geology has changed alot, so even I can't be sure of the exact location."

"What the hell..."

Saito knelt on both knees, disappointed.

"Then how does the place look like?" Tiffania asked.

"Err... anyway, it's a desert, and there's a large pile of boulders around the area as well."

"We can find such a place everywhere." Luctiana said, troubled.

"You've lived 6000 years for nothing. Don't make us all excited for nothing!"

"But Luctiana, you said that the place is protected by the elves right? Is there a rocky place that fits this condition?"

Luctiana stretched her hands outwards, "They can't openly send people to guard the area. This is the committee's responsibility after all. I dare say that even though there may be nothing to that place, but it's actually extremely well-guarded."

Luctiana laid on the dried seaweed she had spread out on the ground.

"What are you doing?"

"Since I'm full, then let's sleep."

"Don't fool around, what do we do next?"

"How would I know? Anyway, maybe we might think of something good after we wake up."
Luctiana went into her dreamland after saying that, leaving only Saito and Tiffania who could only look at each other.

They had no choice but to follow Luctiana and sleep.

Just like that, they spent three days doing nothing. Since they didn't know anything about the exact location of the Holy Land, there was nothing they could do about it. Although Saito suggested that they head out to the outside world to collect information, but Luctiana rejected the idea, saying that they would only end up being captured immediately.

Then again, most elves didn't have the information that they wanted. Being an enemy, it was futile even if they tried.

Returning to Halkegenia wasn't possible as well. After all, this place is so isolated that Luctiana would not offer them a boat just to let them return. Even if they succeeded, to bring Tiffania across the desert from there was impossible.
Also, Saito had already promised Luctiana that he wouldn't run away. He couldn't possibly abandon her after what she had done for them.

Even so, staying in such a cave doing nothing for the whole day made Saito restless . After all, with the situation being so urgent, the agitation from being able to do nothing made him unable to sit still.

The dolphins would help gather food for them while drinking rainwater for survival. Thanks to Luctiana's magic, the rainwater didn't taste so bad.

Saito said to Luctiana, "Even if we stay here, we'll be found out eventually, right?"

"The tidal currents of the ocean around is very complicated, so even the elves wouldn't dare to approach it so easily. No, because there are occasional storms as well, so the correct way of saying would be that it's impossible to approach. We are the same as well. If it wasn't for the dolphins, we could not have made it this far."

Luctiana kept emphasizing that there's no problem because this is a special place.

"Of course, I'm also thinking about our next move," Luctiana said, "But I still can't think of anything. I think the best thing we can do now is to lie low. Maybe a good idea might just appear after some time."

Because there was nothing to do, Saito often went swimming. He felt that if he didn't move his body, he would feel strangely depressed.

The current season should be near the end of summer, but the water here was warm like the waters in tropical areas. Luctiana said that this is thanks to the power of the spirits, and she also mentioned that the power around this area was rather strong, and so this is why the ancient dragon Mother Sea decided to make this her home.

Or maybe its like this? The ocean here was like a treasure vault for the living organisms here. All kinds of corals were attached to the rock pillars that stretched upwards. Many different fishes in various colours were swimming leisurely around it. In the midst, large stingrays could also be seen as well. Those fishes seem to have never seen humans before. Even if Saito approached them, they didn't run away.

Because Tiffania could not swim, so Saito offered to teach her how to swim. In the beginning, she was swimming together with Saito. Although it was partly due to Luctiana's underwater breathing spell, but Tiffana was a fast learner, and soon she was able to freely swim about alone. It seems that she had some affinity with water.

Swimming about the ocean that was illuminated blue by the sunlight, Tiffania seemed like an incarnation of a mermaid. Her swimming style was free and casual as she shuttled through the ocean.

The sleeveless tank top on Tiffania swaying according the currents made one can't help but fantasize. Saito can't help but think that although she looked like a mermaid, but it wasn't possible to find a mermaid with a chest as large as hers.

That day, Tiffania and Saito were freely swimming about when she leaned towards him, and smiled, pointing at the bottom of the ocean.

(Do you want to take a look?)

Saito nodded. The depth of the water was around 20 meters, under the sunlight, even the bottom could be seen clearly.

Tiffania grabbed Saito's hand, and pushed herself forward. Luctiana's dolphin followed behind the two, as if they were protecting them.

At the bottom of the ocean, they descended into a garden full of corals. A large amount of corals were spreading out in all directions, fighting for more space. It was an impressive scene.

In between the corals, colourful fishes could be seen swimming through the corals like butterflies. Upon looking at such a scene, one can't help but think that whatever holy war or Halkgenia's crisis was just a dream.

Just then, Tiffania seemed to have found something in between the corals. It was a large, colourful prawn.
She reached out a hand and grabbed it.

(This is today's lunch!) Tiffania moved her lips, conveying a wordless message.

Saito, who didn't want to lose to her, started searching for food as well in between the corals. Not long after, he found a blue conch, and grabbed it immediately.

Tiffania smiled as she watched Saito.

She felt that the times they spent together swimming about in the ocean peacefully were something worth cherishing.

-Wouldn't it be good if we could stay like this forever?

If only she could make Saito forget all about the Holy War and Halkgenia's crisis, and live with him here peacefully.
Tiffania felt ashamed at having such thoughts. After all, everyone was surely worried about them.

Just then, Saito began struggling after he put his hand inside the corals. She quickly swam over.

(Saito, are you still okay?)

When Tiffania put her hand onto Saito's shoulder, he suddenly fell backwards, causing Tiffania to spin around. Looking closer, it was actually a crab that had clamped onto Saito's fingers.

Tiffania could not help but laugh. Saito laughed as well. At the same time, they realized that their faces were very close to each other.

Her face slowly grew red. She lowered her head. Although Tiffania did such a daring thing last night, but at such a bright place, she didn't know what to do.

Saito seemed to be the same as her. His face was red as he rubbed his nose embarrassingly. Upon seeing Saito being like that, Tiffania felt a feeling expanding outwards at a fast rate within her heart.

-What is it about things being okay once I get courage, it's actually just an excuse.

Tiffania realized that what she wanted wasn't courage, but for Saito to hug her tightly, whisper sweet-nothings beside her ears, and kiss him passionately.

This instinctive feeling within her heart made Tiffania almost wanted to cry.

Seeing how sad Tiffania became, Saito was momentarily taken aback.

Is this... all my fault?

Ever since that night when the both kissed, Saito has been trying to maintain their relationship as being friends. He thought that was Tiffania probably confused at the moment, so that's why she thought that even a person like him wasn't so bad.

Anyway, I've sworn that I'll never do anything that would make Louise sad. No matter how attractive Tiffania is, he cannot waver.

Saito wanted to say something to change the subject, but it was hard to speak underwater. Even if they rely on sign language to communicate, there was a limit to it. In the end, the both could only stare at each other.

Tiffania could be said to be a perfect girl. Just by looking at her blue eyes with the corners slightly bent downwards, one can't help but have a strong urge to protect her. Also, with a seemingly sad feeling evoked by her eyes, the thought to protect her grew even stronger.

Saito caressed her hair, as if to cool himself down from feeling like that. In the end, Tiffania closed her eyes determinedly, lifted her head and puckered her lips.

Saito felt a magnet attracting him to her lips, but he perserved. So, Tiffania opened her eyes, and she blushed even redder, realizing what she did just now. It seems that it was something she did instinctively. Saito felt that Tiffania looked even more sympathetic and cute, and his heart felt even more touched. Saito felt that this was simply a form of torture.

Just then, Derflinger's voice sounded within Saito's mind, and this finally ended the tension between the two.
"Partner. There's something approaching us."

Saito turned and observed his surroundings, shocked to see shadows of a group of huge fishes gradually approaching.

Tiffania was shocked as well, and she turned to look at Saito. However, those shadows were already above Saito's and Tiffania's head.

He felt a chill running up his spine.

(Sharks!)

The size and shape of the fishes above looked rather similar to the sharks found on Earth. The difference is that there was a bulge on their head. There were at least 10 of them.

Tiffania pointed at them, as if asking what was that. It seems that she had no idea what sharks were. After all, she grew up in Albion where sea was a foreign concept to her.

Since there was no time to explain, Saito pushed down Tiffania's head, wanting to lower her body. This was when she realized the sharp teeth on the sharks, and tightly held onto Saito in fear.

The ambiguous atmosphere from before had already disappeared.

The sharks began circling above their heads. If so many sharks were to treat them as food, then even if Gandalfr's power, Saito might not be able to defeat them underwater.

(Is that fish scary?)

Tiffania asked, using her hands to express her question.

Saito nodded.

(Very scary)

Not long after, one of the sharks noticed Saito and Tiffania who were hiding at the bottom of the ocean. It seems that they use their bulges to emit supersonic waves or something like that to communicate. Soon, all the sharks turned in their direction.

Saito stood in front of Tiffania, and pulled out Derflinger from his back. Although he wasn't confident with fighting that many sharks, he can only try.

Just when Saito wanted to attack the sharks first, the two dolphins shot out from the sides, and slammed into one of the sharks.

With an impact as powerful as a thunderstorm, it knocked the shark out cold in one blow. It sank to the bottom, spinning out of control.

One by one, the dolphins knocked the sharks in a similar manner.

(The dolphins... are incredible!)

Seeing how the dolphins who looked so gentle on the surface could actually be that strong surprised Saito. The rest of the sharks started to run away.

(Amazing!)

Derflinger added, "In the first place, dolphins are stronger than sharks. That's because their bodies are very soft."
(No wonder!) Saito swam forward, wanting to give the dolphins a hug.

However, there was no touching scene that occurred.

The two dolphins seemed to have noticed something approaching, turned their heads in the direction of where the sharks were, and swam away in a flash.

(What's going on?)

Saito turned towards the direction where the dolphins were looking at before running away, and jumped in fear. A gigantic creature that looked like a snake were heading in this direction.

"The sharks probably ran away because of this." Derflinger said.

(What's that?)

"A water dragon."

(The same kind as Mother Sea?)

"No, that creature is fierce and easily angered, and it's also quite dumb. However, it should be the strongest living creature near this area."

This water dragon was 10 meters long, body similar to a crocodile, and limbs similar to an eel. Rows of sharp teeth could be seen inside its slim mouth.

It stared at them with a fierce look.

(We're not food! Really, we're not food!)

Though Saito tried convincing the dragon, it was futile. As the dragon approached, Tiffania threw herself in front of Saito.

(Tiffa! What are you doing!)

Saito grabbed her shoulders, but Tiffania responded.

(I'll be bait, you quickly run while you can!)

(Don't be stupid! Hide behind me!)

Tiffania put her hand onto her sleeveless tank top, face red.

(It's okay!)

The both were desperately communicating with their hands. It appears to be something from a comedy or a talkshow. But it had nothing to do with that. First is being trapped in such a place, then swimming together to while the time away. Now there's a high chance they were about to be eaten alive.

Is there a situation as idiotic as that?

Saito held onto Derflinger, and began fighting with the water dragon. Ari's water dragon had a much more similar appearance as a dragon, as compared to this water dragon who had evolved to adapt to the sea. Its limbs had completely turned into eels, and its body was streamlined. Although there was no way it could climb to land, but it looked more like a proper water dragon seeing how it had adapted.

Thus, the greatest weapon of being a Gandalfr, mobility, was greatly limited underwater, but this was not the case for the dragon.

Without bothering to make any intimidating action, it directly opened its mouth and charged towards them.
Saito pushed Tiffania down while bending its body, avoiding the attack.

The dragon turned around, and charged forth again.

"Since you can't slash underwater, you can only stab." Derflinger said.

(I know!)

Saito jumped, turned his body horizontally downwards, and stabbed Derflinger at the middle of the dragon's eyes.
Due to his awkward posture and water resistance was like a chain limiting his movements, there was no impact in that strike. His blade slipped off the tough scales of the dragon.

The water dragon slammed its tail onto Saito.

"Ugh!"

It started circling Saito.

"If this goes on, I have a bad feeling about this..." Derflinger said.

(If we were at land, this bastard would be a piece of cake...)

"Unfortunately, we're underwater!"

Just then, Saito felt his leg being pulled. He lowered his head to see Tiffania with a super serious expression.

(Tiffa?)

[[Image:ZnT20 057.jpg|thumb|]]
Tiffania reached inside her tank top, and pulled it outwards. From Saito's angle looking downwards, he could see this two dangerous melon in full view.

Saito felt a rusty metal smell spreading from his nose. Although Tiffania's red was completely red, but her face remained serious, and said to Saito.

(My everything, for you.)

Those words expressed through body language and mouth movements, burned inside Saito's mind.

Something was boiling within Saito's heart.

She said... for me?

Can I?

Of course not.

But being alive is great. Saito thought.

Just like a demon...

The very definition of beautiful.

A chest larger than anyone, and because of her slim figure, it was impossible to hide that fact. Even with such a figure, her character was kind and gentle, like a fantasy come true.

Even if you were to consider all the girls from Earth and Halkgenia, Tiffania is probably the perfect girl alive.

This girl said she liked me.

And she wanted to give everything to me.

Of course I can't accept that. Be-Because I already have Louise. Because of Louise, I don't have a choice! But... but...

Anyway, I'm the most luckiest man in the universe.

Now is not the time to be controlled by that sea bug.

(How can I die!)

Saito muttered to himself.

The sea dragon opened it's mouth, and charged forth. With an excited yet calm emotion, Saito carefully observed its movements.

Just when he was about to be swallowed, he pushed his body downwards together with Derflinger, the blade stabbing into the dragon's lower jaw in that downward motion. The impact of the stab was greatly enhanced thanks to the force created by the dragon charging forth.

(I did it!)

However, happiness only lasted for a short while.

(I can't pull it out!)

Because it was so deep inside, Saito could not pull Derflinger out. The sea dragon trashed about in pain, swinging Saito who was holding onto Derflinger left and right.

It began to swam away.

(Hey! Where's this guy going?)

"Partner, I have a request."

(What?)

"Don't ever let go. It would be pathetic if I have to live the rest of my life stuck to that creature."

As the ocean was extremely large, if Saito were to let go, it would be impossible to see Derflinger again .

(I know that!)

The sea dragon swam towards the direction it originally appeared from while struggling. Saito strengthened his grip on Derflinger. If he didn't grip it properly, he would be easily shook away.

Saito and Derflinger moved together with the dragon for about 10 minutes. During this time, Saito kept trying to pull Derflinger out, but the tough scales clamped onto the blade made it futile. No matter how much strength he poured into pulling the blade, because the dragon was still swimming, creating a forward resistance, Saito could not use his full strength.

"That's troublesome. Just where the hell is that guy swimming to."

(How would I know?! I just can't seem to pull you out!)

"That's because you've stabbed too deep inside."

(You should try to control yourself!)

"You should know I can't move at all."

The corals grew lesser, and sand began appearing at the bottom of the ocean. Under the sunlight, the sand reflected a pale blue glow. Not long after, Saito saw a rock mountain on the other end of the sand.

"It seems that it's heading for that mountain."

(Is that the guy's nest?)

Barnacles, sponges and other unknown sea organisms grew on that rocky mountain. Around it, big and small colourful fishes were swimming about. Within this underwater desert, it seems that this was a condominium for them.

Since the swimming speed of the sea dragon reduced, Saito pushed his foot against the dragon and managed to pull Derflinger out.

After pulling it out, the sea dragon turned back and looked at Saito.

What, do you want to fight again?

Although Saito thought that, but the sea dragon turned his vision away, and swam to the other end of the rocky mountain.

Saito heaved a sigh of relief, and put Derflinger back to its sheath.

He soon realized that he was brought to a rather far place. Upon thinking about swimming his way back to Tiffania, he felt exhausted.

Saito sat at the rocky mountain, wanting to rest for a while.

At that instant, the rune markings in his hand glowed.

(Eh? Why is it glowing?)

"I'm inside the sheath."

(I know that. But it glows once I put my hand onto this rocky mountain."

Just then Saito realized that this thing he thought that was a rocky mountain had a rather strange shape.

Its circular shape was too perfectly rounded that it didn't seem like something natural. And at the center, there was a pyramid-like object growing on it.

(This... this is man-made.)

Because of the various sea organisms growing on it, Saito had not realized it, but natural rock mountains did not possess such a shape.

Saito's heart began beating rapidly, and since the rune markings on his left hand glowed when it touched it... this must be a weapon. According to the size and structure, it wasn't something from Halkgenia.

This... this is...

Saito's eyes widen, observing intently what was the object under his butt.

It's length was around a 100 meters, and it's shape was something like a cigar, and it's face was bulging.

Boat?

No... That's not it...

(This is a submarine...)

A weapon in Saito's world. A present from Brimir, Gandalfr's gun.

(Brimir-san, this is probably too big for a gun...)

Just then, Saito felt something pecking his back. Turning behind, he saw a dolphin, its round eyes seemingly apologetic. On top of the dolphin was Tiffania.

She jumped off the dolphin, and said with an expression almost in tears.

(Are you still okay?)

Saito nodded in response, then looked at the submarine. He didn't know what country was the submarine from, and what era was it from. This submarine sitting quietly at the bottom of the ocean was like a huge watch dog waiting for its owner to come.

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume20_Chapter1|Back to Chapter 1]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume20_Chapter3|Forward to Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2

2014-01-13T11:02:52Z

Kira477:

===Chapter 2: Mother Sea===
In front of Saito and the rest, a huge water dragon appeared. Its size was far larger than what Ari sent out to fight, standing at about 15 meters tall.

At first, what was thought to be deep blue scales were actually dark sliver upon closer inspection. The smooth sliver scales changes into different colours depending on how strong or weak the light is.

There were two horns that looked like corals growing on its head. A few huge barnacles surrounded around the base of the horns, and between its fingers and toes were thick webbing.

"What is it?"

It could speak clear, and comprehensible human language. Saito thought about another dragon that was capable of the same thing.

"Rhyme Dragons!"

Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid, was a Rhyme Dragon known to be able to use magic and understand human language.

"Ara, I didn't expect you to know that."

Luctiana said, impressed by Saito's deduction.

"That's because my friend's familiar is a rhyme dragon."

After saying that, the water rhyme dragon known as Mother Sea laughed.

"Being able to make my descendant become a familiar, that's amazing."

Mother Sea observed them with her white eyes.

Tiffania stared at the dragon with awe, "Is that your friend?"

Mother Sea narrowed her eyes with a smile, "What a beautiful young lady, it seems that you have human and elven blood within you."

"You can tell?" Tiffania said, shocked.

Mother Sea nodded, "After living for so long, I can basically figure out most things in the world. But not even I can understand what you're up to. That's because you're too casual."

"Then I'll be direct. I hope that you can let us temporarily hide here."

"Ara ara! You rascal! What trouble have you gotten yourself into again? Did you take your elder's book or objects without permission?"

"Of course not. I'm not a kid anymore."

Mother Sea turned to Luctiana, "But you must have taken away something, am I right?"

"Yes, it's them."

Luctiana pointed at Saito and Tiffania. Thus, Mother Sea reared her head to take a closer look at them, scaring Tiffania as she jumped behind Saito.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to eat you."

After a while, Mother Sea said.

"It seems that the both of you are not ordinary humans."

Luctiana said smugly, "They are the Devil's offsprings!"

Mother Sea remained silent as she kept her gaze on them.

Saito became nervous. Would this dragon say something like 'This horrible devil!' before eating him.

However, Mother Sea only said one thing.

"Welcome."

"You don't hate us?" Tiffania said.

Mother Sea nodded, "I know what your ancestors did to this land, and I probably also know what you're up to."

"Even though you live in this cave filled with the smell of seawater, why do you know so much?" Luctiana said.

After hearing that, Mother Sea took a deep breath. It seems that she was laughing.

"Because I've heard about the Devil from my Grandmother, and even if I'm living in such a cave, after experiencing so much, I naturally can understand a lot of things.

"Your grandmother told you about the things that happened 6000 years ago?"

"Yes, at that time, my grandmother herself was just a little girl."

My god... those dragons have such long lives. Saito looked at the water rhyme dragon in front of him, his heart sighing with emotion. If that idiotic Sylphid were to live for a thousand years more, would she be able to give off such an aura...?

"But I don't hate you, offsprings of the Devil."

After saying that, she stuck her nose closer to Tiffania. Tiffania slowly reached out a hand, and touched the tip of her nose.

Mother Sea seemed to be narrowing her eyes with a comfortable look.

"As expected of a Rhyme Dragon, the level of your understanding far surpass those elders at the committee."

Mother Sea nodded in response to Luctiana.

"I'm different from you elves. We're a race heading towards extinction, and we've already determined that whatever happens in this world is God's will. Whether we're heading towards extinction, or welcoming new guests... even if it's that great disaster, there's no difference."

"Huh! It just seems like you've given up on everything." Luctiana said.

"Haha, long-eared miss, my little girl, do you wish for me to hate the Devil? Or do you want me to stand on their side?

"Neither side is in the right. Anyway, I just need a place to hide, this is my first objective, and there's another one..."

Luctiana said the crucial phrase without beating about the bush.

"We want to take a look at the Devil's Door."

"Shouldn't you elves know more about this than me?"

"Only a small amount of elves knows about the details. But you should know where it is, right? After all, you're the living dictionary around here."

"Yes, I'm knowledgable, but my knowledge is not impeccable."

Saito and Tiffania were disappointed.

"Hey Luctiana, this is different from what you've said."

"What? It's not like I said that this is a 100% thing. Anyway, Mother Sea, do you know who else other than the elves knows about the location of the Devil's Door?"

"No idea. I don't interact much nowadays."

"What a useless ancient species!"

"What useless? Haven't you forgotten about my kindness towards you?"

Mother Sea stood up.

"You can stay here for now, as long as you want, but the air here might be too much for you to bear."

After saying that, loud footsteps sounded as Mother Sea went back to the depths of the cave.

Saito and the rest collected dry seaweed scattered around the area, and used it for fire to keep warm, and roasted fish, shellfish and other types of seafood that the dolphins had caught for food. Although the strong sea smell inside the cave was rather troubling, but they got used to it after a while. Humans can get used to anything. This was what Saito always believed in for a long time.

After resting for some time like that, Luctiana suddenly said.

"Okay..."

"What good ideas do you have now?" Saito said while chewing on a shellfish.

"Just go to sleep!"

"Hey! Long ear! What do we do next?"

"You ask me, but what can we do anyway? After all, Mother Sea said she doesn't know~"

"... Honestly, we clearly don't have time to relax like this."

After hearing that, Luctiana narrowed her eyes with a smile towards Saito.

"If you're too bored, why don't you continue what happened yesterday?"

Tiffania spat her fish out, "Wh-Wh-What!"

Saito's face went red, not knowing what to do.

"All you have to do is to continue kissing like yesterday, no?"

"You saw it?"

[[Image:ZnT20 041.jpg|thumb|]]
"You two are so daring, despite me sleeping beside you two, and that the boat is mine. As expected, barbarians have no idea of shame." Luctiana said bluntly as she stretched her hands.

"Stop being a peeping tom okay!"

"Huh? What are you talking about? The boat is so small, you can't consider that as peeping?"

"I saw it too."

Tiffania fainted when she heard Derflinger saying that as well.

"Aiya aiya... And I thought I was sure what kind of a person my partner was, but this time you really went too far. If that pink-haired girl were to know about this, even if you have nine lives, I doubt that would be enough."

"Id-Idiot! That's just an expression of our friendship or something... how should I say it..."

"Oh~ So barbarians do such a thing to friends? Oh~"

Just then, Tiffania sat up, and shook her head wildly.

"It's... It's all my fault! Not Saito."

"Then may I ask why did you do that?"

For some reason, Derflinger purposely asked in a special manner like interviewing someone.

"Because once I looked at Saito's face, I don't know why, but a strange feeling poured out from my heart! That's why I'm unable to control myself!"

"It means that you've fallen for him, my partner is a man who has greatly sinned."

"I really don't understand why myself!"

Tiffania covered her face in shame, but Derflinger continued.

"I say, what do you plan on accomplishing by being such a womanizer?"

Saito said, "I'm not a womanizer! Then again, this is not the time to say such crap! Honestly, just where the hell is that Holy Land..."

"It's the Devil's Door, it's not some Holy Land, or some divine place."

"Whatever, it's the same anyway... Ah!"

Saito pulled out the sword on his waist.

"Hey! Derfli! Didn't you say that you've remembered everything already, right? Then you should know where is the location of the Holy Land."

"You mean that? The place where Brimir was headed for using the Teleportation Gate right? I think I remember."

"Eh eh eh eh eh! Why didn't you say so earlier?!"

"But, there's a problem."

"What problem? Okay, everybody get ready! We're ready to move on!"

"It should be somewhere around a desert? Or the sea? Anyway, compared to last time, the geology has changed alot, so even I can't be sure of the exact location."

"What the hell..."

Saito knelt on both knees, disappointed.

"Then how does the place look like?" Tiffania asked.

"Err... anyway, it's a desert, and there's a large pile of boulders around the area as well."

"We can find such a place everywhere." Luctiana said, troubled.

"You've lived 6000 years for nothing. Don't make us all excited for nothing!"

"But Luctiana, you said that the place is protected by the elves right? Is there a rocky place that fits this condition?"

Luctiana stretched her hands outwards, "They can't openly send people to guard the area. This is the committee's responsibility after all. I dare say that even though there may be nothing to that place, but it's actually extremely well-guarded."

Luctiana laid on the dried seaweed she had spread out on the ground.

"What are you doing?"

"Since I'm full, then let's sleep."

"Don't fool around, what do we do next?"

"How would I know? Anyway, maybe we might think of something good after we wake up."
Luctiana went into her dreamland after saying that, leaving only Saito and Tiffania who could only look at each other.

They had no choice but to follow Luctiana and sleep.

Just like that, they spent three days doing nothing. Since they didn't know anything about the exact location of the Holy Land, there was nothing they could do about it. Although Saito suggested that they head out to the outside world to collect information, but Luctiana rejected the idea, saying that they would only end up being captured immediately.

Then again, most elves didn't have the information that they wanted. Being an enemy, it was futile even if they tried.

Returning to Halkegenia wasn't possible as well. After all, this place is so isolated that Luctiana would not offer them a boat just to let them return. Even if they succeeded, to bring Tiffania across the desert from there was impossible.
Also, Saito had already promised Luctiana that he wouldn't run away. He couldn't possibly abandon her after what she had done for them.

Even so, staying in such a cave doing nothing for the whole day made Saito restless . After all, with the situation being so urgent, the agitation from being able to do nothing made him unable to sit still.

The dolphins would help gather food for them while drinking rainwater for survival. Thanks to Luctiana's magic, the rainwater didn't taste so bad.

Saito said to Luctiana, "Even if we stay here, we'll be found out eventually, right?"

"The tidal currents of the ocean around is very complicated, so even the elves wouldn't dare to approach it so easily. No, because there are occasional storms as well, so the correct way of saying would be that it's impossible to approach. We are the same as well. If it wasn't for the dolphins, we could not have made it this far."

Luctiana kept emphasizing that there's no problem because this is a special place.

"Of course, I'm also thinking about our next move," Luctiana said, "But I still can't think of anything. I think the best thing we can do now is to lie low. Maybe a good idea might just appear after some time."

Because there was nothing to do, Saito often went swimming. He felt that if he didn't move his body, he would feel strangely depressed.

The current season should be near the end of summer, but the water here was warm like the waters in tropical areas. Luctiana said that this is thanks to the power of the spirits, and she also mentioned that the power around this area was rather strong, and so this is why the ancient dragon Mother Sea decided to make this her home.

Or maybe its like this? The ocean here was like a treasure vault for the living organisms here. All kinds of corals were attached to the rock pillars that stretched upwards. Many different fishes in various colours were swimming leisurely around it. In the midst, large stingrays could also be seen as well. Those fishes seem to have never seen humans before. Even if Saito approached them, they didn't run away.

Because Tiffania could not swim, so Saito offered to teach her how to swim. In the beginning, she was swimming together with Saito. Although it was partly due to Luctiana's underwater breathing spell, but Tiffana was a fast learner, and soon she was able to freely swim about alone. It seems that she had some affinity with water.

Swimming about the ocean that was illuminated blue by the sunlight, Tiffania seemed like an incarnation of a mermaid. Her swimming style was free and casual as she shuttled through the ocean.

The sleeveless tank top on Tiffania swaying according the currents made one can't help but fantasize. Saito can't help but think that although she looked like a mermaid, but it wasn't possible to find a mermaid with a chest as large as hers.

That day, Tiffania and Saito were freely swimming about when she leaned towards him, and smiled, pointing at the bottom of the ocean.

(Do you want to take a look?)

Saito nodded. The depth of the water was around 20 meters, under the sunlight, even the bottom could be seen clearly.

Tiffania grabbed Saito's hand, and pushed herself forward. Luctiana's dolphin followed behind the two, as if they were protecting them.

At the bottom of the ocean, they descended into a garden full of corals. A large amount of corals were spreading out in all directions, fighting for more space. It was an impressive scene.

In between the corals, colourful fishes could be seen swimming through the corals like butterflies. Upon looking at such a scene, one can't help but think that whatever holy war or Halkgenia's crisis was just a dream.

Just then, Tiffania seemed to have found something in between the corals. It was a large, colourful prawn.
She reached out a hand and grabbed it.

(This is today's lunch!) Tiffania moved her lips, conveying a wordless message.

Saito, who didn't want to lose to her, started searching for food as well in between the corals. Not long after, he found a blue conch, and grabbed it immediately.

Tiffania smiled as she watched Saito.

She felt that the times they spent together swimming about in the ocean peacefully were something worth cherishing.

-Wouldn't it be good if we could stay like this forever?

If only she could make Saito forget all about the Holy War and Halkgenia's crisis, and live with him here peacefully.
Tiffania felt ashamed at having such thoughts. After all, everyone was surely worried about them.

Just then, Saito began struggling after he put his hand inside the corals. She quickly swam over.

(Saito, are you still okay?)

When Tiffania put her hand onto Saito's shoulder, he suddenly fell backwards, causing Tiffania to spin around. Looking closer, it was actually a crab that had clamped onto Saito's fingers.

Tiffania could not help but laugh. Saito laughed as well. At the same time, they realized that their faces were very close to each other.

Her face slowly grew red. She lowered her head. Although Tiffania did such a daring thing last night, but at such a bright place, she didn't know what to do.

Saito seemed to be the same as her. His face was red as he rubbed his nose embarrassingly. Upon seeing Saito being like that, Tiffania felt a feeling expanding outwards at a fast rate within her heart.

-What is it about things being okay once I get courage, it's actually just an excuse.

Tiffania realized that what she wanted wasn't courage, but for Saito to hug her tightly, whisper sweet-nothings beside her ears, and kiss him passionately.

This instinctive feeling within her heart made Tiffania almost wanted to cry.

Seeing how sad Tiffania became, Saito was momentarily taken aback.

Is this... all my fault?

Ever since that night when the both kissed, Saito has been trying to maintain their relationship as being friends. He thought that was Tiffania probably confused at the moment, so that's why she thought that even a person like him wasn't so bad.

Anyway, I've sworn that I'll never do anything that would make Louise sad. No matter how attractive Tiffania is, he cannot waver.

Saito wanted to say something to change the subject, but it was hard to speak underwater. Even if they rely on sign language to communicate, there was a limit to it. In the end, the both could only stare at each other.

Tiffania could be said to be a perfect girl. Just by looking at her blue eyes with the corners slightly bent downwards, one can't help but have a strong urge to protect her. Also, with a seemingly sad feeling evoked by her eyes, the thought to protect her grew even stronger.

Saito caressed her hair, as if to cool himself down from feeling like that. In the end, Tiffania closed her eyes determinedly, lifted her head and puckered her lips.

Saito felt a magnet attracting him to her lips, but he perserved. So, Tiffania opened her eyes, and she blushed even redder, realizing what she did just now. It seems that it was something she did instinctively. Saito felt that Tiffania looked even more sympathetic and cute, and his heart felt even more touched. Saito felt that this was simply a form of torture.

Just then, Derflinger's voice sounded within Saito's mind, and this finally ended the tension between the two.
"Partner. There's something approaching us."

Saito turned and observed his surroundings, shocked to see shadows of a group of huge fishes gradually approaching.

Tiffania was shocked as well, and she turned to look at Saito. However, those shadows were already above Saito's and Tiffania's head.

He felt a chill running up his spine.

(Sharks!)

The size and shape of the fishes above looked rather similar to the sharks found on Earth. The difference is that there was a bulge on their head. There were at least 10 of them.

Tiffania pointed at them, as if asking what was that. It seems that she had no idea what sharks were. After all, she grew up in Albion where sea was a foreign concept to her.

Since there was no time to explain, Saito pushed down Tiffania's head, wanting to lower her body. This was when she realized the sharp teeth on the sharks, and tightly held onto Saito in fear.

The ambiguous atmosphere from before had already disappeared.

The sharks began circling above their heads. If so many sharks were to treat them as food, then even if Gandalfr's power, Saito might not be able to defeat them underwater.

(Is that fish scary?)

Tiffania asked, using her hands to express her question.

Saito nodded.

(Very scary)

Not long after, one of the sharks noticed Saito and Tiffania who were hiding at the bottom of the ocean. It seems that they use their bulges to emit supersonic waves or something like that to communicate. Soon, all the sharks turned in their direction.

Saito stood in front of Tiffania, and pulled out Derflinger from his back. Although he wasn't confident with fighting that many sharks, he can only try.

Just when Saito wanted to attack the sharks first, the two dolphins shot out from the sides, and slammed into one of the sharks.

With an impact as powerful as a thunderstorm, it knocked the shark out cold in one blow. It sank to the bottom, spinning out of control.

One by one, the dolphins knocked the sharks in a similar manner.

(The dolphins... are incredible!)

Seeing how the dolphins who looked so gentle on the surface could actually be that strong surprised Saito. The rest of the sharks started to run away.

(Amazing!)

Derflinger added, "In the first place, dolphins are stronger than sharks. That's because their bodies are very soft."
(No wonder!) Saito swam forward, wanting to give the dolphins a hug.

However, there was no touching scene that occurred.

The two dolphins seemed to have noticed something approaching, turned their heads in the direction of where the sharks were, and swam away in a flash.

(What's going on?)

Saito turned towards the direction where the dolphins were looking at before running away, and jumped in fear. A gigantic creature that looked like a snake were heading in this direction.

"The sharks probably ran away because of this." Derflinger said.

(What's that?)

"A water dragon."

(The same kind as Mother Sea?)

"No, that creature is fierce and easily angered, and it's also quite dumb. However, it should be the strongest living creature near this area."

This water dragon was 10 meters long, body similar to a crocodile, and limbs similar to an eel. Rows of sharp teeth could be seen inside its slim mouth.

It stared at them with a fierce look.

(We're not food! Really, we're not food!)

Though Saito tried convincing the dragon, it was futile. As the dragon approached, Tiffania threw herself in front of Saito.

(Tiffa! What are you doing!)

Saito grabbed her shoulders, but Tiffania responded.

(I'll be bait, you quickly run while you can!)

(Don't be stupid! Hide behind me!)

Tiffania put her hand onto her sleeveless tank top, face red.

(It's okay!)

The both were desperately communicating with their hands. It appears to be something from a comedy or a talkshow. But it had nothing to do with that. First is being trapped in such a place, then swimming together to while the time away. Now there's a high chance they were about to be eaten alive.

Is there a situation as idiotic as that?

Saito held onto Derflinger, and began fighting with the water dragon. Ari's water dragon had a much more similar appearance as a dragon, as compared to this water dragon who had evolved to adapt to the sea. Its limbs had completely turned into eels, and its body was streamlined. Although there was no way it could climb to land, but it looked more like a proper water dragon seeing how it had adapted.

Thus, the greatest weapon of being a Gandalfr, mobility, was greatly limited underwater, but this was not the case for the dragon.

Without bothering to make any intimidating action, it directly opened its mouth and charged towards them.
Saito pushed Tiffania down while bending its body, avoiding the attack.

The dragon turned around, and charged forth again.

"Since you can't slash underwater, you can only stab." Derflinger said.

(I know!)

Saito jumped, turned his body horizontally downwards, and stabbed Derflinger at the middle of the dragon's eyes.
Due to his awkward posture and water resistance was like a chain limiting his movements, there was no impact in that strike. His blade slipped off the tough scales of the dragon.

The water dragon slammed its tail onto Saito.

"Ugh!"

It started circling Saito.

"If this goes on, I have a bad feeling about this..." Derflinger said.

(If we were at land, this bastard would be a piece of cake...)

"Unfortunately, we're underwater!"

Just then, Saito felt his leg being pulled. He lowered his head to see Tiffania with a super serious expression.

(Tiffa?)

[[Image:ZnT20 057.jpg|thumb|]]
Tiffania reached inside her tank top, and pulled it outwards. From Saito's angle looking downwards, he could see this two dangerous melon in full view.

Saito felt a rusty metal smell spreading from his nose. Although Tiffania's red was completely red, but her face remained serious, and said to Saito.

(My everything, for you.)

Those words expressed through body language and mouth movements, burned inside Saito's mind.

Something was boiling within Saito's heart.

She said... for me?

Can I?

Of course not.

But being alive is great. Saito thought.

Just like a demon...

The very definition of beautiful.

A chest larger than anyone, and because of her slim figure, it was impossible to hide that fact. Even with such a figure, her character was kind and gentle, like a fantasy come true.

Even if you were to consider all the girls from Earth and Halkgenia, Tiffania is probably the perfect girl alive.
This girl said she liked me.

And she wanted to give everything to me.

Of course I can't accept that. Be-Because I already have Louise. Because of Louise, I don't have a choice! But... but...

Anyway, I'm the most luckiest man in the universe.

Now is not the time to be controlled by that sea bug.

(How can I die!)

Saito muttered to himself.

The sea dragon opened it's mouth, and charged forth. With an excited yet calm emotion, Saito carefully observed its movements.

Just when he was about to be swallowed, he pushed his body downwards together with Derflinger, the blade stabbing into the dragon's lower jaw in that downward motion. The impact of the stab was greatly enhanced thanks to the force created by the dragon charging forth.

(I did it!)

However, happiness only lasted for a short while.

(I can't pull it out!)

Because it was so deep inside, Saito could not pull Derflinger out. The sea dragon trashed about in pain, swinging Saito who was holding onto Derflinger left and right.

It began to swam away.

(Hey! Where's this guy going?)

"Partner, I have a request."

(What?)

"Don't ever let go. It would be pathetic if I have to live the rest of my life stuck to that creature."

As the ocean was extremely large, if Saito were to let go, it would be impossible to see Derflinger again .

(I know that!)

The sea dragon swam towards the direction it originally appeared from while struggling. Saito strengthened his grip on Derflinger. If he didn't grip it properly, he would be easily shook away.

Saito and Derflinger moved together with the dragon for about 10 minutes. During this time, Saito kept trying to pull Derflinger out, but the tough scales clamped onto the blade made it futile. No matter how much strength he poured into pulling the blade, because the dragon was still swimming, creating a forward resistance, Saito could not use his full strength.

"That's troublesome. Just where the hell is that guy swimming to."

(How would I know?! I just can't seem to pull you out!)

"That's because you've stabbed too deep inside."

(You should try to control yourself!)

"You should know I can't move at all."

The corals grew lesser, and sand began appearing at the bottom of the ocean. Under the sunlight, the sand reflected a pale blue glow. Not long after, Saito saw a rock mountain on the other end of the sand.

"It seems that it's heading for that mountain."

(Is that the guy's nest?)

Barnacles, sponges and other unknown sea organisms grew on that rocky mountain. Around it, big and small colourful fishes were swimming about. Within this underwater desert, it seems that this was a condominium for them.

Since the swimming speed of the sea dragon reduced, Saito pushed his foot against the dragon and managed to pull Derflinger out.

After pulling it out, the sea dragon turned back and looked at Saito.

What, do you want to fight again?

Although Saito thought that, but the sea dragon turned his vision away, and swam to the other end of the rocky mountain.

Saito heaved a sigh of relief, and put Derflinger back to its sheath.

He soon realized that he was brought to a rather far place. Upon thinking about swimming his way back to Tiffania, he felt exhausted.

Saito sat at the rocky mountain, wanting to rest for a while.

At that instant, the rune markings in his hand glowed.

(Eh? Why is it glowing?)

"I'm inside the sheath."

(I know that. But it glows once I put my hand onto this rocky mountain."

Just then Saito realized that this thing he thought that was a rocky mountain had a rather strange shape.

Its circular shape was too perfectly rounded that it didn't seem like something natural. And at the center, there was a pyramid-like object growing on it.

(This... this is man-made.)

Because of the various sea organisms growing on it, Saito had not realized it, but natural rock mountains did not possess such a shape.

Saito's heart began beating rapidly, and since the rune markings on his left hand glowed when it touched it... this must be a weapon. According to the size and structure, it wasn't something from Halkgenia.

This... this is...

Saito's eyes widen, observing intently what was the object under his butt.

It's length was around a 100 meters, and it's shape was something like a cigar, and it's face was bulging.

Boat?

No... That's not it...

(This is a submarine...)

A weapon in Saito's world. A present from Brimir, Gandalfr's gun.

(Brimir-san, this is probably too big for a gun...)

Just then, Saito felt something pecking his back. Turning behind, he saw a dolphin, its round eyes seemingly apologetic. On top of the dolphin was Tiffania.

She jumped off the dolphin, and said with an expression almost in tears.

(Are you still okay?)

Saito nodded in response, then looked at the submarine. He didn't know what country was the submarine from, and what era was it from. This submarine sitting quietly at the bottom of the ocean was like a huge watch dog waiting for its owner to come.

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| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume20_Chapter1|Back to Chapter 1]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Return to Main Page]]
| [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume20_Chapter3|Forward to Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima Registration

2014-01-13T10:38:26Z

Kira477: /* Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 */

__NOTOC__

*To re-iterate the registration procedure: please register your intended chapters here.

*This is not some Binding Contract of "I must do the work I put down here". Choices put down here are negotiable between translators (including their own selves who signed up for it).

===Volume 1 - The Zero's Familiar/ゼロの使い魔===
::*Insert & Back Cover - Kuroneko - '''Completed'''

'''Kingdom of Magic'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yuko|Yuko]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - Kuroneko & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Sushi-Y|Sushi-Y]] & [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''

'''Gandalfr'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Cala-kun|Cala-kun]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] ([[user:TheDefend|TheDefend]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 2 - Albion of the Wind / 風のアルビオン===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:GDsMDDLFNGR|GDsMDDLFNGR]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:christof|christof]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:naturesbless|naturesbless]] (10%) + [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] (90%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Claies|Claies]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 3 - The Founder's Prayer Book / 始祖の祈祷書===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 4 - The Water Spirit of Oath / 誓約の水精霊===
::*Prologue - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Momogan|Momogan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[User:Vaelis|Vaelis]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:R6|R6]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 5 - Tristania's Holiday / トリスタニアの休日===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Vertiful|Vertiful]]+[[user:Tomojo|Tomojo]]+[[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 6 - The Ruby of Atonement / 贖罪の炎赤玉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] (Omega037, first 5%) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:ShApEsHiFt3r|ShApEsHiFt3r]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 7 - The Silver Pentecost / 銀の降臨祭===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Yezhanquan|Yezhanquan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[user:Serenade beta|Serenade beta]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 8 - The Serenade of Nostalgia / 望郷の小夜曲===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None (dropped by [[user:ArchmageXin|ArchmageXin]] at 20%) ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 9 - The Ball of Twin Moons / 双月の舞踏会===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[user:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Xorius|Xorius]] ([[user:Novaren|Novaren]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 10 - The Hero of Ivaldi / イーヴァルディの勇者===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Zyzzyva165|Zyzzyva165]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 11 - A Duet of Recollection / 追憶の二重奏===
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 12 - The Fairies' Holiday / 妖精達の休日===
::*Prologue - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
'''Story 1: New Student from the White Country (Albion)'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
'''Story 2: Knight Corps of the Water Spirit, Charge!'''
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:Darknemo2000|Darknemo2000]] - '''Completed'''
'''Story 3: Right to Use Saito for a Day'''
::*Chapter 1 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - None ([[user:Kazesenken|Kazesenken]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''

===Volume 13 - The World Door of the Holy Country / 聖国の世界扉===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:jima|jima]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:kazesenken|kazesenken]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] -'''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:SeiryuuChan|SeiryuuChan]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:kira0802|kira0802]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 14 - Aquileia's Saint / 水都市の聖女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Tomoya13|Tomoya13]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:CrimsonLace|CrimsonLace]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 15 - Labyrinth of Oblivion / 忘却の夢迷宮===
::*Chapter 1 -[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 16 - The Tea Time of Des Ornières / ド・オルニエールの安穏===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Chuta|Chuta]]- '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - None ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10- [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - ([[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]] ~Preview~) - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:Windwalker|Windwalker]]; Dropped by [[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 17 - The Soeur of Dawn / 黎明の修道女===
::*Chapter 1 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[user:LightHeart|LightHeart]]/[[User:Silimir|Silimir]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:Shadowys|Shadowys]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 10 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 11 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Epilogue - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''

===Volume 18 - Spirit Stone of Destruction / 滅亡の精霊石===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 4 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 5 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 6 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 7 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 8 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 9 - [[User:ACRONYM|ACRONYM]]
::*Epilogue -

===Volume 19 - The Founder's Round Mirror / 始祖の円鏡===
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Chapter 10 -
::*Epilogue -

===Volume 20 - Holy Land from Ancient Times / 古深淵の聖地 ===
::*Chapter 1 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 2 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]] - '''Completed'''
::*Chapter 3 - [[User:Kira477|Kira477]]
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

===Side Story Volume 1 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険===
::*Story 1 - [[user:RonnieCorny|RonnieCorny]]/[[User:Wildk|Wildk]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 2 -
::*Story 3 - [[user:Sharpestlives|Sharpestlives]]
::*Story 4 -

===Side Story Volume 2 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険2===
::*Story 5 - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 6 -
::*Extra Chapter - [[user:Trewth|Trewth]] - '''Completed'''
::*Story 7 -
::*Story 8 -

===Side Story Volume 3 - Tabitha's Adventure / タバサの冒険3===
::*Story 9 -
::*Story 10 -
::*Story 11 -
::*Story 12 -

=== Spin-Off Volume 1 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫 ===
::*Prologue - [[User:Wizzie|Wizzie]]
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

=== Spin-Off Volume 2 - Heavy Wind, the Female Knight Captain / 烈風の騎士姫２ ===
::*Prologue -
::*Chapter 1 -
::*Chapter 2 -
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Chapter 7 -
::*Chapter 8 -
::*Chapter 9 -
::*Epilogue -

=== Single Side Stories ===
::*Eight years ago -
::*The Birth of Louise the Zero -
::*Tiffania's Troubles -
::*Louise's Tart -
::*Wardrobe of the Past -
::*Louise’s Room -

<noinclude>
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</noinclude>
[[Category:Registration Page]]

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2

2014-01-13T04:07:29Z

Kira477:

In front of Saito and the rest, a huge water dragon appeared. Its size was far larger than what Ari sent out to fight, standing at about 15 meters tall.

At first, what was thought to be deep blue scales were actually dark sliver upon closer inspection. The smooth sliver scales changes into different colours depending on how strong or weak the light is.

There were two horns that looked like corals growing on its head. A few huge barnacles surrounded around the base of the horns, and between its fingers and toes were thick webbing.

"What is it?"

It could speak clear, and comprehensible human language. Saito thought about another dragon that was capable of the same thing.

"Rhyme Dragons!"

Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid, was a Rhyme Dragon known to be able to use magic and understand human language.

"Ara, I didn't expect you to know that."

Luctiana said, impressed by Saito's deduction.

"That's because my friend's familiar is a rhyme dragon."

After saying that, the water rhyme dragon known as Mother Sea laughed.

"Being able to make my descendant become a familiar, that's amazing."

Mother Sea observed them with her white eyes.

Tiffania stared at the dragon with awe, "Is that your friend?"

Mother Sea narrowed her eyes with a smile, "What a beautiful young lady, it seems that you have human and elven blood within you."

"You can tell?" Tiffania said, shocked.

Mother Sea nodded, "After living for so long, I can basically figure out most things in the world. But not even I can understand what you're up to. That's because you're too casual."

"Then I'll be direct. I hope that you can let us temporarily hide here."

"Ara ara! You rascal! What trouble have you gotten yourself into again? Did you take your elder's book or objects without permission?"

"Of course not. I'm not a kid anymore."

Mother Sea turned to Luctiana, "But you must have taken away something, am I right?"

"Yes, it's them."

Luctiana pointed at Saito and Tiffania. Thus, Mother Sea reared her head to take a closer look at them, scaring Tiffania as she jumped behind Saito.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to eat you."

After a while, Mother Sea said.

"It seems that the both of you are not ordinary humans."

Luctiana said smugly, "They are the Devil's offsprings!"

Mother Sea remained silent as she kept her gaze on them.

Saito became nervous. Would this dragon say something like 'This horrible devil!' before eating him.

However, Mother Sea only said one thing.

"Welcome."

"You don't hate us?" Tiffania said.

Mother Sea nodded, "I know what your ancestors did to this land, and I probably also know what you're up to."

"Even though you live in this cave filled with the smell of seawater, why do you know so much?" Luctiana said.

After hearing that, Mother Sea took a deep breath. It seems that she was laughing.

"Because I've heard about the Devil from my Grandmother, and even if I'm living in such a cave, after experiencing so much, I naturally can understand a lot of things.

"Your grandmother told you about the things that happened 6000 years ago?"

"Yes, at that time, my grandmother herself was just a little girl."

My god... those dragons have such long lives. Saito looked at the water rhyme dragon in front of him, his heart sighing with emotion. If that idiotic Sylphid were to live for a thousand years more, would she be able to give off such an aura...?

"But I don't hate you, offsprings of the Devil."

After saying that, she stuck her nose closer to Tiffania. Tiffania slowly reached out a hand, and touched the tip of her nose.

Mother Sea seemed to be narrowing her eyes with a comfortable look.

"As expected of a Rhyme Dragon, the level of your understanding far surpass those elders at the committee."

Mother Sea nodded in response to Luctiana.

"I'm different from you elves. We're a race heading towards extinction, and we've already determined that whatever happens in this world is God's will. Whether we're heading towards extinction, or welcoming new guests... even if it's that great disaster, there's no difference."

"Huh! It just seems like you've given up on everything." Luctiana said.

"Haha, long-eared miss, my little girl, do you wish for me to hate the Devil? Or do you want me to stand on their side?

"Neither side is in the right. Anyway, I just need a place to hide, this is my first objective, and there's another one..."

Luctiana said the crucial phrase without beating about the bush.

"We want to take a look at the Devil's Door."

"Shouldn't you elves know more about this than me?"

"Only a small amount of elves knows about the details. But you should know where it is, right? After all, you're the living dictionary around here."

"Yes, I'm knowledgable, but my knowledge is not impeccable."

Saito and Tiffania were disappointed.

"Hey Luctiana, this is different from what you've said."

"What? It's not like I said that this is a 100% thing. Anyway, Mother Sea, do you know who else other than the elves knows about the location of the Devil's Door?"

"No idea. I don't interact much nowadays."

"What a useless ancient species!"

"What useless? Haven't you forgotten about my kindness towards you?"

Mother Sea stood up.

"You can stay here for now, as long as you want, but the air here might be too much for you to bear."

After saying that, loud footsteps sounded as Mother Sea went back to the depths of the cave.

Saito and the rest collected dry seaweed scattered around the area, and used it for fire to keep warm, and roasted fish, shellfish and other types of seafood that the dolphins had caught for food. Although the strong sea smell inside the cave was rather troubling, but they got used to it after a while. Humans can get used to anything. This was what Saito always believed in for a long time.

After resting for some time like that, Luctiana suddenly said.

"Okay..."

"What good ideas do you have now?" Saito said while chewing on a shellfish.

"Just go to sleep!"

"Hey! Long ear! What do we do next?"

"You ask me, but what can we do anyway? After all, Mother Sea said she doesn't know~"

"... Honestly, we clearly don't have time to relax like this."

After hearing that, Luctiana narrowed her eyes with a smile towards Saito.

"If you're too bored, why don't you continue what happened yesterday?"

Tiffania spat her fish out, "Wh-Wh-What!"

Saito's face went red, not knowing what to do.

"All you have to do is to continue kissing like yesterday, no?"

"You saw it?"

"You two are so daring, despite me sleeping beside you two, and that the boat is mine. As expected, barbarians have no idea of shame." Luctiana said bluntly as she stretched her hands.

"Stop being a peeping tom okay!"

"Huh? What are you talking about? The boat is so small, you can't consider that as peeping?"

"I saw it too."

Tiffania fainted when she heard Derflinger saying that as well.

"Aiya aiya... And I thought I was sure what kind of a person my partner was, but this time you really went too far. If that pink-haired girl were to know about this, even if you have nine lives, I doubt that would be enough."

"Id-Idiot! That's just an expression of our friendship or something... how should I say it..."

"Oh~ So barbarians do such a thing to friends? Oh~"

Just then, Tiffania sat up, and shook her head wildly.

"It's... It's all my fault! Not Saito."

"Then may I ask why did you do that?"

For some reason, Derflinger purposely asked in a special manner like interviewing someone.

"Because once I looked at Saito's face, I don't know why, but a strange feeling poured out from my heart! That's why I'm unable to control myself!"

"It means that you've fallen for him, my partner is a man who has greatly sinned."

"I really don't understand why myself!"

Tiffania covered her face in shame, but Derflinger continued.

"I say, what do you plan on accomplishing by being such a womanizer?"

Saito said, "I'm not a womanizer! Then again, this is not the time to say such crap! Honestly, just where the hell is that Holy Land..."

"It's the Devil's Door, it's not some Holy Land, or some divine place."

"Whatever, it's the same anyway... Ah!"

Saito pulled out the sword on his waist.

"Hey! Derfli! Didn't you say that you've remembered everything already, right? Then you should know where is the location of the Holy Land."

"You mean that? The place where Brimir was headed for using the Teleportation Gate right? I think I remember."

"Eh eh eh eh eh! Why didn't you say so earlier?!"

"But, there's a problem."

"What problem? Okay, everybody get ready! We're ready to move on!"

"It should be somewhere around a desert? Or the sea? Anyway, compared to last time, the geology has changed alot, so even I can't be sure of the exact location."

"What the hell..."

Saito knelt on both knees, disappointed.

"Then how does the place look like?" Tiffania asked.

"Err... anyway, it's a desert, and there's a large pile of boulders around the area as well."

"We can find such a place everywhere." Luctiana said, troubled.

"You've lived 6000 years for nothing. Don't make us all excited for nothing!"

"But Luctiana, you said that the place is protected by the elves right? Is there a rocky place that fits this condition?"

Luctiana stretched her hands outwards, "They can't openly send people to guard the area. This is the committee's responsibility after all. I dare say that even though there may be nothing to that place, but it's actually extremely well-guarded."

Luctiana laid on the dried seaweed she had spread out on the ground.

"What are you doing?"

"Since I'm full, then let's sleep."

"Don't fool around, what do we do next?"

"How would I know? Anyway, maybe we might think of something good after we wake up."
Luctiana went into her dreamland after saying that, leaving only Saito and Tiffania who could only look at each other.

They had no choice but to follow Luctiana and sleep.

Just like that, they spent three days doing nothing. Since they didn't know anything about the exact location of the Holy Land, there was nothing they could do about it. Although Saito suggested that they head out to the outside world to collect information, but Luctiana rejected the idea, saying that they would only end up being captured immediately.

Then again, most elves didn't have the information that they wanted. Being an enemy, it was futile even if they tried.

Returning to Halkegenia wasn't possible as well. After all, this place is so isolated that Luctiana would not offer them a boat just to let them return. Even if they succeeded, to bring Tiffania across the desert from there was impossible.
Also, Saito had already promised Luctiana that he wouldn't run away. He couldn't possibly abandon her after what she had done for them.

Even so, staying in such a cave doing nothing for the whole day made Saito restless . After all, with the situation being so urgent, the agitation from being able to do nothing made him unable to sit still.

The dolphins would help gather food for them while drinking rainwater for survival. Thanks to Luctiana's magic, the rainwater didn't taste so bad.

Saito said to Luctiana, "Even if we stay here, we'll be found out eventually, right?"

"The tidal currents of the ocean around is very complicated, so even the elves wouldn't dare to approach it so easily. No, because there are occasional storms as well, so the correct way of saying would be that it's impossible to approach. We are the same as well. If it wasn't for the dolphins, we could not have made it this far."

Luctiana kept emphasizing that there's no problem because this is a special place.

"Of course, I'm also thinking about our next move," Luctiana said, "But I still can't think of anything. I think the best thing we can do now is to lie low. Maybe a good idea might just appear after some time."

Because there was nothing to do, Saito often went swimming. He felt that if he didn't move his body, he would feel strangely depressed.

The current season should be near the end of summer, but the water here was warm like the waters in tropical areas. Luctiana said that this is thanks to the power of the spirits, and she also mentioned that the power around this area was rather strong, and so this is why the ancient dragon Mother Sea decided to make this her home.

Or maybe its like this? The ocean here was like a treasure vault for the living organisms here. All kinds of corals were attached to the rock pillars that stretched upwards. Many different fishes in various colours were swimming leisurely around it. In the midst, large stingrays could also be seen as well. Those fishes seem to have never seen humans before. Even if Saito approached them, they didn't run away.

Because Tiffania could not swim, so Saito offered to teach her how to swim. In the beginning, she was swimming together with Saito. Although it was partly due to Luctiana's underwater breathing spell, but Tiffana was a fast learner, and soon she was able to freely swim about alone. It seems that she had some affinity with water.

Swimming about the ocean that was illuminated blue by the sunlight, Tiffania seemed like an incarnation of a mermaid. Her swimming style was free and casual as she shuttled through the ocean.

The sleeveless tank top on Tiffania swaying according the currents made one can't help but fantasize. Saito can't help but think that although she looked like a mermaid, but it wasn't possible to find a mermaid with a chest as large as hers.

That day, Tiffania and Saito were freely swimming about when she leaned towards him, and smiled, pointing at the bottom of the ocean.

(Do you want to take a look?)

Saito nodded. The depth of the water was around 20 meters, under the sunlight, even the bottom could be seen clearly.

Tiffania grabbed Saito's hand, and pushed herself forward. Luctiana's dolphin followed behind the two, as if they were protecting them.

At the bottom of the ocean, they descended into a garden full of corals. A large amount of corals were spreading out in all directions, fighting for more space. It was an impressive scene.

In between the corals, colourful fishes could be seen swimming through the corals like butterflies. Upon looking at such a scene, one can't help but think that whatever holy war or Halkgenia's crisis was just a dream.

Just then, Tiffania seemed to have found something in between the corals. It was a large, colourful prawn.
She reached out a hand and grabbed it.

(This is today's lunch!) Tiffania moved her lips, conveying a wordless message.

Saito, who didn't want to lose to her, started searching for food as well in between the corals. Not long after, he found a blue conch, and grabbed it immediately.

Tiffania smiled as she watched Saito.

She felt that the times they spent together swimming about in the ocean peacefully were something worth cherishing.

-Wouldn't it be good if we could stay like this forever?

If only she could make Saito forget all about the Holy War and Halkgenia's crisis, and live with him here peacefully.
Tiffania felt ashamed at having such thoughts. After all, everyone was surely worried about them.

Just then, Saito began struggling after he put his hand inside the corals. She quickly swam over.

(Saito, are you still okay?)

When Tiffania put her hand onto Saito's shoulder, he suddenly fell backwards, causing Tiffania to spin around. Looking closer, it was actually a crab that had clamped onto Saito's fingers.

Tiffania could not help but laugh. Saito laughed as well. At the same time, they realized that their faces were very close to each other.

Her face slowly grew red. She lowered her head. Although Tiffania did such a daring thing last night, but at such a bright place, she didn't know what to do.

Saito seemed to be the same as her. His face was red as he rubbed his nose embarrassingly. Upon seeing Saito being like that, Tiffania felt a feeling expanding outwards at a fast rate within her heart.

-What is it about things being okay once I get courage, it's actually just an excuse.

Tiffania realized that what she wanted wasn't courage, but for Saito to hug her tightly, whisper sweet-nothings beside her ears, and kiss him passionately.

This instinctive feeling within her heart made Tiffania almost wanted to cry.

Seeing how sad Tiffania became, Saito was momentarily taken aback.

Is this... all my fault?

Ever since that night when the both kissed, Saito has been trying to maintain their relationship as being friends. He thought that was Tiffania probably confused at the moment, so that's why she thought that even a person like him wasn't so bad.

Anyway, I've sworn that I'll never do anything that would make Louise sad. No matter how attractive Tiffania is, he cannot waver.

Saito wanted to say something to change the subject, but it was hard to speak underwater. Even if they rely on sign language to communicate, there was a limit to it. In the end, the both could only stare at each other.

Tiffania could be said to be a perfect girl. Just by looking at her blue eyes with the corners slightly bent downwards, one can't help but have a strong urge to protect her. Also, with a seemingly sad feeling evoked by her eyes, the thought to protect her grew even stronger.

Saito caressed her hair, as if to cool himself down from feeling like that. In the end, Tiffania closed her eyes determinedly, lifted her head and puckered her lips.

Saito felt a magnet attracting him to her lips, but he perserved. So, Tiffania opened her eyes, and she blushed even redder, realizing what she did just now. It seems that it was something she did instinctively. Saito felt that Tiffania looked even more sympathetic and cute, and his heart felt even more touched. Saito felt that this was simply a form of torture.

Just then, Derflinger's voice sounded within Saito's mind, and this finally ended the tension between the two.
"Partner. There's something approaching us."

Saito turned and observed his surroundings, shocked to see shadows of a group of huge fishes gradually approaching.

Tiffania was shocked as well, and she turned to look at Saito. However, those shadows were already above Saito's and Tiffania's head.

He felt a chill running up his spine.

(Sharks!)

The size and shape of the fishes above looked rather similar to the sharks found on Earth. The difference is that there was a bulge on their head. There were at least 10 of them.

Tiffania pointed at them, as if asking what was that. It seems that she had no idea what sharks were. After all, she grew up in Albion where sea was a foreign concept to her.

Since there was no time to explain, Saito pushed down Tiffania's head, wanting to lower her body. This was when she realized the sharp teeth on the sharks, and tightly held onto Saito in fear.

The ambiguous atmosphere from before had already disappeared.

The sharks began circling above their heads. If so many sharks were to treat them as food, then even if Gandalfr's power, Saito might not be able to defeat them underwater.

(Is that fish scary?)

Tiffania asked, using her hands to express her question.

Saito nodded.

(Very scary)

Not long after, one of the sharks noticed Saito and Tiffania who were hiding at the bottom of the ocean. It seems that they use their bulges to emit supersonic waves or something like that to communicate. Soon, all the sharks turned in their direction.

Saito stood in front of Tiffania, and pulled out Derflinger from his back. Although he wasn't confident with fighting that many sharks, he can only try.

Just when Saito wanted to attack the sharks first, the two dolphins shot out from the sides, and slammed into one of the sharks.

With an impact as powerful as a thunderstorm, it knocked the shark out cold in one blow. It sank to the bottom, spinning out of control.

One by one, the dolphins knocked the sharks in a similar manner.

(The dolphins... are incredible!)

Seeing how the dolphins who looked so gentle on the surface could actually be that strong surprised Saito. The rest of the sharks started to run away.

(Amazing!)

Derflinger added, "In the first place, dolphins are stronger than sharks. That's because their bodies are very soft."
(No wonder!) Saito swam forward, wanting to give the dolphins a hug.

However, there was no touching scene that occurred.

The two dolphins seemed to have noticed something approaching, turned their heads in the direction of where the sharks were, and swam away in a flash.

(What's going on?)

Saito turned towards the direction where the dolphins were looking at before running away, and jumped in fear. A gigantic creature that looked like a snake were heading in this direction.

"The sharks probably ran away because of this." Derflinger said.

(What's that?)

"A water dragon."

(The same kind as Mother Sea?)

"No, that creature is fierce and easily angered, and it's also quite dumb. However, it should be the strongest living creature near this area."

This water dragon was 10 meters long, body similar to a crocodile, and limbs similar to an eel. Rows of sharp teeth could be seen inside its slim mouth.

It stared at them with a fierce look.

(We're not food! Really, we're not food!)

Though Saito tried convincing the dragon, it was futile. As the dragon approached, Tiffania threw herself in front of Saito.

(Tiffa! What are you doing!)

Saito grabbed her shoulders, but Tiffania responded.

(I'll be bait, you quickly run while you can!)

(Don't be stupid! Hide behind me!)

Tiffania put her hand onto her sleeveless tank top, face red.

(It's okay!)

The both were desperately communicating with their hands. It appears to be something from a comedy or a talkshow. But it had nothing to do with that. First is being trapped in such a place, then swimming together to while the time away. Now there's a high chance they were about to be eaten alive.

Is there a situation as idiotic as that?

Saito held onto Derflinger, and began fighting with the water dragon. Ari's water dragon had a much more similar appearance as a dragon, as compared to this water dragon who had evolved to adapt to the sea. Its limbs had completely turned into eels, and its body was streamlined. Although there was no way it could climb to land, but it looked more like a proper water dragon seeing how it had adapted.

Thus, the greatest weapon of being a Gandalfr, mobility, was greatly limited underwater, but this was not the case for the dragon.

Without bothering to make any intimidating action, it directly opened its mouth and charged towards them.
Saito pushed Tiffania down while bending its body, avoiding the attack.

The dragon turned around, and charged forth again.

"Since you can't slash underwater, you can only stab." Derflinger said.

(I know!)

Saito jumped, turned his body horizontally downwards, and stabbed Derflinger at the middle of the dragon's eyes.
Due to his awkward posture and water resistance was like a chain limiting his movements, there was no impact in that strike. His blade slipped off the tough scales of the dragon.

The water dragon slammed its tail onto Saito.

"Ugh!"

It started circling Saito.

"If this goes on, I have a bad feeling about this..." Derflinger said.

(If we were at land, this bastard would be a piece of cake...)

"Unfortunately, we're underwater!"

Just then, Saito felt his leg being pulled. He lowered his head to see Tiffania with a super serious expression.
(Tiffa?)

Tiffania reached inside her tank top, and pulled it outwards. From Saito's angle looking downwards, he could see this two dangerous melon in full view.

Saito felt a rusty metal smell spreading from his nose. Although Tiffania's red was completely red, but her face remained serious, and said to Saito.

(My everything, for you.)

Those words expressed through body language and mouth movements, burned inside Saito's mind.

Something was boiling within Saito's heart.

She said... for me?

Can I?

Of course not.

But being alive is great. Saito thought.

Just like a demon...

The very definition of beautiful.

A chest larger than anyone, and because of her slim figure, it was impossible to hide that fact. Even with such a figure, her character was kind and gentle, like a fantasy come true.

Even if you were to consider all the girls from Earth and Halkgenia, Tiffania is probably the perfect girl alive.
This girl said she liked me.

And she wanted to give everything to me.

Of course I can't accept that. Be-Because I already have Louise. Because of Louise, I don't have a choice! But... but...

Anyway, I'm the most luckiest man in the universe.

Now is not the time to be controlled by that sea bug.

(How can I die!)

Saito muttered to himself.

The sea dragon opened it's mouth, and charged forth. With an excited yet calm emotion, Saito carefully observed its movements.

Just when he was about to be swallowed, he pushed his body downwards together with Derflinger, the blade stabbing into the dragon's lower jaw in that downward motion. The impact of the stab was greatly enhanced thanks to the force created by the dragon charging forth.

(I did it!)

However, happiness only lasted for a short while.

(I can't pull it out!)

Because it was so deep inside, Saito could not pull Derflinger out. The sea dragon trashed about in pain, swinging Saito who was holding onto Derflinger left and right.

It began to swam away.

(Hey! Where's this guy going?)

"Partner, I have a request."

(What?)

"Don't ever let go. It would be pathetic if I have to live the rest of my life stuck to that creature."

As the ocean was extremely large, if Saito were to let go, it would be impossible to see Derflinger again .

(I know that!)

The sea dragon swam towards the direction it originally appeared from while struggling. Saito strengthened his grip on Derflinger. If he didn't grip it properly, he would be easily shook away.

Saito and Derflinger moved together with the dragon for about 10 minutes. During this time, Saito kept trying to pull Derflinger out, but the tough scales clamped onto the blade made it futile. No matter how much strength he poured into pulling the blade, because the dragon was still swimming, creating a forward resistance, Saito could not use his full strength.

"That's troublesome. Just where the hell is that guy swimming to."

(How would I know?! I just can't seem to pull you out!)

"That's because you've stabbed too deep inside."

(You should try to control yourself!)

"You should know I can't move at all."

The corals grew lesser, and sand began appearing at the bottom of the ocean. Under the sunlight, the sand reflected a pale blue glow. Not long after, Saito saw a rock mountain on the other end of the sand.

"It seems that it's heading for that mountain."

(Is that the guy's nest?)

Barnacles, sponges and other unknown sea organisms grew on that rocky mountain. Around it, big and small colourful fishes were swimming about. Within this underwater desert, it seems that this was a condominium for them.

Since the swimming speed of the sea dragon reduced, Saito pushed his foot against the dragon and managed to pull Derflinger out.

After pulling it out, the sea dragon turned back and looked at Saito.

What, do you want to fight again?

Although Saito thought that, but the sea dragon turned his vision away, and swam to the other end of the rocky mountain.

Saito heaved a sigh of relief, and put Derflinger back to its sheath.

He soon realized that he was brought to a rather far place. Upon thinking about swimming his way back to Tiffania, he felt exhausted.

Saito sat at the rocky mountain, wanting to rest for a while.

At that instant, the rune markings in his hand glowed.

(Eh? Why is it glowing?)

"I'm inside the sheath."

(I know that. But it glows once I put my hand onto this rocky mountain."

Just then Saito realized that this thing he thought that was a rocky mountain had a rather strange shape.

Its circular shape was too perfectly rounded that it didn't seem like something natural. And at the center, there was a pyramid-like object growing on it.

(This... this is man-made.)

Because of the various sea organisms growing on it, Saito had not realized it, but natural rock mountains did not possess such a shape.

Saito's heart began beating rapidly, and since the rune markings on his left hand glowed when it touched it... this must be a weapon. According to the size and structure, it wasn't something from Halkgenia.

This... this is...

Saito's eyes widen, observing intently what was the object under his butt.

It's length was around a 100 meters, and it's shape was something like a cigar, and it's face was bulging.

Boat?

No... That's not it...

(This is a submarine...)

A weapon in Saito's world. A present from Brimir, Gandalfr's gun.
(Brimir-san, this is probably too big for a gun...)
Just then, Saito felt something pecking his back. Turning behind, he saw a dolphin, its round eyes seemingly

apologetic. On top of the dolphin was Tiffania.

She jumped off the dolphin, and said with an expression almost in tears.

(Are you still okay?)

Saito nodded in response, then looked at the submarine. He didn't know what country was the submarine from, and what era was it from. This submarine sitting quietly at the bottom of the ocean was like a huge watch dog waiting for its owner to come.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2

2014-01-13T04:05:59Z

Kira477:

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2

2014-01-13T04:05:40Z

Kira477:

In front of Saito and the rest, a huge water dragon appeared. Its size was far larger than what Ari sent out to fight, standing at about 15 meters tall.

At first, what was thought to be deep blue scales were actually dark sliver upon closer inspection. The smooth sliver scales changes into different colours depending on how strong or weak the light is.

There were two horns that looked like corals growing on its head. A few huge barnacles surrounded around the base of the horns, and between its fingers and toes were thick webbing.

"What is it?"

It could speak clear, and comprehensible human language. Saito thought about another dragon that was capable of the same thing.

"Rhyme Dragons!"

Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid, was a Rhyme Dragon known to be able to use magic and understand human language.

"Ara, I didn't expect you to know that."

Luctiana said, impressed by Saito's deduction.

"That's because my friend's familiar is a rhyme dragon."

After saying that, the water rhyme dragon known as Mother Sea laughed.

"Being able to make my descendant become a familiar, that's amazing."

Mother Sea observed them with her white eyes.

Tiffania stared at the dragon with awe, "Is that your friend?"

Mother Sea narrowed her eyes with a smile, "What a beautiful young lady, it seems that you have human and elven blood within you."

"You can tell?" Tiffania said, shocked.

Mother Sea nodded, "After living for so long, I can basically figure out most things in the world. But not even I can understand what you're up to. That's because you're too casual."

"Then I'll be direct. I hope that you can let us temporarily hide here."

"Ara ara! You rascal! What trouble have you gotten yourself into again? Did you take your elder's book or objects without permission?"

"Of course not. I'm not a kid anymore."

Mother Sea turned to Luctiana, "But you must have taken away something, am I right?"

"Yes, it's them."

Luctiana pointed at Saito and Tiffania. Thus, Mother Sea reared her head to take a closer look at them, scaring Tiffania as she jumped behind Saito.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to eat you."

After a while, Mother Sea said.

"It seems that the both of you are not ordinary humans."

Luctiana said smugly, "They are the Devil's offsprings!"

Mother Sea remained silent as she kept her gaze on them.

Saito became nervous. Would this dragon say something like 'This horrible devil!' before eating him.

However, Mother Sea only said one thing.

"Welcome."

"You don't hate us?" Tiffania said.

Mother Sea nodded, "I know what your ancestors did to this land, and I probably also know what you're up to."

"Even though you live in this cave filled with the smell of seawater, why do you know so much?" Luctiana said.

After hearing that, Mother Sea took a deep breath. It seems that she was laughing.

"Because I've heard about the Devil from my Grandmother, and even if I'm living in such a cave, after experiencing so much, I naturally can understand a lot of things.

"Your grandmother told you about the things that happened 6000 years ago?"

"Yes, at that time, my grandmother herself was just a little girl."

My god... those dragons have such long lives. Saito looked at the water rhyme dragon in front of him, his heart sighing with emotion. If that idiotic Sylphid were to live for a thousand years more, would she be able to give off such an aura...?

"But I don't hate you, offsprings of the Devil."

After saying that, she stuck her nose closer to Tiffania. Tiffania slowly reached out a hand, and touched the tip of her nose.

Mother Sea seemed to be narrowing her eyes with a comfortable look.

"As expected of a Rhyme Dragon, the level of your understanding far surpass those elders at the committee."

Mother Sea nodded in response to Luctiana.

"I'm different from you elves. We're a race heading towards extinction, and we've already determined that whatever happens in this world is God's will. Whether we're heading towards extinction, or welcoming new guests... even if it's that great disaster, there's no difference."

"Huh! It just seems like you've given up on everything." Luctiana said.

"Haha, long-eared miss, my little girl, do you wish for me to hate the Devil? Or do you want me to stand on their side?

"Neither side is in the right. Anyway, I just need a place to hide, this is my first objective, and there's another one..."

Luctiana said the crucial phrase without beating about the bush.

"We want to take a look at the Devil's Door."

"Shouldn't you elves know more about this than me?"

"Only a small amount of elves knows about the details. But you should know where it is, right? After all, you're the living dictionary around here."

"Yes, I'm knowledgable, but my knowledge is not impeccable."

Saito and Tiffania were disappointed.

"Hey Luctiana, this is different from what you've said."

"What? It's not like I said that this is a 100% thing. Anyway, Mother Sea, do you know who else other than the elves knows about the location of the Devil's Door?"

"No idea. I don't interact much nowadays."

"What a useless ancient species!"

"What useless? Haven't you forgotten about my kindness towards you?"

Mother Sea stood up.

"You can stay here for now, as long as you want, but the air here might be too much for you to bear."

After saying that, loud footsteps sounded as Mother Sea went back to the depths of the cave.

Saito and the rest collected dry seaweed scattered around the area, and used it for fire to keep warm, and roasted fish, shellfish and other types of seafood that the dolphins had caught for food. Although the strong sea smell inside the cave was rather troubling, but they got used to it after a while. Humans can get used to anything. This was what Saito always believed in for a long time.

After resting for some time like that, Luctiana suddenly said.

"Okay..."

"What good ideas do you have now?" Saito said while chewing on a shellfish.

"Just go to sleep!"

"Hey! Long ear! What do we do next?"

"You ask me, but what can we do anyway? After all, Mother Sea said she doesn't know~"

"... Honestly, we clearly don't have time to relax like this."

After hearing that, Luctiana narrowed her eyes with a smile towards Saito.

"If you're too bored, why don't you continue what happened yesterday?"

Tiffania spat her fish out, "Wh-Wh-What!"

Saito's face went red, not knowing what to do.

"All you have to do is to continue kissing like yesterday, no?"

"You saw it?"

"You two are so daring, despite me sleeping beside you two, and that the boat is mine. As expected, barbarians have no idea of shame." Luctiana said bluntly as she stretched her hands.

"Stop being a peeping tom okay!"

"Huh? What are you talking about? The boat is so small, you can't consider that as peeping?"

"I saw it too."

Tiffania fainted when she heard Derflinger saying that as well.

"Aiya aiya... And I thought I was sure what kind of a person my partner was, but this time you really went too far. If that pink-haired girl were to know about this, even if you have nine lives, I doubt that would be enough."

"Id-Idiot! That's just an expression of our friendship or something... how should I say it..."

"Oh~ So barbarians do such a thing to friends? Oh[[User:Kira477|Kira477]] ([[User talk:Kira477|talk]]) 22:05, 12 January 2014 (CST)"

Just then, Tiffania sat up, and shook her head wildly.

"It's... It's all my fault! Not Saito."

"Then may I ask why did you do that?"

For some reason, Derflinger purposely asked in a special manner like interviewing someone.

"Because once I looked at Saito's face, I don't know why, but a strange feeling poured out from my heart! That's why I'm unable to control myself!"

"It means that you've fallen for him, my partner is a man who has greatly sinned."

"I really don't understand why myself!"

Tiffania covered her face in shame, but Derflinger continued.

"I say, what do you plan on accomplishing by being such a womanizer?"

Saito said, "I'm not a womanizer! Then again, this is not the time to say such crap! Honestly, just where the hell is that Holy Land..."

"It's the Devil's Door, it's not some Holy Land, or some divine place."

"Whatever, it's the same anyway... Ah!"

Saito pulled out the sword on his waist.

"Hey! Derfli! Didn't you say that you've remembered everything already, right? Then you should know where is the location of the Holy Land."

"You mean that? The place where Brimir was headed for using the Teleportation Gate right? I think I remember."

"Eh eh eh eh eh! Why didn't you say so earlier?!"

"But, there's a problem."

"What problem? Okay, everybody get ready! We're ready to move on!"

"It should be somewhere around a desert? Or the sea? Anyway, compared to last time, the geology has changed alot, so even I can't be sure of the exact location."

"What the hell..."

Saito knelt on both knees, disappointed.

"Then how does the place look like?" Tiffania asked.

"Err... anyway, it's a desert, and there's a large pile of boulders around the area as well."

"We can find such a place everywhere." Luctiana said, troubled.

"You've lived 6000 years for nothing. Don't make us all excited for nothing!"

"But Luctiana, you said that the place is protected by the elves right? Is there a rocky place that fits this condition?"

Luctiana stretched her hands outwards, "They can't openly send people to guard the area. This is the committee's responsibility after all. I dare say that even though there may be nothing to that place, but it's actually extremely well-guarded."

Luctiana laid on the dried seaweed she had spread out on the ground.

"What are you doing?"

"Since I'm full, then let's sleep."

"Don't fool around, what do we do next?"

"How would I know? Anyway, maybe we might think of something good after we wake up."
Luctiana went into her dreamland after saying that, leaving only Saito and Tiffania who could only look at each other.

They had no choice but to follow Luctiana and sleep.

Just like that, they spent three days doing nothing. Since they didn't know anything about the exact location of the Holy Land, there was nothing they could do about it. Although Saito suggested that they head out to the outside world to collect information, but Luctiana rejected the idea, saying that they would only end up being captured immediately.

Then again, most elves didn't have the information that they wanted. Being an enemy, it was futile even if they tried.

Returning to Halkegenia wasn't possible as well. After all, this place is so isolated that Luctiana would not offer them a boat just to let them return. Even if they succeeded, to bring Tiffania across the desert from there was impossible.
Also, Saito had already promised Luctiana that he wouldn't run away. He couldn't possibly abandon her after what she had done for them.

Even so, staying in such a cave doing nothing for the whole day made Saito restless . After all, with the situation being so urgent, the agitation from being able to do nothing made him unable to sit still.

The dolphins would help gather food for them while drinking rainwater for survival. Thanks to Luctiana's magic, the rainwater didn't taste so bad.

Saito said to Luctiana, "Even if we stay here, we'll be found out eventually, right?"

"The tidal currents of the ocean around is very complicated, so even the elves wouldn't dare to approach it so easily. No, because there are occasional storms as well, so the correct way of saying would be that it's impossible to approach. We are the same as well. If it wasn't for the dolphins, we could not have made it this far."

Luctiana kept emphasizing that there's no problem because this is a special place.

"Of course, I'm also thinking about our next move," Luctiana said, "But I still can't think of anything. I think the best thing we can do now is to lie low. Maybe a good idea might just appear after some time."

Because there was nothing to do, Saito often went swimming. He felt that if he didn't move his body, he would feel strangely depressed.

The current season should be near the end of summer, but the water here was warm like the waters in tropical areas. Luctiana said that this is thanks to the power of the spirits, and she also mentioned that the power around this area was rather strong, and so this is why the ancient dragon Mother Sea decided to make this her home.

Or maybe its like this? The ocean here was like a treasure vault for the living organisms here. All kinds of corals were attached to the rock pillars that stretched upwards. Many different fishes in various colours were swimming leisurely around it. In the midst, large stingrays could also be seen as well. Those fishes seem to have never seen humans before. Even if Saito approached them, they didn't run away.

Because Tiffania could not swim, so Saito offered to teach her how to swim. In the beginning, she was swimming together with Saito. Although it was partly due to Luctiana's underwater breathing spell, but Tiffana was a fast learner, and soon she was able to freely swim about alone. It seems that she had some affinity with water.

Swimming about the ocean that was illuminated blue by the sunlight, Tiffania seemed like an incarnation of a mermaid. Her swimming style was free and casual as she shuttled through the ocean.

The sleeveless tank top on Tiffania swaying according the currents made one can't help but fantasize. Saito can't help but think that although she looked like a mermaid, but it wasn't possible to find a mermaid with a chest as large as hers.

That day, Tiffania and Saito were freely swimming about when she leaned towards him, and smiled, pointing at the bottom of the ocean.

(Do you want to take a look?)

Saito nodded. The depth of the water was around 20 meters, under the sunlight, even the bottom could be seen clearly.

Tiffania grabbed Saito's hand, and pushed herself forward. Luctiana's dolphin followed behind the two, as if they were protecting them.

At the bottom of the ocean, they descended into a garden full of corals. A large amount of corals were spreading out in all directions, fighting for more space. It was an impressive scene.

In between the corals, colourful fishes could be seen swimming through the corals like butterflies. Upon looking at such a scene, one can't help but think that whatever holy war or Halkgenia's crisis was just a dream.

Just then, Tiffania seemed to have found something in between the corals. It was a large, colourful prawn.
She reached out a hand and grabbed it.

(This is today's lunch!) Tiffania moved her lips, conveying a wordless message.

Saito, who didn't want to lose to her, started searching for food as well in between the corals. Not long after, he found a blue conch, and grabbed it immediately.

Tiffania smiled as she watched Saito.

She felt that the times they spent together swimming about in the ocean peacefully were something worth cherishing.

-Wouldn't it be good if we could stay like this forever?

If only she could make Saito forget all about the Holy War and Halkgenia's crisis, and live with him here peacefully.
Tiffania felt ashamed at having such thoughts. After all, everyone was surely worried about them.

Just then, Saito began struggling after he put his hand inside the corals. She quickly swam over.

(Saito, are you still okay?)

When Tiffania put her hand onto Saito's shoulder, he suddenly fell backwards, causing Tiffania to spin around. Looking closer, it was actually a crab that had clamped onto Saito's fingers.

Tiffania could not help but laugh. Saito laughed as well. At the same time, they realized that their faces were very close to each other.

Her face slowly grew red. She lowered her head. Although Tiffania did such a daring thing last night, but at such a bright place, she didn't know what to do.

Saito seemed to be the same as her. His face was red as he rubbed his nose embarrassingly. Upon seeing Saito being like that, Tiffania felt a feeling expanding outwards at a fast rate within her heart.

-What is it about things being okay once I get courage, it's actually just an excuse.

Tiffania realized that what she wanted wasn't courage, but for Saito to hug her tightly, whisper sweet-nothings beside her ears, and kiss him passionately.

This instinctive feeling within her heart made Tiffania almost wanted to cry.

Seeing how sad Tiffania became, Saito was momentarily taken aback.

Is this... all my fault?

Ever since that night when the both kissed, Saito has been trying to maintain their relationship as being friends. He thought that was Tiffania probably confused at the moment, so that's why she thought that even a person like him wasn't so bad.

Anyway, I've sworn that I'll never do anything that would make Louise sad. No matter how attractive Tiffania is, he cannot waver.

Saito wanted to say something to change the subject, but it was hard to speak underwater. Even if they rely on sign language to communicate, there was a limit to it. In the end, the both could only stare at each other.

Tiffania could be said to be a perfect girl. Just by looking at her blue eyes with the corners slightly bent downwards, one can't help but have a strong urge to protect her. Also, with a seemingly sad feeling evoked by her eyes, the thought to protect her grew even stronger.

Saito caressed her hair, as if to cool himself down from feeling like that. In the end, Tiffania closed her eyes determinedly, lifted her head and puckered her lips.

Saito felt a magnet attracting him to her lips, but he perserved. So, Tiffania opened her eyes, and she blushed even redder, realizing what she did just now. It seems that it was something she did instinctively. Saito felt that Tiffania looked even more sympathetic and cute, and his heart felt even more touched. Saito felt that this was simply a form of torture.

Just then, Derflinger's voice sounded within Saito's mind, and this finally ended the tension between the two.
"Partner. There's something approaching us."

Saito turned and observed his surroundings, shocked to see shadows of a group of huge fishes gradually approaching.

Tiffania was shocked as well, and she turned to look at Saito. However, those shadows were already above Saito's and Tiffania's head.

He felt a chill running up his spine.

(Sharks!)

The size and shape of the fishes above looked rather similar to the sharks found on Earth. The difference is that there was a bulge on their head. There were at least 10 of them.

Tiffania pointed at them, as if asking what was that. It seems that she had no idea what sharks were. After all, she grew up in Albion where sea was a foreign concept to her.

Since there was no time to explain, Saito pushed down Tiffania's head, wanting to lower her body. This was when she realized the sharp teeth on the sharks, and tightly held onto Saito in fear.

The ambiguous atmosphere from before had already disappeared.

The sharks began circling above their heads. If so many sharks were to treat them as food, then even if Gandalfr's power, Saito might not be able to defeat them underwater.

(Is that fish scary?)

Tiffania asked, using her hands to express her question.

Saito nodded.

(Very scary)

Not long after, one of the sharks noticed Saito and Tiffania who were hiding at the bottom of the ocean. It seems that they use their bulges to emit supersonic waves or something like that to communicate. Soon, all the sharks turned in their direction.

Saito stood in front of Tiffania, and pulled out Derflinger from his back. Although he wasn't confident with fighting that many sharks, he can only try.

Just when Saito wanted to attack the sharks first, the two dolphins shot out from the sides, and slammed into one of the sharks.

With an impact as powerful as a thunderstorm, it knocked the shark out cold in one blow. It sank to the bottom, spinning out of control.

One by one, the dolphins knocked the sharks in a similar manner.

(The dolphins... are incredible!)

Seeing how the dolphins who looked so gentle on the surface could actually be that strong surprised Saito. The rest of the sharks started to run away.

(Amazing!)

Derflinger added, "In the first place, dolphins are stronger than sharks. That's because their bodies are very soft."
(No wonder!) Saito swam forward, wanting to give the dolphins a hug.

However, there was no touching scene that occurred.

The two dolphins seemed to have noticed something approaching, turned their heads in the direction of where the sharks were, and swam away in a flash.

(What's going on?)

Saito turned towards the direction where the dolphins were looking at before running away, and jumped in fear. A gigantic creature that looked like a snake were heading in this direction.

"The sharks probably ran away because of this." Derflinger said.

(What's that?)

"A water dragon."

(The same kind as Mother Sea?)

"No, that creature is fierce and easily angered, and it's also quite dumb. However, it should be the strongest living creature near this area."

This water dragon was 10 meters long, body similar to a crocodile, and limbs similar to an eel. Rows of sharp teeth could be seen inside its slim mouth.

It stared at them with a fierce look.

(We're not food! Really, we're not food!)

Though Saito tried convincing the dragon, it was futile. As the dragon approached, Tiffania threw herself in front of Saito.

(Tiffa! What are you doing!)

Saito grabbed her shoulders, but Tiffania responded.

(I'll be bait, you quickly run while you can!)

(Don't be stupid! Hide behind me!)

Tiffania put her hand onto her sleeveless tank top, face red.

(It's okay!)

The both were desperately communicating with their hands. It appears to be something from a comedy or a talkshow. But it had nothing to do with that. First is being trapped in such a place, then swimming together to while the time away. Now there's a high chance they were about to be eaten alive.

Is there a situation as idiotic as that?

Saito held onto Derflinger, and began fighting with the water dragon. Ari's water dragon had a much more similar appearance as a dragon, as compared to this water dragon who had evolved to adapt to the sea. Its limbs had completely turned into eels, and its body was streamlined. Although there was no way it could climb to land, but it looked more like a proper water dragon seeing how it had adapted.

Thus, the greatest weapon of being a Gandalfr, mobility, was greatly limited underwater, but this was not the case for the dragon.

Without bothering to make any intimidating action, it directly opened its mouth and charged towards them.
Saito pushed Tiffania down while bending its body, avoiding the attack.

The dragon turned around, and charged forth again.

"Since you can't slash underwater, you can only stab." Derflinger said.

(I know!)

Saito jumped, turned his body horizontally downwards, and stabbed Derflinger at the middle of the dragon's eyes.
Due to his awkward posture and water resistance was like a chain limiting his movements, there was no impact in that strike. His blade slipped off the tough scales of the dragon.

The water dragon slammed its tail onto Saito.

"Ugh!"

It started circling Saito.

"If this goes on, I have a bad feeling about this..." Derflinger said.

(If we were at land, this bastard would be a piece of cake...)

"Unfortunately, we're underwater!"

Just then, Saito felt his leg being pulled. He lowered his head to see Tiffania with a super serious expression.
(Tiffa?)

Tiffania reached inside her tank top, and pulled it outwards. From Saito's angle looking downwards, he could see this two dangerous melon in full view.

Saito felt a rusty metal smell spreading from his nose. Although Tiffania's red was completely red, but her face remained serious, and said to Saito.

(My everything, for you.)

Those words expressed through body language and mouth movements, burned inside Saito's mind.

Something was boiling within Saito's heart.

She said... for me?

Can I?

Of course not.

But being alive is great. Saito thought.

Just like a demon...

The very definition of beautiful.

A chest larger than anyone, and because of her slim figure, it was impossible to hide that fact. Even with such a figure, her character was kind and gentle, like a fantasy come true.

Even if you were to consider all the girls from Earth and Halkgenia, Tiffania is probably the perfect girl alive.
This girl said she liked me.

And she wanted to give everything to me.

Of course I can't accept that. Be-Because I already have Louise. Because of Louise, I don't have a choice! But... but...

Anyway, I'm the most luckiest man in the universe.

Now is not the time to be controlled by that sea bug.

(How can I die!)

Saito muttered to himself.

The sea dragon opened it's mouth, and charged forth. With an excited yet calm emotion, Saito carefully observed its movements.

Just when he was about to be swallowed, he pushed his body downwards together with Derflinger, the blade stabbing into the dragon's lower jaw in that downward motion. The impact of the stab was greatly enhanced thanks to the force created by the dragon charging forth.

(I did it!)

However, happiness only lasted for a short while.

(I can't pull it out!)

Because it was so deep inside, Saito could not pull Derflinger out. The sea dragon trashed about in pain, swinging Saito who was holding onto Derflinger left and right.

It began to swam away.

(Hey! Where's this guy going?)

"Partner, I have a request."

(What?)

"Don't ever let go. It would be pathetic if I have to live the rest of my life stuck to that creature."

As the ocean was extremely large, if Saito were to let go, it would be impossible to see Derflinger again .

(I know that!)

The sea dragon swam towards the direction it originally appeared from while struggling. Saito strengthened his grip on Derflinger. If he didn't grip it properly, he would be easily shook away.

Saito and Derflinger moved together with the dragon for about 10 minutes. During this time, Saito kept trying to pull Derflinger out, but the tough scales clamped onto the blade made it futile. No matter how much strength he poured into pulling the blade, because the dragon was still swimming, creating a forward resistance, Saito could not use his full strength.

"That's troublesome. Just where the hell is that guy swimming to."

(How would I know?! I just can't seem to pull you out!)

"That's because you've stabbed too deep inside."

(You should try to control yourself!)

"You should know I can't move at all."

The corals grew lesser, and sand began appearing at the bottom of the ocean. Under the sunlight, the sand reflected a pale blue glow. Not long after, Saito saw a rock mountain on the other end of the sand.

"It seems that it's heading for that mountain."

(Is that the guy's nest?)

Barnacles, sponges and other unknown sea organisms grew on that rocky mountain. Around it, big and small colourful fishes were swimming about. Within this underwater desert, it seems that this was a condominium for them.

Since the swimming speed of the sea dragon reduced, Saito pushed his foot against the dragon and managed to pull Derflinger out.

After pulling it out, the sea dragon turned back and looked at Saito.

What, do you want to fight again?

Although Saito thought that, but the sea dragon turned his vision away, and swam to the other end of the rocky mountain.

Saito heaved a sigh of relief, and put Derflinger back to its sheath.

He soon realized that he was brought to a rather far place. Upon thinking about swimming his way back to Tiffania, he felt exhausted.

Saito sat at the rocky mountain, wanting to rest for a while.

At that instant, the rune markings in his hand glowed.

(Eh? Why is it glowing?)

"I'm inside the sheath."

(I know that. But it glows once I put my hand onto this rocky mountain."

Just then Saito realized that this thing he thought that was a rocky mountain had a rather strange shape.

Its circular shape was too perfectly rounded that it didn't seem like something natural. And at the center, there was a pyramid-like object growing on it.

(This... this is man-made.)

Because of the various sea organisms growing on it, Saito had not realized it, but natural rock mountains did not possess such a shape.

Saito's heart began beating rapidly, and since the rune markings on his left hand glowed when it touched it... this must be a weapon. According to the size and structure, it wasn't something from Halkgenia.

This... this is...

Saito's eyes widen, observing intently what was the object under his butt.

It's length was around a 100 meters, and it's shape was something like a cigar, and it's face was bulging.

Boat?

No... That's not it...

(This is a submarine...)

A weapon in Saito's world. A present from Brimir, Gandalfr's gun.
(Brimir-san, this is probably too big for a gun...)
Just then, Saito felt something pecking his back. Turning behind, he saw a dolphin, its round eyes seemingly

apologetic. On top of the dolphin was Tiffania.

She jumped off the dolphin, and said with an expression almost in tears.

(Are you still okay?)

Saito nodded in response, then looked at the submarine. He didn't know what country was the submarine from, and what era was it from. This submarine sitting quietly at the bottom of the ocean was like a huge watch dog waiting for its owner to come.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter2

2014-01-13T04:03:53Z

Kira477: Created page with "In front of Saito and the rest, a huge water dragon appeared. Its size was far larger than what Ari sent out to fight, standing at about 15 meters tall. At first, what was th..."

In front of Saito and the rest, a huge water dragon appeared. Its size was far larger than what Ari sent out to fight, standing at about 15 meters tall.

At first, what was thought to be deep blue scales were actually dark sliver upon closer inspection. The smooth sliver scales changes into different colours depending on how strong or weak the light is.

There were two horns that looked like corals growing on its head. A few huge barnacles surrounded around the base of the horns, and between its fingers and toes were thick webbing.

"What is it?"

It could speak clear, and comprehensible human language. Saito thought about another dragon that was capable of the same thing.

"Rhyme Dragons!"

Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid, was a Rhyme Dragon known to be able to use magic and understand human language.

"Ara, I didn't expect you to know that."

Luctiana said, impressed by Saito's deduction.

"That's because my friend's familiar is a rhyme dragon."

After saying that, the water rhyme dragon known as Mother Sea laughed.

"Being able to make my descendant become a familiar, that's amazing."

Mother Sea observed them with her white eyes.

Tiffania stared at the dragon with awe, "Is that your friend?"

Mother Sea narrowed her eyes with a smile, "What a beautiful young lady, it seems that you have human and elven blood within you."

"You can tell?" Tiffania said, shocked.

Mother Sea nodded, "After living for so long, I can basically figure out most things in the world. But not even I can understand what you're up to. That's because you're too casual."

"Then I'll be direct. I hope that you can let us temporarily hide here."

"Ara ara! You rascal! What trouble have you gotten yourself into again? Did you take your elder's book or objects without permission?"

"Of course not. I'm not a kid anymore."

Mother Sea turned to Luctiana, "But you must have taken away something, am I right?"

"Yes, it's them."

Luctiana pointed at Saito and Tiffania. Thus, Mother Sea reared her head to take a closer look at them, scaring Tiffania as she jumped behind Saito.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to eat you."

After a while, Mother Sea said.

"It seems that the both of you are not ordinary humans."

Luctiana said smugly, "They are the Devil's offsprings!"

Mother Sea remained silent as she kept her gaze on them.

Saito became nervous. Would this dragon say something like 'This horrible devil!' before eating him.

However, Mother Sea only said one thing.

"Welcome."

"You don't hate us?" Tiffania said.

Mother Sea nodded, "I know what your ancestors did to this land, and I probably also know what you're up to."

"Even though you live in this cave filled with the smell of seawater, why do you know so much?" Luctiana said.

After hearing that, Mother Sea took a deep breath. It seems that she was laughing.

"Because I've heard about the Devil from my Grandmother, and even if I'm living in such a cave, after experiencing so much, I naturally can understand a lot of things.

"Your grandmother told you about the things that happened 6000 years ago?"

"Yes, at that time, my grandmother herself was just a little girl."

My god... those dragons have such long lives. Saito looked at the water rhyme dragon in front of him, his heart sighing with emotion. If that idiotic Sylphid were to live for a thousand years more, would she be able to give off such an aura...?

"But I don't hate you, offsprings of the Devil."

After saying that, she stuck her nose closer to Tiffania. Tiffania slowly reached out a hand, and touched the tip of her nose.

Mother Sea seemed to be narrowing her eyes with a comfortable look.

"As expected of a Rhyme Dragon, the level of your understanding far surpass those elders at the committee."

Mother Sea nodded in response to Luctiana.

"I'm different from you elves. We're a race heading towards extinction, and we've already determined that whatever happens in this world is God's will. Whether we're heading towards extinction, or welcoming new guests... even if it's that great disaster, there's no difference."

"Huh! It just seems like you've given up on everything." Luctiana said.

"Haha, long-eared miss, my little girl, do you wish for me to hate the Devil? Or do you want me to stand on their side?

"Neither side is in the right. Anyway, I just need a place to hide, this is my first objective, and there's another one..."

Luctiana said the crucial phrase without beating about the bush.

"We want to take a look at the Devil's Door."

"Shouldn't you elves know more about this than me?"

"Only a small amount of elves knows about the details. But you should know where it is, right? After all, you're the living dictionary around here."

"Yes, I'm knowledgable, but my knowledge is not impeccable."

Saito and Tiffania were disappointed.

"Hey Luctiana, this is different from what you've said."

"What? It's not like I said that this is a 100% thing. Anyway, Mother Sea, do you know who else other than the elves knows about the location of the Devil's Door?"

"No idea. I don't interact much nowadays."

"What a useless ancient species!"

"What useless? Haven't you forgotten about my kindness towards you?"

Mother Sea stood up.

"You can stay here for now, as long as you want, but the air here might be too much for you to bear."

After saying that, loud footsteps sounded as Mother Sea went back to the depths of the cave.

Saito and the rest collected dry seaweed scattered around the area, and used it for fire to keep warm, and roasted fish, shellfish and other types of seafood that the dolphins had caught for food. Although the strong sea smell inside the cave was rather troubling, but they got used to it after a while. Humans can get used to anything. This was what Saito always believed in for a long time.

After resting for some time like that, Luctiana suddenly said.

"Okay..."

"What good ideas do you have now?" Saito said while chewing on a shellfish.

"Just go to sleep!"

"Hey! Long ear! What do we do next?"

"You ask me, but what can we do anyway? After all, Mother Sea said she doesn't know~"

"... Honestly, we clearly don't have time to relax like this."

After hearing that, Luctiana narrowed her eyes with a smile towards Saito.

"If you're too bored, why don't you continue what happened yesterday?"

Tiffania spat her fish out, "Wh-Wh-What!"

Saito's face went red, not knowing what to do.

"All you have to do is to continue kissing like yesterday, no?"

"You saw it?"

"You two are so daring, despite me sleeping beside you two, and that the boat is mine. As expected, barbarians have no idea of shame." Luctiana said bluntly as she stretched her hands.

"Stop being a peeping tom okay!"

"Huh? What are you talking about? The boat is so small, you can't consider that as peeping?"

"I saw it too."

Tiffania fainted when she heard Derflinger saying that as well.

"Aiya aiya... And I thought I was sure what kind of a person my partner was, but this time you really went too far. If that pink-haired girl were to know about this, even if you have nine lives, I doubt that would be enough."

"Id-Idiot! That's just an expression of our friendship or something... how should I say it..."

"Oh~ So barbarians do such a thing to friends? Oh[[User:Kira477|Kira477]] ([[User talk:Kira477|talk]])"

Just then, Tiffania sat up, and shook her head wildly.

"It's... It's all my fault! Not Saito."

"Then may I ask why did you do that?"

For some reason, Derflinger purposely asked in a special manner like interviewing someone.

"Because once I looked at Saito's face, I don't know why, but a strange feeling poured out from my heart! That's why I'm unable to control myself!"

"It means that you've fallen for him, my partner is a man who has greatly sinned."

"I really don't understand why myself!"

Tiffania covered her face in shame, but Derflinger continued.

"I say, what do you plan on accomplishing by being such a womanizer?"

Saito said, "I'm not a womanizer! Then again, this is not the time to say such crap! Honestly, just where the hell is that Holy Land..."

"It's the Devil's Door, it's not some Holy Land, or some divine place."

"Whatever, it's the same anyway... Ah!"

Saito pulled out the sword on his waist.

"Hey! Derfli! Didn't you say that you've remembered everything already, right? Then you should know where is the location of the Holy Land."

"You mean that? The place where Brimir was headed for using the Teleportation Gate right? I think I remember."

"Eh eh eh eh eh! Why didn't you say so earlier?!"

"But, there's a problem."

"What problem? Okay, everybody get ready! We're ready to move on!"

"It should be somewhere around a desert? Or the sea? Anyway, compared to last time, the geology has changed alot, so even I can't be sure of the exact location."

"What the hell..."

Saito knelt on both knees, disappointed.

"Then how does the place look like?" Tiffania asked.

"Err... anyway, it's a desert, and there's a large pile of boulders around the area as well."

"We can find such a place everywhere." Luctiana said, troubled.

"You've lived 6000 years for nothing. Don't make us all excited for nothing!"

"But Luctiana, you said that the place is protected by the elves right? Is there a rocky place that fits this condition?"

Luctiana stretched her hands outwards, "They can't openly send people to guard the area. This is the committee's responsibility after all. I dare say that even though there may be nothing to that place, but it's actually extremely well-guarded."

Luctiana laid on the dried seaweed she had spreaded out on the ground.

"What are you doing?"

"Since I'm full, then let's sleep."

"Don't fool around, what do we do next?"

"How would I know? Anyway, maybe we might think of something good after we wake up."
Luctiana went into her dreamland after saying that, leaving only Saito and Tiffania who could only look at each other.

They had no choice but to follow Luctiana and sleep.

Just like that, they spent three days doing nothing. Since they didn't know anything about the exact location of the Holy Land, there was nothing they could do about it. Although Saito suggested that they head out to the outside world to collect information, but Luctiana rejected the idea, saying that they would only end up being captured immediately.

Then again, most elves didn't have the information that they wanted. Being an enemy, it was futile even if they tried.

Returning to Halkegenia wasn't possible as well. After all, this place is so isolated that Luctiana would not offer them a boat just to let them return. Even if they succeeded, to bring Tiffania across the desert from there was impossible.
Also, Saito had already promised Luctiana that he wouldn't run away. He couldn't possibly abandon her after what she had done for them.

Even so, staying in such a cave doing nothing for the whole day made Saito restless . After all, with the situation being so urgent, the agitation from being able to do nothing made him unable to sit still.

The dolphins would help gather food for them while drinking rainwater for survival. Thanks to Luctiana's magic, the rainwater didn't taste so bad.

Saito said to Luctiana, "Even if we stay here, we'll be found out eventually, right?"

"The tidal currents of the ocean around is very complicated, so even the elves wouldn't dare to approach it so easily. No, because there are occasional storms as well, so the correct way of saying would be that it's impossible to approach. We are the same as well. If it wasn't for the dolphins, we could not have made it this far."

Luctiana kept emphasizing that there's no problem because this is a special place.

"Of course, I'm also thinking about our next move," Luctiana said, "But I still can't think of anything. I think the best thing we can do now is to lie low. Maybe a good idea might just appear after some time."

Because there was nothing to do, Saito often went swimming. He felt that if he didn't move his body, he would feel strangely depressed.

The current season should be near the end of summer, but the water here was warm like the waters in tropical areas. Luctiana said that this is thanks to the power of the spirits, and she also mentioned that the power around this area was rather strong, and so this is why the ancient dragon Mother Sea decided to make this her home.

Or maybe its like this? The ocean here was like a treasure vault for the living organisms here. All kinds of corals were attached to the rock pillars that stretched upwards. Many different fishes in various colours were swimming leisurely around it. In the midst, large stingrays could also be seen as well. Those fishes seem to have never seen humans before. Even if Saito approached them, they didn't run away.

Because Tiffania could not swim, so Saito offered to teach her how to swim. In the beginning, she was swimming together with Saito. Although it was partly due to Luctiana's underwater breathing spell, but Tiffana was a fast learner, and soon she was able to freely swim about alone. It seems that she had some affinity with water.

Swimming about the ocean that was illuminated blue by the sunlight, Tiffania seemed like an incarnation of a mermaid. Her swimming style was free and casual as she shuttled through the ocean.

The sleeveless tank top on Tiffania swaying according the currents made one can't help but fantasize. Saito can't help but think that although she looked like a mermaid, but it wasn't possible to find a mermaid with a chest as large as hers.

That day, Tiffania and Saito were freely swimming about when she leaned towards him, and smiled, pointing at the bottom of the ocean.

(Do you want to take a look?)

Saito nodded. The depth of the water was around 20 meters, under the sunlight, even the bottom could be seen clearly.

Tiffania grabbed Saito's hand, and pushed herself forward. Luctiana's dolphin followed behind the two, as if they were protecting them.

At the bottom of the ocean, they descended into a garden full of corals. A large amount of corals were spreading out in all directions, fighting for more space. It was an impressive scene.

In between the corals, colourful fishes could be seen swimming through the corals like butterflies. Upon looking at such a scene, one can't help but think that whatever holy war or Halkgenia's crisis was just a dream.

Just then, Tiffania seemed to have found something in between the corals. It was a large, colourful prawn.
She reached out a hand and grabbed it.

(This is today's lunch!) Tiffania moved her lips, conveying a wordless message.

Saito, who didn't want to lose to her, started searching for food as well in between the corals. Not long after, he found a blue conch, and grabbed it immediately.

Tiffania smiled as she watched Saito.

She felt that the times they spent together swimming about in the ocean peacefully were something worth cherishing.

-Wouldn't it be good if we could stay like this forever?

If only she could make Saito forget all about the Holy War and Halkgenia's crisis, and live with him here peacefully.
Tiffania felt ashamed at having such thoughts. After all, everyone was surely worried about them.

Just then, Saito began struggling after he put his hand inside the corals. She quickly swam over.

(Saito, are you still okay?)

When Tiffania put her hand onto Saito's shoulder, he suddenly fell backwards, causing Tiffania to spin around. Looking closer, it was actually a crab that had clamped onto Saito's fingers.

Tiffania could not help but laugh. Saito laughed as well. At the same time, they realized that their faces were very close to each other.

Her face slowly grew red. She lowered her head. Although Tiffania did such a daring thing last night, but at such a bright place, she didn't know what to do.

Saito seemed to be the same as her. His face was red as he rubbed his nose embarrassingly. Upon seeing Saito being like that, Tiffania felt a feeling expanding outwards at a fast rate within her heart.

-What is it about things being okay once I get courage, it's actually just an excuse.

Tiffania realized that what she wanted wasn't courage, but for Saito to hug her tightly, whisper sweet-nothings beside her ears, and kiss him passionately.

This instinctive feeling within her heart made Tiffania almost wanted to cry.

Seeing how sad Tiffania became, Saito was momentarily taken aback.

Is this... all my fault?

Ever since that night when the both kissed, Saito has been trying to maintain their relationship as being friends. He thought that was Tiffania probably confused at the moment, so that's why she thought that even a person like him wasn't so bad.

Anyway, I've sworn that I'll never do anything that would make Louise sad. No matter how attractive Tiffania is, he cannot waver.

Saito wanted to say something to change the subject, but it was hard to speak underwater. Even if they rely on sign language to communicate, there was a limit to it. In the end, the both could only stare at each other.

Tiffania could be said to be a perfect girl. Just by looking at her blue eyes with the corners slightly bent downwards, one can't help but have a strong urge to protect her. Also, with a seemingly sad feeling evoked by her eyes, the thought to protect her grew even stronger.

Saito caressed her hair, as if to cool himself down from feeling like that. In the end, Tiffania closed her eyes determinedly, lifted her head and puckered her lips.

Saito felt a magnet attracting him to her lips, but he perserved. So, Tiffania opened her eyes, and she blushed even redder, realizing what she did just now. It seems that it was something she did instinctively. Saito felt that Tiffania looked even more sympathetic and cute, and his heart felt even more touched. Saito felt that this was simply a form of torture.

Just then, Derflinger's voice sounded within Saito's mind, and this finally ended the tension between the two.
"Partner. There's something approaching us."

Saito turned and observed his surroundings, shocked to see shadows of a group of huge fishes gradually approaching.

Tiffania was shocked as well, and she turned to look at Saito. However, those shadows were already above Saito's and Tiffania's head.

He felt a chill running up his spine.

(Sharks!)

The size and shape of the fishes above looked rather similar to the sharks found on Earth. The difference is that there was a bulge on their head. There were at least 10 of them.

Tiffania pointed at them, as if asking what was that. It seems that she had no idea what sharks were. After all, she grew up in Albion where sea was a foreign concept to her.

Since there was no time to explain, Saito pushed down Tiffania's head, wanting to lower her body. This was when she realized the sharp teeth on the sharks, and tightly held onto Saito in fear.

The ambiguous atmosphere from before had already disappeared.

The sharks began circling above their heads. If so many sharks were to treat them as food, then even if Gandalfr's power, Saito might not be able to defeat them underwater.

(Is that fish scary?)

Tiffania asked, using her hands to express her question.

Saito nodded.

(Very scary)

Not long after, one of the sharks noticed Saito and Tiffania who were hiding at the bottom of the ocean. It seems that they use their bulges to emit supersonic waves or something like that to communicate. Soon, all the sharks turned in their direction.

Saito stood in front of Tiffania, and pulled out Derflinger from his back. Although he wasn't confident with fighting that many sharks, he can only try.

Just when Saito wanted to attack the sharks first, the two dolphins shot out from the sides, and slammed into one of the sharks.

With an impact as powerful as a thunderstorm, it knocked the shark out cold in one blow. It sank to the bottom, spinning out of control.

One by one, the dolphins knocked the sharks in a similar manner.

(The dolphins... are incredible!)

Seeing how the dolphins who looked so gentle on the surface could actually be that strong surprised Saito. The rest of the sharks started to run away.

(Amazing!)

Derflinger added, "In the first place, dolphins are stronger than sharks. That's because their bodies are very soft."
(No wonder!) Saito swam forward, wanting to give the dolphins a hug.

However, there was no touching scene that occurred.

The two dolphins seemed to have noticed something approaching, turned their heads in the direction of where the sharks were, and swam away in a flash.

(What's going on?)

Saito turned towards the direction where the dolphins were looking at before running away, and jumped in fear. A gigantic creature that looked like a snake were heading in this direction.

"The sharks probably ran away because of this." Derflinger said.

(What's that?)

"A water dragon."

(The same kind as Mother Sea?)

"No, that creature is fierce and easily angered, and it's also quite dumb. However, it should be the strongest living creature near this area."

This water dragon was 10 meters long, body similar to a crocodile, and limbs similar to an eel. Rows of sharp teeth could be seen inside its slim mouth.

It stared at them with a fierce look.

(We're not food! Really, we're not food!)

Though Saito tried convincing the dragon, it was futile. As the dragon approached, Tiffania threw herself in front of Saito.

(Tiffa! What are you doing!)

Saito grabbed her shoulders, but Tiffania responded.

(I'll be bait, you quickly run while you can!)

(Don't be stupid! Hide behind me!)

Tiffania put her hand onto her sleeveless tank top, face red.

(It's okay!)

The both were desperately communicating with their hands. It appears to be something from a comedy or a talkshow. But it had nothing to do with that. First is being trapped in such a place, then swimming together to while the time away. Now there's a high chance they were about to be eaten alive.

Is there a situation as idiotic as that?

Saito held onto Derflinger, and began fighting with the water dragon. Ari's water dragon had a much more similar appearance as a dragon, as compared to this water dragon who had evolved to adapt to the sea. Its limbs had completely turned into eels, and its body was streamlined. Although there was no way it could climb to land, but it looked more like a proper water dragon seeing how it had adapted.

Thus, the greatest weapon of being a Gandalfr, mobility, was greatly limited underwater, but this was not the case for the dragon.

Without bothering to make any intimidating action, it directly opened its mouth and charged towards them.
Saito pushed Tiffania down while bending its body, avoiding the attack.

The dragon turned around, and charged forth again.

"Since you can't slash underwater, you can only stab." Derflinger said.

(I know!)

Saito jumped, turned his body horizontally downwards, and stabbed Derflinger at the middle of the dragon's eyes.
Due to his awkward posture and water resistance was like a chain limiting his movements, there was no impact in that strike. His blade slipped off the tough scales of the dragon.

The water dragon slammed its tail onto Saito.

"Ugh!"

It started circling Saito.

"If this goes on, I have a bad feeling about this..." Derflinger said.

(If we were at land, this bastard would be a piece of cake...)

"Unfortunately, we're underwater!"

Just then, Saito felt his leg being pulled. He lowered his head to see Tiffania with a super serious expression.
(Tiffa?)

Tiffania reached inside her tank top, and pulled it outwards. From Saito's angle looking downwards, he could see this two dangerous melon in full view.

Saito felt a rusty metal smell spreading from his nose. Although Tiffania's red was completely red, but her face remained serious, and said to Saito.

(My everything, for you.)

Those words expressed through body language and mouth movements, burned inside Saito's mind.

Something was boiling within Saito's heart.

She said... for me?

Can I?

Of course not.

But being alive is great. Saito thought.

Just like a demon...

The very definition of beautiful.

A chest larger than anyone, and because of her slim figure, it was impossible to hide that fact. Even with such a figure, her character was kind and gentle, like a fantasy come true.

Even if you were to consider all the girls from Earth and Halkgenia, Tiffania is probably the perfect girl alive.
This girl said she liked me.

And she wanted to give everything to me.

Of course I can't accept that. Be-Because I already have Louise. Because of Louise, I don't have a choice! But... but...

Anyway, I'm the most luckiest man in the universe.

Now is not the time to be controlled by that sea bug.

(How can I die!)

Saito muttered to himself.

The sea dragon opened it's mouth, and charged forth. With an excited yet calm emotion, Saito carefully observed its movements.

Just when he was about to be swallowed, he pushed his body downwards together with Derflinger, the blade stabbing into the dragon's lower jaw in that downward motion. The impact of the stab was greatly enhanced thanks to the force created by the dragon charging forth.

(I did it!)

However, happiness only lasted for a short while.

(I can't pull it out!)

Because it was so deep inside, Saito could not pull Derflinger out. The sea dragon trashed about in pain, swinging Saito who was holding onto Derflinger left and right.

It began to swam away.

(Hey! Where's this guy going?)

"Partner, I have a request."

(What?)

"Don't ever let go. It would be pathetic if I have to live the rest of my life stuck to that creature."

As the ocean was extremely large, if Saito were to let go, it would be impossible to see Derflinger again .

(I know that!)

The sea dragon swam towards the direction it originally appeared from while struggling. Saito strengthened his grip on Derflinger. If he didn't grip it properly, he would be easily shook away.

Saito and Derflinger moved together with the dragon for about 10 minutes. During this time, Saito kept trying to pull Derflinger out, but the tough scales clamped onto the blade made it futile. No matter how much strength he poured into pulling the blade, because the dragon was still swimming, creating a forward resistance, Saito could not use his full strength.

"That's troublesome. Just where the hell is that guy swimming to."

(How would I know?! I just can't seem to pull you out!)

"That's because you've stabbed too deep inside."

(You should try to control yourself!)

"You should know I can't move at all."

The corals grew lesser, and sand began appearing at the bottom of the ocean. Under the sunlight, the sand reflected a pale blue glow. Not long after, Saito saw a rock mountain on the other end of the sand.

"It seems that it's heading for that mountain."

(Is that the guy's nest?)

Barnacles, sponges and other unknown sea organisms grew on that rocky mountain. Around it, big and small colourful fishes were swimming about. Within this underwater desert, it seems that this was a condominium for them.

Since the swimming speed of the sea dragon reduced, Saito pushed his foot against the dragon and managed to pull Derflinger out.

After pulling it out, the sea dragon turned back and looked at Saito.

What, do you want to fight again?

Although Saito thought that, but the sea dragon turned his vision away, and swam to the other end of the rocky mountain.

Saito heaved a sigh of relief, and put Derflinger back to its sheath.

He soon realized that he was brought to a rather far place. Upon thinking about swimming his way back to Tiffania, he felt exhausted.

Saito sat at the rocky mountain, wanting to rest for a while.

At that instant, the rune markings in his hand glowed.

(Eh? Why is it glowing?)

"I'm inside the sheath."

(I know that. But it glows once I put my hand onto this rocky mountain."

Just then Saito realized that this thing he thought that was a rocky mountain had a rather strange shape.

Its circular shape was too perfectly rounded that it didn't seem like something natural. And at the center, there was a pyramid-like object growing on it.

(This... this is man-made.)

Because of the various sea organisms growing on it, Saito had not realized it, but natural rock mountains did not possess such a shape.

Saito's heart began beating rapidly, and since the rune markings on his left hand glowed when it touched it... this must be a weapon. According to the size and structure, it wasn't something from Halkgenia.

This... this is...

Saito's eyes widen, observing intently what was the object under his butt.

It's length was around a 100 meters, and it's shape was something like a cigar, and it's face was bulging.

Boat?

No... That's not it...

(This is a submarine...)

A weapon in Saito's world. A present from Brimir, Gandalfr's gun.
(Brimir-san, this is probably too big for a gun...)
Just then, Saito felt something pecking his back. Turning behind, he saw a dolphin, its round eyes seemingly

apologetic. On top of the dolphin was Tiffania.

She jumped off the dolphin, and said with an expression almost in tears.

(Are you still okay?)

Saito nodded in response, then looked at the submarine. He didn't know what country was the submarine from, and what era was it from. This submarine sitting quietly at the bottom of the ocean was like a huge watch dog waiting for its owner to come.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1

2014-01-12T10:05:50Z

Kira477:

After escaping from Adil, the capital of Nephthys, Saito and the rest continued on with their journey in a small boat towed by a dolphin.

Saito and Tiffania , who were imprisoned by the elves, was nearly forced to drink a mind impairment medicine. Fortunately, Luctiana saved them in the nick of time. Along the way, Luctiana's fiancee, Ari attacked them. But thanks to a revived Derflinger, they managed to escape.

At the small boat, Saito and Derflinger, whose consciousness had transferred onto one of Saito's favourite katana, began talking about a lot of things.

Ever since they fought the Elemental Siblings, and the night after Derflinger got destroyed.

Surprisingly, Derflinger knew all about this. And whenever this was bought up, he would just reply with 'At that time...'. As long as it's related to the elves, Derflinger would remain slient.

——Sasha, who was the Gandalfr killed her master Birmir.

After abruptly said that, no matter how Saito tried, Derflinger refused to explain what happened.

Rather, he kept on beating around the bush, as if escaping from some deep sadness.

Evening came, and Derflinger stopped making jokes, shutting his mouth, keeping silent. Luctiana was already asleep, and made deep snoring noises.

The moonlight scattered onto the surface of the sea. The gentle, rippling waves reflected a sliver glow.

Tiffania watched the beautiful scene in front of her, and muttered.

"It looks like a field made from light."

"Yeah."

"What will happen to us after that?"

Tiffania, who was wearing loose elven clothing, said in a low voice.

"First, we have to find the Holy Land, and completely make sure what is there. Then, we'll bring all those information to Louise."

Saito said while looking at Luctiana.

"Although I feel bad doing this to her, but I feel that this is what we should be doing."

Tiffania stared at Saito for some time. Then, she hugged her knees with both hands, and buried her chin underneath.

"Saito, you're incredible."

"Eh? Why?"

"Because if even you're faced with such a situation, you're still so sure of what you must do. As for me, I can't. I would be so scared until my mind completely shuts down."

After saying that, she lowered her head, closing her eyes. It seems that she had fallen into depression again.

"That's because Tiffa you're a girl. I'm sure you'd be at a loss when it comes to this."

"But Louise and Queen Henrietta are both girls as well. Why is that I can't gather up my courage during those crucial moments? Even yesterday, I was so paralysed with fear that I couldn't do anything to help."

"It's not like you did nothing at all. If it wasn't for you, I..."

During his fight with the water dragon yesterday, after seeing Tiffania's chest which could be considered as evil and revolutionary. He quickly pinched his nose. Honestly, he felt that this wasn't what he should be seeing. It's not just only big... how should it be phrased? Tiffania's breast also possessed an incredible sense of balance. On her slim waist, if bigger breasts were to be placed, it would become something like from a manga doujinshi. Because it had kept to that delicate standard, that's why it was scary, and that's why it was firmly imprinted in his mind, unable to forget.

"Am I only worth that much?" Tiffania said.

After hearing that, Saito snapped out of his thoughts.

"No... it's not like that!"

"It's okay, I understand."

Tiffania smiled.

"Saito, why are you always that strong? Being able to battle calmly. And you can also understand what are the things that you should be doing?"

Tiffania asked in a serious tone. Saito held his chin with a hand, and began to think about it in detail.

"I'm actually not calm at all."

"No, I think even Saito you also will be scared at times, but you always fight seriously each time. Even though this isn't even your own world..."

Saito slightly raised his head, staring into the distance. The sea lit up by the moonlight had an aura of mystery around it, unlike during the day.

"I think, it's because I have somebody that I like."

"You mean Louise?"

Saito nodded.

"I don't want to see her troubled, and her world can also be considered as my world as well. If it's for the sake of protecting her world, then I'd even give up my life for that. Although I'll be trembling with fear, but I'd still go on anyway. Otherwise, I think I would've run away."*

"Oh..." Tiffania, who seemed to have understood, nodded her head. "So am I scared because I don't have anybody that I like?"

"No... I think that everyone doesn't need the same reason to fight. It's just that I'm fighting for that reason."

"If I were to find someone that I like someday, will I be able to be as brave as you?"

"I feel that... you're okay just the way you are right now."*

Saito said that in an attempt to console Tiffania.

"For me, I think that even when I possess a power that nobody has, even when they are things that only I can do it, but I chose to ran away, this is definitely just cowardly and weak."

Saito kept silent, because that's what he thought as well.

"Tiffa, you didn't run away right?"

"It's the same. I can't do anything, I can only tremble. Yeah... someone I like... how do I know if the other party is the person I like?"

"Err... First, when you're with him, your heartbeat will accelerate."

"Okay, then?"

"And you'd have the urge to hug him."

"Okay, and then?"

"When you hug him, you'd feel like staying like this forever."

Tiffania grabbed both ears, squeezing her eyes shut.

"... Then, isn't that person you?"

"Eh? Eh?! Eh?! Eh?! Eh?! Eh?!"

A flustered Saito looked at her. She looked at Saito with a cute expression that looked like she was about to cry.

"That's because my heartbeat accelerates when I'm beside you."

"Th-That's only because your emotions are unstable."

"And... and... and also..."

Tiffania shook her head. Her face burnt bright red with embarrassment. Because this mixed-blood elven with an extraordinary chest was doing such a thing beside him, Saito felt that he was losing control over himself to his evil thoughts.

"Even if you look at it, I'm not that disgusted."

"You... You said that before, right? Really?"

"Yes... At first, I thought that it was because my brain was in a mess, but after thinking about it calmly, the answer is still the same. Although my heart would thump wildly, but I don't feel disgusted.

Because Tiffania said this kind of things right beside Saito, he also felt his mind gradually boiling.

"Then... then that's one step before liking someone, right?"

"What's the difference between really liking someone then?"

"Err... the difference is that... I think there's no difference at all."

After saying that, Saito realized something was wrong. But, he's still unable to lie.

"So there's no difference?"

"It might be so."

"..."

Tiffania put her hand to her chest, and sighed.

"Then it means that I really like you then. Then... then what should I do? The person you like is Louise, right?"

"Err..."

"Then it must be a mistake to like you. I'm really a bad girl. I actually ended up liking a friend's lover. Mother Nature and God will definitely not forgive such a behaviour."

Saito panicked.

"There's no such thing! It's impossible to control your feelings when it comes to this. This is actually the will of Mother Nature and God."

Saito realized that he said the wrong thing. But he couldn't find another way to say it. After all, there's no such rule that it's a mistake to like someone.

"But it's impossible for Louise to accept this, and Saito you also don't like me, right? Then what should I do with my feelings then?

Seeing Tiffania being like that, Saito felt conflicted. It's not that he didn't like Tiffania, and there's no other girl in this world as attractive as her, but he can't acknowledge this feeling because he had already promised that he would never do anything that would make Louise sad. Saito thought about that time with Henrietta, and shook his head mentally.

However, it would be a lie to say he didn't like Tiffania. After all, like means like. Tiffania is just that attractive, and there's a irresistible, instinctive feeling within him towards her; something feels wrong with denying that feeling.

If that's the case, there's only one way left. I have to make Tiffania lose all her feelings towards me. I must make her feel that Hiraga Saito is actually an incorrigible bastard.

"I say, Tiffa."

"What is it?"

"I have something to tell you."

"Yes?"

Saito clenched his fist, squeezing his words out seemingly in pain with a low voice.

"I... I'm actually a pervert."

Tiffania stared at Saito for a moment, before bursting into laughter.

"I'm serious! I'm totally an out and out pervert! Anyway, it's more like I have a special obsession with clothes and mood... how should I say it."

"Thanks, you're so nice to me."

"Eh?"

"You were hoping that I'd hate you, so you said that right?"

Looking at Tiffania's gaze, Saito felt ashamed.

"Not really... the second part is true though... but whether or not you consider that as pervertic will depend on your personal opinion."

"I'm really okay. I just feel better after letting everything go. I will work hard. Even though I might like you, no, I think I most probably really like you, but this feeling and my mission is still two different thing after all."

"Tiffa."

Saito had tears in his eyes, staring at Tiffania. On one hand, he was touched by Tiffania's strong will, so he felt that habouring evil thoughts about Tiffania's chest was shameful; at the same time, he instinctively retorted that her chest was simply too incredible, so it was not his fault. In the end he realized that he was simply too shameful to come up with this warped reasoning.

When he came to his senses, he was already holding Tiffania's hand.

"Woah!"

Just then, the boat shook after passing through a wave. Saito almost fell to the ground completely flat, and naturally pulled Tiffania down as well.

"..."

Tiffania's burning red face was even more alluring under the moonlight.

She stared at Saito. That blue, teary eyes almost made Saito forgot to breathe.

The twin moon hid inside the cloud, and darkness fell upon them. It made one's hearing even sharper. The sound of the boat moving through the waves could be heard clearly.

Saito suddenly felt a warm breath on his face, then he felt a something soft on his lips, and his hair was being gently caressed. This was when Saito realized what he was doing with Tiffania.

During this period, Tiffania said nothing.

When the twin moon reappeared from the clouds, Tiffania pulled herself away. When light returned to the surroundings, she had already recovered into her original position, staring at the ocean.

"Tiffa." Saito said in a low voice.

"It's just your imagination." Tiffania said with a seemingly satisfied look.

"I don't think that's my imagination."

"When the moon isn't looking, you're just dreaming. Though short, but I'm okay after the dream is over. Don't worry, I will work hard."

Saito nodded, and looked at the other end of the ocean. The vast ocean in front of him seemed to be silently watching over them. Thus, Saito also thought about working hard as well. For himself, for Louise, for everybody... and for this mixed-blood elf who was looking at the ocean as well.

The blinding sunlight woke Saito up. Seeing Tiffania in a deep sleep beside him with an innocent face, he thought about what happened yesterday. Saito can't help but blush. Then again, she already specially said that he was dreaming, so Saito had to do his best to act like nothing happened.

Soon after, Tiffania awoke as well.

"Good morning."

She said in a cheerful voice, as if nothing happened yesterday night.

"Good morning."

Saito smiled, and Tiffania smiled back as well.

He wanted to say something, but felt that saying nothing would be better. Thus, he turned towards the ocean. A few bumps could be seen, greatly surprising Saito.

"What the hell is that!"

Luctiana said while controlling the dolphin who was towing the boat.

"Oh, the both of you are already awake? This is an island known as the Dragon Nest."

"Island? Doesn't look like one to me!"

What was in front was so strange that it could not considered to be an island. It looked more like distorted tentacles made of large boulders appearing through the ocean's surface.

Each tentacle was as long as 10 meters, spreading out in all direction.

"Your friend lives here?" Tiffania asked.

Luctiana nodded, "Yeah."

"Doesn't look like any humans or elves are living here?"

"Of course, even elves can't live in such a place."

"Then who's the friend you're talking about?"

Luctiana smiled slyly, "You'll know when we get there."

Saito had a doubtful look in his eyes, "This smile really makes me uncomfortable."

Then, Derflinger who was on Saito's waist cut in.

"It might be a scary monster."

"Eh..."

Fear gripped Tiffania upon hearing that.

"It's extremely huge, and there's four or five blue, sparkling eyes."

"Mr Sword, please don't say anymore..."

She pouted, showing an troubled expression.

"And it has 10 times more tentacles than an octopus. It'd reach out and grab you in an instant."

"Ah..."

"Hey! Derfli! Stop that! Can't you see that Tiffa is extremely scared right now!"

"It's okay~ Even if this were to happen, my partner will protect you."

"Yeah, th-that's right."

Tiffania heaved a sigh of relief, and looked at Saito.

"Relax, my partner is very capable. No matter what monster appears, as long as you show him your explosive thing just for a while, then..."

Derflinger didn't manage to finish his sentence as Tiffania's grabbed his hilt, trembling. Her eyes were wide open, and her face glowed red.

"Un! Un! Un! Un!"

"I-It hurts! Stop that!"

Even so, Tiffania didn't relinquish her grip on Derflinger. As said before, Derflinger was on Saito's waist. Since the boat had a narrow space, it resulted in Tiffania pressing her body against Saito. Thus, those two logic defying melons kept on rubbing against Saito's arms and back.

Is this some kind of a punishment? Saito, who was about to cry, thought.

——Someone tell me, what exactly did I do wrong!

——Does God have a grudge against me or something?

It must be like that. Otherwise, why would this indecent thought inducing melons come and rub against my arms and my back?! Because... because this isn't something I can touch... it's a unreachable horizon... but now such a thing is now pressing on me, this could only mean...

——That this a divine punishment.

Saito looked up at the sky, muttering to himself.

"Saito, what's wrong with you?"

Because Saito with his face pale was muttering something about this is divine punishment, I'm the fallen angel Lucifer abandoned by God, my body will be completely burn into ashes by the flames of lust, Tiffania became worried.

"It's your fault, you know?" Derflinger said.

"Eh, me?" Tiffania said.

"Yes. That's because you've let him seen that thing."

"Th-That's because it's Mr Sword you who asked me to show him that!"

"I never thought that you'd really show him. Anyway it's not about the process, but the result. Also, I have a name, so... Hey! Wait! Wait a moment!"

Tiffania's eyes burned with a rare flash of anger, pulled out Derflinger and sliced the ocean wildly.

"Stop it, I will rust! I will rust!"

Even so, Tiffania still silently allowed Derflinger to enjoy the sensation of being bathed in seawater. Looking at the situation in front of her, Luctiana said in an disapproving tone.

"What do you take my friend for? You guys really have no manners."

Saito said, "Then be honest with us! It makes me really bothered! You've already brought us out to such an isolated place, what's there to hide?"

After hearing that, Luctiana shook her head and smiled.

"Just as I thought, it'd be better if I tell you once we reach there."

"What do you mean by that?!"

"Because you guys are interesting. Barbarians are really strange and fun to play with."

"These waters are rather special, that's why I said I'd rust, miss!" Derflinger shouted, like being tortured by something.

Saito said unhappily, "Didn't I say that before, I'm not some barbarian. What about you? Long-eared bastard."

The sea was peaceful, the surface sparkled brilliantly like a mirror reflecting the scorching sunlight.

"There was once a huge volcanic island which went dormant around this area, that means we are now above the vent now."

"Oh, no wonder the ocean is so calm." Saito said.

After hearing that, Luctiana opened her eyes wide.

"You're knowledgeable about the ocean as well?"

"No... actually I'm not so sure, it's just something I've learned in school."

"Yeah, you said that you were from another world.... Oh~ So there are schools over there."

"Of course."

After weaving through the tentacle-shaped boulders, an extremely large towering boulder appeared in front of them. Luctiana ordered the dolphin to stop.

"We're here."

"Huh? Here? Isn't here still in the middle of the sea?"

Because Luctiana mentioned a friend, Saito thought that the other party would be living at an island or something.

Derflinger said, "Didn't I mention before, it's a octopus-like monster, right? It'd surely grab this mixed-blood elf, and then rub its tentacle all over her. But at that instant when my partner looks at that terrifying chest, he will be all fired up.... Aha! Haha! Waha!"

Luctiana could not be bothered to clarify. "We can only enter through the ocean."

"Huh? Means we have to dive into the ocean? How?"

"Honestly... You guys have so many opinions. You at least know how to swim?"

"Err... yeah."

Saito observed the ocean. Although he knew how to swim, but diving was another matter, and he also never tried diving underwater directly. Saito looked at Tiffania, who shook her head.

"I was born in Albion, so I've never touched the ocean before!"

"... It can't be helped then."

Luctiana closed her eyes, used her hand to scoop up seawater, and muttered a spell.

"Water... Water who governs the body."

The water in her hand glowed.

"Drink this."

Saito and Tiffania bent down, and drank the seawater. A strong, salty taste attacked their taste buds.

"Then?"

"Now you can breathe underwater, except that there's a time limit."

Derflinger said, "Hey! Add some magic to me as well! This body rusts easily!"

"Yet another troublesome fellow."

Luctiana muttered a spell, and Derflinger's body glowed red.

"Now even if you touch the water, there should be no problem."

After saying that, Luctiana took off her clothes, leaving behind only her underclothing. Her slender body was exposed under the sunlight, and with a splash, she jumped inside the ocean.

"Hurry up, the underwater breathing spell won't last for long."

Tiffania worriedly looked at Saito.

Saito shook his head, and stripped off his clothes, leaving behind his underwear.

Seeing that, Tiffania seemed to have made her decision, and gently stripped off her clothes as well. Left with only spaghetti-strap top, she's no longer someone who could be described as bewitching.

Saito averted his gaze away. Just thinking that "that" without being covered by anything almost made him went crazy. Thus, he kept thinking about Louise's naked body. However, that also had another deadly charm, so Saito's troubles expanded infinitely. In the end, Luctiana gave him a good, harsh beating.

"Didn't I tell you guys to hurry up!"

Saito hurriedly jumped into the sea. However, Tiffania could not gather up her courage, and she stood at the boat staring at the water, terrified.

He reached a hand out, "Don't be scared. I'm here."

After hearing that, Tiffania nodded, and jumped into the water. Saito grabbed her hand, and together they dived inside.

Although near the surface, it was bright as the sunlight could still enter through the water, but a deep, and vast darkness awaits them at the bottom.

Just how deep? Tiffania seemed to have felt the same fear, and held Saito's hand tightly. Saito used his right hand and grabbed Derflinger's hilt, so his body immediately became lighter, and power was continously pouring into him. However, there seem to be no need to use the power of Gandfalr.

The dolphin that was towing the boat swam beside them. Some time ago, it had already broke free of the ropes binding it to the boat. Saito looked for Luctiana, and found her grabbing onto another dolphin's back fin, waving a hand, signalling for Saito and the rest to follow her.

Saito and Tiffania grabbed the belt strapped on the dolphin beside them. It began swimming forward at full speed.

Thanks to Luctiana's spell, the both could breath underwater as well. As they breathed in seawater, it'd magicially turn into air once it reaches the throat. As compared to Tabitha's air bubble to cover the head, this was more impressive.

At first, there was a strange feeling, but they got used to it after a while.

This underwater trip was shorter than Saito expected. After swimming for a few minutes, a black pillar stretching up above appeared. Could this be one of that tentacle-looking boulder he had seen during the boat trip?

Luctiana's dolphin charged straight ahead towards the middle of the pillar.

What the hell? Don't tell me it's going to bang into that pillar?! Is that dolphin crazy? Saito rubbed his eyes nervously, and realized that there was a large opening.

It seems that Luctiana's friend was inside as the dolphin Luctiana was holding onto entered the opening. Soon after, Saito's and Tiffania's dolphin entered as well.

It was pitch black inside, yet the dolphin unhesitantly swam in a straight path. Dolphins on Earth could use supersonic waves to capture their prey, are the dolphins here the same?

Just when a confused Saito thought about this, light could be seen further ahead. It was as if the dolphins were mesmerized by the light and they swam towards it...

Pasha!

Their heads surfaced above, making a loud noise.

"This is..."

In front of their eyes was a space as huge as a theatre. A rotting seaweed-like smell attacked their nose.

"This is the interior of that pillar just now."

"So it's an empty space inside."

Now seemingly inside the interior of that huge tentacle-like pillar, the water around Saito and Tiffania was like a large well hole, and the land above was flat. Faint light covered the walls, probably from the radiating lichens growing on the walls.

Kachi...

Deep within the space, a sound of a large object moving could be heard.

Tiffania jumped, and leaned onto Saito. He also instinctively reached for Derflinger on his back.

"Don't worry."

Luctiana let go of the dolphin, held onto the rocks as she climbed towards land. Just then, a deep, yet loud sound could be heard from within the darkness.

"Who is it? How dare you disturb my sleep?"

"It's me, Mother Sea."

"Mother Sea? Oh... you long-eared rascal, my little girl, welcome."

A feeling that something huge awoke permeated the area. Heavy footsteps followed, and within the darkness, a sparkling, deep blue huge body could be seen.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1

2014-01-12T09:32:56Z

Kira477:

After escaping from Adil, the capital of Nephthys, Saito and the rest continued on with their journey in a small boat towed by a dolphin.

Saito and Tiffania , who were imprisoned by the elves, was nearly forced to drink a mind impairment medicine. Fortunately, Luctiana saved them in the nick of time. Along the way, Luctiana's fiancee, Ari attacked them. But thanks to a revived Derflinger, they managed to escape.

At the small boat, Saito and Derflinger, whose consciousness had transferred onto one of Saito's favourite katana, began talking about a lot of things.

Ever since they fought the Elemental Siblings, and the night after Derflinger got destroyed.

Surprisingly, Derflinger knew all about this. And whenever this was bought up, he would just reply with 'At that time...'. As long as it's related to the elves, Derflinger would remain slient.

——Sasha, who was the Gandalfr killed her master Birmir.

After abruptly said that, no matter how Saito tried, Derflinger refused to explain what happened.

Rather, he kept on beating around the bush, as if escaping from some deep sadness.

Evening came, and Derflinger stopped making jokes, shutting his mouth, keeping silent. Luctiana was already asleep, and made deep snoring noises.

The moonlight scattered onto the surface of the sea. The gentle, rippling waves reflected a sliver glow.

Tiffania watched the beautiful scene in front of her, and muttered.

"It looks like a field made from light."

"Yeah."

"What will happen to us after that?"

Tiffania, who was wearing loose elven clothing, said in a low voice.

"First, we have to find the Holy Land, and completely make sure what is there. Then, we'll bring all those information to Louise."

Saito said while looking at Luctiana.

"Although I feel bad doing this to her, but I feel that this is what we should be doing."

Tiffania stared at Saito for some time. Then, she hugged her knees with both hands, and buried her chin underneath.

"Saito, you're incredible."

"Eh? Why?"

"Because if even you're faced with such a situation, you're still so sure of what you must do. As for me, I can't. I would be so scared until my mind completely shuts down."

After saying that, she lowered her head, closing her eyes. It seems that she had fallen into depression again.

"That's because Tiffa you're a girl. I'm sure you'd be at a loss when it comes to this."

"But Louise and Queen Henrietta are both girls as well. Why is that I can't gather up my courage during those crucial moments? Even yesterday, I was so paralysed with fear that I couldn't do anything to help."

"It's not like you did nothing at all. If it wasn't for you, I..."

During his fight with the water dragon yesterday, after seeing Tiffania's chest which could be considered as evil and revolutionary. He quickly pinched his nose. Honestly, he felt that this wasn't what he should be seeing. It's not just only big... how should it be phrased? Tiffania's breast also possessed an incredible sense of balance. On her slim waist, if bigger breasts were to be placed, it would become something like from a manga doujinshi. Because it had kept to that delicate standard, that's why it was scary, and that's why it was firmly imprinted in his mind, unable to forget.

"Am I only worth that much?" Tiffania said.

After hearing that, Saito snapped out of his thoughts.

"No... it's not like that!"

"It's okay, I understand."

Tiffania smiled.

"Saito, why are you always that strong? Being able to battle calmly. And you can also understand what are the things that you should be doing?"

Tiffania asked in a serious tone. Saito held his chin with a hand, and began to think about it in detail.

"I'm actually not calm at all."

"No, I think even Saito you also will be scared at times, but you always fight seriously each time. Even though this isn't even your own world..."

Saito slightly raised his head, staring into the distance. The sea lit up by the moonlight had an aura of mystery around it, unlike during the day.

"I think, it's because I have somebody that I like."

"You mean Louise?"

Saito nodded.

"I don't want to see her troubled, and her world can also be considered as my world as well. If it's for the sake of protecting her world, then I'd even give up my life for that. Although I'll be trembling with fear, but I'd still go on anyway. Otherwise, I think I would've run away."*

"Oh..." Tiffania, who seemed to have understood, nodded her head. "So am I scared because I don't have anybody that I like?"

"No... I think that everyone doesn't need the same reason to fight. It's just that I'm fighting for that reason."

"If I were to find someone that I like someday, will I be able to be as brave as you?"

"I feel that... you're okay just the way you are right now."*

Saito said that in an attempt to console Tiffania.

"For me, I think that even when I possess a power that nobody has, even when they are things that only I can do it, but I chose to ran away, this is definitely just cowardly and weak."

Saito kept silent, because that's what he thought as well.

"Tiffa, you didn't run away right?"

"It's the same. I can't do anything, I can only tremble. Yeah... someone I like... how do I know if the other party is the person I like?"

"Err... First, when you're with him, your heartbeat will accelerate."

"Okay, then?"

"And you'd have the urge to hug him."

"Okay, and then?"

"When you hug him, you'd feel like staying like this forever."

Tiffania grabbed both ears, squeezing her eyes shut.

"... Then, isn't that person you?"

"Eh? Eh?! Eh?! Eh?! Eh?! Eh?!"

A flustered Saito looked at her. She looked at Saito with a cute expression that looked like she was about to cry.

"That's because my heartbeat accelerates when I'm beside you."

"Th-That's only because your emotions are unstable."

"And... and... and also..."

Tiffania shook her head. Her face burnt bright red with embarrassment. Because this mixed-blood elven with an extraordinary chest was doing such a thing beside him, Saito felt that he was losing control over himself to his evil thoughts.

"Even if you look at it, I'm not that disgusted."

"You... You said that before, right? Really?"

"Yes... At first, I thought that it was because my brain was in a mess, but after thinking about it calmly, the answer is still the same. Although my heart would thump wildly, but I don't feel disgusted.

Because Tiffania said this kind of things right beside Saito, he also felt his mind gradually boiling.

"Then... then that's one step before liking someone, right?"

"What's the difference between really liking someone then?"

"Err... the difference is that... I think there's no difference at all."

After saying that, Saito realized something was wrong. But, he's still unable to lie.

"So there's no difference?"

"It might be so."

"..."

Tiffania put her hand to her chest, and sighed.

"Then it means that I really like you then. Then... then what should I do? The person you like is Louise, right?"

"Err..."

"Then it must be a mistake to like you. I'm really a bad girl. I actually ended up liking a friend's lover. Mother Nature and God will definitely not forgive such a behaviour."

Saito panicked.

"There's no such thing! It's impossible to control your feelings when it comes to this. This is actually the will of Mother Nature and God."

Saito realized that he said the wrong thing. But he couldn't find another way to say it. After all, there's no such rule that it's a mistake to like someone.

"But it's impossible for Louise to accept this, and Saito you also don't like me, right? Then what should I do with my feelings then?

Seeing Tiffania being like that, Saito felt conflicted. It's not that he didn't like Tiffania, and there's no other girl in this world as attractive as her, but he can't acknowledge this feeling because he had already promised that he would never do anything that would make Louise sad. Saito thought about that time with Henrietta, and shook his head mentally.

However, it would be a lie to say he didn't like Tiffania. After all, like means like. Tiffania is just that attractive, and there's a irresistible, instinctive feeling within him towards her; something feels wrong with denying that feeling.

If that's the case, there's only one way left. I have to make Tiffania lose all her feelings towards me. I must make her feel that Hiraga Saito is actually an incorrigible bastard.

"I say, Tiffa."

"What is it?"

"I have something to tell you."

"Yes?"

Saito clenched his fist, squeezing his words out seemingly in pain with a low voice.

"I... I'm actually a pervert."

Tiffania stared at Saito for a moment, before bursting into laughter.

"I'm serious! I'm totally an out and out pervert! Anyway, it's more like I have a special obsession with clothes and mood... how should I say it."

"Thanks, you're so nice to me."

"Eh?"

"You were hoping that I'd hate you, so you said that right?"

Looking at Tiffania's gaze, Saito felt ashamed.

"Not really... the second part is true though... but whether or not you consider that as pervertic will depend on your personal opinion."

"I'm really okay. I just feel better after letting everything go. I will work hard. Even though I might like you, no, I think I most probably really like you, but this feeling and my mission is still two different thing after all."

"Tiffa."

Saito had tears in his eyes, staring at Tiffania. On one hand, he was touched by Tiffania's strong will, so he felt that habouring evil thoughts about Tiffania's chest was shameful; at the same time, he instinctively retorted that her chest was simply too incredible, so it was not his fault. In the end he realized that he was simply too shameful to come up with this warped reasoning.

When he came to his senses, he was already holding Tiffania's hand.

"Woah!"

Just then, the boat shook after passing through a wave. Saito almost fell to the ground completely flat, and naturally pulled Tiffania down as well.

"..."

Tiffania's burning red face was even more alluring under the moonlight.

She stared at Saito. That blue, teary eyes almost made Saito forgot to breathe.

The twin moon hid inside the cloud, and darkness fell upon them. It made one's hearing even sharper. The sound of the boat moving through the waves could be heard clearly.

Saito suddenly felt a warm breath on his face, then he felt a something soft on his lips, and his hair was being gently caressed. This was when Saito realized what he was doing with Tiffania.

During this period, Tiffania said nothing.

When the twin moon reappeared from the clouds, Tiffania pulled herself away. When light returned to the surroundings, she had already recovered into her original position, staring at the ocean.

"Tiffa." Saito said in a low voice.

"It's just your imagination." Tiffania said with a seemingly satisfied look.

"I don't think that's my imagination."

"When the moon isn't looking, you're just dreaming. Though short, but I'm okay after the dream is over. Don't worry, I will work hard."

Saito nodded, and looked at the other end of the ocean. The vast ocean in front of him seemed to be silently watching over them. Thus, Saito also thought about working hard as well. For himself, for Louise, for everybody... and for this mixed-blood elf who was looking at the ocean as well.

The blinding sunlight woke Saito up. Seeing Tiffania in a deep sleep beside him with an innocent face, he thought about what happened yesterday. Saito can't help but blush. Then again, she already specially said that he was dreaming, so Saito had to do his best to act like nothing happened.

Soon after, Tiffania awoke as well.

"Good morning."

She said in a cheerful voice, as if nothing happened yesterday night.

"Good morning."

Saito smiled, and Tiffania smiled back as well.

He wanted to say something, but felt that saying nothing would be better. Thus, he turned towards the ocean. A few bumps could be seen, greatly surprising Saito.

"What the hell is that!"

Luctiana said while controlling the dolphin who was towing the boat.

"Oh, the both of you are already awake? This is an island known as the Dragon Nest."

"Island? Doesn't look like one to me!"

What was in front was so strange that it could not considered to be an island. It looked more like distorted tentacles made of large boulders appearing through the ocean's surface.

Each tentacle was as long as 10 meters, spreading out in all direction.

"Your friend lives here?" Tiffania asked.

Luctiana nodded, "Yeah."

"Doesn't look like any humans or elves are living here?"

"Of course, even elves can't live in such a place."

"Then who's the friend you're talking about?"

Luctiana smiled slyly, "You'll know when we get there."

Saito had a doubtful look in his eyes, "This smile really makes me uncomfortable."

Then, Derflinger who was on Saito's waist cut in.

"It might be a scary monster."

"Eh..."

Fear gripped Tiffania upon hearing that.

"It's extremely huge, and there's four or five blue, sparkling eyes."

"Mr Sword, please don't say anymore..."

She pouted, showing an troubled expression.

"And it has 10 times more tentacles than an octopus. It'd reach out and grab you in an instant."

"Ah..."

"Hey! Derfli! Stop that! Can't you see that Tiffa is extremely scared right now!"

"It's okay~ Even if this were to happen, my partner will protect you."

"Yeah, th-that's right."

Tiffania heaved a sigh of relief, and looked at Saito.

"Relax, my partner is very capable. No matter what monster appears, as long as you show him your explosive thing just for a while, then..."

Derflinger didn't manage to finish his sentence as Tiffania's grabbed his hilt, trembling. Her eyes were wide open, and her face glowed red.

"Un! Un! Un! Un!"

"I-It hurts! Stop that!"

Even so, Tiffania didn't relinquish her grip on Derflinger. As said before, Derflinger was on Saito's waist. Since the boat had a narrow space, it resulted in Tiffania pressing her body against Saito. Thus, those two logic defying melons kept on rubbing against Saito's arms and back.

Is this some kind of a punishment? Saito, who was about to cry, thought.

——Someone tell me, what exactly did I do wrong!

——Does God have a grudge against me or something?

It must be like that. Otherwise, why would this indecent thought inducing melons come and rub against my arms and my back?! Because... because this isn't something I can touch... it's a unreachable horizon... but now such a thing is now pressing on me, this could only mean...

——That this a divine punishment.

Saito looked up at the sky, muttering to himself.

"Saito, what's wrong with you?"

Because Saito with his face pale was muttering something about this is divine punishment, I'm the fallen angel Lucifer abandoned by God, my body will be completely burn into ashes by the flames of lust, Tiffania became worried.

"It's your fault, you know?" Derflinger said.

"Eh, me?" Tiffania said.

"Yes. That's because you've let him seen that thing."

"Th-That's because it's Mr Sword you who asked me to show him that!"

"I never thought that you'd really show him. Anyway it's not about the process, but the result. Also, I have a name, so... Hey! Wait! Wait a moment!"

Tiffania's eyes burned with a rare flash of anger, pulled out Derflinger and sliced the ocean wildly.

"Stop it, I will rust! I will rust!"

Even so, Tiffania still silently allowed Derflinger to enjoy the sensation of being bathed in seawater. Looking at the situation in front of her, Luctiana said in an disapproving tone.

"What do you take my friend for? You guys really have no manners."

Saito said, "Then be honest with us! It makes me really bothered! You've already brought us out to such an isolated place, what's there to hide?"

After hearing that, Luctiana shook her head and smiled.

"Just as I thought, it'd be better if I tell you once we reach there."

"What do you mean by that?!"

"Because you guys are interesting. Barbarians are really strange and fun to play with."

"These waters are rather special, that's why I said I'd rust, miss!" Derflinger shouted, like being tortured by something.

Saito said unhappily, "Didn't I say that before, I'm not some barbarian. What about you? Long-eared bastard."

The sea was peaceful, the surface sparkled brilliantly like a mirror reflecting the scorching sunlight.

"There was once a huge volcanic island which went dormant around this area, that means we are now above the vent now."

"Oh, no wonder the ocean is so calm." Saito said.

After hearing that, Luctiana opened her eyes wide.

"You're knowledgeable about the ocean as well?"

"No... actually I'm not so sure, it's just something I've learned in school."

"Yeah, you said that you were from another world.... Oh~ So there are schools over there."

"Of course."

After weaving through the tentacle-shaped boulders, an extremely large towering boulder appeared in front of them. Luctiana ordered the dolphin to stop.

"We're here."

"Huh? Here? Isn't here still in the middle of the sea?"

Because Luctiana mentioned a friend, Saito thought that the other party would be living at an island or something.

Derflinger said, "Didn't I mention before, it's a octopus-like monster, right? It'd surely grab this mixed-blood elf, and then rub its tentacle all over her. But at that instant when my partner looks at that terrifying chest, he will be all fired up.... Aha! Haha! Waha!"

Luctiana could not be bothered to clarify. "We can only enter through the ocean."

"Huh? Means we have to dive into the ocean? How?"

"Honestly... You guys have so many opinions. You at least know how to swim?"

"Err... yeah."

Saito observed the ocean. Although he knew how to swim, but diving was another matter, and he also never tried diving underwater directly. Saito looked at Tiffania, who shook her head.

"I was born in Albion, so I've never touched the ocean before!"

"... It can't be helped then."

Luctiana closed her eyes, used her hand to scoop up seawater, and muttered a spell.

"Water... Water who governs the body."

The water in her hand glowed.

"Drink this."

Saito and Tiffania bent down, and drank the seawater. A strong, salty taste attacked their taste buds.

"Then?"

"Now you can breathe underwater, except that there's a time limit."

Derflinger said, "Hey! Add some magic to me as well! This body rusts easily!"

"Yet another troublesome fellow."

Luctiana muttered a spell, and Derflinger's body glowed red.

"Now even if you touch the water, there should be no problem."

After saying that, Luctiana took off her clothes, leaving behind only her underclothing. Her slender body was exposed under the sunlight, and with a splash, she jumped inside the ocean.

"Hurry up, the underwater breathing spell won't last for long."

Tiffania worriedly looked at Saito.

Saito shook his head, and stripped off his clothes, leaving behind his underwear.

Seeing that, Tiffania seemed to have made her decision, and gently stripped off her clothes as well. Left with only spaghetti-strap top, she's no longer someone who could be described as bewitching.

Saito averted his gaze away. Just thinking that "that" without being covered by anything almost made him went crazy. Thus, he kept thinking about Louise's naked body. However, that also had another deadly charm, so Saito's troubles expanded infinitely. In the end, Luctiana gave him a good, harsh beating.

"Didn't I tell you guys to hurry up!"

Saito hurriedly jumped into the sea. However, Tiffania could not gather up her courage, and she stood at the boat staring at the water, terrified.

He reached a hand out, "Don't be scared. I'm here."

After hearing that, Tiffania nodded, and jumped into the water. Saito grabbed her hand, and together they dived inside.

Although near the surface, it was bright as the sunlight could still enter through the water, but a deep, and vast darkness awaits them at the bottom.

Just how deep? Tiffania seemed to have felt the same fear, and held Saito's hand tightly. Saito used his right hand and grabbed Derflinger's hilt, so his body immediately became lighter, and power was continously pouring into him. However, there seem to be no need to use the power of Gandfalr.

The dolphin that was towing the boat swam beside them. Some time ago, it had already broke free of the ropes binding it to the boat. Saito looked for Luctiana, and found her grabbing onto another dolphin's back fin, waving a hand, signalling for Saito and the rest to follow her.

Saito and Tiffania grabbed the belt strapped on the dolphin beside them. It began swimming forward at full speed.

Thanks to Luctiana's spell, the both could breath underwater as well. As they breathed in seawater, it'd magicially turn into air once it reaches the throat. As compared to Tabitha's air bubble to cover the head, this was more impressive.

At first, there was a strange feeling, but they got used to it after a while.

This underwater trip was shorter than Saito expected. After swimming for a few minutes, a black pillar stretching up above appeared. Could this be one of that tentacle-looking boulder he had seen during the boat trip?

Luctiana's dolphin charged straight ahead towards the middle of the pillar.

What the hell? Don't tell me it's going to bang into that pillar?! Is that dolphin crazy? Saito rubbed his eyes nervously, and realized that there was a large opening.

It seems that Luctiana's friend was inside as the dolphin Luctiana was holding onto entered the opening. Soon after, Saito's and Tiffania's dolphin entered as well.

It was pitch black inside, yet the dolphin unhesitantly swam in a straight path. Dolphins on Earth could use supersonic waves to capture their prey, are the dolphins here the same?

Just when a confused Saito thought about this, light could be seen further ahead. It was as if the dolphins were mesmerized by the light and they swam towards it...

Pasha!

Their heads surfaced above, making a loud noise.

"This is..."

In front of their eyes was a space as huge as a theatre. A rotting seaweed-like smell attacked their nose.

"This is the interior of that pillar just now."

"So it's an empty space inside."

Now seemingly inside the interior of that huge tentacle-like pillar, the water around Saito and Tiffania was like a large well hole, and the land above was flat. Faint light covered the walls, probably from the radiating lichens growing on the walls.

Kachi...

A sound of a large object moving could be heard.

Tiffania jumped, and leaned onto Saito. He also instinctively reached for Derflinger on his back.

"Don't worry."

Luctiana let go of the dolphin, held onto the rocks as she climbed towards land. Just then, a deep, yet loud sound could be heard from within the darkness.

"Who is it? How dare you disturb my sleep?"

"It's me, Mother Sea."

"Mother Sea? Oh... you long-eared rascal, my little girl, welcome."

A feeling that something huge awoke permeated the area. Heavy footsteps followed, and within the darkness, a sparkling, deep blue huge body could be seen.

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume20 Chapter1

2014-01-12T09:29:46Z

Kira477: /* Chapter 1: Boat for Two */

After escaping from Adil, the capital of Nephthys, Saito and the rest continued on with their journey in a small boat towed by a dolphin.

Saito and Tiffania , who were imprisoned by the elves, was nearly forced to drink a mind impairment medicine. Fortunately, Luctiana saved them in the nick of time. Along the way, Luctiana's fiancee, Ari attacked them. But thanks to a revived Derflinger, they managed to escape.

At the small boat, Saito and Derflinger, whose consciousness had transferred onto one of Saito's favourite katana, began talking about a lot of things.

Ever since they fought the Elemental Siblings, and the night after Derflinger got destroyed.

Surprisingly, Derflinger knew all about this. And whenever this was bought up, he would just reply with 'At that time...'. As long as it's related to the elves, Derflinger would remain slient.

——Sasha, who was the Gandalfr killed her master Birmir.

After abruptly said that, no matter how Saito tried, Derflinger refused to explain what happened.

Rather, he kept on beating around the bush, as if escaping from some deep sadness.

Evening came, and Derflinger stopped making jokes, shutting his mouth, keeping silent. Luctiana was already asleep, and made deep snoring noises.

The moonlight scattered onto the surface of the sea. The gentle, rippling waves reflected a sliver glow.

Tiffania watched the beautiful scene in front of her, and muttered.

"It looks like a field made from light."

"Yeah."

"What will happen to us after that?"

Tiffania, who was wearing loose elven clothing, said in a low voice.

"First, we have to find the Holy Land, and completely make sure what is there. Then, we'll bring all those information to Louise."

Saito said while looking at Luctiana.

"Although I feel bad doing this to her, but I feel that this is what we should be doing."

Tiffania stared at Saito for some time. Then, she hugged her knees with both hands, and buried her chin underneath.

"Saito, you're incredible."

"Eh? Why?"

"Because if even you're faced with such a situation, you're still so sure of what you must do. As for me, I can't. I would be so scared until my mind completely shuts down."

After saying that, she lowered her head, closing her eyes. It seems that she had fallen into depression again.

"That's because Tiffa you're a girl. I'm sure you'd be at a loss when it comes to this."

"But Louise and Queen Henrietta are both girls as well. Why is that I can't gather up my courage during those crucial moments? Even yesterday, I was so paralysed with fear that I couldn't do anything to help."

"It's not like you did nothing at all. If it wasn't for you, I..."

During his fight with the water dragon yesterday, after seeing Tiffania's chest which could be considered as evil and revolutionary. He quickly pinched his nose. Honestly, he felt that this wasn't what he should be seeing. It's not just only big... how should it be phrased? Tiffania's breast also possessed an incredible sense of balance. On her slim waist, if bigger breasts were to be placed, it would become something like from a manga doujinshi. Because it had kept to that delicate standard, that's why it was scary, and that's why it was firmly imprinted in his mind, unable to forget.

"Am I only worth that much?" Tiffania said.

After hearing that, Saito snapped out of his thoughts.

"No... it's not like that!"

"It's okay, I understand."

Tiffania smiled.

"Saito, why are you always that strong? Being able to battle calmly. And you can also understand what are the things that you should be doing?"

Tiffania asked in a serious tone. Saito held his chin with a hand, and began to think about it in detail.

"I'm actually not calm at all."

"No, I think even Saito you also will be scared at times, but you always fight seriously each time. Even though this isn't even your own world..."

Saito slightly raised his head, staring into the distance. The sea lit up by the moonlight had an aura of mystery around it, unlike during the day.

"I think, it's because I have somebody that I like."

"You mean Louise?"

Saito nodded.

"I don't want to see her troubled, and her world can also be considered as my world as well. If it's for the sake of protecting her world, then I'd even give up my life for that. Although I'll be trembling with fear, but I'd still go on anyway. Otherwise, I think I would've run away."*

"Oh..." Tiffania, who seemed to have understood, nodded her head. "So am I scared because I don't have anybody that I like?"

"No... I think that everyone doesn't need the same reason to fight. It's just that I'm fighting for that reason."

"If I were to find someone that I like someday, will I be able to be as brave as you?"

"I feel that... you're okay just the way you are right now."*

Saito said that in an attempt to console Tiffania.

"For me, I think that even when I possess a power that nobody has, even when they are things that only I can do it, but I chose to ran away, this is definitely just cowardly and weak."

Saito kept silent, because that's what he thought as well.

"Tiffa, you didn't run away right?"

"It's the same. I can't do anything, I can only tremble. Yeah... someone I like... how do I know if the other party is the person I like?"

"Err... First, when you're with him, your heartbeat will accelerate."

"Okay, then?"

"And you'd have the urge to hug him."

"Okay, and then?"

"When you hug him, you'd feel like staying like this forever."

Tiffania grabbed both ears, squeezing her eyes shut.

"... Then, isn't that person you?"

"Eh? Eh?! Eh?! Eh?! Eh?! Eh?!"

A flustered Saito looked at her. She looked at Saito with a cute expression that looked like she was about to cry.

"That's because my heartbeat accelerates when I'm beside you."

"Th-That's only because your emotions are unstable."

"And... and... and also..."

Tiffania shook her head. Her face burnt bright red with embarrassment. Because this mixed-blood elven with an extraordinary chest was doing such a thing beside him, Saito felt that he was losing control over himself to his evil thoughts.

"Even if you look at it, I'm not that disgusted."

"You... You said that before, right? Really?"

"Yes... At first, I thought that it was because my brain was in a mess, but after thinking about it calmly, the answer is still the same. Although my heart would thump wildly, but I don't feel disgusted.

Because Tiffania said this kind of things right beside Saito, he also felt his mind gradually boiling.

"Then... then that's one step before liking someone, right?"

"What's the difference between really liking someone then?"

"Err... the difference is that... I think there's no difference at all."

After saying that, Saito realized something was wrong. But, he's still unable to lie.

"So there's no difference?"

"It might be so."

"..."

Tiffania put her hand to her chest, and sighed.

"Then it means that I really like you then. Then... then what should I do? The person you like is Louise, right?"

"Err..."

"Then it must be a mistake to like you. I'm really a bad girl. I actually ended up liking a friend's lover. Mother Nature and God will definitely not forgive such a behaviour."

Saito panicked.

"There's no such thing! It's impossible to control your feelings when it comes to this. This is actually the will of Mother Nature and God."

Saito realized that he said the wrong thing. But he couldn't find another way to say it. After all, there's no such rule that it's a mistake to like someone.

"But it's impossible for Louise to accept this, and Saito you also don't like me, right? Then what should I do with my feelings then?

Seeing Tiffania being like that, Saito felt conflicted. It's not that he didn't like Tiffania, and there's no other girl in this world as attractive as her, but he can't acknowledge this feeling because he had already promised that he would never do anything that would make Louise sad. Saito thought about that time with Henrietta, and shook his head mentally.

However, it would be a lie to say he didn't like Tiffania. After all, like means like. Tiffania is just that attractive, and there's a irresistible, instinctive feeling within him towards her; something feels wrong with denying that feeling.

If that's the case, there's only one way left. I have to make Tiffania lose all her feelings towards me. I must make her feel that Hiraga Saito is actually an incorrigible bastard.

"I say, Tiffa."

"What is it?"

"I have something to tell you."

"Yes?"

Saito clenched his fist, squeezing his words out seemingly in pain with a low voice.

"I... I'm actually a pervert."

Tiffania stared at Saito for a moment, before bursting into laughter.

"I'm serious! I'm totally an out and out pervert! Anyway, it's more like I have a special obsession with clothes and mood... how should I say it."

"Thanks, you're so nice to me."

"Eh?"

"You were hoping that I'd hate you, so you said that right?"

Looking at Tiffania's gaze, Saito felt ashamed.

"Not really... the second part is true though... but whether or not you consider that as pervertic will depend on your personal opinion."

"I'm really okay. I just feel better after letting everything go. I will work hard. Even though I might like you, no, I think I most probably really like you, but this feeling and my mission is still two different thing after all."

"Tiffa."

Saito had tears in his eyes, staring at Tiffania. On one hand, he was touched by Tiffania's strong will, so he felt that habouring evil thoughts about Tiffania's chest was shameful; at the same time, he instinctively retorted that her chest was simply too incredible, so it was not his fault. In the end he realized that he was simply too shameful to come up with this warped reasoning.

When he came to his senses, he was already holding Tiffania's hand.

"Woah!"

Just then, the boat shook after passing through a wave. Saito almost fell to the ground completely flat, and naturally pulled Tiffania down as well.

"..."

Tiffania's burning red face was even more alluring under the moonlight.

She stared at Saito. That blue, teary eyes almost made Saito forgot to breathe.

The twin moon hid inside the cloud, and darkness fell upon them. It made one's hearing even sharper. The sound of the boat moving through the waves could be heard clearly.

Saito suddenly felt a warm breath on his face, then he felt a something soft on his lips, and his hair was being gently caressed. This was when Saito realized what he was doing with Tiffania.

During this period, Tiffania said nothing.

When the twin moon reappeared from the clouds, Tiffania pulled herself away. When light returned to the surroundings, she had already recovered into her original position, staring at the ocean.

"Tiffa." Saito said in a low voice.

"It's just your imagination." Tiffania said with a seemingly satisifed look.

"I don't think that's my imagination."

"When the moon isn't looking, you're just dreaming. Though short, but I'm okay after the dream is over. Don't worry, I will work hard."

Saito nodded, and looked at the other end of the ocean. The vast ocean in front of him seemed to be silently watching over them. Thus, Saito also thought about working hard as well. For himself, for Louise, for everybody... and for this mixed-blood elf who was looking at the ocean as well.

The blinding sunlight woke Saito up. Seeing Tiffania in a deep sleep beside him with an innocent face, he thought about what happened yesterday. Saito can't help but blush. Then again, she already specially said that he was dreaming, so Saito had to do his best to act like nothing happened.

Soon after, Tiffania awoke as well.

"Good morning."

She said in a cheerful voice, as if nothing happened yesterday night.

"Good morning."

Saito smiled, and Tiffania smiled back as well.

He wanted to say something, but felt that saying nothing would be better. Thus, he turned towards the ocean. A few bumps could be seen, greatly surprising Saito.

"What the hell is that!"

Luctiana said while controlling the dolphin who was towing the boat.

"Oh, the both of you are already awake? This is an island known as the Dragon Nest."

"Island? Doesn't look like one to me!"

What was in front was so strange that it could not considered to be an island. It looked more like distorted tentacles made of large boulders appearing through the ocean's surface.

Each tentacle was as long as 10 meters, spreading out in all direction.

"Your friend lives here?" Tiffania asked.

Luctiana nodded, "Yeah."

"Doesn't look like any humans or elves are living here?"

"Of course, even elves can't live in such a place."

"Then who's the friend you're talking about?"

Luctiana smiled slyly, "You'll know when we get there."

Saito had a doubtful look in his eyes, "This smile really makes me uncomfortable."

Then, Derflinger who was on Saito's waist cut in.

"It might be a scary monster."

"Eh..."

Fear gripped Tiffania upon hearing that.

"It's extremely huge, and there's four or five blue, sparkling eyes."

"Mr Sword, please don't say anymore..."

She pouted, showing an troubled expression.

"And it has 10 times more tentacles than an octopus. It'd reach out and grab you in an instant."

"Ah..."

"Hey! Derfli! Stop that! Can't you see that Tiffa is extremely scared right now!"

"It's okay~ Even if this were to happen, my partner will protect you."

"Yeah, th-that's right."

Tiffania heaved a sigh of relief, and looked at Saito.

"Relax, my partner is very capable. No matter what monster appears, as long as you show him your explosive thing just for a while, then..."

Derflinger didn't manage to finish his sentence as Tiffania's grabbed his hilt, trembling. Her eyes were wide open, and her face glowed red.

"Un! Un! Un! Un!"

"I-It hurts! Stop that!"

Even so, Tiffania didn't relinquish her grip on Derflinger. As said before, Derflinger was on Saito's waist. Since the boat had a narrow space, it resulted in Tiffania pressing her body against Saito. Thus, those two logic defying melons kept on rubbing against Saito's arms and back.

Is this some kind of a punishment? Saito, who was about to cry, thought.

——Someone tell me, what exactly did I do wrong!

——Does God have a grudge against me or something?

It must be like that. Otherwise, why would this indecent thought inducing melons come and rub against my arms and my back?! Because... because this isn't something I can touch... it's a unreachable horizon... but now such a thing is now pressing on me, this could only mean...

——That this a divine punishment.

Saito looked up at the sky, muttering to himself.

"Saito, what's wrong with you?"

Because Saito with his face pale was muttering something about this is divine punishment, I'm the fallen angel Lucifer abandoned by God, my body will be completely burn into ashes by the flames of lust, Tiffania became worried.

"It's your fault, you know?" Derflinger said.

"Eh, me?" Tiffania said.

"Yes. That's because you've let him seen that thing."

"Th-That's because it's Mr Sword you who asked me to show him that!"

"I never thought that you'd really show him. Anyway it's not about the process, but the result. Also, I have a name, so... Hey! Wait! Wait a moment!"

Tiffania's eyes burned with a rare flash of anger, pulled out Derflinger and sliced the ocean wildly.

"Stop it, I will rust! I will rust!"

Even so, Tiffania still silently allowed Derflinger to enjoy the sensation of being bathed in seawater. Looking at the situation in front of her, Luctiana said in an disapproving tone.

"What do you take my friend for? You guys really have no manners."

Saito said, "Then be honest with us! It makes me really bothered! You've already brought us out to such an isolated place, what's there to hide?"

After hearing that, Luctiana shook her head and smiled.

"Just as I thought, it'd be better if I tell you once we reach there."

"What do you mean by that?!"

"Because you guys are interesting. Barbarians are really strange and fun to play with."

"These waters are rather special, that's why I said I'd rust, miss!" Derflinger shouted, like being tortured by something.

Saito said unhappily, "Didn't I say that before, I'm not some barbarian. What about you? Long-eared bastard."

The sea was peaceful, the surface sparkled brilliantly like a mirror reflecting the scorching sunlight.

"There was once a huge volcanic island which went dormant around this area, that means we are now above the vent now."

"Oh, no wonder the ocean is so calm." Saito said.

After hearing that, Luctiana opened her eyes wide.

"You're knowledgeable about the ocean as well?"

"No... actually I'm not so sure, it's just something I've learned in school."

"Yeah, you said that you were from another world.... Oh~ So there are schools over there."

"Of course."

After weaving through the tentacle-shaped boulders, an extremely large towering boulder appeared in front of them. Luctiana ordered the dolphin to stop.

"We're here."

"Huh? Here? Isn't here still in the middle of the sea?"

Because Luctiana mentioned a friend, Saito thought that the other party would be living at an island or something.

Derflinger said, "Didn't I mention before, it's a octopus-like monster, right? It'd surely grab this mixed-blood elf, and then rub its tentacle all over her. But at that instant when my partner looks at that terrifying chest, he will be all fired up.... Aha! Haha! Waha!"

Luctiana could not be bothered to clarify. "We can only enter through the ocean."

"Huh? Means we have to dive into the ocean? How?"

"Honestly... You guys have so many opinions. You at least know how to swim?"

"Err... yeah."

Saito observed the ocean. Although he knew how to swim, but diving was another matter, and he also never tried diving underwater directly. Saito looked at Tiffania, who shook her head.

"I was born in Albion, so I've never touched the ocean before!"

"... It can't be helped then."

Luctiana closed her eyes, used her hand to scoop up seawater, and muttered a spell.

"Water... Water who governs the body."

The water in her hand glowed.

"Drink this."

Saito and Tiffania bent down, and drank the seawater. A strong, salty taste attacked their taste buds.

"Then?"

"Now you can breathe underwater, except that there's a time limit."

Derflinger said, "Hey! Add some magic to me as well! This body rusts easily!"

"Yet another troublesome fellow."

Luctiana muttered a spell, and Derflinger's body glowed red.

"Now even if you touch the water, there should be no problem."

After saying that, Luctiana took off her clothes, leaving behind only her underclothing. Her slender body was exposed under the sunlight, and with a splash, she jumped inside the ocean.

"Hurry up, the underwater breathing spell won't last for long."

Tiffania worriedly looked at Saito.

Saito shook his head, and stripped off his clothes, leaving behind his underwear.

Seeing that, Tiffania seemed to have made her decision, and gently stripped off her clothes as well. Left with only spaghetti-strap top, she's no longer someone who could be described as bewitching.

Saito averted his gaze away. Just thinking that "that" without being covered by anything almost made him went crazy. Thus, he kept thinking about Louise's naked body. However, that also had another deadly charm, so Saito's troubles expanded infinitely. In the end, Luctiana gave him a good, harsh beating.

"Didn't I tell you guys to hurry up!"

Saito hurriedly jumped into the sea. However, Tiffania could not gather up her courage, and she stood at the boat staring at the water, terrified.

He reached a hand out, "Don't be scared. I'm here."

After hearing that, Tiffania nodded, and jumped into the water. Saito grabbed her hand, and together they dived inside.

Although near the surface, it was bright as the sunlight could still enter through the water, but a deep, and vast darkness awaits them at the bottom.

Just how deep? Tiffania seemed to have felt the same fear, and held Saito's hand tightly. Saito used his right hand and grabbed Derflinger's hilt, so his body immediately became lighter, and power was continously pouring into him. However, there seem to be no need to use the power of Gandfalr.

The dolphin that was towing the boat swam beside them. Some time ago, it had already broke free of the ropes binding it to the boat. Saito looked for Luctiana, and found her grabbing onto another dolphin's back fin, waving a hand, signalling for Saito and the rest to follow her.

Saito and Tiffania grabbed the belt strapped on the dolphin beside them. It began swimming forward at full speed.

Thanks to Luctiana's spell, the both could breath underwater as well. As they breathed in seawater, it'd magicially turn into air once it reaches the throat. As compared to Tabitha's air bubble to cover the head, this was more impressive.

At first, there was a strange feeling, but they got used to it after a while.

This underwater trip was shorter than Saito expected. After swimming for a few minutes, a black pillar stretching up above appeared. Could this be one of that tentacle-looking boulder he had seen during the boat trip?

Luctiana's dolphin charged straight ahead towards the middle of the pillar.

What the hell? Don't tell me it's going to bang into that pillar?! Is that dolphin crazy? Saito rubbed his eyes nervously, and realized that there was a large opening.

It seems that Luctiana's friend was inside as the dolphin Luctiana was holding onto entered the opening. Soon after, Saito's and Tiffania's dolphin entered as well.

It was pitch black inside, yet the dolphin unhesitantly swam in a straight path. Dolphins on Earth could use supersonic waves to capture their prey, are the dolphins here the same?

Just when a confused Saito thought about this, light could be seen further ahead. It was as if the dolphins were mesmerized by the light and they swam towards it...

Pasha!

Their heads surfaced above, making a loud noise.

"This is..."

In front of their eyes was a space as huge as a theatre. A rotting seaweed-like smell attacked their nose.

"This is the interior of that pillar just now."

"So it's an empty space inside."

Now seemingly inside the interior of that huge tentacle-like pillar, the water around Saito and Tiffania was like a large well hole, and the land above was flat. Faint light covered the walls, probably from the radiating lichens growing on the walls.

Kachi...

A sound of a large object moving could be heard.

Tiffania jumped, and leaned onto Saito. He also instinctively reached for Derflinger on his back.

"Don't worry."

Luctiana let go of the dolphin, held onto the rocks as she climbed towards land. Just then, a deep, yet loud sound could be heard from within the darkness.

"Who is it? How dare you disturb my sleep?"

"It's me, Mother Sea."

"Mother Sea? Oh... you long-eared rascal, my little girl, welcome."

A feeling that something huge awoke permeated the area. Heavy footsteps followed, and within the darkness, a sparkling, deep blue huge body could be seen.