Zero no Tsukaima:Side Story Volume1 Story1

Status: Incomplete

36% completed (estimated)

   

1st Story - Tabitha and the Pterosaur

Carrying her master, the blue-scaled Sylphid soared in the sky, flying towards the other end of the sky, more blue than its scales. The two moons shone brightly in the clear sky. The white moon was so bright it could almost be transparent, while the red moon leaves a slightly reddish tinge. Seeing this scene from such a high altitude, it was as if a scene in a dream.

Grumble, grumble.

Sylphid snorted quietly. It was hungry.

But it would be rude to disturb the master while she is reading a book. Troubled over what to do, Sylphid looked furtively at the girl who is her master.

A young girl savouring a book was riding on her just a little beyond Sylphid's head, on her neck. Her blue short hair was dancing in the winds.

Although turning 15 years old this year, her body's build could be easily mistaken as 2 or 3 years younger, as if she stopped growing since 12 years old.

Her cold blue eyes behind the spectacles do not reveal any emotions. One could not determine whether she was absorbed in the book, or flipping through the pages readily.

However, her facial profile was as lovely as a peaceful tranquil. Perhaps the little bit of clear, transparent, cold winter wind shrouds her innocent young face with a tinge of melancholy on her.

She is Sylphid's important master, Tabitha.

Growl~, Sylphid's stomach growled again.

Oh, I cannot endure it anymore! Even if she gets angry, I don't care! Sylphid doesn't care anymore! Unable to keep it down anymore, Sylphid began begging its master

I'm starving. I'm starving. I'm starving

Tabitha lifted her head and looked towards the mythical creature she was riding on.

Noticing that it got its master's attention, Sylphid bleated happily.

Fufu~ Nee-sama's head finally moved~ you finally decided to take notice of Sylphid

Sylphid calls its master Tabitha as "Nee-sama"

Sylphid was always alone to begin with. When it was summoned out during the "Summoning Ceremony" of the Tristain Magical Academy by this girl, feeling very blessed, it decided to call Tabitha "Nee-sama". It makes it feels as if it really had an elder sister.

Because of this rather simple character, Sylphid had completely forgotten about its hunger just from Tabitha looking at her. Since it had a chance, all sorts of chatter began coming from its mouth.

"Nee-sama, you look so lovely today. I'm so glad!"

By looks, Sylphid is a wind dragon of around 6 meter's length

The beautiful blue scales that covered her entire body seemed to be transparent, glittering under the moonlight

Its wingspan was even longer than her body. Those two strong powerful wings is enough to let it soar freely in the air with little effort.

Although it looks like another normal wind dragon, it was hardly so.

Although out of all mythical creatures, a dragon's intelligence is considered as superioir, that alone is not enough to make them talk

"Today's weather look great! How are you feeling, Nee-sama?" Sylphid virbated its throat. A cute speaking voice came out of its mouth.

Only a sage carrying an abundance of knowledge may realise the true nature of Sylphid

The name of her kin, forgotten long ago in history, once described in numerous legends

Tabitha flipped open a book written by exactly one of those sages. The book title was called "Mythical Intelligent Creatures of Ancient Times - The Rhyme Dragons"

"Nee-sama, what are you reading?" The cute voice which came from her mouth and face hardly matched each other.

"A book on your species" Tabitha answered without emotions in her voice.

"I'm glad. As I thought, Nee-sama is really interested in me"

"Not really. It was just by chance"

"Even if it's coincidental, I'm delighted already. Nee-sama, do you remember? The day I started calling you Nee-sama"

"I remember" Tabitha responds with some measure of coldness.

"I also remember! That day Nee-sama gave me my name! A superb name! Sylphid! A human name!" Sylphid cuckooed joyfully.

"It is not a human name"

"Is that so! It's a wind wisp's name! An ancient wisp! Kyui-kyui!" Sylphid nodded her head exictedly. Tabitha's body rose up and down along with its motions, but still managed to hang on. Such an amazing sense of balance.

"Between dragons, I have a name called 'Illococoo', it stands for gentle breeze! In the human world, my name is Sylphid. I have two names! Just like Nee-sama! Kyui-kyui"

Tabitha lowered herself and returned to the book.

Sylphid continued to chatter all by herself.

"That's right, that's right! After Nee-sama summoned me, it was the pinked-haired girl's turn! She summoned a human male! How shocking! That is so improper! Hilarious!"

But Tabitha had already ceased respinding.

"Really!" Sylphid moaned sadly. This made her remember about her famished stomach.

"My stomach is starving. Is dinner ready yet? Is dinner ready yet?" Talking in human language with such skill, Sylphid is no oridinary wind dragon.

These ancient wind dragons are so rare and ancient, that even legends about these wind rhyme dragons are about disappear.

They hide in high altitude dense forests, where no traces of human could be found. Legendary creatures that live in peace

Because wind rhyme dragons have a high ability to understand human language, they a extremely long time to mature. From the annual growth rings of her scales, Sylphid is a wind rhyme dragon who has already lived for more than 200 years. In terms of human age, it would be equivalent to a 10 years old child.

Just because it's young, doesn't mean that one can let his guard down.

Wind rhyme dragons have much higher intelligence than humans, outstanding conversation skills, can manipulate "primal magic", even at high speed it can spit flames in flight. In short, it is most certainly a powerful creature.

Being able to summon such a large wind rhyme dragon from this world and forming the familiar's contract with it, just from that alone one can see Tabitha's extraordinary magic skills.

Even Sylphid admires such a powerful mage from the bottom of its heart.

"I'm hungry. I'm hung-greeee"

"You're noisy"

"Unless I talk about it, Nee-sama will immediately forget about my meal. Therefore I have to keep saying it. I'm hungry. I'm hungry" Mixing its protests with occasional cries of "gya gya", Sylphid refused to stay quiet.

"I'll let you eat when we arrive"

"Really? For real?"

"I promise"

"Hooray, hooray. This time I'll surely eat a lot. Eat MeeeaaaatttWildk 04:44, 15 July 2012 (CDT)" Sylphid began to hum a song. Because of the large lung capacity it has, the sound it was made could not be covered by the rushing wind.

Tabitha knocked its head with her staff.

"Ow, ow, oww"

"that's why you should keep quiet"

"Huh, fine I'll stop. Oh right, Nee-sama, if you are not taking the carriage but riding me instead, does this means that we are heading to the city?"

Tabitha nodded.

Sylphid became uncomfortable. She hates the city.

"The city is irritating. Uuu, why can't I talk in front of other people?"

"Trouble" Tabitha replied with a quite voice. Afterall, wind rhyme dragons are creatures long assumed to be extinct. If Tabitha's real nature had been exposed, there's no say to how the Science Academy of Tristain or the Gallian royals will demand her to hand it over and do all sorts of test. That's why Tabitha doesn't allow Sylphid to talk while she is in dragon form.

"I hate the city. Hate not being able to talk in the city. Not talking is boring"

Detached, Tabitha looked into the distance and said "bear with it"

Sylphid felt the cold air surrounding Tabitha dense. Taking a peek at her master, it was just as expressionless as usual.

Whether she is unhappy, she's normal, she's eating, even when she's angry, Tabitha face will always be impassive.

The same goes for when she's happy (although none have been witnessed so far), she will probably be just as impassive.

Sylphid have never seen Tabitha smile.

Like her nickname "snowstorm", Tabitha's expressions never changed much.

Sylphid really hopes she will one day be able to beam like the sun.

However, it had no idea where to begin. Feeling a bit depressed, Sylphid sighed, going "kiyai kiyai".

Capital of Gallia, the city of Lutèce was about 1,000 leagues inland from the border of the neighboring country Tristain. It boasts a population of 300,000 and is the largest city on Halkenia.

East to this city was the grand and huge palace of Versailles. It's where the royal family of Gallia lives. A long time ago, this was a lush forrest. The one who turned it into the beauty it is now was the second last king, Robespierre the third. King Joseph the first is its current master. At the centre of this Palace, he wields the scepter of government in the heart of Grand Trois, a building made of rose-colored marble.

Some distance from the Grand Trois, inside the pink colored, small scaled palace called Petit Trois, a young lady gave a big yawn.

"fuwaaaaaaaaaaa"

It was a 17 years old girl. The unusual color of her hair was the same blue as the pupils of her slender eyes. The appearance of such an unusual color would convey to any person that she is affiliated to the Gallia royal family. The blue hair grown to shoulder length was combed carefully, smooth like silk thread, waving lightly in the winds. On her forehead was a large extravagant crown. The lips which have never known hardship gave off an alluring shine.

The girl licked her crimson red colored lips with her tongue. This course and vulgar gesture spoiled the dignified features of an noble in an instant.

She was the daughter of King Joseph, princess of Galia, Isabella.

Seemingly listless, there Isabella lie in a luxurious sprawl. Pulling a thin cord to a bell. Three female attendants immediately jumped into the living room.

"You rang, your highness?"

"I'm bored"

"Would it help to have a game with us?"

"Pinochle? Whist? Card games are so tedious"

"then, a dice game......"

"Isn't that a game for the commoners. Princesses do not play such games"

"What about going out hunting? In Pierrefont forest, you can land a deer's head with hunting dogs, according to Mr. Simon's report"

"I do not want to go out"

The female attendants looked at each other anxiously. Isabella talked with increasing irritation.

"Really, father is also so inconsiderate! Even I want to be useful to the royal family! I am different from the doll lady from wherever she comes from, I really am capable! It's only why I suggested for a title, then suddenly I became the commander of the "Knights of the North Parterre"? I don't want such a simple job, it's so mundane! Doesn't father love his daughter!?"

On hearing that title, the female attendants shuddered.

In the Palace of Versailles where valuable flowers blossom all year round, there are an innumerable number of flower beds. Distinguished knights of Gallia are named after such flower beds. For example, Knights of the Southern Rose Parterre, Knights of the Eastern Lily Parterre...... However, because there isn't any flower bed in the northern side, no squadron of knights should contain "North" in their title.

But, covered by the shadows of the Palace, one knight squadron "North" in their title remains

That is the Knights of the Northern Parterre.

This squadron speciall takes care of all the dirty work of Gallia, domestic or foreign troubles. Isabella is the commander of none other than that. Since this is also a Knight's squadron, it contains various Chevaliers with various abilities. These shadowy knights carry out shady missions, have no fate with glory, and will never get to know each other. They are knights of the Northern Parterre.

Isabella was waiting for one such Knight of the Northern Parterre.

"Hasn't that gargoyle arrived yet?"

The older attendant shook her head.

"Lady Charlotte is still yet to be seen"

"She's only a 'doll'. Calling her 'the gargoyle' is enough"

No matter how hard they tried, the attendant could say anything but "Yes". Lady Charlotte is of royal blood, and is the cousin of the Isabella lying around, although stripped of title and birthrights. As a mere servant, they cannot take such a rude attitude towards her. Besides, compared to Isabella, Charlotte is......

Noticing the quiet discord in the servants, Isabella gave her orders in a trifling tone.

"All of you, go welcome that doll (gargoyle)"

"Y-yes"

With a relieved expression, the attendants nodded.

But Isabella scolded the attendants who were about to line up to welcome her

"I never told you to welcome like that"

"Eh?"

Isabella laughed wickedly.

Riding Sylphid, Tabitha slowly landed on the front gardens of Petit Trois. The soldiers waiting at the entrance came running towards her and gave her a bow

"Welcome back, Lady Charlotte"

The bowing soldier reminded the other.

"hey"

With a bitter expression, the soldier took a step backwards and also bowed. "The princess awaits you"

Handing the reins to the first soldier "Let it have some food" She said, pointing to Sylphid. Since Tabitha forbade her to speak to anyone except to her, Sylphid snorted happily.

Tabitha went into the building unmoved.

The gargoyle which stood in front of the princess's room removed the pole which prevented passage. Unlike in the other countries, the use of magical statues like gargoyles for this purpose is popular. A command has to be issued for every simple operation, even repeated ones, with a "golem" compared to "gargoyle" that can be made to operate independently. This sort of gargoyle is used widely in Galia where it is also the only country to develop this type of magic.

lifting up the heavy cloth curtain that hung from the ceiling, she entered the room......

flap! flap! flap!

Then, something flew at Tabitha. Without even taking any evasive action, Tabitha took it calmly with her body.

Eggs came flying, and a mud filled sausages too.

bashiya! bashiya! the contents scatter all over the place on impact. Egg whites spewed all over and some of it dangled on Tabitha's face. But Tabitha's expression did not change at all. She didn't even wipe it off.

On seeing such a sight, the master of the room, Isabella, burst out laughing.

"Oh ho! ho ho! oh ho ho ho!"

The attendants who hurled the eggs and sausages at Tabitha came out from behind the shade of the curtain with uncertain looks. Tabitha remains expressionless and stares straight ahead. Isabella was in her field of vision, the only focus of her view as if there was nothing else around.

"Hey, all of you must also laugh! really, that is something else! That appearance!"

Being ordered so by Isabella, the attendants laughed unwillingly. Isabella continued laughing at Tabitha for some time.

But, Tabitha's expression did not change at all.

This manner only irritated Isabella.

"Why don't you say something?"

Tabitha did not respond at all. The artificial laughter of the attendants have stopped as well.

"Don't you feel you should at least get angry, feel some annoyance, or want to cry or scream out?"

"............"

In Tabitha's view, this was just what Isabella wanted.

"grrr......"

Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Isabella bit on her lip. And forced herself to put a smile on the edge of her face.

"......really, this child is totally like a gargoyle. Only considering what it's to do, not understanding anything else. Just because you can use a little magic, do you think you are so much better?"

Isabella mutters scornfully as that was all she could do.

However Tabitha's expression did not change. With eyes that looked like they were staring at an ornament, it just continued to stare at Isabella.

Because Tabitha was not agitated but instead kept calmly looking at her, Isabella was further irritated.

"You dare to address the princess in such filthy attire? Take off those filthy rags!"

Having thrown the eggs themselves, and then hearing those words, the attendants were quite worried and started to tremble while watching the scene unfold.

"Take it off. That's an order!"

By those words, Tabitha started unbuttoning her shirt. She was at ease and took off her shirt and skirt without any reservation as one would do so when changing clothes at night in their room.

She was left with only her chemise.

There wasn't any curve or shape on the girl's body.

This build is one that can hardly be that of a 15 year old.

Isabella sniggered.

"Take that off too"

Tabitha threw off the chemise without changing her composure. The attendants unintentionally covered their eyes because they felt that the situation was too pitiful. The skin of this beautiful girl was pure white and appeared like snow.

"......hmmph, you, are you eating properly?"

Tabitha remained expressionless.

Is the heavens giving a cruel treatment to the cousin during blood heredity? (kinda hard to properly translate the statement, but the gist is that Isabella was making fun of Tabitha saying that even though they were cousins, her genetic makeup was poor)

No, Isabella was not able to forgive the talent of Tabitha simply because she was the cousin who had inherited it by blood. Such magical ability that allowed her to get the title of "Chevalier" while so young.

Why didn't she receive such magical talent herself......

Magical ability is something that is respected. In this large palace, which nobles, which servants, would actually respect her as the princess? She was annoyed and almost died when she imagined it.

Isabella stood up and approached Tabitha. Picking up the eyeglasses, she moved her face closer to her cousin's face.

Chewing painfully at the edges of her lips, Isabella muttered.

"Are you not of the imperial family also? Do you understand? Just because you have have a little magic ability, what gives you the right to put on airs?"

Isabella scowled at Tabitha.

The air in the room became oppressive, and several minutes just passed by.

Beads of sweat formed on the forehead of Isabella.

Hmmph, Isabella snorted. Unable to bear the pressure of Tabitha's silence. Picking up a letter that was lying on top of the bed, she threw it at Tabitha.

"Your seventh mission as a Chevalier of North Parterre. Clean it up quickly"

Tabitha quietly put her clothes back on, then taking the letter and left the princess's room.

From the Galian capital of Lutèce to the Al Delaware district, it would normally take 2 days on horseback; 5 days on foot; but only 2 hours on Tabitha's Sylphid. It is here where the forest which stretches along the border with Germania is located, it used to be called the "Black Forest" in both countries.

The Eginheim village was in a corner of this forest. It is a small village with a population of approximately 200 that has been caught in between every Galian and Germanian war. On this day, the villagers who earned a living by cutting down trees and transporting them and selling them in the town, gathered in the central open space of the village and raised their voices in anger.

"I can't take this anymore!"

cried the stocky man carrying an ax on his shoulder.

"that's right, that's right!" the villagers joined in chorus with that man. The villagers tightly grasped their weapons. As most of the villagers were woodcutters, most of the weapons that they wielded were axes. They were very agitated. It seems like somehow they wanted to lash out at something.

"Those goddamed winged creatures! We were just cutting down some trees! Do they understand how that affects our fortune? Hah?"

"E~even I can understand!"

An old woman shouted out while shivering. She was grasping a sickle.

"I'm losing my only means of livelihood! And it is all thanks to those good-for-nothing winged creatures, I may not even survive through this winter! Jeez, really, that god-damned feudal lord is all talk! Dispatching some knights, that's all he can say is he will send them, already it's been how many months?!"

"It's just as granny Amitabha said! As it is, if we go on letting those winged creatures have their own way, we'll all starve to death! Today, we'll put an end to that today! Let's go! Follow me!"

Just as the villagers began walking towards the forest with dreadful expressions......, a skinny boy stood in front of the villagers, blocking them.

"w-, wait a minute! hold on everyone!"

"Josiah"

The stalwart man who led the villagers scratched his head, troubled.

"Elder brother Sam, wait a minute. Stop it!"

"Move aside"

"Let's talk it over! Let's talk it over! We should negotiate things further!"

"Negotiation? negotiate with whom?"

"that, those winged creatures......"

Josiah shrank at the angry look of his older brother.

"What more can be negotiated, those fellows strike at us with magic whenever we approach them! That sort of bullshit is the negotiation you would get!"

that's right, that's right, a villager shouts out.

"That is, we're going to first use our bows and arrows to get rid of them......"

"You know what, Josiah. Those things that are flying in the sky, those creatures are just poultry. Friends of the birds. What's wrong with shooting (an arrow) at birds?"

"Really! Do those winged creatures even speak human language? It's not a bird! It is just another fellow creature living in the same forest!"

Sam's complexion changed.

"Friends? Bullshit. If it's friends you're talking about, it's everyone who are here! Those living from here within this fence are the ones you call friends!"

Sam points at the fence between the village and the forest.

"B-, but......"

"Are Riya's friends living in the forest? That's what that Amachoroi said! He is the son of the village head! Who will protect the livelihood of everyone in Thame village!"

Don! and Sam pushed away the lanky younger brother.

Pushed by an older brother with twice the weight, Josiah fell down to the ground. Sam and the villagers passed by the side. Pounding his fist on the ground, Josiah seemed to be very annoyed as he stood up and ran after the villagers.

(~36%~)