Greetings everyone. FallenSymphony963 has entrusted me with finishing this fanfic (I use finish loosely, since due to unfortunate circumstances fallen barely started), so I thought I would outline the changes I would be making. (Symphony is staying on as a co-writer of sorts, since I requested his help.) Firstly, Dracul (In Lords of Shadows, Dracula goes by Dracul the Dragon.) will be a much darker character then how he was in the original fanfic, more similar to how he was in Mirror of Fate and the second game, he's a self confessed monster after all (Dracul only shows mercy when he thinks the target deserves it). Second, this follows the plotline of the second game to the letter, Inner Dracula is still in Dracul's sub-conscious, and he's not in complete control of his castle (He's still at full power though, as well as having creatures of the night beholden only to him). Third, while i'm keeping the slice of life elements of familiar of zero, Lords of shadow at it's core is one huge tragedy, so remember that. Last but not least, in the matter of pairing (which was asked a bit in the old versions review section a bit) ...there is zero (see what I did there?) chance for a Louise X Dracul pair. He's a thousand year old vampire, lord of evil and darkness, and she's a sixteen year old loli schoolgirl, I'm sure you can see the problem. Normally, I would go with a OC Yuri pair with her, but since I have no experience with the familiar of zero fandom, that might not be the best idea...What do y'all think? Regardless, I hope you enjoy my version. Feedback is appreciated.

Besides Saito of course. Really dislike him. Dracula would eat him for breakfast before spitting him out because of how much of a wuss the kid is.

Disclaimer: Lords of Shadows and Familiar of Zero do not belong to me.

Chaper 1: Calamity of Zero

2070 A.D, Castlevania City-Metro

The pitter patter sound of rats scurrying across the ground, echoed across the tunnel system, granting a certain lonely atmosphere to Casltevania's once proud subway system. Among the ruined trains and debris, two figures marched in grim silence on the forlorn tracks. Clad head to toe in Kevlar body-armor, their leather boots made no sound as they fell on the decrepit floor. They carried various assortments of pouches, bandoleers, and belts of ammunition, with both wearing a large grey backpack over their shoulders. You could tell they were both female, due to their heavy breathing, which was amplified by the military-grade gas-masks they wore over there faces. The only light source was coming from the helmet light attached to the worn combat helmets they had over there heads for protection, as such the rest of tunnel was carpeted by an impenetrable cloud of darkness. The rays of white light coming from the helmet mounted flash light pierced the cloud, revealing nothing but more chunks of stone, wood, and other debris. Tapping her ''friend'' on her shoulder, the one farthest to the wall said, her voice muffled by the gas-mask,

"Teresa, I don't think were going to find anything of use down here." Teresa, or so her friend called her, Kevlar armor was covered in painted red strips, and on her right arm, a Canadian Army shoulder badge sat proudly. Teresa responded coldly, keeping her rusty Ak-47 drawn and aimed at the dark tunnel,

"The Brotherhood ranger told us this part of the metro was essentially untouched, Mary." Mary let out a low chuckle, keeping her sawed-off Winchester 1887 leveled, along with her colt python revolver safely tucked away in it's leather holster. Unlike Teresa, her armor had no paint on it, instead possessing a Hello Kitty bumper sticker attached to her shoulder, the gear she carried was slightly different, instead of the archaic looking flare gun Teresa carried on her belt, Mary had a set of blue flares tucked in one of the pouches . Both girls wore green cameo fatigues underneath the rest of there gear. She spoke in a thick southern accent, "Remember, doll, he also said barely anyone who goes there, comes back?" Teresa rolled her eyes under her gas-mask, keeping a sharp eye around her surroundings. Her voice was calm and tempered, unlike the roughness of her companion, "So you rather have Abigail starve?" Mary's voice increased in volume, as she said, rather loud, "That's not what I meant, darling! Besides, I doubt we'll find any supplies down in these tunnels..." Teresa raised her right arm, "Keep your voice down. I told you already. During Armageddon, these tunnels were filled with fleeing refugees. The demonic horde showed them no mercy, and what supplies they had are still down here."Mary asked, "Why can't we ya'll search for supplies around Orlox station?" Teresa's sighed in annoyance, saying, "Because we cleared it out last month, remember?" Mary fell silent, as she fell behind the former Canadian soldier. After a good minute of silence in the dark, Teresa said, "You dont have to sass me so-"

"Shhhhhh" Teresa interrupted, suddenly crouching, and aiming down the iron sight on her assault rifle. Mary fell silent, placing her Winchester shotgun on the mid part of her arm, which she put in-front of her, to help with the recoil of the weapon, taking a moment to crouch beside Teresa. The ex-soldier pointed forward, dimming the light on her helmet

Hunched beside a destroyed train car was a horrific sight. A massive, goat-like creature lay about, nipping on a discarded bone. It's stomach was bloated, with vile green bile dripping out a massive boil connected to its belly. The part of it allowing it to stand on two legs, was the deformed feet, which looked more like hooves made from human bones. Lucky for them, the beasts back was turned, and it seemed to have poor sight. Teresa hand signaled Mary to withdraw. The girl nodded her head, slowly stepping backwards, with her Winchester out. The duo slowly retreated, making their way backwards.

Right before the demon was out of sight, Mary accidentally walked into a discarded iron pot, causing a rattling sound. Before she could form a response of any kind, the demon's keen sense of hearing picked up the clanking sound, which caused it to turn around, revealing it's hideously deformed face, razor-sharp teeth-filled mouth, and piercing jagged claws which measured at least twenty inches. Mary froze, praying in her head to any god that was out there that the demon hadn't spotted them yet.

Unfortunately for the duo of scavengers, god didn't hold dominion over the earth anymore.

The demon's gaping mouth opened wide, letting out an ear-shattering screech. Going on all fours, and using its long massive claws to stay upright, the beast charged forward at Mary with supernatural speed. Her eyes opened wide in shock, and her body froze in fear.

"Get down, now!" The voice of Teresa caused Mary's senses to snap back to normal, as the girl dove to the side, throwing herself onto a train track, avoiding the demon by an inch. Snarling, the monster turned around, only to face Teresa unload a full magazine of armor-piercing silver rounds from her AK. The monster let out screams of pain, as the silver bullets pierced it's strong hide, which caused the monsters skin to burn from contact with the blessed bullets. Slowly advancing, the ex-soldier continuously pressed the gun's trigger, until the demon was limp on the floor filled with dozens of bullet holes. Teresa rushed forward, offering her hand to Mary, who firmly grabbed it. The younger girl solemnly said, as Teresa helped her up,

"I-I'm sorry Teresa-" Mary cut her off, saying in a monotoned voice, "Be quiet." She put her ear to the tunnel's dark wall, listening for any sounds that gave away the presence of more demons. She didn't need to do that, as dozens of individuals roars echoed across the tunnel, filled with hatred and anger. Swearing under breath, she drew the flare gun from her belt, holding her rifle in one hand, and fired it into the dark tunnel. The bright red flare revealed a horde of incoming monstrosities of all sizes converging on the two girls. Teresa screamed at Mary, "RUN!", and threw the flair gun to the side, turning up the brightness on her helmet mounted flashlight to full . Both of them ran. The two girls were stronger then they looked, and carried there large amount of equipment with ease and speed, as they fled back the way they came, dodging and vaulting over debris along with avoiding detached train cars. As she ran, Teresa fired bullets back into the advancing wall of demons, gripping her rifle tightly so she wouldn't drop it. Mary had her revolver drawn, and began to fire it into the crowd of demons along with Teresa, but for every one demon they killed, ten more took the lone demon's place.

While Teresa was shooting at the pursing demons with her assault rifle, she failed to notice the slightly uprooted track, which was unevenly laid across the tunnel floor. Letting out a muffled cry of pain as she fell face first into the ground. Noticing her downed friend, Mary turned around and headed back. Teresa, picking up her fallen rifle, unleashed a barrage of silver bullets at the ever advancing demonic wave ,

"Mary, there's no time get the hell out of here!" She glanced at her leg, which had large window splinters impeded into it. Swearing, she screamed, "Mary you need to leave-"

"That wont be necessary." A voice whispered. In a blur, something carved through the advancing demons, shattering the first line of them, in a splendid display of blood and body parts flying in all directions. Mary grabbed Teresa from behind, dragging her behind a de-railed train car. She poked her head out, grasping a blue flare from her belt, she tossed it to the location she was hearing the screams of dying demons by the dozen. Illuminated by the blue smoke, a tall looking man stood by himself surrounded on all sides by the corpses of a dozen slain demons, some decapitated, others completely carved up. His features were obscured by the dark blue cloak and hood he wore, but Mary could see he wielded two long swords in each hand, holding the two blades crossed with each other. The sword he bore in his left hand was almost impossible long, curved, and oddly shaped, as the start of the blade was shaped in the form of a highly angled dragon head, with parts of the blade, mainly the start, being jagged. If someone had to guess, they would say it was most likely forged from silver . The blade in his right, was very different in appearance. Black like the abyss, sparks of red electricity danced around the blade, which was shaped similar to an eastern styled Katana.

A demon pounced, attempting to strike the man from behind. He side stepped away from the attack in a flash of darkness, reappearing a mili-second later, inches away from the horror, cutting it in half mid-flight using the longer blade, down its head. Illuminated by the blue flare, Mary got a glimpse of his face, as he turned to cut a trio of attacking demons with a flurry of slashes with both his swords. Pale as fresh fallen snow, his skin was a very unhealthy white hue, and his eyes glowed splendid gold. Mary watched in utter shock and disbelief as the man proceeded to annihilate the massive group, slicing through the horde like how someone would slice through butter with a knife. At last, only one demon remained, a sinister looking Soldier of Satan. The creature roared in defiance, revving up it's hooves in preparation for a charge.

The hooded man adopted a sly grin, as the black sword in his right hand glowed even brighter, the red lightning around it's edges spreading further across it's blade. Pointing it towards the demon, a violtile purple glowing hole appeared underneath the monsters feet, causing it to fall through into the floor with a startled yelp. As it did, another hole appeared right beside the hooded man, and as it did, the previous chaotic vortex disappeared. Slamming the black katana into the ground, the mysterious swordsmen wielded the longer, silver blade, in two hands, adopting a new fighting pose, with the blade sticking out behind him. The hooded man took a step forward, the goat-like demon reappeared right behind the swordsman falling out of the portal, landing and impaling itself right onto the silver blade. With a single stroke, the hooded man let the corpse fall off. That was the end it

Bringing up the sword to his face, and licking the blood covered edge of the legendary Crissaegrim, Trevor Belmont, or as he was known now as, Alucard said jokingly,

"Well, well. Some stray little sheep lost in the woods. How unfortunate."

After Alucard had led the two scavengers out of the metro, he had returned to his place of dwelling, the decrepit, but still grand-looking Nosfertus Cathedral, the same church were he had hidden his father all those years ago. Around the Church's permiter, severed demon heads impaled on sharped stakes littered the destroyed yard, as a warning to any would be intruder to stay far away. However, Alucard had a policy of helping any human who needed his assistance, so to off-set the grisly first impression that the Yard tended to bring, Alucard kept a wooden cross hung up on the entryway, as an invitation to people seeking sanctuary. An unholy spawn of Satan wouldn't be able to cross into sanctified ground, so it was a message to anyone seeking help that the Church was the place to hide. As a member of his father's rather elite vampiric bloodline, Alucard had inherited his rather unique resistance against any holy object, unlike other vampires.

Opening the door into his home, the vampire paused for a second glancing to see the waning gibbous moon, before entering the threshold. Nights in Casltevania City, even before the end of the world, were almost always supernaturally dark, not a wholesome night. Something else entirely. Alucard could almost imagine how this place might have looked when the world wasn't as fucked up as it was now. Families crowding the pews, the local priest giving sermons, the almost hypnotizing song of the choir echoing across the Church ground. Alucard envied the tranquility it would have brought.

Going down the tattered carpet, Alucard made his way to the innermost chamber, a little personal adjustment he had made centuries ago. Alucard stopped when he faced an empty bookshelf. The only way to access the room was to whisper the password. Clearing his throat , Alucard uttered,

"Sypha." The staircase shook, causing the abundance of dust that had gathered there to be thrown up. Alucard was sometimes out on patrol for months, so he really didn't have the time to clean the place up. The book shelf fell forward, revealing a dark passageway. Carefully stepping over the bookcase, Alucard entered. As Alucard went deeper down the passage, fog started to creep around him, surrounding him in an aimless mist, with the only sound being his footsteps and the bookcase going back to it's proper place. When he had traveled a good fifteen minutes, the fog was so thick, Alucard couldn't see his hands. Smiling, Alucard summoned his sword, The Crissaegrim, drawing it from thin air. Holding it in two hands, Alucard plunged the blade into the ground, chanting in latin,

"By the four winds, By the seven Arch-Angels, By the Seven Arch-fiends, By the seven old ones. Lest by eyes be hidden, reveal thy self."

In a instant, the gathered fog dissipated, revealing Alucard's Sanctuary. The room was small, but not small enough that Alucard couldn't store all the items he had gathered over the centuries with the help of magic. A bed lay in the center, which held a large steel trunk adjacent to it. Though not normal for a vampire, Alucard preferred the comfort of a mattress over a coffin. The trunk was enchanted to be bottomless, he could store practically store everything he needed in the piece of furniture. At the farthest end of the room, was a small shrine. It was nothing more then some candles, along with a silver crucifix.

When Alucard approached the shrine, he could feel his strength begin to leave him. Like all creatures of the night, silver weakened Alucard. Though the elder vampire did it on purpose, the same reason why he had forged the Crissaegrim with silver as it's main alloy, it was a reminder, as well as a means of strength. If Alucard felt a slight weakness when he wielded the blade, it encouraged him to use his own considerable skill he amassed over the centuries, instead of relying on gimmicky magic.

Going onto one knee, Alucard went into a praying position, facing skyward.

"Dear Father God, I know that I've done wrong through my thoughts, my actions, and the things that I've said, sometimes by mistake and sometimes on purpose. I have gone my own way and not put you at the center of my life. I am very sorry and ask that you please forgive me. I thank you that I can ask you this because I truly believe that your Son, Jesus, died in my place and, through Him, I have access to you. Please help me to follow you more closely every day and live a life which gives glory back to you. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen."

"He's not listening, you know?" At the sudden sound, Alucard whirled backwards, going into a fighting position, and drawing his secondary blade, Masamune, the katana which he taken from Zobek's Lieutenant after their fateful duel. While less powerful then the Crissaegrim, Masaume wielded very formidable Abyss magic, and was more then welcome in Alucard's vast collection of blades, which he stored in his own pocket dimension (A trick he learned at his Father's castle the first time they fought). He could draw any of his many swords in a split second.

As Alucard turned around, and saw who had spoken to him, he conjured away his sword instantly. Feeling both shock, and warm sense of joy, Alucard's face betrayed a sly-grin,

"You look terrible old man." Alucard said, grinning. Dracul, The Prince of Darkness, known to Alucard as Gabriel Belmont, and more importantly, as father, smiled, revealing his fangs. What Alucard had said, wasn't far from the truth however. His father looked horrible. Huge black bags hid under his glowing red-eyes, and his face seemed almost unbearably tired. Dracul laughed, pointing his clawed hand at his son,

"You fare no better, Son." Dracul outstretched his hand, offering a firm handshake to Alucard's dark gauntleted hand. To his surprise, but nonetheless, and happiness, The younger vampire turned it down, instead opting to close the distance, and embrace his father in a large bear hug. Dracul, returned it with vigor. Normally, they acted a good deal more controlled around each other, but the two vampires hadn't seen each other in more then five years. Leaving the embrace, Dracul glanced around the room, speaking deadpanly,

"Quite clever, Alucard." Alucard chuckled,

"A very useful spell I learned from an old hag when I was visiting the Polish backwoods a very long time again..." Alucard wasted no time asking his father the question that was on his mind, "So, father. How was your trip to Greece?" Dracul had left Castlevania city for Greece several years ago, to examine how the situation was in the outside world. He didn't mean any disrespect for his lack of any more pleasantries, it was just the way the two of them talked, straight to the point. Dracul began to scratch his dark goatee, frowning. Well, not that his father smiled much to begin with.

"Bad, i'm afraid, at least in Athens. The countryside was doing slightly better, but that's not saying much." The elder vampire let out an angry growl, his glowing red eyes flaring a darker color, "Satan committed almost as much troops as he did in Romania, In Greece. He knew the largest remaining concentration of old gods were located there." Alucard frowned, saying "Did you find any?" Dracul said, going up to the small shrine, and picking up the cross, crushing it underneath his hand. Somethings never chanced,

"Old gods? Yes, only one though. Sose."

Alucard adopted a curious look,

"Sose?"

Dracul's face became mellowed in sadness, gripping his hand tight enough to turn his fist into a ball. "Argues's and Nomios's mother." He said sorrowfully, the vampire glancing downward, his eyes filled with dread. Nomios, otherwise known as Pan, was a topic you never wanted to bring up in front of Dracul, one of the many deaths the vampire deeply regretted. Dracul tried to hide his guilt for the Satry god's passing, by asking Alucard,

"So, my son. How is the situation in Castlevania City?" Alucard shook his head, knowing both vampires would become depressed by the end of there conversation due to the influx of bad news,

"Not good I'm afraid. The demons are becoming more organised." That caused Dracul eyebrows to raise in surprise, curious he asked,

"More organised you say?" Alucard nodded his head solemnly, "I'm afraid so. Not two months ago, I was on a patrol with a squad of Brotherhood rangers-" His eyes flaring up in rage, Dracul suddenly shouted, "You've been working with the Brotherhood?!" Old grievances died hard, and when you had centuries to stew in your hatred, it made it even harder to let go, "Yes I have, father." Dracul snorted, "I'm surprised there's enough of them left to fight. There numbers were shattered when Satan invaded and-" It was Alucard turn to interrupt, speaking in an annoyed tone,

"And their leader, Victor Belmont, killed sacrificing his life to save the World..." The older vampire's face, once again, became wracked with guilt. He feebly said, "Son i'm-" Alucard didn't let him finish, "Sorry, yes I know. Think before you insult the dead." Alucard continued, "" As I was saying, me and Brotherhood, now reorganised as The Holy Order of Saint John due to their depleted numbers, Ranger Squad were patrolling the science district for stray demons." He paused, before saying, "And then there was an ambush,we were attacked from all sides by a large group of Dark Cultists hiding among the buildings, armed with rifles and Dark Magic. That was before a horde of Possessed citzens swarmed us when we were talking cover in a ruined bus. It was a massacre, I barely escaped with my life." Dracula scratched his chain, saying,

"That's troubling. Demons never do coordinated surprise attacks."

"I know" Muttered Alucard, "You killed Abaddon, Satan's field commander during the Night of Armageddon, right?" Dracul nodded his head, "I was when I was chasing Victor. The fallen angel got in the way, so I slaughtered him. I dont think there's any demons left to unite the horde with Satan gone-"

Suddenly a flash of blue light enveloped the room, causing the vampires to hiss, both shielding there eyes. Dracul wasted no time conjuring his Void Sword, the large sword radiating cold. Alucard summoned both Masaume and The Crissaegrim, wielding the two blades in both hands like how he did earlier in the Metro. When the flash subsided, what greeted the two ancient vampires was a shimmering, silver portal, a one unlike anything they had ever seen. Alucard resheafed Masume, but kept The Crissaegrim out, but not drawn near his hip. Going closer to the portal, the white-haired vampire was utterly bewildered,

"Strange. I've never seen anything like it." His moved his hand closer to the portal, "It's radiating great power though, I can feel it."

The one and only Lord of Shadow, gazed at the portal's silvery depths. It almost felt...like something was calling him. Something was pleading, and begging for him to enter. Then he heard a voice. A voice that sent shivers down his spine, a voice he hated with every fiber of his being. A voice from inside, a voice that chilled the hearts of man, a voice filled with hatred and fury.

Don't go...my Prince...

Dracul turned to his son, trying his best to block out that damnable whisper from inside him, "I'm going over." Alucard grabbed his father by the shoulder, surprised, "Father, are you mad? We don't even know what's on the other side? Hell, we don't even know what kind of magic this is!" Dracul gripped his son forearm, firmly, but not enough to cause the younger vampire pain.

"Listen to me, I know what i'm doing. " Dracul paused before, whispering, "I highly doubt this, and the emergence of these demons are a coincidence. The portal, I can tell, is...not of this world. I need to scout ahead." Alucard said, speaking in a worried voice, "Then i'm going with you." Dracul shook his head, "No you need to stay here and watch the city. Be on the watch for any strange behavior, and wait for me."

Alucard looked...almost sad. He loved his father dearly, despite there differences in opinion and methods. He asked, "How will you get back?" The older vampire smiled, gently pulling Alucard in for another hug, which Alucard returned. "Of course. I'll find my own way if it comes to that." Dracul put his hand to Alucard's cheek, planting a kiss on his forehead, Alucard let go, placing his hand onto the older vampires shoulder, "I'll make you proud father." Dracula turned around, heading forward to the portal. Before he entered, he turned to face his beloved son one more time, "You always do, son." And with that, Dracul vanished his form being consumed by the silver portal. Alucard gently said,

"Goodbye father, until our next meeting."

Halkeginia- Tristain Magic Academy

The sky was a wonderful shade of blue, and the sun was high above among the fluffy white clouds, shining it's bright ray's of sunlight across Tristian Magic Academy. In other words, it was a wonderful day. Known to practically everyone, the famous Tristian Academy was used to train the upper echelons of Helkegian society in the fine, and somewhat dangerous art, of magic. In Halkeginia, nobles used magic and are...''classified'' by there talent in the subject.

Today, the second years were gathered outside in a courtyard, for a very important event. The Springtime Summoning Ritual. It was tradition a for the mages at the academy to conjure, and then bind familiars to serve there daily needs. A certain vampire lord would claim that was a distinctively human excuse for "cheap-slave labor", but many mages disagreed with that label. A familiar was a servant, yes, but more importantly, a life partner, a friend. Regardless, it was a great for all the second year students, a moment of crowning glory you could say. Well...except for one. Louise Francoise Le Blanc De La Valliere you could say was a little worried...well...more then a little. Very worried. Almost unbearably worried. In the state she was in, the sun scorched her, her sweat felt like a typhon. Louise was no doubt an excellent student, in terms of intelligence and being, generally, very bright. Unfortunately for the aspiring mage, she had one huge problem. One damning flaw.

She couldn't cast a single spell.

Louise was perfect in the process of invocation, the step before the actual spell, but when it come to releasing the magic energy it always resulted in a massive explosion. The poor girls reputation had spiraled down a summit of never ending failures, and over time, her classmates saw fit to label her as "Louise the Zero", as result of her inability to cast spells. The constant teasing was almost unbearable at times, but the young girl never gave into despair, due to her mother's "Rule of Steel", stating that she must never show her sorrow in the face of adversity. However, this summoning was to be Louise's last chance. If she couldn't do this one spell, she would be expelled from the Academy, and be forced to return to her parents in shame. Being very familiar with her mothers...extreme discipline, Louisse feared she would be disowned and cast out of the Valliere family.

She needed to this. Not just for her parents or family, but for herself. She was tired of being picked on, her name used as a mockery. But...she was so stressed. Louisse's imagined the laughter and jeers when she messed up, which she knew, deep down, she would. Glancing to her feet, she glanced at her fellow students. Everyone else in class had summoned their familiars with ease, even the Zerbst has managed to summon a Salamander, and Tabitha...summoned a honest to god dragon! Louisse felt...inadequate. In-superior. Shyly glancing downward, Louise tried to vanish from sight, sinking into the crowd.

One of Louise's professor, a fire mage, Jean Colbert, who was supervising the group of second years, called out,

"Now, is there anyone else who hasn't performed the ritual?" The young mage was perfectly content staying silent, but unfortunately for her, one of Louisse's classmates disagreed. Kirche, a dark skinned, somewhat busty girl with fiery red hair said,

"Louise hasn't."

Louise was exposed.

Colbert fixed the small pair of silver glasses over his eyes, as he nodded his head, calling out

"Ah yes. Come along Miss Valliere."

Almost reluctantly made her way out of the crowd, fixing her long pink hair, standing as tall and keeping her posture as refined as possible. She gave a very nasty flare to Kirche, as she made her way to the summoning circle. The rest of the students began to whisper among themselves about "The Zero." When she was near Colbert, the red head mockingly smiled, "I'd wish you luck, Valliere. But being a zero, I doubt you could even cast an illumination spell, let alone summon a familiar." She teased, snickering. The other students started to laugh, but stopped when Colbert gave them a sharp glare. The fire mage motioned for the pinkette to step forward. Louise snapped, "Shut up Zerbst", as she made her way to Collbert, reaching him Louise asked, "Do I really need to do the summoning ?" The teacher solemly nodded his balding head, "I'm afraid so Miss Vallire. If you cannot summon a familiar...well, it's a harsh reality that you don't belong here in Tristan Magic Academy." Louise gulped nervously, her skin becoming visibly pale at the prospect of that. Steeling herself, Louise took a large, deep breath,

She had no choice, her vast, and as a certain vampire lord would find out, downright egotistical pride as a noble was at stake.

Walking ahead a few steps, she pointed her wand, and began to focus her magical power, as she uttered the words to the ritual, her voice dripping with absolute resonance.

"My name is Louise Francoise Le Blanc de la Valliere. Pentagram of the Five Elemental Powers, heed my summoning... and bring forth my...familiar!" The young mage shouted with both conviction and pride. Magic manifested around her and burst out when she finished. But nothing happened. With a genuinely remorseful expression. Colbert walked up to her, gently placed his hand on Louise's shoulder. He said, in a low-toned voice, "I'm sorry Miss Valliere, but it looks you f-" The fire mage was cut short, because a delayed explosion was brought forth from the girls summoning attempt, blowing up everywhere in the courtyard.

The sounds of coughing and wheezing echoed across the courtyard. Dust was everywhere, and everyone was blinded by it.

"Damn it Zero!"

"This always happens, when you try and fail to use magic!"

"When will you learn you're not cut out to be a mage?"

"Go home Zero..."

Her classmates cruel words caused Louise to become on the verge of crying. She was no good after all. Coughing, Colbert said,

"Miss Tapitha, could you clear away this dust please," There was no vocal response, but seconds later, the dust was cleared by a petite girl with short blue hair and glasses carrying a staff in one hand and a book in the other. Once all the students had regained proper use of there sense, they all looked on in surprise and shock at the area past Louise, even Tabitha, usually casually indifferent towards about everything, had a small visage of suprise on her bored face. Curious, Louise turned her head. She was beyond shocked.

There was something in the spot where the young mage casted the summoning spell. That something was a man, kneeling on one knee, his fist planted on the ground, which was now a smoldering crater. His first move was bringing up his fist to his knee, and opening his palm, revealing long, sharp fingernails. He pushed himself up, and the students were now able to get a good look at him. He was much taller than Colbert, as well as a good deal more built, wearing black leather boots and dark pants, which were held up by a grand skull-adorned belt. The man wore no shirt, showing off his defined muscular torso. A crimson red leather coat with gold trimmings sat on his upper body. The coat looked very well-made, as well as incredibly expensive. The way the mysterious man wore it, practically yelled he was a refined, yet incredibly powerful noble. His forearms had red, scale-like bracers with crimson elbow spikes, with black sleeves that ruffled out at the wrist and connected to the coat. The man's skin was deathly pale, and his hair, dark brown, nearly black in color , went past his shoulders, like an endless dark ocean, parting above his face, divided it. He was extremely handsome, with sharp facial features and a heavy goatee. The man looked like he couldn't have been over thirty.

However, the most striking feature on the man was his piercing eyes. Sanguine-red, they glowed unnaturally, making the normally very handsome man seem utterly inhuman. Worst of all, when you looked at them, they appeared...to gaze into you. Into your soul.

Colbert was the first to break out of the initial shock, the fire mage went over to Louise, and tapped her on the shoulder, freeing the girl from her-trance like state. Sternly, he said,

"You need to finish the ritual." Blushing, she nodded her head and walked over to the man. She still couldn't fathom how this was possible. She had actually summoned a familiar! But...it was a human. There were no recorded instances of someone summoning a person as familiar. To add further doubt, by his appearance, the man seemed to be a noble. Did she kidnap a royal from another kingdom by mistake? Louise stood in front of the man, and tugged at his coat, trying to get his attention.

His eyebrows raised, the man looked down at her, kneeling so he was now in eye contact with the young mage. His blood-red eyes gazed into her's. Trembling , Louise brought out her wand, and started to chant the contract for the familiar ritual. A blue, glowing circle appeared below , as she spoke, "Pentagon of the Five Elemental Powers, grant your blessing upon this humble being and make him my familiar," with the last words of the chant, Louise brought her hands up to the man's face, before she leaned in and lightly kissed him on the lips. The light from the magic circle died down, and the man gazed at Louise, with a cold fury, until a sizzling sound could be heard. The man stood up quickly, as he watched the Red Runes burn into his left hand. It didn't cause him any visible pain, only annoyance. When the Runes were completely branded into his hand, he briefly studying them. He looked back at the young pinkette, his in-human eyes growing brighter and more angry by the second. The voice that left his lips was impeccably smooth, thick with an accent no one could recognize. Above all however, it resonated unbridled power, a power that demanded respect.

"Tell me, girl..." He practically seethed, "Are you the one who dares summon The Dragon?"