A/N: And we're back with another episode of our favorite Void mage in the Wasteland! We are now back to a regular biweekly release schedule, and we may just keep to it. Now then, on to our review answer segment!

Bounded-Sumo: Yes, we all have our perverted moments. I, you, that weird girl next door. We all do.

And PLOT!

Celestia's Paladin: If he does bite the dust, it's a helluva long ways out. =P

Zikarn Krais: I wouldn't worry. After all our good Vittorio doesn't have the stomach to handle the Wasteland. Folks are still at least ten chapters out, so fear not! Besides, even if they used World Door, there's no guarantee it would reach the same place that Louise entered from after all…

Fragment of Ring: I will go fix that once I get back to the internets. I didn't know that though, thank you!

Asian Magician: They will play a role in shaping Halkeginia, you be certain of that.

Fray: It's arrived! =)

Jose: Independence? Why not America?!

And we're off! Make sure to check out my extended A/N at the end of this chapter, it's got a status update on my stories!

The New Vegas Strip

Three Days Earlier

2345 Hours

Mr. House was not a happy man.

An assault had been successfully mounted on the Vegas Strip itself, which easily plowed through the guarded checkpoint, and laid siege to one of the three casinos. Dozens lay dead, both outside the casino's walls, and inside the now-ruined gaming establishment. He didn't even have a damage estimate yet, but it could very well leave him in the red for the next few years. The bodies of the attackers held files on nearly every aspect of the Strip's defenses and protocols. They even had a Pre-War era blueprint of the Tops, with absolute attention given to detail.

The Families and House had been utterly blindsided by the brazen attack, stunned into submission. While sudden, the patriarch of New Vegas understood the practicality of launching an attack on the Tops, rather than the other establishments. The Tops' relatively open setting made setting ambushes or defensive lines difficult, an issue completely unshared by either the Ultra-Luxe or Gomorrah.

The attackers were at an advantage the moment they entered the building, and none of the Chairman carried heavy firepower on the casino floor. Swank – the stand-in for Benny – was the only one close by with an assault rifle. The others sub-machineguns were simply inadequate against the hardened armor the attackers wore.

For the first time, House began to doubt his decisions on ignoring Freeside as a part of his little empire. The one thing he knew for certain was that each attacker was a known Freeside resident, and no one in the Vegas slums was willing to assist in the investigation so far. The Kings, the group largely responsible for keeping the 'peace' in Freeside, was relatively apathetic to the Strip's worries. It was no secret that the King disliked House for his isolation of Freeside years earlier, and the enigmatic patriarch knew it wasn't undeserved.

He could attempt to push the locals for more information, but given the extreme tensions from the presence of NCR squatters, such actions may turn the slum into a warzone. And after the front gate had been utterly demolished, the Strip's main defensive barrier was little more than a decoration.

Mere hours in, and the very balance of power in New Vegas was on the cusp of change.

"Mr. House, I presume?" The oligarch of New Vegas took control of a Securitron as it heard Ambassador Crocker.

His 'senses' showed the aged, African-American man in a suit and tie. A white dress shirt, red tie, black slacks and a matching black blazer covered him from head to toe. Two well-equipped NCR MP's stood at his sides, as he 'nodded,' "Yes Ambassador?"

"I'd like to just say that the NCR gives you our condolences and we wish you well with the rebuilding," Crocker spoke in a diplomatically neutral tone.

'If only it were that simple you old goat.' He sighed aloud, "Let's just get straight to the point, shall we Ambassador?"

"I'll be blunt with you House, the legislature is going to want answers once they catch wind of this. Several of their wealthy constituents died here today, and they don't care about the status quo you have."

A mental groan emerged, "The situation is well in hand Ambassador-."

"Over a hundred people, most of them NCR citizens are dead House! I'm not sure you have any control of the situation at all. The MP's I have working as investigators forwarded me the same report they gave to you, and you are no closer to solving the case as it is now." He pinched his nose, "My superiors will want an investigative team to have full access Mr. House." Crocker began counting off his fingers, "They want to know who did this, why they did this, and how they pulled it off on your watch!"

The patron of New Vegas was losing ground and his cool, "Now Ambassador, let me blunt to you. The New California Republic has no jurisdiction here on the Strip beyond its own citizens and military. The treaty we signed made that very clear, in addition to the power transmissions from Hoover back to California." His eyes narrowed on the Securitron's screen, "I believe you know where I'm going with this Ambassador."

"Do you want a war House?"

"A weak bluff. I don't believe for a second the NCR could handle any additional fronts here in the Mojave. You have the Powder Gangers to the south, Fiends and Great Khans to the west, the Legion in the east, and the Strip to the north." He would've smirked if he was speaking with the man in person, "Securitrons are perfect for both guard duty and rapid assault on lightly armored forces, such as supply convoys, making resupply a nightmare. If I cut the power to the west, productivity and satisfaction in your government will plummet.

"Without power your water pumps, pulling cleaner water from deep below ground will shut down. You'll enter a famine within 12 months, and be on the verge of anarchy within 18. Your government is on the verge of collapse as it is Ambassador, without the power and trade routes in the Mojave the New California Republic will cease to exist before the end of 2284."

At that point, the man had veins poking out of his forehead as he forced himself to calm down, "I'll need to wait for orders from the State Department before continuing this farce. Good day Mr. House."

As House observed the ambassador making his way to the embassy, a light laugh came from the bicentennial businessman, "I will be eagerly awaiting your return, Ambassador."

The Lucky 38 – Presidential Suite

0010 Hours

With the girls' night out ruined, the three ladies walked in, along with a pained Courier. He limped his way to his bed, de-atomized his armor and fell onto the bed asleep.

Veronica shook her head, "Looks like we'll be needing to go to the Fort for a check-up tomorrow for James. I can imagine he likely tore a few stitches and he'll need those replaced."

Louise shook her head absently, "I feel all dirty from tonight, so I'm going to take a nice long bath. Any takers?"

Both women raised their hands instantly earning a chuckle from the pinkette, "Let's go get the water then, shall we?"

Lucky 38 Basement

The Scribe sunk into the bubbles of the 'bath tub' with a moan, "This is the life! We never had a chance to do this back at Hidden Valley, always had to conserve or recycle everything."

Cass agreed, "I can't even remember the last time I bathed properly. Ah, right. I went skinny dipping in Lake Mead after falling into my Brahmin's pile." The beginning of a smirk appeared on the brunette's face, "And no Veronica, I am not going to talk about it."

"It would be a story to remember, that's for sure."

Louise smiled grimly, "Can't be any worse than the Tops right now."

As fortune would favor the women of the Lucky 38, it turns out there was a small pool located in the abandoned Casino's basement. It wasn't Olympic sized, or comparable to the baths found at the Academy, but it was sufficiently large enough for all three women to both fill and heat – with a convenient MFC-compatible heater and pump.

Veronica turned to the noblewoman, "Hey Louise, before we were interrupted you were talking about your homeland. Could you tell us more?"

"I can do that for you commoner." A pair of snorts answered her as she continued unashamed, "Humanity's history in Halkeginia began with a man named Brimir, or the Founder as he is referred to formally. He was one of the first human mages, or magic users to exist and effectively created every aspect of our society. From the four elements we use today to the very laws that rule our lands. He also is the ancestor from which all of the Royal Families are descended from."

Cass crossed her arms, "What was so special about this Brimir?"

"I'm getting to that," Louise retorted before continuing. "The Founder Brimir was unique compared to all other mages because he controlled the lost branch of magic, Void."

Veronica chimed in next, "It seems fairly different than the elements you mentioned."

The pinkette continued unhindered, "The Void was a magical branch designed exclusively by the Founder to serve as a means to defeat the heathen elves who had begun pushing humanity from the Holy Land. It was a type of magic capable of great destruction, and had the ability to nullify the heathen elves' greatest power, 'Counter.'"

"Like countering a punch with another punch-?"

Cass scowled, "Stop interrupting Veronica! I'm actually interested in what she's saying."

"Thank you. Anyways, Counter granted the Elves the ability to deflect any kind of physical or magical attack sent against them. Sometimes the attacks simply disintegrated on contact, while others were literally bounced back at an opponent. The Elves held nearly every advantage, in life expectancy, combat skills, and the ability to wield spiritual magic, all without a wand. Even untrained Elves and the young could match a Triangle level mage without much difficulty. Every battle fought against the Elves before or since Brimir has been almost always been a defeat."

She continued, "The Founder also created the Familiar Summoning Ritual, a magical ritual that summons the ideal partner of a mage and binds them to their will for the entirety of their lives."

The Caravaneer frowned, "Sounds like slavery to me."

Louise flushed red, "Blasphemy! The familiar bond is a partnership, not slavery. The master must care for every aspect of a familiar's life and give them the companionship needed for both to grow."

"Are these familiars able to have a sense of individuality?"

The noblewoman shook her head, "Familiars are only supposed to be animals or other magical creatures. Living, sapient beings as familiars are unheard of."

Veronica looked at Louise with curiosity, "Where is your familiar Louise?"

She looked down at the bubbles, "When I was brought here, my class and I were performing the Familiar Summoning Ritual. Instead of summoning my familiar, it brought me here instead."

The mechanical genius had a metaphorical light bulb appear beside her head, "By that logic, your familiar must be here in the Wasteland!"

Louise retorted immediately, "That's impossible-." Her eyes immediately began to twitch around as information processed through her mind, "No. . . I'm thinking it's impossible because it has never happened before. At least to my knowledge it hasn't, and I've read everything there is to know on the subject." The Scribe sent her a questioning glance, "Failure wasn't an option, if I failed the Ritual my life would be over."

Cass sighed, "It also doesn't explain why you aren't able to cast any of the four elements you mentioned. What would 'Explosion' be considered as an element?"

A sinking feeling began to fill the pinkette's heart as she responded, "Honestly, Cass? I don't know, and I need to find out."

Old Mormon Fort – Freeside

Two Days Earlier

0930 Hours

"You're in awful shape Winfield, I hope you know that."

As soon as the Courier had awoken at 0800 he had been in unbearable pain. Without the drugs to counteract the pain from aggravating his injuries he was completely unable to function normally. It had required Victor to pick the wounded man up (who began yelling obscenities immediately) and carry him all the way to east Freeside where the Followers main base of operations. With the recent pressure on the locals from the Strip, it was extremely difficult to make the journey.

It had taken nearly an hour to make the fifteen minute walk after being attacked several times by the locals intent on making a quick cap. The girls had been allowed to sleep in, meaning that both robot and Courier were accompanied only by Lily. The Nightkin had no qualms about smashing heads, and had thoroughly enjoyed using her makeshift 'sword' as both blade and bludgeon.

The Fort's guards nearly opened fire on the Securitron as it wheeled inside, but the sight of the Follower's greatest icon in the Mojave held them back.

Winfield on the other hand knew he was in awful shape as another stitch was replaced, "Yes Doctor, I know I'm not in good shape. I did charge through an underground hive of ants and through a group of well-armed bandits in the middle of a casino. All while being held together by Slasher cocktails. Believe me, I don't think I could feel any worse than I do now."

"Well, was fifty torn stitches, along with re-breaking two of your ribs and the beginning of a serious chemical dependency worth it at least?"

The grizzled deliveryman nodded painfully, "Louise, Cass, and Veronicas all were being held hostage in there." Gannon listened carefully as he continued, "Mr. House didn't want his 'investments' to be destroyed. I didn't want to lose both friends and a little sister figure either, so I acted."

"That little girl, the pink-haired one is Louise, correct?" The Courier nodded, "Mr. Winfield, that little sister figure may very well want to be more than that to you."

A few moments passed silently, "I'm not entirely sure what you're implying Doc."

Gannon crossed his arms and looked at Winfield, giving the best 'are you fucking kidding me?' look he could manage. "I may be a man Winfield, but as someone who never associates with women on a romantic level I feel I have a deeper understanding of her feelings than you do. She holds you on a pedestal, not with idolatry but of romantic intent. That's what I noticed as I watched her in the waiting room the other day."

"Go on. . ."

"She had the dumbest face I could ever imagine on, a care-free smile and droll coming down her face as she mouthed 'Sir Winfield.'"

The Courier facepalmed as he reddened slightly, "This isn't the first time she's done that either." Gannon's look of interest made him continue, "When we were at Jacobstown, we both ended up in the same bed in the medical ward. I decided to mess with her a little bit and keep my shirt off as I slept next to her." The doctor stopped stitching to hold back laughter as he continued, "When I saw her wake up, I turned around and held my abdominals and pecks in front of her. Her head hit them and I saw her begin to stare very hard at them."

Gannon let out a snort as he continued, "I say, 'see anything you like?' She turns red from head to toe and passes out right then and there. She wakes up again in two hours when the Nightkin with me mentions chopping her up. She then sleepily responds with 'no one is chopping up me but that gorgeous hunk beside me.' Drool comes down her chin as she dons a stupid looking smile, cue hysterics along with a lodge full of screaming Super Mutants."

At that the doctor belted out laughter, Winfield couldn't help but join him before flinching in pain. A second opinion on Louise's behavior had finally made him realize what Louise actually felt about him. It only proved to unnerve him more as he realized that her feelings wouldn't be going anywhere else anytime soon.

'Great, I just hope Veronica and Cass aren't teaching her things she doesn't need to know.'

Lucky 38 – Presidential Suite

0935 Hours

Louise sneezed, waking her up instantly as her allergies kicked up again. Another sneeze, and then another before she smacked herself into stopping. After a few seconds, no new sneezes arrived and she stood up groggily. She dragged herself into the kitchen and pulled out some 'clean' water from the fridge and began to sip it as the previous night came back to her.

'The girl's night out turned hostage situation. The use of Explosion as an actual spell, bubble bath with Cass and Veronica.' She shook her head, it was one of her more 'lively' days in the Mojave.

Noticing the need to relieve herself, she made her way to the bathroom. As she did so, the pinkette looked down at her body and sighed as she noticed the changes that had occurred over the past several days. They appeared in chronological order, the splotchy scar from a 10mm in her right thigh, a thin, grey line from a Giant Mantis were the first major injuries she had suffered to date. Her skin had tanned considerably where it was exposed to sunlight, while the rest remained a pale pink. While she was uncomfortable at the dramatic difference, she knew most folks would never see the rest of her.

She traced the muscle tone that had begun to develop on her body. Hefting a plasma rifle for long durations was no easy feat, as both her arms and chest screamed at her for it. Her legs had built up considerably as well, no longer did she have bone thin legs, but actual muscle mass from walking the Mojave. The noblewoman felt stronger every day almost, and it was a surprisingly satisfying sensation.

Louise had always had issues with body image, from her short stature to limited curves. The flaunting of Kirche's bust, thighs, and perfect hourglass figure had only fueled the feelings of self-doubt. While she desired that feminine physique, she somehow found solace in the fact she was building something. She definitely wanted to avoid being a muscular woman if she could however. Some had said she shared a body type much like her mother, lean, yet still possessing a feminine, almost regal frame.

She remembered yelling at them for that. The pinkette shook her head in amusement at how much she had changed since she arrived in the Mojave.

After emptying her bladder, she walked back over to her 'bedroom' and put on her armor. At the behest of Veronica, she had begun to learn how to sleep in her armor while Winfield was undercover. She was told it was commonplace for members of the Brotherhood to learn how to sleep in powered armor after completed basic training. It wasn't the most pleasant means of sleeping, but it had acclimated her to wearing the suit for an extended duration. She ensured it was secured and walked back out to the smell of food being cooked in the kitchen.

The noblewoman walked in and saw Veronica messing with the stove as she put some eggs on a skillet, "Morning Louise, how did you sleep last night?"

"Like the dead, or at least that's how it was at first. Nightmare about last night woke me up."

The Scribe rolled the eggs across the cast iron pan, "I hear you Louise. Last night wasn't easy either, and if it never happens again it will still be too soon. A lot of innocent people died last night, and it's possible that House could've prevented it in the first place."

She cocked her head in confusion, "What do you mean Veronica?"

"When House built his empire decades ago, he centralized his power and influence in the Strip. To the point where anything outside of the Strip the man has no interest with at all. With all of the money going to the Strip, he decided to ignore Freeside in its entirety and leave them to fend for themselves. The only aid he rendered was the construction of the barriers that sealed Freeside from the outside world, in order to aid his own defense of the Strip."

Louise saw the wealth disparity almost instantly. The bright lights and clean streets of the Strip were a far cry from the barren, waste-filled streets of Freeside. The difference reminded her of the neighborhoods of Tristainia, Tristain's capital. The noble quarter literally smelled like roses and fresh food while the commoner sections were run-down and plagued by crime. The market was better that the commoner's areas, but only because of the heavy Guard presence and nobles buying products there.

'The similarities end there, at least the commoner sections aren't lawless, unlike Freeside.'

"Could it have been a mistake?"

The Scribe grunted an affirmative, "Quite possibly. He did the same thing the Brotherhood did by centralizing both his power and supporters in one place. He inadvertently made everyone else an apathetic ally at best, to a nemesis at worst. The Brotherhood is already being affected by that choice, it was only a matter of time until it happened to House."

"What do you think will happen now?"

"It's . . . hard to say at this point. Being only the day after the attack I imagine news is still traveling across the West. The Legion will probably know by the end of the day, if not already; while the rest of the NCR will hear it by the end of the week. The balance of power has shifted, to who's favor remains to be seen."

Both sat down and quietly ate, the usual vigor in the mornings absent. Cass walked in and didn't say a word until she began to eat several minutes later. "Slept well?" Two 'No's' made the Caravaneer shake her head and continue eating. "Where did Winfield go anyways?"

Veronica answered, "He's at the Old Mormon Fort in Freeside with Victor and Lily. He was a mess this morning, could barely move an inch when he woke up. She ended up getting me up and helping her put him into Victor's arms. They'll be back in a few hours probably."

Cass nodded as she took another bite, "Did you think about what we talked about last night Louise?"

"A little bit, yes. I can't really be sure of anything without proper research materials. If I was back home I could use the Academy Library but . . ."

Her voice tapered off as the others nodded, before Veronica froze. "Why don't you look through some of the books here in the Lucky 38?"

The Caravaneer thought about it before approving herself, "It wouldn't hurt Louise. I mean most of this stuff is garbage propaganda from the Pre-War era, but something may have a clue."

Veronica snapped her right finger, "Ragnok the Barbarian might be a good one to check out. I have about two full volumes here, some do mention magic in detail." Cass' smirk made the Scribe cross her arms, "So I have two comic book volumes, so what?"

The Holy See

That Same Time

Geoff of Canterbury was walked outside and given a parcel from one of the guards. "Geoff of Canterbury, the Pope of Romalia has asked you of one additional act before you are released from service. You are to return to the Tristain Academy of Magic in all due haste and give this package to Lord Julio Chesare directly. You are to destroy it if captured, and under no circumstances are you to reveal who you work for. Understood?"

"Yes, I understand. I'll return to Tristain at once."

A fist hit his chest plate, "Good luck, may the Founder be with you.

Meanwhile at the Lucky 38, Victor rolled into the Presidential Suite, heavy one Courier. Veronica was moving from one room to the other and spotted the pair. With exaggerated caution, she administered a low dose of Med-X and helped him into bed.

The man felt his eyes grow heavy as the sedative kicked in. The world became a slight blur as he felt the synthesized morphine deaden the pain and slow his vitals. In mere moments, Winfield fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Veronica opened the door and saw Louise standing mere inches from the door. A squeak of surprise was met by a gentle smile, "Another time Louise. He really needs to rest."

The pinkette nodded, "I'm worried about Sir Winfield."

The brunette took the noblewoman's arm and led her to bedrooms. She sat her down on the bed and took a spot beside her, "Louise, I'm going to ask you flat out how you feel. Are you actually interested in him? Not in his status, or the fact he saved your life. Are you interested in him, because of him?"

Louise looked into her lap, "I don't really know Veronica. I feel like there's something, and is certainly quite handsome." A blush went across her face, "He's charming, kind, and fair."

"Well, what's holding you back then?"

"I," she fumbled before quickly blurting out, "I-don't-know-if-he-feels-the-same-way!"

The Scribe nodded as she remembered when she was a teenager, the sensation of her hormones pulling her in every direction. She wasn't always into girls, despite what she others to believe. A brief fling with a male initiate had left her feeling disgusted and worthless.

Ironically, it had been the initiate that had helped her pull through that became her first love. It was also her first heartbreak when she left the Brotherhood when the pressure to take on a male lover became too much. When she left, a piece of Veronica's heart left with her. She wouldn't let her only 'little sister' suffer if she could have any say in the matter.

2250 Hours

One Day Earlier

Louise used the stubbornness that she had become known for to keep herself focused on finding any sort of magical connection in the 'comics' that Veronica had lent her. Several spent pencils and erasers lay scattered across the desk as the pinkette took strict notes.

The stories of the barbarian known as Ragnok – which seemed to be vaguely Germanic in origin – revolved around a warrior who was forced to flee his home village after it was attacked. The attackers, witches as they were referred to as, used wands and staves to wield the power of the elements. It was all vaguely familiar to Halkeginia's style of magic, although some differences did appear on occasion. The comics had most of the 'witches' using various foci, but a handful had those casting without said foci.

Most of the plot was on the level of garbage that was talked about in shoddy bars, between soldiers or a part of a really clichéd play. It had no real direction and yet it seemed to continue unhindered without the slightest remorse.

She closed the final page of Volume One and dropped her head onto the table. Her eyes were bloodshot and two empty Nuka-Colas dotted her workspace.

'I need to grab some sleep, this will just have to wait until tomorrow.'

Holy Kingdom of Romalia – Aqueilas – Papal Chambers

1100 Hours

Present Day

"Your Holiness, I have heard your call. What would you have your loyal servant do?"

Paladin Severus Nightwind, holy warrior and High Inquisitor of the Church of Brimir remained in a kneeling position in front of his Pope, awaiting command. The graying man was twice as old as Vittorio, both scars and medals adorned his body from his countless years of service.

He was also one of the most level-headed Inquisitors in recent memory. Both charismatic and intimidating, the nearly 60 year old Square-ranked fire mage was able to accomplish his missions with both efficiency and tact. As his position dictated, he was a firm believer in the Church's goals, but instead of being dictated by zealotry or self-interest, he was motivated by logic. Being able to see both ends of the countless shades of gray that appeared in his work allowed him to make educated, thought out decisions.

He had been questioned by his superiors many times for his less than 'Gospel' results, which included several individuals let go for their (minor) offenses. Nightwind told them the honest truth every time, 'Would you want an easily molded slave? Or a competent, capable subordinate who could make decisions that benefited the Church and humanity, rather than himself?'

After each of his 'interviews' opposition to his style of work diminished considerably – it was a badly kept secret that several Inquisitors and their subordinates were corrupt. Held up only by political connections and blackmail, the result causing a great deal of friction with the commoner majority they often worked with.

Unlike Vittorio – who believed that most of the commoners were devout followers of the Faith – the elder Inquisitor knew better. Commoners only cooperated out of fear for their own lives and those of their families.

But he also knew that the common people were the best source of information out there, and if given immunity and anonymity would become valued informants. Some of his original informants had passed on their task to one of their children, two of which had helped him take down a necromantic cult.

While Brimir had good intentions when he designed the social system in use today, it had been manipulated and twisted into an unofficial form of indentured servitude. It was made on the basis of the ratio of mages to commoners, a five to one ratio at the time. Today that ratio had widened to nearly two hundred to one.

That took a back seat in his mind as St. Aegis XXXII spoke, "Inquisitor Nightwind, I have personally requested you for a very serious mission. One where your judgment would be most valuable." A brief twitch of nervousness passed through older man before the Pope continued, "Are you familiar with the concept of reverse summons Inquisitor?"

With a straight face he answered carefully, "I have heard only rumor and speculation, but I understand it's considered an omen of sorts. It has never been formally recorded to the best of my knowledge either Your Holiness."

"That isn't entirely correct Severus." The warrior's heart raced as the head of state went on, "Reverse summons are very real, and were created by Brimir to bring weapons from the other side for the Gandalfr to wield. One recently occurred in a very public locale, the Tristain Academy of Magic. The connection to the summons is a very highly placed young noblewoman from Tristain. Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere."

His eyes widened and he asked the first question, "Your Holiness, is there any connection with-?" A nod cut him off, "I see, and since the Valliere family has Royal Blood-."

"They are in line for the throne, and is considered to be the most likely of their children to become Queen if required. She is also a childhood friend of the Crown Princess, who will be crowned Queen in the next three to six months. I had my personal steward go to Tristain to perform the investigation, and he has since sent his findings back. The following information is for your ears and eyes only, you will take this to the grave Inquisitor Nightwind. Do you understand?"

"Yes Your Holiness, I understand perfectly."

"Very well then, I'll be brief. The Void still lives Severus, and Miss Valliere carries the Founder's Light within her."

Nightwind gasped involuntarily before regaining control of his body, "Your Holiness, I never have implied that I doubted you, but are you certain?"

Vittorio nodded, "I am Severus, and I would be alarmed if you didn't ask for clarification or confirmation. There are three Void users we're aware of currently, and we suspect a fourth."

A look of determination came onto his face as he knelt, "What is my mission Your Holiness? I stand ready to serve."

A scroll was passed to him with a flick of a wand as the Pope briefed him, "Your mission is as follows Inquisitor Nightwind. You will journey covertly to Albion and begin searching for the Void user located there. It has been ascertained the leader of the rebellion, Oliver Cromwell is not the user, contrary to what he claims. As a heretic, the Inquisition has tried him and has since declared him persona non grata, if any attempt to eliminate him presents itself, do so." He cleared his throat, "While we are uncertain of the exact location of the Void user, we believe she is female, and within 11 to 25 years of age and somewhere in the eastern region of Albion once known as Saxe-Gotha."

A raised hand stopped the briefing, "That is where the rebellion began, if memory serves me correctly. I believe it's safe to say that is no coincidence?"

The Pope couldn't help but flinch slightly, 'Nightwind's reputation is well-earned it seems.' A grim nod followed, "Indeed it is, and there may very well be a connection. Investigating that link is not your primary objective however. You are to bring the Void user to Tristain, where you will rendezvous with my steward at the Tristain Academy of Magic. After debriefing her along with my steward, you will send me word and await additional orders."

"Any restrictions on my actions Your Holiness?"

"None at all Severus. This mission is of the utmost priority, and must be accomplished by any means. You will be acting with the full authority of the Inquisition, and have the authority to act as a diplomatic officer of the Holy See."

The Inquisitor's jaw nearly fell at the bombshell being dropped on him. As a diplomatic officer he would have not only the right to act as a diplomatic envoy, but spoke for the Holy See, and by extension the Pope himself. In his entire time serving in the Inquisition, Nightwind had never heard of such wide authority being given to any member of the Church.

"I apologize Your Holiness, but is the situation truly that grave?"

For the first time, the Inquisitor saw his Pope displaying actual despair, "I believe that the last chance for a Crusade is coming Inquisitor. With the blood lines becoming diluted, I fear this may be the one last chance we'll get to take back the Holy Land. We need the Void to do it, but with one of the users missing, and the status of two more in question, we'll need to act to take back our home." The elder knew where the Pope was going, even as he stopped speaking.

"Your Holiness, what are the worst projections?"

The silence he received erased all doubts of the situation's severity. If the next Crusade failed, it would be all over for their world as they knew it.

Whether it be by commoner revolution, or governmental collapse, the magic-wielding nobles blessed by Brimir himself would cease to exist.

A/N: Finally finished this one! I ended up shortening it slightly, and may end up adding a bit more to this in the way of imagery in the near future.

Few things to announce first of all. One, Assault on Albion is my first story to hit over 130 reviews, and has now exceeded 134K words. This makes it my longest and most popular story to date *cue applause*.

Second, the story mentioned above is going to be winding down in the near future regrettably. It had to come to an end at some point, but rest assured the ending will be worth it. At this moment, we should have no less than 30 chapters in total for the story. After all, Albion is rather sizeable, and the battle of Saxe-Gotha in canon is at the very minimum, 70k Albionian troops. Fanon makes that number float anywhere from that to 7 million troops in total.

I'm fairly sure that 7 million is half of the entire population of Gallia, so that's out of the question.

On the last part for Hail to the Zero Queen, I have begun considering releasing a compilation version of the series once it's completed. It would have all remastered chapters from the main seasons and the OVA's. That being said, I don't believe Season 2 will have an OVA due to the storyline I'm going to take.

Moving on!

I'm quite pleased with the reactions I've gotten from this story as of late. It has been VERY difficult to write this one, and I thank my readers for their patience. That being said, it will continue for some time, although updates will occur as soon as they are completed and proof-read. There are other releases coming, things I've been working on when I have writer's block.

One is a crossover with a fairly popular sci-fi game (which I haven't fleshed out the plot for yet, though I have a completed chapter available), or a rehash of a far less known crossover I have previously written on this site, the Archon of Zero. When I took on AoZ early in my writing career I overstepped my skillset, which led to the story's sudden end. The combination of religious/gender violence and warfare in Halkeginia was something I was unprepared for. Now that I've been through the wringer a few times, I feel that I can take on such a task.

I have also considered cleaning up and finishing Zero and a Vampire. It was even more difficult to write that story that Zero in the Mojave, but I don't think it will go past season 1. I want to give my fans closure, and wrap up a loose end. On the other hand, I'm seriously considering deleting The Zero Plan as I cannot really post any more chapters without risking a ban IMO. Fan service of that level without it turning into erotica is simply not something I can wrap my head around.

I would like to hear what my readers have to say on this, as I will need a story to take Assault on Albion's position in the not-so-distant future. Take care!