Editing Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter4

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===Chapter 4: Luctiana's Oasis=== <!-- ルクシャナのオアシス, "Luctiana" is an elf woman from Sahara, Bidashal's niece and Ali's fiancee; see here: http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%81%AE%E4%BD%BF%E3%81%84%E9%AD%94%E3%81%AE%E7%99%BB%E5%A0%B4%E4%BA%BA%E7%89%A9 -->
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===Chapter 4 - Luctiana's Oasis=== <!-- ルクシャナのオアシス, "Rukushyana" is an elf woman from Sahara, Bidashal's niece and Ali's fiancee, see here: http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%81%AE%E4%BD%BF%E3%81%84%E9%AD%94%E3%81%AE%E7%99%BB%E5%A0%B4%E4%BA%BA%E7%89%A9 -->
   
 
Saito woke up in a somewhat strange place. The bed he was laying on was normal.
 
Saito woke up in a somewhat strange place. The bed he was laying on was normal.
   
''What is it...''
+
'What is it...'
   
 
It was definitely strange. First of all, it obviously wasn't Des Ornieres.
 
It was definitely strange. First of all, it obviously wasn't Des Ornieres.
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A farm in the neighborhood?
 
A farm in the neighborhood?
   
''How did I get here?''
+
How did he get here?
   
Anyway, something generally felt odd...
+
Anyways, something generally felt odd...
   
 
Assorted items decorated white walls. Paintings, dolls, tapestry. And a mirror with lots of jewelry.
 
Assorted items decorated white walls. Paintings, dolls, tapestry. And a mirror with lots of jewelry.
   
Nothing strange by itself. He came to a conclusion. The decoration was strange, impossible even.
+
Nothing strange by itself. He came to a conclusion. The decoration was strange; impossible even.
   
 
A hat rack was covered with a bucket for some reason. The bucket itself was decorated with a plume.
 
A hat rack was covered with a bucket for some reason. The bucket itself was decorated with a plume.
   
Umbrellas were hanging from the ceiling. Dresses covered the windows like curtains.
+
Umbrellas were hanging from the ceiling. Dresses covered window like curtains.
   
''Clearly, someone is crazy.''
+
'Clearly, someone is crazy.'
   
 
The room was extremely hot. The owner must have lost his marbles due to the heat.
 
The room was extremely hot. The owner must have lost his marbles due to the heat.
   
Well, another problem. He was fighting the Elemental Siblings, so why did he fall asleep?
+
Well, another problem; he was fighting the Elemental Siblings, so why did he fall asleep?
   
 
Did they catch him?
 
Did they catch him?
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While he was pondering on it, something moved on the bed next to him. The blanket strangely bulged on the right side.
 
While he was pondering on it, something moved on the bed next to him. The blanket strangely bulged on the right side.
   
''Hmm, what is it?''
+
'Hmm, what is it?'
   
 
Saito cautiously put his hand on top of the bulge.
 
Saito cautiously put his hand on top of the bulge.
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Saito decided that it was the best thing ever.
 
Saito decided that it was the best thing ever.
   
Just a touch. How could it possibly be so satisfying? Something like that had happened when, as a kid, he was playing with a compound used to fit glass into a window frame. It also was difficult to abandon, but this feeling was far better.
+
Just a touch. How could it possibly be so satisfying? Something like that happened when, as a kid, he was playing with compound used to fit glass into window frame. It also was difficult to abandon, but this feeling was far better.
   
 
Still, it definitely felt familiar.
 
Still, it definitely felt familiar.
   
It had happened before... but when...
+
It had happened before..., but when...
   
 
Right. It was that time...
 
Right. It was that time...
   
Definitely, it was when Beatrice, Princess of Guldenhorf, was bullying Tiffania.
+
Definitely, it was when Beatrice, princess of Guldenhorf, was bullying Tiffania.
   
 
Huh? How is it possible? Tiffania? That half-elf?
 
Huh? How is it possible? Tiffania? That half-elf?
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This must be just an incredibly realistic dream.
 
This must be just an incredibly realistic dream.
   
At that moment, a voice came from under the futon cover: "Ah!"
+
At this moment, a voice came from under the futon cover, "Ah!"
   
 
"Huh?"
 
"Huh?"
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"Saito?"
 
"Saito?"
   
Apparently, the happiness-inducing bulge was Tiffa's breast.
+
Apparently, the happiness inducing bulge was Tiffa's breast.
   
 
Well, it was the wrong best-thing-ever. He was not supposed to touch this one. He did though, a lot, and it was so great he almost cried.
 
Well, it was the wrong best-thing-ever. He was not supposed to touch this one. He did though, a lot, and it was so great he almost cried.
   
''But it wasn't on purpose, so it wasn't really my fault...'' Saito thought.
+
'But it wasn't on purpose, so it wasn't really his fault...' Saito thought.
   
 
Then he was ashamed of himself.
 
Then he was ashamed of himself.
   
''Subterfuge. I must have noticed. I had a suspicion but pretended that I didn't! Because... because!''
+
'Subterfuge. I must have noticed. I had a suspicion but pretended that I didn't! Because... because!'
   
''I wanted to touch it! I'm a guy! And it's huge! So, my mind was telling myself 'What is it? Hey, Saito, what's that? What?''' said a defensive internal voice.
+
'I wanted to touch it! I'm a guy! And it's huge! So, my mind was telling myself 'What is it? Hey, Saito, what's that? What?'' said a defensive internal voice.
   
''Because Louise doesn't have such a best-thing-ever.''
+
'Because Louise doesn't have such a best-thing-ever.'
   
''To be honest, she is kinda flat. However, there is nothing wrong with that. It's ok. It's kinda cute. Just like herself. It's just that the shape is not that great... but I still like it a lot...''
+
'To be honest, she is kinda flat. However, there is nothing wrong with that. It's ok. It's kinda cute. Just like herself. It's just that the shape is not that great... but I still like it a lot...'
   
''This is bad.''
+
'This is bad.'
   
 
Saito quickly looked around.
 
Saito quickly looked around.
   
If Louise had seen him now, she would have read his mind like a book... and then his life certainly would be in grave danger.
+
If Louise had seen him now, she would read his mind like a book... and then his life certainly would be in grave danger.
   
 
However, there was no Louise.
 
However, there was no Louise.
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"Ah..."
 
"Ah..."
   
"Please wait! Please don't cry! Let me explain first! I couldn't resist! This thing tricked me! Right, that's it! It tricked me to feel false euphoria! It was like the essence of happiness!" Yelled Saito while pointing at Tiffania's breast.
+
"Please wait! Please don't cry! Let me explain first! I couldn't resist! This thing tricked me! Right, that's it! It tricked me to feel false euphoria! It was like the essence of happiness!" yelled Saito while pointing at Tiffania's breast.
   
 
He was spouting nonsense. Poor Tiffania, though, caught the part about her breast tricking him. She was about to start crying.
 
He was spouting nonsense. Poor Tiffania, though, caught the part about her breast tricking him. She was about to start crying.
   
"Um, um, I'm sorry... This thing is weird, right? Still weird. It does such things. I also think so. I mean, no one else has it swollen like that so... I... I'm strange."
+
"Um, um, I'm sorry... This thing is weird, right? Still weird. It does such things. I also think so. I mean, no one else has it swollen like that so... I,... I'm strange. As Saito says, I am strange... Waah..."
 
As Saito says, "I'm strange"...
 
 
"Waah..."
 
   
 
"No! No! Really! It isn't strange! Really!"
 
"No! No! Really! It isn't strange! Really!"
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Saito again demonstrated his bowing proficiency.
 
Saito again demonstrated his bowing proficiency.
   
"But it is magnificent, and seeing it excites me. And I am trying to fight it..." said Saito with genuine remorse in his voice. It was dangerous for him to be in such a small room with Tiffania's breast. Louise wouldn't like it at all.
+
"But it is magnificent, and seeing it excites me. And I am trying to fight it..." said Saito with, genuine remorse in his voice. It was dangerous for him to be in such a small room with Tiffania's breast. Louise wouldn't like it at all.
   
 
"I'm such an insect. Someone should kill, or rather, crush me."
 
"I'm such an insect. Someone should kill, or rather, crush me."
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"Hmm... I was going to your mansion. Did you know that I was going to summon a familiar?"
 
"Hmm... I was going to your mansion. Did you know that I was going to summon a familiar?"
   
Saito had forgotten about it, but it certainly was correct.
+
Saito forgot about it, but it certainly was correct.
   
"I was nervous and couldn't sleep, so I left early. I arrived and came to your mansion. In front of the gate I suddenly became sleepy and... woke up here. Saito?"
+
"I was nervous and couldn't sleep, so I left early. I arrived and came to your mansion. In front of the gate I suddenly become sleepy and... woke up here. Saito?"
   
Saito told Tiffania about the attack of the Elemental Siblings, the strange transmutation of earth into water, and the sudden sleepiness...
+
Saito told Tiffania about attack of the Elemental Siblings, the strange transmutation of earth into water and the sudden sleepiness...
   
 
"Just like me. Maybe the people who attacked you kidnapped both of us!"
 
"Just like me. Maybe the people who attacked you kidnapped both of us!"
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"Tiffa, the dress..."
 
"Tiffa, the dress..."
   
She wasn't wearing her usual grass green dress. It was replaced with a spacious fluttering robe.
+
She wasn't wearing her usual grass green dress. It was replaced with spacious fluttering robe.
   
 
"Oh? This... What is it?"
 
"Oh? This... What is it?"
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Tiffania gently pinched the robe.
 
Tiffania gently pinched the robe.
   
"I've never seen a robe like that."
+
"I never seen a robe like that."
   
 
"This is... elvish."
 
"This is... elvish."
   
"What do you mean?" Asked Saito with a surprised voice.
+
"What do you mean?" asked Saito, with a surprised voice.
   
"It looks like a robe that my mother had."
+
"It looks like a robe my mother had."
   
 
Why would Tiffania wear elvish dress? The room door opened and the answer to his question became obvious.
 
Why would Tiffania wear elvish dress? The room door opened and the answer to his question became obvious.
 
[[Image:ZnT19-004.jpg|thumb|]]
 
[[Image:ZnT19-004.jpg|thumb|]]
"Oh", was all that Saito could say.
+
"Oh," was all that Saito could say.
   
 
The newcomer was definitely an elf.
 
The newcomer was definitely an elf.
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More importantly, it was a young woman. Narrow vertical pupils. Long blond hair casually cut. She looked like a mix of Tiffania and Louise. Well, her breast peeking from a towel gap was definitely on Louise's side of this mix.
 
More importantly, it was a young woman. Narrow vertical pupils. Long blond hair casually cut. She looked like a mix of Tiffania and Louise. Well, her breast peeking from a towel gap was definitely on Louise's side of this mix.
   
She looked like a fairy drying herself up with a towel. Tiffania also looked 'fairyish', but her chest somewhat undermined the illusion.
+
She looked like a fairy drying herself up with a towel. Tiffania also looked fairish, but her chest somewhat undermined the illusion.
   
 
This one was a real 'fairy'.
 
This one was a real 'fairy'.
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This attitude was somewhat familiar to Saito.
 
This attitude was somewhat familiar to Saito.
   
That's how Louise had acted when he had just arrived into this world!
+
That's how Louise had acted when he had just arrived to this world!
   
Right. This elf doesn't consider him a guy. He suppressed rising irritation. Tiffania seemed to be frightened, her ears were down. Apparently she was afraid of this elf.
+
Right. This elf doesn't consider him a guy. He suppressed rising irritation. Tiffania seemed to be frightened; her ears were down. Apparently she was afraid of this elf.
   
 
Saito nodded to Tiffania.
 
Saito nodded to Tiffania.
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Saito stared at the elf woman.
 
Saito stared at the elf woman.
   
''Cos-play?.. No, it can't be, but why an elf is here?''
+
'Cos-play?.. No, it can't be, but why an elf is here?'
   
''It doesn't make any sense.'' Saito, trying to remain calm, asked the elf.
+
"It doesn't make any sense." Saito, trying to remain calm, asked the elf.
   
 
"I have a few questions. Do you mind?"
 
"I have a few questions. Do you mind?"
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"Where are we?"
 
"Where are we?"
   
"In the desert. This is our country, Nephthys."
+
"In the desert. This is our country, Neftes."
   
 
Saito was confused for a moment.
 
Saito was confused for a moment.
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"Prove it."
 
"Prove it."
   
"Prove? You say the darnedest things." Laughed Luctiana.
+
"Prove? You say the darnedest things." laughed Luctiana.
   
"Well, I was fighting with the Elemental Siblings in Des Ornieres! How could I end up in the country of the Elves?"
+
"Well, I was fighting with the Elemental Siblings in Des Ornieres! How could I end up in the country of the elves?"
   
 
"During the fight, you were put to sleep by magic."
 
"During the fight, you were put to sleep by magic."
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"Who is this Ali?"
 
"Who is this Ali?"
   
"He happens to be my fiancee."
+
"He happens to be my fiance."
   
 
When he suddenly became drowsy... it was elvish magic. Saito paled. Tiffania clenched his hand.
 
When he suddenly became drowsy... it was elvish magic. Saito paled. Tiffania clenched his hand.
   
"The Elemental Siblings were just a decoy..."
+
"The elemental Siblings were just a decoy..."
   
 
"Decoy? This is just silly. Why would we need a decoy? Weren't you fighting for your own reasons? Well, it did help us. Ali mentioned it."
 
"Decoy? This is just silly. Why would we need a decoy? Weren't you fighting for your own reasons? Well, it did help us. Ali mentioned it."
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There seemed to be no connection between this elf and the Elemental Siblings (well, not that it made any difference.)
 
There seemed to be no connection between this elf and the Elemental Siblings (well, not that it made any difference.)
   
"The country of the Elves, huh?"
+
"The country of the elves, huh?"
   
"Is this really the country of the Elves?"
+
"Is this really the country of the elves?"
   
 
"She already told you so! Now, silly, look out the window. See?" said Tiffania, and led him to the window. Behind the trees there was a vast sea of sand.
 
"She already told you so! Now, silly, look out the window. See?" said Tiffania, and led him to the window. Behind the trees there was a vast sea of sand.
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He was somehow brought far far away from Halkeginia.
 
He was somehow brought far far away from Halkeginia.
   
To the country of the Elves, no less. Populated exclusively by Elves.
+
To the country of elves, no less. Populated exclusively by elves.
   
 
Their mortal enemies.
 
Their mortal enemies.
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"I changed her clothes because she was unconscious." said Luctiana, but Saito didn't listen. He lost it for a second, but Tiffania's presence helped him to recover his presence of mind.
 
"I changed her clothes because she was unconscious." said Luctiana, but Saito didn't listen. He lost it for a second, but Tiffania's presence helped him to recover his presence of mind.
   
''Keep it together. Tiffania needs you.''
+
'Keep it together. Tiffania needs you.'
   
 
He was fighting his fear and anxiety.
 
He was fighting his fear and anxiety.
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"I didn't see it myself, but I heard it was a girl."
 
"I didn't see it myself, but I heard it was a girl."
   
Saito's heart skipped a beat.
+
Saito's heart skipped a bit.
 
 
 
"Was it a serious injury?"
 
"Was it a serious injury?"
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"I apologize for hurting your friends. But it had to be done."
 
"I apologize for hurting your friends. But it had to be done."
   
Saito decided that eventually he would repay his friends' injuries.
+
Saito decided that eventually he will repay his friends' injuries.
 
 
 
But not now.
 
But not now.
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Luctiana was looking at Saito with interest, legs crossed.
 
Luctiana was looking at Saito with interest, legs crossed.
   
Well-proportioned Luctiana looked now like a girl from a pinup. But, probably because of the elf's attitude, Saito wasn't attracted to her. Her interest was the interest of a researcher looking at an unusual animal.
+
Well-proportioned Luctiana looked now like a girl from a pinup. But, probably because of the elf's attitude, Saito wasn't attracted to her. Her interest was an interest of a researcher looking at an unusual animal.
   
Indeed, the elf was even more arrogant than Louise had been in the past. ''Typical for this long-eared bunch,'' Saito cursed under his breath.
+
Indeed, the elf was even more arrogant then Louise had been in the past. "Typical for this long-eared bunch" , Saito cursed under his breath.
   
 
Luctiana, still naked, was looking at him with curiosity.
 
Luctiana, still naked, was looking at him with curiosity.
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"Why did you kidnap us?"
 
"Why did you kidnap us?"
   
"Isn't it obvious? You are the protector of 'Demon'."
+
"Isn't it obvious? You are the protector of 'demon'."
   
 
Saito silently stared at her. Luctiana nodded.
 
Saito silently stared at her. Luctiana nodded.
   
"You are trying to bring back the Demon's power. This is unacceptable."
+
"You are trying to bring back the demon's power. This is unacceptable."
   
 
"So, why did you kidnap me?"
 
"So, why did you kidnap me?"
   
"They need everyone involved to restore the Demon's power, right? We took you to prevent it."
+
"They need everyone involved to restore demon's power, right? We took you to prevent it."
   
 
Luctiana smiled.
 
Luctiana smiled.
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Saito gulped.
 
Saito gulped.
   
The Four of Four have to gather to restore 'true' Void power.
+
Four of four have to gather to restore "true" Void power .
   
 
Why do the elves fear it so much? What is so scary about it?
 
Why do the elves fear it so much? What is so scary about it?
   
"Well, er..."
+
"Well, er, ..."
   
 
"My name is Luctiana. And you are, hmm, Sat, Saet... "
 
"My name is Luctiana. And you are, hmm, Sat, Saet... "
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"Barbarians' names are hard to remember."
 
"Barbarians' names are hard to remember."
   
Saito asked the most essential (at the moment) question.
+
Saito asked the most essential, (at the moment), question.
   
 
"So, what are you going to do with us?"
 
"So, what are you going to do with us?"
   
Luctiana's answer was rather disappointing,
+
Luctiana's answer was rather disappointing:
   
 
"Nothing."
 
"Nothing."
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"What do you mean?"
 
"What do you mean?"
   
"As long as rhe Demon's power is dormant, all is good. We just need you alive."
+
"As long as demon's power is dormant, all is good. We just need you alive."
   
 
"I see."
 
"I see."
   
Elves knew that if a Void mage or familiar die, the power would just be passed to someone else.
+
Elves knew that if the Void mage or familiar die, the power would just be passed to someone else.
   
 
"Well, that's why you are here. As long as you behave, nothing else is to be done."
 
"Well, that's why you are here. As long as you behave, nothing else is to be done."
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"You are famous. Didn't you defeat my uncle once? You are the strongest of them, right?"
 
"You are famous. Didn't you defeat my uncle once? You are the strongest of them, right?"
   
Indeed, when Saito had been helping Tabitha, he had fought with an elf serving King Joseph. After the King's death the elf had returned home...
+
Indeed, when Saito had been helping Tabitha, he had fought with an elf serving to king Joseph. After the king's death the elf had returned home...
   
 
"So, you are relatives."
 
"So, you are relatives."
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"This is soooooooo interesting! For you too, right? Looking at this room it should be obvious that I am a scholar studying the barbarians."
 
"This is soooooooo interesting! For you too, right? Looking at this room it should be obvious that I am a scholar studying the barbarians."
 
 
Luctiana stood and proudly threw out her chest. What is wrong with this elf, thought Saito. Meanwhile his eyes were glued to her beautiful slender body.
+
Luctiana raised and proudly threw out her chest. What is wrong with this elf, thought Saito. Meanwhile his eyes were glued to her beautiful slender body.
   
He thought of another girl he had seen recently, and blushed. Anyway, this 'barbarian' crap was getting old.
+
He thought of another girl he had seen recently, and blushed. Anyway, this "barbarian" crap was getting old.
   
 
"Listen, could you stop calling me a barbarian?"
 
"Listen, could you stop calling me a barbarian?"
   
"Why? Shouldn't I call a barbarian a barbarian?" Said a surprised Luctiana.
+
"Why? Shouldn't I call a barbarian a barbarian?" said a surprised Luctiana.
   
"It's offensive."
+
"Its offensive."
   
 
"It wasn't intentional. So, how should I call you?"
 
"It wasn't intentional. So, how should I call you?"
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"Got it. 'Saala'? What was it?"
 
"Got it. 'Saala'? What was it?"
   
"Only the 'Sa' part is right. It's 'Saito'."
+
"Only the 'Sa' part is right. Its 'Saito'."
  +
   
After that Luctiana started asking her questions. Very different questions. Starting with lifestyle, like 'what do you eat', 'draw a floor plan of your home', 'what kind of furniture do you use'. And ending with social structure, agriculture, monarchy of Halkeginia, industry, commerce and so on.
+
After that Luctiana started asking her questions. Very different questions. Starting with lifestyle, like "what do you eat", "draw a floor plan of your home", "what kind of furniture you use". And ending with social structure, agriculture, monarchy of Halkeginia, industry, commerce, and so on.
   
 
Since Saito came from another world he couldn't answer most of these questions. Tiffania, who spent most of her life as a hermit, wasn't much better.
 
Since Saito came from another world he couldn't answer most of these questions. Tiffania, who spent most of her life as a hermit, wasn't much better.
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Luctiana seemed to be very disappointed.
 
Luctiana seemed to be very disappointed.
   
"Well, let's do it again sometime soon?" she said.
+
"Well, let's do it again sometime soon?" She said.
   
 
"Why are you so curious?"
 
"Why are you so curious?"
   
"I told you I am a scholar, right? So, it's unnatural for me to say it, but you are not all that interesting after all."
+
"I told you I am a scholar, right? So, its unnatural for me to say it, but you are not all that interesting after all."
   
"Couldn't care less."
+
"Can't care less."
   
 
"What? You should be grateful. If I didn't bring you here you would be in a Kasbah dungeon now."
 
"What? You should be grateful. If I didn't bring you here you would be in a Kasbah dungeon now."
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Maybe all elves are like that...
 
Maybe all elves are like that...
   
In that case negotiating with them will be very difficult.
+
In this case negotiating with them will be very difficult.
   
Tiffania looked at Saito, he nodded.
+
Tiffania looked at Saito, he nodded. Tiffania said in a troubled voice.
   
Tiffania said in a troubled voice "Yes, at first. But not now..."
+
"Yes, at first. But not now..."
   
 
"Hmm. I see."
 
"Hmm. I see."
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Then Luctiana turned to Saito.
 
Then Luctiana turned to Saito.
   
"How strong is prejudice against the Elves?"
+
"How strong is prejudice against the elves?"
   
"It's not prejudice, people just fear you."
+
"Its not prejudice, people just fear you."
   
 
"Why?"
 
"Why?"
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"Well, you used strong Ancient Magic. Halkeginia's nobles suffered a lot from it, right? Naturally they are afraid."
 
"Well, you used strong Ancient Magic. Halkeginia's nobles suffered a lot from it, right? Naturally they are afraid."
   
"Hmm. Too bad. When under attack one has to defend themselves, right? We were really desperate. And with your numerical superiority..."
+
"Hmm. Too bad. When under attack one has to defend himself, right? We were really desperate. And with your numerical superiority..."
   
 
"What about our kidnapping? For no reason!"
 
"What about our kidnapping? For no reason!"
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"I'm sorry... I don't know either."
 
"I'm sorry... I don't know either."
   
''Hmm, the place of Founder Brimir's advent. It likely was a land... It very well could be elvish land. History is full of convenient interpretations,'' Saito thought to himself.
+
'Hmm, the place of Founder Brimir's advent. It likely was a land... It very well could be elvish land. History is full of convenient interpretations.' Saito thought to himself.
   
 
But he couldn't admit it aloud.
 
But he couldn't admit it aloud.
   
"Well, anyway, ownership aside. Miss Elf, your point is that elves are not a bunch of demons, right? Let me say something."
+
"Well, anyway, ownership aside. Miss elf, your point is elves are not a bunch of demons, right? Let me say something."
   
 
"Go ahead."
 
"Go ahead."
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"Well, our land... Halkeginia I mean, there is a big problem with it. It is not going to last long, you know?"
 
"Well, our land... Halkeginia I mean, there is a big problem with it. It is not going to last long, you know?"
   
Saito took a dish from the table and lifted it mouthing a "gogogogogo" sound effect.
+
Saito took a dish from the table and lifted it mouthing "gogogogogo" sound effect.
   
 
"Wind stones will reach critical mass and lift the land. Seriously. So we need a magic device that Founder Brimir left in the Holy Land."
 
"Wind stones will reach critical mass and lift the land. Seriously. So we need a magic device that Founder Brimir left in the Holy Land."
Line 509: Line 506:
 
"Where is it?"
 
"Where is it?"
   
"Hmm, I can't tell you that. Think it through. You don't want to know it. If you knew it, you definitely would be sent to a dungeon." Said Luctiana in an amazed voice. Well, it made sense.
+
"Hmm, there is no reason to tell you. Think it through. You don't want to know it. If you knew it, you definitely would be sent to a dungeon." said Luctiana in an amazed voice. Well, it made sense.
   
 
"But you do understand our problem, right? Well, humans and elves were enemies before, but aren't we all just people living on the same land?"
 
"But you do understand our problem, right? Well, humans and elves were enemies before, but aren't we all just people living on the same land?"
   
"It is not the end of the world. If land is to be lifted by wind stones, it is a part of The Great Purpose. If we are all 'just people', humans should accept it too."
+
"It is not the end of the world. If land is to be lifted by wind stones it is a part of The Great Purpose. If we are all 'just people', humans should accept it too."
   
It was a rather cold reply. Tiffania, who was quiet all this time, said.
+
It was rather cold reply. Tiffania, who was quiet all this time, said.
   
 
"Wow! My mother was an elf too, but she wasn't heartless like you!"
 
"Wow! My mother was an elf too, but she wasn't heartless like you!"
Line 523: Line 520:
 
Luctiana stood up.
 
Luctiana stood up.
   
"Well then, I will take a nap. A full stomach makes me sleepy. Feel free to eat anything here. Also, you can use this bed. There is just one here, so bear with it."
+
"Well then, I will take a nap. Full stomach makes me sleepy. Feel free to eat anything here. Also, you can use this bed. There is just one here so bear with me."
   
 
Luctiana looked at them.
 
Luctiana looked at them.
   
"Don't try to run away. We are surrounded by desert. You would last about half a day. Also, don't try to attack me. The house is enchanted, you would be burned to ashes instantly. I am just mentioning it because I don't want to lose valuable research subjects."
+
"Don't try to run away. We are surrounded by desert, you would last about half a day. Also, don't try to attack me. The house is enchanted, you would be burned to ashes instantly. I am just mentioning it because I don't want to lose valuable research subjects."
   
 
After nonchalantly giving this horrible warning, Luctiana went to her room. Tiffania shook her head.
 
After nonchalantly giving this horrible warning, Luctiana went to her room. Tiffania shook her head.
Line 535: Line 532:
 
"Why?"
 
"Why?"
   
"I am a half elf. I imagined my mother's people to be just like her, kind and compassionate..."
+
"I am a half elf. I imagined my mother's people to be just like her. Kind and compassionate..."
   
 
"You have nothing to apologize for. Elves are elves, you are you."
 
"You have nothing to apologize for. Elves are elves, you are you."
Line 541: Line 538:
 
"...right. Thank you."
 
"...right. Thank you."
   
Saito was laying on the bed with hands folded under his head and stared at the ceiling. Although it was made of white clay, the surface was just as smooth as Earth's plastic. Just from the look of the walls of this room it was clear that elves are more technologically advanced than Halkeginia's kingdoms.
+
Saito was laying on the bed with hands folded under his head and stared at the ceiling. Although it was made of white clay the surface was just as smooth as Earth's plastic. Just from the look of the walls of this room it was clear that elves are more technologically advanced then Halkeginia's kingdoms.
   
"Everyone is probably worried about us." He muttered. Someone was injured and their friends must know that they were kidnapped by the elves.
+
"Everyone is probably worried about us." he muttered. Someone was injured and their friends must know that they were kidnapped by the elves.
   
 
Saito got up and went outside. Tiffania followed him.
 
Saito got up and went outside. Tiffania followed him.
Line 553: Line 550:
 
Apparently it was an oasis in the desert.
 
Apparently it was an oasis in the desert.
   
"It's not that hot, is it?" Saito said. The extreme heat of the desert seemed to be balanced by the presence of the pond.
+
"Its not that hot, is it?" Saito said. The extreme heat of the desert seemed to be balanced by the presence of the pond.
 
 
''I will check the warning about lasting half a day a little.''
+
"I will check the warning about lasting half a day a little."
   
Saito ran through the tree line. A vast desert lay in front of him. Mind-blowing. If he crossed it, would he reach Halkeginia?
+
Saito run through the tree line. Vast desert laid in front of him. Mind blowing. If he crossed it, would he reach Halkeginia?
   
''I should look for a map later.''
+
"I should look for a map later."
   
''Anyway, I will walk a little and see what I can see...'' thought Saito, making the first step into the desert. He felt fine sand under his feet.
+
"Anyway, I will walk a little and see what I can see...", thought Saito making the first step into the desert. He felt fine sand under his feet.
   
Worried, Tiffania asked, "Is it safe, Saito? Can you get lost out there?"
+
Worried, Tiffania asked, "Is it safe, Saito? Can you get lost there?"
   
"It's ok. I will just walk to the top of this dune," Saito pointed in that direction.
+
"It's ok. I will just walk to the top of this dune." Saito pointed in the direction.
   
He started to walk and immediately felt the changes. After just ten steps, heat surged in from above. Direct sunlight in the desert was unbearable.
+
He started to walk and immediately felt the changes. After just ten steps heat surged from above. Direct sunlight in the desert was unbearable.
   
 
"Wow! What the hell! It suddenly became so hot!"
 
"Wow! What the hell! It suddenly became so hot!"
   
His bare head was almost burned. Walking even a few kilomails dressed like that was out of the question.
+
His bare head was almost burned. Walking even few kilomails dressed like that was out of the question.
   
 
Saito ran back.
 
Saito ran back.
Line 579: Line 576:
 
"It suddenly became very hot! What the hell!"
 
"It suddenly became very hot! What the hell!"
   
Coming back he felt a crossing of a thin boundary he didn't notice before. Behind it the temperature was comfortable. He looked back and saw a faint wall of air staying in place, just like a real wall.
+
Coming back he felt crossing a thin boundary he didn't notice before. Behind it temperature was comfortable. He looked back and saw a faint wall of air staying in place just like a real wall.
   
This wall surrounded the entire oasis.
+
This wall surrounded entire oasis.
   
 
"Magic barrier."
 
"Magic barrier."
   
Saito was amazed. That must be it... magic protects the oasis from sunshine... it surrounds the oasis like a dome.
+
Saito was amazed. It must be it. Magic protects the oasis from sunshine. It surrounds the oasis like a dome.
   
 
"What kind of magic is it?"
 
"What kind of magic is it?"
Line 591: Line 588:
 
Saito sighed in admiration. Magic was used in Halkeginia everywhere, but he had never seen anything on this scale.
 
Saito sighed in admiration. Magic was used in Halkeginia everywhere, but he had never seen anything on this scale.
   
Elves could casually use a spell like that to solve a routine problem. Their capabilities were amazing. He remembered Luctiana's warning. He'd better be careful around her. She wasn't bluffing. It's all real.
+
Elves could casually use a spell like that to solve a routine problem. Their capabilities were amazing. He remembered Luctiana's warning. He'd better be careful around her. She wasn't bluffing, its all real.
   
Tiffania also noticed the barrier and her eyes rounded.
+
Tiffania also noticed the barrier, her eyes rounded.
   
 
"Elvish magic is amazing..."
 
"Elvish magic is amazing..."
   
   
Night of that same day...
+
Night of same day...
   
Saito sat on the pier looking at the night sky. He had gotten back his katana... Luctiana had casually put it into her large collection of swords.
+
Saito sat on the pier looking at the night sky. He had got back his katana. Luctiana casually put it into her large collection of swords.
   
She didn't try it to hide it because she didn't consider it dangerous.
+
She didn't do it to hide it because she didn't consider it dangerous.
   
Saito was at a loss. Far from returning to Halkeginia, just running away seemed to be impossible and there was no point to argue with the elves. There was no way to let anyone know where he was.
+
Saito was at a loss. Far from returning to Halkeginia, just running away seemed to be impossible. And there was no point to argue with the elves. There was no way to let anyone know where he was.
   
 
It was a dead end.
 
It was a dead end.
Line 610: Line 607:
 
He was anxious.
 
He was anxious.
   
The Holy War had been stopped, right? It seemed to be silly to worry about it. Now that the elves had kidnapped them, there was no way to proceed with it.
+
The Holy War was stopped, right? It seemed to be silly to worry about it. Now that the elves had kidnapped them, there was no way to proceed with it.
   
 
Will they just abandon the idea?
 
Will they just abandon the idea?
   
And Louise, will he never see her again..? He bit his lip to hold back his tears.
+
And Louise; he will never see her again... He bit his lip to hold back his tears.
   
 
He heard a voice from behind.
 
He heard a voice from behind.
Line 630: Line 627:
 
Tiffania sat next to him. She closed her eyes and put her feet into the water.
 
Tiffania sat next to him. She closed her eyes and put her feet into the water.
   
"It's cold. Feels good. Wanna try it?"
+
"Its cold. Feels good. Wanna try it?"
   
 
Saito laid back. Without any obstruction, the stars shone like beads in the night desert sky.
 
Saito laid back. Without any obstruction, the stars shone like beads in the night desert sky.
Line 636: Line 633:
 
This view dissipated his sadness.
 
This view dissipated his sadness.
   
"This is the country where your mother was born. I hoped to visit it one day... not like this of course. Still, it's a dream come true. Good, isn't it?"
+
"This is the country where your mother was born. I hoped to visit it one day. Not like this of course. Still, its a dreem came true. Good, isn't it?"
   
 
Tiffania nodded.
 
Tiffania nodded.
Line 654: Line 651:
 
"We are both kidnapped!"
 
"We are both kidnapped!"
   
"You will escape. You can do it. I mean... you did a lot of amazing things before. But I am different. I am strange and I'm holding you back..."
+
"You will escape. You can do it. I mean... you did a lot of amazing things before. But I am different. I am strange and I am holding you back..."
   
 
"Don't ever say that..."
 
"Don't ever say that..."
Line 660: Line 657:
 
A shocked Saito grasped Tiffania's shoulders.
 
A shocked Saito grasped Tiffania's shoulders.
   
"It was such a mystery. Why me... someone such as me got this legendary power? Everyone else is amazing, I am nothing but a burden for them..."
+
"It was such a mystery. Why me..., such me, got this legendary power? Everyone else is amazing, I am nothing but a burden for them..."
   
"That's not true... you're wrong!"
+
"That's not true! You are wrong!"
   
"If I stay here, everyone will be in trouble. The land will rise and there will be no place to live. They will not be able to restore Void magic and use it to negotiate with the Elves."
+
"If I stay here, everyone will be in trouble. The land will rise, there will be no place to live. They will not be able to restore Void magic and use it to negotiate with the elves."
   
 
Tiffania looked at Saito. She was serious.
 
Tiffania looked at Saito. She was serious.
Line 674: Line 671:
 
"Me! Louise! Everyone in the Academy! The children you were looking after!"
 
"Me! Louise! Everyone in the Academy! The children you were looking after!"
   
"Maybe, but if I stay here everyone will be in trouble. So... escape... please..."
+
"Maybe, but if I stay here everyone will be in trouble. So... escape..., please..."
   
 
"Then we both will escape!"
 
"Then we both will escape!"
Line 682: Line 679:
 
Tiffania started to cry. Even though somewhat self-conscious, she usually was unfazed by anything and seemed to have a laid-back personality. It appeared that meeting a real specimen of her mother's race really shook her...
 
Tiffania started to cry. Even though somewhat self-conscious, she usually was unfazed by anything and seemed to have a laid-back personality. It appeared that meeting a real specimen of her mother's race really shook her...
   
''It was a shock for me, and no doubt for Tiffania it was much worse. After all, half of her blood is elvish...''
+
'It was a shock for me, and no doubt for Tiffania it was much worse. After all, half of her blood is elvish...'
   
 
Saito gathered all the willpower he could master.
 
Saito gathered all the willpower he could master.
   
''I wasn't strong enough...'' When Tiffa contemplated such a resolution, giving up wasn't an option for him.
+
'I wasn't strong enough...' When Tiffa contemplates such a resolution, giving up can't be an option for him.
   
 
First Saito gave himself a good slap on the cheek. Then he grabbed Tiffania's shoulder.
 
First Saito gave himself a good slap on the cheek. Then he grabbed Tiffania's shoulder.
Line 710: Line 707:
 
"But..."
 
"But..."
   
"I will do it, Tiffa. I..., no, we will do it together. Well, if we die the force will go to someone else. It could work. But the hell with it. I don't want anyone to sacrifice themselves for me and I don't want to become anyone's sacrifice. There is no guarantee it would work anyway, even if someone else got this power."
+
"I will do it, Tiffa. I..., no, we will do it together. Well, if we die the force will go to someone else. It could work. But the hell with it. I don't want anyone to sacrifice themselves for me and I don't want to become anyone's sacrifice. There is no guarantee it would work anyway even if someone else got this power."
   
 
"But the elves are so powerful. You saw it. They used magic to protect this oasis even though just one person lives here! They don't listen to us. And I am a half-elf..."
 
"But the elves are so powerful. You saw it. They used magic to protect this oasis even though just one person lives here! They don't listen to us. And I am a half-elf..."
Line 718: Line 715:
 
"Huh?"
 
"Huh?"
   
"You being half-elf may create some opportunities. Up to now, we haven't used it for our advantage. Maybe being kidnapped by the Elves gives us a chance. You could slip into the Holy Land and use the magic equipment. Then everything would be fine even without the Crusade and true Void power."
+
"You being half-elf may create some opportunities. Now we don't use it for our advantage. Maybe being kidnapped by elves gives us a chance. You could slip into the Holy Land and use the magic equipment. Then everything would be fine even without the crusade and true Void power."
   
 
Tiffania looked at him for a while. Then she looked down, bit her lip and nodded.
 
Tiffania looked at him for a while. Then she looked down, bit her lip and nodded.
   
"I see. Sorry Saito. I was scared. I thought I was holding you here. It would be horrible. I would rather..."
+
"I see. Sorry Saito. I was scared. I thought I was holding you here, it would be horrible. I would rather..."
   
 
"Don't worry. Don't do anything. If nothing else works I will use this."
 
"Don't worry. Don't do anything. If nothing else works I will use this."
Line 728: Line 725:
 
Saito pointed to his katana. Then he remembered. Enchanted house...
 
Saito pointed to his katana. Then he remembered. Enchanted house...
   
"That reminds me, the Elves don't know you are a Void mage, right?"
+
"That reminds me, elves don't know you are a Void mage, right?"
   
 
"Huh?"
 
"Huh?"
Line 738: Line 735:
 
"What happened with your wand?"
 
"What happened with your wand?"
   
Tiffania nonchalantly took the wand from the gap between her breasts. Apparently the Elves didn't take it. Saito was amazed.
+
Tiffania nonchalantly took the wand from the gap between her breasts. Apparently elves didn't take it. Saito was amazed.
   
They had no plan yet, but the situation started to improve.
+
They had no plan yet but situation started to improve.
   
 
"Excellent, Tiffa. This is our trump card. Lets keep it hidden."
 
"Excellent, Tiffa. This is our trump card. Lets keep it hidden."
Line 746: Line 743:
 
Tiffania nodded.
 
Tiffania nodded.
   
"Good. We may not be able to do much, but we will not know it until we try. So don't give up. And forget about dying. Ok?"
+
"Good. We may not be able to do much, but we will not know it until we try. So, don't give up. And forget about dying. Ok?"
   
 
She nodded again.
 
She nodded again.
Line 766: Line 763:
 
He said it very seriously, Tiffania involuntarily giggled. Saito jumped into the water as he was.
 
He said it very seriously, Tiffania involuntarily giggled. Saito jumped into the water as he was.
   
"It's like a resort back home! Hey, Tiffa, get in! It feels good!"
+
"Its like a resort back home! Hey, Tiffa, get in! It feels good!"
   
 
"All right."
 
"All right."
Line 790: Line 787:
 
Tiffania shook her head.
 
Tiffania shook her head.
   
"It's fine. We are friends, so it's fine."
+
"It's fine. We are friends, so its fine."
   
 
For a while they both looked down in silence. Then Tiffania began to swim slowly. In the moonlight she looked like a fairy pulled out of a painting. Saito couldn't take his eyes off her.
 
For a while they both looked down in silence. Then Tiffania began to swim slowly. In the moonlight she looked like a fairy pulled out of a painting. Saito couldn't take his eyes off her.
Line 801: Line 798:
   
 
<noinclude>
 
<noinclude>
{| style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Back to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
 
| Back to [[Zero no Tsukaima:Volume19 Chapter3|Chapter 3]]

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