Hunter of Zero (Bloodborne/Familiar of Zero) ch. 8

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"Where is he? Where is he? Where is he?"

The speed at which Louise paced around the floor was almost impressive. If she kept it up, she'd eventually leave an imprint on the strone. Not that Louise cared about that right now. Her mind was consumed with a single thought: her familiar had vanished right in front of her eyes. It was as if someone had thrown a blanket of illusion over reality and whisked him away. Panic gripped her chest, cold and unrelenting, as if ice had replaced the blood in her veins.

On the other side of the room, Evetta stood calmly, hands clasped in front of her, watching Louise with a quiet, serene expression. But that serenity was beginning to crack as she sensed the palpable anxiety radiating from the girl.

"Are you worried?" Evetta asked gently.

"Worried?" Louise stopped mid-pace to whirl around, her voice rising into a shriek. "Of course, I'm worried! He just disappeared right in front of my eyes!"

"It was kinda funny, though," Derflinger muttered under his breath.

"How is that funny?!" Louise stamped her foot impatiently, her cheeks flushed a deep red. "If he doesn't come back by tomorrow—before the presentation, I'm toast!"

"I wouldn't worry, Little Louise," Evetta said reassuringly. "He's likely just preparing a surprise. One that will be remembered for generations to come."

Louise stared at her, trying to swallow the knot of fear in her stomach. She wanted to believe Evetta's words, but doubt still lingered. "He could've at least told me where he was going," she muttered. "Then I wouldn't have to worry so much."

A shadow fell over her. Louise glanced up to see Evetta standing closer now, her arms spread wide, a warm smile on her face.

"What are you...?" Louise asked, perplexed.

"The Good Hunter often gives or asks for this whenever he or I feel afraid," Evetta explained, her voice soft and soothing. "I believe it is called...a hug."

Louise froze for a moment, staring blankly. Then, with a heavy sigh, she opened her arms and leaned in, pressing her face against Evetta's stomach. She smelled wonderful, like flowers kissed by morning dew. And ridiculously soft. Louise let herself relax as Evetta's arms wrapped around her, pulling her close.

"It will be fine," Evetta murmured, her voice a gentle balm. "Trust in the Good Hunter to deliver. He has never failed before."

"Mmhmm..." Louise mumbled, her words muffled against Evetta's dress.

"Perhaps you can distract yourself today," Evetta suggested after a moment. "What do you usually do when you want to relax?"

"Sleep," Louise said bluntly, tilting her head up to meet Evetta's gaze. Up close, she couldn't help but notice how motherly Evetta seemed. Calm, comforting, and infinitely patient.

"Oh," Evetta chuckled softly. "Surely, there are other things?"

"Bath," Louise admitted. "Read. Study."

Evetta tilted her head thoughtfully. "Ah, I forget you are a student."

Louise's brows furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Evetta shook her head with a small laugh. "Perhaps we could sojourn for some tea and snacks instead?"

Sweets. Louise's mind drifted briefly to the memory of Evetta's pastries though that had been in the Dream. Still, the thought was tempting.

"Alright..." Louise said reluctantly, her tone softening.

"Excellent!" Evetta clapped her hands together, her smile bright and encouraging. "I shall borrow the Academy's kitchens for this. Find us a seat, Little Louise."

And with that, Evetta walked off, leaving her sword behind for Louise to carry. After all, a kitchen was no place for a weapon like him. Louise's gaze lingered on the blade resting against the table, its polished surface reflecting the light.

"What?" Derflinger said, his voice breaking the silence. "Never seen a talking sword before?"

"...No. Talking swords aren't exactly common, Sir Derflinger," Louise replied, her tone clipped yet polite.

"Oh, for goodness' sake, none of that 'Sir' nonsense!" Derflinger groaned. "I'm an honest working sword, not some hoity-toity blade with a fancy title."

"My apologies," Louise said coolly. "I was raised correctly."

"Tch." The sword let out a sharp, metallic click, like an irritated sigh. "Raised too well, if you ask me."

Louise's brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Derflinger replied, his tone pointed, "that you've been molded into such a perfect little shape, you've forgotten your own substance, Lil' Lady."

Forgotten her own substance? The words pricked at Louise, leaving her unsure whether to feel insulted or intrigued.

"Talk sense, or don't," she said, crossing her arms.

"What I mean is," Derflinger continued, "you're working so hard to impress others that you're sacrificing who you are in the process. All this effort, all this stress, what are you really doing it for?"

What an absurd question. Louise straightened her posture, her voice firm. "For my family, of course. I am a Vallière. We are one of Tristain's most important families. My mother, Karin, is the Heavy Wind. As her daughter, I am expected to continue that greatness."

"You're expected to," Derflinger repeated slowly, as if tasting the word. "And is that what you want?"

Louise blinked in surprise. "Whatever else could I want in life?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I wouldn't expect a sword to understand something like that."

"Lil' Lady," Derflinger said, his tone softening, "I understand that much more than you think."

His words hung in the air, heavy with an unspoken weight. For a moment, Louise felt as though the sword was looking straight through her, past her carefully constructed façade, and into the parts of herself she rarely dared to examine.

The sound of rolling wheels filled the air. Louise turned, and saw Evetta approach, and she wasn't alone. Louise blinked in familiarity as Siesta, the maid her familiar had fought Guiche for, was following behind, pushing a tea cart. Said cart brimmed with treats. 

At the center of the cart sat a tiered tray of delicate pastries. The top layer held golden, flaky croissants dusted lightly with powdered sugar, their buttery aroma wafting through the air. Below them rested petite fruit tarts, their crusts perfectly crisp and filled with a smooth custard that gleamed under the glossy glaze of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi slices. On the side, an assortment of macarons was carefully arranged in a rainbow of pastel colors: pale pink, lavender, mint green, and lemon yellow. Their delicate shells promised to crackle softly before giving way to the sweet, creamy fillings inside. Next to the pastries was a collection of cakes: slices of rich chocolate gateau, layered with thick ganache, sat beside airy sponge cakes topped with whipped cream and sugared berries. A single lemon loaf, its glaze shiny and sweet, completed the decadent collection.

Finally, in a small basket, warm scones were piled high, their golden surfaces studded with raisins and a light dusting of flour. Beside them were jars of clotted cream and jam. One ruby-red strawberry and the other a deep, rich blackberry. Siesta stopped beside the table and began arranging the tea service. The polished silver teapot gleamed, steam curling from its spout, carrying the floral scent of a fine Earl Grey. Porcelain teacups, painted with delicate blue and gold patterns, were placed with elegance, their matching saucers clinking gently.

Louise's eyes were wide as they scanned the cart. "This...this is all for us?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Of course!" Evetta said cheerfully. "I was about to get to work but the chef there stopped me and demanded to know who I was. When I revealed that I was the Good Hunter's wife, he suddenly praised me and forwarded the best treats his staff had baked." 

Louise blinked then turned to Siesta who was pouring into her cup. "I think I can guess where this windfall is coming from..." she muttered. 

Commoners lived an ordered life under nobility. Rare was it that anyone would intervene on their behalf. By fighting for her, Louise was sure that the Good Hunter had earned the respect of the Academy's staff. Louise was not particularly cruel to the staff nor was she chivalrous to them. No, she simply did what was expected of her when it came to commoners. Kind when she must, stern when she had to. Before the Good Hunter, it did not think of her to even fight on their behalf. He didn't exactly say why but the rewards had spoken for themselves and they got to enjoy fine snacks.

​Was this why he did it, then? Earning the loyalty of those less fortunate? She thought of her mother and her levies, how they all fought so hard for her family. She never questioned it before, only knowing that those brave commoners did it for they loved her mother. 

​Such were her thoughts as she relaxed, taking a cup and putting it to her lips. The tea was hot but invigorating. She turned to Siesta, thought of what to say, then nodded. "It is good. Thank you." 

The maid smiled. "Of course, my lady. I am happy to serve." 

Louise blinked. 

That rather felt nice. 

​And thus, the women began to chat. Evetta had sat down across Louise, and even sitting down, she was still absurdly tall. "Why are you so tall?" Louise asked, acutely aware how diminutive she was. But not from lack of trying. She drank milk religiously. 

"I was made that way," Evetta laughed. "My creator, Gehrman, ensured that I would be the image of Lady Maria." 

That was a rather roundabout way of explaining her father and birth. "Lady Maria? Was she your mother?" 

Evetta paused, tilting her head. "I suppose so. I never met her, however." 

Louise was taken aback. "Oh..." she whispered. "I...I am so sorry." 

"It is alright," Evetta assured her. "It has been too long and my priorities are with the Good Hunter now." 

​At the side, Siesta listened, eager for gossip as she was. Hearing that admission from her employer however was a shock. 

"W-well...how did you and Emilio meet?" Louise asked, the name still strange to her lips. 

"He spawned from the ground and he talked to me," Evetta happily revealed, recalling the first time they had met. "I was a Doll, tending to Gehrman and the Hunter's Dream. I had assisted many Hunters...but him, I had grown fond of." 

​Those words, Louise could not understand. Doll...? Hunter's Dream? "Hunter's Dream, it was that place we met, right?" 

"That is correct. It was a refuge, a place of healing and rest," Evetta said dreamily. "He had promised me that he would free from the Dream, and that I would become his." 

Despite herself, Louise leaned in, interested. Siesta too, sensing juicy gossip leaned in as well. She did not understand the words Evetta had said but she figured they were some magical things that her employers did. 

"He fought long and hard. At times, he would return triumphant from his battles. Others, he would come back in defeat. But he would always seek me out, wanting me. Each time, I would...." 

"Would what?" Louise whispered. A girlish giggle left her lips as Evetta, calm and unbothered at most times, reddened. 

"I would love him," Evetta admitted. "I knew what Love was. But I did not understand it. But with him, I did." 

The women giggled and shrieked. Louise thought herself above such things. But with those she knew, she couldn't help it. She was invested in this story of her familiar and his wife. 

"That's so romantic," Siesta sighed. 

"He is," Evetta agreed, trying her best to recover her dignity. "He never goes a day without kissing me, or telling me that he loved me." 

"Oh, you are spoiled," Siesta giggled. 

"Am I?" Evetta blinked, tilting her head. She laughed, covering her lips with her mouth. "Perhaps I am." 

Louise was admittedly not one to think about romance. She had only ever been focused on her studies. She was engaged, her betrothed being  Jean-Jacques Francis, Viscount of Wardes, and Captain of the Griffin Knights. It had been quite some time since they last spoke via letters. It wasn't particularly romantic, but mundane. Perhaps she should send another letter telling him of the things she had done? 

And thus, they continued to speak and gossip, until the ending of the day, her worries about her familiar forgotten. 

​That was until she woke up again in the morning.

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Henrietta de Tristain clapped politely, her movements graceful yet practiced.

The students of the Academy had done well in presenting their familiars. It had been an impressive display, she had to admit. The Germanian girl, Kirche, had dazzled the audience with her Salamander, the creature's fiery presence commanding attention. Then there was the Gallian student, whose dragon performed an awe-inspiring airshow, drawing gasps and applause from the gathered crowd.

But Henrietta's thoughts were focused on one presenter in particular. Louise Vallière.

She had been tempted to visit Louise late last night, her curiosity piqued by what she'd heard. A human familiar, they said. The notion was so bizarre, so unprecedented, that Henrietta could scarcely believe it. But her guards had caught her attempting to slip away, and she'd been forced to remain in her chambers. The reunion with Louise, her childhood friend, would have to wait.

Now, as the announcer's voice rang out, Henrietta's heart quickened.

"Next up...Louise Vallière!"

Henrietta gripped the edge of her seat as Louise stepped onto the stage. Her expression was composed, but her walk was stiff, anxious. Henrietta leaned forward, her excitement mingling with curiosity. She had heard the rumors of course. Louise had summoned a human familiar. That alone was enough to make her want to see Louise again. But as Louise stood on the stage, Henrietta noticed something odd.

She was alone.

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, students whispering to one another in confusion.

Where was her familiar?

From the crowds, Kirche blinked, glancing around. Where was he? That scoundrel? That demon? Had he vanished? Left? That was a shame. She was about to relish in kicking his ass. 

On stage, Louise struggled to speak. "M...My familiar...he...he..." 

The murmurs grew louder as Louise faltered, her voice barely audible above the whispering crowd.

Henrietta leaned even further forward, her heart sinking. Was Louise truly standing there alone?

Then, a faint sound began to rise in the air.

Music.

It started low, a synthetic beat thrumming softly beneath the surface. The crowd's whispers died down as everyone strained to locate the source. The beat grew louder, sharper, and more intricate, the kind of sound that immediately demanded attention. "Hey, hey!" 

[SPOILER="KPOP DEMON HUNTERS: SODA POP"][URL unfurl="true" media="youtube:983bBbJx0Mk"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=983bBbJx0Mk[/URL][/SPOILER]

A spotlight flashed onto the stage, illuminating Louise in a sudden burst of brilliance. She blinked, startled, as the music swelled to a crescendo.

Then, with an explosion of light and color, he appeared.

The Good Hunter.

He stood at the center of the stage, bathed in a dazzling glow, his posture relaxed and entirely self-assured. But he wasn't alone. From the shadows, multiple clones of himself stepped forward, each one perfectly identical, each moving with eerie synchronization. They spread out across the stage in perfect formation, their presence electrifying.

As the music hit its first verse, the Good Hunter began to sing. 

Don't want you, need you, yeah, I need you to fill me up

마시고 마셔 봐도, 성에 차지 않아

Got a feelin' that, oh, yeah (yeah), you could be everything that

That I need (need), taste so sweet (sweet), every sip makes me want more, yeah

The stage itself seemed to come alive. Pulsating neon lights danced in rhythm with the music, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that bathed the audience in vibrant hues. Holographic visuals projected behind him: waves of bubbles bursting into shimmering rainbows, interspersed with animated symbols of microphones, stars, and sparkling soda cans. The clones danced. They spun, they leaped, and glided across the stage.

Louise could only stand frozen

Lookin' like snacks 'cause you got it like that (whoo)

Take a big bite, want another bite, yeah

너의 모든 걸 난 원해, 원해, 원해

너 말곤 모두 뻔해, 뻔해, 뻔해

When you're in my arms, I hold you so tight, so tight

Can't let go, no, no, not tonight

지금 당장 날 봐, 시간 없잖아

넌 내꺼야, 이미 알고 있잖아

'Cause I need you to need me

I'm empty, you feed me, so refreshin'

My little soda pop

You're all I can think of, every drop I drink up

You're my soda pop, my little soda pop

Cool me down, you're so hot, pour me up, I won't stop

You're my soda pop, my little soda pop!

Henrietta giggled, bouncing playfully on her seat, clapping along the music and the playful dancing. From the sides, Evetta clapped alongside as well, smiling and laughing. Louise was transfixed, half utterly mortified, the other half cringing. Kirche listened as well, her shoulders bouncing to the beat, that was until Tabitha elbowed her. 

"Demon," she reminded her. 

​Kirche bounced a little. 

Uh, make me wanna flip the top, 한 모금에 you hit the spot

Every little drip and drop, fizz and pop, ah, 소름 돋아, it's gettin' hot (whoo)

Yes, I'm sippin' when it's drippin' now, it's done? I need a second round

And pour a lot, and don't you stop 'til my soda pop fizzles out

꿈 속에 그려왔던 너

난 절대 놓칠 수 없어

널 원해 꼭, I waited so long for a taste of soda

So, the wait is over, baby

Come and fill me up (just can't get enough, oh)

You're all I can think of, every drop I drink up

You're my soda pop, my little soda pop (yeah, yeah)

Cool me down, you're so hot, pour me up, I won't stop (oh, oh)

You're my soda pop, my little soda pop

By the time the final chorus hit, the clones had reassembled on stage, their synchronized movements building to a dramatic climax. The lights blazed brighter, the music swelled, and with one final note, the Good Hunter struck a pose. At the same time, an explosion of pink and flowers erupted from him, consuming the stage in a kaleidoscope of pure whimsy and light. 

The song ended, and silence followed for a heartbeat.

Then, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.

Louise, still rooted to the spot, stared at her familiar. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, frustration, and, somewhere deep inside, a begrudging sense of pride. 

The Good Hunter turned to face her. "Sorry for the wait, Master," he smiled. "I had to practice." 

​Louise could only stare...before she rushed up to give him a hug. The Good Hunter laughed, patting her on the back, before turning to crowd, and raised an arm high into the air, his clones bowing for him. 

Henrietta, still clapping, couldn't help but smile. "So this is Louise's familiar," she murmured to herself. "How…extraordinary."

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A/N: This was supposed the time that Fouquet was going to make her appearance. But she and pretty much everyone else got so transfixed by this that the event proceeded smoothly lmao.