*Kouya POV

Promised to help me Kaigen-san did, but meanwhile I should redress the emotional scar he had inadvertently scored onto my familiar, and this I have to do on my own. The first step for that would be to re-summon Kuzka. At this point apprehension got the better of me--even more so than when I called Kuzka for the first time, to inquire about that brand's origins.

No, in fact that was the precursor to this very event. It was I who scored that fatal scar, which may never completely heal. And it is only fair that I alone should now seek to remedy this. Yes!

"Summon--Kuzka." I noticed my own voice trembling at the mention of the name. Boy or girl, I shall bear 'its' remonstrations.

Oh, this time it's he-Kuzka. Seeing my expression, he flinched.

"Why, what ails you, Master? Shall I fetch the doctors? Medicine? Anything you require!"

"No, no," I said, dazzled in my turn; "it's you who has to hear me."

"Say on."

"I summoned you before this---you appeared in your female persona. I asked questions about that peculiar brand; then Kaigen-san interfered. Do you not recall any of this, Kuzka?"

"I? Why, pretty well indeed. I even recalled the texture of the sweets you later snatched. But let me ask again, Kouya-san, why that expression?"

"It's just... your female-self went away on the verge of nervous breakdown, and now you, the male persona, are inquiring me as normally as one would send off a hawk for hunting. Is it possible that personality between your two selves could alternate so rapidly--seamlessly?"

'He' smiled understandingly.

"Kouya-san, you really should learn to know me a little better given the length of my service."

"Yeah, I admit so. But if you don't mind..."

"Gladly. Shape-shifter that I am, the personality I thus employ is only valid for one summoning; but it may or may not recur. That said, please do forgive me for any deliquencies I may have caused in my other form." Kuzka inclined 'his' head.

What do you know; my familiar is even capable of changing the state of its emotions per summoning! How inconstant--I mean, how remarkable!

Oh, if only it had said such apology in that other form!

"Is that so... But I notice you never revert to such deliquencies while in this present form."

"Oh, this is probably because of my past experience. Back then I was presented with more encouragement when in this form; thus I learned more quickly to behave more properly, the results you now see. My other self, meanwhile--I regret to have to tell you this--has not been as thoroughly exercised in that field. I will thus strive to better myself, given your leave."

"Take your time. By the way, who did employ you before me?"

"That would be beyond our power to divulge."

"Why so?"

"We familiars are forbidden to talk of the past masters, and just to focus our energies and service for the present."

"Such strictness..."

Kuzka nodded. "I have seen now that you are well, Kouya-san. If you have no other tasks for me, then--"

Well, I think the mental wound is all redressed.

"Stay," I told 'him', "and don't always refer to me as a man to master. I am also your comrade."

"A comrade I esteemed highly, yes."

"Stay, then, and let's talk some more. It seems you have also thrown off that grim impression with regards to the syndicates, so I'd say you're prepared for this."

"I am listening."

"If you were to be offered a chance to join in the fight for your own homeland, what say you?"

'He' turned pale.

"Oh! That... would be an honor I dare not even presume. Nor, Kouya-san, is this yours to grant."

"No, but I could request for it."

"Have you sought audience with the Princess regarding this?"

"No."

"Then when you do, I beg you to avoid even mentioning it. I am content where I am now, by your side. I wish nothing more. Shall we make it a promise?"

"But suppose the Princess ends up granting you such choice herself?"

"Then it is a different matter, and I shall reconsider; but please, let's now not act on surmise."

"If you say so..."

Kuzka smiled approvingly. "Thank you again for that bright idea, though, Kouya-san. You truly elate me!"

"Well then, go now if you please."

"If I have to fight at all, I'll always be glad to do it beside you, Kouya-san. I take my leave, then."