Today was the day every mage looked forward to with excitement. They'd finally be summoning there familiars after a year of studying. Some would walk away with simple creatures like cats or owls, but it didn't matter. A familiar was a mage's best friend, and loyal servant. No matter what happened, a familiar would always be their for their master.

Even Tabitha had to smile slightly at the energy in the air, hearing a few second year students talk about what they might get, while the rest gushed over their newly summoned pets. Guiche had gotten a mole, and was smothering it with love and affection. It was amusing to see the playboy show such utter devotion.

Kirche had summoned a fire salamander. It was perfect for her in Tabitha's opinion. The red-head was always basically fire incarnate. Always flickering about, never content with just sitting still when there were still things to do. The fact she went through boyfriends like a forest fire through trees helped as well.

But finally it was her turn, third to last since Louise was attempting to hide in the back and some other second year was trying to be polite. Tabitha understood why she was so nervous. The summoning ritual was her last chance to prove that she was indeed a mage. To show everyone that she wasn't Louise the Zero. It was a shame really. Aside from application Louise was just under Tabitha in grades. She knew the spells, and had a good head on her shoulders, if a bit too proud. But she just couldn't do the spells. Hopefully she succeeded.

Tabitha took her place in the clearing and took a small breath to clear her head. Magic was as much an art as it was a science, and worrying about someone else might throw the spell off. She placed her spell book in the folds of her robe before raising her stave.

I, Charlotte Helene d'Orleans, in the name of the great Five Pentagon Powers, following my fate, summon a familiar. Tabitha didn't say the spell out loud, since she didn't wish to give her name away, but the pillar of smoke that appeared before her indicated that it worked regardless.

When the smoke cleared, she had to blink. Fluffy.. Before her was a bear cub, but like nothing she'd ever seen before. For starters every bear she knew of had brown, or black fur. But this one had fur like freshly fallen snow, and blue eyes that seemed to be staring at her, judging her in their soft glow. The two locked eyes for a few moments before the cub seemed to snort.

The cub stands on its hind legs as if to get a good look around, as if he's looking for threats among the gathered children. Most of them aren't paying the bear any attention, but Tabitha hasn't taken her eyes of the cub. Most familiars are intelligent enough to follow simple orders, but hers seems to be almost human.

The shine of sun on metal interrupt her thoughts. The cub was wearing armor, silver bracelet with a glowing blue gem and runes she'd never seen before on each of his front legs. A chest piece that would cover his underbelly, and helmet that ran down to his neck with another glowing blue gem on the crown of his head. The bear was absolutely covered in armor, with only the joints showing his soft fur. Definitely something worth looking into. How she didn't notice the armor in the first place was beyond her.

"Tabitha, don't forget the contract." Mr. Colbert reminded the blue-haired girl. As if she'd forgotten. She just wanted a minute to look over her adorable new summon.

Tabitha nodded and walked over towards the little bear cub. Wasn't what she expected, but she was happy with the cute little thing.

Alright Volibear... what was the last thing you remember before you woke up surrounded by giants.. You were talking to Sona.. the match was going to end and you invited her to drinks after.. could we have gotten drunk and seperated? No.. Sona doesn't drink that much, and neither do I.. so how did I get here.. and where is here exactly?

Volibear's eyes met the closest giant. A deep blue like his own, with hair to match. He had a feeling that she was the reason for his sudden appearance. Hopefully everything would be explained in time.

With that thought in mind, Volibear stood up and came to a scary conclusion. They aren't giants.. I'm just short! What happened to me?! During the trip, the Ursine had shrunk. His glorious bulk had gone from a towering eight feet down to... well if had to guess maybe a little less than two feet by his guess.

Volibear, calm down. Panicking will only make things worse. You are the leader of the Ursine, so act like it! A quick check of his surroundings told him quiet a bit. There were numerous children who resembled summoners, each of them with some sort of creature.

So, I was probably summoned by the blue-haired girl who's looking me over.. alright.. well I trust Sejuani to lead the Ursine in my absence.. so lets see what I've got.. He was happy to find his armor was more or less intact, shrunken to fit his meager size, and he was down right surprised to see that his items pouch still contained the weapons and armor he'd gotten during the match. He even had some of his gold.

Not exactly the greatest build, or the greatest summoner.. but it should be helpful, especially in a place like this.. wherever this is. Volibear did a quick check through the pouch. Guardian Angel, check. Frozen Mallet, check. Spirit's Visage, check. Face of the Mountain, check. Zephyr, check and even a Banshee's Veil... Why the summoner had bought that item, Volibear had no clue, but his job was to fight, not to question purchasing choices. And finally, 500 gold.

Well.. at least he didn't build all warmogs like some others.. so could have been worse? Volibears thoughts were interrupted as the blue-haired girl came to kneel in front of him. Well now I know what it feels like to be the short one..

The girl seemed to say something, but the language wasn't one he recognized. So I'm probably not in Valoran anymore.. perfect. Volibear snorted in annoyance. Not that he had much choice in the matter. I guess patience shall be a necessity.. Strength and wisdom guide me..

Volibear blinked when the girl suddenly kissed him before he pulled away. "Gah.. Glad Ahri isn't here or she'd never let me live this down.. kiss by a kid.. Annie confusing me for Tibbers is bad enough.." He grumbled quietly.

The bear.. could.. talk! Tabitha blinked. She'd summoned a familiar that could talk. She didn't know for certain, but she had to guess that was a rare occurrence. "Speak?" She had to ask, to make sure she wasn't hallucinating.

"Yes I can speak, summoner.. wait. Why can I suddenly understand you?" The cub's voice was surprisingly deep for his size. Then again he was a bear, so she guessed it made sense? Curious.

"Contract."

The cub seemed to scratch his chin, giving her a view of his claws. Tabitha could tell from a glance how sharp they were. Thankfully he was her familiar, so she wouldn't have to worry about the adorable little thing hurting her.

"I see... so the contract allowed me to understand your language.. I'm guessing the kiss was the contract?" Tabitha nodded. "I see.. do you have a name child? And what is your purpose for summoning me?"

"Tabitha." She pointed to herself, then pointed back at Volibear. "Familiar."

"Ahh... elements guide me.." Volibear sided. He knew the concept of a familiar from the few mages he spoke to during his years in the league. He was basically her pet. "So I am your servant now?"

Tabitha slowly shook her head. "Partner."

"A bit forced, don't you think?"

"Sorry. Didn't know."

"Ah well. Stuff happens. Be glad you summoned me now instead of a few years ago, or I'd taken less kindly to this situation.. but.. the elements have chosen to send me here. And here I shall stay. I am Volibear the Thunder's Roar." Volibear bowed his head respectfully before getting onto his paws.

"Pleasure. Armor?" Tabitha gave Volibear a small smile as she turned to rejoin the rest of her class.

"I am a warrior.. though I appear to be in a weakened form.. it's like I am a cub again." Volibear sighed as he padded along next to his new 'master'.

"Sorry."

"Don't be. The elements have chosen me for a reason, so I will trust their judgment. And this will allow me to test my metal against the warriors of this world." Volibear touched the gem on his left gauntlet, watching as his armor disappeared, leaving only his gauntlets remaining. Might be better to appear like a normal bear for now. Thankfully no one but Tabitha and the bald summoner seemed to notice, to caught up in their own summons.

"Mage?" Tabitha asked as she took a seat in the courtyard, giving Volibear a conflicted look. He looked so fuzzy and cute. But Volibear made the choice for her. The Ursine sat down in her lap. He'd seen those eyes before. Ahri, Sona, Ashe, even Sejuani had them from time to time. Those were the eyes of a girl wanting to cuddle something soft, and as much as it hurt his pride as a warrior, he'd always cave. Getting petted and scratched always felt nice.

"Shaman. My armor is enchanted though. For storage convenience." He said, as he stretched across Tabitha's lap. It was a good thing he was mini sized, or he'd crush her under his weight.

"Magic?"

"A few things, but like I said. I was more of a shaman and a warrior than any sort of mage." Volibear purred as his summoner scratched behind his ear, keeping his voice low so that only Tabitha could hear him. Judging by her reaction speaking familiars were rare, so no point in giving away his talents just yet.

Tabitha seemed to have a similar idea, keeping her voice soft, though Volibear had to wonder why she spoke in such a short manner. He wrote it off as one of her quirks. Years in the League had taught him that everyone has something weird about them.

"Shaman? Elements?"

"I command the maelström.. specifically lightning and the winds.. and now I'm tired.. long day. Too much fighting. Wake me up when you want to move... or if anything threatens you.."

"Alright.." Tabitha nodded as Volibear drifted off. As the next mage summoned a cat, it was finally Louise's turn. Kirche sat next to her.

"Aww, who's this little cutie? Come here Flame, come meet Tabitha's familiar." Kirche called her Salamander over, who took his seat in the red-head's lap as well.

"Volibear. Sleeping." Tabitha looked at her fiery friend, silently asking her to not be too loud.

Kirche simply nodded as she pet Flame. "Volibear? Doesn't seem like a name you'd give."

"Told me."

"What do you mean he told you?"

"Talked."

"He can talk?" Kirche asked, an eyebrow raised in disbelieve, getting only a nod out of Tabitha. "Well I knew someone as smart as you would get an amazing familiar! Oh, looks like Louise is ready to go."

Tabitha just nodded again as she pulled her spell book back out. Kirche would entertain herself with teasing Louise, so that allowed her to read in peace, wishing Louise the best of luck.

Looking down at the sleeping club, Tabitha smiled a bit. She had a good feeling about this year, a feeling she hadn't had in a while.

AN: Well this was a thing. I do apologize for the wait on Lich + Vampire, but I had to get this out of my head. If there is interest, I'll continue, if everyone things it's a steaming pile of junk, I'll continue (More out of spite, than anything else, but still). As usual, comments, concerns and suggestions are welcome. Hope you all enjoy it, and have a good day.