I do NOT own Zero No Tsukaiama, that's the intellectual property of Noboru Yamaguchi

Louise didn't know if life cursed her or blessed her. Most likely a bit of both, although she wouldn't never admit the second one outloud, what was this referring to? Well after yesterday's training, Kirche had dragged her to their room to do exactly as she told, trying out outfits and basically forcing Louise to watch, she totally knew what she was doing. Louise really hoped this would be maybe a few blouse or dresses that she wanted to try, you know, some of these things you rarely wear so you don't really know if they look good or not, so there would be a point to it. That would have been giving Zerbst way too much credit no. So instead she used that opportunity to showcase the most revealing outfits she had. She pretended that it was for her future husband, Louise mostly assumed that it was for the next guy she would try to bed.

Nevertheless, Louise still had to sit through maybe an hour of Kirche's show. She would be lying if she said she didn't secretly enjoy watching Kirche go. Like established earlier, she did think she was an attractive woman, so looking at her curves and seeing her in skimpy outfits was more than a pleasing sight. She just kinda wished it was any woman other than Zerbst, then she would feel less guilty about enjoying it. Wait, for lord's sake, she was thinking about pervy things again, spending so much time with Kirche really was bad influence, the sooner they find a way to separate them the better. As for Kirche, despite what she said, she might have lied a little bit, she pretty much did this because she wanted to show off to Louise, just, not for the reasons she would have before. It was a very interesting evening to say the least, but the two of them already pushed that to the side the following day. Forgetting all about that, for now at the very least.

The day started off exactly like the last one, Louise arriving first at the field, repressing images of Kirche in sexy outfits from her memories. She just wanted one day of peace. She remembered that yesterday she talked about something different from magic they would be trying out, when it came to her, Louise was very suspicious about what kind of tricks she would have under her sleeve. It couldn't be anything good that was for sure.

Waiting for Zerbst once more gave her some time to think. She still hadn't sent any letter to her parents, which is something the teacher Colbert had came yesterday evening to tell them to do. Louise was honestly, very, very scared of sending that letter, because she knew nothing positive would come out of it. Litteraly 0% chances of anything good coming out of that, but she didn't really have much of a choice, if she didn't, the school would and the consequences would be just as bad if not worse if they got the feeling she was trying to hide this from them, which she was. She knew she had at least one sister who would be supportive, but then there was the rest of the family. That was going to hurt and hard. Zerbst probably will have it a lot easier, which pissed her off to no end.

By the way, where was she? Wondered Louise as she realized the Germanian woman was once again, taking quite a long time to get there. Her theory was the same as yesterday's, she was probably getting some morning action, that wouldn't surprise her at all. What did surprise Louise though, was that when Zerbst did show up. She was carrying some bags, which seemed to be relatively heavy, but since she was tall and somewhat muscular, didn't seem that troublesome to her. She was pretty toned, which was something Louise had observed first hand yesterday. She smiled at Louise when she put the bag on the ground, Louise never knew how to feel how she sees her smile, it was always very unsettling considering their history.

'' What's the big surprise that you wanted to teach me Zerbst ? It better not be something indecent like exotic dancing or some crap like that. Because I'm not doing that. ''

That answer took Kirche by surprise who started laughing before dropping the bag on the ground, it made a pretty loud sound so whatever might be in this bag, Louise doubt heavily it was going to be feathers. The Germanian woman opened the bag, Louise took a few steps further to inspect it's content before raising an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. The bag contained what seemed to be steel sets of armors and swords. Of all the things she actually expected, she would have to admit, this was not one of them.

'' Are these yours Zerbst ? '' Louise asked, a bit skeptical. She hadn't seen her wear anything of the sort before, so she figured she must have taken this from someone else.

'' Of course these are ! '' Kirche says bearing a prideful smile on her face as she takes out one of the swords from the bag, the blade was a lot bigger than what Louise what was actually used to. In Tristain, they used thinner blades. Which were mostly used for nobles and fencing. They rarely found an actual use in combat since most of their relatively small military used magic to defend the kingdom, but what Kirche had in her hands was something very different. Just at first glance, she could estimate the blade to be at least 4 ft long, it was a two handed weapon for sure. Kirche put it on the ground in front of Louise, crossing her arms.

'' That is a Zweihänder, in my native language it means Two-Hander. I think you can easily understand how to properly handle it, just with that. ''

Louise wasn't exactly sure where she was going with this, heck, she wasn't even sure if she culd herself lift that sword. She can't even recall if she had even used a sword before, outside of toy ones when she was a child, but those times were some she would rather not be thinking of right now.

'' Well, that's interesting and all, but what does that Zwei...thing, has anything to do with anything? ''

Kirche smirked, as she put back the sword into the bag.

'' You see, since obviously you weren't going anywhere with magic yesterday and I don't think I know exactly how to help you with that yet. I decided I'd rather train you with something I do know quite a bit about. Swordmanship. ''

Louise then started to laugh, a lot. The mental image of Kirche picking up a sword and fighting was just so ridiculous in her mind. What was she actually good at ? As far as Louise could tell, that list included two things. Fire magic and looking pretty. She wasn't exactly sure where swordmanship fit in either those categories.

'' Yeah, I'm sure you do. Where would you have even learned that ? Between two make-out sessions with Guiche? '' Louise said to her master with a smirk after a while of laughing. Kirche just shivered at that mental image.

'' Okay, first of all... Ewww, no. He can put his mouth on all the girls he want, but he's not going go near my lips even if he paid me a million. Second, you... really don't know much about my people don't you? '' Kirche asked. Which reminded Louise that, no, she actually knew very little about Germania, not that she actually needed to know that much since she knew that she would never get a position of power with the rate her magical progression was going lately.

'' Okay, to be fair, no I don't. Outside the bare minimum of course. '' Louise admitted, it was a rare day where she would concede a point to Zerbst, but today was one of those and she didn't really find anything to deny it with anyway. Kirche looked surprised at that fact before smiling a bit, she would certainly take that and this gave her a good opportunity to talk about her home, which is also something she would take.

'' Outside of our good looks, we are mostly a very war focused nation. Well, at least we had been in the past. The history of our kingdom is filled with conquests and wars that have made us one of the biggest realms in Halkeginia. We might have lived in peace in recent history, but the traditions are still there, when we are still younglings, both the boys and girls, are trained in the arts of war. The boys mostly of course, spend the most time in that training, from their young age to their early teenage years where they can decide to follow a more traditional scholar path or continue on a more military focused education. Young girls have more the basic training that lasts only a few years, but it is to make us valuable soldiers as well if the time has to come. See that as some sort of draft. In time of war, first there's the voluntary men, then there's a draft for men, then they send voluntary women. At this point, in term of manpower, it's just usually more than enough to win to war, most of the time, it's overkill. ''

Louise listened to Kirche's explanations, sure she didn't ask for a life story, but hearing about a different culture was interesting on an intellectual level. Even if that culture was Zerbst's.

'' And that lead you to be a fire mage... how exactly ? '' Louise asked, because she had no idea what part of that story led to Kirche being a magic student in Tristain

'' Oh I'm glad you asked ! You see, after spending finishing their training in basic swordmanship, we can choose to pursue a magic route. Most of the women tend to go for a more healing path, I wasn't interested in that obviously, tranquility and patience is not exactly my forte. Which were two qualities required for that path, I felt a way bigger connection towards fire magic, since it burns and lives passionately which is something I feel describes me perfectly. '' Kirche took a few seconds to breathe and to make sure Louise was still paying some attention to her, which she was, before continuing.

'' Since our kingdoms are at peace, my family decided that it would be for the best for me to continue my progress at this academy. Not only to improbe my magic, but also to show what a Germanian, and most importantly, what a Zerbst could do. ''

Louise muttered under her breathe things not very positive. The girl certainly had shown what Zerbst could do, but none of those involved magic.

'' Uh, ok, Zerbst, now coming back to these weapons, you said you want to teach me swordmanship ? Why ? '' Louise asked, slightly curious.

'' Easy, like I said, magic is not gonna be a thing, the one thing I think you might be half decent at is melee combat, although, we're gonna have to do it the Germanian way, not the sissy Tristan way. ''

'' Hey ! '' Louise obviously got offended by that, no one would appreciate having their country insulted that bluntly.

'' Be honest with me Louise, when's the last time this kingdom won a war without asking for Germania's help? '' Kirche asked, it was mostly a rhetorical question. Louise opened her mouth to argue before closing it back, as frustrating as it was to admit. Tristain just wasn't a military focused kingdom, they took mostly pride in their culture, their magic and their wealth. There was a reason that kingdoms sent their children here to learn magic of all places, but when it came to actual military, yeah no. War simply wasn't in their culture and that probably was for the best as far as Louise was concerned.

Louise then sighed as she rubbed her temples, how come she was one of the laziest student she's ever seen in class, but when it came to that sort of thing, she seemed to be some sort of scholar.

'' Ok then...what in the world is all of this about ? Are you going to train me with one of these swords or what ? Can we just start with that and not waste both of our time with all that gibberish ? '' Louise said, obviously not in the best of mood after all of this, and honestly, she couldn't say she was thrilled about the idea of Kirche teaching her anything. That was very embarrasing and humiliating in itself, Kirche raised an eyebrow before laughing.

'' Wait... oh ! You thought I was going to teach you with the actual weapons ?! I'm a lot of things, but I'm not that careless. I wouldn't want my sweet familiar to hurt herself while using a weapon that she hasn't mastered yet ! I brought them only for purpose of presentation of what you will work with in the future. For the time being you will be working with this ! '' The Germanian redhead says as she brings out wooden weapons out of her bags.

'' What ? Wooden weapons ? That's the kind of stuff kids play with ! I'm not a kid ! '' She says clenching her teeth. Kirche decided to try and cool her down a bit, as she picked up one of the weapons and invited her to do so, which she did.

'' I know you're not, but one step at the time right ? Like in bed, you need to start with the small details, making sure you are comfortable before you can get to the real intense stuff... '' Kirche said with a smirk on her face, which irritated Louise, but at the same time, did make her chuckle a bit. She knew she'd do one of those sooner or later. She picked up the weapon and stared at Zerbst

'' What now ? '' She asked, wondering where the training would actually start with.

'' Attack me. '' Kirche answered, with the most serious Louise had ever seen her with. Without any hesitation either, which threw Louise off guard.

'' Wait what ? Really? '' Louise really wanted to make sure she heard correctly, her hands tightening around her sword, already preparing to charge, looking foward to release some frustrations.

'' Yeah sure, give me your best shot. '' Kirche said with calm smile as she took position, holding her swords with two hands. Looking straight at Louise, focused like an eagle. Louise smiled with joy as she ran towards Kirche, there was maybe a few meters that separated them, she raised her sword above her head preparing to strike down upon her eternal enemy. Then as she swang down, Kirche quickly moved down to her side, countering Louise's attack by raising her sword horizontally above her head, as their two swords clashed, the Germanian who knew she had way more strength in muscles and in her current position, was easily able to swat her sword away, as Louise, fell forward to the ground, having lost her balance after being countered. Kirche triumphantly sat down upon the poor confused girl's back with a smirk. Which was of course, simply to drove her point across, to humiliate and humble the Vallière girl further.

Louise looks extremely confused as she had no idea what had just happened right now. All she knew right now was the weight of the taller girl upon her, which made her blush. That was a very embarrassing position, but that humiliation also made her feel funny a bit. But now right now was not the time of think of such disturbing thoughts as she recovered from the shock and started struggling.

'' Hey get off me you well endowed cow ! '' She says screaming, frustrated.

'' Well endowed ? Oh my, that's the first compliment I get from you I'll take it. '' Kirche said with a laugh as she got off her. '' I hope you understood what my point was here. '' Louise then fumed.

'' No I don't ! I don't even know what just happened ! '' She says visibly frustated and angry of how that thing had turned out.

'' Louise, that was a test. My point was to show how much way you have to go, did you really expect to hurt someone who has years of experience with your first try, the first time you try a sword ? '' Kirche said raising an eyebrow, Louise got where she was going with that and she mostly curses to herself to have played herself basically, she knew that opportunity was too good to be true. She hits the ground with her feet in frustration. It seemed that no matter what she tried, Zerbst would always be there to show off how much better she was than her. She hated her for that, she hated her so much. As she was fuming, she doesn't notice Kirche getting behind her, then putting her hands on the pink girl's hips.

'' Come on Louise, don't be sad. Everyone has to start somewhere, I'll show you how to properly position yourself first. '' Kirche was barely a few inches apart from Louise's ear, and it gives her chills, she wonders if that was the same voice she gave guys she encountered, if so, that explained quite a lot. Her master continued her explanation, not getting further.

'' First, you need to stand your feet more apart, they need to be shoulder width apart, one of your biggest mistake in your first try was neglecting that, like that, you lacked the proper balancing to throw your attack, hence me being able to disarm you and you falling to the ground. Second... '' She moved Louise's hips to move the position of her body. '' One of your foot needs to be forward, we'll use your right foot in this case since you are right handed. As you move your body should body should move up or down depending if you're retreating or attacking. But your head should never move, always keep it steady. You understand so far? '' Kirche asked, Louise nodded, she was mostly amazed that she was actually a kinda decent teacher, and as said before, she had a very enchanting voice that commanded Louise to listen to her. Like before, the warmth of her body really helped Louise relax and focus, even though she could feel her chest touching the back of her neck. She was so into the zone of the training, she wasn't even gonna comment on it.

They continued the training for at least what seemed to be an eternity, but not in a bad way per say. It was one of the rare good moments they had ever shared together, and Louise secrely wished it lasted longer and Kirche genuinely enjoyed showing the basis of swordmanship to Louise. They ended when they realized it was lunch time, meaning they had spent most of the morning dedicated to that training. Louise felt the exhaustion and hunger as they had finished. She sat down on the ground panting. Kirche came with a smile looking at her familiar.

'' You did great Louise for a first training, I think we're onto something. I don't know if I'm the teacher you need to teach you magic, but what I can teach you, I'll make sure you become one of the best at it ! '' Kirche said with an optimistic smile, she never thought she would ever compliment or feel optimisim about the girl she used to call Zero, but with this. She knew there was something there, a combativity and a passion that only wanted to come out and fight. If someone could get the passion out of someone, it was Kirche and she knew that was the aspect she could and would train Louise with. Louise also smiled, which was a shocker honestly, even for herself. She never thought she would ever give a Zerbst a genuine smile, but her she was, she had a legitimate good time there and that, was something she couldn't deny. She was actually curious of where this would all lead. This was perhaps an horrible situation in itself, but this morning showed that perhaps, she could gain something from it.

'' I'm looking forward to it... '' She then remembered how hungry she was. '' Can we go it now K... Zerbst ? '' She almost slip out and said the K word, which was something Kirche noticed, Louise almost regretted not saying it, but she knew she still had an image to keep and it was not confusing new feelings that were gonna change that.

'' Of course darling. '' Kirche said with a teasing smile before lifting Louise back to her feet and leading her towards the dining area, arm in arm. Something was growing, but neither, well, at least one of them was still unaware of exactly what and what kind of consequences it would have.

Thank goodness I finally finished that chapter ! Sorry for the long wait for that one, for the longest time I had a huge writer's block for that one. Well, that and school starting once again of course. In this chapter, Louise starts to learn how to use swords, yay ! And also more of those strange intrusive thoughts... if any of you wonder, I am using an aspect that I found in the lore to my advantage here, not just making stuff up because I feel like it.

Although, this is also the chapter where I decided what I exactly wanted to do, also why it took so long. I don't want to force any canon in a story that just in its nature, derives so far from it. That's why I'll make up a lot of what happens in this story and also some of the lore I feel the show hasn't really explore from what I've seen or at least what I can find. Keeping in mind I haven't read the light novels.

This probably isn't a perfect chapter, but I still am happy of how it ended up and I hope you will all enjoy reading it too !

Xenofan1