I want to go ahead and put out another chapter before returning to my main FE story, so I hope everyone enjoys! Thanks to all who have already reviewed, favorited, and followed! You're awesome!

First Steps

Neb was not merely very disappointed.

He was downright depressed.

"I cannot begin to express just how low my expectations were." The hydra sighed as he loomed over the exhausted forms of his new students. "If any of you had been able to do three laps at speed, I would've been just fine. But no…"

One head went to Kirche. "You did two."

Another went to Tabitha. "You did one and a half."

The last went to Louise. "You did one. Siesta ran circles around all of you."

The three nobles were too busy catching their breaths to answer, Siesta playing advocate. "In all fairness, Sir Neb, I've had many years helping raise my siblings alongside fieldwork to improve my stamina. From what I understand, the casting of magic can burn as much energy in a few minutes as hours of work."

Neb pulled his heads back and glanced to her. "The issue still stands. Much as it pains me to say this, stamina is going to be the sole focus of any lessons I give for some time."

Louise summoned the strength to sit up and glare at him. "What… about… my magic…?!"

Neb was unmoved by the glare. "Magic is power, one that you cannot control right now. Your mind and spirit may be willing, but your flesh is weak. Until it catches up, all you'll get is what happened yesterday when you blew yourself back ass over teakettle."

She tried another card. "What about… those 'Sorcery'… things you talked about?"

Neb shrugged, seeing through the gambit easily. The nice thing about tired students was that they couldn't negotiate nearly as effectively. "Again, you don't have the stamina, or the patience for that matter. Sorcery begins with meditation and personal reflection, all things necessary to understand how magic flows through you."

Kirche recovered enough of her breath to sit up. "That… sounds like… schlock…"

"Says every initiate." Neb bit, mind running through what would need to happen now. "Based on this though, I assume only Siesta has any appreciable strength in her limbs and core. While I don't plan for any of you to be mountains of muscle, I expect you all to reach a point where you can run with 90 kilos of weight on you."

Tabitha summed up their thoughts. "…Insane."

"You think that now." Neb agreed, padding off to a side of the court they'd been running around. "But you'll thank me when your compatriots are wounded in enemy territory and you must carry them to safety!"

No one could say anything else before Neb returned with a roll of logs held up by two of his heads. "Now, while I appreciate that you're all tired, core and arms can still be trained. Pick whichever of these is in your range and start lifting."

Siesta nodded and walked up to peruse the logs after Neb set them down. They ranged from short and stout to long and thin, the lightest of which was probably about four kilos. Not even a log that one, just a thick branch.

A quick check showed as much, and she grabbed it. "Lady Valliere, I think this is the one we should all start with. It's the lightest one I can see."

Louise grunted but stood, the others joining eventually. What followed was a few hours of essential torture, the girls aching and exhausted by the time the sun rose. The only thing that kept them, or Louise at least, from outright rebelling from the 'lesson' was Neb training with them.

"I do not let my students suffer alone." Neb answered when Kirche posed the question to him. "Whilst you're all well behind where you should be, so too am I. I have been outside of battle for close to a century and I have to polish myself."

It was quite the sight seeing him lift a log with each head and jog around the courtyard with the rest on his back. The girls could barely do three sets of ten with their chosen logs, so if nothing else, the desire to make the hydra eat his disappointment started to burn.

Didn't make returning to class easy. They barely had enough time to bathe and get into uniform before heading off. Siesta took charge of the discarded clothes and promised to have them cleaned with the rest of Louise's laundry by the time they got back.

Poor Louise could barely keep herself up. She'd barely gotten any rest and the hangover was still gnawing at the edge of her mind despite the exercise. Her arms and legs hurt, her hand was shaky, and it was all she could do to pay attention to the professor.

So of course, she was called up to demonstrate a transmutation spell because the professor was new to the academy and didn't know her reputation. An explosion later and she was cleaning the classroom, their professor unconscious from the blast while everyone else got out early.

All except Tabitha, who decided to stick around while Kirche went to check on Flame. "What are you doing here?"

Tabitha shrugged as she gestured with her staff, small gusts of wind picking up soot and guiding it into piles. "…Curious."

Louise huffed and brushed the soot piles into a bin. "I told you already, if you want to know more about Neb, go talk to him. I'm certainly not going to say anything after the travesty this morning."

Tabitha felt her legs tremble at the reminder, but she hid it well. "…You."

"What's so interesting about me?" Louise wondered sarcastically. "I finally have the ability to use magic, but then I explode again! Founder, whatever this mark is, it sure doesn't want to work without my familiar there."

She glared at her wrapped hand, trying to burn the bandages away. Tabitha wasn't too concerned with that though. "…Why accept?"

Louise paused and stared at Tabitha. "You should be asking yourself that question. Besides, if nothing else, he's still impressive and I need to live up to the expectations his presence sets for me. If he's going to get me there of his own free-will, I'll take the opportunity."

Tabitha nodded and gathered the last of the soot into a large pile, Louise sweeping it up before they righted the blown over desks and left. Once outside, Louise spotted someone walking down an opposite hall and scowled. "Mott again."

Tabitha followed her gaze and spotted a nobleman strutting down the hall. That explained why only the elder maids were out at least.

Count Mott was a notorious lecher that took common women as it pleased him, the poor things usually young and pretty. They'd disappear for a few months only to show up broken in body and spirit, dying by their own hand a few days later.

There was more than one rumor the royal family was set to investigate him, as he was officially a royal messenger. His reputation was considered a stain on the crown, but the count was arrogant and believed himself untouchable.

And he was, at least for now.

"Milady! Sir Neb wishes to speak with you!"

Louise felt her stomach drop as Siesta strode up, in uniform and smiling brightly. "S-Siesta! Thanks for the message, but you must go now! Count Mott's in the academy right now, he can't see you!"

Siesta blinked, not knowing the name. "Who milady?"

Louise silently reminded herself Siesta had only been here two months. "A notorious lecher of a man that'll snap up any pretty commoner he sees, you included! We haven't inked the handmaid contract yet; he could try and buy you!"

Tabitha was the only one who'd kept an eye on the count and spotted him change direction for them. "…Move, now."

Louise noticed as well and pushed Siesta to run, the girls fleeing from the approaching count. He didn't give chase at least, but Louise just knew there'd be trouble. There always was when the count came to give the Headmaster a missive.

-Three Hours Later-

Low and behold, Louise received a message calling her and Siesta to the Headmaster's office. In that time, Louise had rushed Siesta back to her room, grabbed quill and parchment, and set out her contract. It took an hour to cover as many loopholes as they could think of after writing the required passages, Tabitha and Kirche providing what they knew.

When asked why she'd help Siesta, Kirche admitted she was already fond of the maid because she went with the flow and was willing to stick around despite the strange situation she had every right to leave. An opinion proven when Siesta signed the contract the moment it was done.

With law and precedent on their side, Louise explained to Neb what was going on before leaving. The hydra regarded the news with only slight interest, more concerned with a symbol he was making in the courtyard outside the tower.

Unknown to both Louise and her freshly named handmaid, Neb followed once they were out of sight. He was curious to see if Louise could effectively weasel her way out of a situation that called for wit and diplomacy over bluster and bravery.

He stuck to the shadows as best his bulk could allow, the sun providing little refuge and making his scales glisten if it struck them. It was times like these he rued taking such pride in them, but he could count of Louise's single-minded focus to keep him hidden this time.

When they entered the central tower, Neb left his hiding spot and looked up. The top of the tower was the most likely place he'd find them, but it was very tall compared to the other residential towers. Even still, he did his best to strain and brace against the wall.

Eventually, he was able to get his eyes level with a window. It'd been some time since he strained so much, but it worked this time and he could focus. Said focus made him fail to notice how he'd suddenly stretched to the tower's window, but it wasn't important at the time.

Inside the window sat Osmond, with the one and only Count Mott beside his desk while Louise and Siesta stood opposite them. Neb couldn't hear what was being said but based on the count's smug grin and Siesta's fearful eyes, things weren't going well.

A moment later, Louise produced a sheaf of parchment and gained a grin, the count's smugness disappearing. Neb noted Osmond's shoulders shake, as if the old wizard was laughing, but the damned window let no sound out.

The count marched over, snatched the parchment from Louise, and started to read, grip tightening with each moment. Eventually, he started making aggressive gestures at Louise, Neb guessing he was trying to either use an excuse or riches to sway the younger noble.

Osmond put a stop to that with a gesture of his staff, the stone at Mott's feet rising to restrain him. Neb knew an angered man when he saw one, and Osmond was very mad. After what could only have been a few words, Mott was released and fled the office, Siesta almost collapsing when he was gone.

Louise was beside her instantly and Neb regarded Osmond with respect once more. That was a real teacher right there, one who defended their students against fools who'd dare attack them. A policy Neb himself fully endorsed.

With that sorted, Neb pushed off and landed with the usual thud, only to finally notice something when he hid around the tower.

His left and right necks had shrunk into his body while his central neck had lengthened by the total length they'd shrunk.

He proceeded to briefly consider this before falling into a panic and rolling on the ground like a confused dog. Didn't notice the count storm out of the academy or Louise leave the tower without Siesta. At least not until Louise hit him with a silencing spell that blew off his leg.

"Arkath's Ass!" Neb yelped as his leg disintegrated. "What in the nine-hells did you do that for?!"

Louise was ashen, not expecting the blast to take his leg off and leave a bleeding stump. "…F-Founder, Neb! I'm s-s-s-so sorry!"

Neb scowled at her and rolled off his back, the stump no long bleeding and bone regrowing. "My heads aren't the only thing I can regenerate, don't worry about that. I want to know why you decided to blast my leg off in the first place!"

Louise visibly relaxed. "Well… you were panicking over something and speaking that gibberish you used on me after we first met. Also, what the heck are you doing here? I thought you were too busy with that thing you were working on."

Neb growled before noticing his necks were back to normal. "…Let's just say something changed. Where's Siesta?"

Louise didn't like the non-answer but nodded to the central tower. "She'll be spending the night in there. Headmaster Osmond has agreed to keep her under his aegis while he sends the contract we signed to the capital. That letch seemed far too taken with Siesta to give up that easily, so we're being cautious."

Neb regarded her with a critical eye before nodding. "Good, if he tries to take her, he'll be breaking into the academy at large. Well done, Louise, but out of curiosity, what is the punishment for doing so?"

Louise noted the innocent smirks his maws wore, which made her stomach flutter. "…Considering all the noble children here, unauthorized entry to the academy is worth a life-sentence. The staff are under a royal aegis at that, even personal servants. Harming anyone here warrants death."

Neb's maws twisted in sinister smiles. "…Good. At least this country has some sense of duty for its less fortunate people. Now if only the rest of the nobility could get that through their skulls."

Louise grimaced, a blonde fop coming to mind. "…Whatever, it's done with. Is there anything else for today?"

Neb reached up to cup his central chin, the sight strange to Louise's eye. "…I already spoke to the captain of the guard about training weapons, but they have none to spare. I'd carve them, but I want you to start using them as soon as possible."

Louise had a flash to the past, a vision of her mother demonstrating how to use a sword coming to her. "…Personally, I'd prefer to use a sword. I know enough about them that a hand-and-a-half sword would be best for me."

Neb gave her a once over before frowning. "I feel a spear would be better, possibly even a halberd. If only to make up for your reach and take advantage of your less than stellar stature."

Louise's eye twitched. "Call me short or don't ya dumb lizard, don't dance around it."

"Alright you diminutive hellion." Neb shot back, making her twitch again. "If that's what you like, I won't tell you otherwise, but I'll need you to grab someone and head into town. Find a practice weapon for every type you can."

Louise frowned, something gnawing at the back of her mind that had nothing to do with her previous hangover. "…Neb, you're not up to something are you?"

The hydra kept his grins, not bothering to hide. "Would you do anything if I was?"

Louise stared him in the eye, glaring at the golden pools for several long moments before she huffed and stormed past him. "Do whatever you want, I claim no liability in whatever scheme you seem set on pursuing."

"Nor should you hold any." Neb muttered, eyes going to the tower. "Take both Tabitha and Kirche with you, you'll need the hands."

His last words were a whisper lost to the winds. "And deniability."

-Night-

The academy was silent, all save the guards turned in. Even then, the night-watch dozed, none believing anyone would be mad enough to enter without permission.

It was too easy for the cloaked figures to slip in, one staying back to watch and wait, the sack to hold their prize in hand. The others ran straight for the central tower, none to see their cloaks flash under the moons' glow.

It was a simple matter to pick the main lock open and dash inside. Each figure took a floor, swiftly searching the rooms but coming up empty. Once near the top, the lead figure held up a hand. "These are the last three floors according to the boss. I'll make a beeline to the top, everyone else, scour the other two floors."

They got nods for answers and the figures scattered, the lead dashing up the last flights of stairs. A pause at the top revealed no sound nor light, the figure taking every due precaution as it slipped into Osmond's office.

…No sign of the target, she must be on the other two floors.

To be sure, the office was scoured for hidden doors, but nothing was found and using any magic would activate the wards. With that out of the way, the lead went to the second floor.

A chill crawled up their spine at the lack of noise. Something was wrong.

They froze and listened, straining their ears to the limit.

…

…

*drip*

The lead fled down the stairs as a wet crunch followed the drip of water, panic and adrenaline filling their veins. Something was in here with them, and whoever had gone to search that floor was gone.

"Mission's blown!" They shouted after leaping onto the next floor's landing. "Get out of here!"

They were met with the revolting sight of a massive snake head ripping into one of their fellow's flanks, a strangled call for help all that could be given before the snake yanked and gore spurted over the floor. The snake devoured the chunk it took out of the poor bastard before golden eyes spotted the horrified lead.

"…Run."

And the lead flew, feet barely touching stairs as they fled the tower and the nightmare they'd encountered. The lead instinctively knew the others were dead, killed by whatever that thing was, and survival was all they could think about.

They made the ground floor, feet pounding stone as they burst through the doors. The gates were in sight, blessed salvation from that thing in the tower, and escape from the madman that had hired them to attempt this. Damn whatever the price had been, this was why you didn't try to bust into a place like this!

The lead felt relief flood their veins as they came within a dozen yards of the gate.

Only for Neb to screech out of the darkness and rip them into the air, heads latching onto their flanks and head. The lead never had the chance to scream as Neb clamped down and tore them to pieces, gore painting scale and stone as the hydra feasted.

The crunch of bone and wet tear of flesh slowly subsided, Neb leaving not but a scrap of bloody cloak behind. The hydra growled and licked his lips, satisfied with the kills that night. It had been interesting convincing Osmond to not only move Siesta back to Louise's room, but make temporary hatches in the tower for his heads.

Yet it paid off, as the bloodied ground showed.

Neb chuckled low in his throat, crimson-soaked jaws looking to the gates.

Time for the ringleader to meet their fate.

-Academy Outskirts-

"What's taking them so long?"

The lone remaining figure stood in the shadows of the meadow, hood down to show Count Mott. The rapscallions he'd ordered to go in and abduct that maid were taking far too long. They'd taken others for him before, but it appeared their supposed expertise was sorely lacking.

"I'll take it out of their paid and their hides if they're not here soon." The count muttered, mind drifting off. "Such young beauty… I can't wait to play with it."

"I don't think it's yours to play with, Count."

Mott froze as Osmond the Sandstorm rose out of the earth, sand and dust flowing from his robes as he regarded the younger man with open hostility. "You've yet to leave the premises of this academy despite explicit instructions to do so, and now you speak of brigands hired by your hand entering unannounced to steal my staff?"

The headmaster twitched and Mott was encased in earth. "You have insulted my honor despite putting both Lady Valliere and her handmaid under my aegis and placed my students in danger with your band of outlaws."

Osmond stalked up to Mott, every step an earthquake. "You do so love to flaunt the law when you stole several staff from me these last few years. Now that very law is clear on what your transgressions warrant."

Mott tried to speak, to plead, to beg. Osmond didn't let him, rage in his eyes as he filled Mott's mouth with sand. "The royal aegis is hereby revoked. Count Mott, your protection is nulled in accordance with the founding charter of this kingdom."

"And death is the sentence for your crimes."

Mott tried to scream as sand invaded his every orifice, Osmond watching with unyielding stoicism as the lecherous count was reduced to a desiccated husk. It was all he deserved for driving all those poor girls to suicide.

And now he'd have no more or be able to hide the evidence when the inspectors audited his estate.

Osmond sighed and encased the corpse in a coffin of earth, levitating it and himself. This was bound to be fun to explain, but Mott had served his purpose.

Princess Henrietta herself would be coming to visit the academy for the familiar exhibition. That could only mean the Queen was weakening and the young royal was coming to seek allies.

How very interesting.

-Neb, Morning-

The hydra greeted his students at the gate as the sun rose, scales clear of the blood he'd spilt and path to the tower unsullied. Osmond's sand was terrifying in its versatility.

"Good morning." Siesta greeted politely, standing beside the hydra. As far as she knew, Mott had fled and wouldn't bother her now that she was under both Louise's and Osmond's aegis. Neb would prefer it stayed that way.

"Good morning." Kirche greeted back, Louise mumbling something in turn. "These two spent far too much time last night trying to figure out a potion for cleaning rust, so they're tired."

Sylphid cooed at Neb, her keen nose picking up the remnants of iron on his breath. Neb's right head shook, silently telling her to drop it. "Then you got the weapons? Good, you're all late as is. I'll take the weapons, the rest of you go to the courtyard and run until you can't anymore."

Tabitha wobbled as she dismounted, Kirche there to catch her. "…Tired."

"You're about to be even more so." Neb stated as he relieved Sylphid of her load. "If nothing else, the work-out will wake you up. Now hop to it, I'll join after I get these sorted."

Siesta strode forth to help Louise off her steed, the group staggering away to start their day. Neb was silently glad they hadn't questioned the need to run again that morning, if only so he'd have a bit more time to let his stomach settle.

Metal never did agree with him, but it had gotten worse in his old age.

"Holy shit, a hydra!"

Neb blinked and looked around but saw not a soul nearby. The guards were getting chewed out by Osmond for their lax behavior, so it should've been just him at the gate now.

"Down here ya lummox!"

Neb's every head snaked to the pile of dull weapons, a sword with a rusted guard on top. A moment later, the guard moved on its own and the voice returned. "There we go! What the hell are you doing here? Last I heard, all of you were dead!"

Neb stared at the sword, amazed. "…You can speak? A weapon, speaking? Even in all my centuries… that's new."

"Ah, you're one of the elders!" The sword clacked, voice somehow as grating as the rust it was coated with. "And judging by that brand, pinky summoned you! Red mentioned a salamander and blue had the dragon."

Neb regarded the sword carefully. "…What did she have to pay for you? Enchanted weaponry of any sort is worth a small fortune, especially here. I mentioned a dagger from my home that enhanced the user's speed and Sir Colbert started drooling."

The sword clacked as it laughed. "Ha! I'm so rusted and annoying, the dumbass of a blacksmith practically donated me! His loss, I'm worth far more than that!"

Neb could appreciate the honesty. "Then what can you do besides getting on someone's nerves?"

The sword guard opened, paused, and shut. "Uh… can't quite recall to be honest. Something tells me I'm right important and can do something awesome, but it's not coming to me. Think it's the rust personally, but I can still gut a dragon if ya need it!"

Neb held in a sigh, not willing to argue with a sentient sword. "…Very well, I'll move up a lesson so we're teaching weapon maintenance, starting with you. First though, I need to bring you and the other tools to the courtyard, then I can sort."

"Name's Derflinger." The sword said as Neb gathered the pile together. "But you and the lot can call me Derf. Look forward to working with ya!"

Neb grunted as he hauled the load into the air. "Likewise, now please be quiet. Last thing we need is one of the less sensible members of the student body hearing you and getting ideas."

Derf had some reason and went quiet, Neb speaking no more as they made for the courtyard. When they arrived, the unsurprising sight of winded girls greeted them. Neb looked to Siesta. "How'd they do?"

"A little further than yesterday." Siesta answered, sweat beading her brow. "A few steps admittedly, but every bit is still progress."

Neb agreed and put down his load. "Good, it's as you say. Siesta, you know what's going on by now, so please lead them in the arm and core exercises. I'll inform you of any variations until they're strong enough for personalized regimens."

Siesta bowed, her noble compatriots unwilling to protest the idea. Siesta was a fair sight better than Neb right now, if only because the hydra was very stern in his instructions. As they went about their exercises, Neb looked over the weapons.

Tabitha already uses a staff, so a polearm wouldn't be too far off. She'd be able to use it on Sylphid too and it would make up for her lack of reach. Start her with a basic spear and we'll move on to something like a pole-axe or halberd as she gets stronger. Maybe a short-spear if that doesn't work.

He changed targets and gave Kirche a once over. Once she has the muscle, Kirche will be powerfully built for someone her age. Not as suited for spears or regular swords with her height and reach, so claymores or axes would probably be best, or a halberd if Tabitha doesn't have the aptitude. Something heavy to make use of the strength she'll build.

Next, his gaze went to Siesta, the maid helping Louise with her form. She was able to sneak up on me and even now her steps are nearly silent, even when in uniform and walking on stone. Despite her natural looks, she can make herself incredibly unassuming and she's very efficient. Daggers and short swords are right up her alley.

Finally, he looked to Louise, his wee master struggling mightily to lift a thick branch over her head as Siesta encouraged her. I still think a polearm or spear like Tabitha would be best, but she's insisted on a sword. Derflinger is about the length and grip she mentioned, though I'd prefer she find a staff of her own. If nothing else, it would defend her while acting as a locus.

Certainly far better than that stick she called a wand.

Neb shook his heads and separated the weapons into their groups, nodding when satisfied. "Alright, gather up and I'll go over why I had you buy these!"

The girls shuffled over to him, bodies shaking. Neb noticed and reminded himself to give them a rest tomorrow. "Now then, based on what I see, each of you have something you can work with."

He started with Siesta. "You, my dear maid, are quite able in the realm of stealth. Your movements are efficient and minimal to complete a given task, so I will have you work with these."

He pushed a brace of knives and daggers towards her, the crown a short sword. "In my home, servants serve as bodyguards in addition to their regular duties. A last line of defense should the regular guards fail to stop an attacker."

Siesta looked scandalized. "B-B-But Sir Neb! It is far from appropriate for one of my station to so much as handle a weapon! The most I should ever hold is a dinner knife!"

Louise nodded. "It's true, servants are expected to be just that, servants. We have guards for a reason, and there's no way we'd let someone with access to our homes have that kind of training."

Neb looked over to see Kirche and Tabitha agreeing. With the easy way shut down, Neb glared at Louise. "In your history, how many nobles have fallen in battle?"

"Hundreds!" Louise answered proudly; sure she had the upper hand this time. "All fallen in glorious combat and for grand causes!"

Neb's glare didn't abate. "And how many have fallen to a knife in the ribs, delivered in the black of night?"

Louise paled and Tabitha gave the answer. "…Thousands."

Neb pushed the pile closer to Siesta. "You have no reason to see Louise dead, in fact she's the reason you still have a livelihood. Incredibly generous pay and good quarters, not to mention good treatment, should make you quite loyal."

Siesta's cheeks burned as Louise looked to her, not daring to meet the noble's eyes. "…Yes, I owe everything to Lady Valliere. Should… should she wish it, then I will acquiesce to this, much as it strains my sense of propriety."

Louise stared at Siesta, not expecting the support. Had her offer really meant that much to the maid? It was barely half what the scullery-maids on her estate made, Siesta's skill set could fetch much more on the open market.

"Regardless, I want you to start with the knives." Neb rumbled, getting them back on track. "They are small and easy to start with, but the most difficult to master. After that, I will start you on daggers and the short sword."

Siesta bowed to him and Neb looked to Tabitha. "You, I want on pole-arms. You already use a staff as is, so it won't be too much of a change. As you get stronger, I'll most likely move you from a spear to a poleaxe or halberd, but we'll see."

Tabitha frowned at the idea of using such… cruel weapons, but she couldn't fault him for recommending those. Logically, they covered all her weaknesses and would be very useful on Sylphid should magic not prove enough.

Next was Kirche. "You don't have the same issues as Tabitha or Louise, but you're not naturally stealthy either. Given your height and room for growth, I want you to work with claymores and battle-axes. With Flame by your side, you can be the bane of anyone who thinks wearing full plate makes them invincible."

Kirche rolled her eyes as Louise snickered, Neb unknowingly recommending all the Germanian stereotypes. "I'm not shy about my nature, but surely something else a bit more refined could be my choice? If I'm going to make my family mad at dirtying my hands with commoner weapons, at least make them the classy ones."

"Any fool can swing a sword; it takes skill to wield such heavy implements of war." Neb advised, annoyed by her request. "Let alone with anything resembling grace and fluidity. The Wolf Duchy produced swordsmen who could make a claymore dance like water in a spring. The minotaur of my home wielded the axe with such skill, they could strike twice in an instant!"

Kirche gulped at the look in his eyes. "…Ok-ok, I get it. Can I just have some training with a regular sword at least? If only so I have something to work with in tight quarters?"

Neb took a breath and calmed his mind. "…That would be wise, yes. Anyway, Louise."

He looked to his master with all his heads. "I still want you to have training with a pole-arm of some sort, even if it's just a staff. Beyond that, considering your stubborn temperament, you'll be working with a sword-and-shield combo. It and fencing will match your aggressive leanings and stubborn desire to hold your ground."

Louise scowled. "A shield? What do you take me for, a complete coward?"

"I take you for someone who is stubborn, no matter what they face." Neb snarled, central head snaking as close to Louise's face as it could. "If nothing else, Siesta and I have a vested interest in keeping you alive. If I have learned nothing else in the few days I've known you, it is that you are bull-headed, zealous, and prone to charge in. Even if you have spots of wisdom, that is what you are."

Louise puffed up in anger, but Kirche's cleared throat sealed the shout before it could explode. "To be fair, you are very stubborn. After all, it's what let you stick with proving yourself despite everything. It's a blessing and a curse."

"…Saved Siesta." Tabitha noted, Louise looking to her with glee. "…Also made problems."

Louise gave Tabitha a betrayed gasp before looking to her last hope, Siesta. "I'm not that bullheaded, am I?!"

Siesta gave her best diplomatic smile, which was all the answer Louise needed. She scowled and rounded on Neb. "Fine you lummox, I'll do it, but you bet your hide I'm using you as a target!"

Neb rumbled with laughter, grins stretching his maws. "If you can so much as catch me, maybe. Now, the sun's been rising as we stand here talking. Go to your classes and relax, we'll use tomorrow as a rest day."

Louise perked up. "Look at that, mercy does mean something to you!"

"Only because you'll die if I keep you doing this every day." Neb drawled, crushing Louise's hopeful expression. "Besides, your mark should be fully healed by tomorrow. I want to see if you can pull out the elements, all of them."

Louise's scowl returned. "We had this talk."

"I don't mean Void." Neb growled, annoyance spiking. "Now get out of here before I find a reason to keep you."

Louise and friends took the opening and made themselves scarce, leaving Neb alone with Derflinger. "You didn't talk that whole time."

"Girlies don't know I can." The sword answered. "They got me thinking I'd be a good practice sword for pinky. She has the hands for it at least, but I can't imagine her or red trying to fight with hair that long."

Neb snorted and settled onto the grass. "Ponytails and braids exist for a reason. I wanted to ask, if you're desperate to get the rust off, I have a method that's foolproof. You may not like it though."

Derf hummed and thought for a few moments before somehow shrugging. "I've been buried in six feet of wyvern dung before, nothing disgusts me anymore."

Neb smirked. "Well… my tongues are on par with grind wheels and I can track down a barrel of vinegar. The girls aren't going to be with us the rest of the day, so why not get you up to snuff?"

Derf was quiet for a long time. "…I don't know you that well, just dunk me in the vinegar and get me to one of the guards."

Neb laughed long and deep.

-Louise, Night-

After being freed from Neb's presence, the girls had spent the rest of the day in their usual classes, where a very important announcement was made. The Familiar Exhibition would be held at the end of the following week, and the princess herself would be coming to judge.

Louise hadn't been able to focus on anything else the rest of the day, taking notes on autopilot and answering questions poised without thinking. It wasn't until classes let out and she was in her room that she snapped out of it. "Oh, Siesta, what am I going to do?"

The maid paused, in the middle of folding laundry. "About what, milady? Are you worried about Sir Neb's task tomorrow?"

"More if he'll even agree to the exhibition." Louise sighed, leaning back in her desk chair. She didn't even know when she'd sat in it. "It's essentially a talent show, flaunting the familiars and such. Not only is the princess herself coming though, I highly doubt Neb would do anything for little more than pageantry."

Siesta hummed and put away a pile of shirts. "True… unless you give him incentive. He does seem to approve of you coming up with clever solutions."

"I've been flying by the seat of my skirt ever since I summoned him." Louise muttered under her breath. "How would I even broach the topic? Tabitha and Zerbst can just get their familiars to comply, but the last thing I need to do is destroy what trust we've built."

Siesta thought for a few minutes before an idea came to her. "I did notice him humming whenever he was working on something. If I might be so bold, do you enjoy music milady?"

Louise blinked and looked to Siesta. "…Somewhat, yes. I was quite the singer when I was younger, before my lack of magic ability became apparent. It was all I could be proud of, but those lessons ended when it became paramount something was wrong with me."

"You might start with that." Siesta said, another pile of clothes put away. "It's all I can suggest, and I ask forgiveness for my impetuous words."

Louise smiled at her. "It's good advice, and your eye for detail astounds me. I would've hired you even if Guiche didn't get you fired. I'm… still sorry for making that situation worse."

Siesta curtsied, blush rising once more. "It's no fault of yours, Lady Valliere. Lord Gramont was quite set on seeing me fired. If anything, I appreciate you coming to my defense so valorously."

"Keep the flattery up and you'll be seeing an advance!" Louise laughed, setting her feet on the floor and standing with a stretch. "It's not too late for dinner to be over, yes?"

The door opened and Kirche sauntered inside, treys in hand. "Just ended in fact! Lucky you, I was feeling generous today and got a meal for ya!"

Louise scowled at her. "Who told you to barge in!"

Tabitha popped up behind Kirche, hand raised. "…Door was unlocked."

"Siesta, from here on, lock the door after you come in." Louise deadpanned, Siesta barely suppressing a laugh. "But, since you're both here, we call all talk over the meal. Assuming neither of you have eaten?"

Louise's raised a brow as she asked the question, Kirche answering with her usual smile. "You're not the only one who got stuck in her room. I crashed and made it to the hall just in time to get enough for everyone."

"…Me too." Tabitha whispered; cheeks just dusted with pink. She blinked and frowned as Louise stared at her in open shock. "…What?"

"Kirche." Louise said with utmost gravitas. "…Tabitha blushed."

Kirche whipped around, sending the treys she held flying. Siesta caught them in a dazzling display of coordination, but focus was solely concentrated on Tabitha. "…Sweet Founder."

Tabitha flushed further, the action making the room's shock grow. "…Stop it."

"Bets are due in the mornin'." Kirche almost sang as a big smile broke out on her lips. "No offense, Tabby, but you've been stoic ever sense we started here. There's a pot that if you ever blushed, the one's that saw it got part of the pot."

Tabitha frowned and gestured to Siesta. "…Food please."

Louise snapped out of her awe with a grin of her own. "She's right! Siesta, by the looks of those treys, Zerbst got enough for all of us. The pot will pay for both her… generosity and your work this week."

Siesta's eyes widened. "M-Milady are you sure? I'm merely a handmaid, I can't partake in food meant for you and your friends."

Louise gave her a thunderous scowl as she pointed at Kirche. "Zerbst is not my friend. She's a nuisance that's only staying in this room out of cordial gratitude."

The scowl lessened as she looked to Tabitha. "…Tabitha's ok, I guess. Now sit down and enjoy the meal, and don't make me order you."

Siesta had to stop herself from curtsying again. "…As you wish, milady."

Louise nodded and pushed her desk chair to the small table in her room, Siesta taking the stool from the vanity as her chair while Kirche and Tabitha claimed the guest chairs. Once everyone was situated, conversations swiftly turned to plans for tomorrow and the next week.

Kirche and Tabitha had already gone to sign up for their slots in the exhibition, ideas for what they'd demonstrate already nailed down. As their familiars would be the ones performing, it was highly unlikely it would interfere with any training Neb had planned.

It was when Neb came up that Louise asked her question. "This has been bothering me… why did you two come to run this morning? You had every right to refuse after that disaster yesterday."

Kirche sat back and crossed her arms under her bosom. "And let you get an advantage? You're no longer a Zero, but that doesn't mean I don't consider you a rival. Besides, Father's been on my back about getting actual exercise, this is just the motivation I needed."

She smiled at Louise, trying to be as honest as she could. "And… well, I'm hoping this can be a bit of a new start. I can't erase the past, we both know that, but… well, I want to try. As I said not so long ago, I'm tired of our fights."

Louise seemed to shrink in on herself. "…You actually meant that? I've heard of similar overtures made by your family to mine over the years, mentioned once and never spoken of again. And don't claim you're different, I've heard that before too."

Kirche sighed and shook her head. "Then let my actions speak for me. I will show you I'm serious about this, both to be a rival and friend to you. Right, Tabby?"

Louise glanced up to see Tabitha nodding. "…Friends good."

"I don't mind being friends with you either, Siesta." Kirche added, shocking the maid once again. "Heck call me Kirche. You don't have to mind your manners when it's just us, being Louise's handmaid grants you that much."

Tabitha nodded her agreement and Louise added to it. "Then she may as well call me Louise in private. She's at least had a good ear and eye for detail, and I'm getting sick of being called 'Lady Valliere' by someone my age."

Siesta desperately wished to inform her mistress that she looked much younger than her seventeen winters, but that was likely grounds to get fired. Again. "If… if that's what you wish L-"

Louise glared at her.

"…Louise."

Louise nodded and stood, gaze going to the window. She was silent for a moment before shaking her head. "Well, it was a good meal, but tomorrow will bring what it brings. For now, I think we'd all appreciate a bath."

"I do still have work to complete, M- Louise." Siesta tried, barely catching her slip. "I can set out your sleepwear and carry your supplies, but I still need to take the treys back to the kitchen and finish the laundry."

Louise looked like she wanted to say something but dropped the idea. "As you say, please do so. After you're finished, call it a night."

Siesta bowed and stood, already setting to work. Louise gestured for Kirche and Tabitha to follow before striding from the room. They followed, though Kirche wore a devious smirk. "Ya know, if you want the maid to take you, you could just ask."

Louise nearly tripped and flailed to catch her balance. "W-W-W-What are you insinuating, Zerbst! Who do you think I am?!"

"Someone who is far too easy to tease." Kirche answered with a laugh. "I know you're too much a prude to think about such scandalous ideas, but you have to admit, your reactions are adorable."

Louise scowled at her, a blush painting her cheeks. "As you've mentioned before but stop doing it! I have enough issues with regular rumors, I don't need people thinking I'm another Mott!"

Kirche grimaced at the reminder. "Right… forgot about him. Let's leave that behind, yes? I believe there's something more interesting to talk about."

Tabitha agreed. "…Fouquet."

Louise huffed and turned to continue down the hall, mind turning to that set of rumors. "Yeah, I've heard they broke into another estate vault. Did they even take anything?"

"…Gold." Tabitha answered, trying to recall anything else. "…Portrait."

Kirche put herself in between them. "And the usual note. They're getting bolder and there's whispers they may even try for a big score soon."

Louise frowned as they reached the baths, an idea coming to mind. "Mad as this may sound… do you think they'd target the academy's vault?"

"With all those wards on it, not a chance." Kirche dismissed. "You'd be foolish to approach the doors without the headmaster's permission. More likely it'll be somewhere in the south."

Tabitha didn't look so sure. "…Wards redone?"

Louise pushed the doors open and led them to the water, the girls disrobing silently. It was still too early for most of the other girls in the tower to bathe so it was the best time for a private talk.

"Franky, I don't know." Louise sighed after they'd settled into the water. "I never asked and that information's bound to be secret. Headmaster Osmond at least seems serious about it, but I'd bet it requires more than him to maintain the wards."

"…Colbert good." Tabitha muttered, silently ruing not having a book to read. "…Others…"

Kirche snorted and leaned against the edge, opposite the petite girls. "Lazy lot the others. If it isn't class or their research, couldn't give a damn."

Silence stretched as they thought, only to be shaken from their minds as the door opened and a familiar head of blonde hair bobbed in. "Oh, what sin did I commit to get him as a fiancé?"

Montmorency paused as she found company, only to glare at them. "And what other sin did I commit to find this lot in here?"

"Good to see you too Monmon." Kirche drawled at the blonde. "Guiche being himself?"

Montmorency huffed, annoyance overriding her desire to leave. "Of course, he is. Been begging forgiveness ever since that fiasco after the summonings. Damned hormonal idiot."

Louise couldn't help a snort. "Says the batch of thorns convinced they're a bouquet. Tell me, when's the last time you ever paid him an honest compliment? Or even gave the time of day without getting lavished first?"

Montmorency glared at her. "Says the lucky Zero who thinks she's everything after a fool-proof ceremony. Tell me, can you even call forth a breeze or does it all blow up like usual?"

Louise, for once, took the high ground. "I thought you were here to vent about Guiche, not insult me again. If that's all I can expect, then I'll be turning in for tonight."

She stood and dried off before dressing and marching out of the baths, glares traded with Montmorency before she was gone. Kirche sighed as the blonde stormed off to change. "Well, that happened."

Tabitha sunk further into the water, gaze lingering on Kirche. "…Why Siesta?"

Kirche blinked and leaned against the edge, eyes on the ceiling. "You didn't sit behind Louise like usual, but I did this time. She was so out of it, I saw her writing… appreciative comments about her fellow ladies in the margins of her notes. Poor thing never even realized."

Tabitha blinked. "…Sure?"

"Is that a hopeful tone I hear?" Kirche teased, hands going up in surrender at Tabitha's glare. "And yes, I'm sure. Louise probably doesn't even realize it, but that doesn't mean it's not fun to tease her."

Tabitha took in the information and nodded, nothing else to be said or done that night.

Unbeknownst to them all, Siesta lay in her quarters, staring at a book she'd hidden in her things after being hired.

"…Maybe just a quick read." The maid muttered with a blush, cracking open the book to a dog-eared page. The book was titled 'Mistress and Maid' and it was a piece of literature that her parents had long forbidden. It wasn't like she didn't understand, but similar depictions with boys just… didn't do it for her.

And if she could imagine the characters with familiar features, all the better for immersion.

Within the hour, Neb's heads perked up as he sniffed the air, only to scowl towards the tower holding his students.

"…Horny monkeys the lot of them."

Ch. End

Alright, with that done, we'll have the exhibition proper and Fouquet's attack next. As you can tell, I'm moving early events along quite quickly, mostly because they need to happen before we can get the whole group together. After that, we'll go off into the rest of the story beyond the academy.

Now, reviews! (And thank you all so much for reviewing!)

Zero kami no mu: Glad you're enjoying and I think the structure's a lot clearer now too. Hope you like this one!

M: Glad you enjoy and hope you enjoy the ride!

Clockwork Bun Bun: Siesta's going to be scaring a lot of people in her time with this group, and they will all suffer much for their skills. XD

Thy Pegasus Box: He's a fun guy to write, if only because he can snark at them without fear. At least until Louise figures out Implosion, that'll be fun. Hope you enjoy!

Guest: You flatter me, thank you! Hope the chapter lives up to expectations.

That's all for now folks, see you next time!

Ciao!