That was a fun run last time, and in the interest of keeping things moving, lets' dive right into this chapter! Onwards!

Belles of the Ball

For the next several minutes, Neb blubbered and sputtered at the information given to him. It was all simply too much for him to take in. In all his years, he'd never so much as heard of a possibility of Urgash escaping, let alone Asha waking up!

Eventually, Elrath got sick of his gibberish and burned his tail off with a beam of light. "Enough! Regain your senses and listen well, our time grows short!"

Neb reorganized his heads and calmed himself. "…What would you have of me, great ones?"

Malassa's wings flapped and a black fog rolled over the ground, thereafter forming into five items. "These are the artifacts in which our essences are bound. Mine lies within the staff of your last master, the jewel in its head one of my many eyes."

Two swords floated before Neb's gaze, golden light glowing through the fog of one while vines curled over the other. "This sword holds the scale of my twin, whilst the other is Sylanna's own claw."

Two staffs and an axe completed the collection. "The first staff is of Shalassa's tears, the second Ylath's breath. Last of these, the axe, burns with Arkath's blood. I need not explain why their transport to this world and potential capture would be disastrous, do I?"

Neb remained bowed. "No, I understand the urgency. How long do we have?"

"At this point, we do not know." Shalassa answered, a tendril of water flowing around her scales. "The hole is small and even Uncle's voice will be little more than a whisper at the edge of a dream. However, we can feel the passage growing wider, slowly."

Arkath snorted and climbed back to his perch. "At the pace of a glacier, but it is so. The hole cannot be closed without the artifacts, and so long as it is open, all of us are in grave danger."

Sylanna gestured to Neb, his brand glowing. "That mark, proof of your contract with the child, gives us some leverage. As Malassa is your patron, she will oversee the full extent of what it offers. At the very least, it allows us to view this world through your eyes."

Elrath stomped his perch, the sound like a gavel. "Our time grows short. Hydra, our closest guess gives you a year before the hole is large enough for Uncle to actively seek his agents. You must be vigilant and prepare these babes for the journey to come."

The dragon of light turned to glare at Malassa. "You will keep us apprised of the mark's capabilities, yes?"

The dragon of darkness snorted and scowled at him. "Yes, even our grudges mean nothing before this threat. Mother is not healed from her war with Uncle, this stirring is premature. If she wakes before she is ready, the cycle will grind to a halt."

Ylath flared his wings and the mist began to encroach on Neb and his unconscious fellows. "And so, the task is given! We will do all we can upon this side to stop Uncle's escape and Mother's awakening. You are to find the artifacts and seal the tear!"

The mist rolled over them and the deities disappeared. After several minutes of white nothingness, the familiar view of the academy and fields bled into existence.

"Your Majesty!" The guard cried at the sight, rushing to Henrietta's side. The princess was still unconscious, but a slight furrow in her brow showed a sliver of awareness working its way out of the bog.

Sylphid was the first to regain full faculties, the young dragon rising on shaky legs to look around. By the time she'd come to, the guard had rushed off into the Academy with Henrietta in tow. With no one else around and the others unconscious, she looked to Neb. "…Real?"

"…Very real." Neb breathed, paw reaching up to grip his brand. "To be… in the presence of them, no matter the miniscule forms they took… we are very lucky to still draw breath."

He heaved such a breath and looked to those still out cold. "…Help me move them, mortals are never able to handle even one of the Six for long, let alone their entire number."

Sylphid cooed and grabbed Tabitha, Neb taking the rest up with his necks. He had a feeling none of them would be waking any time soon and there'd be a lot of explaining to do when they did. Such things were only expected, much as he wished not to do so.

It meant dragging Osmond and Colbert into this.

-Night-

Henrietta awoke with a start, guards swarming her instantly. Their panicked words meant little to the princess, nothing making sense until she heard Agnes bark and the flood of noise was silenced. It took time for her to regain her senses, but Agnes was the first thing to greet her sight when it cleared. "Agnes… what happened?"

"I don't know, Your Majesty." Agnes answered. "I heard that you'd just taken Fouquet into custody, but you were suddenly unconscious next to Lady Valliere's familiar, alongside the students that caught the thief."

Henrietta shook her head, mind still hazy. "I see… where am I now?"

Agnes appeared relieved. "You're resting in the infirmary, the healers found nothing wrong with you. Do you remember feeling faint or dizzy?"

Henrietta groaned and shook her head again. "No… I don't remember what happened. Did they grab the staff before I fainted?"

"As of this moment, it is in the possession of Lady Valliere." Agnes informed her liege with a sour scowl. "The guards with you were rightly concerned with your safety, but the girl's familiar refuses access to her chambers. He has said that he will only step aside when you woke up."

Henrietta sighed and pinched her nose. "…I see, very well then. So long as Fouquet is in custody, I see no issue in Lady Valliere holding onto the staff."

She looked to the window, a starry sky greeting her. "…And we can wait until morning to sort everything out. You can take your post per usual, I'm quite tired."

Agnes looked like she wanted to say something, but Henrietta's voice brokered no arguments. The captain stood, bowed, and left the infirmary. The princess looked around and was glad to see her wand beside the bed, a quick flick extinguishing any candles. By the looks of things, no one else was sharing the infirmary with her.

Good.

A quick search turned up her case, Agnes's usual preparedness on display. Henrietta laughed under her breath as she opened the case and pulled out a well-used cloak. Draping it over her shoulders, she padded on bare feet to the window furthest from the door and opened the panes quietly. Another flick of her wand had her gently floating to the ground.

She padded across the courtyard towards the tower she'd heard Louise was in, keeping to the shadows to avoid patrols. The attack by Fouquet and subsequent verbal beatdown by Osmond made the guards far more alert.

Thankfully she had far more experience sneaking around than a royal should have and made the tower with little issue. All the lights in every window were extinguished, but the issue of a very large hydra snoozing away before the only door made things difficult. Didn't want to set off any wards trying to levitate next to the wall, so getting in the old-fashioned way was her only option.

Henrietta considered her options for a moment before noticing dew was starting to form on the grass, her feet slick with water. A devious smile crossed her lips and she flicked her wand again. The water flowed into a floating river that arced over Neb, a motion sending Henrietta over him in a makeshift current.

She turned to wink at the sleeping hydra and returned the water to the grass before slipping inside. The lobby was dark and silent, as expected, and she dried her feet before padding to the stairs and starting the climb. Her legs were stiff from lying for so long and she needed the stretch.

It didn't take her long to reach the desired floor and she padded down the hall, heart thudding in her chest. It had been so very long since she'd spoken to Louise, one on one, and she was desperate to see her friend now.

There was so much that needed to be said, after all these years, and who knew if another chance would come?

Even still blood pounded in her ears as she came up to the room, a small plaque marking it as Louise's. She looked around, saw no one, and waited a moment longer just to make sure. When not a noise met her ears, she reached out and tested the door.

It opened with nary a sound.

The princess's mouth went dry and she swallowed thickly as she entered the room, closing the door just as quietly. Within lay Louise, still dressed in her uniform and strewn haphazardly over her mattress. Henrietta, in a bid not to leap forth, took in the room.

"Just as spartan as ever." She giggled under her breath, not surprised by the sparse decorations. "So focused on getting better, everything going to making it work… you haven't changed all that much, have you?"

Henrietta took a breath and padded over to her friend's bed, taking a seat slowly next to Louise's head. The position she was in didn't look all the comfortable, but Henrietta could tell the poor girl was too deep asleep to care.

Tentatively, Henrietta reach out and touched Louise's face. When she didn't stir, the princess stroked her hand down the smooth cheek of her friend, heart slowing at the peaceful visage. A little bolder, she scooted over and lifted Louise's head into her lap, gently stroking a hand through the matted hair.

"I've missed you…" Henrietta whispered, vision blurring with unshed tears. "It's been… so hard… ever since you left. Wales… he did his best… and Agnes too, but…"

She grimaced and suppressed her tears. "I… I am in talks, to marry the Emperor of Germania. The Reconquista movement hasn't made any gains in Albion recently, but who knows when that will change? For… for the sake of this country, I must marry."

A sigh passed her lips. "I… I wish I could talk to you about all this, like we did so long ago. Things have changed so much, but… your determination and bravery are as inspiring as ever. I was so fearful when you left, but you caught Fouquet!"

She chuckled low in her throat. "I knew you had more in you than others thought, but that… it's amazing and wonderful. I can only hope you'll get the recognition and love you deserve."

Her heart ached and a long-held fantasy ghosted through the air. "You certainly have mine…"

Louise did not stir as emotion choked the princess's throat, relief welling up. She'd… wanted to say that for so long, ever since her dreams had started to feature her old friend so prominently. For a time, Wales took that spot, but it turned back to Louise soon after. From dreams of long rides and picnics to steamy liaisons that left her blushing, it had so long been Louise.

This girl, the closest friend she'd made in all her life, had made an indelible mark on her heart. To see her again, that same brave and courageous girl… it was enough to give the princess strength. Even if they could never be such friends again, let alone anything more, this was enough.

"At the very least, I'll see you rewarded for this momentous feat." Henrietta whispered after collecting herself. "You and your friends deserve it. This kingdom owes you so much now… and I just know it will owe you much more."

She sat there and hummed a tune as she stroked Louise's hair, smiling gently at her slumbering friend and love. Louise wore a grin of her own, apparently having a pleasant dream. "…Anne…"

Henrietta froze at the old name, fearing Louise was stirring. Instead, the sleeping girl curled up and snuggled further into her lap pillow. With that fear banished, Henrietta laughed again. "That is a name I haven't heard in a long time. Let's see… that's what I introduced myself as when we first met."

She remembered that time fondly. She'd wandered away from her nannies and was playing in the gardens when a little voice asked to join her. She didn't know that little girl with pink hair, but her dress marked her a noble.

Little Henrietta didn't want this new girl to play with her, so she introduced herself as Anne, a daughter of a cook. That had worked to get rid of any annoying nobles her age when she wanted to be alone. Yet, much to her surprise, the girl had smiled and introduced herself as Louise. She still wanted to play with Henrietta, despite thinking she was a commoner.

And so they played, through both reveals and truths of who they were. No matter what, Louise wanted to be her friend, and so many of Henrietta's fondest memories lay with the girl sleeping upon her lap. She would do anything to protect that friend, even assent to a marriage she wanted no part of. So long as Louise was safe.

Perhaps… in another life. Henrietta thought as she played with a lock of hair. In another life, where neither of us lay burdened with our stations… perhaps then I could follow my heart.

It was a foolish thought, but one she still smiled at. Unfortunately, she knew that to linger much longer was to accept sleep's embrace and create far too much trouble for her poor friend. It was with a soft kiss to her head that Louise was moved from Henrietta's lap and tucked into bed, the princess wishing her a soft goodnight.

As the door closed, she felt the familiar ache of parting in her heart, but her resolve was steeled. Donning her hood, she padded down the hall and out of the tower, none of the students any wiser to her arrival or departure.

All save the one who met her at the door, Neb gazing at her tiredly. "Did you find what you were looking for, Your Highness?"

Henrietta showed no fear and curtsied to the ancient familiar. "I believe I did, Sir Neb. Thank you for granting me passage tonight."

Neb snorted, though it sounded more a laugh to Henrietta. "The only danger you pose is to her sanity, even I know that much. What are your plans now, Princess? Are you to return to the capital?"

Henrietta shook her head. "I will, within the week, return to the capital. However, there is the matter of rewards to meet out and doubtlessly a ball to celebrate this grand occasion. Once those are seen to, I will return to the capital with Fouquet and see her brought to justice."

Neb narrowed his eyes. "…Do you remember what happened today? Right as Louise looked to give you the staff?"

Henrietta locked gazes with him, feeling in her gut that lying would be a bad idea. "…I saw what could only be gods after you enveloped us, all after that is dark. So too did I see a serpent rise form a pool of swirling water yesterday. Do you know what that was?"

Neb snorted and nodded. "It's good reason to get away from your guards tomorrow and meet up with the party that caught our thief. It's… a long explanation, and one I don't wish to repeat. See to whatever you need but know this. Were it up to me, you'd not leave these walls."

Henrietta didn't like that tone, but Neb's gaze could melt steel. "…I see, this is serious. Very well, I will see to joining you all tomorrow, but know that I do not take kindly to your tone."

"Nor do I expect you to, I simply do not care." Neb snapped at her. "It has been a long day for all involved. I will not suffer those who think politics precede the issues brought to my attention bare hours ago."

Henrietta glared at him and walked around his bulk. "Nor will I suffer such a sour temperament. Good night, Sir Neb, I hope a decent rest will see you more personable come morning."

Neb scowled after her and settled down, one of his heads smirking. The girl had the spine expected of royalty, especially one that his master seemed so loyal too. She was decisive and unyielding against his attitude as well.

Small wonder Shalassa liked her.

-Morning, Louise-

When consciousness came to Louise, she shot up in her bed and smacked straight into Siesta's forehead. "Ouch!"

She rubbed her head and looked over to see Siesta nursing a new bump. "What the heck was that? You haven't leaned over me before."

"I was concerned." Siesta answered as the pain faded. "It's nearly ten in the morning, milady, and I only awoke recently myself. It appears whatever happened yesterday wiped us out."

Louise looked to answer before her memories came rushing back. "Siesta… we weren't in the company of pagan gods yesterday, were we?"

Siesta blinked at her mistress before her memory jumpstarted. "Actually… I think we were. They resembled the ones Sir Neb spoke of."

"B-B-But that's not possible!" Louise protested, mind spinning at the confirmation. "T-T-They're supposed to be of Neb's world! They should have no reason to be here!"

Siesta looked just as shocked before she looked to a corner of the room and found the Staff of Destruction staring at her, glinting almost merrily in the sunlight. "Wait, the staff, milady! Sir Neb mentioned it came from his world!"

Louise shot out of her bed and ran up to grab the staff. "You're right! Maybe… maybe it acts as an anchor of some sort? Like the holy relics of the Founder!"

"Close girly!" Came another voice, the girls whipping around to see Derf leaned against the desk. "What? You knew I talked already, didn't ya? I may not have seen what went down yesterday since y'all fainted, but I felt power clear as day."

Siesta stood from her seat beside the bed and went to grab Derf. "I'm… still amazed that you can speak at all, Sir Derflinger. Are you really that rusty sword we bought for so little?"

Louise flushed in embarrassment at the reminder, but curiosity won out. "What do you mean, 'close'?"

Derflinger clacked as he laughed. "Those 'holy relics' you talk about are just a bunch of regular junk with powerful magic in them, not much else to speak of. Same with that staff you're holding."

Louise felt her eye twitch. "Wonderful, another blasphemous voice in the group, just great. Now I have to go to the chapel twice a day so we don't get smote."

Derf laughed again and turned his attention to Siesta. "You may as well join her! Make it one voice each, save you the time. I for one look forward to screwing with you all."

Siesta just looked confused and Louise snatched the sword from her. "You're lucky you have such a stupidly useful ability, or I'd toss you out with the rubbish."

"Whatever you say Drying Rack." Derf cracked, laughing merrily as he was thrown out the window. Louise was flushed with anger at the crass remark, but she couldn't help but look at herself and Siesta. With a bitter grumble, Louise put the staff against the wall and changed into a clean uniform.

Siesta helped her silently, not wishing to provoke a rant. If there was one subject her mistress was still touchy on, it was her… lacking bust. Siesta personally didn't see the issue, but Louise would never know the problems of eternal back-pain or having to hurry around lugging extra weight.

Louise was, unfortunately, still in a sour mood when she was ready and stormed out of the room. Siesta took a few moments to tidy everything up before following. To her continued misfortune, she entered the lobby only to find Louise ranting at a laughing Kirche, the other girl happily flaunting her bust at her friend.

"…Hello." Tabitha greeted the handmaid when she walked up, looking terribly bored with the argument. "…Seen Neb?"

Siesta shook her head. "No, I haven't. I expect he's waiting for us outside, but who knows? Is Sylphid doing ok?"

Tabitha nodded. "…Asleep still, nasty hit. …Still have staff?"

Siesta hummed and glanced at the staff slung over Louise's back. "…Yes, though we're not sure why. I expect Milady to recall that it should be in royal hands before long."

Tabitha let a small smile grace her lips, a devious look shot Siesta's way before walking up to Louise. Her ranting friend didn't notice her, at least until Tabitha conjured a small piece of ice and dropped it down her shirt.

The shriek Louise let out could've shattered glass, her friends treated to the amusing sight of a strange dance. When Louise finally got the ice out of her shirt, she whipped around and pointed at Tabitha. "How dare you do that when I'm in the middle of something!"

"…Things to do." Tabitha answered, smile still in place. "…Celebration and rewards, yes?"

Louise instantly dropped her scowl. "Tabby… I don't know whether to kiss you or slap you silly right now."

Tabitha felt pink dust her cheeks but answered anyway. "…I don't like pain."

Louise smiled and, in a fit of joy, leaned in to peck Tabitha's cheek. While her friend stared, wide-eyed, Louise was nearly glowing with joy. "Thank you so much for yesterday, you were a big help!"

Tabitha blinked rapidly, face glowing pink, only to find relief in Kirche. "Hey! I helped a lot yesterday too! All I got was the receiving end of a rant!"

Louise's joy didn't abate, almost skipping up to envelop Kirche in a hug. "This is all you get, Kirche! Thank you for helping yesterday too!"

Kirche grumbled at being denied a kiss of her own but returned the hug. "Thank heaven we're all still alive. I woke up thinking it all a dream, but that tear was still in my shirt."

Louise glanced up at her friend, a small voice laughing perversely at being so close to the great melons. "You… don't feel any pain from the injury, do you? I was pretty sure my healing would work, but…"

Kirche chuckled and patted her back. "I'm ok, not so much as an ache. How did you do that? Last I checked, only water mages could work healing spells."

Louise freed herself and chewed on her lip. "Truth be told, I'm not sure myself. Neb explained it somewhat, but it didn't make all that much sense." She turned to face Siesta. "Now then, your turn Miss Thief-Catcher!"

Siesta gaped and attempted to protest, only for Louise to skip up and kiss her cheek. "M-M-Milady! That is far too much for a simple handmaid!"

Louise… didn't care. "You're the one that caught Fouquet, my silly friend! There was no real way to help with the golem, but you caught the bitch! The Manticore Knights couldn't do that for heaven's sake!"

Siesta blushed fiercely as Kirche and Tabitha voiced their agreement. "I… I can only accept your beyond kind words, Milady, but all I ask is to keep serving you."

"For all we know, the princess herself will be asking for you to work for her!" Louise chided, suddenly a fussy mother. "If she asks, you must take it! There is no higher honor in all the land for a commoner than to serve the royalty directly!"

Siesta looked down at her shoes as Louise started messing with her hair and uniform. "Milady, please, there's no need to think that. I'm quite sure I'll be in your service for some time yet, there's simply no possibility I'm qualified for Her Highness."

Louise looked to protest, but Tabitha bopped her head. "Hey, what was that for?!"

"…Blathering." Tabitha answered, unable to suppress her wry amusement. "…Shall we?"

Louise scowled and collected herself, good cheer ultimately returning a smile to her face. "Right you are! We must deliver this staff back into royal hands before our duties are complete, so let's get to it. All in favor of sprinting out the door so Neb can't stop us?"

All hands were raised and off they went, Neb nowhere in sight as they ran for the central tower. It was quite odd not to see the hydra, but they silently agreed that he'd probably grown bored waiting for them and gone off to do something.

With their path clear, they entered the central tower and climbed to the top, if only out of respect to Louise and Siesta. For all her power, Tabitha wasn't nearly as good at utility spells like Levitate compared to her combat magic.

Regardless, they reached the top of the tower only to be halted by guards. It only took a moment to explain the reason for their visit and the girls were let inside.

"And here they are, the heroines of the academy." Osmond greeted the moment he saw them, Henrietta beside him. "Here I was about to send a wakeup call."

The students and handmaid strode in and kneeled, Louise holding out the staff. "We beg pardon for the delay, but now we return the Staff of Destruction into more responsible hands."

Osmond nodded and reached out to take the staff, only to pull back with a frown. "…Princess, did you see that?"

Henrietta mirrored his frown. "Indeed, I did. It appears the staff… snarled at you, Headmaster. It appears inert in Lady Valliere's grasp, but let me try right quick."

She reached out for the staff and pulled back just as quickly. "No, it appears the staff isn't fond of me. What say you, Headmaster?"

Osmond hummed and stroked his beard, gaze set in a furrowed glare. "…To be quite honest, I'm not sure. Sir Neb spoke to me of the staff's origins yesterday and appeared quite knowledgeable, but I am beyond uncomfortable letting it free."

"As am I." Henrietta agreed. "However, we're both well acquainted with Lady Valliere's character. If there is any we could trust with this staff besides ourselves or Sir Colbert, it is her."

Osmond took a deep breath and released it slowly. "…Very well, Your Majesty, but I will be keeping a close eye on Lady Valliere so long as she has it. Is that understood, Lady Valliere? You are now charged with the care of a dangerous and powerful artifact."

Louise couldn't help but look up in shock. "B-B-But Headmaster Osmond! I am merely a student, there's no reality where I am anywhere near qualified to keep such an item!"

Henrietta held out her hand for silence and was granted it. "We'll need to see if Sir Colbert also incites the staff's wrath, but I see no issue with a chevalier holding onto it."

Louise gaped, her friends and handmaids looking up to gape with her. "Your Highness… you can't mean…?"

Henrietta smiled and nodded to Osmond, who reached into his robe and pulled out an ornate sword. Henrietta took the sword and unsheathed it, the silver blade glowing in the room's light. A small gesture sent the others scrambling away from Louise, the poor girl staring in disbelief.

"Louise Francoise le Blanc de la Valliere," Henrietta began, Louise lowering her head automatically. "As reward for your great service in the name of this realm, taken far above the call of duty, I hereby dub thee Chevalier. Do you accept this title, and all the responsibilities it entails?"

Louise's voice was surprisingly steady as she answered: "I accept this title and it's burdens. On the honor of my name and blood, I will do all I can to live up to it."

Henrietta nodded and tapped the sword against each shoulder. "Rise, Dame Valliere, and accept the staff I hereby gift to you. Tristain shall watch your deeds from here on with great interest."

Louise stood, pride radiating from her in an aura. She took hold of the staff and, in doing so, looked much greater than her stature belied. "On my life, I will not betray this trust you have shown me, Your Highness."

Henrietta's smile sparkled. "You never have, Dame Valliere. Now, while it's beyond my authority to grant the Chevalier title to Lady Zerbst, I feel I must reward you for your part in this."

Kirche stood and bowed deeply to the princess. "You honor me beyond words, Your Majesty. I truly require no reward but that which will help my darling Flame. Would it be possible to procure a fire ruby?"

Henrietta hummed in thought before nodding. "It may take some time, but it's not impossible. How noble of you, to give a salamander the right to swim without fear."

She looked to Tabitha. "I would offer you the same honor as Louise, but it appears you've already been granted it. Tell me, Dame Tabitha, what would you have your reward be?"

Tabitha didn't look at her friends, who looked gobsmacked at that news. "…I desire only a pair of windstones, Your Highness. My familiar is still young and her stamina for flight is not enough just yet."

"That will take time as well, but it shall be done." Henrietta agreed before looking to Siesta, who was frozen in the deepest curtsy she could muster. "Now then, Miss Siesta. Please, rise, I wish to speak to you evenly."

Siesta didn't rise. "I… I can never hope to speak to you evenly, Your Highness. I am but a commoner, to even have your attention is an honor beyond anything I could hope for."

"Nonsense." Henrietta rebuked, the sheer dismissal making Siesta glance up. "Your blood is as red as mine and you are responsible for the actual capture of Fouquet. Were it not to cause a civil uprising, I'd give you a peerage."

Siesta sucked in a deep gasp, but Henrietta kept going before the handmaid could start sputtering. "However, that's sadly impossible, so we'll have to go with something else. Hmm…"

She thought for several moments, Siesta too stunned to say anything, before listing possibilities. "I could offer you a position on my staff, a monthly pension, a standing invitation to the Grand Gala, perhaps a wardrobe. Really, I should be asking you what your reward is."

Siesta's head was swimming at the images conjured by the offers, barely able to make herself speak. "I… I… I can only ask that my mistress be granted the invitation to the Gala, Your Highness. She… she quite enjoys such occasions."

Henrietta blinked and tilted her head. "You would give your reward to your liege? My-my, it appears Dame Valliere has done something to earn your undying loyalty. Just for that, I'm going to have my tailor come by and give you a full wardrobe."

She stopped Siesta before she could protest. "And you'll be receiving a pension regardless, that and the wardrobe shall be your reward. Where do you wish me to send the gold?"

The handmaid could see no way to deny such a thing, tears welling in her eyes. "…My… m-my village, Tarbes. My… family needs it… more than I do…"

Henrietta inclined her head in respect. "So selfless, even after I force a reward upon you. Dame Valliere, I don't know what you did to earn such loyalty, but do not squander it. A woman like your handmaid comes maybe once in a lifetime."

Louise wore the proudest grin possible, beyond amazed at Siesta's words. "I… I don't know either, Your Highness, but I will be sure to treasure it."

Henrietta agreed and cleared her throat. "Good. Now, with that done, I would like everyone to walk with me. We have a very important conversation waiting for us."

All fell in line as she led the way out of the office and tower. The students were too busy grilling Tabitha over her chevalier title to notice where they were going, and Siesta was too lost in thought to get them on track. Really it was a miracle no one ran into the academy walls.

Henrietta just laughed at the pseudo-interrogation, neither Louise nor Kirche able to get so much as a peep out of their friend. Their destination was a far part of the Academy's courtyard, Neb's bulk waiting for them. His heads were shifting amongst themselves, apparently arguing, when one noticed the procession. "There you lot are."

He stood and who should be behind him but the bound and gagged bodies of Guiche and Montmorency. "Don't ask why they're in this state, merely know that attempting to convince them to join this gathering was difficult. Your Highness, Headmaster, do we know where Colbert is at the moment?"

Osmond coughed awkwardly. "He's… assisting in Fouquet's interrogation. I don't think you know, but before all this mess, Jean was quite… smitten with the thief's Logueville persona."

Everyone winced in sympathy for the poor man. Neb decided not to go down that rabbit hole and gestured to his prisoners. "Your Majesty, would you be so kind as to ensure their silence before we begin? I don't want a commotion right at the start."

Henrietta gave the two captives a cool stare. "You will be freed momentarily, but I command that you remain silent until Sir Neb has finished speaking. His words are of great import to us all, as I'm sure you gathered from yesterday's events."

The pair of blondes nodded rapidly, and Neb's claw sliced through their bindings. With a royal order over their heads, they could only glare at the hydra. Neb glared right back before looking at Louise. "The staff, if you will."

Louise took the staff off her back and held it out for Neb, her familiar taking it and anchoring it in the ground. "Alright, I'll try to keep this concise. Louise, when you summoned me, the spell opened a hole between our respective worlds. Now this wouldn't be too much of a concern if the hole closed, but… it didn't."

He kept going before any questions could be asked. "This hole is what allowed the Six to drag us into a meeting, this staff the anchor. They're less than pleased about the circumstances, as it's not only stirred their mother from her slumber, but also gave their uncle an out."

The audience was burning with questions, but Neb didn't want to lose his train of thought. "To put it simply, that hole spirited several powerful artifacts through time and space, much like myself. One of them is before you, and the six have tasked us with finding the other five."

His sheer nonchalance at the last part boggled the mind. "Failing to do so will result in the utter destruction of both our worlds, and we have a year at best before Urgash starts looking for the artifacts in earnest. My personal task is to turn all of you, save Osmond and Colbert, into something to counter him."

He pointed to Louise, who was turning purple trying to stay quiet. "Spit it out before you pass out."

"What in the hell are you talking about!" Louise exploded, uncaring of any vulgarity. "The world's in danger?! The entire world?! How did one spell, that's been used for six-thousand years, never cause something like this to happen before!"

Kirche started to fire off her own questions. "Who are these 'Six' you're talking about? Same with 'mother' and 'uncle' and 'Urgash'? Explanation please."

"…Artifacts?" Tabitha added, eyes on the staff. "…How are they tied to your world?"

Several more questions of a similar variety were fired off before Neb stomped his foot and established order. "Enough! I will answer your questions, just stop shouting!"

"If I may." Osmond began, a curious frown on display. "You mentioned that you had to turn my students and her highness into something to counter 'him'. Can you elaborate on that first?"

Neb started pacing, one of his few clear habits. "The 'him' I spoke of is Urgash. My world was formed from two primordial gods, one of order and the other chaos. Urgash is the chaos god while his sister is the order god. As his sister then gave rise to the six elemental dragons, he is thus their uncle."

Osmond shook his head. "You expect anyone to be able to stand against such a thing, in only a year's time?"

"No, Urgash is imprisoned." Neb countered, allaying numerous concerns in an instant. "I don't know the details of it, no one does, but Urgash cannot escape his prison under normal circumstances. As is, all he can do is whisper to those he considers susceptible. After a year though, the hole connecting the worlds will be large enough for him to… better his pitch."

And as that charming bit of news sunk into their skulls, Guiche spoke up. "Then what on earth are we doing here. I've made my disdain for your group quite clear!"

He shot a glare at Louise and Siesta, the former returning it with a snarl.

"You showed up in the meeting." Neb reminded. "That means one of the Six, at least, considers both of you important. Frankly speaking, you don't turn down such attention if you value your life. Once the year is up, they'll be just as able as Urgash to influence people."

One of his heads got up close and personal to snarl into Guiche's face. "Trust me, you don't want to know what they do when expediency is paramount. As such, I suggest you listen and bury your petty animosity."

The threat got across well enough for Guiche to back down and Montmorency to keep her mouth shut.

"Now then." Neb harrumphed. "I have no idea why the hole is still open. Far as it can be told, my coming here alongside the artifacts is what's holding it open, but that's mere speculation at best. All that's known for sure is that to close the hole, we need all the artifacts."

He looked to Kirche. "To answer your question, I'll be a bit brief. The Six is a collective term for the elemental dragon-gods of my home. Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind, each with a name of their own. Their mother is the creator of our world, Asha, and she crafted everything from the chaos her brother spawned."

"You're taking some time with this explanation, Teacher. Do you require an assistant?"

Neb blinked at the very familiar voice, dripping in scorn. He looked back and came face-to-face with a black dragon's head. As a self-respecting hydra of many, many, long years, he did the only thing appropriate.

Screeched his lungs out.

The head winced at the piercing cry, the humans covering their ears for what little protection it could grant. When Neb expended his breath, the head glared at him. "Are you quite done?"

"What the hell is this?!" The hydra shouted back, an investigation with his other heads showing that the black dragon was supposedly one of his heads. "What are you doing here?!"

The dragon head snorted. "As explained yesterday, I am exploring the limits of the mark's power. I've just discovered one of us can use you as a conduit and take over a head in order to speak. I can feel the link weakening as we speak, so it doesn't last long."

On cue, the dragon head faded, and a shell-shocked Neb head reappeared. A moment later, Neb felt a thrum of power run through him and the audience spotted his brand glow a dark purple. Fog rolled up another head and coalesced into the dragon head again, this time with a displeased snarl.

"My time is around thirty seconds." The head growled before looking to the humans. "I'll make this quick. All save the old man have been found possessing traits my siblings find appropriate for this task, as shown with the visions granted yesterday. These are the kind of actions spoken of in legend."

Neb personally felt that his patron was laying it on a bit thick, but the shine that appeared in most of the audience's eyes showed it working. The head vanished again and he picked up the slack. "Much as my patron scares me, she is correct. This is a scenario where two worlds hinge on our success and we haven't much time before we must go and search in earnest."

One of his heads went to Henrietta. "That is why I wish you to stay here, so that I may train you as well. I know it's not possible, but at the very least, I wished to impress the dire straights we find ourselves in."

Henrietta hummed and looked to Louise. "Considering the sheer number of fantastical events in just the past three days, I'm more than willing to believe this. My question is, does his master think his word trustworthy?"

Louise looked incredibly lost and excited at the same time, her mind still processing everything. "…Neb hasn't lied to me in the short time I've known him, and he has no reason to lie now. I believe him too."

"As do I." Osmond agreed, practically ending any possible argument. "His story explains every mystery of the staff and I've sensed something strange about his runes for some time. I would be more than happy to assist in this endeavor, though my duties will take me away from the academy over the summer."

Henrietta had a spark cross her eye and she looked to Kirche. "Lady Zerbst, as I recall, the imperial family takes a recess during the course of the summer, correct?"

Kirche's face scrunched in thought. "I… believe so, yes. I don't know the details, but it has something to do with a pilgrimage to Romalia. May I inquire the purpose of the question?"

"You'll see in due time." Henrietta chirped, suddenly smug. "But for now, with all this information, I'm hereby commanding you all to follow Sir Neb's instructions in the coming year. If any of your families have a problem with you staying here over the summer for this training, they can bring it to me."

The students bowed and Henrietta looked to Osmond. "Thank you for agreeing to this. Having such an esteemed and knowledgeable mage as you assist will be invaluable. Even if it's only for a short time, whatever you can do is an asset."

Osmond bowed his head. "I'm simply an old fool, my help likely won't amount to much. At best, I can help Mr. Gramont get his head out of the sand."

Guiche looked insulted, but Montmorency wore quite the smirk. Osmond's next words wiped that smirk away: "And straighten out Lady Montmorency as well. I found it… less than amusing that someone amongst my students would try to brew a love potion on school grounds."

Several glares went the blonde girl's way, but Neb grabbed their attention with a hard stomp. "Regardless, I must hear your answers before anything else. There is no going back from this and should you choose to back out, I'll see what I can do about the Six."

"What say you all?"

Silence stretched for a time before everyone started to voice their support. Even Tabitha smiled brightly as she agreed, which just about sent the newest members into comas. The display of bravery despite the at best dubious claims warmed Neb's heart.

And confirmed the reasoning of his guests, who watched it all through his eyes.

Chatter filled the air for a time, everyone hashing out a few odds and ends, before they split off. Henrietta had to return to her guard and Osmond had a celebration to set up. The capture of such a notorious criminal demanded no less, even with the burden sitting over them.

The students and handmaid went off to get ready for the gala, excited chatter about the party replacing the dour air of the meeting. Guiche and Montmorency weren't so much as looking at each other, going separate ways soon after, and Neb felt the power thrum through him again.

"He'll need to talk to someone." Elrath noted, Neb greatly disturbed to see one of his heads take the form of a gold dragon. "You see it too, do you not? For all the bluster, he's a blonde version of Ivan Griffin."

Neb hummed, doing his best to suppress the shudder that ran down his spine. "Personally, I see more of Slava in him, much as the girl reminds me of Anastasya before her father's death. I have spoken little with either in my stay here, but time will tell."

"Indeed, it will." Shalassa agreed, a Kirin's head replacing the golden dragon. "I would like to merely warn you that news off your student's new title is bound to spread, as is the infamy of catching a notorious thief. Be prepared."

Neb scowled, waited to see if anyone else wished to say something, and set off. He needed to speak to the captain of the guard about procuring more gear. Maybe some desks and an honest classroom if he could swing it.

That'd make things a bit easier.

-Night, Louise's Room-

When news finally broke that not only was Fouquet captured, but brought in by a group of students, the entire academy broke into a cacophony of cheers. A feast and ball were immediately organized, and the dining hall was converted into an elegant dance floor. Every student pulled out their finest clothes, special jewels and precious metal joining the ensemble when it was announced the princess herself would be attending.

Louise, upon hearing that, demanded that Siesta dress up too. She already had a pretty number in pink and white picked out alongside a silver tiara and necklace, but there was no way Siesta wouldn't be part of the celebration!

Even if she had to dance with the girl herself!

Siesta was beyond mortified by the idea, but they were able to find something appropriate for the occasion. It was a nice dark-blue dress with black trim that made Siesta look like a vision of beauty, especially when Louise gave her a necklace inlaid with sapphires.

"It's your reward from me." Louise said when Siesta questioned the addition, both girls in front of the vanity. "You really must stop being so humble. You did a great deed, we all did, it's alright to be pampered a bit."

She put her hands on Siesta's shoulders and gave her a cheeky grin. "I mean, if Her Highness wasn't going to be there, I think you'd be the belle of the ball."

"Nonsense." Siesta mumbled, pink dusting her cheeks. "I'm sure it would be you, milady. You look… lovely."

Louise chuckled and straightened to puff out her chest. "I admit that I look quite good myself, but more in the cute way. You should hear my sisters, 'little fairy' this 'little fairy' that."

Siesta could certainly see it, but the way Louise danced about the room as she grabbed the last of her accessories reminded her more of an angel. Then again, her brain was so scrambled from everything going on, there was no way to tell where such an idea came from.

"Hey, are you two done yet?" Kirche called through the door. "Tabby and I are waiting on you! The stars need to show up as a group!"

Louise put on a bracelet and gave Siesta one more look over before answering. "We'll be there in a second! Head on to the foyer, we'll meet you!"

She got a shout of confirmation and they heard heels click off down the hall. When it was quiet, Louise had to ask: "What do you think she went with?"

"I'm sure Lady Kirche went with something eye-catching." Siesta giggled as she stood, doing her best not to show her work-boots under the skirt. They were the only thing she felt comfortable in and she kept tripping in heels.

Louise rolled her eyes. "I meant Tabitha. I've never in all my time knowing her seen anything formal. Even I've worn a gown more than once."

"To be fair, the one you're wearing now was in desperate need of a wash." Siesta reminded, enjoying the blush her words conjured. "But there's no point speculating when we can find out, no?"

Louise stared at her handmaid, a smirk on her lips. "You are beyond rattled by today, aren't you?"

"Possibly a bit insane too." Siesta agreed. "I believe I've simply expended all my worry for today."

Louise pushed the door open and waved for Siesta to follow. "Considering everything that's happened so far, I'd say you've used enough worry for a week. Come on, let's meet up and go have fun. Just remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable or need a break, come find me, Neb, Kirche, or Tabby."

Siesta nodded and fell in step behind Louise, silently promising to indulge her mistress for a while before fleeing the ball. It just wasn't her place to be there, better to let them enjoy it.

"There they are!" Kirche cheered when they entered the foyer, dressed in a black gown with a high slit in one side with a flower garter wrapped around her stockings. Per usual, she was showing off her bosom, but she'd also gone to the trouble of doing her hair up and putting silver in it.

Tabitha was a lot simpler, wearing a blue and gold version of Louise's dress with a silver circlet. "…Good evening."

"You two look great!" Louise greeted back; eyes lingering for a moment on Kirche's thigh. "You, though, Zerbst… I thought you weren't one for the seductress bit anymore."

Kirche shrugged. "You and I both know that it's expected of me at this point, and I quite like the attention. Besides, I have to do something if I'm going to get a dance while the princess is there."

Louise couldn't fault her for that last part. "Personally, I think you could stand to choose a more elegant ensemble. With your looks you could be the most conservative dresser in the world and still drop jaws."

Kirche's eyes widened at the frank compliment. "I… see. Well, there's no time tonight to test it, but who knows? Anyway, everyone ready to go?"

She got cheers and the girls left the tower, Neb meeting them. "Would you look at that? Every one of you all gussied up. Almost makes me wish I could go in there."

"No one wants to dance with a hydra." Louise denied flatly. "And you'd spend half the night critiquing everyone on their dances."

Neb chuckled, guilty as charged. "Not my fault a lot of schools in swordsmanship work out of dances. Now, remember, I want all of you to have a good time tonight. We're going to be adding two reluctant members come morning, so best to make some memories."

He straightened and adjusted his bow ties. "I will be celebrating with the servants over in the Vestri court. If you want a far more relaxed atmosphere, stop on by. I can't promise elegant decorations, but it'll be fun."

The girls laughed and bid him goodbye, Neb off to a night of singing with the servants while the girls were soon swept into the twisting eddies of the ball. Siesta found herself swiftly out of her depth, not knowing what to do with all the attention, while the others fit right in.

With royalty visiting, Princess Henrietta got the first dance. Dressed in an elegant ballgown of pure white and her usual silver tiara, it sent whispers alight when she chose Louise as her first partner. None knew the words they shared during that dance, but Louise looked radiant the moment they separated. From there, the night wore on.

Louise found herself dancing with Siesta, Tabitha, and even Kirche at least once. For her, it was truly a great night, and one she would hold dear for all her days. Her friends, old and new, were safe and happy. Even with the threat of existential annihilation over her head, it felt like the night would never end.

She did have to take a break at some point, retreating to the balcony of the hall during a particularly fast tune. Walking out into the moonlight, she crossed the balcony and slumped onto the railing. "Geez, I'm tired."

Her words ghosted on the wind, Louise looking out to see a great bonfire blazing in the Vestri court, Neb's bulk glistening from the fire while faint music met her ears. She could even make out small shadows dancing about the flame.

"Tired?"

Louise looked up and smiled as Tabitha walked up to her, almost glowing under the moon. "Not really, just needed a break. It's nice, dancing at a ball for the first time in an age, but… Well, people are stifling."

Tabitha chuckled and took a spot next to her friend. "…Siesta and Kirche are dancing."

"I know." Louise chuckled, the sight of Kirche dragging the poor maid out for the current tune fresh in her mind. "Those two and Her Highness have been the real belles tonight. You and I haven't gotten near the same number of looks."

Tabitha's smile seemed a bit brighter at that observation. "…Still fun. Dances aren't… my strong suit, but… it's been fun."

Louise turned her gaze back to the bonfire. "Yeah… it really has been. Which, knowing Neb, means we'll be suffering come morning."

Tabitha hummed, a slower tune drifting from the hall behind them. Glancing over, she could see Louise tapping the beat on the rail. "Would you like to dance with me?"

Louise blinked and looked over to find Tabitha's hand held out in invitation. Louise barely had to give it a thought before she took the hand and Tabitha led her to the center of the balcony. "Would you care to lead?"

Tabitha nodded and they were soon twirling across the balcony to a waltz, white and blue mixing together as the girls laughed and enjoyed themselves. Around and around they spun, little flourishes here and there making them giggle, until the song came to an end.

"Thank you, Tabby." Louise sighed when they separated. "I needed a relaxing time after all that."

Tabitha curtsied to her partner. "…I needed it too. Come on… I think Kirche wants one more dance with you before we leave."

Louise took Tabitha's hand and led her back inside. "That sounds good. I don't know about you, but I think we'd all like to head back and enjoy some tea."

Tabitha blushed and tried to free herself, but found her strength gone as they returned to the party. Everything was still in full swing, the night's band setting up for another fast tune, but Louise could see Henrietta was sitting this one out.

"There you are!" Kirche greeted, popping out of the crowd. "Did you have a secret dance under the moonlight?"

Louise looked to protest, only for Tabitha to beat her to the first word. "Yes."

Kirche laughed at the blunt answer and held out her hand to Louise, who looked like a tomato she was blushing so hard. "Well, now that you've had a secret dance, it's time for one under the lights and with all eyes on us. Care to join me?"

Louise considered the offer but took Kirche's hand in the end. "Oh, why not? It's a party."

Kirche bowed and pecked Louise's knuckles, clearly wanting to tease her silly. "Then allow me, milady."

"You aren't Siesta." Louise griped as Kirche laughed at her expense. "And lead me out there or don't, I'm not that patient!"

Kirche kept laughing as she nearly dragged Louise out onto the floor, mutters filling the air again. The first dance Louise had taken with Kirche was expected, being the stars of this ball, but a second between long-time rivals sent tongues wagging.

Kirche didn't care, making sure her hold on Louise gave the smaller girl a generous view of her breasts. Tonight was one of the few times she'd be able to openly flirt with her from here on, and by heaven she was going to drill as many signs into this dense girl's head as she could.

Sadly, right as the dance began and Kirche pulled her partner close for the dizzying twirls to come, the doors to the hall shook with a dull boom. All activity ceased and Henrietta stood, glaring at the door. Another boom shook the hall and Osmond joined her; brow furrowed in a thunderous scowl.

The third boom brought forth Colbert, the poor man still dour from his day, but placing himself before the students with staff burning bright. "Who's there!"

The final blow broke open the doors, a rolling ball of scale and fur screaming into the hall. Students scrambled away from the mass of writhing muscle, Kirche wrapping Louise in her arms and diving out of the way.

Screeches and roars filled the hall, one of the combatants Neb. His heads were anchored into the sides of a large beast covered in fur, a scorpion's tail piercing Neb's hide where claws had weakened it. A fanged maw with far too many teeth tore into the hydra's flesh, Neb returning it by ripping out his own gory chunks.

"A manticore!" Colbert exclaimed, tossed aside when the doors were blown open. "What's such a beast doing here?!"

The slam of Osmond's staff reverberated through the hall like a gong, every mote of dust and sand in the area rising in streams to leash the battling beasts and pry them apart. Blood spurted and stained both floor and pillars, the combatants refusing to release their grips and tearing flesh clean from their opponent.

By this point, Louise freed herself from Kirche's breasts and got a look at the fight. Her face turned ashen the moment she saw the manticore, its silver-black mane belonging to only one in all the world. "Reigan… what is he doing here?!"

The clack of boots on stone swiftly silenced the room, a figure entering the hall. The very air seemed to grow heavy as the lights illuminated the new arrival, revealing a mature woman with pink hair set in two long bangs to either side of her pretty face and a tight bun. She was also wearing well cared for armor, the sight of which sent Louise into a terrified panic.

"Karin!" Osmond thundered, the very earth shaking as he stormed towards the woman. "How dare you set your familiar upon another on my grounds! Have you come to declare war on me at long last?!"

Karin, the woman in question, pointed a sword at Neb, voice even as if discussing the weather. "Nay, I came to see the familiar my daughter has summoned. Imagine my surprise when the creature savagely assaulted my own the moment I arrived."

"Mutant, abomination, eater of children!" Neb roared at the manticore. "I will see you dead!"

Karin huffed and put her sword away. "If you would keep him restrained, then no further battle will occur. Can I be promised that much?"

Osmond's scowl was death itself, but even he didn't want to fight Karin here. There'd be far too much damage, and she knew it. "…Very well."

Karin nodded and looked around before locking her gaze on Louise, the poor girl scrambling to escape an extremely worried Kirche. "Now then, daughter…"

Louise froze and all could hear the creak of her neck as she looked at Karin.

The woman's brow furrowed.

"Why are you in the arms of our enemy?"

Ch. End

Well who saw that coming?

Gosh that was actually a really fun time writing, and I do hope you all enjoyed it. I'm pretty sure I gave Louise a good time with all of her eventual lovers, though I think Siesta didn't get that alone time scene quite like Henrietta and Tabitha. Oh well, plenty of opportunity.

Now then, review responses!

Z.L.C Genesmith: She will not be learning necromancy, that's not a branch of Dark Magic. That is the domain of one of Asha's heads and not something Neb is willing to teach. The other dragons don't like necromancy either, so that's not something will see any time soon, if ever. Not to mention it goes against Louise's own beliefs and values.

Pacer287: Glad you enjoy it so much! We have fun times ahead; hope you continue to stick around!

Xevious1: As mentioned above, Henrietta was interested in Wales for a time, but it passed. She's still very close friends with him, almost as close as Louise, but there's nothing romantic there anymore.

Tiger: Here it is, hope you like!

That's all I got folks, hope you like and we'll see you all next time!

Ciao!