A/N Nothing much to say here! Sorry bout the delay but we are back in action, reviews are down below enjoy!
The headmaster was in high spirits.
After all, why shouldn't he be? Three of his finest, well, one of them at best. Had ventured out to capture the elusive thief Fouquet and succeeded where many of the kingdom's finest had already failed. He was positively beaming with pride knowing his academy will receive great praise for its efforts. Granted he will need to make an effort to keep the detail that she had been right under his own nose for so long, out of the papers. It would certainly complicate the process of hiring a new secretary if that were to be the case.
Nevertheless, today was shaping up to be a good day. Not to mention with his secretary gone there was no one to tell him off for puffing his favorite pipe.
A good day indeed. He most certainly did not have an ominous foreboding feeling about whatever had the young miss Valliere worked up. Colbert would handle the matter, and that would be that.
This is fine, everything is just fine.
Stress was not good for him at his age, and the staff of destruction going missing had nearly given him a heart attack.
But of course, something, or in his case someone had to go confirm his suspicions.
Any illusion of a happy day went out the metaphorical window as his doors blew open with a strong gust of magic wind. In the open doorway stood the young student Tabitha. Normally he would be delighted to see the young prodigy at his doors, but her ever stoic face contained mild traces of worry.
"Ah, Miss Tabitha, what brings you to my office now? Would it happen to be concerning the dance later tonight?" He asked, trying to dodge the question he knew was coming. However when his only response was a shake of her head... "I take it this is concerning Miss Vallieres outburst then?" he continued in a lower tone.
Tabitha nodded, and the headmaster suppressed a sigh.
"Very well then… I take it Colbert sent you to fetch me?" He continued.
Another nod, this time he had to suppress a groan.
He sincerely hoped it was nothing serious. Taking one final puff of his pipe he laid it on his desk and straightened out his robes.
"Very well, take me to them." He said, stepping away from his desk.
To say the scene before him was surprising would not cover half of it.
Off to his right, he could see his nursing staff frantically tending to two unconscious and previously armed guards. Both men had their plate armor removed so the staff could dress their injuries with both of their swords notably out of either's reach. Examining the one closest to him he was concerned to see a large black scorch mark burned into the center. Much to his relief, however, he did not see any evidence of it piercing the plating.
Shifting his gaze to the sword next to the plating he noted with curiosity the blade had been chipped and damaged. He frowned at this, he saw no reason for a guard to be using a chipped and damaged blade, unless… There had been a conflict. Examining the blade closer revealed it had been previously reinforced with earth magic. Clearly, the blade had been struck against a heavily armored target or wall repeatedly. But that made no sense, there is no reason a guard would intention strike a wall to damage their blade, and there was no armor in the ro-
The headmaster slowly craned his neck to his left. The enormous looming form of one of his student's familiar's greeted him. Constructed entirely from metal that he knew was no ordinary metal. Even without any magic applied to it, he knew it was far too dense for even reinforced steel. He had never had the opportunity to personally inspect the plating with his magic, perhaps it may shed some light on this situation.
Storing the information for later he cast his gaze elsewhere. To his right, he spotted Colbert speaking with the head of the infirmary. His tone sounded calm, but he could easily see how tense he was. The headmaster suspected the reason for this had to do with the incident he found himself in.
"Please wait here, I'll need to ask you a few questions later." The headmaster said to Tabitha who was still standing next to him. Not waiting for any confirmation from her, he made his way to Colbert's side. Seeing the headmaster approach the professor in question quickly wrapped up his conversation with the nurse. As he turned to face the headmaster he could see the discomfort clearly written on his face. The headmaster winced at the expression and braced himself for the news.
"Before we begin, is there any good news I can look forward to?" The headmaster tried in vain.
"Well, both of the guards are only unconscious and stable. The staff have also informed me they have not found any permanent or debilitating damage. So I suppose there is that. Additionally, I still have not gotten our students' side of the story yet, but I wouldn't hold out hope." The headmaster paused before continuing. "What concerns me the most however is not the guards, but the noble they were hired by."
The last statement made the headmaster's blood freeze in his veins.
"I- I beg your pardon?" The headmaster stuttered. If a noble had been involved, and the Founder forbids, been harmed. Then he feared for more than just his student, but his entire academy's future. Dealing with nobles was never pretty, with all the power they had, they were always just looking for an excuse to flaunt it.
"Their insignia… it belonged to Count Mott, a royal messenger… whom you can see is unconscious just over there." Colbert waved his hand as he spoke in a cold tone not daring to look. The headmaster suddenly felt rather faint. This was far, far worse than he could ever have expected. The count holds the status of Royal messenger and a direct ear to the royal family. In the worst-case scenario, the entire academy could be brought under investigation, forever tarnishing its reputation.
"Make certain no one leaves, and make doubly certain no one speaks!" The headmaster hissed to cover his panic. "Until I can gather the full story I will not tolerate rumors and half-truths blowing this whole incident out of proportion!"
He needed to speak with those responsible, immediately. If worse came to worst he may be forced to expel them and cut all ties to the incident. Quickly thanking Colbert for his assistance he made his way over to the only person he believed to be responsible. All evidence pointed to them after all, their sudden outburst. Their panicked tone when they questioned their Familiar.
The headmaster heaved a heavy sigh, it may seem that one guest of honor would not be attending the ball tonight after all.
As he approached he took in the scene before him. Two of his students were present, both of which had been in his office only minutes before. Louise Valliere and Kiriche Zerbst were conversing, although it appeared to be irritating the former of the two. Behind them, however, he noticed a very uncomfortable maid hugging her sides as she leaned against the leg of Miss Vallieres Familiar.
The headmaster was forced to crane his neck just to make eye contact with the Iron Giant. Never in his years of experience had he ever encountered such an incredible creature. A Titan, Miss Sasaki had named it. Such a fitting title for one so imposing.
Once he approached however his presence went unnoticed as both his students were too engrossed in their conversation to notice him. And the maid off to the side was not looking in his direction. Clearing his throat the three present jumped slightly before turning to face him.
"Headmaster!" "Oh, hello headmaster!" Both his students perked up immediately. Off to their side, the maid did the same, although instead of speaking she simply performed a curtsy with her dress.
"First of all, I am glad to see you all well. However, it is to my understanding that this incident was caused by the Familiar of Miss Valliere here?" Seeing no reason to dance around the subject the headmaster cut straight to the chase. "Do you know why exactly they did so?"
"W-well, unfortunately, the two guards were already unconscious when I arrived. My Familiar claims it was an act of self-defense." Louise stammered. "Although, I do not know why they attacked the count… I am so very sorry." finished with a deep bow of her head.
The headmaster sighed and held a hand to his head. "Miss Valliere, you do understand that this is the second time your familiar has attacked another noble on academy grounds, yes?"
Louise nodded.
"Do you know the identity of the noble your Familiar attacked at least?" The headmaster inquired.
"FS mentioned the guards mentioned they worked for Count Mott. And that they presented her with papers they claimed I signed to hand ownership of Siesta's contract to them. Which was untrue." Louise stated. "And when she refused to go with them, they attempted to move her by force. Which was when FS intervened."
"By rendering them unconscious? I'm afraid my dear student that under those circumstances, it can hardly be considered an act of self-defense." The headmaster interjected.
"Actually no… when FS secured Siesta, they attacked him with their swords. It was then that he knocked them out." Louise corrected.
"Oh… well that certainly changes things." The headmaster said in a surprised tone. After all, attacking a noble's familiar was considered a personal attack. Looking at the ground near the Titans feet he could clearly see bits of chipped metal on the floor, evidently the missing pieces from the swords he saw earlier. He narrowed his eyes, there was still the issue however that no other noble had been present to confirm the story. "If this were to be true, I would understand why you're Familiar attacked them. Regardless of this information, however, it still does not explain why he attacked the count."
"The count arrived on the scene questioning why his guards had not already kidnapped Miss Sasaki. Additionally, his attire bore a matching insignia to the two unconscious guards. To prevent any attempt at escape I rendered him unconscious." The enormous Titan spoke up for the first time since he entered the room. Its booming voice ceasing all activity in the room as he did so.
"I- I See then." The headmaster coughed into his hand in an attempt to hide his shaky tone. He would be lying if he did not admit the 'Titan's voice seemed to hold as much power as a roaring dragon. "Would you have any evidence to back up this claim?" The headmaster was grasping at straws when asking this but if her familiar could provide anything it would help greatly.
The enormous behemoth shifted its weight backward for a moment. Its eye whirring and clicking, as two cylinders on either end, rotated. It was silent for a moment before speaking once more. "Replaying audio recording . . . What are you incompetent fools doing, how hard is it to present some papers and drag that woman back to the carriage! I have been waiting… Oh, Dear. End File"
The headmaster's lower jaw hung open for a solid minute upon hearing the count's voice come from the behemoth. Opening and closing it a few times he did an excellent impression of a fish out of water. 'D-did it just mimic the Count's voice? No… it mentioned recording. But then...' "Titan, do you possess the ability to capture the sound of one's voice?" The headmaster suddenly spoke up with intrigue.
"Affirmative." It responded.
"Incredible…" The headmaster thought in awe, but then paused. "Do you also possess the ability to mimic one's voice, and manipulate it?"
"Negatively, I am unable to synthesise another's voice. I am only capable of replaying messages, any attempt at doctoring a voice would be clear." They replied once more.
"How so?"
The Titan leaned back for a moment, its 'eye' whirring and clicking again. "IT- would- sOUnd. li-ke this." What followed was the voice of it's master but the pitch and tone of their voice changed with each syllable. It sounded as though one took various clips of their voice and pieced them together. Like a poorly put together jigsaw puzzle.
"Curious." The headmaster said, raising a hand to brush his beard in thought. His mind was abuzz trying to comprehend the phenomenon he had just experienced. He had heard rumors over his travels of creatures that could mimic sounds, and possibly voices. But he had never heard any rumors of one that could capture the sound of one's voice and play it back at will.
"Ahem" The old Headmaster jumped as Colbert seemingly appeared next to him clearing his throat. He hadn't heard him approach as he had been too engrossed in his own musings to pay attention to him. "I hate to interrupt, but how can we be sure Miss Valliere's familiar is not lying?"
"Ah… that may be-" "I am incapable of lying." FS cut off the headmaster before he could speak. The headmaster blinked. He was so shocked the familiar had the audacity to interrupt a noble he nearly missed the significance of what had just been said.
"Your poor manners aside, what do you mean when you say, 'I cannot lie'?" He inquired.
"Exactly as I have stated. I am incapable of lying, should you ask any question I am cleared to answer I will answer to the best of my knowledge." FS responded.
"And if I do not have this clearance you speak of?"
"I will not answer."
The bluntness the familiar demonstrated was almost surprising. Living in a society of nobles who enjoyed dancing around topics. To hold a conversation and receive such direct and honest answers was… unusual, but not entirely unwelcome.
"I see then." The headmaster hummed to himself. The 'recording' Miss Valliere's Familiar had provided had proved most enlightening. And if it was not lying that it could not lie, it would certainly help hers and the academy's case greatly. 'Although… The count was still assaulted on shaky grounds.'
Rubbing his temple with his free hand the headmaster devised a temporary solution.
"Miss Valliere." He said, turning to address the student in question. "If what you Familiar has said is true and it cannot lie. And if the audio recording it provided is also true-"
"It is. I heard the count say it myself." Louise cut off the headmaster before he could continue. Her eyes widened as she realized what she had done. The headmaster's eyes widened in response to this statement.
"You are certain of this?" He asked.
"I was there too, Louise is not mistaken." Kirche suddenly spoke up from next to Louise. Clearly surprised by the unexpected support from her rival.
The headmaster stroked his beard as he thought. "Hmm, well this will certainly help your case greatly. Very well, if that is the case I will make certain the Count is aware of this when he awakes. However, Miss Valliere?"
"Yes, headmaster?" Louise answered.
"A noble's pride is not trodden upon lightly. The Count will surely take action against you and you're familiar with this. I urge you to tread carefully from here on." He warned. "That being said… I'm certain you are still tired from your endeavors yesterday, and it certainly will not do for the guests of honor to be half asleep on the floor. Please get some rest while I clean up this mess."
"Thank you, headmaster." The three girls bowed in unison and took their leave. Glancing to the foot of the familiar he spotted the rather shaken maid who had been wedged in the center of the incident. "I'm certain this has been quite the ordeal for you but I'm afraid I'll need to ask for your side of the story before you may leave as well."
"O-of course my lord, what do you wish to know?" Siesta stammered.
Louise refused to allow herself to relax until she finally reached her dorm. The crushing weight she had felt on her shoulders when she saw FS nearly kill the count had eased slightly. But her mental state was in complete tatters, she was far too tired to handle anything else.
'Pilot I believe there may be an issue.' Speak of the devil.
'What, pray tell, does FS have in store for me this time?' Louise mentally groaned. As she prepared to address him he answered without further prompt.
'I just overheard that the count who attempted to kidnap Siesta will not be detained.' FS stated. 'I estimate the possibility of him re-attempting the kidnapping at 97%. Furthermore, I calculate that he will make his next attempt when we are no longer present. Our action will be required.'
The information FS had just provided Louise was jarring, but something else was concerning her.
'FS… did… did you just read my thoughts?' Louise thought to, she thought, herself in her head.
Silence… and then
'Unknown.' FS responded. 'Due to the unusual circumstances surrounding our medium of communication. I cannot draw any conclusion at this time. I recommend further experimentation at a later time.'
'R-right… so you can hear this, yes?' Louise thought to herse- in her head uncertainty…
'Affirmative.' FS stated. 'Pilot, while this new discovery is important, my priorities place the lives of our comrades above our discoveries. If action is not taken the livelihood of Miss Sasaki will be threatened. I have a recommended course of action pending your approval.'
'Very well, what is the course of action you have in mind?' Louise asked FS, through her head…. Somehow. This would take some getting used to. Perhaps it had to do with that neural link he mentioned? Questions for another time.
'It is my recommendation that Miss Sasaki join you in the Pilot training program at the FOB I have constructed.' FS stated.
'...'
'Pilot? Are you unwell Pilot?'
'PILOT TRAINING WHAT!?' Louise all but screeched in her head.
'Pilot Training Pro-' 'I heard you fine the first time!'
'FS, I understand that you wanted me to train to qualify as your Pilot. But I will not tolerate you training someone else to pilot YOU! You are MY familiar and that is FINAL!'
'Pilot I believe there may have been a miscommunication.'
'Oh? Please, enlighten me.' Louise in her anger had begun to forget her own manners.
' Miss Sasaki will be assigned her own Titan in due time. Additionally, I do not possess the capacity to maintain two neural links simultaneously. It is as you stated Pilot, I am your Titan and your Titan alone.'
As FS explained, Louise gradually felt her anger melt away as she saw the reasoning behind what FS was explaining. Still…
'FS, Siesta is a commoner, not a noble. What elf possessed you to think otherwise?' Louise questioned.
'I am afraid the term has no relevance in my database Pilot.' FS responded.
'No? Then how about Aristocrat and Plebian?' Louise tried to clarify.
'Affirmative.' FS paused. 'Pilot these terms have not been applied to any social structure for centuries. I fail to see the relevance to Miss Sasaki.'
'FS, that's impossible, you must have made some mistake. Did that Golem hit you head too hard perhaps?'
'Negative Pilot, my systems are functioning just fine and my records are not incorrect.' FS stated 'I have detailed records of Human history and the various noble societies that rose and collapsed during the course of history. However most societies generally fell under similar circumstances.'
'What kind of circumstances?' Louise inquired, dreading the answer she suspected was coming.
'Revolution'
With one word FS frozeLouise's blood in her veins. she could practically feel the colour draining from her face as she processed what she had just been told.
A few months, perhaps a year back she would have passed such a word off as nonsense. Foolish. The commoners knew their place, they knew damn well where they stood in this world. And they knew better than any what would occur should they try to change it.
But recently, the Kingdom of Albion had been in turmoil.
The high society knew what was coming… but none of them dared to face it.
'Pilot? Pilot are you alright?' FS questioned.
'...' no response.
'Pilot please confirm you are receiving this.'
'...'
'Louise… are you alright?'
'...!' The sound of her name coming from her familiar made her jump.
Until now it had always addressed her as Pilot. The sudden change had startled her.
'I- I'm fine… just fine FS.' Louise lied.
'Stress patterns in your voice indicate you are lying.' FS pressed.
'Urgh, just… just don't speak to me until I allow it! I need to think… alone! That means you get out of my head this instant! Do I make myself clear!' Louise yelled internally.
'...understood Pilot, I will remain on standby until further notice.' Louise felt notes of longing and sadness dance around her head, only the emotions didn't feel like they were coming from her…
Next to her, she noticed both Kiriche and Tabitha had been staring at her for the past few minutes. Huffing in annoyance Louise brushed past the both of them without a word. She had enough on her mind as it was, she did not need them adding more.
Systems Reinitializing . . . . . . . . . . . complete.
.
Re-Establishing link to Forward Operations Base Designation : Alpha
.
. . . . . . . . Successful.
.
Requesting status update . . . . Received
.
Decrypting data . . . . . . 99%
.
[ WARNING ] THE FOLLOWING DATA IS CLASSIFIED AUTHORI-
.
Codes accepted - opening package . . . .
/ STATUS UPDATE ON FOB /
.
Base Status [ OPERATIONAL ]
Current Facilities :
HQ [ ONLINE ]
-Relocation successful
-War room and primary communications array available for construction
Cold Fusion reactor [ ONLINE ]
-Primary power has been restored - All systems fully operational
S.A.B. [ STANDBY ]
-No materials available for process
-Awaiting orders
Harvester Beam [ STANDBY ]
-No new ore has appeared since last contact
Refinery [ BUSY ]
[ NOTICE ] Various unidentified ores radiate unknown energy. Human personnel are not to interact with these ores until further testing is complete.
Titan Maintenance Bay [ STANDBY ]
-Power restored. Awaiting instruction
Summary : All essential systems are now online. Transfer of all facilities below ground is nearing completion. Awaiting further instruction.
\\ END MESSAGE \\
.
Message received. . . Message deleted
.
Assessing Priorities . . . . . . Complete
Generating new orders . . . . . . Complete
Compiling code . . . . . . . . . . . Complete
Generating build list . . . . . . . . . . Complete
Archiving Dragon incident . . . . . . . Complete
\\ NEW MESSAGE \\
Maintain Current Priorities
Additional facilities to be constructed :
- Training grounds
- Gym facilities
- Classroom
- Gun Range
- Manufacturing floors
- Hangar bay
[ WARNING : INSUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO COMPLETE CURRENT BUILD ORDER ]
[ RECOMMEND REASSESSMENT OF BUILD ORDER ]
- Reassessment noted. Begin construction order with priority on Pilot training facilities. Other objectives remain secondary.
/ END MESSAGE /
.
Note : This unit does not possess an accurate physical assessment of either Pilot candidates.
.
Recommend action : monitoring and collecting available data before moving to FOB
.
Objectives have been updated
.
Finally, at the tail end of possibly the longest six weeks of Louise's life school was out for the summer. She had felt an immense amount of relief the first summer break when she was finally free from her peers and the bullying. This time, however, she was relieved for another reason. This time, she was looking forward to the summer break for an entirely different reason.
Despite never being much of a morning person Louise was up and out of bed in a flash. Wasting no time putting on her daily makeup and, for the occasion, some fresh perfume. Quickly packing herself a suitcase full of her essentials. A few dresses, twelve different skirts, maybe a few extras just in case anything gets dirty. Hmm, she might need some more dresses, skirts, and shirts. But her small suitcase couldn't seem to fit it all… oh screw it she'll just have FS carry the whole damn closet.
'Pilot I am strongly against that course of action.' FS suddenly chimed in. Louise nearly hit the roof when she jumped in surprise.
'Don't do that! It's creepy when you read my thoughts like that! At least give me a warning when you 'make a link' or whatever! stupididiotfamiliardoesn'tknowproperetiquette.' Louise rambled fuming.
'My apologies Pilot, however, such a large amount of clothing is unnecessary. If you do require additional attire it can easily be fabricated at the base.' FS reasoned.
'B-but what about my outfits! You cannot simply expect me to wear this everywhere I go!' Louise said while gesturing to herself, momentarily forgetting FS was not present with her.
'Pilot, I cannot see your current attire. Additionally, it is expected for a Pilot to maintain their own equipment themselves. Uniform included.' FS replied, and Louise could have sworn that FS had put extra emphasis on one particular word in that sentence. Despite how difficult that would be with a near monotone voice like his own. Or maybe he did… She had begun to gain a better understanding of the meaning behind FS's words ever since she established that 'neural link' or whatever.
'FS, I am a noble, not a commoner. If it is expected of Pilots grown from commoners then I suppose that would be expected. But do not forget my origins, know that I am a noble and I expect to be treated as such.' Louise replied firmly.
'...' FS was silent for a moment before speaking again. 'Louise, I calculate that there is a 90% chance that we will not reach a proper conclusion to this matter until you are fully briefed on the concept of a 'Pilot'. Following this conclusion, I will not speak more on this problem. However, for efficiency's sake, please limit yourself to a single case of clothing. As I have stated before, should you require any additional clothing, it will be printed and ready at the base.'
Louise felt her brow twitch in irritation, but eventually, she relented. She would accept FS's compromise and limit herself to less than the bare essentials. Despite how much it pained her to do so. Be that is it may if for whatever reason her familiar had lied to her she would make absolutely certain it never did so again. Granted, she had little clue as to how she would punish a metal golem, or Titan as he called himself. She would figure out a way, somehow.
'Wait FS, why are you contacting me in the first place?' Louise asked out of the blue.
'Miss Sasaki and I are now prepared to leave. We are now awaiting your arrival.' FS informed her.
'I see, very well then, I shall be down very soon.' Louise replied she was almost done packing her case now that she had removed the majority of the items. 'Is Siesta on her way?'
'Affirmative. Miss Sasaki will be at your door momentarily to carry your suitcase.'
'Excellent.'
Louise was almost ready to leave, she had already planned ahead in preparation for her departure. Preparing excuses that she would be returning home for the summer. And that she would not need a carriage, as her familiar would provide a far more comfortable mode of transport for her.
Mere moments later Louise heard a knock on her door. Eager to get on her way she quickly made her way to the door. However much to her disappointment upon opening it, she did not find Siesta, but another maid whom she did not recognize. Odd, she thought she had a pretty good grasp of all the maids working for the academy. Even if she did not know the cast majority by name, she was certain she could at least remember their faces.
"Forgive my intrusion, my lady, I have a letter for you from Count Mott." 'Ah, that would probably be why.' Louise thought grimly. The maid in front of her was most likely one of Count Mott's. He likely did not intend to send any more guards after the last incident six weeks ago. Grabbing the letter and offering a simple thanks she sent the maid on her way.
Closing the door to her room she made her way to her desk to examine the letter. Checking the seal she confirmed it was in fact belonging to the Count in question. Sighing to herself she grabbed a nearby letter opener and cut open the paper that contained the letter itself.
Removing it, she quickly skimmed the contents not caring much for what it had to say. As she read through she realized it was as she had expected. Full of empty threats and of course, a promise to forget all of her misdoings if she just handed over her personal maid to him.
'That makes for the fourth this month Count.' Louise thought with distaste as she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Every letter contained the same nonsense, the count finding some whimsical evidence about some scandal or another, completely fabricated of course. Stuffing the letter in the drawer to her desk she heard another knock on her door. Making her way to her door once more she was greeted by the sight of Siesta on the other side. She almost smiled at the sight of the familiar maid, but the nobility in her kept her from doing so.
"Are you prepared for your departure my Lady, or do you wish for more time to prepare?" Siesta asked politely.
"I am, we shall depart at once, my case is on my bed, grab it and we shall be on our way." Louise responded. Siesta nodded dutifully and made her way past Louise to collect her baggage. Suitcase in hand Siesta followed Louise through the halls to her familiar where they would begin their journey.
She hadn't spoken much to FS over the course of the past six weeks, let alone come to face him. Not after the bombshell he had dropped on her following her incident with the count. Shaking her head she did her best to dispel the dark thoughts forming in her mind. She needed to maintain her image, she was still a noble after all.
Reaching the room which housed her familiar Louise gazed upon his metallic form with pride and anticipation. Finally, the time had finally come that she would get the opportunity to train as a Pilot. Dropping down to one knee FS opened his hatch so she could embark. Nearly trembling with excitement, Louise clambered aboard.
One foot on the step, the other grabbing the protruding railing she hauled herself aboard. Once she secured herself inside FS stuck his arm out for Siesta to take a seat. Since the cockpit only had the space for one FS had offered to hold Siesta in his hand. He had assured her many times that he would keep his hand stable for the duration of the trip. FS had forbidden them from sitting on the top of his chassis without a "jump-kit" for their own safety. Claiming it was possible but very unsafe to do so without proper training and instruction.
"Pilot, are you comfortable?" FS inquired.
"Yes, thank you, FS." Louise responded giddily.
"Miss Sasaki, are you comfortable?" FS asked.
"Yes, despite the rather odd mode of transport I am well, thank you FS." Siesta responded with a giggle. Louise could hardly blame her, she had not heard of any commoner or noble who would choose such a surreal form of transport.
'She's a commoner being given the luxury of riding with a noble steed. She should be honored, not comfortable.' Louise thought bitterly.
With both, his passengers secured FS took control and exited the Academy. Normally with his Pilot embarked they would be in command. However, with Louise's lack of training, he could not risk her accidentally crushing Siesta in her grasp. Or forgetting about her and accidentally dropping her along the way.
With everything, and everyone accounted for Louise, Siesta and FS left academy ground and followed the main road for some time. However, once they were certain they were out of sight, FS took a sharp right and ducked into the cover of the forest.
Next stop, the FOB.
A/N
AAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNDDDD that is a wrap.
Phew, this one chapter was probably the hardest I have written yet. Not only was I busy with figuring out the overarching Plot, but I also needed to plot out the FOB. Thankfully that is (mostly) out of the way now.
I do regret mostly brushing the count off to the side for the time being, but don't worry he will be making a larger appearance down the line.
Alright, now with that out of the way, onto the reviews!
Halo : Thanks for the reviews and I appreciate the feedback! Also, gotta love that rap by JT, one of my personal favorites from them is Rapture Rising from Bioshock.
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
A fan : Hah, thanks! I was struggling a little with whether or not to leave it as an omake or incorporate it into the story. The main reason being a part of a military force FS would likely be expected to automatically inform Louise of what happened even though he never did. Oh well I suppose, it is fanfiction after all, there are some things I may have slip through the cracks.
So sorry about the ridiculous wait, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
As usual, thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
EricFreak : Hee hee, I am messing around with some ideas concerning that if I decide to make the chapter cannon.
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
PitBullBytes : Curious, thank you for the information, I will keep that in mind.
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Rook435 : I glad to hear it! And yes Louise will be getting some proper firearms, once she gets to the base. Of course, she's going to need some proper training before she gets to use them. Can't have her waving a loaded firearm around like it's some joke after all!
I'm happy to hear you also hopped back into TF2 great game to play, even if its playerbase is a little smaller these days.
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
x-x-TheBurnedMan-x-x : As usual thank, you for the super long review, lets crack into it!
Yup, when I set up the objective as don't move, don't talk I got some pretty funny ideas of what would happen when the other familiars got comfortable around them. The review was just the kick I needed to put into motion.
As for my spreadsheet management… well it's certainly chaotic but I'll get there in the end I suppose… maybe. As for the Tool you suggested, I'd love to hear it! I'm always open to suggestions and feedback!
As for resource management, well I tend to be the type who loves a lot of detail. Even if it is an enormous pain to actually pull off. Still, if I am more specific with the metals when introducing them it will give me more to work with down the line. As opposed to simply having x amount of metal be four different metals being sold to merchants.
Also, that's a rough time playing frontier defense, it's a great gamemode, but I love the Chaos of Attrition.
As usual, thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!
LightSpecter141 : Thanks so much! I'll answer your questions in the same format if that's alright.
1) Yes, definitely yes. As mentioned above FS has requisitioned that a Firing range is set up for training. So Louise will eventually get a taste of every weapon the Frontier has to offer.
2) Ah so this is an interesting question, the simple answer is yes. As I mentioned in a previous review, there will be others trained as Pilots and who acquire a Titan of their own. But maaaaybe not everyone, and definitely not right away. Obviously I cannot just start throwing Titans at every noble I see, I get a headache just thinking about the political nightmare that would be. Entitled kids running amok with 80-ton warmechs, yeah… not a realistic idea…
Thanks for the review and I hope to see you in the next chapter!