A/N- ello I'm back, no I didn't die, but things have been happening. No particulars this time , just enjoy the reading !


(Schnee) Arc:

Ch. 14: Domum idoneitatem magister

-They don't, they make sacrifices.-


Heiter's POV

I was curled up in the abyss as brief recollections of how my day had gone so far. Briefly re-experiencing small parts of the tests, which I had done my best on as I felt it would be wrong of me to not try, despite slowly becoming tired due to to the first test.

My thoughts were flowing in a haze and then I suddenly saw the old statues Weiss had talked about briefly, only for them to fade away into the depths of where I rest.I was slowly descending into a deeper state of sleep as my vision shifted from a warm red to a darker, more quiet black that I associated with the sleep I wished for. A sleep that-

I was being shaken by something, which made the abyss fall away until I could no longer feel it.

Instead it was replaced with the sensation of the couch on my right as I curled on it, with a fire that didn't need wood still burning, wrapping me in its warmth. It being the one thing I was grateful for at this moment.

I was shaken again, this time aware of the hand that was touching my shoulder, I fidgeted and got comfortable again hoping to fall asleep again with the fires help.

"Heiter, wake up."

...


I stayed still for a moment ,squinting my eyes, before sighing and peeking at Weiss on the other side of the couch as she leaned towards me. I tried telling her I didn't want to wake up just yet with my eyes alone as I was still really tired, but it apparently didn't work.

"What? Don't give me that look. You can't sleep forever. You had a nice thirty minute nap, now let's get to work."

I looked away into the fire, wishing I could just fall asleep. I closed my eyes and-

"I will 'not' let you fall asleep just yet, you can do that either tonight or when we finish what we need to do."

I open my eyes at that and look at her, annoyed as I had only needed to do the tests today, but I had no way of saying that. I had worked hard on those tests, giving it my all and I was tiiiired.

"Come on, get up. I have food for you to eat as well. Finish it before we get started." I internally grumble about being lied to and having to work more than I was told, but the smell of the food that I noticed after Weiss opened a white box of sorts that had been sitting next to the couch woke me up enough that I felt I could get up.

I lifted my head up from its resting position on my arm and arched my back for a moment to stretch before I then righted myself and raised my arms above my head, reaching out as if to push away the tiredness. The next place my hands reached for was a smaller box that Weiss was offering me. I gripped the edges of it and set it down in my lap. Taking a better look at the box I noticed that the light blue emblem I had been seeing was on top of it and that… wait… shouldn't this be paint? How is this so smooth? I run my hand along the surface for a moment.

"A-hem"

I look over to Weiss, eyeing me.

Right I should eat the food. Where is the latch though? I continue to explore the mystery box before I notice the bottom start falling out when I lift it. Wait OHHHH. The top just slides off! That's so cool! So the bottom was just small enough to fit.

I would have continued to wonder at the box, but the warmth I picked up from the food inside made me stop and look for a "spoon".

"Heiter, here."

I stop my search and glance over to Weiss who is offering a spoon and a dark blue cloth "put that on your lap before eating the white bean chicken chili."

So that's what this is called. Its sorta mushy like the potatoes, but I can see some stringy chunks in it as well. I place the cloth as instructed and get started with the chili.


It has… a slight lack of smell to it that seems in to not make sense given how much i'm registering in my mouth. It seems I get a varying consistency in the food unlike the potatoes where it it uniform.

Occasionally I can just chew a few times and swallow, but some of the chunks seem to be harder to break down and require more work, which isn't hard to do as everything has a warm and soaked softness to it from staying in the liquid.

Oh? If you press the spoon into the food you can get just the liquid as it flows over the rim of the spoon. So it can be both food and drink! Hmm perhaps if it was put in a… Whatever I used for milk.

HA-Hah-HOT! What is this?! My mouth was tingling earlier, but once I stopped eating it became oh so hot!

WEISS!

I look to the side at Weiss and tap her shoulder urgently with my left hand since she's looking at that small talk box. oh it started with an S… what was it called. No, no time for that heavy thinking right now, just tap her shoulder and ask for the milk.

"Yes?"

I set down the spoon and make a motion of drinking the milk that I hope is hiding somewhere.

Weiss's face makes that unhealthy red color suddenly. It must be normal?

"Oh r-right"she quickly stammers as she makes for larger box near her feet, after rummaging through it I see her pull out a dark blue cylinder with a white version of the symbol. She twists off the top and hands me the bottom half.

I gingerly take it and peer inside and smile at the familiar white goodness. I know I haven't had anything else to drink, like that poorly smelling thing Weiss drank earlier, but I could be happy drinking just this and content to never experience the other things that probably exist.

Oh it's cold! SOO good! ACK.

I shudder for a moment from having drank too much and shake the head chill I experienced. OK not too much it's not going anywhere. The Chili is almost finished and it's just the warm liquid.

Is it eating if you're using a spoon?

Anyway I spoon the remaining liquid into my mouth and feel content to take on whatever Weiss has for me.

Oh right put on the lid.

I reach over Weiss and put the box into the larger one that seems to hold the food and drink. I hold on to my drink as I have a little left. "Heiter if you're done with your food you should finish the milk.

I look over to the milk and sigh. Oh well now as opposed to later! I down the milk and make to put the drink and clothe back in the box, but Weiss takes them from my hand and puts the items in the box.

"Its rude to reach over someone Heiter, you should ask me to pass the box next time. Speaking of which I know you may have been tired, but it's also rude to fall asleep when someone is talking to you. You need a little more discipline with your sleeping habits, you fell asleep yesterday too now that I think about it and that was when I was singing. We can work on that later though because you're awake now right?"

I shrink slightly away from Weiss until she asked me that last bit.

I was far too nervous last night to fall asleep properly, what with unknown times, uncertainties about being allowed to stay, but now… I have no way of saying any of this.


I affirm that i'm awake with an eager nod of the head and wait to see what Weiss has planned for me.

A light appears in her eyes as she looks over to some books.

"Right then, since you can't read or write I figured we could work on that. I do have a copy on sign language, but I need to familiarize myself with it a little more before I oversee your lessons there. I also need a compact copy for you and me so we can practice signing. Now then before we get started I have a few questions."

Weiss leans over the left side of the couch and pulls up a book and binder. The binder is handed to me while she holds on to the book. She opens it and flips through the first few pages before stopping and then jumping further after reading something.

I patiently watch her blue eyes skim the book before they stop and look up at me.

"Now let's start with the basics, does your alphabet have twenty six letters?"

Ummm. I don't think it's that small. I shake my head.

"No?"

I give a thumbs up.

"Ok does your language possesse vowels?" I shake my head again.

"No?"

ah no I mean… ho boy. I thought I understood why I needed to learn this stuff, but this is making it more apparent why. Umm ok start with this. I shake my head again. I don't know what it is.

"Your language does possess vowels?"

I raise my hands up and wave them.

"Heiter you need to give me a straight answer here do you or don't you?"

How do I answer this? Ummm I could try building off of that. I point at myself

"You?"

I nod then point to my head and then make a small space between my finger and thumb.

"You know a little? Heiter that doesn't make sense?"

Ok lets try again. I repeat my past actions except I leave no space between my fingers.

"You know nothing? WAIT, you don't know what a vowel is?"

I look thankfully at Weiss who is giving me a blank stare.

"Ok a vowel Heiter is a type sound produced by speech examples in my english are A,E,I,O,U, and sometimes Y. They are part of a larger system in phonetics, which we will cover, just not today. I want you to understand how to read and write as I doubt you will be speaking." I nod as this is is my case.

"Alright then…"

Weiss closed the book and picked up the smaller black binder that sat between us. She stopped on the first page and pointed at a series of figures as she held the binder out to me.

"These are the twenty six letters you will use for your writing notebook. Each is labeled with a number which corresponds to its place in the alphabet. I will make a quick run through what each letter sounds like so pay attention.

A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H.I.J.K.L.M.N.O.P.Q.R.S.T.U. V, WX, Y and Z. I hope you remember that if needed point to the letter and I will sound it out.

Now based on that so far guess what my name starts with."

Ok Weiss… I point to the second to last letter.

"that is wrong. Some letters sound differently from how they are pronounced. My name starts with the W as in a double u." Weiss made strokes with her hand as she showed this. That was actually something that made me wonder why. OH. I point to the letter again. "Why?" I nod. "Well the W sounds like a Y. Some letters are silent and in other cases can… be pronounced in more than one way. Let's see in the future just ask me if you want to know how a word sounds ONCE I teach you how to ask me."

Weiss puts a finger to her chin as she thinks about something.

"that. Would need to happen after we teach you to write or perform sign language. I would also need to be able to understand signing. This is very good as it seems our spoken languages are close enough that we can transplant the sounds."

Ok then. I let that sink in and then hear Weiss

"I'll assume that i'm correct on that?"

I try and think to myself for a moment and gain a headache for my efforts and squint my eyes as I wait for the pain to leave. "Heiter are you alright?" I open my eyes and nod. I'm fine, just need to learn to not think about 'before', all I get is pain and nothing for it.

"So am I right about our spoken language?"

I give a thumbs up and see a light in Weiss's eyes.


"Good! I knew that you could understand me because of prior experience that we had so far, but I wanted to be sure that my English could take the place of yours since you can't read anything here. YET." She points out, before handing the binder over to me.

"I want you to just work on copying those words to the best of your ability."

I wanted to say that it was similar at least with all the curves the letters had. I don't know why I knew that, but I suddenly did… Maybe I can learn about myself by learning these things slowly? I smiled and then realized I needed something to write with. Maybe I can get that pop out quil?

"Here Heiter If you could get started copying down the letter A B and C for now, If you need a word to think of... Alpha, Bravo and… Cat. "I gave her a look as she jumped from charlie to cat.

"Charlie makes use of the an H and I know that Cat sounds like the letter K. OK think of both Charlie and Cat. Now then you have several lines to write for in the journal. Just copy it down and I'll look at them when I get back."

I watched Weiss take a moment to unwrap herself from her blue blanket, before she stood up and made her way to the door.

"OH. should you want to turn the heat off there's a button nearby the fake fireplace you can push to turn it off. Here…"

She walks back down the steps next to the fire and presses something and after a moment the fire does stop somehow. "For now I will leave it off, but if you want it on again just push this button at the edge of the pit it sits in. I'll be back. I watch Weiss leave again and wait for the door to close before turning my attention to the first three letters I need to learn to write. With a press of my thumb I watch the quill pop out of the… thing.

That's a nice sound, ok let's get to it.


Weiss's POV

It was great Heiter would be learning proper English now. Who teaches someone the spoken version correctly, but not the written version?

He even didn't know what vowels were!

It was good that he was learning this now as growing up and knowing an improper version would only hinder his performance later on.

His parents probably… I know nothing about his situation do I? He just appeared and Mr. Clutch said he would be staying for a time. Well, perhaps this would be a good chance to ask him since he wanted to see me. I had made my way back to the intersection near the library, before checking my scroll once more.

"Young miss, I require your presence in the managerial office."

I made my way up the two sets of staircases to the second floor and came across the hallway that housed the staff of this estate. On the left were three doors that led to the staff housing. The three doors on the right are the offices.I walk past the communications room and the door which… I actually don't know what it's for as it has a pass code. I stop in front of last one before the bend in the hallway and glance up at the silver nameplate.

Managerial Office.


Ok deep breath… I knock on the doors white frame before hearing Mr. Clutch.

"Enter."

I open the door and my eyes briefly look around the bookcases on either side of the room hold binders,folders, and books, that are organized like the library. The windows on the far end have their white curtains drawn, which lets the light fall on the grey oval table that dominates the center of the room from the pedestal it rests on. Other smaller tables are organized around it, but aside Mr. Clutch, whom I spot due to his dark Caesar cut on the left side of the larger table, nobody is inside.

"You called for me Mr. Clutch?"

"That I did, take a seat."

He says that, but he idly designates a chair for me on his left. I move to the seat and note the large stacks of paper across from me.

"This?"

"that is something that has already been taken care of, no need to concern yourself about it."

He then reaches under the table and pulls out a small folder from from the hollowed edge of the table and sets it between us.

"The contents of that folder however are more pertinent to what you're here for. Brief yourself on the contents then we can signatures"

"yes sir."

The head butler pulls out an additional folder and begins to write on the documents inside before setting them next to the other finished papers.

Now then let's see what he called me for. I glance at the black leather folder for a moment and make out some white wording on the exterior.

H-0109-SP-290-EDUC-0601-V-000.

Ok...Perhaps the contents will tell me more. I open the folder and note that the first document I review is an index, but… it has no indexed materials. Perhaps the next page… Oh there's the schedule that I suggested.

Wait no. Changes were made. Lets see... About half of what I wrote is still on of the more.. Official lessons have been exchanged for "practical foundation lessons"

Mr. Clutches signature in the bottom tells me who made the adjustments. I guess father isn't going to know that I can actually help with planning something. The apparent reason for it is something i'm not happy about as I want recognition for my labors, but in light of who my father is and how he would receive this paper If it was submitted by me or Mr. Clutch.

That difference would most definitely impact whether the timetable is rejected or allowed. I suspected that was being too...forthcoming about this, and now I see why.

Either I get some of my desires granted or none at all. I sigh briefly. Not yet.

"Everything to your liking young miss?"

I look up from the folder and meet his red eyes. Is that supposed to be a loaded question?

I put on a smile and nod.

"Yes, I find everything inside acceptable."

"Good to hear, now then there is some paper work that requires your signatures right… here."

The head butler pulls out another stack of papers and deposits them in front of me with a thump.

"This is?"

"Planned trips, some are for training and others are related to other ventures. I believe I saw a concert invitation that your father had procured inside. No you aren't to watch this time. He thinks you have had more than enough training to start singing on stage. Included should also be some of the more regular paperwork you should come to expect as a schnee. Its past time you started working for the family."

"What of my training?"

"What of it?"

"Where will i have time for it?"

"It will continue. I already mentioned plans for new training alongside this. You are capable enough to learn while working young miss. No need to worry about that."

"No I- what of my own schedule?"

"It will be changed to fit what is inside those papers I handed you so it would be best if you familiarize yourself with its contents. That is once you sign it."


I look back to the stack of papers and take the first one from the top, beginning to go through the stack. A list of places I'm to sing later this year. My opening concert tour, arrangements to find a composer, Ice skating performances, find a partner related to the Atlesian Military for additional competitions? Begin dual competitions at various locations in Atlas, Vale, Mistral,Vacuo, and MENAGERIE?!

I would almost expected a visit in Calor to pop up on the list given the lineup, or the Glenns, although that last one might be in the vale list.

I'm still undecided whether Glenn is part of the Kingdom of Vale given what I read. Technically it is since they did not directly apply for being a different kingdom, but they aren't managed by the council.

Back on topic Weiss. A visit to Mistral to observe the Masters Ceremonies. Attendance of banquets, balls, birthdays, marriage ceremonies, Art gallery exhibitions and openings, a ceremonial ship launch? Is the Atlesian airfleet expanding? No probably a renovation where they rename the ship? No jumping to conclusions. I'll just need to read that file later, these are dated later so I will have some time to read up on them.

"Mr. Clutch, are these all the files?"

"Oh of course not miss, I have yet to print off some of them as the events haven't been scheduled yet. That folder should cover some of it, note how there is a lack of dates in the file for some events. That indicates there will be more than one."

"I see thank you for clarifying."

"Of course."

Mr. Clutch didn't even bother to look up from his paper work as he answered me, but I preferred it that way. He had an intensity in his eyes that I found unnerving for an unexplained reason.

Oh! The Vytal Festival! That's next year though. So I finally get to attend that. So much to do, but at least I can finally get out of this place. I sign off on that as well as It's the one thing I know I wish to attend. The Dust Designers Expo as well as the... The Glenn Drills… ok which one?

Wait no that's not it why are we- why am I going there?

"Sir?"

"Yes Young Miss?"

"I was wondering why I am attending the glenn drills?"

"To observe of course, but the particular drill that you will be attending shouldn't be for awhile, currently it would be wasted on you."

"I see, thank you."

Control Weiss, just ignore it, that's his normal way of speaking… That particular thought didn't help my mood. Winter would just continue not caring about what others thought. I take a deliberately slow breath and let my lungs fill before exhaling. My muscles which had previously tensed relaxed. OK. much better. I look back down to the papers. So many formal events. Wait I have to host one? I almost ask, but stop as I shouldn't look clueless about this. I'm sure it will be explained later. So I'm hosting an event what kind though? It doesn't say anything, only that I'm hosting and then later I'm to attend the… oh my… The Gathering of the Kings.

I push myself away from the table

"young miss?"

I stand up

"Just taking a walk to get something sir"

"you should have brought it before you arrived."

"Indeed, but I'm going to get it now"


I stand make my way around the table and exit through the white door. Taking a right down the hallway, I proceed down and around the bend on the right to my room. Once inside I walk up to my bed which has been made.

A new blue satin sheet replacing the previous one. I get on my knees,which leaves me on a white rug on the bedside, before reaching under and pulling out a white rectangular case. My first real birthday present from Winter. I run my hands along it and grab the handle before turning and exiting the room. Returning myself to the Managerial Office.

"Young miss?"

"Mr. Clutch will I have a weapons instructor?"

"Yes she will be arriving next month to get you started on your form, again don't practice with Myrtenaster until you have a weapons instructor, what you could do however is visit the gym inside the White Rose, I'm sure the staff could get you moderately prepared.

"Moderately sir?"

Mr. Clutch sighs and leans back in the chair before giving me a critical eye as he looks me over.

"You have been sedentary young miss. You did not experience what should have been a physically active last year, which would have been the case had you been a tour guide for that year, but your previous conduct saw you no longer operating in the capacity . Your recent usage of the time that left available has dealt with acquiring some wouldn't do for you to be brought up a brute,but you should be able to defend yourself."

"Sir I was told that my aura unlocking would deal with that."

"Were you now? Aura is a great thing and is quite versatile, however one should never place all their eggs in the same basket, basic economics young miss. You should also educate yourself on the basics of aura. Second hand knowledge or lazy reading should be investigated. Now if you wish to be moderately prepared then go ahead and make your way to the Gym inside the White Rose. Oh and take Heiter with you. That is after you sign the papers."

"Yes sir". I set down Myrtenaster's case and head around the table to the papers and sign off the last ones. I then pick up the case once more before making to exit the room

"Young miss."

"Yes sir?" "Make sure to have the staff get a look at your weapon before starting you with a routine, no machines."

"Yes sir." I close the door and make my way down to the first floor, passing the library intersection once on the far side opposite the stairs I make a right for the sun room as that's the fastest way outside. I had left the glass doors open in the west sun room when I previously passed through.

The sunlight shines through the top and refracts in the blue painted glass near the circular border of the ceiling, leaving a patterned shade in the room. Finally, some actual sunlight today, although it will not last. I walk around the small silver pedestal with the circular table which sits atop it before exiting through the side. The glass door slides and closes as I move along to the last bend in the library exit.

I follow the hallway left before I need to make my way to the last door. I wonder how Heiter has performed with the assignment I left him?


Heiter's POV

Cat… OK there's that letter drawn as asked, has the curves just right too.

I look at all of my work so far and smile as I have them all nice, neat and… clean. I get set to work on A-Alpha again, but hear the door creak open so I turn my attention there.

"Heiter."

I wave at her and motion for her to come down to where I am.

"How was the writing?"

Weiss sits down next to me after which I hand her my writing binder. She begins to look at it and flips the page, then the next.

"Heiter." Oh she sounds tired?

"While I can appreciate your drive for perfection with this, you only managed to draw….Twelve instances of each letter. Now granted they are near perfect copies of each other, but should practice like you intend to write in the future."

Weiss closes the binder and returns it to me.

"For now this is acceptable if you can identify the letters for me. Please point out an A from the example page.

" Alpha… I put my finger on the letter in the top left corner.

"Bravo…" I move my hand to the right once. "Charlie or Cat"

My hand moves over once more.

"W or Weiss"

I didn't… practice that one? I look up at Weiss who nods at me with some encouragement.

"Go on."

Ummm… It's near the end but not the Y. I slide my finger three letters away from the last one and look back at Weiss questioningly.

"Good good. I'm glad you remembered that. This wasn't a waste then. Now Heiter I know you're using a pen, but in the future you should write at least seven pages with the amount of time I left you, front and back. Clear?

I affirm my understanding with a cheerful shake of my head and raise an eyebrow, before pointing at the third letter. Was is that one?

"Yes good, see we can slowly talk in some sense if you learn! Granted your capacity is limited to the first three letters and sounding them out, but with enough work we can get you there."

Weiss puts her hands together, apparently thinking about something.

"As much as I want to continue this it's eight pm now."

I flop down onto the headrest I made myself with her blanket while she was gone.

"No that doesn't mean go to bed, We need to visit the Gym... I can't believe I said that."

I look quizzically at her. whats a gym?

"I am not lazy, there has simply been no demand of me to "exercise" in the past, no demand equals no supply Heiter."

I cock my head to the side and look at her.

"Economics, something you will learn eventually. We need to go to the gym and meet with a trainer. According to Mr. Clutch, I apparently have been behind on my physical investments in myself. Now then get up."

Weiss stands up and leaves the dark blue blankets on the gray couch, before walking into the pit and looking at the empty fire. She turns back and looks at me.

"I suppose teaching you about dust is also something that needs to be done soon, but it can wait until after your English basics are finished and we can have a normal conversation."

She seems to hesitate about something for a moment, but then walks up next to me at the rail before the stairs.

"Lets leave, its only going to get later, I'll have the books left here for now so we can come back and study them."

She then makes her way up the stairs and up to the exit with me trailing behind her. Once i'm on the same level as her she gives me an expectant look, which I respond to by opening the door for her. My reward for that is a brief smile and a quick exit on her part.


I follow to keep up with her and hear the door slam after a few moments as I forgot to close it.

"I don't think it needs saying, however remember to close the door next time Heiter, it won't do for you to slam them." I nod apologetically and we continue onward down the pathway, past the stone garden of people, past the fountain, which we branch off onto the path that leads to the back of the White Rose where we exited previously if I remember correctly?

It was what I did before arriving inside the. Once the White Rose loomed over us, casting its shadow due to where the white… is it yellow or orange now? Anyway the ball is closer to the land now and has a darker color. I blink and stop staring at it as it leaves spots in my eyes. I blink it away to no avail as I follow Weiss up the several sets of steps, until we arrive at a door. I step up to it and open it for Weiss before having to close it quietly and then opening the inner door. When we finally do find ourselves back in the giant circular hallway I look as Weiss expectantly.

"This way"

She heads over to one of the doors lining the outer wall and opens it, revealing a staircase that goes goes both up and down. Weiss quietly says something about the gym being below and makes her way down the flights of stairs, shoes making that clicking sound against the metal. Once we hit the next floor I run to open the door.

"You don't need to do that yet Heiter, just learn the path first, however do make sure to close the door and keep it from slamming."

I stop for a moment and then nod. That makes sense. I can't get in front of her easily to open the door if I have no idea where we are going. Oh wait there she goes again! I follow through the door, just barely keeping it from slamming. That would have been embarrassing. I notice we are in one of those ring like hallways again. Does this continue on each floor?

I follow Weiss across the hallway to the inner ring and walk in front to open the door.

"Good… now when the door is obvious please do that, I realize the stairway would have been hard for you to pass me, but here make an effort like that one just now."

I grin, to which Weiss seems to remember something.

"Oh but when you do this in public, as in other people are around, you must not be seen smiling."I stop for a moment and think about that. Why? "Heiter it's not you, but the role you represent, just be… pleasant."

I affirm my understanding… or at least my partial understanding.

"Good, now then…" Weiss is looking at me… oh right the door!


I push it open and follow her through into a circular room with large circular floor like the one on the previous floor, but is smaller, the reason seems to be due to… bulb shaped rooms that protrude from the wall.

I look to the right and confirm that we are between two such rooms. Oh they have a single glass panel running along the edge of the bulb, although it's big people height so I can't see inside from here.

One day i'll be tall enough to look inside. For now though…

I walk over to the wall on my right and hop up to grab the edge so I can pull myself up to peek inside. Just enough room for me to sit. Hmm nothing in particular inside the rooms, although there is a closet on the left, right and something below me. I can't make it out from this angle though. Ok... I heave, spin and sit myself on the edge.

The main room seems to have plenty of things I don't know scattered around the room in an orderly fashion with similar object being near each other. A circular counter is at the center of the room, with a spiral staircase in a glass tube worked into it? ah Weiss and another person are over there. I should probably head over there. I push myself off the ledge and walk over to them, passing the… things.

"Ah and is this the other individual you mentioned?"

I look at the speaker to find a um ok no greenery on top, wait no it's called hair.

"Keeps me aerodynamic sir, limits drag."

Oh he's staring at me now with green eyes that seem to stand out against the dark green short shirt, long black pants and shoes that he is wearing.

"I don't bite, unless told to, now then young miss you asked for some lessons?"

"Yes, like I said I need something suitable for using Myrtenaster. Wait when did she have the case… I rub my head. Heiter you're tired. Rubbing my eyes I look over at the two.

"Is he all right?"

"Yes he has just had a full day"

"I see, perhaps we should get you all started tomorrow then?"

Weiss shakes her head.

"No we wasted enough time not coming here, can we start?"

"Ma'am, I would like to, but I just realized there is an additional problem. We lack attire that would fit the two of you, this also includes shoes as I hope you don't plan on working out in that. I doubt your flats and his topsiders make for good exercise. Hold on you said he had a full day, did that include the reservation of the dynamics room earlier today?"

"Yes?"

"sir could you take off your topsiders?"

The man looks at me expectantly. I nod and lift my left foot to take off the shoe, then do the same with my right.

"Socks too"

I nod and repeat the action, only for the socks this time.

"Hmm. No blisters, good. For the future whenever you enter the White Rose facilities for the purpose of exercise I will require you to have tennis shoes and be in suitable attire. Should I find you in anything else I will ask you to stop unless a suitable explanation is given.

"Well Mr. Laufer what would you have us do?"

"Ma'am I would have you stop, go to bed, and prepare to get up tomorrow morning at 070-7am as we need to go shopping in Flachland."

"Can't you… do that by yourself or arrange for someone to get it?"

"Ma'am, I apologize, but we are insufficiently staffed to provide that service at this time. I could go alone to acquire the necessities, however a wider range of shoes would need to obtained than if I left with you."

"Then do so please."

"Yes ma'am, what about you sir, would you like to head to town to get your clothes?"

A town… I always wanted to see one! I almost bounce out of my skin with excitement as I smile.

"Ok then I need you to be up and ready by 7am in front of the residential building."

Umm where is that? "Ma'am does he know where the front patio is?"

"N-No he does not."

I see, sir wh- apologies you can't speak, Ma'am what is his residential number?

"R-4"

I see, be ready outside your room, I'll pick you up there. Now if you could leave the gym, I have to close down the facilities and lock up."

"yes we shall leave now." Weiss turns around hefts the case which is "Myrtenaster" and makes her way through the gym to one of the exits.

"Go on now I'll see you tomorrow"

I look back at Mr. Laurer, who is walking back to the counter. I then turn away and quickly head after Weiss. She is waiting at the door for me and when I arrive my hand reaches for the doorknob. I pull the white door open and close it as I manage to stay behind her, working our way back into the staircase to the ground floor. Once we find an exit we leave the white rose from the back or we would have if Weiss didn't stop near at the door.

"Listen"

I do as instructed and stop.


SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Oh it's raining outside. Ummm? I look at Weiss and open the door.

"No why are you heading out into the rain."

But… I need to go to sleep… Weiss sighs after looking at me. She walks over to a silver bin and pulls out one, pauses and then two clothed sticks. It looks like a dress almost.

"When it's raining, use an umbrella. Here this one is yours."

She hands me a dark blue "umbrella" and keeps the silver one. Ok… I make to walk outside again.

"WAIT. Ok Heiter stop"

Weiss pulls me back.

"Watch."

She partially walks out and pulls the umbrella out, before she pushes something on the inside which pushes the dress out to the top, tightening it. She then steps out between the pillars, down the steps into the rain and looks back at me as it doesn't touch her.

"Your turn."

I look inside the umbrella for something to push and find it, after testing it I realize I have to squeeze something to push it properly. Ok… Now then. I walk partially out as I tighten the umbrella's dress allowing it to cover me. The rain for its part is loud, but it's making a bouncing sound against the umbrella.

"Come Heiter."

I look over and notice Weiss is slowly walking down the sets of steps to the walkway. Progress is slow since it's raining and even with the umbrellas we are still getting wet as the wind picks up.

The rain is somewhat… cold, but my body is keeping me warm inside. When we had finally passed the fountain and the small bridge Weiss sped up until we made it to the door, I opened it and a white blur passed me as she went inside. Once we were both inside I noticed her putting the umbrella inside a similar bin to the one in the previous room.

"That was utterly… useless. We are SOAKED."

It was true, the umbrellas helped in the beginning, but that was about it.

"Remind me to have the staff put not just coats, but rain coats as well in storage for room exits as well as better umbrellas… I forgot to ask Mr. Clutch about that and..."

I barely made out the last bit she was saying, so i turn my attention elsewhere.

Our clothes were clinging to us and while it felt good having something cool against my skin I wanted out of my white shirt and brown pants… I think my underwear is soaked. I can't get the bed soaked like this. I begin to make my way to the next door so I can travel to my room, but am stopped by Weiss.

"Wait, we need to stop dripping. We also need to be quiet so no running through the hallways, I don't want us being seen like this."

I look at her as I raise an eyebrow.

"It would complicate things.

" Ok I look away and we wait in the room for a bit before we stop dripping I'm on one side of the room and her the other.

"Good, now then we should take off our shoes. We may slip on the marble floor considering that our shoes are still soaked."

To demonstrate, Weiss suddenly moves her... Didn't the man call them flats? Anyway she moves her shoes which causes a squeaking noise against the floor, which prompts her to stop. I tenderly move my feet and feel the slight loss of traction between my shoe and the floor. Alright off with them then.

I sit down on the blue rug near the door and take my shoes off. Once done I notice Weiss had already finished, little white feet bare against the floor.

Ah right socks… after removing them I stand up and look at the white haired girl as she holds her flats in her left hand similar to how I am now.

"Ready? Good."

Weiss turns, opens the door, and begins to slowly make her way down the hallway, feet patting against the white stone floor... I stretch a moment as I feel tiredness beginning to creep in again. I won't have to fight it much longer, just need to make it to my bed.


'My bed' I like the sound of that. I catch up with Weiss as we pass through the circular glass room. I look up. The lights were… dimmer than I remember. The room and the hallways were darker. The candle was lit, but that was it for the circular room so we slowly made our way around the round silver table and pedestal which was the only thing I could really make out due to the candle that sat atop it.

The rug muffled our movement up to the other door. Quietly closing the door we eventually hit the intersection and slowly made our way up the stairs.

"Careful, don't slip and fall."

I slow down further and keep behind Weiss, once we ascend the staircase we make a left turn and ascend the second flight to the hallway before the one with our rooms. The final step behind us, Weiss stops and makes a shushing sound to get my attention.

"Mr. Clutch sometimes stays up to work in the managerial office when visiting. Be quiet so as to not disturb him while passing through this hallway."

I nod and follow after her as we ever so slowly make our way across the hallway. We pass six doors and I notice the last one on the right has a light coming out from underneath. Is that Mr. Clutch?

I walk past the room and after about twelve more steps Weiss returns to her normal stride, to which I respond by copying her. We quickly make our way past the bend to the right and stop in between our two respective rooms about halfway down the hallway. Weiss opens the door to her room and glances back at me.

"Good night"

She then closes the door. She sound tired.

Speaking of which. I turn to my room. Wait is it thinking of which for me or? Anyhow, bedtime.


I open my own door and look at the chair on the opposite side of room, on the right side of my bed. The clothes I had left there are gone again, let's see, I should get out of this first. I walk around the left and circle around my bed to the chair to set down my black shoes-topsiders next to it and the grey socks on the backrest.

Need to remember the names for everything. Weiss used flats, me topsiders.

I pull my arms inside the shirt and push off the wet white thing over my head. I remember that last bit and catch it before it falls to the floor, setting it where I had placed my socks. Unbutton the brown long pants… how am I going to make this not fall to the floor? Umm. ok. I sit myself down on the chair and remove the pants. Ok fold them and place it on the backrest as well?Yes.

...

annd done.

Well minus the mini pants- I remove those next and leave them with the rest. Now done. Ok next… I walk over to the drawer opposite the bed and pull out one of the lower ones to reveal my white sleeping clothes, consisting of pants and long shirt which are oh so soft and smooth.

Ok set that on the bed.

hup

nand done.

Now before putting that one I need a new set of mini pants. I walk back to the drawer, close the previously opened portion and pull another out by the knob to reveal my stacks of minis. Grab one, push the drawer back in, and put it all on… Ok finished. OHHH this feels so GOOD. I pinch the material with my left hand, rubbing it between my fingers for a moment before looking at the bed.

Now then… I hop up onto the bed which is huge… maybe grown up size? Nah no thinking bout that time for sleepy time. I tuck myself under my now dark blue sheets and the silver under sheets that are made of something similar to my sleeping clothes. I grab one of the pillows and settle my right arm on it.

Hmmmmm...

One more pillow…

I grab one and snuggle against it between my left arm, chest, and face.

goood...


E/N- we have come so far, and yet we are still only on day 2 heading to day 3, but things will eventually speed up. - Havoc

A/N- Maybe, also ello all. hope your having a pleasant day. Look forward to the next chapter!