The Noble Queen-A Shadow Slave Fanfic

Walking up to the pristine buildings gave Noble an immense sense of pride. They would get covered in ash like everything else and need to be cleaned soon enough, but just now they looked like freshly wrapped presents.

'I can't believe we did it!'

The ceremony for the Dreamer Academy's opening had been only two days before. The pomp had included a few government representatives, prominent members of Clan Song as well as many students–both former and current. 

Thankfully that day had passed with beautiful skies as her family applauded her accomplishment. 

Now, the campus was hers to run. Noble was confident she could make things work. 

She had managed to set up a working model in the months since moving to Ravenheart. The building was just the final step in her dream being realized. 

"Excuse me, ma'am. I don't suppose you know who is in charge around here?" 

Noble turned and then averted her eyes with an apologetic smile.

"I didn't know you were back in town, Master Chip!" 

"No one knows my coming and going except maybe the dead gods." The other Master smiled as he pointed up to the most prominent of the new buildings. "Love your new school, Madam Headmistress. She's a beaut. Are you hiring?"

Noble raised one eyebrow. 

"What skills would you want to impart to young, impressionable minds?" 

"You sound like you don't believe I could be wholesome and completely nonviolent around young people. I am an expert in Nightmare Creature Anatomy. If you have that covered, then maybe you need an instructor who specializes in poisons, toxins, and venoms? I have suffered from my fair share and would be glad to go into detail on the side effects and treatments." 

"Oh?" Noble remembered how Chip had lost Jo to the deadly adders.

Had his studies been inspired by the tragedy?

"Sure, I will tell the students about the time I nearly lost a leg to a plant that was yellow and black striped. The thing was so insidious that when it caught me, the tendons in my leg started to disintegrate almost immediately. I could see my muscles as my skin melted and don't get me started on...."

Noble glanced at him, felt the wave of nausea hit her from his flaw and then held up her hand. 

"I think I have heard enough. I am not looking for staff today. I'm sorry." 

Chip tapped his chin. "If it will sweeten the offer, there is a Saint that I'm friends with during my time in the military who is passionate about educating anyone who wants to listen. Top sheila and similar in temperament to you. I could get her in for an interview if you're interested?"

Noble thought for a moment. Having a Saint come and speak would be a special treat. "I will take it under consideration."

The man pumped his fist. "You're the best, Noble."

"I haven't agreed to anything!" The headmistress felt bad for misleading her former battlemate. He was too much of a loose canon to have around mundane youth. "I meant it when I said I am not looking at this time." 

Chip held his belly and laughed. "You even considering my outrageous request is far more than what I had hoped for. I expected to be shot down with extreme prejudice. I'll take what I can get. Good day, Noble. But if you need help with any unruly students, just send word to the Abyssal Fire, and I'll come down to take care of them double quick." 

The tension in Noble's shoulders left as she chuckled. 

"Good day, Chip. And thank you." Noble was never quite sure what to make of the strange man when he appeared, but she felt better after talking to him. 

'I don't know whether students would be intrigued or traumatized by the combination of his flaw and the startling detail of his injuries. Probably both.' 

Noble pushed open the doors of the Dreamer Academy and inhaled the scent of fresh wood and cold stone. 

'It's going to be a good day. I can feel it.' 

The first class would begin in a few hours in one of the practice arenas. Without Spelltech to reinforce the walls and floor, the construction team had gotten creative. While Noble wasn't sure exactly what they had done, there were runes marking many of the walls. Noble was given special instructions on how to activate the reinforcements. 

Part of those instructions included funneling her essence into the special markings. Like a steward opening the curtains of a mansion for the morning, Noble gave each rune a bit of herself in preparation for the arrival of her staff and students. 

When it was completed she moved to her office. 

Her mind went on alert as something moved. 

Sparks appeared in her hand as the Zenith took shape.

"Who's there?!" she demanded. 

From the desk, a man-shaped shadow raised its hands in surrender. Noble lowered her blade.

"What are you doing here?" 

The shadow pointed to the desk. When Noble glanced at it she saw a page folded in quarters lying neatly on the surface. 

She looked back, but the interloper had already disappeared. 

Dismissing her sword, Noble patted the gold bracelets on her wrists. "Good job. We never would have been able to sneak up on him otherwise." 

After taking her place behind her new desk, Noble picked up the letter. 

'What did you leave for me?' 

Since the 'peace offering,' –which ironically had brought with it a heap of trouble– Noble had found notes at odd intervals with random information. None of them were ever signed, but they didn't need to be.

There was only one person who would communicate with her in the secretive manner. Today only confirmed what she already knew. 

The contents of the note were more extensive than previous ones. 

Though I plan to make the Dreamer Academy unnecessary someday, I wish you luck until then. Take care of the students of Ravenheart while I continue with my lone apprentice. Speaking of my apprentice, she is close to a breakthrough. Don't worry. It is completely safe, probably. 

Noble read the note twice. 

The first part was clear enough. While Sunny wanted the day to go well, he eventually hoped that Natural Awakening would replace conquering a Nightmare. 

It was the second part of the message that she studied for a moment. What exactly constituted a breakthrough in the strange Saint's mind? 

Her rudimentary understanding of the process told her that there were stages. The Hopefuls had to take a step toward Awakening before they could join the group. 

But what that step was, Noble had no idea. Maybe if Rain achieved it, Noble would finally be able to put the missing piece of the puzzle into place. 

A soft knock on the door preceded Awakened Halo entering with a bow. Noble put the paper in her drawer, determined to study it more later. 

"Yes?" 

Halo cleared his throat. "The staff is ready and gathered by the front door. Many students are already waiting outside to come in, but we thought you should have the honor of officially opening the doors for the first time." 

"Oh! Thank you." Noble had planned to welcome the staff as well, but it seemed her morning duties and the shadowy intruder had made her lose track of time. 

Standing, she headed toward the door before glancing back at the desk and the note inside of it one last time. 

'He hopes there will be no need for the Dreamer Academy someday. So do I. Until then, we will help all who come through the doors.' 

Passing through the empty halls, Noble approached the Awakened lecturers who were all waiting inside the entrance.

"Is everyone ready?" she asked them with a wide grin. 

The nods of assent gave her the courage to move forward. Placing her hands on the handles, Noble threw back the doors and then held them there with her Ability. 

"Welcome, Potential Dreamers! The Dreamer Academy is officially open!"