Kite reached out slowly, staring in awe as she took the collar in her hands. It was unclear which of her was guiding the reverential exploration with eyes and fingertips, turning it back and forth.

After a time, Kite's eyes rose, clutching the collar to her chest, starting to cry softly as she stared up at Vera, the woman this band would mark her as belonging to, in whole and in parts. "Thank you, Mistress."

"May we... May we put it on, Mistress?" The longing in Kite's voice makes clear that Sowrd is likely to meet no resistance from the others in being very thorough in explaining to anyone who might suggest she take it off why this is a bad thing to suggest.

One did not need to be an empath to know those tears were tears of joy. The woman's aura felt warm to the Head Girl, making her smile faintly that she at least brought some level of pure happiness to her. Seeing such a reaction to a simple accessory, she knew that this woman would be her precious slave without question. Kite had been doing very well since their first meeting, always improving and doing everything to please her owner. Giving a little in return was no issue at all after such displays of loyalty.

"Of course," Vera answered, "It is yours. Do as you wish with it. It would please me greatly if you chose to wear it." She noticed that Kite was using the title of Mistress when referring to her now. It was possible that Kitten was saying such words but it was difficulty to say as all three shards seemed to show much joy for this gift. It did not really matter when it came to Kite as no matter the title, the student would always obey and perform within expectations.

She waited for Kite to put the choker on. It fit perfectly, hugging her neck but not hindering the woman's breathing or ability to swallow. Vera gave her pet a moment to get used to it being on, letting her trace her fingers along the band. The Head Girl stepped closer and lightly stroked the woman's cheek. "As I told you before, Miss Kite," Vera said softly, "I accept you as my pet and slave. Nothing short of the school itself will change that. Now you have this to show everyone that you are forever mine."

"You need not worry about the guests," she continued, "I know they can be... destructive when it comes to gifts and belongings. If your collar becomes damaged or destroyed, tell me and I will have another made for you."

It would please me greatly if you were to wear it.

As if there could exist in this situation more than one response to words like that.

Kite's body shook as she closed the clasp around her throat, a chaotic surge of joy running through her, moaning and mewling as she rubbed at the edge where cloth met flesh.

It was definitely kitten who purred so ecstatically and nuzzled into Mistress's palm, though the other two echoed it completely. "Yes Mistress, we're yours. Your pet and slave."

"Such good girls," Vera praised in a soft voice, "That is not the only reason I called you here though. I do have one more gift to give you three but it will have to wait till later. For now, there is a chore that Kitten needs to do. You two may help her if she wishes it. Enjoy your gift while you clean my suite. Return to me when you finish."

The Head Girl lifted Kite's chin higher, silently commanding her pet to rise to her feet. She then pressed her lips to Kite's, kissing deeply. "Mm..." she did enjoy the taste of submission in her slaves. The kiss would hold for a minute, her tongue sliding into her pet's mouth and taming her tongue before finally withdrawing. "Do not rush but do not keep me waiting either, my lovely slave," Vera cooed softly. With that, she released her pet and allowed her to get to work. She would return to her desk to take care of some work on her own as well.

Standing was easy. Staying standing? Much less so. Being taken carries far more weight when one has given oneself up. And now around her neck was the symbol of not only having given herself up completely, but having been taken just as completely.

"She won't want our help, mia regina."

"This one's been practicing, Mistress!"

"But she will have it if it is required, nevertheless."

The bizaare conflicting urge visible just in how Kite turns to move toward the sink to gather supplies is perhaps amusing, the slightly jerky motion born of kitten trying to scamper while Sword wants to sashay. Really, perhaps the notion of Sword trying to sashay is amusement enough. But they arrive without incident, and the fruits of kitten's preparation is clear, setting out all the various supplies, each at the first place she will need them in a circuit around the suite. A bizarre system, perhaps, and in all likelihood, as each section done leads to moving that type of cleaner to where it will next be needed, no more efficient than making several laps, one with each type of cleaning agent to be used. But it is an attempt to be better, and while their collar suffuses them with an emotional euphoria far greater than the pelvic disc did, it is far less prone to interfering with locomotion.

kitten, like both other shards, clearly felt that any task should have a target not just of competence, but excellence. Still, it was a big suite, and with her attempting each type of cleaning simultaneously, and knowing to do the windows, it would likely be some time before she would face her suctional nemesis.

Despite it being Kitten's task, there were some jerking motions as Sword tried to flaunt her swaying hips to her Mistress as she left. Vera did not mind and had no intention of ruining their emotional high they were having right now. Though it did not matter in Kite's case, at least she was clothed in her uniform this time. There would be no need for concern of others seeing her not that her pet ever had that concern in the first place.

Vera was not keeping track of Kite's progress as she went from one area to the next. There did seem to be alot of going back and forth, the curious little kitten scampering with an item used in one room being taken to the next then going back to do something else. Kitten will eventually learn to be efficient. Until then, at least Kite will be getting some good cardio from all the moving about the large rooms. There was no piece of technology giving her endless stimulation this time so movement was not that much of an issue.

Once Kitten returned claiming the task was complete, the Head Girl would stroke Kite's hair and rise to her feet. She examined each room briefly, checking for dust here and there and ensuring the windows were spotless. "You did very well, Kitten," she praised, "In the future, I would like you to learn how to clean the bathroom as well and the mirror in there." The Head Girl returned to the main room where her desk was before asking another question. "I never asked before but do any of you three have any experience with cooking and preparing meals?" It was not a serious matter if Kite had no experience or skill in making food. But, it was getting close to dinner time and it would be best to get a meal in before the fun begins.

Analyzer would be sure to push for efficiency, even if the main thing kitten was learning was that her Mistress seemed to like her getting hot and sweaty. Being displayed meant nothing, the only shame was failure, after all.

"Yes Mistress! This one will learn! It's gonna be the cleanest mirror ever!" Tasked, praised, and stroked. kitten didn't see the need for much else in life. If Analyzer and Sword had anything to say about kitten's exciteability as they followed back to the desk, they, perhaps wisely, kept their comments to themselves.

The cooking question, however, places a uniquely speculative expression upon Kite's face.

"Well," Analyzer dithers, "technically i do have a significant amout of experience at food preparation, Miss Matsumoto."

"No." Sword is much more insistent, "Masino, what you call cooking turns out better than scav, but that's no achievement to brag on! Mia regina, i can handle some really simple stuff, but please, don't let Analyzer try to cook! She did fine as an assistant to someone competent back...before, but on her own she keeps trying to come up with 'enhancements' that... Well no, just no."

It was amusing hearing from Sword that Analyzer was an awful cook. Apparently the logical calculator liked to experiment when cooking. Sword did not seem too confident on anything particularly fancy. Vera could only assume that Kitten's version of preparing a meal would involve ice cream and putting as much sweets and chocolate on it as possible. Pleasant but, not something one should eat every day. Still, it would be best to have something to eat tonight before Vera gives another gift to her pets.

"I see," Vera replied, "Since you believe you are the most capable, you can decide, Sword. You can either prepare a meal for me to eat or you three can go out and bring back some food from either the cafe or minimall. This is a special occasion so I will allow you to order food instead of cook for me." With their three personalities, it came to no surprise that none of them had any cooking experience. Kite did not really take good care of herself from what she seen before taking her in. Forcing them to learn to cook would only cause more harm than good. So giving them alternatives was the best course of action. "Your task is given, return when dinner is ready. Do bring enough for yourself as well. I do not want you to starve tonight."

Sword nodded with a bit of a wistful smile, "At once, mia Regina." She obeyed the implicit dismissal, thankfully getting all the way to the elevator before Kite started arguing with herself.

"That was not exactly nice of you, just now."

"Nice? Masino, if any of us are known for 'nice' it ain't me."

"Well, i am improving, after all."

"But 'better than scav' is still all that's honest. Really, masino, why bother with it? Only one of us was ever any good at cooking, and she-"

"What -about- her, Sword?" Analyzer snapped bitterly, "And she -what-?"

"She's gone, masino! We're not getting her back!"

"You think i want her back, after what she's done?" There was a long moment of silence. "Where is she, Sword?"

"Gone. The Flame is gone."

"Not platitudes. Where Is She? i can smell what she's doing, i -know- you know where she is."

"i can't-"

"You know."

"...Dorm building C, 7th floor, room 713. But what can we do about it?"

"Practice cooking."

"What?"

"If we leave things that were hers for her to reclaim, the bond stays. So her skills, her passions. We have to reclaim them, you and i. Close her out. We've been lucky, so far, that kitten's only been brought out fully in Miss Matsumoto's suite, too far away for our fallen flame to know of it."

"Dammit, masino, you're running filters again, aren't you? Letting kitten hear this would light her up like a beacon."

"You say that as if i ever stopped. The promise only pertained to filtering you."

"You can stop there, masino. i get you. And we don't ever trust to luck. But we're running out of elevator."

Cooking might no longer be a specialty currently residing within Kite's body, but all of her could certainly be called proficient at eatiing. And the minimall provided a wide range of options.

"Did any of us ever ask what Miss Matsumoto likes eating?"

Thankfully, if there were any prefects around, none of them were likely to speak the language Sword was having a temper tantrum in.
------------
Some time later, Kite let herself back into the suite, Analyzer winning the arguement about knocking in that their task clearly indicated a go-and-return, well-laden with bags.

"We're back, Mistress!" Kitten beat the other two in calling out, as both Analyzer and Sword had been intending to approach first, "We'll put everything on plates and be right out!" Shock was plain on Kite's face at kitten taking charge this way, but they weren't going to stop her from dragging them into the kitchen.

Lacking information, they had gone for small amounts of several different things, so upon the dining room table there soon was a moderate platter of assorted dumplings, two small bowls of some kind of stew, and two plates of rice and curry, along with variegated cutlery.

Going as far as the elevator put the trio out of range of Vera's empathic sense though even if she did sense the conflict, she would just assume it was an argument over the food. Sword had apparently decided that going out and getting take out was the best course of action. The Head Girl did not mind. She just did not want to miss a meal and having dinner with one of her pets would be pleasant.

It took a bit longer than normal as Kite ordered a large variety of foods to ensure that their owner was satisfied. Her pet let herself back into the suite as knocking was not required and sure enough, Kitten was the first to pipe in. That particular shard has changed quite a bit since that timid girl with that glassy look of longing back when they first met. Kite brought the food to the table and Vera merely walked to where her chair was and waited to be seated by her slave.

She would allow her pet to make her plate and try the various foods available. For the most part,the food was good across the board. Having warm cooked food was always good. After she sampled a bit of everything, she would speak up. "This will do," Vera said calmly, "I will have some water as well. Do make yourself a plate and sit at the table. I do not have company often beyond my other pet coming to tend to my needs. I do hope I am not keeping you from prior plans." Vera was merely being polite though. It did not matter if Kite had plans or not. If she called, she expected her slave to come immediately. The Head Girl would sip her water and continue eating once Kite joins her at the dinner table.

kitten is all too eager to scamper off to fetch two glasses of water, sitting down opposite her Mistress with an eager smile and plating her own meal. "We do not tend to make plans contingent upon specific times, Miss Matsumoto." Analyzer answered, "They have a tendency in most environments to be readily disruptible, let alone at this school, and what few we have seen through to completion have... come at great cost. We are happy to be here. With you."

All of them had changed, though kitten was certainly the most noticeable in her growth. Curiosity stirred about the other pet, the one with whom Kite shared a leash, but now was hardly the time to ask such things, if ever there was a 'right' time to ask, rather than be told or shown.

Hopefully the food is good. Kite barely tastes it, her focus almost entirely on watching and listening for if there was anything more she could do for her owner. The rest of her attention is on holding in check the ingrained habit of eating as quickly as possible and eating instead at a more reasonable pace.

"I am pleased to hear that, my pets," the silver haired woman replied, "I trust you are doing well with the council in organizing the events. Will you be able to finish in time for the next semester to start? And what projects have you been working on lately. I like to know what my pet is up to." It was just simple conversation over dinner. The Head Girl ate at a modest pace, taking her time in letting the food warm her body before cooling it with sips of water.

If Kite did not wish to talk much, that was fine as well. She expected her questions answered but the Head Girl would not pry any further than that. In either case, dinner would continue without issue. Once Vera had her fill, she would kindly push her plate away. "The leftovers can be put in the refridgerator." She rose to her feet and headed for the bathroom to take a shower. She was uncertain what her pet would do after the minor chore was finished but there was no need to worry. Instead, Vera enjoyed the feel of warm water cascading down her voluptuous body.

Kite fidgets some, actually blushing, it's been quite a long time since she had a truly casual conversation, "As of the current level of data, it's already done, Miss Matsumoto. Getting access to histographical timetabling data was invaluable in order to try to align types of events so that the maximum proportion of target audience would be capable of attendance. It would also appear that in the past several venues were simply overlooked because of disagreements between student council members and various members of faculty, particularly the performing arts faculty who evidently used to control event scheduling before it was transferred to the student council? A bit of... unscheduled equipment maintenance was sufficient to get them to at least consider ceasing their obstructionism. If they relent, a number of additional events which had to be turned down can be reinstated...and i have ensured that the proponents of these events know whose minds they must change. A few of them i do not believe are on the protected list, it should suffice."

Sword chose this point to chime in, "The masino hasn't been working on much other than the events, as they're taking up a lot more time, and i've been doing more training than i used to, and... i need to ask for your judgement, mia regina. Some of the other students have noticed the actual sparring matches when i've been training, and... want to be taught. And i don't know what to do about that. Analyzer's getting a lot more... public face than we've had before, with the student council stuff, and i'm worried about what might happen if other student start noticing... what we're like. As well as just a flat out, should i teach them at all, mia regina? i don't know."


At the end of the meal, Kite tidied everything away, unsure what to do, she washed the dishes, trying to leave the kitchen as she found it, sort of thing. She hadn't brought anything to work on with her, so once that's finished, she simply kneels next to the bathroom doorway to wait, letting herself sink into the evening's calmness.

There were some risks for getting Kite too involved with the school. But really, it was not truly a big issue. Most would probably not notice something is wrong unless she changes personalities right before them. Analyzer usually worked on the event planning while Sword practiced on her own and Kitten... well she does whatever preparation she wishes for future meetings with her Mistress. "You have already stated that your fighting ability is not something that can be taught. You can simply tell them that if you do not wish to teach them. Or if you feel more comfortable, I would not mind learning a bit more myself. My presence alone would be enough to deter most from approaching if you want your solitude." Probably not the most pleasant fact but Vera had eyes and ears and knew very well most of the student body feared or hated her due to numerous rumors and her own cold visage.

She left Sword thinking on the matter as she went to take her shower. After getting cleaned up and having a good soak, Vera noticed the faint aura of emotion waiting at the other side of the door. Without even opening it, she called out to her pet. "Bring me a nightgown, my pet." Vera would brush her long silver hair while her pet went to find the requested clothing. Once Kite returned, she accepted the gown and slipped it over her clean body before stepping out of the bathroom. "Much better," she smiled softly, giving Kite a gentle stroke of her hair, "Now for your final gift... You will join me in bed. I want you to wear only that collar I gave you. Join me after you finish changing." With that, she headed for the bedroom.

Sword did have much to ponder... while it was true that her significant capabilities could not be taught, they were either present in someone, or they were not, she could teach the fundamentals, how to observe an opponent, how to keep oneself loose, roll with a blow instead of stiffening. And there was an urge to do so. She couldn't be the rescuing crusader anymore. it had been a delusion to think she ever had been, she had been shown that. But perhaps she could help a few not feel completely helpless. Or, worst case scenario, get them more exercise so they're more durable under the 'clients' abuses.

Sword's reverie continued as the others obeyed the order to fetch a nightgown, it seemed a chilly night, so they fetched one that was geared more towards comfort in that regard than the baser instinct towards gauzy and sultry.

But Sword couldn't keep pondering through the second command, a blush colouring Kite's cheeks even as her eyes light up with enthusiasm, "Yes Mistress!" She's started stripping even before Vera has turned around, and she is not far behind in coming to the bedroom, her uniform, and her leather gloves, lain on one of the dining-room chairs.