Dear Diary,

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!"

- Bob Marley

Yeah, I think my mind is complicated enough already. Trauma from Mom dying when I was thirteen. Trauma from growing up in an 'economically devastated' area, with all the constant fear and insecurity that brings. Trauma from my sister blaming me for ruining her life when my Mom died. Trauma from all the normal stuff that anybody goes through during their teenage years.

Then, before I can fuckin' graduate and move on with my life, maybe finding some kind of way to heal, some fucker shoots me in the head and I die. Since then... life has only gotten ruttier. Seriously, I think I must have had a major 'growing up' moment at some point. Maybe lying there in Sister Siobhan's Infirmary Cot, maybe when I lay there reading Law and Custom of Phileo for the first time, maybe when I realized that my hookup wasn't just a hookup, but a mother who wanted to have something, make something, build something real, with me. Yeah, I'm still coming to terms with that last bit.

Maybe it was when somebody threatened all that and I decided that I wasn't going to go with the flow, lie down and let life take one more fuckin' thing from me without a fight. No matter how big the fuckers trying to take things from me were. My life is all about driving against the ruts, ignoring the 'do not enter' signs, and given who my Patron is, doing so with maybe a little bit of mischief when I can. But putting away Jealousy and Hate? Making the vision of a world where kids grow up, where my own kids are whole people who get to pick their destiny? Yeah, I can get behind that. Putting my dreams out there has been scarier than I want to admit. Setting aside Jealousy, realizing how caustic and toxic it is, has been hard when it's been hammered into me since I was a kid. And Hate. Putting aside Hate, even as a response to Hate. Oh, that is gonna be hard. As my mom used to say, powerful hard.

But like the song says, 'the good is never easy, the easy never good'... wait, shit, did I fuckin' internalize the latter half of that the wrong way? Fuck.

So yesterday after the Command Staff meeting, I deliberately did not go visit anybody regarding my Nefarious Plan, because I figured whoever this 'Master' guy was had to have been a Mage, and a powerful one. which meant that I had to assume that if I knew a Shape or Spell, he probably did too, and knew how to make it go with Miasma instead of Mana. So instead I chatted a little bit about which Undead Killer units had the best clear speed, how many of the troops had live combat experience by now, just general boring bullshit that the fucker either already knew or couldn't make use of. Then I stepped back to Marie and spent the afternoon talking about recipes. As far as I know, Undead don't eat. Let the fucker stew in his own envy or jealousy or just plain hateful rage.

Also it's so fuckin' fun to watch her eyes light up when she starts thinking about some way to recreate something I tell her about.

Last night Saffron finally started on full frontal acupuncture. I'm not sure if I liked watching Marie guide her through pincushioning me or not. On the one hand, I absolutely trust that Marie knows what the fuck she's doing. Hell, I trust that Saffron knows what she was doing to the point that after like the second needle, I didn't even tense when she moved to add another one. But watching as Saffron clearly needed or wanted Marie's help to place something correctly just puckered my asshole a little bit. Really thankful that nothing comes out of that orifice, because at least one of those pins unclenched the sphincter, blasting the room with Pumpkin Spice.

Screw it, all good clean fun.

This morning before the trip, we got everybody all cleaned up. Anna, Devorah, and a short handful of other refugee women asked to come along with us, so after breakfast I pulled Marie aside and said "Saffron and I can handle a dozen people between the two of us, can you handle the rest please?"

She smiled at me, nodded, and gave me a kiss on the temple. "Vlickies."

We gathered up in the courtyard, and I winced a little as the half dozen Maenads with multiple little ones each distributed them amongst the rest. I mean, on one hand I got it. None of them were really settled in here enough to leave the kids they'd claimed behind, and going to a new place I'd sure as shit want one hand free just in case shit went down, but it still hurt to see somebody with that kind of mistrust so deeply ingrained. Of course, I did get it. If Saffron weren't around to hold Isnomi, if I weren't the forklift certified one of the pair of us, I sure as shit wouldn't be putting her down either. Okay, I'd hand her to a Maenad if I needed both hands to properly express my displeasure about something, but I think you get my point here.

We all gathered in a big circle, including two Maries in Glowing Midnight and two in her Maid's uniform, and we stepped to the Practice Yard. I got a little bit of a shock at Headmaster Miles, Marshall duBois, Sister Cheryl, and Sister Trease all standing there with twenty four Cadets in formation backing them up. "Welcome to Phileo City Heroic Academy, Ladies. I'm Headmaster Miles, and this is Marshall duBois. I understand Champion Diaz and Imperator Aetos-Diaz will be giving you a tour of our Academy, our City, and our sister City Camden Yards today."

While the Headmaster spoke, I saw duBois' gaze flick across our crowd, then I felt him Co-Locate somewhere downstairs. Before Miles finished speaking, another half dozen Cadets ran out into the Practice Yard. I'm not sure if any of them caught how each and every one of the visiting Maenads tracked them as they approached, only relaxing when they slipped into formation behind the rest of the Cadets.

"While you're visiting, we've assigned a Cadet to each of you to see to any needs you might have. All of them are fluent in Greek as well as Celtic, so they can translate for you if you wish to speak with any locals whose Greek isn't up to the task."

Did you think of that?

My tiny tyrant replied immediately. Much to my chagrin, I did not. I informed them of our arrival and how many guests to expect, but nothing beyond that.

Good subordinates.

She giggled, although I'm not sure anybody but me heard it. Odd as it seems to think of them as such, but yes.

I realized as the Cadets broke formation and walked smoothly toward the Maenads and refugees, hands loose and clearly empty, that all of them were women. I'd spent so long in the guy-heavy Army and the male-dominated Norfolk area over the past six months that the all girl unit threw me for a second. Once I thought about it for that second, I realized both why they'd done it and why both of the Sisters whose duties didn't require them to stay in their office all day had been included in the greeting party. Other than a few boys so young they were utterly androgynous, every refugee we'd rescued was a woman, and the Maenads were, well, Maenads. All of them had been hunted by the Spartans, who might actually be bigger sexists than pre-Bonnie Lancasters.

"So, you guys coming with us, or do you need to get back to work?"

The Marshall smiled, "we can come along if you want, but I figure your ladies will want to talk with Cadets and the staff more than us."

I shook my head. "Nah. We're good. I'll come get you if we need you."

With that, he laughed a little, then the four of them nodded and left. I turned to our group. "Okay, everybody. I'd kinda wondered how we were gonna show everybody a Dorm room without squishing all of you into ours, but this helps a bit. Any of y'all up on the top floor?" Three hands shot up, and I nodded. "Okay then, that'll do. We'll head to our suite first, and if you Cadets with top floor rooms could do me the favor of opening them up for a bit, so the ladies here can see a couple different layouts?" I wasn't really sure any of the Cadets with us had customized their rooms, but even before Saffron and I moved in together, I'd seen that the rooms that mirrored one another in their had their furniture layout mirrored as well.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

All three of the Cadets with their hands up called out, "Yes, Ma'am!" which maybe startled the refugee ladies a bit, but the Maenads just took it in stride.

"Okay then. Our itinerary for the day is pretty simple. After the room tours, we'll show you guys the Library, then head down to the basement where you can see where the rest of the Maenads do their day to day things. Any of you who want to ask them about life here at the Academy for non-Cadets can do that as well. I'm sure the Cadets can answer any questions you have about being a Cadet."

Devorah raised her hand, maybe a little tentatively, and asked, "why would we need to know about that?"

I love it when I lob a slow pitch and somebody swings at it. "Because you're all living in the Alliance now, and that means that any of you who want to try out, or want your kids to try out, for a slot at any of our Academies are welcome to do so. I'm not gonna lie to you, it's not for everybody. The training is pretty brutal, and I'm talking academics and mana shaping as well as the physical conditioning. But," I paused and shrugged, pure theatrics. "The Academies train the Alliance's Military Officers. I'm pretty sure the Imperator would take it amiss if the Academies tried any kind of bullshit about 'you can't try out here because you're the wrong race, gender, species, or age."

"You are absolutely correct, my Champion," Saffron said as she slipped her arm through mine. it had been a while since I got to hold hands with her without her having Glowing Midnight's gloves on. We'd both gone with our Academy uniforms today, although I couldn't tell you why. Just felt right.

Right about then one of the Maenads tilted her head the tiniest fraction, and somehow a year of living with Marie translated for me. Or maybe it was Blend. At any rate I nodded and said, "even you ladies, if that's what you want. I imagine you'd all ace the physical training." I shot them a smile to take the sting out of my next words. "Law and Custom is a bit of a bitch for everybody, though."

"Speak for yourself, Goof."

I laughed. "Okay, Law and Custom is a bitch for everybody who isn't, y'know, redefining both on the daily."

Saffron laughed at that, and we led everyone inside the Academy. I showed the group to our suite, and when they'd finished they wandered out to see the other three rooms. I kinda drifted with them, and noticed Marie showing off the laundry room on this floor. By her wide eyes, one of the Maenads might have decided to join the next class of Cadets right then and there, entirely for the laundry service. Poking my head into the other rooms I noticed that most of their interior decor wound up being religious in nature. One of them had a really beautiful painting I'd have thought of as a 'fantasy drawing' of a woman made of fire on one wall, and a similar golden metallic bust on her altar. Another had a sheaf of wheat and a sickle. The final one had a painting of a lightning strike on the altar, and a selection of hammers on the floor around it. I maybe got a bit of that mischief in me and Co-Located to the roof for a bit.

After maybe half an hour, we all trooped down to the Library, said hi to Sister Cheryl, then after showing everybody what we could show without unlocking the locked floor, headed down to the basement. I know the Maenads had seen their sisters after the day I rescued all the kids, but they treated it almost like a full on homecoming. The Maids showed off their workspaces and, I think, some of the spots they'd socialize and even sack out when needed. The new Maenads showed off the kids they'd claimed as their own. The Smiths came around to say hi, and I got the weirdest feeling that some of them weren't anywhere near as 'guy' as I'd mentally labelled them as. Either that, or the Maids vouched for them strongly enough that the other Maenads didn't bat an eye when they came around, even letting them see and hold some of the kids.

"Champion?"

"What's up, Anna?"

"How does one gain employment at the Academy?" I turned to ask Marie, because fuck if I knew, but she up and disappeared, then a few moments later she stood there with Sister Siobhan.

The Sister nodded and asked, "were you interested in becoming part of the staff here?"

"Oh, no. Not myself. But some of the others are still seeking a place. Devorah, for example, seems rather eager to find a place for herself."

I choked on my spit as Saffron, Marie, and Sister Siobhan all shot me knowing glances. I couldn't leave it at that, though. "I thought she maybe wanted a spot at our new farmstead?"

"Is that an option?" asked the woman herself, latching onto my bicep on the far side from Saffron.

"Well, I mean... Uh..."

"Of course it is," answered Saffron, "although it would be nice if we had a wider variety of Skills at our homestead."

"Oh! I'm a brewer!" She bounced, and I felt uncomfortably like I'd been sold down the river. "You have to try my mead! It'll take some time to brew and age a good batch, but you won't begrudge me that, will you?" A sweet, sweet, alcoholic river. Fuck it, worst case if she was really bad at it she could get me drunk, right?

Not long after that Marie and a few Maids led us up to the Dining Hall, where for once all the tables were set up. Plenty of Cadets in the Hall, definitely more than I'd seen before. Quite a few had those weird colored nametags. One of those came over to us as the Maids brought lunch out, serving us at the same time they served the High Table at the far end of the Hall. "I... I didn't know the Maids had days off?"

I read the Cadet's blue and white nametag. "Cadet Aetos?"

"Yes, Cadet..." I watched the poor kid's eyes slowly widen as their mouth slowed to a stop. They stared at my nametag like it was about to bite them. Or, really, more like I was about to bite them. Short hair, svelte build, middling voice, no idea if the Cadet was a guy or girl, but honestly? That kinda felt right, them being Cadets first and whatever else next. "I'm sorry, Champion. I..." They spun and were about to dart off, but Saffron's hand lashed out, clamping around their wrist.

When they turned back to us, Saffron quietly said, "why were you asking?"

They turned, gulped, and doing their best eyes-front to look over Saffron's head, said, "I'm sorry, Hero. I've just never seen a Maid out of uniform before, and I was curious. I... wanted to know more about them?"

"First thing to learn today then. Not all Maenads are Maids." She snapped her fingers lightly, and the Cadet's gaze dropped to meet hers. Then slid down a little. Common reaction, I'd done that myself. They're real, and they're magnificent. "Second thing to learn, always be aware to whom you're speaking."

Cadet Aetos' face went pale, and they warbled out, "I be... Forgive me, Imperator!"

Saffron smiled. "Why? Did you do something wrong?"

You mean other than staring at your tits before reading your nametag?

Oh, hush you.

Only if I get to stare at them later.

"Uh... I didn't mean to interrupt your meal?"

Saffron shook her head, smiling. "You're a student, Cadet. You could use some social polish, but you came over because you were curious. I see nothing wrong with that. Now, is your curiosity satisfied?"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"Excellent. Now, go get some food. Cadet training is hard enough without starving yourself."

"Yes, Ma'am!" they near shouted before spinning and sprinting back to their table, where they slid into their seat just in time to get their tray full of food.

If the Maenads liked the food, they didn't say anything about it, but then, Maenads. They seemed to like everything, although liking the shoe-leather beef wasn't really a sign of culinary sophistication. The refugees, on the other hand, treated it more like jerky, but they went on about how good the bread was.

After lunch we wandered out of the Academy, down the Boulevard, and across the river. We showed them all through Grandma's old place, which seemed even smaller than I remembered it with three dozen bodies inside milling around. The Maenads took special interest in the place, holding quiet little conferences in the kitchen, in the bedrooms, in the living room. They even looked out into the anemic back yard, although it looked more like they were assessing a sally port or a potential defensive gap than anything.

As the afternoon wore on, I led them all back across the river.

Are you sure about this? Saffron thought at me.

Sorta? I mean, the kids are my only worry.

We'll let them decide.

Half an hour or so later we stood before the tiny diner in the middle of South Street. I held up a hand to get the rest of them to wait outside, then stuck my head in to find a veritable kindergarten full of assorted kids. "Hey D, you in here?"

D stood from his customary table, then gingerly made his way to me, pulling me into an embrace. "Tabitha! How goes it, little sister?"

I gave him a couple good slaps on the back, then pulled away to look up at him. "You okay? You look a little swamped."

"Children. Everywhere, children! A plague of children!"

From the back of the diner Artemis called out, "you did say I could stay here, brother."

Meanwhile I looked up at him and said, "sure as fuck beats the other kind of plague, right?"

At that he sighed, smiled, and said, "it does indeed," with a chuckle. "It is only... I have no idea what to do with them?"

I chuckled, "aren't you, like, the God of Revels? Where everybody does everything to everybody? Including you? You're telling me you've never knocked some poor chica up before, D?"

He threw his hands in the air. "Probably? But no woman has ever been so deranged as to bring them to me before! Do I look like father material to you?"

You know I couldn't resist a setup line like that, I pulled him down, pulled myself up, until I could breathe into his ear, "do I look like Mommy? Daddy?"

He wheezed out something almost resembling a laugh, then said, "oh, would that I was hip deep in Maenads. They never buried me in children!"

You know your girl isn't gonna miss a setup like that. I dropped down, took his hand, and led him toward the door. "Speaking of, I brought somebody to visit with you."