The Lonely Thoughts of a Snail in Soil

Preparing for a Beginning

Chapter 7: Preparing for a Beginning

If there is anything you should know about the Hidden, it's that their naming system is based entirely on the obvious. Enchanted mirrors might be known as 'pale masks' or 'broken faces', or simple trinkets might be called 'trinket A.'

All too obvious.

--Excerpt from 'The Guide to the Realm of the Hidden.'

Lilly

"This is a lot to fill out." Coach scrolled through the pages that were the coach's responsibility. He didn't seem upset, just mildly irritated. Like if he had to fart but it wasn't coming."I suppose that's what comes with being a powerful Hidden though: got to make sure the staff is well behaved."

The four of them were sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast. Coach had gotten up early, deciding to make food for the group of them, mostly including a lot of pancakes and bacon and sausage. Lilly decided to as well take advantage of the coffee machine too. She sipped the hot coffee, enjoying the morning breeze easing through the open window. The smells of the lake really resonated, smells of fish and boats, of cold water and soaking wood. Lilly could understand why the necromancer would want to stay here.

Hannah was eating slowly, still a little nervous around their new coach. Lilly would be too if she had been knocked out with a single touch. But they had succeeded, so it was time to celebrate. Not here, once they got home they could at least have a small party.

"It shouldn't take too long. I went through the documents beforehand. Most of it is just setting up contact information, skills, taking responsibility for us, and a few other minor details." Bill had always been the one to think and read ahead. While never the biggest of kids, he was the quickest and most read of the bunch. If there was something to be worried about, he would have found it. "The biggest question I think is if you are willing to teach a class. Apparently a hero coach can teach a class if they have time and if there's room in the schedule."

Their coach rubbed his chin. Lilly was able to finally get a good look at him, since yesterday her heart had been pounding so much that she didn't even examine him, only really noticing the tattoos. He definitely had muscle, but was also tall, though Bill was taller by about an inch. His power and aura made Lilly feel like she was sitting next to a graveyard. That creepiness that comes with being alone with death, where all the eyes of the tombs are watching you.

Though, on the other end, he had a kind smile. It was rather strange, watching him flash one or two while talking. Even with pale white skin, his smile was bright and strong, but it almost felt... forced. Lilly almost wondered if he was forcing the smiles to be happy.

"Are you gonna teach a class?" Hannah asked.

"Hm. Maybe." Coach shrugged. "I don't know if anyone will take it. People don't tend to listen to me upon first encounter."

"You've got a lot of experience though right? I think students will respect that from you," Lilly added comfortingly. "How long have you been a hero?"

"Fourteen."

"Years?" Bill asked.

"No," Coach said. "Since I was fourteen."

Lilly nearly choked on her coffee. "That young? You started that young?"

His kind smile vanished. "Well, I was alone by that time. It seemed like the most logical option, even to young me."

Oh shit, Lilly thought, I didn't even think of that. How long has he been the Last Necromancer? Since fourteen? Sooner? And that was the logical option? Wait, who cares, you insensitive ass. Maybe don't bring that up again.