< Yami Ga Kuru >

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"Well, class is starting in a few minutes, so I guess both. It's our first class together as a team, so it'll be special, and it would suck if you missed it." A worthy excuse. Ever since they enrolled, not a single normal school day passed for any of them. Today WOULD be a special day, if they cared for such small things. The bell rang throughout the campus and school, alerting students that the first class would begin.

"Speaking of which, it's starting now." Before Silver could reject, Enzo grabbed arm and tugged her out of the infirmary and toward their classroom, where all the other students would be going. Up ahead, would be a familiar person for Silver. A boy, who once approached her and Cid on a previous day. His name was Yoko.

Yoko stood amongst the moving traffic of students, with an expressionless face. He waited for members of Team Valor to arrive, as he knew they would. Of course, the first one to be there was Enzo and Silver. Yoko stepped in front of the two, just outside of the classroom. "U-uhm, excuse me.." "The island..." Yoko spoke plainly. "Wh..What?" "I remember the castle." Kenji's ears would perk up from his rest on Enzo's shoulder. "Who remembers?" "I do. My family.. My friends..." The boy suddenly grabbed a hold on Silver's free arm and looked up at her. "You're a samurai, please tell me they're okay! Please say you protected them!"
 
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He sat in his chair chewing over his sprig like a starved rabbit. He was sure he could taste the old background from which the wheat came from. Ryu leaned back and balanced himself on the back legs of his seat, thinking over the recent scarring battle he came from. The bender isolated himself from the students on the lower floors to give them time with another. If he were to address them now it would be too early.

It plagued his mind like a virus. Her eyes, her laugh, they way she taunted and fought; all of what that woman was made his brain pace with questions. Yet--for the most part--he was much more concerned with the students. They stood vast in that black abyss for who knows how long before Hi-No came with reinforcements. The amount of shadow that infected that place was of demonic placement, something he was sure none of them were prepared for. As a mentor he could only hope and pray that they be alright. He could only support them and train them to be ready next time should this happen.

"They're strong kids. All of them.. They had to be to fend off such strong forces. But.. they aren't ready." he said to himself. Hi-No looked up to the sky through a window to his side, making out his Nami's face. "I guess this is what we're here for, isn't it?" he uttered with a smile.
 
Jacen stepped out to class, twirling a small icicle around his fingers as he weaved in and out of the flux of students in the hallway.
Team classes...I should have a good feeling about this whole thing...but for some reason I don't.
Try looking at the positives. You get to learn each others strengths and weaknesses to assist yourselves better, and to grow even more effective as a unit.
Yeah...plus I'll get to see her again...on normal circumstances.
I knew you liked her...so when's the wedding?
Spare me the jokes...I'm just going to keep talking to her, maybe ask her out. Nothing major.
He walked to the classroom, spotting Enzo and Silver along with someone else...much younger than them. Probably a new student who got lost.
Guess I should meet up with them...probably just helping a new kid find his way.
He approached his two teammates, icicle dissolving into a fine snow and blowing away.
"Yo...what's the idea for today? Team training or just a regular class set aside for us?"
 
Silver frowned as Enzo explained his reasons for being there. She figured that was a decent reason to see her. Was she really up for a normal class right now? Unfortunately, before she could decide for herself, Enzo grabbed her arm and dragged her along towards their classroom. She blinked, straightening herself up again once they paused in front of the classroom. However, they were stopped by a small boy, a boy who looked very familiar to Silver. "A-Ah, you're..."

"You're a samurai, please tell me they're okay! Please say you protected them!"

Silver looked down at her arm where the boy had grabbed her and frowned. He had family on the island?
She knelt down next to him, looking him in the eyes and holding his hand. "You.. Had family on that island?... Parents, siblings, friends... Family?.." Silver looked down, hiding her eyes with her bangs. "I..." Letting out a sigh, she shook her head, looking back at the boy with a blank face and completely ignoring the approaching Jacen. "I'm sorry. I-I wasn't strong enough.."
 
The bells rung, a normal day of class begins. Sinclair sat in his medical bed, defeated by more than just a flesh wound. His pride as a comrade to Team Valor was broken just not long ago. His leg was wrapped up in medicinal tape, enchanted by a golden glow that slowly repaired his torn tissues. His leg was sore when idle but inflicted a searing, sharp pain when he attempted to move. It also slightly interrupted the healing process. Regrettably, he had to get up and attend his first class. A short spell under his dormant God Complex almost made him feel as though he should just take the time to loaf off until his leg finally heals and then start traversing about. "Agh.. No, no. You gotta get up Sinny." He kept trying to fight of the sloth building up in him with a constant chant to himself to keep moving. He'd only look worse to the team if he didn't show up for his first "class" with them. But in the back of his head he felt he'd be thrown into another life threatening situation. Even if it did, what more of a say would he have really? Wincing and gritting his teeth at the sharp pain, he tried to drag his left calf over the bed trying his best to not actually "move" it. He finally pulled it over the edge and let it fall, the gravity tugging at it slightly and making it abruptly hit the support of the bed. "Ahagh! Balls." He almost let loose with a harsher curse but had enough composure to keep his vulgarity under control. He grabbed his crutches from the side of the bed and mounted over them, supporting himself up while trying to keep his leg from touching the marble floor. Awkwardly, Sinclair made pace through the hallway and hoped to run into one of his teammates so he could walk to class with them. Maybe even see how they're doing. And by the kiss of lady luck his prayers has been answered. He saw Silver and Jacen not too far down the hall, Enzo as well. There was also a child in Silver's midst. They both had a concerned look on their faces, nothing he felt he should get involved with right now. He tacked his way over to Jacen with the best of his ability to not slip up on using the crutches. How to maneuver with them was still very foreign to him. "Hey..! Jacen! You're off to this class as well?"

Meanwhile... Up above. The Sensei and Apprentice duo remained paired up. They stood infront of the transported Castle Aurora, elevated in the air by other worldly magics. Volitaire eyed the Castle, wondering why the entire structure was taken here. He felt a little more at ease now that he was finished with that confusing situation that threw him under the bus. Still, with all he learned nothing still made any clear sense. His tutor, Alvis, stood beside him with a confident grin on his face also scanned the Castle exterior. As if he knew something about it... Something crucial. Volitaire felt like he was missing something. "Alvis, what significance does this place have to us?" "Significance you ask?" Alvis turned to his memory wiped student, assuming a teacher's role once more. "The 7 Guardian's Rings." Volitaire tilted his head curiously. He hadn't a clue actual treasures resided within Castle Aurora, this cleared things up only by a little. But still left some uncertainty with HIS purpose fighting for them. Especially when his enemies are so vaguely labeled as enemies. "You're saying... We fought for those Rings? But why?" Alvis snickered. "For the protection of Aurora. You see laddy, there's an opposing force that exists as the polar opposite of Aurora. And that's Genesis. That foul Lord Entity despises us Soulless and actively works to eliminate us all because Genesis fears our powers over Magic and other natural pools energy. Genesis aims to eliminate magic and all of us for the justification of its surperiority. Without us, Magic would not exist and neither would Earth. The 7 Guardian Rings, has a special power only appointed to a certain 7. These 7, will be who drives Genesis and her forces away and prevent a genocide that will also surely affect the human race as well. Those who were were fighting back in the Castle? Simply just infidels of Aurora's ire. And you were made an agent of our Dark Lady, Volitaire. That is your significance." Volitaire fed in the information like a sponge, the more this Genesis person was explained the more Volitaire felt a sympathetic rage for Soulless and the humans. To see something with the nerve to end two races of people for the rights to a whole world was beyond what was tolerable to him. More so, his previous morals as a human were beginning to surface, as this was something he felt strongly about. His fist balled up, pulling his skin and protruding his knuckles more. "Ridiculous. I never should have second guessed that child. As well as his allies, if they want to work towards fighting for a bitter end for themselves, then I'll just bring their ends to them. Alvis, please escort me to Saren... I want to know what I can do to assist with putting a stop to this." Alvis' smirk only grew wider and more sinister. He managed to rally his soldier into battle. Now all that was left... Obtaining his flame. A rift opened between them, splitting space and and surrounding the duo, then vanished, vacuuming some of the air inside. Their next stop was Saren's palace.
 
While that night at the island was hectic, it would be hard not to wonder where that portal led to. The entire castle now resided atop a floating island, joined by many more in the surrounding area. This was a realm unknown to man until death. This was the Gaze, life's end. Unlike the realm of the living, this place was bound in the medieval times. No cars, no jets, no cellphones. What existed here was a mixture of magic, swords, and honor.

On another island, separate from the castle, was a city, grand and well built, with a fortress directly in the center of it. The city's name was Zvire, and right now, A long overdue arrival was taking place. In front of the castle was the dark goddess, Aurora. A good look at her original dwelling brought a smile to her face. Around her, was Darkness, and many armed soldiers. Strangely enough, none of these soldiers were corrupted, nor were they Soulless. Each and every one of them were souls that had passed away from the living. The unfortunate would end up in this realm.

"Your domain is waiting for you, mi'lady." stated one of the soldiers. It took them no time to get 'used' to things again. Within minutes, Aurora was within her own section of the castle, while Darkness was in his.

Darkness, however, had visitors. A portal opened inside of a rather normal looking dining room. Darkness sat on one end of the dining table as if he were expecting Volitaire and Alvis to arrive.


Back at the school, the worrying boy's expression went south as soon as he noticed Silver's hesitation. So it seemed the boy's family and friends were killed off during that night, and they were unfortunate enough to die before Team Valor actually got there. "So.. they're gone, then.." Apparently Enzo's words went straight through him. The boy darted past the two and disappeared into the crowd with his hands covering his face. Enzo wanted to follow, but with the flow of students literally pushing them to class, he had no choice. That was when he noticed Jacen and Sinclair there. "Here for class too, huh?"
 
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Jacen sighed and flexed his sleeved arm slightly, trying to normalize the feeling.
"Yep...normally, I'd be off by the ranges for some solo training at this point but since this is a team class, here I am..."
He took notice of Sinclair's crutches, relieved that he was able to move around now.
"How you holding up so far, man?"
Everyone had been healed or far in recovery from their injuries by now, and Sinclair was healing rather well so far. Taking a direct shot and moving on his own already isn't anything short of remarkable.
Somehow...I feel like I could have better guarded that. I would be recovering from a gunshot a lot better than him...feels like it's my fault.
Don't worry about that, what happened has happened. Be glad that he and the others are still in one piece...if it didn't happen at the start, he might have been hit by one of those corrupted rounds.
Yeah, but even then I wonder what I could have done differently...
A normal reaction...just focus on the fact that you're all here now and together.
I guess you're right...might as well look at the brighter side of a dim room.


 
Sinclair blew out a throaty, dragged out sigh at being asked about his condition. It was more that he had to use these crutches to walk about. Sometimes he was afraid his own weight of his upper body would tip him over and he'd fall flat on in face. "Honestly being shot isn't as bad as I thought it may be... I say that because I've got the nurses soothing touch slowly patching me up. I asked how come they couldn't give me an overdose of those recuperating surges. Something like a physical wound has to be treated differently than something magical. I mean... It's agreeable when you try to make sense of it. But egh. Healers. They know best, I suppose.." Sinclair understood healing spells to an extent, but not enough to now some of the more finer details that separated a spell that cured a scrape from a spell that increases the bodies reconstruction of lost cells. Bringing himself back on the topic of his roommate he mentioned training alone? He wondered how productive that was for him, as it showed pretty obviously. He faced that Kaiden fellow on his own. He wondered what his regimen was. "Oh, and you train alone? I was taught by my father. An ex-teach here. He taught Magic's History. A grim history may I add... But he was pretty good as handling the tectonic forces under him and taught me a few tricks. Then I took it a step further and started messing with refined metals. I still remember my Earth magic actually.. But don't find myself using as much. Even though it's more convenient than messing with metal balls." Sinclair shrugged. He tried to reposition himself so he can get some good leverage with these crutches. He felt these things would become more aggravating to deal with as time progressed.

The rift tore through the space in Darkness' palace, opening inside of his Throne Room. The rift collapsed, revealing the two passerby's within. Alvis stepped forward with the same confident grin, feeling accomplished in reeling the impulsive and emotionally confused and driven, Volitaire. Volitaire stayed back allowing Alvis to air what he needs to say to Darkness first. "Saren, our newest zealot for the Baleful Mistress has been attained. As he now needs to learn what is the power our lady has bestowed to him. I honestly think he has something special. I'm picking up something quite distinct. Volitaire, step forward and greet your new Lord." As commanded, Volitaire stepped to Alvis' side. Looking to Darkness with a stern kept frown. The same he's held since his turn. He wasn't sure what to say to Darkness or how approach him, but he's supposed to be recognized as a Lord? He wondered what was he Lord of. "Saren, if I may call you that, Alvis has told me that Genesis aims to eliminate Soulless in it's ill placed hate towards them. If this is so, then I will be sure to aid you in your elimination of this higher being and whatever followers it may have. As I was also told the elimination of Soulless would spell the end for magic and the humans as well? What does all this mean? Alvis did explain much, but everything still appears too cryptic and sudden for this all to just suddenly happen... What brought this war? This hate and soon genocide? What does the destruction of magic mean for humans? Also, power bestowed upon me? I have many questions but have gained no answers... The more I understand, the less I truly know." Volitaire finally spoke his peace. Nothing was really clear to him, he wanted to know what was going on, why was he chosen for this, who Genesis was, and what does it have against Soulless.
 
"Ehh, a few things here and there. Mostly range time with the sidearm and the rifle, some forms with the sword. I never really got to do much training with my elemental magic...house didn't really have the space/reinforcement for that. They can stand a few bullets, but let my mom see electric burns on the walls and she'll lose it."
Jacen grabbed his arm as he exhaled sharply, feeling another twinge in his shoulder.
I need to get rid of this thing...
He pulled the sleeve off of his arm, stuffing it into a cargo pocket on his shorts.
"All of my elemental magic and history was picked up from my grandfather's books and some stories from...well before I was born. With only minimal training time for small offensive and defensive spells...everything else sort of came in the past few days, from...I guess magical puberty? I'm not 100% sure on it myself...I just imagined using my power for a certain purpose and it happened. Guess it's more based around willpower than actually committing spells to memory.
Magical puberty? Ohhh, you're good.
Magical school or not, at least Enzo's familiar actually shows up. How do I explain a disembodied voice in my head that grants me power?
Oh, I don't know...just spit it out?
Do you have some sort of switch for this, or does going from caring mentor to sarcastic bastard just come naturally for you?
Years of practice...and fine, I'll make myself apparent soon enough. Don't rush me.
Everything explained in time, my ass...
Jacen stood conversing with his teammates, still waiting for the others to show up. He couldn't shake this lingering feeling that it was going to be a very long day.

 
Silver had been looking down to avoid the disappointed look she knew was on the boy's face, biting her lip when she heard him speak up again. She wanted to apologize, but what good would that do? It wouldn't bring back the poor boy's family, and she doubted it would help him feel any better. Suddenly the boy took off without saying another word, and Silver stood up, watching as he ran off. She hadn't cared about a single soul on that island before now. What if she let others die, somebody who happened to be someone that one of her friends cared for as deeply as that? She had always been told growing up to not let such matters worry her, and normally she didn't. She had let far worse things happen to people, so why was this time so different?

Before she could think about anything much more, she ended up getting shoved back a bit by a rushing by student. Her face blank from the confusion building inside, she quickly turned away to rush back to her room. She walked at a fast pace, not wanting anyone to notice her apparent feelings. Once she arrived at her room, she stood outside for a moment, hoping that Mirai wouldn't be inside. As she entered, she was relieved to find that she was alone. She quickly gathered her things and left again, heading straight for the training room with the dummies. She needed to get these feelings out somehow, and she knew of no other way than this. The charms dangling on the hilts of her swords glistened in the light as she walked, potentially distracting anyone from the few tears rolling down her cheeks.
 
It was one thing after another. The boy ran in a fit, and so did Silver. Enzo could do little to bring back her presence, since the classroom teacher had arrived and began to count the students as they entered. At least Sinclair and Jacen were present. With a hefty sigh, Enzo spun around on his heels and walked into the classroom as students were just settling down.

The entire second row was empty, assumingly for Enzo's team. He took the seat nearest to the window, and looked to see the empty papers in front of him while Kenji made himself comfortable on Enzo's head. "Good morning everyone." The teacher announced. "I have received word of some new students joining us. You are all new, but these students have missed our initial team test, so they're without a team coming in. If any of you have an open slot in your group, feel free to invite them in."

At this time, the already assigned teams were ready for class. The new students, however would be beckoned by the teacher to walk inside and introduce themselves, as part of a way to give everyone an idea of who they would be recruiting.


As Darkness listened to Volitaire and his onslaught of questions, he couldn't help but dart his eyes to Alvis with a pleasing expression. The dark mage HAD become a great asset. With only a few words he was ready to join their cause and bleed for it. "Volitaire, is it? I am more than elated to have you on our mistress's side. Surely your true nature will betray you in the eyes of Genesis and it's followers. What you heard is true; Genesis believes that humanity has gained too much power and ignorance to continue existing. Their doomsday is approaching because the fools in the Aether shake in their rusted armor. Aurora would only allow the mortals to soak in their own sins, and choose their own destiny. It was necessary, the deaths on that island. A necessary evil for the better of their realm, they may not understand it now."

"And as for you, Volitaire, your past is branded into your mind, no doubt. You have learned first hand what humanity chooses for itself: Greed and Good. It's what they need to continue thriving, a healthy balance, but you, you have a higher calling than that. You will set in place the final actions that will stop Genesis from destroying it's own creation. You'll redeem more than just your deceased team, you will become the darkest savior of the human race."
 
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As soon as Silver arrived at the training room, she tugged on the door, only to find that it was locked. "Eh?" She sniffled and looked up at the doors, trying again only to be disappointed. "Locked...?" If the training room was off limits, where was she supposed to go? Perhaps she could go back to her room, but what would she do there? A teacher might catch her on her way back, anyways. She didn't want to make up excuses right now. Her hands went to the swords at her side, clinging to the hilts as she leaned against the wall next to the doors and sat down. Luckily, no one was around. Someone could show up at any moment, but it was better than being in class.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the wall behind her. Was now the time to be moping as she was? Surely there were more important things to worry about, but Silver couldn't get her mind off of it. Who were her parents? Was Darkness telling the truth?
Who really was she?

She shook her head free of the confusion and looked to her side, hoping to find something that might distract her from the thoughts rushing through her head.
 
Sinclair heard out the rest of what Jacen had to say about his training methods, and his off-tangent on his magic studies. Sinclair was quite amused hearing how he even got into magic. With Jacen's field combatant stratagems one wouldn't assume for him to be the magician type. He would continue but the teach walked in through the door, counting heads making account of who's present. He simply decided to bob his head to the direction of the doorway to telegraph that they may as well enter the classroom. As he was looking for an available seat he heard the teacher go on about new students. New students without teams. Does this mean he'll be having another body look after on the field of battle? He hoped not. As trying to protect everyone else was a challenge on its own. He finally took his seat and looked out at the door frame wondering who the new teammate may be.

Volitaire attentively listened to Darkness explain the situation between Genesis and the humans, as far as he saw it both sides could possibly be at fault. The humans are gaining both power and ignorance, for both to coincide with one another does not formulate something that doesn't not leave an air of suspicion, or fleeting premonitions of a bleak future. Genesis on the other hand, seems to fear power and chooses to attempt to keep it's status in check by using a higher power against the humans. Not of it really sat well with him, but as long as he stood on the side that could end the conflict and allow a race to continue its existence he was content. He felt he should keep his opinions of the growing power of the humans to himself and settle that later, for right now he figured he should keep to his current task at hand. Warding back Genesis and it's forces. Under the circumstances between Genesis and Aurora, there was still something left unexplained. His past. That's what's been giving him such a migraine since the beginning, at least since his beginning as a "Dark Savior" for Aurora. "I see... But if my past is branded in my mind, what do I make of it? This has been a question that has been going unanswered since this all began. Is it something long gone? Saren, I don't unders-" "Your past is no longer important. As you've been preparing to face Genesis throughout all of it. Your power is only but a product of your past, Volitaire. Treat this as a new beginning. You'll become anew as time passes." Volitaire still felt unsatisfied not knowing his past, even if it's so simple according to Alvis. For some reason he felt there are things he's been missing. Familiar feelings seeing the faces of those he's fought in Castle Aurora. A lot of it didn't make sense and he wanted answers... But all he knows of them now is that they're the faces of the enemy. "If that's the case, then show me this power that will help me in my battle again Genesis. If I'm going to join this crusade then I may as well know how to handle myself." "Ahahah, then come with me. Excuse us, Saren. We have a flame to kindle." A wormhole opened between them, warping them away from Saren's throne room to a more secluded area of the Gaze...

​
The portal opened once more, in the underbelly of a large manor. Inside was a large open wood surface and stone walled space. In the middle levitated an altar, torn tablecloth flapped in the short breezes below by an unseen power. Above the altar was a dense, concentrated sphere of what looked like magma. As drops fell from the sphere they disappeared before they touched the top of the altar. Around it were white wisps, orbiting around aimlessly in a constant loop. The wood boarding beneath was torn, burnt, and split. The blackened soil of the earth could be seen under the boards inside of a broken open circle between the ruptured flooring. There wasn't much else in this room other than the altar, which of course left Volitaire thinking. "Where have you taken me, Alvis?" "This is my Eternal Magma. It is comprised of multiple flame auras. Many have attempted to unlock their flame without succumbing to their own bodies being destroyed by the sheer power, but, have failed as you can obviously see." "Flame?" "Yes, Flame. A willpower within you that takes on the appearance of fire, but holds a magnificent, distinct power to its user. I can feel your flame from here. Very sinister, yours is. A different kind of sinister... Reminds me of Saren a little. This will force your flame out, as attempting to unlock it through traditional means could take ages. More than too much time to make you ready for this battle. Now, what you need to do is stand before the altar, it will do the rest. If you can make sure you survive the process, then you will have yourself a new power." Volitaire inspected the orb, it's white glow and many wisps left a very ominous presence. He wondered if the wisps were previous attendants to the altar. "You make this sound harder than what it seems... But fine, I'll trust your judgement. For some unexplainable reason I do." ​
 

​
Alice walked into the room, keeping her hood up and her head down, stopping when she reached the place where the teacher indicated she should stay.​
​
Time to test out your acting skills.​

Alice gingerly put the hoodie down, letting her silvery purple hair tumble down her shoulders,"My name is A-Alice," she started, " I'm new here..." Here, she blushed, as if she was chastising herself for stating the obvious,"N-Nice to meet you."​
​
She managed to give the crowd a timid smile, and bowed, "I hope we get along well together. Please t-take care of me!" ​
​
Inwardly, the girl smirked. The game of cat and mouse had begun.​
​
 
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The class responded well to Alice. Some returned the greeting, others couldn't help but stare out of curiosity. Everyone in that class was new, just not as new as Alice. The teacher let out a few claps of satisfaction - the students would get along just fine. "We're glad to have you, Alice." He smiled, then redirected his attention to the door once more, where another figure was standing. This student, wore a black jacket with a hood attached, and currently pulled over his face. The light from the surrounding room was blocked out from reaching his face. "Our next newcomer, please!"


The boy walked in, and now that he was closer to the class, the rest of his form could be seen. To continue his description, he wore a striped shirt and dark grey jeans, it was easy to classify this one in the 'emo' group. After noticing that he didn't give his name out, the teacher did for him. "Uh - This is Luka, class. Please give him only your warmest welcomes." Of course, the class did well to acknowledge him. The entire room felt weirded out now that he entered.

The confused teacher looked to Luka, and spoke in a low voice. "Luka - there are no hoods in this classroom, so could you plea-" The student quickly held up a piece of paper. The words were too small to make out from where Enzo or anyone else could see, but there was a seal - a red cross. As the eyes of the teacher slid across the paper all the way down, he nodded, and motioned Luka to an empty seat near the back.

A quick check on the door, and there were no other students coming. Obviously, the chairs set for Team Valor were mostly missing, apart from the others. "It seems some of our students are late; Unfortunate. We'll have to begin now." The teacher slid the doors closed, blocking out noise from the hallway. All that could be heard now was the occasional cough or pencil tapping against the tables.


"Today, I will introduce you all to mana, and how it's essential to learn before you turn anyone into a frog. How many of you play those fantasy games online? Raise your hand if you do." About half of the class had their hands raised. Enzo kept his down, for multiple reasons. "Then you know about mana, and how important it is. It works similarly in the real world. Everyone magician has mana, but without mana, you cannot conjure a spell of any kind. Spells take mana to cast, and how much of it you have depends on your health and mental state, as well as your experience with magic thus far. Now, you may ask yourself, how will I know if I'm out of mana? Well, I can say that it will definitely effect you. It's much like energy, but in a spiritual state. You'll feel groggy, tired, and most obvious but important of all, you won't cast anything."

"There are certain methods of regaining mana. You can buy and use a potion that'll restore it, which costs a lot of money, or you can rest, and obtain it naturally. If you haven't done anything today, you should have a lot of mana. Your first test is going to be simple: Project your mana outside of your body, meaning, make it visible to other people, like this."

The teacher held up his hand, open palmed. A blue shimmer started to appear, which grew and expanded into a sphere of blue fog. That fog would then trail around the teacher as more appeared. The students would feel increased pressure in the magical presence the teacher had. After that, the teacher closed his open hand. The escaped fog would quickly return to his palm and disappear there before his hand could fully close.

"It doesn't have to be fancy, just project it for more than 10 seconds, then I will consider your first test passed. At a set time tomorrow, I expect all of you to be able to do this neat little trick. That's all for now. Short, right? I know. I'll see you all tomorrow." The class began to move. The sounds of backbags zipping, note writing, and skidding chairs filled the room. Enzo rode down his test, so that he wouldn't forget. It wouldn't be hard. All he had to do was show his mana, right?

Enzo walked out into the hallway, along with the crowd of new students. He couldn't help but wonder why it was called a team class, when nothing 'team-like' was discussed. A final conclusion to his thoughts was that the team stuff would come later.

"Huh, what to do now..." "We're going to the training room, they ought to be unlocked now." "Really? I actually had something else in mind, just now." "What's more important than perfecting that test?" "It's about that night." "..."


 
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Jacen walked out of the classroom, twirling another icicle around his fingers. So much for the feeling of a long day.
Project a fog for over 10 seconds...if only he was there on the island that day. I'd have projected more than fog...
Class was incredibly short, leaving him with time to himself.
Might be able to get my sword done earlier than I thought...talk to dad...might even be able to head into town.
Sounds like someone has the day planned.
As best as I can...going to have to wait and see though, doesn't look like anything stays static in this school.
Wise words...so what about those two new additions?
The one with the hood, he's either disfigured or is incredibly shy. That note he handed off must have been an explanation. As far as the girl goes, she seems normal...but I don't trust her for some reason.
Oh, Alice...how so?
I can't place it...but that little bowing and timid stuff. It doesn't sit right with me...it may be nothing or she may be trying to shake a previous reputation. Either way, she's one to watch.
Don't you think you're reading a little too much into this?
Not really...if you've been here as long as you say you have...when's the last time you've seen someone make that polite of an introduction? And that "take care of me" stuff...it's a classroom, not a hotel.
Ok, that was odd...but even then it's not enough. She might have just been nervous. Have you seen her hair? Poor girl has probably been teased.
Since when were you so caring? Also...we're at a school where you can learn to destroy things with quite literally any magical energy you can imagine. I think her hair would be the least of anyone's worries.
You never know...these are still middle and high school aged students for the most part, and so are you.
Noted in full...I just don't get the best of vibes from her, we'll see how it plays out. Christ...you'd think being as old as you, you'd pick up on the idea of not trusting anyone or anything.
I'll put it to you like this, it caused me a lot more headaches and some heartache than you'd think...I'll explain later.
You always want to explain later, might as well tell me so I got something to do.
Persistent as always...I'll start the story when you get in your dorm because you may want to sit down. Fair warning, this was back when I still human and involved with a...ahem, young maiden.
Jeez...you mean to tell me not trusting anyone led to you having some 'issues'? This I gotta hear.
Jacen pulled out his phone and dialed his father. The line rung for about 5 seconds before there was another voice on the line.
"Hey, Jacen! How's school?"
"It's going great...got a bit of a favor to ask you though."
"Is this favor going to cost me or involve a girl?"
"NO. I mean uhh, no...nothing like that. You know that tactical shotgun Avery got me when I turned 17?"
"The Mag-Tec? Of course...he smiled ear to ear when he got to see you hold it for the first time...what about it?"
"I was wondering if you could send that to me as well...we have a close assault course on campus, and I figured out a way to make that compatible with my magic too...and the materials you sent me with my lab, I can make the ammo for it as well."
"You've got a sword, two rifles, your sidearm AND your lab. Just what are you up to over there?"
"Nothing much, I just want to practice with it and get used to using magic and good old steel working in tandem." Jacen felt a little bad about the cover up, but it wasn't like he was lying. He really did need the practice right?
"Alright, but this is going to have to be the last thing I ship out for a while. It's still early so I can have it there tomorrow morning. We're going into lockdown mode next week because of an HSHV contract with the government...you'll be on your own for a little bit until the project is complete. Got it?"
"Crystal clear, pop. Appreciate it...I'll still be able to call you every week though right?"
"Of course, I own the company and this is MY phone. Contract or no contract, no one's going to tell me I can't speak to my son...and while I'm at it, how's your funds? I know the meals and stuff are covered, but what about books and off campus stuff?"
"I'm doing great on cash actually. Haven't spent much of anything...haven't needed to hit an ATM, or anything. Should be good for the rest of the semester, or whatever schedule they use here. But hey, I just got back at my dorm...got some studying to do...I'll talk to you later and I'll call Mom tonight. Love you guys, hug Lissette for me."
"Love you too son, stay safe. Once again, I'll relay the shipment info to you when it's out and on it's way...and don't go causing any trouble with that shotgun...but you already know the deal. Bye, Jacen."
"Don't worry, I'll be careful. Later, dad."
Jacen hung up and put the phone in his pocket before opening the door to the dorms.
So...about this young maiden.
Alright...well, this was feudal Japan....






 
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The gentle clink of armor announced Sonya's approach. As she rounded the corner she was surprised to see someone standing outside the training hall, looking the other way. The girl was obviously upset about something. After considering a moment, Sonya crept as silently as she could up next to the girl. whether she was seen or not didn't matter, she hoped the shock of her presence would help break this girl out of her bad mood.


As she stood next to the girl, one of the freshman she thought, she spoke.
"Hi there"
 
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Silver almost jumped when she heard an unfamiliar voice next to her. She looked up to see a girl with long hair standing next to her. Standing up straight and wiping her face, she turned to fully face the girl, frowning at her and her heavy-looking armor. Why was she dressed like that in a school?



"H-Hello... May I help you with something?" Perhaps she was lost, how else would a girl like her end up here outside the training room? Unless she was coming here to train just like Silver was, and got distracted by Silver on her way. But that would mean she was probably a student, or perhaps even a faculty member considering most students were in class right now. As the questions and possibilities ran through her mind, Silver found herself staring at the girl. She shook her head, blushing slightly from the embarrassment of being rude like that, and leaned against the wall, waiting for her answer.
 
Sonya pushed the door open to the roof of the school and walked up into the wind's embrace. It was nice to spend some time alone after being stuck in a classroom with other noisy people. She put her bag down and sat on it, caring little whether the books inside were lain so they would not be damaged. Frankly, she was bored with classes for the day. With a heavy sigh she stretched her arms until the muscles tightened. "I wonder what those first years are up to... It's been a while since I last saw one of them, not that I had been looking." Really, she had been kind of avoiding them. It wasn't some psychological avoidance like they shared a bad experience and now she wanted nothing to do with them; it was more for her own mending. Things had seemed quite normal for a while now and even her usual past times were boring her to sleep. Maybe it was time to go search out one of those first years... With that suggestion placed in her mind Sonya stood, stretched her legs a bit, then went to stand at the edge of the roof to look down on the people walking below.
 
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In no time, Enzo and Kenji were out standing in the plaza in front of the school. Students frequently came and went, but it wasn't like they knew anything about what Enzo and Kenji were talking about. "A lot of things happened on that island, you're going to have to be more specific." "Hmph.." They came across an empty bench, and Enzo took the opportunity to relax in the open. "What bugs me the most..." As Enzo thought about the subject, he gazed upward into the blue sky. "Why was there another 'me'? Like, none of it makes any sense. He looked nothing like me, apart from his uniform." "What he said was true. He is you, but from a parallel universe." "Parallel universe? Kenji, how am I supposed to believe that?" "Just because you've never seen it before, doesn't make it fake. We live in a world of magic, and there's rumors of mages who could even bend time itself to their will - for whatever benefit."

Enzo huffed, watching as students passed by, socializing before their next class. "With abilities like his, it was no doubt he came from a different plane of existence. As to why he was there, I can't tell you. I'm just as confused as you." "Hrmm, fine. Then what about those people, the bad ones?" "You mean the bandits?" "If you could call them that." "They obviously weren't new to what they were doing. They talked about resurrecting the mythical goddess Aurora. That's the woman you saw." "Surely isn't mythical when she was standing right in front of me." "I say mythical because Aurora is a goddess from a common religion. A religion most magicians follow, and I don't know about you, but I find religions mythical." "So, personal reasons, then." "Basically." "What of the one that.. you know.. claimed to be Silver's dad and all?" "That one's Darkness. Again, from religious boo-galoo, and if you haven't realized, I'm not religious." "Okay, okay. Then, what about me?"

Kenji looked to Enzo with a raised brow. "What about you?" "Don't play dumb, you heard them refer to me as Soulless, too. What is a Soulless? What does it mean?" Kenji broke eye-contact with Enzo, and stared off in front of him. When he spoke, it was barely audible. "How do I explain this simply.." "What?" "A Soulless.. is.. a being with a Soul, obviously. However, there's a catch. Soulless aren't born like regular people, they're born within the Gaze. Surely, you've heard of that, right?" "I.. may have read about it in a book somewhere..." "Basically they are born in that realm, and usually stay there." Enzo fell silent for a moment to process the information he was receiving. This could very well be linked to his forgotten memories. It made the most logical sense as to why he couldn't remember anything before the age of 15.

"If I'm a Soulless.. What am I doing here?" "Do you want the truth?" "Please." "I don't know, I found you. Alone." A torrent of panic and worry filled Enzo, but he didn't let it show. His mind was troubled with new questions. Why was he there, amongst humans? Was he somehow linked to Darkness, and the chaos that occurred at the castle? Who was he, really? He held his head with both hands, and let out a groan. A headache formed from the stress of it all. He would freak out even more, but struggled to contain himself in public. "Nngh.." "You okay? Need Advil?" "I'm fine..." He let his hands down, and sighed. "Should we let the others know? I'm sure they have questions too." "It would be best to gather them all up to talk, rather than explain it one by one. Let's start with eagle-eye up there." Kenji nodded towards the rooftop of Sorcerers, where Sonya could be seen watching students. "I don't even know how to get up there!" "Fine, I'll go, you just try and get everyone else, and bring them to... the classroom next to the one we were just in, it'll be easier that way." Before Enzo could even agree, Kenji hopped up and out of sight in an instant. For a small fox, he was quick. Enzo stood up, and made his way back into the school in an effort to find his scattered team members.

On the rooftop, Kenji would land on top of the railing, next to Sonya. "Missed the team class, and I find you here, of all places. Are you avoiding us? I'm offended."
 
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