Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Charlia]

"..."

I don't want to talk about the things I did.

"Someone who used to protect me," she said in an ironic manner.

"They used to protect you...and then what happened?" they continued to ask. Did they hurt her? Did they turn her against her family? Was this person the reason Hikari and Kasumi fought each other, and the reason their parents died? All those ashes had to lead back to something.

"He got tired of it. It's as simple as that," she said, still bitter. N... no, I won't think about it.

Although it was rather nice to hear him scream as I melted the flesh from his bones.

[Luminesa]

"They used to protect you...and then what happened?" they continued to ask. Did they hurt her? Did they turn her against her family? Was this person the reason Hikari and Kasumi fought each other, and the reason their parents died? All those ashes had to lead back to something.

"He got tired of it. It's as simple as that," she said, still bitter. N... no, I won't think about it.

Although it was rather nice to hear him scream as I melted the flesh from his bones.

He got tired of it? Rabbit thought, as they stared at Hikari, I don't think she's telling me everything...but then again, that would be expecting too much from her at the moment...

...Though there must be one more thing I can perhaps get from her...

"And what did this person think of Kasumi?" they inquired, finally.

[Charlia]

"He got tired of it. It's as simple as that," she said, still bitter. N... no, I won't think about it.

Although it was rather nice to hear him scream as I melted the flesh from his bones.

He got tired of it? Rabbit thought, as they stared at Hikari, I don't think she's telling me everything...but then again, that would be expecting too much from her at the moment...

...Though there must be one more thing I can perhaps get from her...

"And what did this person think of Kasumi?" they inquired, finally.

"He didn't know her," Hikari said nonchalantly. "He didn't know any of the rest of my family. Only me. Just me... just dear, sweet Hikari-chan," she said in a singsong manner.

[Luminesa]

He got tired of it? Rabbit thought, as they stared at Hikari, I don't think she's telling me everything...but then again, that would be expecting too much from her at the moment...

...Though there must be one more thing I can perhaps get from her...

"And what did this person think of Kasumi?" they inquired, finally.

"He didn't know her," Hikari said nonchalantly. "He didn't know any of the rest of my family. Only me. Just me... just dear, sweet Hikari-chan," she said in a singsong manner.

He didn't know her?...Or any of them?..." Rabbit thought for a moment, trying to pull the pieces together, to decipher who this mysterious person could have been. The one who pulled the strings...perhaps they could have been the one who tore her from her family, even if he did not know them...That is entirely possible...He 'protected' her...And then left her...I see so many holes here...but I feel the pieces are also quite near to us...

They knew, however, that they would not be able to get everything out of her, after that. The questions that followed would be sensitive, and they wanted to perhaps speak to Kasumi, about the matter, before they continued. "...I see...Yes, you have suffered deeply, and this puppeteer who 'protected' you...left scars, I am sure. Very deep scars..." they suggested. They then added, "But you should remember this, dear: You burned away this relationship, for better or for worse. I do not currently know why, but it seems that this person mistreated you somehow. But your relationship with Kasumi, your sister...do not burn that one way, simply because you don't understand her. That is a relationship you never want to lose."

[Charlia]

"He didn't know her," Hikari said nonchalantly. "He didn't know any of the rest of my family. Only me. Just me... just dear, sweet Hikari-chan," she said in a singsong manner.

He didn't know her?...Or any of them?..." Rabbit thought for a moment, trying to pull the pieces together, to decipher who this mysterious person could have been. The one who pulled the strings...perhaps they could have been the one who tore her from her family, even if he did not know them...That is entirely possible...He 'protected' her...And then left her...I see so many holes here...but I feel the pieces are also quite near to us...

They knew, however, that they would not be able to get everything out of her, after that. The questions that followed would be sensitive, and they wanted to perhaps speak to Kasumi, about the matter, before they continued. "...I see...Yes, you have suffered deeply, and this puppeteer who 'protected' you...left scars, I am sure. Very deep scars..." they suggested. They then added, "But you should remember this, dear: You burned away this relationship, for better or for worse. I do not currently know why, but it seems that this person mistreated you somehow. But your relationship with Kasumi, your sister...do not burn that one way, simply because you don't understand her. That is a relationship you never want to lose."

Her hands, which had been resting in her lap, clenched into tight fists as Rabbit spoke about deep scars.

...I hate what I became for him. I'm better than that now. I'm so much better.

"I'm afraid it's already lost," she said, her voice icy.

[Luminesa]

He didn't know her?...Or any of them?..." Rabbit thought for a moment, trying to pull the pieces together, to decipher who this mysterious person could have been. The one who pulled the strings...perhaps they could have been the one who tore her from her family, even if he did not know them...That is entirely possible...He 'protected' her...And then left her...I see so many holes here...but I feel the pieces are also quite near to us...

They knew, however, that they would not be able to get everything out of her, after that. The questions that followed would be sensitive, and they wanted to perhaps speak to Kasumi, about the matter, before they continued. "...I see...Yes, you have suffered deeply, and this puppeteer who 'protected' you...left scars, I am sure. Very deep scars..." they suggested. They then added, "But you should remember this, dear: You burned away this relationship, for better or for worse. I do not currently know why, but it seems that this person mistreated you somehow. But your relationship with Kasumi, your sister...do not burn that one way, simply because you don't understand her. That is a relationship you never want to lose."

Her hands, which had been resting in her lap, clenched into tight fists as Rabbit spoke about deep scars.

...I hate what I became for him. I'm better than that now. I'm so much better.

"I'm afraid it's already lost," she said, her voice icy.

"...Do you think so?...I don't think that all is lost, myself...Any sort of pain can be turned into something beautiful, if you allow it to...but at the same time, I cannot force you to reconcile with her. I can only ask that you do not destroy what remains any further." They frowned beneath their mask, as they spoke to her. The two girls were so young, and yet they seemed to hate each other. If only there was some way they could bring them back together.

"You might not be able to see it. She may not be able to show you. But she is human, and she does care about you..."

They then let go of her, and they stood-up. When they did so, they held out a hand to help Hikari up.

[Danceria]

Elizabeth Tsukuyomi


"I believe that I can address both of your questions at the same time. While serving Imperial Japan I never had any particular animal companion, but when I joined the inquisition they had acquired a number of gryphons to be used as both combat mounts and transportation. Helicopters like they tend to use today weren't exactly an option in the 30's. I didn't really feel the need for one, but a young gryphon imprinted on me. At first I did everything I could to get it to follow some one else around, but in the end I started to value the companionship. Especially as I grew more distant from the rest of the Inquisition. Gryphon's have fairly long life spans, forty to forty-five years on average. My gryphon, Tengu, is one of the few creatures that I did not create here, but instead brought here from the Prime Material. Oh, the 'Prime Material' is the name given to our plane of existence by planar theorist. I've called to Tengu, he should be here any second."
As Liz finished speaking Tengu circled over the clearance, then came in to land. Waves of emotion rolled off the creature and poured into Liz's awareness. Happiness to see her, couriousity about the new comers, and longing for her company. She smiled at the animal presence, it had been to long she dedicated enough time to him. Hopefully bringing him some new people to get to know would make up for that. Liz addressed the students again.
"You don't have anything to fear from him. Though wild gryphons are very territorial, by virtue of me bringing you here he knows that you are friends. Adressing the rest of your question Sophia, there are a number of things that one can do to alter their magical creatures. I, in fact, am currently working to remove some of the more undesireable qualities from a mogwai. He might be around here some where as well."

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere

"Students here don't pass up a chance to show off to a teacher often, and those that do normally have something to hide. I'm not a big fan of secrets, they are dangerous. I hid my blood magic for a time after arriving here, only to realize it was unnecessary. So I ask you. What are you hiding, and is it dangerous to me or this school?"
Catherine thought about how she could extract his secrets, if he would not divulge them. If she attacked him here, he would have to use more than just the weak magics he fought Ruta with. Yet that would be a blunt method where more precision was called for. I should be able to analyse the mana in his blood, that would tell me more. A tiny hair of blood worked its way through the ground towards Lance, coming up just behind him. Slowly she guided it towards him, it was far to small to be felt, but if Catherine put to much mana into manipulating it the boy might sense it by other means.

Sophia smiled at the Gryphon, surprised to see one be from Japan of all places. Granted, she didn't know much about anything magical east of Russia, creature or spell. As someone who worked with animal creatures nearly her entire life, she noticed these emotions that Tengu felt. But as soon as Tsukuyomi mentioned "Mogwai", her blood turned to ice."Wait...did you say...Mogwai?" she heard of the Mogwai, nasty little bastards from Africa by way of China. They breed fast and are terrible in every sense of the word. Old Great Zimbabwe fell because of importing these creatures from Chinese merchants, they reproduced and devoured their former masters and now run rampant in the heartlands of Africa. The Mogwai were spoken of in whispers among Clerics and Beast Hunters and Tamers alike, and only a select few of the Master Mages of the Cleric, Monk, and Beast Guilds have ever claimed to see one in person, let alone defeat it in battle.

[Rhomaia]

Aria Comnena

Hearing the sound of Henry's voice, Aria almost smiled. As Fawkes came to her side, she almost reached out to the bird before drawing back her hand. She no longer exhibited an aura of happiness, but a more ominous one. "...I am fine, Henry...What gave you the silly thought that I would run away? I just needed a breather, that's all..." Aria said to Henry, the emerald green absent from her eyes, along with any of her usual self.

Now might be her last chance to run...But there was something that held her back. She didn't want to leave. Not so soon, with so many of her dreams unfulfilled. If she robbed herself of all those opportunities, especially that of a life with her beloved...She would never be able to forgive herself. A shiver went down Aria's spine, and she gave off a noticeable twitch.

Henry Von Kressel

He tried his best to hold back his tears. The reason behind them he didn't know, but it got him in a way that none of the books he read explained, and that terrified him. However, he could sense that she was sad, her usual happiness and smile giving place to a face without any good expression.

"I'm not used to these things, but I'll try my best here. In the last years, I could say that I only lost things. I'm not about to complain, but somehow it just... Feels like that you're going to lose for the rest of your life. Until the destiny, coincidence, somehow gave me you.

Among the storm, you came. This is probably the worst cliché I ever said, but it simply appeared as a good sign, an insight that made me believe that were better days and things to come. And I believe it Aria. I understand that you might not want to talk about it, or what you have passed in the last months, and I'll respect that the same way you always respected me. But I've said it before, and I'm saying it now: I'm not going to leave you, not unless you want it. I'm not going to lose my faith in one of the best things that ever happened to me. I know that I'm probably sounding like an idiot and you're probably trying to remember the last time you saw me this way, without that ridiculous noble posture that I insist on keeping, but... That's all I wanted to say. I think I should just... Just... Time to admit that I also don't know what to do now.

My intuition is slapping me in my face, telling me to stay here and take care of you. My rational side tells me that you're going to be fine, that you're a tough one and you're going to storm through your problems. And at this impasse, I have to ask you: What do I do Aria?"

Aria Comnena

Aria's slowly turned to look at Henry, with her face more pale than it ever had been before. She didn't understand why she felt this way, why all these conflicting emotions and thoughts took control of her, and brought her into times of anxiety such as these. When she lashed out at Alex, at the Rabbit, Andrius, and everyone else, she always felt the pain, the guilt, the anger all coming to her at once, and that always made her feel so terrible about herself. Henry shouldn't need to shed any tears, when Aria didn't even deserve his company.

Regardless, upon hearing the touching words from her beloved, Aria embraced Henry with all of the strength she still had, which was very little at this point. Her grip was weak, and the trick she had performed with her Mana redirection left her legs feeling numb. Even now, Aria regretted going all out in the fight with Alex. It had been far too strenuous for her, mentally and physically.

As she did her best to stay standing, Aria slowly closed her violet eyes and leaned on Henry. He had pledged to stay with her, that he wished to take care of her, and that was the thing to bring a smile to her face: the first normal, content smile she had while today, unlike the scary one which she herself feared. Almost collapsing now, she managed to say in a smooth, quiet voice, "...All I need you to do...is stay with me..."

[Charlia]

Her hands, which had been resting in her lap, clenched into tight fists as Rabbit spoke about deep scars.

...I hate what I became for him. I'm better than that now. I'm so much better.

"I'm afraid it's already lost," she said, her voice icy.

"...Do you think so?...I don't think that all is lost, myself...Any sort of pain can be turned into something beautiful, if you allow it to...but at the same time, I cannot force you to reconcile with her. I can only ask that you do not destroy what remains any further." They frowned beneath their mask, as they spoke to her. The two girls were so young, and yet they seemed to hate each other. If only there was some way they could bring them back together.

"You might not be able to see it. She may not be able to show you. But she is human, and she does care about you..."

They then let go of her, and they stood-up. When they did so, they held out a hand to help Hikari up.

Hikari ignored the offer, and stood up alone.

"I don't need your help," she said firmly, "and I don't want you touching me. I'll try talking to her... but I can't make any promises."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

He tried his best to hold back his tears. The reason behind them he didn't know, but it got him in a way that none of the books he read explained, and that terrified him. However, he could sense that she was sad, her usual happiness and smile giving place to a face without any good expression.

"I'm not used to these things, but I'll try my best here. In the last years, I could say that I only lost things. I'm not about to complain, but somehow it just... Feels like that you're going to lose for the rest of your life. Until the destiny, coincidence, somehow gave me you.

Among the storm, you came. This is probably the worst cliché I ever said, but it simply appeared as a good sign, an insight that made me believe that were better days and things to come. And I believe it Aria. I understand that you might not want to talk about it, or what you have passed in the last months, and I'll respect that the same way you always respected me. But I've said it before, and I'm saying it now: I'm not going to leave you, not unless you want it. I'm not going to lose my faith in one of the best things that ever happened to me. I know that I'm probably sounding like an idiot and you're probably trying to remember the last time you saw me this way, without that ridiculous noble posture that I insist on keeping, but... That's all I wanted to say. I think I should just... Just... Time to admit that I also don't know what to do now.

My intuition is slapping me in my face, telling me to stay here and take care of you. My rational side tells me that you're going to be fine, that you're a tough one and you're going to storm through your problems. And at this impasse, I have to ask you: What do I do Aria?"

Aria Comnena

Aria's slowly turned to look at Henry, with her face more pale than it ever had been before. She didn't understand why she felt this way, why all these conflicting emotions and thoughts took control of her, and brought her into times of anxiety such as these. When she lashed out at Alex, at the Rabbit, Andrius, and everyone else, she always felt the pain, the guilt, the anger all coming to her at once, and that always made her feel so terrible about herself. Henry shouldn't need to shed any tears, when Aria didn't even deserve his company.

Regardless, upon hearing the touching words from her beloved, Aria embraced Henry with all of the strength she still had, which was very little at this point. Her grip was weak, and the trick she had performed with her Mana redirection left her legs feeling numb. Even now, Aria regretted going all out in the fight with Alex. It had been far too strenuous for her, mentally and physically.

As she did her best to stay standing, Aria slowly closed her violet eyes and leaned on Henry. He had pledged to stay with her, that he wished to take care of her, and that was the thing to bring a smile to her face: the first normal, content smile she had while today, unlike the scary one which she herself feared. Almost collapsing now, she managed to say in a smooth, quiet voice, "...All I need you to do...is stay with me..."

Henry Von Kressel

He was... Happy. Finding her, making her feel better and to know that she trusted him made that with him. As he embraced her back, he felt that she was needing to rest. He helped her to stand up, as he was slightly better than her. Despite the fight with Allistor, Henry didn't use big quantities of his mana as Aria did.

"I'll stay Aria. Promise you that. Now you need some rest, do you want me to help you get to your room?"

Henry didn't know the exact cause of her pain, or her sadness, or whatever caused her to run away like that and made her feel that way. At that moment, he wanted to do what he promised to do: To help her, to stay with her, and to take care of her. He also needed rest, but unlike Aria, it was all that he needed.

[Luminesa]

"...Do you think so?...I don't think that all is lost, myself...Any sort of pain can be turned into something beautiful, if you allow it to...but at the same time, I cannot force you to reconcile with her. I can only ask that you do not destroy what remains any further." They frowned beneath their mask, as they spoke to her. The two girls were so young, and yet they seemed to hate each other. If only there was some way they could bring them back together.

"You might not be able to see it. She may not be able to show you. But she is human, and she does care about you..."

They then let go of her, and they stood-up. When they did so, they held out a hand to help Hikari up.

Hikari ignored the offer, and stood up alone.

"I don't need your help," she said firmly, "and I don't want you touching me. I'll try talking to her... but I can't make any promises."

"Anything is a start, dear," Rabbit answered, thoughtfully. They stepped away from her when she stood up, and then they let her pass. In the meantime, they continued to keep an eye on Alex, who was still in the room.

[Rhomaia]

Aria Comnena

Aria's slowly turned to look at Henry, with her face more pale than it ever had been before. She didn't understand why she felt this way, why all these conflicting emotions and thoughts took control of her, and brought her into times of anxiety such as these. When she lashed out at Alex, at the Rabbit, Andrius, and everyone else, she always felt the pain, the guilt, the anger all coming to her at once, and that always made her feel so terrible about herself. Henry shouldn't need to shed any tears, when Aria didn't even deserve his company.

Regardless, upon hearing the touching words from her beloved, Aria embraced Henry with all of the strength she still had, which was very little at this point. Her grip was weak, and the trick she had performed with her Mana redirection left her legs feeling numb. Even now, Aria regretted going all out in the fight with Alex. It had been far too strenuous for her, mentally and physically.

As she did her best to stay standing, Aria slowly closed her violet eyes and leaned on Henry. He had pledged to stay with her, that he wished to take care of her, and that was the thing to bring a smile to her face: the first normal, content smile she had while today, unlike the scary one which she herself feared. Almost collapsing now, she managed to say in a smooth, quiet voice, "...All I need you to do...is stay with me..."

Henry Von Kressel

He was... Happy. Finding her, making her feel better and to know that she trusted him made that with him. As he embraced her back, he felt that she was needing to rest. He helped her to stand up, as he was slightly better than her. Despite the fight with Allistor, Henry didn't use big quantities of his mana as Aria did.

"I'll stay Aria. Promise you that. Now you need some rest, do you want me to help you get to your room?"

Henry didn't know the exact cause of her pain, or her sadness, or whatever caused her to run away like that and made her feel that way. At that moment, he wanted to do what he promised to do: To help her, to stay with her, and to take care of her. He also needed rest, but unlike Aria, it was all that he needed.

Aria Comnena

Aria was more than glad that Henry was there for her in this moment of weakness. Under ordinary circumstances, she would have thought of this as humiliating, especially if Xylia or Lorelai, her sisters, saw her now. He did not laugh or jeer when she fell, but rather helped her up, and made her stronger.

Strange...Aria hadn't felt this way in a long time. Not since her arrival to the Academy, upon the meeting of new friends and the opening of the world to her, had she felt this warmth. It was wonderful to simply hear another voice besides her own or Alex's speaking to her, or worse...those nightmarish visions that haunted her every night. It all meant something, those glimpses into her mind, but at this juncture, Aria just wanted them to go away. They had deprived her of rest, and she supposed that was what had let her magic falter so many times over the course of the fight, and what caused this fatigue that she was now experiencing.

"I'm alright, Henry...I can get to my room just fine." Aria said quietly with a small smile on her face. Her purple eyes had returned to their original hue, the bright green for which they were so adored.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

He was... Happy. Finding her, making her feel better and to know that she trusted him made that with him. As he embraced her back, he felt that she was needing to rest. He helped her to stand up, as he was slightly better than her. Despite the fight with Allistor, Henry didn't use big quantities of his mana as Aria did.

"I'll stay Aria. Promise you that. Now you need some rest, do you want me to help you get to your room?"

Henry didn't know the exact cause of her pain, or her sadness, or whatever caused her to run away like that and made her feel that way. At that moment, he wanted to do what he promised to do: To help her, to stay with her, and to take care of her. He also needed rest, but unlike Aria, it was all that he needed.

Aria Comnena

Aria was more than glad that Henry was there for her in this moment of weakness. Under ordinary circumstances, she would have thought of this as humiliating, especially if Xylia or Lorelai, her sisters, saw her now. He did not laugh or jeer when she fell, but rather helped her up, and made her stronger.

Strange...Aria hadn't felt this way in a long time. Not since her arrival to the Academy, upon the meeting of new friends and the opening of the world to her, had she felt this warmth. It was wonderful to simply hear another voice besides her own or Alex's speaking to her, or worse...those nightmarish visions that haunted her every night. It all meant something, those glimpses into her mind, but at this juncture, Aria just wanted them to go away. They had deprived her of rest, and she supposed that was what had let her magic falter so many times over the course of the fight, and what caused this fatigue that she was now experiencing.

"I'm alright, Henry...I can get to my room just fine." Aria said quietly with a small smile on her face. Her purple eyes had returned to their original hue, the bright green for which they were so adored.

Henry Von Kressel

He let out a small smile. She was strong, and he liked that in her. It always impressed him her ability to stand up again, no matter what hit her. But he feared that one day, she wouldn't have the strength to get up again. And if that happened, he wanted to be there for her.

Henry had the impression that she didn't want to say what hurt her that way with fear that he might run away. But he wouldn't. And it would take time to prove that, and he was willing to wait. He was new to the whole romance dynamic, but he tried his best.

"Alright then. Listen, if my favorite redhead needs anything, just say it. A hug, a kiss, or a trip to Vienna, just say it. I'll get some rest now, Aria. See you later, I... Guess?"

And so, he went back, Fawkes behind him. He walked back to his dorms, with his mind in an unrest due to worries about Aria. The thought remained on his mind until he opened his dorm's room. Andrius didn't arrive yet, and so he fell asleep, while he tried to figure out how the rest of the day would be.

[Kaledoria]

She smiled under her hood, looking at him and taking in his appearance. He had none of the physical traits of an Aetheric mage.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Aidan," she said, "but I'm afraid that's highly unlikely. There are very few people born with the ability that qualifies them to be an Aetheric mage, and I'm afraid you're not likely to be one of them."

Aidan was angry. She did not even think about his previous classes, she just blamed it on his unworthy birthright. If he had been a son of mages maybe but since he was born to mundane parents, she would keep her secrets to herself, that smug b... - no, she was not at all hostile, she was just pitying, she did not want him to get his hopes up and then fail. This was even worse to him.
"I thought, this was a school," he said quietly, while taking a seat for Elemental Sciences. If I'm not good enough to learn, maybe it's because you are not good enough to teach, he thought, biting on his tongue.

[Woodstovia]

"Of course bullies are insecure but I already knew that about Aria and said as much so I don't know why you're repeating it to me Bunny." Alex said, completely missing Rabbit's point. "Is there anything else you need or can I leave now?"

[Luminesa]

"Of course bullies are insecure but I already knew that about Aria and said as much so I don't know why you're repeating it to me Bunny." Alex said, completely missing Rabbit's point. "Is there anything else you need or can I leave now?"

Realizing Alex had missed their point completely, Rabbit was slightly disappointed. Then again, they figured, with a student like Alex, this might take some time and patience."Simply remember that once you look beyond yourself, not everything is as it seems, Alex," they told him, "now you may leave. I am sure I will see you again later, so until then!" Rabbit then walked out of Alex's way, allowing him to leave as well.

[Sky-TheLandOfNekos]

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"I do suppose such trust must be earned. I realize perhaps I have not done much to earn it, or even damaged what trust has been building. It is just... we have had problems with people hiding what they are at this school before. I hope that some time soon you will be will to trust at least some of us with you secret."
I also hope that you're not a threat. There was already enough danger around here with a half crazed Alex running around. Aria, too, Catherine had seen the fight, she had felt it. There was something very wrong with Aria. Catherine still felt she wasn't in the state of mind to open that bag of worms yet. Perhaps tonight, they were roommates after all.

Lance

"Perhaps, but I doubt it will be anytime soon," Lance replied. "As for trust, you'll have a long way to go to earn it. Your sense of curiosity and authority can be dangerous, so I recommend that you be careful. Children gifted with power that many only dream of tend to be a little unstable."

She is a clever one... It won't be very long until she figures me out. Once she does, she could prove to be a threat or a friend...

[Rhomaia]

Aria Comnena

Aria was more than glad that Henry was there for her in this moment of weakness. Under ordinary circumstances, she would have thought of this as humiliating, especially if Xylia or Lorelai, her sisters, saw her now. He did not laugh or jeer when she fell, but rather helped her up, and made her stronger.

Strange...Aria hadn't felt this way in a long time. Not since her arrival to the Academy, upon the meeting of new friends and the opening of the world to her, had she felt this warmth. It was wonderful to simply hear another voice besides her own or Alex's speaking to her, or worse...those nightmarish visions that haunted her every night. It all meant something, those glimpses into her mind, but at this juncture, Aria just wanted them to go away. They had deprived her of rest, and she supposed that was what had let her magic falter so many times over the course of the fight, and what caused this fatigue that she was now experiencing.

"I'm alright, Henry...I can get to my room just fine." Aria said quietly with a small smile on her face. Her purple eyes had returned to their original hue, the bright green for which they were so adored.

Henry Von Kressel

He let out a small smile. She was strong, and he liked that in her. It always impressed him her ability to stand up again, no matter what hit her. But he feared that one day, she wouldn't have the strength to get up again. And if that happened, he wanted to be there for her.

Henry had the impression that she didn't want to say what hurt her that way with fear that he might run away. But he wouldn't. And it would take time to prove that, and he was willing to wait. He was new to the whole romance dynamic, but he tried his best.

"Alright then. Listen, if my favorite redhead needs anything, just say it. A hug, a kiss, or a trip to Vienna, just say it. I'll get some rest now, Aria. See you later, I... Guess?"

And so, he went back, Fawkes behind him. He walked back to his dorms, with his mind in an unrest due to worries about Aria. The thought remained on his mind until he opened his dorm's room. Andrius didn't arrive yet, and so he fell asleep, while he tried to figure out how the rest of the day would be.

Aria Comnena

Aria did her best to keep the weak grin on her face as she began the long walk from the lakeside to the Aquo dormitories. Though that was not as easy as it sounded. The numbness in her legs made it so that she couldn't quite walk without limping, and her pace was very slow. What would have ordinarily taken her less than five minutes took her twenty, causing her a bit of embarrassment when the few students who lingered in the courtyard gave her funny looks.

When she finally did get to the Aquo dorms, the familiar sound of hushed talk and the flipping of pages greeted Aria's ears. She always preferred this over when she visited the Ignis dormitories during her last year here in checking up on Thalia and Henry. It was always so loud there, full of rowdy Firebreathers and Pyromancers showing off and being general rabble rousers. In House Aquo, however, the atmosphere was much more quiet, and it was a place of study rather than fighting or pranks, something Aria had an appreciation for.

Unlike Henry, all the Aquo students gave Aria was the occasional polite nod or passing glance as they went about their business. They all knew that she didn't want or need their help and pity, something she had made quite clear on one particular occasion last year. The silence didn't bother Aria a bit while she quietly made her way up to the dormitory's second floor, where she and Catherine shared a room. Once she reached the old wooden door at the end of the hall, Aria slowly twisted the silver knob and entered her dorm room. In her singed crimson robes, and with an extremely tired look in her eye, Aria collapsed onto the bed and let her body finally rest.

[Chrome Legion]

Elizabeth Tsukuyomi


Liz noticed they were starting to run out of time, and quickly went through the basics of gryphon grooming and hygiene. Most people that had encountered a horse would be familiar with process, though you had to avoid the wings completely if you didn't want to loss a limb. Mogwais were different, since there was so much misinformation about them out there. They were far less dangerous than most believed, but do to their rarity myths spread rampantly. After finishing up she dismissed the class, and they all returned to the Prime Material.

Catherine de Sanguine Vivere


"Then I hope what ever secret you have is stable. Good luck with your studies, and enjoy your time here."
Catherine turned from the boy and decided to wander around the school a bit. It would be interesting to dive in to the boys blood and see what that would reveal, but for now she was content with retrieving the sample. Her fight had not particularly tired her, a small advantage of having so little mana was that it's use barely affected her. She may not have much going in the raw power area, but her endurance was high.

[Rhomaia]

Andrius Sorovinas

Andrius actually found a decent level of enjoyment in learning about gryphons and their mannerisms. Though he was somewhat intimidated by it's entrance, Tsukuyomi's companion provided him experience, one of them being to never let his hands go near the creatures wings. The gryphon and mogwai grooming, while not the most exciting (or safe) thing in the world, at least it gave Andrius some time with Sophia along with the chance to become familiar with his new teacher.

Once they returned to the normal physical plane, Andrius thanked Professor Tsukuyomi and ventured back to the Ignis dormitories where he found Henry already asleep in one of the beds. He had wanted the chance to talk with his roommate, but he still hadn't the time to do so, and rousing Henry from his rest surely would not benefit either of them. And so he too went to sleep, eager for his next day at the Academy.

---

August 9th, Third Day of School

Sorting Day passed by in a blur, for not only the students, but the teachers as well. New students became used to their surroundings, and as did new teachers. It would surely take time for them all to completely adjust, but nonetheless, most found themselves at home on the American island.

The next morning was warm as the Sun's rays reached the Academy. Birds sang and flowers bloomed as the new day came upon the school, and all could not be happier, save for those being treated as a result of duels Ruta's Magical Combat class and other troublemakers. Despite the hectic events that transpired at the auditorium where the Sorting was held, the hole in the roof was quickly repaired by veteran Solum mages who tended the grounds, leaving no evidence of there being an opening in the roof at all. Teachers made their preparations for their classes, and students did the same in lieu of a new schedule. A new day at Mana had begun.

[Luminesa]

Andrius Sorovinas

Andrius actually found a decent level of enjoyment in learning about gryphons and their mannerisms. Though he was somewhat intimidated by it's entrance, Tsukuyomi's companion provided him experience, one of them being to never let his hands go near the creatures wings. The gryphon and mogwai grooming, while not the most exciting (or safe) thing in the world, at least it gave Andrius some time with Sophia along with the chance to become familiar with his new teacher.

Once they returned to the normal physical plane, Andrius thanked Professor Tsukuyomi and ventured back to the Ignis dormitories where he found Henry already asleep in one of the beds. He had wanted the chance to talk with his roommate, but he still hadn't the time to do so, and rousing Henry from his rest surely would not benefit either of them. And so he too went to sleep, eager for his next day at the Academy.

---

August 9th, Third Day of School

Sorting Day passed by in a blur, for not only the students, but the teachers as well. New students became used to their surroundings, and as did new teachers. It would surely take time for them all to completely adjust, but nonetheless, most found themselves at home on the American island.

The next morning was warm as the Sun's rays reached the Academy. Birds sang and flowers bloomed as the new day came upon the school, and all could not be happier, save for those being treated as a result of duels Ruta's Magical Combat class and other troublemakers. Despite the hectic events that transpired at the auditorium where the Sorting was held, the hole in the roof was quickly repaired by veteran Solum mages who tended the grounds, leaving no evidence of there being an opening in the roof at all. Teachers made their preparations for their classes, and students did the same in lieu of a new schedule. A new day at Mana had begun.

Soleil

Soleil woke-up to another bright, warm summer morning, exhausted after yesterday's classes. He wasn't sure what today would bring, but he supposed that he should start moving and wake himself up. That might help him prepare for his morning a little.

Hopping out the bed, he went to his closet and opened it, only to notice something out the corner of his eye. A bright, lime-green garment. When he turned around, there he saw his new Venta robes, fresh and clean. He walked over to them to put them on, and then he saw something on the floor under the robes. A piece of official-looking paper. He picked it up and gave it a look, and then his eyes widened.

"A block schedule? Sooo...I'm going to be taking all of the classes now?" he exclaimed. On one hand, he was happy, because this meant he wouldn't have Mr. Ruta's class everyday. The problem was he still was going to start with Aether's class, which he was not looking forward to at all. "...So...my first day in her class..." He gave a big sigh, and he took his robes off the hanger. "...Well...here goes...my first actual day of classes..." he muttered.

Rabbit

Rabbit, on the other hand, was happy about the new day. They probably should have been tired, after they had delivered all the announcements concerning the new schedule, as well as the new students' uniforms. However, they were perfectly fine this morning, and the strange, masked teacher walked out of their room and looked around at the campus. "...Well, today looks like another beautiful day, doesn't it?" Considering they didn't have a specific class to go to, they figured they would go meet with one of the teachers, before class.

Specifically, they were thinking of bothering Aether.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

After a long rest, Henry woke up. He was renewed, and the weakness cause by mana usage disappeared. Fawkes seemed active as always, perched near his bed and observing the room. Specifically, she stared her eyes at Andrius, Henry's roommate.

Slowly getting up from his bed, he got up, and changed his sleeping attire to his usual clothing. He put on his Ignis robe before he noticed a note near the door. It advised about a block schedule, a change compared to last year's method. In that case, he would have to head to the first class, with a certain "Professor Aether". At least it wasn't the Rabbit.

As he grabbed his note and placed it near his bed, he grabbed the second one and placed it near Andrius's bed, making it easier for him to find. He decided that he should wait Andrius for the first class: He somehow felt that it would be strange to pass another year without talking with his roommate, and if he pretended to have anything with Aria, a good relationship with her brother might help.

So, he walked to the window, observing the courtyard between the dorms while waiting for his roommate to get up.

[Eisen Choras]

Branduff's raven was nowhere near the air mage upon waking; bird was still outside cawing as it circled around the grounds of the school in the morning, forgotten not by choice but by accident. In spite of its owner's forgetfulness the bird kept perched in a tree for most of the night over watching his dorm room's window. The vente mage, however, had a less rude awakening without the bird as he was greeted with the sun after a good night sleep. He kept quiet for the most part yesterday as classes went on as to better learn and observe what was expected. This day would be different for him, however, as he got himself dressed in his new, green robes that best represented his element: air.

The scheduling of classes meant that he could better manage his time with his studies and his new friends... And maybe a trap prank on the side. He didn't look to see if his roommate was awake or not as he rushed out of the room with his grandfather's satchel strapped around him. Being late to class was something he did not want on his record, assuming they kept track of that. He was quiet as he left the room not on purpose but because of his natural quietness due to living in a small house with thin walls and a stern mother; grabbing a pint from the local pub at night proved difficult on some nights.

Only taking a few minutes and a short jog to the class of Elemental science, Branduff found himself there with plenty of time to get adjusted by finding him a good spot in the classroom, assuming seats weren't assigned to the students already.

[Saldinado]

Shaun Calhoun

After going to bed at around 1:00 in the morning, Shaun was still sleep in his bed, softly snoring. Leon encouraged him to get up by nudging him in his side, only to have no improvement. He just turned his back towards Leon and continued to sleep. After no prevail, Leon decided to wake him up by climbing on his bed and sitting square on his face. Soon after, he woke up, groaning and growling in irritability. "What do you want?" He groggily said to Leon. The young miniature chimera looked at the clock on his nightstand; he had about 30 minutes left before class started. "I hate mornings!" He yelled as he removed the blanket off of him and got up from his bed. He put on a red collar shirt with brown shorts and loafers; he then put on his brown Solum robe over it, still having his original clothes be visible due to some modifications he made to it.

He looked back at the clock. "15 minutes left." He whispered as he looked at Leon, who was now sleeping in his spot. "Good god, man, and you talk about me?" He thought as he rolled his eyes at him and walked over to Leon, kissing his lion, goat, and even his snake head before grabbing his backpack and quietly leaving his dorm, trying not to wake up his roommate. As soon as he closed the door, Shaun quickly walked to his next class, which due to the new schedule, has made everything a lot easier and less hectic than before. He walked in, actually feeling determined and confident that this will be the day that he talks to somebody and make a friend. He found a nice seat in the middle off the classroom that was not to close to the teacher's desk, and not too close to the door, as well as a perfect range of the pencil sharpener and things like that. "Okay, let's do this. Today will be the day that you make a friend or at least an acquaintance. You can do it!" He said in his head as he waited for class to start a new day or learning.

[Rhomaia]

Aria Comnena

Aria yawned groggily as she slowly rose from her slumber and the sun peeked through her and Catherine's bedroom window. Yesterday had been an extremely long day for her, between the fight and her relative lack of sleep. Those visions of hers which had kept her asleep for so many nights, even the one before Sorting Day, had not ceased. And yet the ones on this night were not so...disturbing. Of course, there were always the ones that scared her so much that she woke up in a cold sweat, but they were always interspersed with a calm, happy dream, one where she and Andrius still had a home and a family.

She shook it all off, however, as she didn't want to remember any of it. If it got in the way of her classes, then she would need to push them from her mind completely. Instead of rushing out the door, Aria decided to don her sea blue Aquo robes and wait for Catherine to wake up. It had seemed that something was on her mind recently, and Aria didn't want to just leave her like she did yesterday morning.

Andrius Sorovinas

Andrius woke quietly, sitting up on his bed in the Ignis dormitory. He did not hear Henry wake up, but Midna certainly did. The black furred, red eyed feline let out a soft growl as Andrius awoke, but her owner seemed unfazed. "Now, now, Midna...That's no way to act..." Andrius said softly to the cat, smiling a little as he gave Midna a soft pet on the head.

Looking to the desk at the side of his bed, Andrius found the note which Henry had left for him. A block schedule, huh? Basics of Magic, Ritual Theory, Physical Education, all the essentials. Letting out a small sigh, Andrius kept the small smile on his face and greeted his roommate. "Good morning, Henry..." he said, running a hand through his messy, unkempt blood red hair.