Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[The Isles of Lux]

Ozzi glances at Soleil, and then focuses on Professor Rabbit. "So should we be going off to your class now, Professor? It seems dat we are a little late in leaving de auditorium."

They are a little late. In fact, they are more than a little late. To be frank, the two Ventas and their teacher are about the only ones left in the room at all. Most of the upperclassmen left much earlier to go to classes, and once the Sorting ended the new students wondered off to their Houses and dorms. Ozzi turns to Soleil, and asks him another question before Rabbit can answer the first one.

"Is your dorm in de same building as mine? ...Do we even need to go to out dorms before we go to class?"

[Charlia]

Antonius Ruta

Shaking his head, Ruta now walked away from Hikari and back to his desk. With such a foolish girl here...And in the very beginning of his teaching days, no less, he would probably be getting more than just headaches from the Rabbit and Alexander. "Do no dishonor, make no trouble. Those are the rules that you will abide by in this class. If that proves too much for you, my door is always open." he said with a faint chuckle. He knew that this one would give him more trouble than he bargained for, but maybe that was all part of the job description, and he had just been to occupied with perfection to realize, Ruta thought to himself.

She looked down at the floor and closed her eyes tightly.

"I never dishonor anyone," she said softly.

You have no idea how much your words are hurting me, do you?

I... I wish...

[Luminesa]

Ozzi glances at Soleil, and then focuses on Professor Rabbit. "So should we be going off to your class now, Professor? It seems dat we are a little late in leaving de auditorium."

They are a little late. In fact, they are more than a little late. To be frank, the two Ventas and their teacher are about the only ones left in the room at all. Most of the upperclassmen left much earlier to go to classes, and once the Sorting ended the new students wondered off to their Houses and dorms. Ozzi turns to Soleil, and asks him another question before Rabbit can answer the first one.

"Is your dorm in de same building as mine? ...Do we even need to go to out dorms before we go to class?"

"Not necessarily...unless you have things you need to drop-off," Rabbit explained.

"But I already dropped my things off...I think...or I think someone might have done it for me...because all of my stuff was in my room this morning," Soleil mumbled.

"Correct! I dropped your stuff off when I brought you to your room," the odd teacher answered.

Sol was a little creeped by this-the idea of the teacher going through his things, while he was asleep-but he let it go. This was not a teacher who was normal in the slightest, they were going to pretty much do what they wanted. "...Thanks?"

"Anytime!" Rabbit answered, cheerily, "Now, since we're mostly done here, let's head outside and begin class. I didn't get a classroom because I would prefer to have classes outdoors. I have more freedom that way!" they exclaimed. They then brought the class outside.

When they got outside, they saw the odd person out-Lance-with his large suitcase and his adorable little white fox. A moment later, Rabbit appeared in front of him. "Hello! Are you lost?" they asked.

"Wha...he didn't even tell us he was going to run-off like that..." Soleil muttered, confused.

[Sky-TheLandOfNekos]

Ozzi glances at Soleil, and then focuses on Professor Rabbit. "So should we be going off to your class now, Professor? It seems dat we are a little late in leaving de auditorium."

They are a little late. In fact, they are more than a little late. To be frank, the two Ventas and their teacher are about the only ones left in the room at all. Most of the upperclassmen left much earlier to go to classes, and once the Sorting ended the new students wondered off to their Houses and dorms. Ozzi turns to Soleil, and asks him another question before Rabbit can answer the first one.

"Is your dorm in de same building as mine? ...Do we even need to go to out dorms before we go to class?"

"Not necessarily...unless you have things you need to drop-off," Rabbit explained.

"But I already dropped my things off...I think...or I think someone might have done it for me...because all of my stuff was in my room this morning," Soleil mumbled.

"Correct! I dropped your stuff off when I brought you to your room," the odd teacher answered.

Sol was a little creeped by this-the idea of the teacher going through his things, while he was asleep-but he let it go. This was not a teacher who was normal in the slightest, they were going to pretty much do what they wanted. "...Thanks?"

"Anytime!" Rabbit answered, cheerily, "Now, since we're mostly done here, let's head outside and begin class. I didn't get a classroom because I would prefer to have classes outdoors. I have more freedom that way!" they exclaimed. They then brought the class outside.

When they got outside, they saw the odd person out-Lance-with his large suitcase and his adorable little white fox. A moment later, Rabbit appeared in front of him. "Hello! Are you lost?" they asked.

"Wha...he didn't even tell us he was going to run-off like that..." Soleil muttered, confused.

"Actually, yes, I am," he answered, carefully eyeing the figure standing before him. The rabbit mask and the fact that he was unable to determine their sex disturbed him slightly. "Can you tell me where I'm supposed to go?"

The fox walked around a Rabbit a few times before returning to a sitting position beside Lance. Once she had determined that they were not a threat, she relaxed slightly.

[Rhomaia]

Antonius Ruta

"Then I trust you can handle yourself accordingly. Honorless, chaotic conflict is something I cannot bear to see..." Ruta lamented, listening closely to the girl's words. If nothing else than she would prove to be a decent sparring partner for a fellow student. She did look rather hurt by the comment, something he lamented as well. Despite his unforgiving nature, he hated to see the girl looking so down. He had felt the same thing, hadn't he? Over and over and over again, that rejection, and even his expulsion from the home and hearth. This girl, Hikari, he couldn't help but feel she went through that same struggle.

Ruta, at this point was tired of waiting for his class to begin. The few minutes had passed, and by noe the room was fairly populated by students, even if it wasn't as many as he would have liked to see. There was an upside to that, though. It would be easier to get the students' attention.

Snapping his fingers, Ruta sent a bolt of blue lightning straight into the air above the students, where it exploded just before impact with the ceiling. A large crack could be heard, as if what he'd just used was part of an actual thunderstorm. Once the majority of the class had turned it's heads to him, Ruta put on a warm smile, amd announced in a deep, booming voice, "Ladies, gentleman, and others, I welcome you to Magical Combat! I am Professor Ruta, or as some of you have taken to calling me, Mr. Ruta. In this class, you will be taught the essentials of dueling, Mana channeling, and how to effectively defend yourself against magical foes." Ruta explained. He really hated this part of the job, but in reality it was probably going to be the easiest. When the actual lesson started to kick in, that would be the thing to leave him a little less than enthused and energetic. "Here, you will not be simply reading for an hour in the textbooks you'll be provided, but learning and understanding the art of Combat in a hands on experience. To this end, we will start our first day here by following that principal. Today, unlike Day One of last year's Magical Combat class, you will not be thrust into the manipulation of magical properties, and nor will we be teaching the bare basics as Professor Faelbrook did for so many days. For you upperclassmen, I'm sure you will be pleased to hear this. Our first unit for the year will be in dueling." Antonius finished, waiting for a response from any of the students that now sat in his classroom. "Now, are there any questions that anyone wishes to ask, before I continue on?"

[The Isles of Lux]

Ozzi shrugs at Soleil as he leans against the wall and takes in a breath of fresh air. "Dat is okay. It was a good idea to 'ave a class outside, I think. Do you agree?"

Ozzi looks around at the outside of the school campus. He has to admit that the school is quite beautiful.

[Luminesa]

"Not necessarily...unless you have things you need to drop-off," Rabbit explained.

"But I already dropped my things off...I think...or I think someone might have done it for me...because all of my stuff was in my room this morning," Soleil mumbled.

"Correct! I dropped your stuff off when I brought you to your room," the odd teacher answered.

Sol was a little creeped by this-the idea of the teacher going through his things, while he was asleep-but he let it go. This was not a teacher who was normal in the slightest, they were going to pretty much do what they wanted. "...Thanks?"

"Anytime!" Rabbit answered, cheerily, "Now, since we're mostly done here, let's head outside and begin class. I didn't get a classroom because I would prefer to have classes outdoors. I have more freedom that way!" they exclaimed. They then brought the class outside.

When they got outside, they saw the odd person out-Lance-with his large suitcase and his adorable little white fox. A moment later, Rabbit appeared in front of him. "Hello! Are you lost?" they asked.

"Wha...he didn't even tell us he was going to run-off like that..." Soleil muttered, confused.

"Actually, yes, I am," he answered, carefully eyeing the figure standing before him. The rabbit mask and the fact that he was unable to determine their sex disturbed him slightly. "Can you tell me where I'm supposed to go?"

The fox walked around a Rabbit a few times before returning to a sitting position beside Lance. Once she had determined that they were not a threat, she relaxed slightly.

Rabbit leaned over and pet the little fox for a moment, as Lance spoke to them. "Well, I suppose you haven't been sorted yet, hm? I don't think I saw you in the auditorium. In that case, since the Sorting is mostly over, I will explain what you need to know," they said, before standing again.

"Today is your first day here, and first-year or first-time students here usually get Sorted today. You can be sorted into one of four Houses, depending on your element. Ignis is Fire, Solum is Earth, Venta is Wind, Aquo is Water." They demonstrated by summoning an orb of water in their hand, and showing it to the little fox. The orb then evaporated in front of the fox.

When they stood again, they continued, "You demonstrate which element you usually use, and your skill with it, and you are sorted based on that demonstration. The general Sorting inside has ended, but because I am a judge, I would be happy to see your demonstration, so I can inform the other teachers as to where you need to be sorted. Does this help?" Their voice was kind and friendly, as they sensed that this student possibly felt some anxiety about being here.

[Luminesa]

Ozzi shrugs at Soleil as he leans against the wall and takes in a breath of fresh air. "Dat is okay. It was a good idea to 'ave a class outside, I think. Do you agree?"

Ozzi looks around at the outside of the school campus. He has to admit that the school is quite beautiful.

Soleil looked around, and he had to agree. The grounds of the school had rolling green grass for miles, lots of oak trees, and the lovely fountain outside the main hall. This was without mentioning the beautiful dorms around campus, and the pathways and forests that also surrounded the campus. It truly was a mysterious and wonderful place. "...Yeah...I guess this was nice...I needed to get out of that auditorium, it was so cold and...awkward..." he muttered.

[Charlia]

"Actually, yes, I am," he answered, carefully eyeing the figure standing before him. The rabbit mask and the fact that he was unable to determine their sex disturbed him slightly. "Can you tell me where I'm supposed to go?"

The fox walked around a Rabbit a few times before returning to a sitting position beside Lance. Once she had determined that they were not a threat, she relaxed slightly.

Rabbit leaned over and pet the little fox for a moment, as Lance spoke to them. "Well, I suppose you haven't been sorted yet, hm? I don't think I saw you in the auditorium. In that case, since the Sorting is mostly over, I will explain what you need to know," they said, before standing again.

"Today is your first day here, and first-year or first-time students here usually get Sorted today. You can be sorted into one of four Houses, depending on your element. Ignis is Fire, Solum is Earth, Venta is Wind, Aquo is Water." They demonstrated by summoning an orb of water in their hand, and showing it to the little fox. The orb then evaporated in front of the fox.

When they stood again, they continued, "You demonstrate which element you usually use, and your skill with it, and you are sorted based on that demonstration. The general Sorting inside has ended, but because I am a judge, I would be happy to see your demonstration, so I can inform the other teachers as to where you need to be sorted. Does this help?" Their voice was kind and friendly, as they sensed that this student possibly felt some anxiety about being here.

"Ah! Um... excuse me!" Kasumi interrupted. "Pardon me for the interruption," she said, bowing quickly. "I am Shimizu Kasumi. You are Sensei Usagi, yes? I... I mean Professor Rabbit," she corrected herself, and bowed again. "I believe I am scheduled to have a class with you... but I could not find you anywhere! Why are you outside, if it is not too rude of me?"

[Luminesa]

Rabbit leaned over and pet the little fox for a moment, as Lance spoke to them. "Well, I suppose you haven't been sorted yet, hm? I don't think I saw you in the auditorium. In that case, since the Sorting is mostly over, I will explain what you need to know," they said, before standing again.

"Today is your first day here, and first-year or first-time students here usually get Sorted today. You can be sorted into one of four Houses, depending on your element. Ignis is Fire, Solum is Earth, Venta is Wind, Aquo is Water." They demonstrated by summoning an orb of water in their hand, and showing it to the little fox. The orb then evaporated in front of the fox.

When they stood again, they continued, "You demonstrate which element you usually use, and your skill with it, and you are sorted based on that demonstration. The general Sorting inside has ended, but because I am a judge, I would be happy to see your demonstration, so I can inform the other teachers as to where you need to be sorted. Does this help?" Their voice was kind and friendly, as they sensed that this student possibly felt some anxiety about being here.

"Ah! Um... excuse me!" Kasumi interrupted. "Pardon me for the interruption," she said, bowing quickly. "I am Shimizu Kasumi. You are Sensei Usagi, yes? I... I mean Professor Rabbit," she corrected herself, and bowed again. "I believe I am scheduled to have a class with you... but I could not find you anywhere! Why are you outside, if it is not too rude of me?"

"Oh! Hello, Kasumi-chan. Well, you see, I was just in the auditorium for the Sorting, and I have class outside here because...well, why not? It's a lovely day outside. Besides, I never learned anything in a classroom. I learned from nature," they explained. Turning back to Lance, they added, "But I was going to let this one demonstrate for me their element, before we began class."

[Sky-TheLandOfNekos]

"Actually, yes, I am," he answered, carefully eyeing the figure standing before him. The rabbit mask and the fact that he was unable to determine their sex disturbed him slightly. "Can you tell me where I'm supposed to go?"

The fox walked around a Rabbit a few times before returning to a sitting position beside Lance. Once she had determined that they were not a threat, she relaxed slightly.

Rabbit leaned over and pet the little fox for a moment, as Lance spoke to them. "Well, I suppose you haven't been sorted yet, hm? I don't think I saw you in the auditorium. In that case, since the Sorting is mostly over, I will explain what you need to know," they said, before standing again.

"Today is your first day here, and first-year or first-time students here usually get Sorted today. You can be sorted into one of four Houses, depending on your element. Ignis is Fire, Solum is Earth, Venta is Wind, Aquo is Water." They demonstrated by summoning an orb of water in their hand, and showing it to the little fox. The orb then evaporated in front of the fox.

When they stood again, they continued, "You demonstrate which element you usually use, and your skill with it, and you are sorted based on that demonstration. The general Sorting inside has ended, but because I am a judge, I would be happy to see your demonstration, so I can inform the other teachers as to where you need to be sorted. Does this help?" Their voice was kind and friendly, as they sensed that this student possibly felt some anxiety about being here.

They would be able to feel her silky fur. It was well groomed, mostly because of her constant tending to it. When the orb of water evaporated, she yipped in surprise and stepped back. Her eyes were fixed on Rabbit's hand where the orb had been.

Lance nodded to the teacher and held out his right hand. At first, nothing but frost formed across his skin. Then a formation of ice suddenly manifested centimeters above his palm. "This good enough?"

[The Isles of Lux]

"Yes, it definitely was less comfortable in dere den it is out 'ere."

Ozzi looks up at the skt and sighs, putting his hands behind his back. Without warning, Ozzi uses his arms and legs to launch himself off of the wall. He begins to swiftly pace back and forth across the area, occasionally glancing around to take a look at a tree, or a cloud, or another student. While he walks he mutters silently to himself, but none of what he says is audible.

[Charlia]

"Ah! Um... excuse me!" Kasumi interrupted. "Pardon me for the interruption," she said, bowing quickly. "I am Shimizu Kasumi. You are Sensei Usagi, yes? I... I mean Professor Rabbit," she corrected herself, and bowed again. "I believe I am scheduled to have a class with you... but I could not find you anywhere! Why are you outside, if it is not too rude of me?"

"Oh! Hello, Kasumi-chan. Well, you see, I was just in the auditorium for the Sorting, and I have class outside here because...well, why not? It's a lovely day outside. Besides, I never learned anything in a classroom. I learned from nature," they explained. Turning back to Lance, they added, "But I was going to let this one demonstrate for me their element, before we began class."

"I do not understand what you mean," she said with a frown. "One cannot learn from nature as one can from a teacher's words or a textbook. Nature is simply another part of life. We live with it, but we cannot learn from it. Hikari-chan would have it otherwise, but she has always been rather... oh, I should not speak ill of my sister, nor should I sound as if I know more than a teacher. Forgive my rudeness, Sensei Usagi. Ah... you do not mind if I call you that, do you?" she questioned nervously, bowing again.

[Luminesa]

Rabbit leaned over and pet the little fox for a moment, as Lance spoke to them. "Well, I suppose you haven't been sorted yet, hm? I don't think I saw you in the auditorium. In that case, since the Sorting is mostly over, I will explain what you need to know," they said, before standing again.

"Today is your first day here, and first-year or first-time students here usually get Sorted today. You can be sorted into one of four Houses, depending on your element. Ignis is Fire, Solum is Earth, Venta is Wind, Aquo is Water." They demonstrated by summoning an orb of water in their hand, and showing it to the little fox. The orb then evaporated in front of the fox.

When they stood again, they continued, "You demonstrate which element you usually use, and your skill with it, and you are sorted based on that demonstration. The general Sorting inside has ended, but because I am a judge, I would be happy to see your demonstration, so I can inform the other teachers as to where you need to be sorted. Does this help?" Their voice was kind and friendly, as they sensed that this student possibly felt some anxiety about being here.

They would be able to feel her silky fur. It was well groomed, mostly because of her constant tending to it. When the orb of water evaporated, she yipped in surprise and stepped back. Her eyes were fixed on Rabbit's hand where the orb had been.

Lance nodded to the teacher and held out his right hand. At first, nothing but frost formed across his skin. Then a formation of ice suddenly manifested centimeters above his palm. "This good enough?"

Rabbit looked to Kasumi to answer her question, but then they noticed Lance using his magic. They looked at it, and then at Lance. "Hmmmm...Do you have any skills you know how to use it for? You know...any attacks? Of course, I would recommend you do not attack any of the students, but can you demonstrate?" they inquired. "Simply to see how much you know about using your element."

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Antonius Ruta

"Then I trust you can handle yourself accordingly. Honorless, chaotic conflict is something I cannot bear to see..." Ruta lamented, listening closely to the girl's words. If nothing else than she would prove to be a decent sparring partner for a fellow student. She did look rather hurt by the comment, something he lamented as well. Despite his unforgiving nature, he hated to see the girl looking so down. He had felt the same thing, hadn't he? Over and over and over again, that rejection, and even his expulsion from the home and hearth. This girl, Hikari, he couldn't help but feel she went through that same struggle.

Ruta, at this point was tired of waiting for his class to begin. The few minutes had passed, and by noe the room was fairly populated by students, even if it wasn't as many as he would have liked to see. There was an upside to that, though. It would be easier to get the students' attention.

Snapping his fingers, Ruta sent a bolt of blue lightning straight into the air above the students, where it exploded just before impact with the ceiling. A large crack could be heard, as if what he'd just used was part of an actual thunderstorm. Once the majority of the class had turned it's heads to him, Ruta put on a warm smile, amd announced in a deep, booming voice, "Ladies, gentleman, and others, I welcome you to Magical Combat! I am Professor Ruta, or as some of you have taken to calling me, Mr. Ruta. In this class, you will be taught the essentials of dueling, Mana channeling, and how to effectively defend yourself against magical foes." Ruta explained. He really hated this part of the job, but in reality it was probably going to be the easiest. When the actual lesson started to kick in, that would be the thing to leave him a little less than enthused and energetic. "Here, you will not be simply reading for an hour in the textbooks you'll be provided, but learning and understanding the art of Combat in a hands on experience. To this end, we will start our first day here by following that principal. Today, unlike Day One of last year's Magical Combat class, you will not be thrust into the manipulation of magical properties, and nor will we be teaching the bare basics as Professor Faelbrook did for so many days. For you upperclassmen, I'm sure you will be pleased to hear this. Our first unit for the year will be in dueling." Antonius finished, waiting for a response from any of the students that now sat in his classroom. "Now, are there any questions that anyone wishes to ask, before I continue on?"

Henry Von Kressel

The sequence of scenes apparently didn't affect Henry. He already got used to Alex's behavior, which could only be described as inconstant. However, the new girl caused him to think for a few minutes how it would be if she paired with Alex. The simple thought caused a mix of smile and fear in Henry's mind, who quickly shook off the thought while waiting for the class to start.

However, the notice that they would skip right next to dueling was uncomfortable for Henry: He had a fame of a "pacifist" often employing defensive techniques while fighting. Obviously, he had the same level of skill when attacking, but preferred to not do it. His element was rather destructive, as the use of lava often proves that one shouldn't use it without proper knowledge and control, which often led him to "dissociate" his element in the primary elements of earth and fire as a way of causing less destruction.

But even with his hesitation, he had no questions at all, so he remained quiet. A question came to his mind, but one he decided not to ask it. The curiosity was simple: Who would be the dueling pairs?

[Sky-TheLandOfNekos]

They would be able to feel her silky fur. It was well groomed, mostly because of her constant tending to it. When the orb of water evaporated, she yipped in surprise and stepped back. Her eyes were fixed on Rabbit's hand where the orb had been.

Lance nodded to the teacher and held out his right hand. At first, nothing but frost formed across his skin. Then a formation of ice suddenly manifested centimeters above his palm. "This good enough?"

Rabbit looked to Kasumi to answer her question, but then they noticed Lance using his magic. They looked at it, and then at Lance. "Hmmmm...Do you have any skills you know how to use it for? You know...any attacks? Of course, I would recommend you do not attack any of the students, but can you demonstrate?" they inquired. "Simply to see how much you know about using your element."

"There isn't much that I can do," he answered. "Well, aside from basic things like hurling chunks of frozen water at others and freezing objects together." To demonstrate, he pointed his palm towards a nearby tree and accelerated the recently formed chunk of ice towards it. The ice shattered on impact, mostly because of its shape.

[Luminesa]

Rabbit looked to Kasumi to answer her question, but then they noticed Lance using his magic. They looked at it, and then at Lance. "Hmmmm...Do you have any skills you know how to use it for? You know...any attacks? Of course, I would recommend you do not attack any of the students, but can you demonstrate?" they inquired. "Simply to see how much you know about using your element."

"There isn't much that I can do," he answered. "Well, aside from basic things like hurling chunks of frozen water at others and freezing objects together." To demonstrate, he pointed his palm towards a nearby tree and accelerated the recently formed chunk of ice towards it. The ice shattered on impact, mostly because of its shape.

"I see...Well, then, I would say you are Aquo, based on your elemental power. That was quite simple. Now, since you have all of that heavy material, I would think you'd need to go put it down somewhere," they suggested. They pointed down the path, toward the Aquo dorms. "The Aquo dorms are right down the path, they're the large, white-and-blue marble building. Once inside, you simply need to find a room to stay in. There are not as many students here at the moment, so there are plenty of empty dorms for you to stay in," Rabbit explained.

[Charlia]

"There isn't much that I can do," he answered. "Well, aside from basic things like hurling chunks of frozen water at others and freezing objects together." To demonstrate, he pointed his palm towards a nearby tree and accelerated the recently formed chunk of ice towards it. The ice shattered on impact, mostly because of its shape.

"I see...Well, then, I would say you are Aquo, based on your elemental power. That was quite simple. Now, since you have all of that heavy material, I would think you'd need to go put it down somewhere," they suggested. They pointed down the path, toward the Aquo dorms. "The Aquo dorms are right down the path, they're the large, white-and-blue marble building. Once inside, you simply need to find a room to stay in. There are not as many students here at the moment, so there are plenty of empty dorms for you to stay in," Rabbit explained.

Kasumi had simply been standing with her hands clasped behind her back, but when Rabbit seemed to have finished speaking, she tentatively cleared her throat, bowing again, just in case.

"Se--ah, I mean, Professor Rabbit? If you wouldn't mind answering my question now that you've directed... ah... the new student to his dorm?"

[Luminesa]

"Oh! Hello, Kasumi-chan. Well, you see, I was just in the auditorium for the Sorting, and I have class outside here because...well, why not? It's a lovely day outside. Besides, I never learned anything in a classroom. I learned from nature," they explained. Turning back to Lance, they added, "But I was going to let this one demonstrate for me their element, before we began class."

"I do not understand what you mean," she said with a frown. "One cannot learn from nature as one can from a teacher's words or a textbook. Nature is simply another part of life. We live with it, but we cannot learn from it. Hikari-chan would have it otherwise, but she has always been rather... oh, I should not speak ill of my sister, nor should I sound as if I know more than a teacher. Forgive my rudeness, Sensei Usagi. Ah... you do not mind if I call you that, do you?" she questioned nervously, bowing again.

"As for your questions, Kasumi," Rabbit answered, smiling at the gentle and polite girl, "of course we can learn from nature. Because it is what we live in the most, it is also what we relate to the most. You see, people are born will so many elements inside of them, and so is the world they are born into. Thus, to understand our magical abilities, we also have to understand the world around us."

A group of flowers around a nearby tree suddenly seemed to begin dancing at random. The lack of wind around them made this slightly unnerving, but also rather cute. Soleil, however, looked upon this with a little concern. How were they dancing? Did Rabbit have something to do with it?

"And yes. You may call me Sensei Usagi, if you wish. Whatever is most comfortable with you, Kasumi-chan," they answered, continuing to use the honorific to make her feel more relaxed. This shy little Japanese girl was far from home, and needed someone around her who understood her. Which Rabbit did.

[Charlia]

"I do not understand what you mean," she said with a frown. "One cannot learn from nature as one can from a teacher's words or a textbook. Nature is simply another part of life. We live with it, but we cannot learn from it. Hikari-chan would have it otherwise, but she has always been rather... oh, I should not speak ill of my sister, nor should I sound as if I know more than a teacher. Forgive my rudeness, Sensei Usagi. Ah... you do not mind if I call you that, do you?" she questioned nervously, bowing again.

"As for your questions, Kasumi," Rabbit answered, smiling at the gentle and polite girl, "of course we can learn from nature. Because it is what we live in the most, it is also what we relate to the most. You see, people are born will so many elements inside of them, and so is the world they are born into. Thus, to understand our magical abilities, we also have to understand the world around us."

A group of flowers around a nearby tree suddenly seemed to begin dancing at random. The lack of wind around them made this slightly unnerving, but also rather cute. Soleil, however, looked upon this with a little concern. How were they dancing? Did Rabbit have something to do with it?

"And yes. You may call me Sensei Usagi, if you wish. Whatever is most comfortable with you, Kasumi-chan," they answered, continuing to use the honorific to make her feel more relaxed. This shy little Japanese girl was far from home, and needed someone around her who understood her. Which Rabbit did.

She bowed again.

"Thank you, Sensei Usagi," she said with a small smile. "However, I am afraid I still do not fully understand. After all, humans are composed primarily of water and carbon, are they not? Why are only a few able to manipulate water? Why can no one manipulate carbon? Why is it that the only elements we are able to control are the four classical elements instead of all the elements in us and the world? And... why are those flowers... dancing?" she asked nervously, watching them with a wary eye.

[The Isles of Lux]

Ozzi stops gis pacing turn to and watch the dancing plants. It is quite excitinf for him, to see such a cheerful display of magical ability. He glances at Soleil to gauge his expression and hopefully get verification that it is something amazing, but his friend has a look of slightly confused concern on his look. Ozzi narrows his eyes in thought, studying Soleil's features.

Ozzi senses what he is about to think, and pushes such thoughts from his mind. To further distract himself, Ozzi jumps up next to the flowers and trees and starts to dance with them, because why not?

[Luminesa]

"As for your questions, Kasumi," Rabbit answered, smiling at the gentle and polite girl, "of course we can learn from nature. Because it is what we live in the most, it is also what we relate to the most. You see, people are born will so many elements inside of them, and so is the world they are born into. Thus, to understand our magical abilities, we also have to understand the world around us."

A group of flowers around a nearby tree suddenly seemed to begin dancing at random. The lack of wind around them made this slightly unnerving, but also rather cute. Soleil, however, looked upon this with a little concern. How were they dancing? Did Rabbit have something to do with it?

"And yes. You may call me Sensei Usagi, if you wish. Whatever is most comfortable with you, Kasumi-chan," they answered, continuing to use the honorific to make her feel more relaxed. This shy little Japanese girl was far from home, and needed someone around her who understood her. Which Rabbit did.

She bowed again.

"Thank you, Sensei Usagi," she said with a small smile. "However, I am afraid I still do not fully understand. After all, humans are composed primarily of water and carbon, are they not? Why are only a few able to manipulate water? Why can no one manipulate carbon? Why is it that the only elements we are able to control are the four classical elements instead of all the elements in us and the world? And... why are those flowers... dancing?" she asked nervously, watching them with a wary eye.

"Ah, not completely of carbon and water. There are other elements inside of humans. Carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium...lots of things! And the same is for the world around us," Rabbit explained. "But perhaps once we start the course, you will be able to understand better. Which is why I am happy you are here!" they answered.

The flowers then stopped dancing, as if on command...

[Charlia]

She bowed again.

"Thank you, Sensei Usagi," she said with a small smile. "However, I am afraid I still do not fully understand. After all, humans are composed primarily of water and carbon, are they not? Why are only a few able to manipulate water? Why can no one manipulate carbon? Why is it that the only elements we are able to control are the four classical elements instead of all the elements in us and the world? And... why are those flowers... dancing?" she asked nervously, watching them with a wary eye.

"Ah, not completely of carbon and water. There are other elements inside of humans. Carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium...lots of things! And the same is for the world around us," Rabbit explained. "But perhaps once we start the course, you will be able to understand better. Which is why I am happy you are here!" they answered.

The flowers then stopped dancing, as if on command...

"...I am... happy... to be here as well," she said, her smile growing a little bit wider. "If I am able to enjoy myself while increasing my base of knowledge, then it is time more than well-spent."

...Happy... am I... happy?

I'm not entirely sure.

[Armetesia]

Antonius Ruta

"Then I trust you can handle yourself accordingly. Honorless, chaotic conflict is something I cannot bear to see..." Ruta lamented, listening closely to the girl's words. If nothing else than she would prove to be a decent sparring partner for a fellow student. She did look rather hurt by the comment, something he lamented as well. Despite his unforgiving nature, he hated to see the girl looking so down. He had felt the same thing, hadn't he? Over and over and over again, that rejection, and even his expulsion from the home and hearth. This girl, Hikari, he couldn't help but feel she went through that same struggle.

Ruta, at this point was tired of waiting for his class to begin. The few minutes had passed, and by noe the room was fairly populated by students, even if it wasn't as many as he would have liked to see. There was an upside to that, though. It would be easier to get the students' attention.

Snapping his fingers, Ruta sent a bolt of blue lightning straight into the air above the students, where it exploded just before impact with the ceiling. A large crack could be heard, as if what he'd just used was part of an actual thunderstorm. Once the majority of the class had turned it's heads to him, Ruta put on a warm smile, amd announced in a deep, booming voice, "Ladies, gentleman, and others, I welcome you to Magical Combat! I am Professor Ruta, or as some of you have taken to calling me, Mr. Ruta. In this class, you will be taught the essentials of dueling, Mana channeling, and how to effectively defend yourself against magical foes." Ruta explained. He really hated this part of the job, but in reality it was probably going to be the easiest. When the actual lesson started to kick in, that would be the thing to leave him a little less than enthused and energetic. "Here, you will not be simply reading for an hour in the textbooks you'll be provided, but learning and understanding the art of Combat in a hands on experience. To this end, we will start our first day here by following that principal. Today, unlike Day One of last year's Magical Combat class, you will not be thrust into the manipulation of magical properties, and nor will we be teaching the bare basics as Professor Faelbrook did for so many days. For you upperclassmen, I'm sure you will be pleased to hear this. Our first unit for the year will be in dueling." Antonius finished, waiting for a response from any of the students that now sat in his classroom. "Now, are there any questions that anyone wishes to ask, before I continue on?"

Maria Hirsch

Marie's hand immediately shot up for a question that had been buying in her mind.

"Will the dueling purely be spelled based, or will we apply physical elements and actual weapons/fighting skill along with our abilities?" Marie was nervous about if the answer was the first one. Her magic was only tuned to being an accessory to enhancing weapons... her weakness was using her pure Ignis magic. She could probably make a small fire, but without any refined metallic surface that was pretty much all she could do.

[Luminesa]

"Ah, not completely of carbon and water. There are other elements inside of humans. Carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium...lots of things! And the same is for the world around us," Rabbit explained. "But perhaps once we start the course, you will be able to understand better. Which is why I am happy you are here!" they answered.

The flowers then stopped dancing, as if on command...

"...I am... happy... to be here as well," she said, her smile growing a little bit wider. "If I am able to enjoy myself while increasing my base of knowledge, then it is time more than well-spent."

...Happy... am I... happy?

I'm not entirely sure.

"Indeed! That's the spirit, Kasumi-chan. Learning is something a student should enjoy, hence why I have my classes outside of a classroom! Because people don't always like to be in a classroom..." They then looked at Ozzi and chuckled, seeing them dance with the flowers. "I see someone else is also happy to be here."