Cinia Pacifica Posts

Claudia was being escorted to the Director of the Royal Institute. The man said to stand at the top of the academy. The man said to have once wielded such magic that none knew before. The man said to be mysteriously chosen by Her Majesty the Queen – Victoria herself. However, these were nothing but rumors. No one knew the truth, and could only spread words of their personal beliefs to spend their time.

With the teacher beside her, she felt like a prisoner being escorted to the prison cell. The teacher had a solemn look and held a wand at his right hand. Unfortunately for Claudia, she was to walk from the left, so she couldn’t seize it and then beat him up, nor could she run from a professional teacher who was likely a powerful mage. To top it over, she was still bleeding slightly from the wounds she received from Catherine; she was gonna pass out if she’d be sliced once more by her blade.

The corridor was empty for the most part, classes were in session, of course. As Claudia walked, something familiar entered her field of sight; locks of platinum blonde, and a familiar gold. The girl that Escott and herself had to act as a father and daughter for, the one regarding whom received some information about from her teacher, Mary.

Mary naturally gave a silent greeting – with a respectable bow – to the two as she passed, but she held a smile that somehow gave Claudia a message that everything would be alright.

Claudia, as bereaved as she was, took notice to this and nodded to the woman. Was she planning something? “What is she doing here? I thought she was just an ordinary human…” Clauda murmured under her breath as she passed by Mary.

“Don’t worry,” a voice whispered to Claudia as the young woman passed by.

Don’t worry? With the situation Claudia was in, she had very much of a right to worry. But regardless, Claudia, at this point had no one on her side after that display. She would have no choice but to trust Mary. “Right…” sighed Claudia, remaining patient for the time being.

After this, Claudia finally arrived the door to the Director’s office. A deep brown door as one would expect of such an establishment. A very short girl– a lady awaited their arrival before the door. She remembered who this was, another one of her teachers.

The teacher who taught her Latin, and was apparently so talented that she was a candidate to be a Magic Magister, but she refused due to her lack of time. She was known to a faerie, this was made apparent by the pair of horns over her head, her unusual violet hair, and her glaring pair of red pupils. She wore a somewhat respectable attire for a child, but it was a one-piece at the end of the day. A red one, at that.

“Amrita, huh? I suppose I wouldn’t be allowed inside?” The teacher beside Claudia asked.

“It is unfortunate,” Amrita – the faerie before the door – answered. “He is supposed to see her, yes? We’re aware of the situation.”

“Tch,” heard Claudia from her teacher beside her, who left her side momentarily.

“Come in, the Director expects you,” Amrita said, opening the door to the Director’s office.

”Thank you," Claudia said to the the teacher rather rasply before entering. Her throat hurt a little and her tear ducts were dried. Apparently unconsciously reacquainting with her roots had really hurt her bad. Hell, there wasn’t a moment where she did not grimace what was to come with meeting the Director.

(OOC: Turns out the posting is a little fucked up since this isn’t entirely chronological now. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.)

The two pursued the platinum-haired girl known to be a new and popular author and actress – Mary Shelley. The executioner was eager to help the golden-eyed girl as he felt a bad premonition, or perhaps it was a measly hunch from Iris. Regardless, the two were unyielding. They pursued this person known as Mary no matter the distance.

However, Michael had just noticed after about ten minutes of running: where was the bridge? It shouldn’t even have taken five minutes to be there. The River Thames wasn’t so far from there, at all. At least, it wasn’t supposed to be so far, he believed. Iris too, was confused, as she looked with a very confounded look on her face.

Just as Michael saw her face, and turned back towards the running female figure in front of him – he had just noticed… this was no longer the London he had lived in since his young age. The surroundings warped to show stark differences; buildings changed and the sky was met with a definite difference, even. This was the first time he had seen such supernatural occurrences take place. He had only read bits about such circumstances.

Taking a moment to search, flipping through the pages of his memories – he remembered that the Boundaries could cause such changes as one goes through them. In other words, he was somewhat half-way into a completely different Realm, and it wasn’t just him or Iris going there, Mary too was on her way there. Why, he did not know, but he was sure that there was more than met the eye when it came to this person.

Just like the time he was escaping from the fog, he could hear something. A voice that was definitely not Iris’. The whisper of the violent steel monster visited his ears, just as it did back then. A monster that crept through the darkness of London.

There were fewer and fewer Engine lights along the way. The world had certainly warped, and he noticed that there was not a single mundane individual here, neither were there any other magicians. Just the three of them.

Just as he turned his face to the side to check out more of the change.

He was there – in a completely new world.

The two stopped to look around. Black buildings, steel floor, a black yet empty sky. Yes, a sky devoid of clouds, unlike England’s skies. The air felt stale, and reeked of iron. Iris approached one of the figures and reported that even those were made out of metal.

Michael then found Mary standing far in front of the two, then he and Iris nodded to each other, and ran up to her.

Mary heard footsteps, and turned around, revealing a shocked look on her face. “What are you doing here?” She asked, making a frown.

”Wish I knew. Where is here exactly?” He replied.

“This is a place where you shouldn’t be in,” Mary answered. “It’s dangerous here.”

”Well, I can see that. But why are you here?” Michael asked while looking around.

“It’s not like I want to be here. It just… happens,” Mary said, glancing downwards to the metallic floor.

”Weird. What happens when you’re here?” Michael said, ”It smells… iron-y.” Michael then quietly listened to the sounds and air of his surroundings, and he heard something similar to what he could hear before he came here. However… the voice… was very different now. He was certain that there was a similarity, yet it was now vastly different. A ghastly breath… a ferociousness… a monster? He was certainly more alert now.

“Nothing good. You must leave me and search for an exit, now,” Mary warned.

”If we’re searching for an exit, might as well we bring you with us. As you’ve said; it’s dangerous here.” Michael placed his left hand over his holster, preparing to draw his gun if something would ambush them. Better safe, than sorry.

“Seems like that isn’t happening,” Mary smiled as she spoke, after she turned towards the two. Yet Michael realized something. He realized that Mary’s body was clearly quivering.

Quivering in fear, that is. She really didn’t end up here because she wanted to.

Michael put his hand on Mary’s head and smiled at her, ”Look, don’t worry. I’ll get us out of here. Trust me, okay?” He took out the cross that were given when they finish their training and handed it to her, ”I-it might not be much, but…”

“I don’t need it. More importantly, look behind you,” Mary said, pointing to what lied behind Michael and Iris.


BGM


And there lied a large dark figure made out of iron itself. There was a growl. A strange voice, and its eyes shone with a crimson dim light. Steel objects from the ground broke apart to form its lower portion of the body, before its legs had materialized.

“Iris, bring Mary with you, you two hide.” Michael shouted as he turned around, drawing his gunblade in the process. He froze for a moment when he saw a gargantuan figure made of steel, instead of some beast that he was expecting.

“I can still fight, don’t forget that I can… umm… well, never mind that! It’s not like he can hit me! Why should I hide?” Iris complained, but ushered Mary to go hide, who in turn sighed.

“It won’t even respond, but will chase me if I hide,” Mary stated, her voice was clearly shaking. “I’ll have to fight too. You’ll have to keep it occupied for bit, though.”

Michael pinched his forehead, ”Well, if you guys say so. Iris, can you immobilize him? I might have a plan. Sort of.” He said as he ran his hand along the blade’s edge.

“That’s impossible,” Iris said, rubbing the back of her head with shame. “I can’t do it due to all the steel here,” she claimed. “I could try, at least.”

”Better than nothing, try it.” He said as he ran towards the steel giant.

Iris nodded. “Here goes nothing… ” she said quietly, then whispered an incantation silently, gathering mana from the Realms. As Michael made his way to the giant, the steel floor was torn apart as hands of earth rose out from below; ensnaring the monster in its grasp – immobilizing it as requested.

“Thank god it worked! Now’s your chance,” Iris exclaimed cheerfully.

”Thanks!” Michael shouted as he jumped onto the earthen hands, following up with another jump, this time towards the steel giant. He managed to grab onto it, but as he was starting to climb past its legs and pointed his gunblade at it; the giant moved, causing his hand to slip. He managed to land with his feet and roll, but he still felt some of the impact which sent a small shock throughout his body.

“Ahh…” Iris placed her palm over her forehead. “Exactly what did you wanted to do?” However, just as she asked, she heard a groan. Then turned to the platinum-haired girl beside her – Mary, who held her right eye, as if in pain.

“Please… look away,” Mary said, her body fidgeting even more than before, and she sweated profusely. Soon, she moved her hands slightly, freeing the space around her eyelid, before Iris saw the most… strangest – or perhaps even the most grotesque – occurrence in her life.

A hollow hole opened up in Mary’s right eye. It grew from the center of her lens – growing enough to go beyond her eye-socket, it seemed. A hilt of a deep dark crept out, slowly and steadily, and she gripped it with her bare two hands; pulling it out. As soon as she did so, her eye returned to normal. Thorns flew out from the deep black blade, and implanted themselves onto her right arm.

“Ugh!” Her voice leaked out for a moment as she felt a prickling pain from the thorns. She gave the blade a swing; cutting the air apart with a sharp slash. Meanwhile, the Steel Giant tried to pull itself away from the earthly arms that kept it bound to its location, but it failed to do so.

”Uh. Wow.” Michael said as he sheathed his Gunblade. He then drew his gun and aimed at the giant, which was currently struggling to get free of Iris’ spell. As he was firing his gun, he momentarily felt numb on his hand which misaligned his shot. ”Iris, got any more damaging spells?” He shouted at her, trying to play off the numbness he felt.

“I’ll try something,” Iris said, then chanted to herself silently yet again. As she combined her teachings from her Technique of Rego, and her capability to manipulate the mana of the Form of Terram. Something came to her, how did she know all this? Even she herself did not know. Her childhood was a complete mystery to her; she had no memory of it whatsoever. No matter, I will find out in due time. It’s handy, anyway, she thought, making her resolve.

She then raised her hand, and with it a large piece of iron – a steel pole to be exact, rose up from behind them. She then swung her hand towards the giant, and the pole impaled the gigantic monster with a loud thud, making it groan. Mary ran up from behind the pole and tried to attack, but the monster’s hand shielded itself, and it easily pushed the frail-looking girl back.

“Jeez, I thought it was occupied with your spell, it sure is carefree,” Mary commented, taking a few breaths. The monster continued trying to break free.

”Well, at least it’s not moving around. Do these things regularly appear here?” Michael asked as he moved into position and took aim towards the giant’s left armpit, in order to prevent it from using its arm. He fired a shot and it hit the giant exactly where he aimed at, but it was not enough to disable the use of its arm. ”Right. One more, I guess?”

Mary stayed silent, not answering the question, while Iris casted the same spell as before after chanting quietly, and this time she could only spot a small rock to throw at the giant from the ground she found from where the arms made out of earth came out.

Mary ran up to the monster again with her sword at bay. The hand came to block, but she jumped and got over it instead; running over it, displaying a sheer use of athletic capability. As she reached its elbow, in which there was electricity connecting the sections of its arm instead of bone or steel; she sliced it apart with her blade; severing the connection, making the arm unable to maintain itself. She then jumped off, and landed down as the arm fell.

At the same time, the Steel Giant was able to free itself from the palms of the earth. With a loud moan from pain and effort, the arms of mud and soil broke down and retreated back to the ground beneath the steel floors. It then raised its arm towards the sky, and lightning flowed out, and came together to form a large blade of lightning. With it, he swung it towards Iris, who was too shocked at the sight to even react. The poor girl screamed pitifully as she fell over to the ground a few meters away after taking taking the strong blow.

“Iris!” Mary called out to her, then faced the monster back and cringed. “Leave her be, you want my eye, right?” As she asked, the giant groaned, as if responding to her words.

”Iris! No!” Michael shouted. He tossed a grenade towards the monster’s feet as he ran towards Iris, but the grenade exploded prematurely, sending him flying until he hit a piece of rubble.

“Be more careful! How are you going to save anyone like that?” Mary said, rushing over to catch Michael. She seemed even faster than before ever since she pulled that blade out. Iris, however, still laid on the ground, but at least she hadn’t disappeared. With a glance, Mary could tell that Iris was already in a bad situation.

“You should’ve ran away with your friend as I’ve told you,” she added, then dashed off in a flash – leaving Michael behind and to the enemy – slicing at its belly, just beside the impaled pole, she then gave it another swing, and the electric current running in place of an elbow in the other arm was cut off, just like that. It lost its other arm.

Mary then pulled back and stood beside Michael.

”Is Iris… okay?” Michael asked as he looked towards the place where Iris was lying down. ”And no. I will not run away. Especially now.” He spoke filled with determination, his worry about Iris was gnawing at him inside.

“Not dead, but hurt,” Mary answered, but before she could reply to his other set of words, bright light laid over her eyes, and she noticed that it was far too late to react to. It sailed right down to Michael, making a huge cut around his right shoulder. More specifically, it was the region between his neck and his shoulder that was hit, before he too, was blown away. Painfully enough, he found himself bashing against the steel structures behind and slumping into the floor eventually, ending up beside Iris. Turned out the giant was able to conjure a blade out of the holes from where the current for its arms were flowing. Which was unexpected, as such Mary couldn’t predict a coming attack. It was a strange type of monster, with a steel shell it only ran on electricity.

“... This is why I prefer to walk alone at night,” Mary said, sighing, her tone sounded calm, but it was full of anger and frustration. Both feelings came from her powerlessness. Despite having strength and power, she felt powerless because she couldn’t even protect a pair of people. What good was this power for?

Michael knew he was losing blood, and fast; if the numbness he felt around his whole body was any indication. Glancing at Iris’ seemingly unconscious form, he willed his body into standing up and raised his gun. Switching the gun to fire in automatic, he aimed in the general direction of the giant, as his vision was slowly fading. He squeezed the trigger tightly and then fell down to a genuflecting position, as his hearing got covered by a ringing noise, mostly from his gun.

The gunshots ran past Mary, and it wounded the giant, or so she believed. A thud or two was heard, so she assumed that it did… something. No arms, and a pole already obstructing its core from functioning properly… and yet it delivers such powerful strikes… as expected of them.

Mary then held the blade up that was glancing towards the steel floor, then sprinted off once again towards her enemy. She’d have to try over and over again till it’d finally go down. There was no arm to leap over, nor did she find a particular structure in the street to go over. Thus, there was only one object left to utilize now – the pole stuck in its abdomen.

She had built up enough speed from her sprint, so all she had to do was leap to get over the pole.

The monster roared, not in anger, but fear – as the frail-looking girl demonstrated her skills and abilities without fail. The speed would be hard to react to.

One may ask, what was she aiming for this time? The answer was made apparent when the blade came out from the back of its head. Indeed, the head, not that it seemed like an ordinary head, but she thrust her blade deep into its chest – making it poke out from its back – and rammed it up to its head; slicing it in two.

The lights emanating from its eyes stopped burning and it soon dissipated. Mary jumped off from the monster – pulling her blade out of it – and it turned to black feathers before it vanished into the air. She casually walked towards the two that laid on the ground.

“Turns out I ended up saving you two,” Mary said, kneeling down out of her tiredness. Her blade was gone before she even knew it, and heaved a long sighed.

”Haa… What was that thing?” Michael asked, as he tried to stand up. He could barely feel anything aside from the cold from the blood covering his whole body, yet he managed to limp towards Iris. He knelt beside her and spoke, and in his voice a mix of worry and exhaustion, ”I’m sorry for doing this to you… I guess I am far too weak, still.”

“I refuse to tell,” Mary said in a stern manner. “And you aren’t coming with me, nor her, again,” she said as if scolding. “I’m used to this so I’ve been fine all along, but you two need to be treated,” she said.

”Yeah, I’d rather not face one of those things again soon. I’ll still help you though. In a less bloody manner." Michael replied, fully aware he bit more than he could chew. ”Can you do anything to help Iris? I am quite alright." He lied, as he stood up.

“I’d actually say that she is in a far better condition than you,” Mary answered. “This isn’t her real body, is it? As long as that’s the case; there’s nothing I can do about her. If someone can lend her some mana, however, it might help this form recover. That is an educated guess, of course. I haven’t been taught too far into magecraft yet,” she explained her thoughts on the situation.

“How do you suppose I do that?” He said as he tore a sleeve from his shirt, to use as a bandage. He realized he can’t move his right arm at all, but still, he managed to wrap his makeshift bandage around his wound to prevent bleeding out. “And sorry for the trouble, I guess.”

Mary tried laying her hand on Iris. “Seems like I can touch her after all. Alright, you’ll have to try and send me some… hmm, I suppose we need Mentem mana for this. Think you can gather those from the atmosphere? I’ll act as the bridge – effectively transferring mana into her.”

Iris on the other hand seemed to have lost consciousness for the most part, and could hardly move. Her eyes were closed, but she was still here, which was the only proof of how she hadn’t completely lost her consciousness.

“Yeah, I suppose I can.” Michael replied as he placed his working hand on Mary’s shoulder. He started channeling Mentem mana, trying to get as much as he could.

Mary, having received and connected the flow of mana concentrated on it, and after some moments of going through the issue of not able to properly manipulate it, she finally held a leash on the raw magical power.

“That should be good enough for now,” she said, then placed her palm over Iris’ head. Michael watched as a blueish white light passed from Mary’s shoulder down to her fingertips, then pouring into the spiritual form of Iris.

The spirit apparition started to gain a better form. It was gaining more and more of its color. Moments ago it seemed like she was about to fade away, but now her blue spirit body looked more brighter as it gained some mana.

“I wanna see Romeo’s performance again… ” Iris muttered, as if she was still half-asleep.

“She seems alright to me now,” Mary said with a smile, looking back to Michael.

Seeing the colors return to Iris, Michael hurriedly crouched beside her and spoke, “Hey, let’s watch it again tomorrow? And the day after that too. When you’re cured, let’s watch it again.” He looked towards Mary with a smile full of gratitude and thanked her, “Thank you, again. For helping her.”

“Ah no, it’s okay. I just hope you two learned your lesson now,” Mary said, smiling. “And I’m sorry for dragging you two into this. Even though I’ve been telling you two to leave… I should have thought of a better way to shake you two off.”

“No. I overestimated what I can do. I could’ve got you and Iris in a worse position. I… I really am sorry.” Michael hung his head in shame.

“Well, your wishes are noble, I’ll give you that. It’s good that you’ve accepted the fact, though,” Mary said, finally pulling herself up from the steel floor. “Now, let’s get out of here.”

And with that, just as Michael blinked his eyes at Mary’s words, he found London before his eyes again. Iris got up and yawned, as if she got up from a deep sleep, and Mary sighed as if she only took that long run before ending up beyond the Boundary.

“Try not to take a walk around here at this late at night,” Mary warned, “you don’t wanna run into that again. With that… I suppose I should get going,” Mary then turned her back on the pair and walked for the bridge that lied over River Thames. Iris waved her hand towards Mary as she left.

“Heh. If only I could.” Michael said to himself as he looked towards Mary’s direction. He turned towards Iris and said, “You okay? Sorry for getting you caught up in this mess.”

“Slightly dizzy even now,” Iris answered. “But nothing I cannot manage. That was… scary though,” she added.

“Thank you for helping me, nonetheless. I suppose I should repay you for that, how does another play tomorrow sound?” Michael asked as he stood up, he was feeling rather light-headed but he thinks he could go back to the church with no problem, assuming nothing else happens on the way.

“Actually, I’d like to go to another place before that,” Iris said, her eyes having a different glint of excitement than usual. “The Hyde Park. That place where everyone goes to relax.”

“If that’s what you wish for, princess.” Michael teased, as he started limping towards the direction of the church. “Though, I think we’d need to get a move on with our actual job soon,” he finally added.

“Ahahaha… sorry for thinking that Mary was suspicious, I didn’t think this would happen,” Iris said, as the two left for home. Well, home to Michael, anyway. Iris would soon just vanish into the air to go back to her body that was in a coma.

She is suspicious, though.

[size=7]BGM[/h]


The two – no, three – entered a particular room in a different part of the theatre. Bram was in a hurry, fearing that his friend may have left already. And just as he opened the designated room, he found a girl in deep blue – almost violet, in fact – victorian dress holding a bag and a parasol – about to head out.

“Ah… Mistre Bram,” the lady said, with a shocked look of surprise. It seemed like she was just about eighteen years old, but seemed younger somehow from her facial expressions. “I did not think that you’d make it here.”

“Sorry, I was running late, as usual, I apologise,” Bram said, truly seeming to be apologetic, but Mary seemed to have forgiven him already.

“It’s alright,” Mary replied immediately, beckoning him to stop looking so sorry as she waved a hand dismissively. “I am well-aware that you are busy.”

“Well, anyway… I bought a friend today to make up for it; here he is,” Bram said, motioning a hand as Michael came into her view from behind the old man. “Mary, meet Michael, and Michael, meet Mary,” he said, introducing them to each other.

“Good day to you, my name is Mary Shelley,” she formally introduced herself, bringing her hand up to shake her hand with that of Michael’s.

“I w-wish you the same, Miss. Erm, my name’s... Michael, Michael Kallweit,” he replied, nervously shaking her hand. He could feel his hands shaking as he shook her hand. Her hand’s warm… and soft.. and she smells nice, he thought as he continued shaking her hand. He felt like he had been shaking her hand for an eternity, yet he did not want to let go.

“U-Umm… ” Mary murmured, showing a rather forced smile as she received the greeting. “Y-Yes… nice to meet you,” she said, somehow getting herself nervous from feeling his nervousness.

“The hand Michael, the hand!” Iris whispered to Michael, whose head poked out from the corner of the door.

”Huh? Ah! Sorry! It’s just that your hands were so sof-” Michael quickly released Mary’s hand, hanging his head in shame. He continued looking at the floor, wishing somehow it’d swallow him up at that particular moment. ”I- I’m sorry, I’ll.. go.” He said after a while, turning around to go home.

“A-Ah, wai-” Mary uttered, following after Michael, but as soon as she exited the door, she found a transparent face of a girl before her. As the eyes of the two met, their smiles and expressions froze stiff into a stagnant stand-off.

“Is that… what I think it is… ” she whispered to herself.

“Is something the matter?” Bram asked Mary, tilting his head. He finally realized that Mary was shocked about entirely something else now, too bad the entertaining scene had already ended, or would it continue further – he pondered internally.

“Of course not! I do not exist!”

“I knew it… ”
“Hm?”

“Nothing, nothing at all, Mister Bram,” Mary gave a meek smile, turning to the fellow writer, then walked past the apparition of the ghost known as Iris, and held Michael’s hand who was in the process of leaving.

“Hey, would you like to visit the Lyceum Theatre next time? That’s where we usually do business,” Mary said, inviting Michael. Of course, she hadn’t a clue that Bram had already invited him here, and that he was being pulled from one theatre to another. “I can provide you the ticket. I used to be shy like you but… through acting, I have learned to deal with it. I hope watching my acting would help you, too” she stated, beaming a smile.

Michael was surprised by the hand that suddenly held his. He was even more surprised that it was Mary Shelley, the girl whose hand he almost unintentionally crushed. After hearing her invitation, Michael felt as if he ate butterflies and they were trying to get out of his stomach. Michael froze with an unintelligible expression in his face, unable to comprehend the situation. ”Uh.. I’d l-love to go… But.” He cleared his throat.

“I am glad to hear that,” Mary responded with an even bigger smile, and that’s when Michael came to notice perhaps the most strangest aspect of this particular girl. Her right-eye was gold in color. In fact, the pupil seemed like that of a cat’s. At this moment, nervousness faded and knowledge came to mind. Knowledge pertaining to infernal connections and holy teachings. He could think up several theories – the curse of a demon, or something along the lines of that… but then, when he tried to sense any impurity from the eye; he felt nothing evil. In fact, it felt strangely pure. No mana, no nothing. Was it really natural?

Iris too, had just noticed the same thing too, as she looked at the directions Michael’s eyes stared at. These two did not notice the abnormal eye as they were focused on totally different things before even meeting Mary Shelley. Michael was too focused on the hand and could not look up directly, while Iris was too amused by Michael’s shifting expressions to actually check Mary out.

”Excuse me, Miss Shelley.” Michael said as he stepped closer to Mary. With his right hand, he raised her chin to look at her eye properly. What ever that was; he wanted to know, and if possible, help. He stared deeply into her eyes, wracking his brain for knowledge, anything that would help him identify her condition. Even up close, he couldn’t come up with anything better than what he had from afar; but that did not that mean he’d give up. If anything, it just made him more determined.

“Eh?... Eh? Eh?” Mary’s mind drew a blank as Michael came dangerously close to her right-eye. People had given strange stares and would often ask her about it, but nothing to this extent had happened to her before. Blood carried up and gathered about under her cheeks; painting her face pink, albeit slightly. She could feel her face burn hot.

“Doctors do claim that there is nothing wrong with my eye… ?” She spewed out, trying to dispel Michael’s apparent anxiety.

”Huh? Oh. OH!” Michael suddenly realized their position, slightly jumping backwards to create some distance. ”M-m-my..” He cleared his throat and continued, ”My apologies. I-It’s just that I have seen something close to, but I guess not similar to this.”.

“Ah, no. It’s okay,” Mary instantly waved her hands dismissively again; expressing that she was fine. “Then, let us be on our way out. Unfortunately, due to the Queen’s new laws, working people are not allowed to stay out too long,” Mary claimed, walking past Michael casually.

“Ah, I was hoping to have a chat, how disappointing.”

“Perhaps another time, Mister Bram,” Mary said, waving her hand to him as she bid him farewell for the night.

“We’re following her,” Iris whispered to Michael. “She is too suspicious, don’t you agree?”

If we’re talking about suspicious, old man Bram is more suspicious of the two. Michael thought. ”Take care, Miss Shelley, Mr. Stoker. I suppose I would be going too. It was umm, a pleasure to meet you, Miss Shelley.” Michael said as he made a small nod towards Iris and walked out the theatre and into a nearby alley.

Just a question on the internet though. Not like it's going to actually happen, unless you hang around with some crazies.

He just does that to random people, regardless of gender, I think.

It's not as easy as you think, Dawn, Fakku can be a royal bitch in the ass when it comes to editing posts. I mean it took an hour to just edit in a single letter on a post the other day, but making a new post altogether works in almost an instant.

EDIT: GG, your thread is bugged, d. Someone must've deleted a post here.

tfw i don't like tenryuu

Well you don't need to proxy much after you're logged in for KCV, not sure if you'll like the black interface around the game, though.

That's just what that particular word is for, mate.

Equivalent to calling someone a 'n00b'. It isn't a positive word.

Sheesh, no need to put it that way.

It's easy if you ask me, albeit I know what you mean; I found it difficult too. Do you plan to attempt using API or KCV?

What's up?

Bored.

Came to visit; hello.

Sadly, SD degraded a lot now. I wish you luck in your endeavors throughout the forums.

Oh, welcome back. That's a nostalgic avi there; I used to read your posts in SD.

what honey? i just finished that bottle there

[size=7](BGM)[/h]


It was almost evening, and Aramus was lounging about in his room in the boys dormitory now. The room was quite simple, a window, a pair of beds, with a toilet and a closet. These were, of course, the provisions of the academy. The other bed was not quite necessary, and the staff considered removing it as the room was originally meant for students to stay in. However, Aramus insisted that it was better off kept as an extra. He wouldn’t know where to sleep if some unholy occurrence would break it apart.

A bookshelf and a desk completed his simple room, the former packed to the brim with novels and the latter covered with notes and other papers he had yet to file away. It was a bit spartan for a Magic Magister but he didn’t need much else. Now that Almond was here however, Aramus was glad that he had kept the extra bed.

Guiding his new charge in, he pointed to the extra bed. [color=#bf00ff]“You can place whatever you own there for now. I will see if we can get you a small table and drawers.”[/color]

[color=#00ab6d]“Alright,”[/color] the boy nodded. Almond had just came in; taking in the sight of the room to be shared with his teacher for an untold amount of time. He walked forward tentatively, dragging the big luggage he parked beside him.

Aramus wondered just how he had all this luggage, as a war orphan who was on the verge of death would usually not have almost anything.

Gingerly Almond took a seat on the bed, and opened his luggage. It was full of rich-looking clothes, so much that Aramus could imagine a blinding shine from them. There were also many gadgets and devices. He figured now that all these luggage were the provisions of the Headmistress. Even as she casually carted Almond to him, she seemed to be a rather doting parent who had the luxury to give him so many things to play with. Almond soon begun to place the items out of the bag and onto the bed…

[color=#bf00ff]”Looks like we’ll have to get you a closet of your own after all…”[/color] the young teacher placed both hands on his hips, looking at the sheer amount of… stuff that Almond had in his luggage. Aramus emptied his own meagre pockets, looking forlornly at his wallet. Even if it did have a hole, it would have to make do until he could visit the city again.

Opening his closet, Aramus dug around for a moment beneath his belongings before pulling out a candy bar. He tossed it onto Almond’s bed, the bar bouncing on the mattress. [color=#bf00ff]”Here, a snack for you. Make sure you brush your teeth later or your teeth’ll drop out.”[/color]

[color=#00ab6d]“A-Ah, thank you,”[/color] Almond said, trying to catch the bar, but failed. [color=#00ab6d]“My… teeth will drop out?”[/color] He asked as if wanting to reconfirm, his skin turning pale by the second, a comical sight to Aramus.

Aramus nodded grimly, facing Almond. [color=#bf00ff]”If you don’t take care of them, they will rot and drop out so always remember to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed.”[/color] He patted Almond on the head to calm the young boy down before helping to unpack and arrange his belongings.

[color=#00ab6d]“Y-Yes, teacher!”[/color] Almond responded, almost too loud and strangely determined. One would wonder if he took it as his first lesson for the day from Aramus. [color=#00ab6d]“Umm, when do I get taught about magic?”[/color] He asked. Seemingly eager to learn the arts of magecraft.

[color=#bf00ff]”Anytime. You will be following me to class as my… assistant. You will watch and learn from what I teach directly. It will be difficult for you but during our free time, like now, I will teach you the basics.”[/color] Aramus could already imagine bringing Almond to class, and how he would most definitely by fawned over by his female students.

[color=#00ab6d]“Oooh! I can’t wait to see a real class. It would be an honor, teacher,”[/color] Almond said, his eyes sparkly like rare and valuable gems. The boy was truly excited to learn more about magic. [color=#00ab6d]“So I will be… learning the basics, now?”[/color]

Aramus nodded, pulling out the most basic of books for Almond, Rules of the Magic World, from his bookshelf. [color=#bf00ff]”First and foremost, this is what you will need to know. It will teach you right from wrong and… that’s all you need to know. Take note of forbidden spells, those are particularly important.”[/color] He handed the book to Almond, already feeling the part of a proper teacher. Here was a boy who was actually willing to listen.

Almond gingerly took the book bestowed upon him with a really curious look on his face. The book wasn’t so thick, but the title seemed to carry a sense of importance to it.

[color=#00ab6d]“Then… I shall read up on this book. I am not too good with some words yet… I’d be very grateful if you can help me in the various parts I get stuck in.”[/color]

Already making space for Almond in his closet, Aramus looked over his shoulder as he continued hanging the boy’s things. [color=#bf00ff]”Of course.”[/color] He busied himself with the simple things for he had his own planning to do. At such a moment, there was an audible knock on the door. Aramus turned to face the door. Who could it be at this hour? People would usually be done with dinner by this time and then head to bed. In fact, he assumed that the rich Headmistress probably had Almond eat before sending him here. Albeit he himself wasn’t done eating… he’d have to look into the cafeteria sooner or later, but there was Almond to tend to for now.

Anyway, he felt that he had to open the door soon. Taking a few steps, he reached up to the door and opened it casually.

Eyes widened and jaws dropped. The beautiful locks of gold and an elegant silky attire coupled with a very familiar smile greeted him.

[color=#ff0088]“Good evening, teacher,”[/color] she greeted him in English. It was her alright. Yes, the one with marvelous hands who made his godly lunch today – Elizabeth. Knowing that her teacher was from England, she could casually speak in her mother tongue when others wouldn’t be around.

Caught off guard, Aramus could only let a startled [color=#bf00ff]”Eh?”[/color] in response. He froze for a moment, taking in her appearance before shaking himself awake. [color=#bf00ff]”Ah… Elizabeth. What brings you here at this time of night?”[/color] He was positive he had been staring, she looked fetching in her clothes after all.

[color=#ff0088]“I am rather surprised that you’re here relaxing, teacher,”[/color] Elizabeth said, voicing her disappointment. [color=#ff0088]“Have you forgotten your promise with our teacher Mathilde? She’ll take what little lunch you get tomorrow if you don’t offer her a rare wine,”[/color] she reminded.

Aramus gulped. Trust his favorite student to remind him of what he owed. Maybe a bit too upstanding. He looked back into the room to see Almond still reading quietly, making sure things were alright before replying. [color=#bf00ff]”Not in the slightest. Uh, please come in. It’s a bit messy but…”[/color]

He opened the door for her, Aramus didn’t want anyone else to see what was going to happen anyway. After all, he could feel the deathly stares from the boys outside the room, all the way from the corridor.

[color=#ff0088]“Pardon my intrusion,”[/color] the visiting lady said; stepping in tentatively as she looked down. Now under the lights of the room, Aramus could get a clear view of his favorite student. She wore a red sweater that – sparkled magnificently in the light – neatly coated her beautiful figure all the way down to her thighs, and a pair of black stockings. Her hand was equipped with a fabulous looking bag that shined with pretty-looking stones. It almost seemed like she was to be going out for a dinner in a fancy restaurant tonight.

[color=#00ab6d]“...Teacher, i-is she… ”[/color] Almond begun with wide eyes, gulping even, [color=#00ab6d]“is she your… girlfriend?!”[/color]

[color=#bf00ff]”Almond!”[/color] Aramus flushed, looking away from Elizabeth even as he shut the door quickly with a tad more force than normal. [color=#bf00ff]”She- she’s my favorite student, that’s all!”[/color] Struggling to regain his composure and the blush on his face, Aramus inadvertently blurted out whatever was on his mind. [color=#bf00ff]”Pardon him, Ellie, it’s his first day and he.. oh my goodness.”[/color]

[color=#ff0088]“T-That’s right. We’re only teacher and student is all,”[/color] Elizabeth said, agreeing with her teacher. Her face was beet red, one would think that merely pinching her cheek could cause steam to flow out from her ears and nose.

[color=#00ab6d]“Ah… yes, i-if you say so,”[/color] Almond said, unable to say anything to the two denying his words, immediately at that.

[color=#ff0088]“Wait, Ellie?”[/color] Elizabeth uttered, looking at Aramus dumbfounded, tilting her head. [color=#ff0088]“Ahem, so who is this cute young man? To think you have an apprentice already. I am happy for you, yet very jealous indeed.”[/color] It was an honor to be called the favorite student by a Magic Magister, but she could already feel her position endangered by this young – impossibly cute – boy.

Aramus sputtered for a moment, he had effectively put his foot where his mouth was. [color=#bf00ff]”Yes. Elizabeth, this is Almond. Starting today, he will be my apprentice and assistant. He will be joining me in all my classes as he learns to be a mage.”[/color] Although still red, he avoided looking Elizabeth in the eye, instead looking at Almond.

[color=#ff0088]“A-Ah… I see, congratulations on having such a cute boy as an apprentice… I’m sure that he will grow to be as strong as you, teacher,”[/color] Elizabeth said, walking up to Almond and patting him. A smile naturally came to her face, seeing his coming reaction.

[color=#00ab6d]“I’m not cute… ”[/color] Almond silently said, pouting.

Aramus chuckled, watching the exchange before getting down to business. [color=#bf00ff]”Well, Elizabeth, I don’t suppose you came out here just to remind me. Come take a seat and I’ll prepare a cup of tea. Sugar? Milk?”[/color] Digging around in his closet, he took out a small tea set that he always had on him for the days he spent cooped up, engrossed in his research.

[color=#ff0088]“I was hoping that we could go to the city now,”[/color] Elizabeth replied, stating her intentions outright to the teacher. [color=#ff0088]“There is no better time than this evening, and only a teacher can permit leave from the Academy’s Boundary Barrier, yes?”[/color] She said. Indeed, the permission to leave the academy grounds were strictly restricted to the teaching staff and the Headmistress herself. The only exceptions for the individuals whose homes were located in Tokyo, for whom it is optional if they wish to stay in the dormitories or not.

[color=#ff0088]“I will go with black tea for tonight,”[/color] she answered.

Aramus slowed a bit as he prepared the tea, a small cup of milk for Almond already on the desk. [color=#bf00ff]”You want to go out now?”[/color] He added three sugar cubes for his own cup before looking at Elizabeth for her input.

[color=#ff0088]“Yes, of course. I-I can step out if you need to… prepare,”[/color] Elizabeth said, averting her gaze from Aramus.

[color=#bf00ff]”No no! It’s alright.”[/color] Handing her the cup of black tea and milk to Almond, he took a sip from his own to calm frayed nerves. To think that a simple visit would turn into a night on the town.

Elizabeth gently received the cup of black tea and took in its breath. Taking a sip, it was evident as her expression was distorted, but she still continued to drink the tea nonetheless.

[color=#ff0088]“So… what do you intend to do with the wine’s payment? Have you thought of a solution, teacher?”[/color]

Finishing a sip from his own tea, Aramus placed the teacup on his cluttered desk. [color=#bf00ff]”Well, due to a sudden windfall, I am now able to afford the wine. We can leave whenever you are ready, Almond will you be fine on your own?”[/color] Aramus looked over to the young boy drinking his milk, book at his side.

[color=#00ab6d]“Yes! Please go out and enjoy your date, teacher. I’ll be marking down the parts I don’t get, so do not worry,”[/color] Almond said with a big smile.

[color=#ff0088]“My, my, I wonder who taught these things to a child… ”[/color] Elizabeth said, her voice trailing off, yet her gaze was led to Aramus…

[color=#bf00ff]”At least he knows when people need time for themselves.”[/color] Aramus replied, even as he sucked his breath in. Really, what was the Headmistress teaching him? [color=#bf00ff]”I only got him today so I can’t say much about his upbringing prior to this.”[/color] Taking the empty cup from Elizabeth, he placed both of theirs into the sink for later. He noted that she had drunk sparingly, perhaps maybe something sweeter might be in order.

Finishing the cup wasn’t so easy, Elizabeth was glad to be done with that battle. [color=#ff0088]“I am ready when you are, teacher. It is best that we don’t go too late. So now would be the best time,”[/color] Elizabeth said, not wanting to think about who was teaching anything to this child before he came to Aramus, but she figured that Almond was now in good hands.

Aramus quickly shrugged on his coat, putting the damaged wallet back into his pocket with a sigh. [color=#bf00ff]”Well then Almond, we’ll be off now. If anyone comes looking for me… Well don’t answer the door. If you need something to eat or drink, there’s more in the closet. Also, don’t forget to brush your teeth before bed!”[/color] Winking at Almond one last time, Aramus closed the door as he and Elizabeth went out into the night.

(Welp, colors are dead even with HTML. Jacob really loves to degrade his site for some reason.)

With a slow and a careful set of thuds made on the door – the teacher knocked, asking permission for entry without the use of his voice. A gentle yet stern tone of voice beckoned him inside momentarily.

Aramus found himself inside the Headmistress’ room. A chamber glistening with technology. Apparently, the Headmistress had a hobby of collecting †˜interesting’ – or so she claims – accessories and devices sold across the futuristic city of Tokyo. She’d often be found lounging around with those devices called phones. Something mages loathe since it was a triumphant victory over the their magical use of communication.

“Welcome Mister Valmark, how is your experience teaching here so far?” The Headmistress asked casually, despite addressing him as one would in England; she spoke in Japanese.

Was this really the reason he was called here? Aramus wondered. The loudspeaker was used just to summon him here. There must’ve been a bigger reason, there had to be one.

[color=#bf00ff]”It has been… interesting. The students here are entirely different from those in the Royal Academy, for one. No doubt technology has played a greater part in that. I’ve seen the uses of those… smartphones, but everybody tapping away at them during lunch break is a little disconcerting to me. I blame the culture difference.”[/color] answering honestly, Aramus did find the students a tad out of sorts, with their lack of a uniform, each student could dress according to their own taste. It felt weird coming into class sometimes to face a riot of colors compared to his time back in the Royal Academy. It was a lot more formal back where he was from. Albeit there still wasn’t any particular uniform back in the Royal Academy, either.

“But isn’t that great? I personally enjoy seeing a collection of students out of the norm,” the Headmistress responded, giving a short laugh as she crossed her fingers and laid her chin over them.

“It gives me something new to study. How the Europeans of the modern world and how the Japanese of the futuristic world would interact…” her voice trailed off.

[color=#bf00ff]”Personally, I do enjoy seeing the same. I’m sure you know why. That said, I don’t think it’s us being modern, rather, the backward people in the eyes of the Japanese.”[/color] Shifting in his robes, Aramus spoke his views. There was no use denying that the Japanese were superior, at least in this regard. [color=#bf00ff]”Is there something else you called me here for, ma’am? I’m sure you called me here for more than just my opinion.”[/color]

“Well, I’d think half my staff are from England, and they are far behind the moderners,” the Headmistress said, chuckling. One wouldn’t be able to discern if that was more of an insult or a joke from the casual tone she spoke in. Aramus nodded in agreement, he had one smartphone and was trying very hard to understand it. It was mind boggling for what it could do.

“Indeed. I have a bit of a… request,” the Headmistress begun, her expression turning solemn, a little bit if anything. “You’re aware that we aren’t able to have very young children as students, yes?”

“However, there are so many gems among the children that I cannot help but adore.”

[color=#bf00ff]”What would you have me do, headmistress?”[/color] Honestly intrigued, Aramus was eager to see what she had in store for the young children. If he could, all of his effort would go into overseeing their progress.

“Come in,” she said in response to Aramus’ question.

The door parted ways, and Aramus turned. A short figure had arrived. Short blonde hair and well, a cute face. A very cute face, in fact. He couldn’t go wrong with that description in mind. The child had teal colored pair of eyes, and he was very short. Indeed, the height of a child, literally.

[color=#00ab6d]“H-Hello… ”[/color] the little young boy greeted shyly. He spoke in English. It felt almost nostalgic to Aramus.

[color=#bf00ff]”Hello yourself, young one.”[/color] Aramus replied with a smile, it must have been pretty nerve wracking for him to be personally selected by the Headmistress. [color=#bf00ff]”So he’s the one going to be under my care from now on?”[/color] This he directed to the Headmistress. He could totally relate to the young boy’s position.

“Indeed. While it is illegal to have a student younger than the age of sixteen enrolled in a Magic Academy. There is no rule against a young disciple, I believe,” the Headmistress stated, apparently having given the issue enough thought before calling Aramus in. “He has talent, and I’d like him to receive proper care for it.”

Looking back at the young boy fidgeting, it vaguely reminded Aramus of himself in his younger days when he was first taken in. [color=#bf00ff]”Alright. What is your name, young one?”[/color] Introductions were in order if he wanted to train this boy to his fullest potential.

[color=#00ab6d]“Almond, sir,”[/color] the boy said weakly, unable to connect his eye with that of Aramus’. His fingers fiddled before his mouth, and he seemed more nervous than anything, he felt that his heart could pop out of his chest any moment now.

[color=#bf00ff]”Well Almond, it seems that we will be together for some time. You can address me as Aramus, teacher, sensei, whatever you see fit.”[/color] he tussled the boy’s hair, knowing that this would be something interesting for the both of them.

The boy’s figure shuddered with embarrassment as his nervousness peaked. [color=#00ab6d]“A-Ah yes! I’ll go with t-teacher… then,”[/color] he forced his eyes to the floor as he blurted those words out. He went with †˜sir’ only because he was somewhat afraid, but now that Aramus offered and gave him a choice, he could only pick †˜teacher’, since the man would be taking him in as his student personally.

Turning back towards the Headmistress, Aramus did have a few things to ask about his new charge. [color=#bf00ff]”What would you like me to teach him? Has he been instructed before in the arts or can I start from scratch?”[/color]

“Almond, please wait for your teacher outside, alright?” The Headmistress said sweetly, almost sounding like his real mother. Almond nodded and went back, somehow seeming to be really happy. He even made sure to close the doors properly.

“So I assume that you’d like to take him under your wing, then?” The Headmistress asked Aramus, facing him now, wanting to confirm with him. “To be honest, I wouldn’t force him on you. I wanted to make an offer, I suppose.”

Aramus shrugged, looking back towards the door. [color=#bf00ff]”I’ll be very frank, he reminds me too much of myself at that age. I know what it’s like to not have anything and to be thrust into an unfamiliar world alone.”[/color] He winked once at the headmistress, giving her a determined smile. [color=#bf00ff]”I wouldn’t have it any other way.”[/color]

“Indeed. That is precisely the reason I have summoned you. You’d know to an extent… about the kind of world such children find themselves in,” the Headmistress said, revealing her reasoning behind picking him. Aramus’ background was littered with experiences nobles, or mages of privileged upbringing wouldn’t have any idea of, at all. “I will pay you at least triple your salary for this. However, some of those money would be for the boy. So be careful with that,” she added with a sly smile.

[color=#bf00ff]”T-triple!?”[/color] Unable to hold back his surprise, Aramus raised his voice. Would he be able to eat three times as much, or more accurately, be hungry three times less? No, no, he had to take care of Almond as well. Maybe two times.

“I am his guardian after all. So I have to pay for his expenditure, yes?”

[color=#bf00ff]”Thank you very much, headmistress.”[/color] Lowering his head in proffered thanks, Aramus accepted his new assignment.

“Now to the main business. Almond is – well, as you may have guessed already – special,” the Headmistress begun. “His magics has considerable raw power as a child. There are often instances where he loses control, of course. These are common. However, not to the scale that Almond pulls off. Regarding your question earlier; he has very sparse knowledge of magic. You may teach him what you know. It may prove to be good for his wellbeing to know what he possesses.”

[color=#bf00ff]”Very well. Square one it is. Anything else I should know?”[/color] Sliding a finger across his tome, he was already beginning to plan out how he was going to teach Almond. That is to say, with almost no plan at all.

“He is – as some may call it – a war orphan. You remember the Second Great Mage’s War? This was a child who lost his parents due to it. He was originally supposed to be a noble, but as the situation was… someone took over the properties, and he was to be disposed of. Someone who knew me happened to be close as the deed would be done… ”

“I suppose you can figure the rest of the story. My friend is poor, and he could only think to confide about it with me. Perhaps as a female, I have a soft spot for children. Now, things ended up this way. I am a busy person, however, and I needed someone more experienced to take care of him,” she explained.

[color=#bf00ff]”If only there were more like you, then there would be less people who would have to go through what I did. I will do what I can for Almond, you can be sure of that. Will that be all, Headmistress?”[/color] Feeling the conversation draw to a close, Aramus still needed to prepare for his next class. He would have Almond tag along for that, it would prove useful to the boy.

“I’d like it if you can take him out to the city, sometime. I feel like he needs to get a good view of the world from time to time. Other than that, I must inform you that he is going to be transferred to your place. Please take care of him,” the Headmistress said with a big smile, dropping the bomb at Aramus.

Aramus merely hung his head and sighed. [color=#bf00ff]”This only happens when I try to do something good, doesn’t it.”[/color] muttering under his breath, he instinctively cursed whatever god he had pissed off. [color=#bf00ff]”Do I get a bigger room at least?”[/color] Chuckling weakly, Aramus did one last attempt to try and gain some ground. Him and Almond, together, was going to make for some very weird times.

“If you wish. The expenses are all yours to take care of from the given salary, however,” she replied, shrugging. The smile didn’t wane even then. Women may sometimes be kind, but may also be sly.

“Though, I am paying the salary in advance this month. Like, now,” she said, opening a drawer in the back to take out a sum of money. She had it ready apparently. With this he’d have to last the rest of the month and the next month. It wouldn’t be so pretty for a ride.

[color=#bf00ff]”I’m too young to be a father.”[/color] Lifting both arms up in surrender, Aramus turned to leave. [color=#bf00ff]”I’ll see what I can do with my current accommodations. If need be, we will expand. The boy will need his own room eventually.”[/color]

“Indeed he will. Tell you what, if I see good results, I may raise your payment,” she said, trying to provide Aramus with some motivation factor.

[color=#bf00ff]”I will accept. Though good parenting is a reward in and of itself.”[/color] He imagined what rumors would spring up, having Almond following him from class to class by his side. [color=#bf00ff]”If there’s nothing else, I’ll go be with my son. We have a lot of catching up to do.”[/color]

“...Maybe it’s best you don’t call yourself a father. Perhaps uncle, or just master – as one would like a mentor of a mage-in-training – would,” the Headmistress advised, quietly nodding to herself for some reason.

[color=#bf00ff]”Sorry if the joke offended you. I just felt he needed someone to count on, that’s all.”[/color] Aramus waved a hand goodbye as he walked out, his robe flowing behind him. [color=#bf00ff]”And like I said earlier, he can call me whatever he wants. I’m just going to be the best damn foster-father-uncle-teacher-mentor-master-whatever he’s going to have.”[/color]

“Yes, yes, I am counting on you. Have fun with that spirit always following you.”

As Aramus left, he heard a giggle. A rare giggle he wouldn’t expect from the Headmistress.

Hand freezing mid-wave, Aramus turned back towards the headmistress, narrowing his eyes to slits. He locked eyes with her for a few scant moments before sighing again, continuing on his way. [color=#bf00ff]”It’ll never leave, won’t it?[/color] He said to everyone yet no one in particular.

hi phat