The Art of Magic IC

[★LunaLight★]

Today's weather seemed to match the mood of the occation; sunny with just a little cloud cover. With summer weather still yet to come for a few months, it was a little chilly out, but not enough to stop me from wearing a simple T-shirt and a blue trimmed white skirt. I liked this shirt in particular because it had a picture of my favorite band, Lucky Chan, on the front, with the songs of their newest album on the back. The only issue was how it often drew unnessicary attention to herself when people tried to read the shirt.

It was only after entering Red Star that I came to realize exactly how new the school was. Compared to the size of the halls, the crowd was tiny, leaving plenty of free space to move around. In fact, with the ceiling raised 18 feet above the ground, it would be easy enough to simply fly above the crowd. Although, without knowing the actual rules of the school, it was hard to tell if magic was permitted to be used in the halls. The letter gave us the basics for where to go, a key to the dorm, and a map, but nothing about the rules.

I really hope I don't get into to much trouble without meaning to. There are all kinds of different students here, and I'm not quite sure how to deal with it. Elves weren't too bad, because they looked close enough to human, but ogres and imps were a bit harder. Although, I'm giving myself too much credit, I'm still not that sure about my own race. I don't like being surrounded like this, even if the hall isn't crowded, so much is happening around me. All I know is that group of guys keep looking at me, what do they keep talking about? It looks like one is coming up to me, is he gonna...

Thinking about it is just making it worse, maybe I can just get to class... I launch forward, going striaght from walking pace to a full out sprint. I like the way it feels when I run. The way the wind passes, the quick weaving past the different obstacles. Life starts coming at me faster, and I always know what to do. I don't have to stop and think about what everyone else is doing. I think I'm...

My momentary absence of attention to what is in front of me causes me to crash facefirst into the door of the room I was heading too. Rebounding to the floor, it is amazing I'm still conscious, mortified, but conscious.

[aqua regis]

Zaknayaf Banris pulled the hood of his piwafwi tightly over his head, the bright sunlight stinging his eyes slightly as he made his way through the wrought iron gates of Red Star. The wrought iron pattern seemingly shifting from rune to rune, a spell of incredible complexity for the eyes barely noticed the change as each beautiful form appeared. Zaknayaf was impressed, such a gate would not be out of place outside the greatest of the Drow houses. He smiled slightly, one day he would be powerful enough to create such a thing outside the house Banris and please his mother. Then maybe his sisters would leave him alone, though he doubted it. They'd only beat him out of jealousy, no matter how strong he became he would not be allowed to touch them.

The drow reached into the dark cloak, searching for the map he had been provided with out of habit. Compared to the winding caverns of home this place was easy to navigate and he had already memorised the basic lay out. Best make my way to class, I wonder what we will learn first he thought to himself and he strode forward. As he made his way he felt curious glances from the few that caught sight of his face. The drow were generally hated by other races, at the very best they were treated with cold disdain and he could already feel some angry glares aimed at the back of his head.

The dark elf paid them no mind, sixteen years of propaganda left his race with a confident sense of superiority that was difficult to shake. He made his way to the room allocated for basic magic lessons only to find a female crumpled on the floor in front of the door. Zaknayaf paused, to see a female in such an embarrassing state at home would either result in him being beaten by her in a fit of embarrassed rage and to make sure he never told anyone about it or to be ordered to help her up and then later be beaten by her to make sure he didn't tell anyone about it. He wasn't sure where a female human stood in drow hierarchy however. Zaknayaf decided the safe thing was to look away and wait until she either yelled at him, ordered him to do something or left him alone. He prayed it was the last one, he wasn't sure he would be able to stand the humiliation of being flogged by a human.

[Fearless]

Standing at the front gates of the new school I would be attending, I couldn't help but grin. I've been thinking about this day non-stop since the moment I found out that I would be attending. Of course, the school is bigger than I expected, by a lot, but who cares about things like that? I just wish thee were more people around. Girls, especially. Not to mention I have not spotted a single other human yet. Maybe it's just bad timing, but it's still a drag.

And here I was, dressed in what I considered my best clothing. Maybe not best, really, or sharpest, but they were my favorite. My shirt was black with a large symbol on the front. I'd been told it was some Eastern countries symbol for the word 'Fire.' I couldn't be sure, but I assumed it was true because the bottom of the shirt had designed flames on it. When I saw it, I had to have it. My pants matched the black of my shirt and just as well, had flames designed on the bottom. A perfect match. Around my neck were headphones I could wear to tune out people if they started to annoy me, along with my most prized position, the necklace my sister had given me. But as I said before, not nearly enough girls were around to see. A drag.

Not nearly enough of a drag to ruin my mood though. As I walked to the entrance I could feel my excitement growing. I was practically ready to burst. I wanted to get right into the magic now, but I knew there would be a lot of bull crap to get through first. Lectures, rules on safety. All that crap. Stuff my sister had drilled into me day after day already. Thinking about it annoyed the hell out of me, but I kept walking despite the small facts. Atleast I would still be able to meet new people and learn to control my magic to an even greater extent.

Soon, I had made it into the school and already found myself taking in the sights of the hallways and the other students. At home I was surrounded by humans, so seeing so many different kinds of... Creatures, was a new thing for me. I liked it though. They were unique to me, and maybe I was unique to them, in some small way. And if not, I could always make myself stand out, just for fun.

Getting lost in my thoughts, I spotted a girl, sprinting in the hallway. It looked like she was heading right for a door, which I guess was fine, until she didn't stop and smacked right into it. The effect, for me, was instant. I laughed. It wasn't loud, but still. I couldn't help it. It looks like she would stand out more than me already. I forced myself to stop laughing and walked over to the girl, a grin spread wide across my face, I'm sure. "You okay, Sweetheart?" I teased, holding out a hand to help the girl up.

As I looked down at her, I noticed that she wasn't... Too different. She may have even been a human being. That made me grin a little bit wider, but I still couldn't get over the fact that she had spaced out so much she ran into a door.

[Kris]

Awe quickly took over her as Shirgesh stepped up to what would be the famous Red Star Academy's Gates. She widened her eyes as she took in the sight of the school, which she expected to be much smaller. As she took slow steps towards the main buildings in the school they started growing bigger and bigger, much bigger than any other tent or hut she had ever seen in her life in fact. Navigating the busy courtyard had been a nightmare to her. There were so many different people, some even were of races she had never seen before!

Although her eyes were travelling rapidly from a point of interest to another; Shirgesh was quite the point of interest herself. People were staring at the markings on her face and her eyes, both of which were a deep, glowing golden colour. All the attention she was getting was making her very nervous and uncomfortable, but she understood these people. Only a handful had been lucky enough to cross paths with a Life Nomad before, some had never even heard of one. Luckily she had thought of putting Abe; her monkey companion, in her back pack. After all, she only had two other robes and an Altadorian Ritual set inside.

Her sandals stopped their rhythmic light pattering against the sunny cobblestone courtyard as she arrived in front of the main building. After pausing to fumble with the door for a while, not having turned a door knob before today; a fellow student stepped up to help her, turning the knob for her and smiling. "What's your name? I'm Aourian." He told her, introducing himself casually. Shirgesh shook her head quickly and hurried inside, not uttering a single word to the stranger. Social contact frightened her greatly, and understandably so- She had never seen anyone except people from her tribe, let alone talked to them.

The rawhide sandals seemed to pick up on their pattering at a heightened pace, she was finding reassurance at looking down at them, to avoid making eye contact with anyone whilst hurrying to the room she was told to go to. She started remembering the day her father had slain the Kan'leici from which she had taken the leather to craft them. Kan'leici were reptilian quadrupeds which had the size of a small bear and were hunted by her tribe both to be tamed and mounted, and for their meat. Depending on the loyalty and strength of the individual beast.

Her train of thought was quickly stopped as she arrived in front of the class room but bumped into a dark skinned human-like student with pointy ears which also seemed to be trying to avert his gaze from his surroundings. Shirgesh instantly recoiled back and flinched, looking down at the floor. She did try to tell him "Sorry." But only managed to mouth the word. She clasped her right hand to her neck, as if she were about to choke herself, but without applying any force. A sign which in her tribe meant a request for apology. She hoped that the sign was also practiced here, among the city-people and that the students around here wouldn't start thinking she was mute.

((In case it wasn't clear enough; she bumps into Zaknayaf. Will edit this out as soon as aqua regis posts again))

[Agent]

Death. My life seemed to revolve around it. I was even stupid enough to think it was a good idea to charge the Reaper spitting on Life as I past. But Life didn't seem to want to let me go so easily, no, it wasn't finished with me yet; it sent its agent after me. Levi Roth was surely such an agent, catching her every time she got within reach of Death's welcoming embrace and dragging her back to Life's whip, ready to deliver punishment for daring to leave without permission. I suppose the crack of the whip was what woke me up. Life was far too eager to punish me, its aim was off. It had hit its own agent, the savior was hit, stunned by the betrayal. Death, impressed with Levi's courage, embraced him. The cold love meant for me was stolen away. Or perhaps that was always Life's goal: to trade an agent so my torture could continue. It felt so hopeless, I felt so powerless, such a failure that I even failed at dyin-.

Slap!

"What depressing thoughts," I muttered to myself, lightly slapping my cheeks a few more times to clear my head, "time for a new life, no room for depression now," encouraging myself had become easier as time passed. Especially with the new motivation my adoptive mother gave me with her last letter. Please have a happy life, succeed where your family failed. Effectively my mother's last words, I read it many times wondering how the lady expect me, of all people, to do that. Just a few years ago I would have scoffed at the notion that someone thought such a thing was possible. Even now, I doubt it, but for once, I feel like trying. And try I have, taking the advice of Marganita and applying to the Red Star Academy. I honestly didn't expect to be accepted, being the daughter of a famous...notorious thief that used magic to complete his jobs. Even I had made a bit of a name for myself, despite my father's wishes that I remain a shadow with no name - intentionally getting caught in the act for three years would naturally have such consequences...of course the reputation wasn't one a thief-for-hire wanted to have. I failed most of the jobs I took and got caught, intentionally, during most of them. It made me great at running away, but horrible at actually stealing something.

I shook my head, clearing it once more. I suppose it was an unfortunate side effect to being trapped in despair for three years, but I had a tendency to dwell on things, especially bad things. Like now, I seem to be dwelling on the fact that I dwell on things.

"Ugh," I lightly slapped myself again, "they'll probably kick me out of this academy if I keep spacing out like this," I mumbled as I walked up to the front gate of Red Star Academy. It felt a little weird, entering a place using a gate. Usually I'm looking for an out of the way area to climb in. But doing that here probably wouldn't look very good. My attention was grabbed by the sheer size of the school. Some of the richest mansions I let myself into didn't have ceilings so high. What's the point of something like that? My hand automatically reached inside on of the many pocket in my baggy pants clutching a small pad of paper. Usually I would be hurriedly scrawling a crude map of a place like this, looking for entrance points and quick exits. I stopped myself before I could start, "this isn't a job," I reminded myself. That's when I noticed people staring at me, or rather, my pants. Looking down, I suppose I figured why. There were so many pockets, all of them were sewn on by me, some were in admittedly random places, but it really helps to have many places to store things. And the faces of the authorities when they decide that they want to empty my pockets is hilarious.

Ignoring the questioning eyes I continue on to my class. I had just spotted the door when a girl decided to use her face as a battering ram on it. Was that how doors were usually opened? I always used a knob of some sort, or a window, those were much easier...and less painful. Before I could see if I would have better luck opening the door with my method another person started talking to the battering ram, blocking the door even more. I may be a good thief, but getting by two people blocking a door wasn't very easy, and they would probably notice someone sliding against the wall, trying to squeeze between them and the door. This presented quite a problem. So, like any good thief, I waited and watched. Intently. Very intently. Before I knew it I was crouching down right next to the battering ram...staring at her...

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

[ERode]

Pink Slime was, for lack of better words, ABSOLUTELY AMAZED. It seemed like this Gabriel Scar person had constructed Red Star Academy with the Slime Race in mind! Already, Pink was in the presence of grand wrought-iron gates, designed in such an appetizing manner it took all his willpower simply to prevent himself from latching on and breaking part of the iron off for a snack. Even the door room KEY looked delicious, after months of swimming that had left him wanting to never see the sea again and yearning for some pure iron or copper to digest. But now, he was in a metal utopia, on dry, soft grass-ground, and at his new exciting life as a ‘student’. Even though he was trained by President to act as if he was always bored in the classes and tired of ‘school’, which seemed to be another word for ‘academy’, Pink couldn’t help but feel excited! Imagine it! An institute where races from all over the world could join together for the common sake of furthering their own knowledge! His gelatinous mass was SHIVERING from eagerness, and, if there was anyone with enough skill to read his cartoon-like line-eyes, they would have noticed the passion of a dedicated student blossom within Pink. SO COOL!

Slinking through the gates and into the school grounds, the slime wasted no time, constantly swiveling around in and trying to absorb all the sights. Everything was so different compared to the small community he once lived in! And who would have thought that all the other races would be so…tall? He slide around like the jelly-like blob he was, leaving a fine damp trail behind him. There were a few people that smiled at him, and a few others that smiled at him strangely, and another few that seemed to smile halfway, before placing their head into their hands. But Pink took it all in stride. It seemed that already, he was popular! After all, President had always said that being noticed was a good thing, and it definitely must mean something when everyone was making a point to not step onto your trail! No doubt, they simply wanted to follow him! Stopping just for a minute or so to ensure that all his possessions were still inside him, Pink Slime noticed that, for some reason, most of the students seemed to be in a hurry to go into the building. It would appear that school was starting soon, even if he hadn’t actually heard the bell. The slime took one last look out at the beautiful outdoor sky that he had missed since spending so much time underwater, before heading inside the building.

It was massive, the scale of the whole building. Ceilings that looked as high up as the sky, pillars that would put trees to shame, and doors made for giants! Incredible! Were the teachers here truly this tall? Or were they anticipating that they’d one day get an application from a sky-giant and made these special sizes beforehand? Once again, the slime was spinning around as he looked around. Incredible! Marvelous! Dizzying! Drifting into the general direction of his classroom with the accuracy of a spinning top, Pink almost seemed to be observing via osmosis, turning around to see a new sight or student so quickly that his line-eyes became bars. Stopping when he hit the wall beside the classroom door, Pink tilted his body to the side as two ‘normal race’ students seemed to be puzzled by the door that was in front of them. Where they not accustomed to doors? Or was this a special ‘entrance’ test for the new students? He remembered that President said that there were special walls called ‘doors’ that could be opened by turning a ‘doorknob’ and either pushing or pulling, but…

“Excuse me, ladies,” Pink said, his whole body thrumming like vocal cords, creating a deeply masculine voice, “but I do believe that one would enter the classroom in this fashion.” With that, he demonstrated ‘entry’ himself, and casually slid through the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, slipping around the fallen girl that seemed to have thought that the door was the type that swung open if you hit it with your face.

[Zata]

The legs of the old wooden chair let out a soft creak as the being sitting in it shifted his weight. The man, oblivious to the limitations of furniture he sat upon, let out a quiet hum as he lifted his right leg. Moving it a few inches to the side, he set down his foot on the surface of the desk right next to his left one, before systematically raising it in the air. He brought it back down on top of the right, humming again as he did so. The man, now much more comfortable, leaned further back in his chair. The displeasure from its wooden legs was much more pronounced this time, but the man paid it no mind. He had much more important things to think about. For the first time in five months, he finally had a class he would be officially teaching again. He had been out of a job for the past five months, after the previous magic school and employer had been shut down. In general, the school failed to meet regulatory standards, and the students it produced often found themselves in jail due to misconduct. The man hated being unemployed. He had relied on the previous school for food and shelter, and while the he had managed to save up some gold from his time working there, it wouldn't last very long. Indeed, by the time the man had found employment at the newly opened Red Star Academy, he had only a single piece of silver to his name.

Now, however, a flood of students would be entering the soon-to-be-tested halls of the school. Six in particular were of interest to the man. Their files that were currently stored in a desk drawer in the man's drawer told him that it was an even split between male and female, with a handful of non-human races thrown in. The future student body of Red Star was largely human, but there were all kind scattered through out. The massive amount of paperwork showed that for every two humans, one would find common minorities such as an elf or dwarf. Rarer still among the couple hundred people were rare species, such as the occasional nymph or drow. Of the new students, however, the man was most excited about meeting one in particular: the slime. Slimes rarely mingled with humans, and were of incredible scarcity in the school. They were the most fun to mess with. Their bodies didn't have that standard senses most solid beings did, and as such, they required special attention when one used magic such as the sort the man commanded. It was a puzzle, of sorts. The man enjoyed puzzles. Unfortunately, he had already solved this particular one years back. Nonetheless, anything that deviated from the norm was welcome.

As the man once again began to hum, this time to a jaunty tune learned in his youth, he began going over today's lesson in his mind. He only had these students for a week — weekends excluded — after all. During that time it was his job to evaluate their unique natures, determine the level of prowess they had with any abilities they might have discovered, and most importantly, beat the rules of the school and magic law in general directly into their young skulls. As his former place of employment proved, the former two were a much easier task to accomplish then that latter. However, if the man wanted to continue to have a roof over his head, he had to ensure that the school gained a good reputation. Having students banished was harmful to it, so it would not be tollerated. Thankfully, the school had the man to help them with that task. He enjoyed the challenge. All he had to do now was come up with a strategy.

It had been a while since the man had to actually teach a basics class. Nonetheless, he still remembered the last batch of seven to be brought into the fold. Their first lesson, like the ones before it, were incredibly entertaining. For him, anyway. Those seven students were still to terrified to come anywhere near him. However, the man wasn't all too worried about that. They grew out of it in time, however. They always did. Of course, that didn't mean that they would ever trust him. Most people didn't. It was to be expected, of course. It was incredibly rare to find anyone who fully trusted an illusionist. Then man had grown to expect and accept that over the years. It no longer bothered him. It just made him smile. Nonetheless, the man preferred his students to not shake uncontrollably when forced to be in his presence. That meant a revising of his lesson plan was in order. He would have to omit pretend fatal attacks. Pain, even when minor, would also probably be something best avoided. The wheels in the man's head continued to turn, as idea after idea flowed through his mind.

A familiar sensation in the back of his mind caused the man to change the tune of his humming. From the small song, it took on an inquisitive tone as he felt the first of six approach the door to the classroom he was sitting in. He could tell it was one of them, as the basics classroom was, while not necessarily hidden, was a bit out of the way. It was located at the end of a dead end hallway, with the only close by room being a janitorial closet. That meant that while the new students would be frequenting the other classrooms all along the hall, they would rarely ever venture all the way to the end. The weak mana signature that was making its was down at a pace much faster than was safe was headed unmistakably directly towards this room. On its heals were the signatures of five others, all equally weak. They, however, were moving much slower. After a moment and an audible bang from the door at the other end of the room, however, they were at least still moving. The man let out a soft chuckle.

As the five signatures converged on the sixth, the man slowly lifted his legs off the teacher's desk, and into the air. The chair, finally having enough of the man's nonsense, let out a final, derogatory creak as it let gravity do its work. A second confused creak followed soon after, as after leaning back only a few more inches, it came to a halt, much to gravity's confusion. The man, continued to refuse to give the chair the time of day, twisted his body and airborne legs to the side, before bringing the latter back to to the ground. The man then shifted all weight to his legs, as he leaned forward, and stood up. The irritated chair remained silent as it remain tilted without any support. When the man was finally fully on his feet, it began to slowly return itself upright, which it did with another creak — this time of disappointment. The man had all of his attention focused on the door to the room, however. More precisely, on those beyond it. With practiced ease, the man let his mana flow through his mind; weaponizing it with arcane power. The man aimed that weapon directly at the six minds located outside of his door, and without any form of indication, began his assault. As always, zero resistance met him and his magic as it unknowingly anchored itself in their own minds and senses. The man lifted an arm and snapped his fingers. The door to the classroom slowly squeaked open before the slime could even begin its intended course of action of sliding beneath it. They were now in the world of Jack Roman, the illusionist teacher.

Upon the opening of the door, the students were met with a white light of such intensity that they would become temporarily blind, the slime included. After a couple of seconds, the light died away, only to be replaced by complete blackness. Looking forward, the students would see six desks with matching chairs that appeared to be floating in the blackness in front of them. Behind the desks, there was fire. Not normal fire, but one that was being very carefully controlled. The flames in front of the students were formed into thin, block letters. They spelled out a single word. It read: SIT.

Jack arched his back and let out a massive groan — one that would be completely unheard by the students — as he stretched. Upon returning to a normal stance, he brought his hands in front of him. Methodically, he brought them together and cracked each knuckle as he also twisted his head, bringing forth audible cracks from his neck. As the students began filing into the classroom, undoubtedly confused and alarmed as what they saw which Jack himself viewed in his mind's eye, Jack slowly walked around to the front of the desk. When he was dead center in front of it, he turned around to face the students. Leaning back, he placed his butt and both hands against the edge of it as he wait. Class would be starting now.

[★LunaLight★]

Landing on the floor, it took me a little bit to get all my thoughts back together. However after I had regathered myself, thoughts seemed to happen a lot faster. The first of which, to pull my legs together, and attempt to get up. However that became a bit difficult when I noticed a male hand coming my way. Along with it, a mocking cackling voice saying, "You okay, Sweetheart?" I couldn't help but feel a bit silly for the sheer amount of vulnerability I had put myself in for that brief moment. However it is rare moments like this that are quickly interupted by the eyes all around watching the whole thing. The biggest offender being a rather dark looking elf, quite litterally staring down on top of me. It wasn't one of those, oh look, something just happened kinda stares ethier. She was staring at me as though I were some kind of alien life form. Because I had been leaning back slightly to reach out for the firey boys hand, I felt my hair brush up against her.

However I wasn't given much time to think about the current social tourcher I was going through, as a blinding light started shining through the classroom door. The light was extremely intense, so much that it even began to overload my eyes. However with my star magic, bright luminous lights were not too uncommon a sight for me, and I adjusted soon after the flash. I say that, but I did almost walk into the wall this time. Maybe it was sheer luck that I noticed in time, but I think the thought of falling down twice in a row earning me a reputation was what saved me from making the same mistake over.

Walking in the room, I could not help but be amazed how spooky the room was. The walls and door were completely gone, and to be honest, I didn't know what kept me from falling, because there wasn't any ground there. However the most errie part of it all was the fire burning in midair, spelling sit. For a brief moment, I did consider the place was haunted, however I quickly reminded myself that it isn't considered haunting when it is clearly the teacher's doing. After all, my shoulder seemed to be tingling a bit, and it always seemed to act up whenever magic was about. However my mind was quick to consider; between the flares of light and flaming writing, it seems like it couldn't have been done by just one person. Granted there isn't a lot I know about magic, but I thought everybody was born with just one type of mana. Is it possible that our teacher can cast more than one type, or am I just missing a way one type of magic could do both?

Maybe I'm just overthinking this. The letters say sit, and if I don't do that only bad things could happen from there. Not shying from the adventure any longer, I without hesitation took one of the desks towards the front of the room. Anticipation seemed to get the better of me, as I waited for the teacher to make an appearance, and the rest of the students to make their way in; I played with a small amount of mana between my fingers.

[Fearless]

Man, as if the girl running head first into the door to our classroom, other people started crouding around to look at the clumsy girl. I used this as an opportunity to get a good look at the others though; Who knows, maybe I'll even be spending a lot of time with them in the future. After all, it looked like they were heading for the same door as me. We'll probably end up as classmates, but I can't be sure.

There was an elf looking guy too, though he didn't seem to really want to be involved with me or the girl on the ground. Normally, I wouldn't care, but I'm in a new school! Nobody knows me. I'm not the popular guy anymore. I've gotta fix that. That's why later I plan on befriending that guy, after I learn a bit about him. If that's possible anyway.

Another one of them, a woman older than me had markings on her face. Tribal tattoos? I couldn't tell. She was a looker though, I would give her that. She may even have been a human. She looked like one, anyway. I placed the thought aside in my head for now though. I can hit on her and try my luck later. The thought made my grin spread across my face even more than usual. Older women are awesome.

Then, there was another elf looking chick. I couldn't really focus on her looks because the fact that the girl had creeped over and crouched down next to the clumsy girl caught me off guard. She didn't even say anything for God's sake. She just sat there and stared. Oh well though. Everyone is a little weird. And if this girls taste in clothing didn't say that she was more weird than the usual creature, I don't know what would. Still though, I assumed she would be in class with me, so I would try to get to know her. Plus she is older than me from the looks of it. I reiterate, Older women are awesome.

Compared to the slime ball, literally, that showed up next, she was a run of the mill human. I couldn't help but stare. A talking slime ball? Wow. This school had everything. He did seem a bit arrogant though, and I hated that. I'm arrogant! There could only be one... The thought almost made me laugh. Despite his attitude, maybe I could get along with him. Or step on him. Either one was fine by me, really.

I didn't have much time to say anything to any of them though, because pretty quickly the girl had took my hand and used it to stand up. Almost immediately after she was up, the door opened by itself and I was blinded by a bright light. I shielded my eyes with my arm and shut them both tight, giving the light some time to die down. When it did, I moved my arm back to my side, blinked a few times and looked at the sight before me. Almost complete darkness. The room was only lit by fire (cool as hell, I might add.)

I couldn't help but grin as I read the words. "Oh, Hell yeah! This place is going to be more fun than I thought!" I couldn't help but let it slip out of my mouth. I was laughing not a second later before placing my hands into my pockets and looking at the seats in front of me. I wanted to sit down as close to all the girls as I could, but only one had taken a seat. I didn't feel like waiting either, so I took a seat next to her and leaned back in my chair. I know I looked excited on the outside, but on the inside I feel like I'm going to burst from excitement.

[Agent]

To say that a ball of pink liquid sliding up near me and talking was creepy is like saying food is good when I'm hungry. This was a Ball. Of. Slime. I've seen quite a few things on the many jobs I've taken....and failed - I must ask these people why they were hiring me after the first year of failures - but I've never ever seen a ball of pink stuff talk. And why did it feel like this slime ball that barely reached my knee was talking down at me? I decided the moment it started demonstrating a very useful, to a thief at least, move of sliding under a door, that I did not really like this liquid. However, before it could finish, the door began to open. My first though was going to be, ha! In your face slime, show off denied! But instead my thoughts went along the lines of, I'm blind! Why is it so bright? Someone help me! Who would do this? What kind of sadistic basta... Well, back to not dwelling on things. I shook the thoughts from my head as the light faded into darkness.

Inside the room, I could only see a few desks and fire. Great, now the fire couldn't act like fire should. First, the doors need someone's face slammed into them to open, and now fire spells words. Coming here was a really, really bad idea. And the word the fire spelled: sit. Yes, of course, I shall go into the creepy dark room and do what dangerous elements that can cause unimaginable amounts of pain tell me to do. Makes perfect sense. As much sense as I did when I did suicidal actions while at the same time trying to escape the consequences of those actions. Instead I got someone else killed. Damn you, Levi, for taking my pla-

SLAP!

I interrupted the thoughts with a violent slap before they could form completely. I understood what this room was. The bright light was my innocence, taken away from me when my brother was killed, fading the my world into darkness. The fire symbolized the hope my adoptive mother had given me, telling me to apply here. Or maybe it was just a creepy dark room with fire spelling the world "sit". Yeah, I'll go with that. Stupid fire.

Yes, the fire is stupid for thinking it can tell me what to do. I must make it see the error in its ways, so against my better judgment, ignoring the small voice in my head asking if I had better judgment, I walk up to the fire. I had intended to poke its chest, but where in the word "sit" would be considered the chest?

"Stupid fire," I said, "you can't tell us what to do. You are an element," feeling satisfied that the fire now knew its place in the world, I took the time to think about what I had just done. I had spoken to the fire, with the intention of telling it that it can't speak to me. Therefore validating the fire's sentience and its delusions that it could speak to other creatures and tell them what to do. A small growl escaped my throat as I realized this, "you win this round fire," I mumbled as I made my way to a seat, unintentionally following the order the fire had given, "but I am far from defeated!"

With that declaration, fell into the seat, wincing as my backside protested the rough treatment. Then, and only then, did I come to another realization. I had just lost to the fire in front of everyone in the room.

Yeah, this was definitely a bad idea.