[img]http://i.imgur.com/WDVJyuu.png[/img] [b][u] Aliquam: The Academy of the Arts - Central Section[/u][/b] “…bear?” Tobias repeated with a look of utter confusion as he watched Lucien and Amy talk amongst themselves, and the completely nonplussed reaction the beautiful, buxom blonde cleric had the Lucien’s suggestion of summoning one. He was… he was being serious? This wasn’t another one of his ridiculously uncouth jokes? The boy was gorgeous, sure, but those jokes… Amy had been silent throughout them all and only now replied to him with utter seriousness. The bear wasn’t a joke?! “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but let’s [i]not[/i] bring a bear into the equation,” Tobias sighed. “And splitting up’s not a good idea either. Remember, we’re not the only groups out here patrolling the Academy, and neither are your friends. We have quite a fair few number of groups of the Academy staff and my men patrolling the Academy as well, and crossing our particular routes on the other side of us to make sure everything is covered. If we split up, we’re just going to cause more problems for ourselves and for them. Not to mention, you find this thief alone… I hate to admit it, but I daresay he could take you, alone. And we only have one communicator per group. No, we should stay together, and just keep our eyes peeled on every angle we can as we’re patrolling.” He shook his head, moving on and leading the way. These Guilders… they were rank amateurs. A part of him actually wished for them to split up, as bad an idea as it was, just to see their ridiculous confidence fail them, even despite how beautiful the pair was. But of course, that wasn’t something he could actually pursue, because there were far more important matters at stake. “And no bears, whatever the hell that means,” Tobias added over his shoulder with a disbelieving shake of his head. ------- [img]http://i.imgur.com/2uDBgEK.png[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/8I5EqBQ.png[/img] [b][u] Aliquam: Academy of the Arts: Northern Section[/u][/b] “My ability?” A small, wry smile crept upon Dalia’s lips as she walked alongside Estelle and Aria, the group following their illusionist’s sensible idea to mark all the places where the thief could possibly hide in, as well as check to make sure all the lights were working and, if possible, able to illuminate those hidden areas. A few more of those darkened spots in the rafters above them became visible thanks to their efforts. “Well, my ability is kind of… different,” Dalia began. A finger brought to her pursed lips was her cue of wondering what the best way was to explain it. “Hmm… how to say… well… it’s like this. I can see a person’s aura.” “An… aura?” Estelle raised a brow in curiosity. “Yes. If I focus, I can see a coloured aura around a person. Animals too.” Dalia smiled. “Each of these colours can differ depending on what a person’s emotion is. For example… a blue is sadness. And yellow, happy. Orange, which is what you’ve both got right now, although in slightly different shades… means excitement. Both of you are actually looking forward to this mission tonight, aren’t you? Haha.” Estelle’s eyes bulged in surprise. That sounded… unbelievable! “That’s… amazing! And SO cool!” Stars were twinkling in Estelle’s eyes. And in reaction, the orange aura surrounding her grew brighter and larger. “Hahaha, I have some other particular talents with that, but you might be able to see it later. Anyway,” Dalia continued. “I can see a person’s aura no matter how dark it is. Meaning…” “If you see colours moving or skulking about where there shouldn’t be any…” Aria was beginning to understand, to a confident grin in return from the Priestess. “Bingo. Our Masked Phantom thief!” “Oh man, he is so DEFINITELY going down now!” The orange aura surrounding Estelle’s body flared even stronger. ----- [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/KfQDBLF.png[/img][/center] [b][u]Aliquam: Overlooking the Academy for the Arts Five hours later[/u][/b] The wooden windows to the derelict building clattered open, and a foot touched upon the window’s ledge, before suddenly blurring and disappearing. A second later, that same foot, wearing polished, regal footwear, stepped onto and landed on the tiled roof of the building he was once occupying, a building close to overlooking Aliquam’s Academy of the Arts. The masked blonde man in his fancy coat and trousers, stood watching the Academy before him, the building almost impossible to see in the thick of night. Heavy clouds passing overhead masked the glow of the moon above, making now the perfect time to make his move. “Well, my friends, is everyone ready?” The Masked Phantom turned, to a group of four masked individuals behind him. They stepped forwards, their appearance still garbed in darkness and shadow, silently signifying their readiness. Another smile crept upon the blonde thief’s features, and he turned back around to face the Academy once again. “You all have your orders and know your roles,” The Masked Phantom began. “Let’s do this.” Lifting his hand high above him into the air, a crack sounded out as he clicked his fingers, and a small green glow sparked from them. A second later, that selfsame green glow washed over and through him and his companions, enveloping each and everyone of them. They could feel the familiar effects instantaneously. Their bodies and footsteps lighter, speed and agility greater. The effects would last up to five minutes each, but that was plenty of time. Even without the continued support of their leader, all they needed was the ability just to get across the vast expanse of distance between their building and the Academy itself, over their large brick walls and plush courtyards. Each and everyone of them was a talented thief in their own right, trained by the Masked Phantom himself… and subterfuge was their speciality. “Let’s fly.” Without a sound, all five thieves jumped into the night, sailing across the incredible distance between where they once stood and the Academy over yonder. All of them landed atop the Academy’s roof in separate spots without making a single sound. After rising up from where he had landed in a crouch, the Masked Phantom stood up and lithely moved forwards. They would pull the greatest heist ever made in history tonight.