[center]Ralthavar Marchosias [/center] --- [b]"Waiting... The Insufferable waiting."[/b] Ralthavar stood in front of a large horde of orcs. At least a hundred strong, with families and relatives to see them off. They looked less like students and more like a warband; each was armed to the teeth with weapons, no less than at least three and Ralthavar had four. It was quiet, eerily so. Normally such a gathering would have music and some festivities, but this one was full of anticipation, as though they were warriors on the front line, waiting for the cavalry charge. Some orcs were eating, speaking to each other, or even resting up. But Ralthavar simply stood looking towards the horizon searching for the sign of their ride. Soon a elvish woman came up to Rathavar and hugged her, nuzzling her cheek. "My son, promise that you'll be good? I know that there is a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, but I also know you're strong enough to handle it. Make sure you write back to us too, alright? I want to know how you're doing!" Rathavar said nothing but smiled as his mother coddled him. His father stepped up, his arms crossed with a stern look on his face. But he cracked a smile, showing that he wasn't entirely serious. "And remember, this isn't a raid. Fighting shouldn't be all you're doing. We want you to make friends outside of the orcs, more so with these... Earthlings. The Harmonious Act may have improved relations for us here, but make sure that you give a good impression for the earthlings, understand my son?" [b]"I know father. I will do my best, and than some."[/b] Rathavar said quietly. His father came to him and hugged, as did Rathavar's mother. Their warm bodies were a comforting feel in the frigid weather. Soon a noise pierced the air. [b]"They're here..."[/b] Griffins from the academy arrived in swarm. A quick counter would notice there were exactly 100 griffins for 100 orcs. With final farewells, the young orcs gathered their equipment and supplies before gathering into a semi-organized formation. Rathavar was at the head of this formation. Though not the largest of the orcs, his presence was abundantly more noticeable than anyone else. Soon the griffins landed in front of the horde of orcs and watched them expectantly. There was silence. And than Rathavar spoke. [b]"Mount your griffins! Wait for my call and we ride!"[/b] The orcs moved in to find a griffin for themselves. Rathavar was the first to pick, and he chose a particular griffin with golden-blond feathers. He'd need to be distinct if he wants his orcs to be able to follow him, unaware that the griffins would lead them to school well enough on their own. [b]"Sound off! I want to make sure everyone is here, and each of you are prepared for what we are about to do. This is a war that no have ever fought. A battle that we have the honor of tasting first. This, is a diplomatic mission! We must show the Earthlings our strength, and in turn, find what makes them worthy of our strength! We lead a new generation of orcs, a generation that no longer needs to eek out an existence against hostile forces. We have begun our golden age, where the rift between worlds have been torn asunder just for us! So let us go, and face these earthlings head on! We will take their knowledge, absorb their powers, and bring it back to our home and our people. We are orcs! We live, we strive, and we are victorious! NOW SOUND OFF!"[/b] Rathavar had his griffin take the the skies first, followed by the hundred of other orcs trailing behind him. They circled the skies a few times to ensure that everyone was off the ground, and for one final farewell to the lands of Lucis and the country of Malakaus. The orcs in the skies and the orcs on the land had only one last thing to say before they were off. And it was quite audible. [B]"WAAARGH!"[/B] After a journey that felt like it had taken days, the horde arrived to the academy. They dismounted their griffins and readjusted their belongings. The Academy of Arcane Arts was a new and unknown place to them, and because of it the orcs stayed together. Some were already gripping their weapons, at least until Rathavar found a large rock to stand on to speak to them. [b]"Here we are. The Academy of Arcane Arts. Remember orcs, this is a diplomatic mission. We aren't here to conquer land or to destroy any enemies. But that doesn't mean that we should be weak and limit ourselves to mediocrity! We face new challenges here, things that we may have never faced before, but regardless we shall be victorious! Be it on the battle or in scholarly pursuits. And remember that you have each other as well. We are not alone, my orcs, and are strongest when we work together. When you are hurt, we shall heal you. When you are angry, we will calm you. And when we put our bodies and souls together, there is no force that can stop us! Now let's go, and make sure that our new friends know who we are!"[/b] A roar of cheers erupted from the orcs as Rathavar led the charge towards Academy. He didn't know exactly where to go, but that didn't matter. Wherever he took them, he would go there at full force and let nothing stop him. [center]Mariam Machina[/center] --- Mary woke up to the sound of her alarm clock blaring a high-pitched screeching sound. Fumbling around on her nightstand she managed to put the alarm on snooze, only to be awoken five minutes later when it rang again. Mary groaned but got out of bed. She headed strait towards the bathroom where she did her morning routine, and when she was out she was much more lively, although still a bit groggy and hungry. [b]"Biggy, what's for breakfast?"[/b] Mary asked as she began to change into her clothes. Biggy the mini mech entered the room than. He had to be careful not to hit anything with his considerable bulk, but still showed off his grace and dexterity by lowing a [url=http://i.imgur.com/1RlUrj9.jpg]plate of food[/url] onto Mary's desk. After eating breakfast, Mary was much more chipper and seemed excited. [b]"Alright! Are you ready Biggy? We're going to to the Academy of Arcane Art! I don't know magic, but I guess that's why I'm going, right? Hopefully we make lots of friends over there. maybe I could teach those Lucis people a thing or two about technology, you know? And they could teach me magic. Anyways, let's go Biggy! I don't want to be late."[/b] Biggy reached down and scooped up Mary into his hand. His chest opened up revealing a somewhat cramp space. Hardly big enough to a full sized adult, but just the right size for Mary. She entered Biggy and fired up her mech. Soon a Griffin arrived to Mary's mansion, and it must have looked surprised to see a ten-foot tall mech greet it. The Griffin itself was super huge, just perfect for Biggy. Though the griffin seemed apprehensive, Biggy was able to mount the griffin and off they flew towards the Academy. By the time they got there, the Griffin did a haphazard land and was exhausted. Biggy however was completely fine. He got off the Griffin, bowed his head as thanks for his service, and headed off towards the academy just shortly after the orcs did.