[center][h3]The Library[/h3] 4th day of School (Pre-Time Skip), Runik, Iravis, and Wick[/center]
The soft flutter of flipped pages was the only sound that broke the constant turn of fan blades overhead. While the library was certainly never completely empty, its patrons were significantly reduced while classes were in session. It was here rather than the classrooms that Runik decided to spend his time, toiling through various tomes. Disappointingly enough, it seemed that there weren't many Sage-class Magicians on staff this year, and Neutra classes were in short supply. Free-time was certainly a boon and he had no problem figuring his way through a new school of magic, but... a guide was always welcome.

Well, he had yet to run into any difficulties regarding the material though how long that would last was questionable. Pouring over the book, the odd display that took place behind him didn't bother Runik in the slightest. While normally it might have occurred where he could monitor it, the flame's light would have interfered with his reading in this case.

A constant cycle of fire and ice took place, consuming only to rebirth into. A sphere of flames, white hot in intensity, roiled violently against its confines only to slowly vanish as ice blossomed from within. The frozen orb twisted and flowed in a manner impossible for a solid, and the next moment it was fire once more. The source of this strange phenomenon? Well, quite easy to tell given the soft glow and pulses of light that radiated from Runik's seat.

Iravis had been in the library, reading a book about the gods and goddesses of Greece.  She wasn't sure why, but she felt the need to figure out what happened to them after having that hostile discussion with Meriun two days before ... when suddenly she felt a bit of power surge into her veins, then leave, then come back, then leave ... While it was normal to expect some degree of fire considering this was a school of magic, the constant flickering of power was annoying.  There was another fire in the library besides the one from Mr. Wick while he was studying elsewhere.  Closing the book, she headed in the direction of this new disturbance, curious to what she would find.

After a short search, she stumbled into one of the stranger sights she'd seen while on campus.  And orb combusting in fire only to be taken over by ice.  It didn't take her long to notice it was Runik who was casting this, probably as some sort of mental exercise.  After a few moments of staring, she approached behind the boy who she'd run off 2 days before.  The red-haired girl spoke in a low voice to avoid alarming him and breaking the spell.  [color=salmon]"Runed One, you study with the effort of Hercules during his twelve labors, what tasks you so?"[/color]  A curious look filled her eyes as she started unintentionally reading the book over his shoulder.

He didn't start at the sound of her voice, and Runik finished his current page flip before he glanced behind him at the familiar face. An eyebrow cocked at what he thought was a grandiose statement for something so mundane, but he didn't bother to address it further. [color=yellow]"Phoenix,"[/color] he remarked as a greeting as he dipped his head slightly. Ice. 

Marking his progress with a glance, he turned the book over so that she could get a look at the cover.[i]Neutra, the Shapeless Magic. [/i] Fire. [color=yellow]"Simply seeking a way to expand my repertoire of abilities,"[/color] he explained before he set the book down and reopened it to the page he had left off. For a moment it seemed like he would simply return to his task, but in the end he focused on the red head instead. Ice.

[color=yellow]"So what brings you around?"[/color] His eyes shifted towards the ever-changing orb, already blossoming into flames once again, and then back to Iravis. Phoenixes were supposed to be embodiments of fire and flame, at least in part, so one that was snuffed only to revive constantly... well he could imagine why it would be a bother.

[color=salmon]"A continuous pulsing of flame beckons to me like the beating of a lover's heart."[/color]  For a second her eyes drifted up to the orb, but it didn't take long before she found herself looking at the runes on Brandt's arms again, glowing slightly from the energy passing through them, flaring mildly when the orb changed form.  [color=salmon]"Diversification is a powerful strategy, but knowledge for its own sake is also a worthy quest."[/color]  She showed the cover of the book she was reading, [i]The Olympians[/i].  [color=salmon]"Knowing of others is a more noble goal than learning about oneself.  Would you agree, Sir Wick?"[/color]  The Phoenix's eyes looked in the direction of a bookcase that Mr. Wick was using to get closer, feeling his fire as he approached.

The teacher had been in the library at any chance, reading and hoping to learn more about that boy from several days ago. An Oni, something from the land of the rising sun. However his attention to the most recent book he was combing through was lost when he noticed the red hair of the phoenix.

[color=9e0b0f]"What could she be doing here?"[/color] He asked himself before saying,[color=9e0b0f] "Reading. She could be reading Arthur."[/color] Mentally cringing at himself he decided to see what see was in fact doing, she stood up and went to investigate something told the purpose behind her steps. She stopped at Runik, who was reading while ice and fire consumed each other in an orb behind the boy. Then the two began to talk before Iravis called over to him.

Taking it in stride the man stepped out from his makeshift cover saying,[color=9e0b0f] "Noble yes, though one must still remember to know who they are as well. Can't forget your past if you can help it."[/color] Iravis looked a little put down at the mention of this, mistakenly thinking he meant she hadn’t focused enough on remembering her past.  She curtsied towards him as a greeting.

Well it was a bit gratifying to know that his guess wasn't off the mark. Still it wasn't like Runik had any intention to stop, and he could only hope that Iravis would not make such a request. Confrontation with the phoenix did not seem like it would end well, but he wouldn't shy from it either.

[color=yellow]"Always did prefer when I could do something with what I learnt."[/color] He shrugged a bit in response before glancing towards the cover she showed him and ah'ed quietly, figuring that's what must have inspired her earlier comment. Looking at the same direction as Iravis with a questioning expression, he wasn't too surprised to see the teacher step out from behind, though he did wonder why Mr. Wicks seemed to have hidden there.

[color=yellow]"Hardly. Improve one's self before others, same would apply."[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“Regardless.”[/color] Mr Wick said as he stepped closer to the two, [color=9e0b0f]“How are you two’s respective days going? Anything interesting happen recently?”[/color]

[color=salmon]”Did you know there’s a dragon on campus, apparently?”[/color]  It was obvious she was a little excited about this fact, but then decided that perhaps this wasn’t the place to talk about it.  [color=salmon]”Aside from attending a few lectures, I touched the sky this morning.  The Landing had a bit more grace than my first attempt …”[/color]

Runik perked up a bit at the mention of the dragon and nodded before he fished his phone from a pocket. [color=yellow]“It’s still up in the air if it’s a real dragon from what I heard,”[/color] he mentioned as he opened an app and tapped on the pictures his friends had uploaded for others to see. While the quality weren’t exactly the best, there was definitely enough to make out some of Sorcha’s defining features from her wings, horns, glaive, and more. Hell one of them had even managed to snap a shot as lightning crackled from her weapon as it was pressed against, presumably, a student.

 He held the phone for Iravis to take a look at while he shrugged in response to the teacher’s question. [color=yellow]“Eh… not really. Hoping more classes for Neutra pop up though, otherwise I’m seeing a lot of this in my future.”[/color] The sphere continued to roil, chill, burn, and freeze all the while.

[color=9e0b0f]“A dragon eh?”[/color] Arthur said almost to himself, a clearly surprised look gracing his face for a moment before he manages to bring one of his hands up to his beard to stroke it and slightly obscure his face while taking a look at the young man’s phone. [color=9e0b0f]“Humanoid, not like the one I fought. I’ll have to look into this. That said, I could help you with your problem concerning a lack of Neutra classes.”[/color]

Iravis looked back and forth between the two of them.  [color=salmon]”And I wonder why to.  That’s definitely Sorcha, and she usually doesn’t like her mortal form…”[/color]  The Phoenix had the sense that she was forgetting something, but she couldn’t tell exactly what that thing was.  She could worry about that later.  [color=salmon]”Sir Wick, I thought your soul was fire?  You are a Neutra mage as well?”[/color] 

Arthur would then be gone, appearing about ten feet to the right. [color=9e0b0f]“I found that being able to move in a moment was very helpful, I am a Sage class magician because of it.”[/color] Arthur said as he took the steps required to be back in the group.[color=9e0b0f] “If you’d like Runik I could teach you a thing or two.”[/color]

Well… that was certainly information he hadn’t been aware of, or at least must have slipped his mind. His eyes tracked and found Mr. Wick’s new position quickly enough, and a slight nod conveyed he was rather impressed. Not exactly the direction he wanted to go, but a Sage class should have the knowledge to help him along. [color=yellow]“I’ll keep your offer in mind Mr. Wicks if I run into any trouble.”[/color]

Turning his attention back to Iravis, he glanced at his phone for a moment and saw that apparently, yes, the dragoness had proclaimed herself Sorcha, Radiant King of the heavens and the Wandering Tempest of the North. [color=yellow][i]‘Fitting for a dragon I guess.’[/i] “Huh… small world I guess if you’ve met her before.”[/color]

Iravis gave a sly grin at Runik.  [color=salmon]”A small world, or many years lived?”[/color]  The Phoenix was used to Wick teleporting, but she hadn’t realized that was Neutra magic he was using.  To the Phoenix, most sorts of magic were confusing and made little sense.  If a mortal wanted to summon fire or whatever, couldn’t they just will the flames to rise like a muscle?  [color=salmon]”It’s a big world and periodically I discover something new.”[/color]  It was clear that she was gesturing to his arms.

[color=yellow]“Would that be many lives lived?”[/color] Runik returned her sly grin by an amused expression as he wondered just what her true age was. Given what Iravis followed up with he couldn’t imagine the number was beneath at least two dozen. Putting it off as something not actually important, he glanced down at the tattoos that wrapped around his arms. [color=yellow]“Not too surprising since they were the result of experiments.”[/color] He lifted one and his eyebrows furrowed for a moment in concentration. The glow dimmed in his other as it intensified in his raised limb, and the sphere continued to shift and change. [color=yellow]“Anything specific you were wondering about?”[/color]

[color=salmon]”A body may change, but does the soul not stay the same?”[/color]  She grinned back at his clever quip, smile running across her face.  The goddess had always enjoyed games of wits.

But when he mentioned experiments, and her heart sunk to the floor.  Some lifetimes Iravis was a goddess, the sky and fire her domains.  This lifetime though … [color=salmon]”I’m … sorry.”[/color]  She looked down a little as he asked for specifics.  [color=salmon]“Was it a worthwhile exchange?”[/color] 

Runik could hardly be called the most perceptive of his peers, but plenty of experience with this situation helped him catch the shift in mood. For a moment he considered the casual smile before he dismissed it and shook his head at an apology that wasn’t warranted. He looked at peace, accepting of his situation, even as he considered her question in silence. 

[color=yellow]“I’d have to know what I lost to answer that, but...”[/color] Runik trailed off as his raised hand clenched into fist suddenly and the flames collapsed inward before ice shards burst outwards from the compressed storm. [color=yellow]“I’d say yes.”[/color] Relaxation came easily as he leaned back into the comfort his seat offered and he looked at Iravis with a slight nod, as if encouraging any other questions she might have had. 

Iravis was surprised that he wasn’t bothered about it.  The smile returned to her face, the scholar taking over again.  Soon she found herself asking several questions about the arm.
[color=salmon]”I can tell that it is radiant when you cast fire or ice, but that apply to all types of sorcery?”[/color]

[color=yellow]“They’re linked to my very magic circuits, and act as my catalyst, so yes, any use of magic causes them to shed light. The people who did this might have deserved what they got, but they were brilliant, no doubt about that...”[/color]

[color=salmon]”Does pain shoot across when activated?  I’ve heard that about tattoos.”[/color]

[color=yellow]“Not unless I’ve strained against my limits. As far as I’m aware, the pain is in the act of receiving the runes rather than their use.”[/color]

[color=salmon]”Against your limits?  That must a Pyramid from what I’ve seen of you.”[/color]

Praise was always welcome, and Runik was hardly modest. His smile grew just a tad as he accepted the compliment with a small nod. [color=yellow]“Maybe with enough time to prepare.”[/color] The Magus Games were about to occur, and that gave him a moment’s pause as he considered how much to reveal… before he shrugged. [color=yellow]“Spell slinging, the quick back and forth between mages at close range, tends to take its toll rather quickly. I much prefer to weave a grand magic at a distance.”[/color]

The Goddesses flattery was finished now.  The smile on her face became sly rather than honest.  [color=salmon]”So for example, shooting into the air would be preferable for you?”[/color]

Runik quirked an eyebrow at the shift in mood once again, and simply shrugged noncommittally. [color=yellow]“Perhaps. It certainly would be more appreciated by whoever has to clean up after me.”[/color] At that his grin returned and he laced his fingers together, arcs of electricity flying between his hands.

She looked at lightning, keeping note that was also one of his powers.  [color=salmon]”Really?  Personally, hunting prey on the ground is a less daunting task.  They move less.”[/color]

[color=yellow]“Well when the prey is tethered to the blow, it doesn’t really matter how much they move. On the odd case that they are that fast, well I would likely have no choice to concede defeat. The ground does give much more things for prey to hide behind, but I guess that’s part of the fun or challenge to some.”[/color]

Iravis nodded at Runik, preparing to respond.  But after a few moments, she realized Sir Wick hadn’t been responding at all.  He seemed to be staring off into the distance.  [color=salmon]”Sir Wick, do you need to rest?”[/color]  The red haired girl was concerned his injury was acting up.

Arthur watched the two students interact, although his thoughts were elsewhere. Iravis has met the dragon that now is at the school, Sorcha, Iravis said her name was. That name danced in the pyromancer’s mind, had he heard it before? No that wouldn’t make sense, he only knew the one dragon and only for a short while before it died. Plenty of time to have a interesting conversation but none the less. Arthur was barely paying any heed to what was happening near him at that point as his mind continued to wander. ‘How did this dragon even got on the island? Why ask yourself, you know how it got here. A let this Sorcha being come. But why did the dragon come in the first place? Well for that answer…’ Arthur would have to ask the dragon, which meant finding her. Well that shouldn’t be hard so long as he stopped spending all his time in the library or his lecture hall.

Then Iravis said something to him. Arthur didn’t actually catch what she had said, [color=9e0b0f]“Oh um, sorry I was thinking, it has been awhile since I saw a dragon and the last time didn’t end to well for anyone involved. No doubt A let this dragon through the barrier so that it can partake in the magus games.”[/color] Arthur said, mumbling the entire time as if he was talking to himself almost.

Iravis gave an honest smile, glad one of her saviors was alright.  [color=salmon]”I wouldn’t worry about Sorchy!  A half elf informed me she’s been acting like a dragon again, but I’m sure it’s just her soul being teased.”[/color]  The Phoenix had the voice of confidence.

[color=9e0b0f]“Oh?”[/color] Arthur remarked. Two questions came to his mind then, third question was which one to ask. Suppose he’ll find out the second question’s answer in due time, first one was more urgent however. [color=9e0b0f]“Interesting. Tell me you two, you guys looking forward to the magus games? Looks like it’s gearing up to be an interesting year indeed!”[/color]

As the two conversed briefly behind him, Runik took the time to flip through one and then two pages. As unappealing as reading was to him, he had still learnt to speed read at a young age in preparation for the countless tomes he would have to pour through during his time as a mage. Much like right now really. 

[color=yellow]“Naturally,”[/color] he replied in a relaxed tone as he glanced up from the text. [color=yellow]“Should help scout out a few Squads as well.”[/color] The mission boards were still rather sparse, but now was a good time as any to try and form connections with potential colleagues for the upcoming year. 

Iravis started playing with her hair a little as she looked at Mr. Wick.  [color=salmon]”The inspiration of wine is more interesting than these games, Sir Wick?”[/color]  She couldn’t resist adding a wink to that question.  While most of the times she acted respectfully towards him, periodically it was fun to catch the teachers off guard.

Arthur listened with a degree of interest, Runik of course was a sensible person, then Iravis took her turn to speak. Had the pyromancer had anything to drink he would have taken a sip and spat it out over the floor simply to prove his surprise at the statement. In place of that he rubbed his beard again. It was good the girl had a sense of humor, even if it was at his expense. But regardless he had asked for a reason, now to take the second step.

[color=9e0b0f]“Nothing like a good battle though. Iravis if I may ask, have you found anyone you would partner with for these games? A good team is an important step towards victory, my battle with the dragon would’ve ended differently if my friends… If my friends hadn’t been there with me.”[/color]

Iravis nodded, lowering her tone slightly out of respect for Wicks lost comrades.  She still hadn’t gotten the full story out of him.  [color=salmon]”My roommates been attached to me, it would stun me if she didn’t come along with me.”[/color]  Iravis was convinced that Ra would consume the Earth before that would happen.  

Arthur nodded, [color=9e0b0f]“Any of thoughts regarding your team? Or do you think you and the demoness will be enough to take on everyone else?”[/color] Arthur asked, one hand still thoughtfully stroking his beard. At least he hoped it looked thoughtful, he put lots of work and years of training into rubbing his beard in an intellectual manner. 

Iravis looked down for a moment.  After their previous interaction, she was fairly sure Runik wanted to fight her more than partner up with her, even if it was a friendly competition.  [color=salmon]”Honestly Sir?  A larger army tends to win the battle, and right now I’d be walking out with the smallest.”[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]“I see.”[/color] Arthur said. [color=9e0b0f]“Then perhaps I could help you with that.”[/color] the pyromancer said. Then he would open up the book in his hand and flip through a few pages before saying, [color=9e0b0f]“If you wish I would like to work alongside you and any other teammates you find, I was going to partake any way and it would be a shame to see you on the other line of skirmish. And while on that line of thought…”[/color] Mr. Wick would then drop his book onto the table, the book open to an image of a large horned creature depicted in an oriental style,[color=9e0b0f] “There’s a rather scary thing on this island right now, granted that fact is almost always a constant but none the less. I have reason to believe a bastion of unending physical strength is here, here with the sole reason of partaking in these games. I wouldn’t want to see him on the other side of the battlefield either.”[/color] Then the teacher would fix his posture up so that he was standing straight as a board before saying, [color=9e0b0f]“If you could it may be wise to find this character and perhaps make an ally of them. Or at least learn a bit about them. I believe their name started with an A or something akin to that.” [/color]

Runik paused for a moment to consider the words being spoken by the pair just behind him. It didn’t last for particularly long and he continued to read soon enough, only again pausing when Mr. Wick dropped the book he had onto the table. [color=yellow][i]‘Really?’[/i][/color] The annoyance was brief and flitting and he focused on the depicted yokai for a few moments before in the end he shrugged again. [color=yellow]“So an oni has arrived as well. Geez…”[/color] His thoughts drifted to a certain Atara before he dismissed it as simple coincidence. The advice seemed like it was meant for Iravis more than him, but he still nodded appreciatively towards the teacher.

Iravis performed a respectful curtsy towards Sir Wick.  [color=salmon]”I would be honored to have you by my side, Sir Wick.  I will watch for his presence,, don’t worry.”[/color]  After a few more minutes, Sir Wick and the Phoenix left to discuss fire magic and strategies, leaving Runik peacefully to study his Neutra magic...