Mako listened patiently to the Faun's whole story before answering her question. From what she was being told, it sounded like Lilac's Granny was possibly a witch herself, which made Mako like this young Faun even more. "Yes, I am a witch," she answered, "But not a white witch. In fact, far, far from it. I have less power than the Great Witch, and I am good and kind while she was evil and cruel, but there is little difference between how dark her magic was and how dark mine is. I hope that doesn't deter you from learning from me. You seem like you will make a fine student. Now come on. We don't want to be late for the assembly."

The teacher led the two to the assembly, directing them to some scarce free seats, before she went and sat with the other teachers.

@13org@Gummy1295

---

Reiko was at the Great Hall a few minutes after a short trip to her office to fetch a new coat. As soon as the whole faculty and student body were gathered, she took the microphone in Aria's place. "As all of you may know at this point, a terrible incident happened within the Academy not a long while ago. The details of what happened are better left untold, for your own personal safety, however, I can disclose that the ultimate result was the untimely passing of a student."

"Investigations are still underway, however, we have a lead on the suspect and will focus all of our power in this case." Reiko made a slight pause to quell a hubbub that rose among the students before continuing, "Today's activities are suspended, all of you will be escorted to your dormitories by the faculty members. Starting from tomorrow, no student will be allowed to walk alone on the campus, you'll have to form groups between yourselves, or have an escort from the staff. A curfew will be in place between sunset and dawn hours, any student attempting to sneak away from their dormitory during this time will be subject to harsh administrative measures, up to and including sending you back to your families."

"These measures are for your own safety. There's nothing more valuable for us than that the well-being of our pupils. Please, bear with us while they last," Reiko said as she glanced at the unrestful crowd of students. "Regarding the dormitories. You'll be sleeping in communal rooms separated, by year and gender. This serves two distinct purposes: To reinforce the traits of friendship and camaraderie between future fellow Dawn Slayers and to make it easy for us to keep you safe. Enjoy this opportunity to know your new friends better."

"Unless there are any questions that you may ask, you are dismissed for today. The classes schedule will be published tomorrow, we hope you are looking forward to it."

---

---

While Duncan looked for a mat to sit on, Roland sat taping his fingers waiting for the principal to make her announcement. The tension in the great hall could be seen in the students faces and heard in their whispers. Some were completely clueless asking if anyone knew what had happened while others retold rumors they had heard. Many had some slivers of truth, but none touched upon the unthinkable demise of a student. Roland slowly put his hand on his stomach as his frustration turned into nauseous pains. He wanted to tell them, but he wouldn’t risk spreading more fear and panic to the terrified crowds. They’d need to hear it from the principal herself… Or the vice principal.

As Ms. Reiko took the stage a hush fell over, everyone wanted to hear as she gave the answers they so desperately wanted. Once she confirmed their worst fears, Roland glanced around at the students to see their reaction. Some gasped in shock while a few others solemnly turned their gaze to the floor. Roland, however, to his surprise, didn’t jump to fear and despair, instead he clenched his fists and looked towards the stage with passion burning like the fire ignited in him. He wanted action. He wanted justice for their fallen comrade and would do anything to see it done.

He continued watching as Reiko announced the new rules and regulations that he predicted would be put into place. With each one his anger rose. He knew they were only thinking of their safety, but he wasn’t here to play things safe. Finally, when asked if there are any questions, Roland looked directly at the crimson mage and yelled, “Yeah I got a few."

The heads of the students and staff all turned to him as he leapt out of his seat and spoke in an almost thunderous voice. "Why are you making us be watched over like children? Aren’t we here to learn how to stand up and fight for ourselves? We should be standing our ground. Show whoever did this we aren’t afraid like real Dawnslayers! Not cowering around the staff and hiding in our dorms at the first sign of danger!”

The young Nightbreaker knew all eyes would be darting between him and the vice principal waiting for her to silence him or dole out some sort of punishment, but he didn’t care. He wanted them to know he wasn’t going to take such cowardice restrictions sitting down.

Duncan listened to the speech. It gave him some information he didn't know, and left out some things he did know. The complete picture was not a pleasant one, and he was actually scared. A student had been killed by some kind of beast. It could have been a fellow centaur from the hoof marks, though that was unlikely, unless it was an absolute giant freak of nature, and that was possibly scarier than it being a beast. The restrictions seemed...not excessive. In his opinion, they couldn't do enough to protect everyone. They weren't Dawnslayers yet. It would take them years of studying at this school, just to earn the title, and further work to earn enough prestige to be taken seriously. It was still a bummer to hear. At least they'll be able to walk around in groups. The curfew was also unwelcome news. Hopefully this issue was resolved soon, not just for Duncan's peace of mind and security but also so he could be allowed to be a teenager!

And with that, they were to be dismissed to socialise for what little remained of the day until sunset, which wasn't long enough for Duncan. He got to his hooves and was about to leave, when Roland spoke up. Duncan listened with admiration, though he'd be lying if he said he shared Roland's frustrations. Duncan was nowhere near a Dawnslayer yet. That's what he had come here to learn. He was yet no match for even the weakest of foes a Dawnslayer would have to face, unless he got very lucky with an arrow. Duncan was thankful for being watched over if not quite as happy with the method. He did however, admire Roland's gall to challenge a teacher on something he believed strongly in. The admiration was clear on Duncan's face.

@Awesomoman64@KoL

[erased]

Trey was about to answer Circe's questions about his powers, but as it so happened the assembly began right before he could gather his thoughts. As Trey listened to the Vice Principal lay down the new rules of the Academy he thought about how much of a pain it was going to be to have to stick to other people and talk to them. He wasn't the type of person to hang out with others, apparently that would be changing thanks to this unfortunate incident. The curfew was much more understandable on the other hand, he assumed that was just a normal rule if he was being perfectly honest.

Finally the last thing was the rooming situation, a communal room. Trey had moved in a few days prior so this was not new to him, but it still grated on his nerves to say the least. He would be spending most of his time outside his rooms, or he would if it weren't for the fact he needed to be escorted everywhere. Annoying to say the least. Finally the Vice Principal asked if there were any questions, apparently one student did have some. And he was quite vocal about them.

Trey frowned, standing up as well and looking at the loud one with a hard look in his eyes. "Hey!" The words escaped his mouth before he even realized it, everyone's attention was on him now as he stared down the rebellious student. "We came here to become Dawnslayers yeah. But that's just it. We came here to BECOME Dawnslayers. It's our first day here, you can't expect to take on a..." Trey swallowed a lump in his throat as he struggled to vocalize how he felt. "A murderer. I saw what happened. We aren't ready for that. We need to let the adults handle this, while they protect us we can learn to get stronger. Strong enough to not let this happen again. If you go running after trouble now..." Trey walked up to Roland and stared him dead in the eyes, his eyes softening as he looked at the younger boy. "I get how you feel, I want to help too. I was there, I feel just as helpless as you. But the best thing we can do now is stay out of the way. We are children, not Dawnslayers. Not yet."

Strength was bequeathed to those who sought its riches. Lumen was not foreign to such mentality, he knew that to better understand these powers that were gifted to him, he needed to move beyond the basics he already knew. With the aid of Priscilla, the daughter of the owner of the orphanage, the young man had finally attained a last name. Something that had been foreign to him for the longest time is now a part of who he is. With such a thought looming on his mind, a smile protruded across his mien, eyes gazing upon the distance of a now not so distant destination. The bus would soon arrive at his designated location, the prestigious Hikari Ryoudan Academy. He couldn't sustain his intrigue, his curiosity bubbled at the epicenter of his core. He wondered what mysteries laid in wait just begging to be discovered. What treasures he could dig up? What stories could he uncover? All of this made Lumen beam with excitement. Leaving the orphanage, finally being able to witness the world and all its glory. He sensed as Kresnik being shimmered within his own soul, this is what Kresnik meant when he said not allowing anything to stand between Lumen and what Lumen wanted. But more importantly... He wanted to get out of this bus as soon as he could muster. You see... The youth had already commenced his adventure rather poorly, as he got caught up in all the excitement, he erroneously exchanged glances with some of the people here on this bus, and they have been rather persistent in opening a lane for conversation with this snow-colored-hair youth.

Lumen had a cold sweet tracing through his spine, the young lady next to him has been giving wayward glances ever since their departure, while the brother hasn't stop glaring at the back of Lumen's head as if there was another face staring right back at him. This is the effect of the curse... Diarmuid's Love Spot. He should've just place the hood on as to obscure the vision of his face. At least with such he could avoid, even if ever so slightly, the annoying trait that came with becoming possessed by his friend's ghost. He slowly turned his face to meet that of the girl next to him, curious if she was still gawking on him. She shy'd away almost immediately after locking eyes with Lumen. Face flushed in the seems of a potent rose hue. The brother immediately intercepted with a: "What's up, pal? You got something you'd like to say to her?" To which Lumen responded with an awkward smile, turned immediately and tried his best to ignore the situation. He could sense those eyes, they were burning a whole at the back of his head. "Why do I have to be so unlucky?"

Immediately after those words were uttered, the bus came to a full stop. Noticing the place he landed, he immediately move to pick up his luggage, which wasn't much to begin with, thanked the bus driver and landed at the front of what would be the start to his new future. A towering spectacle of beautiful marble and stone carving stood before his very eyes. There were no creeks, or damages on the walls. The paint wasn't falling from the sides, and the sun lit the windows which glistened at the mercy of the rays. A fanciful sight, Lumen couldn't place a finger on what he felt. This was different, this was new. He felt almost like shedding a tear, remembering all those tough times and dark nights. But he sustained such sentimentality, it was time to get answers for now. So then... he needed to get himself settled... where does one go to get information around this place?



"So make a right turn...?" Lumen said, finally arriving where the supposed assembly was gonna take place. He silently thanked that stranger who was kind enough to make a small map for him on a piece of paper. He just wished it had to do less with his curse and more with their genuine sense of kindness. Placing the paper on his pocket Lumen moved towards an empty row to listen to what had transpired while he was gone. A woman of crimson hair with equally hued eyes began to brief the student body, even if cryptically, about what had occurred during what Lumen could only assume was their absence. Did he hear that correctly? A death? "I guess I really am riddled with bad luck..." He didn't quite understand everything that was going on. The air was heavy, heads were down and whispers began to prowl on the mouth of the people. He didn't know what to make sense of, he just arrived and suddenly he was greeted with not only bad news, but the worse kind of news possible. He rubbed the back his head, and began to silently mourn this stranger.

Soon a voice peered above the hurdles of whispers within this space. A boy of short, brow hair. Determined to let his point of view across. He certainly was passionate in what he spoke, this followed by other who also voiced their opinions. He was new, he didn't know what to say, to be honest. Only that he'd best follow the rules as well as possible, if not better. He didn't know a soul in this place, however. And he was gonna be monitored by the staff too. He needed to partner up and on top of that, if he didn't do this, he would evidently be sent home. What a way to start the school year... thought Lumen as suspicion seemed to run high. He also just arrived, literally. Lumen placed a hand on his chin, and began to think. "Does that mean... Wait I just arrived! Wait! That looks suspicious as hell! I have no friends here to back me up if I was investigated! I better be in best behavior... I don't want to return home so soon."

@floodtalon@13org@Awesomoman64@Sync

Right as Trey went to reply, Vice Principal Reiko began the assembly. After hearing the new rules Circe was fuming, she was so use to being on her on, making her own rules, that these sanctions where choking. She listened to one of the boys she talked earlier mouth off about hunting the beast, she raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Maybe she dismissed him sooner than she thought, now that they had to travel in groups, she should strike up a friendship with him. He was being hot headed, but at least he wanted action, not blind compliance.

Trey stood from his seat and spoke to the other boy, sheesh she should really remember names, trying to diffuse the situation peacefully. Great Goddess, he was going to be one of the good ones, that was boring. As she watched the encounter with feigned interest the doors opened up and a white hair boy walked in.

He seemed confused at first, and there was a moment of fear. But what really caught her attention was a spot under his right eye. It gently called to her, like sweet nothings whispered in her ear. It promised a lovers soft touch, and a passionate warmth that only the owner could give. Circe blinked her eyes, and gave her head a soft shake to clear it. This was an interesting newcomer, she would have to be weary of that mark though, he was not her type.

She stood up from her seat, cast a quick glance at Reiko, doubting she would stop Circe at this point. She made her way down the aisle, passing a small timid faun who watched the confrontation nervously.

"Things are just starting to warm up. I would relax that pretty like head of yours. It's only going to get more fun from here on out. Dig deep and find some courage, else you won't make it here." She said when she passed by the faun. She brushed past the boy with Mark and made her way to her dorm.

She walked in the barracks like building, rolling her eyes at the lack of privacy. Circe made her way to her little niche, books piled over every inch that wasn't her bed, all borrowed from the library. She read through the titles until she found one on cryptozoology and began reading. No one knew what this creature was, but that didn't mean it hasn't been documented before, and she was going to find it and kill it first.

---

The vampire strolled casually through the school ground, appearing absolutely and completely calm, in stark contrast to the fear and solemn expressions of the students, and some of the teachers and staffs, especially the new ones. The death was perhaps the most significant event that ever happened in Yurius's career here ever since he abandoned his exile and decided to take up tutoring as a job, but comparing to the long years of life he had lived through, this wasn't any different from a daily meal. There was no reason to panic. Sure, the death was tragic, but it did little to concern the safety of the school. Or at least in his mind. This vampire was no common fool. He was once the terror that struck fear into the heart of the people wherever he went. So much so that the Head Magister had to send her underlings to put him down. He was not afraid.

He arrived at the assembly, near the last, as he was doing things so casually while everybody else just hurried there. He stood right next to the door, watching it, along with Reiko's information exposure to the public (or in this case the school staff and students). The death he already knew, and then the curfew, the escorts requirements and some other information. Almost immediately after her announcement, some of the students who were in his class, flocked to him. Sure, some of them were independent individuals, but they knew better than to break a direct order from the Vice Principal. He had taught them well. But apparently some here didn't receive such tutelage. A brown haired boy, seemingly discontent, voiced out his opinion, in a pretty rude manner according to the usually polite vampire. Yurius's brows were raised, but he wasn't too surprised. Youth...always youth...

Another student popped up confronting the rebellious student as Yurius made his way there, telling his students to wait for him. He was the exact opposite of him. After pushing through the last student standing in the way watching the confrontation, the old vampire did not hesitate, nor feel any sort of hesitation to walk forward, facing the two students.

"He's right..." Yurius addressed the other boy who was defending the staffs. "If you want to go out there so badly, you can. But you will be alone." He said, his hands still in his pockets as he walked towards the two of them. "And then you will return with the price of your limbs, or a dead man." Judgingly, yet politely, he looked at the brown-haired boy. "Young man. You do understand that we may be dealing with a professional murderer here. What if someone like you decides to go along with your reckless actions and then gets killed? What do you think? Will you take responsibility for his or her death?" He left one last remark before turning away. "Just deal with it."

Whilst leaving, he noticed a timid white haired boy watching the whole confrontation nervously. The vampire was walking towards him. The disparity between Yurius and the kid's body size, and the aged looks of the vampire, would easily confirm his identity to the boy as a teacher. Upon nearing him, Yurius just said once. "Looks like you're gonna need an escort. Follow me if you wish."

@KoL @Awesomoman64 @floodtalon @TheWindel @Sync

Duncan took the moment to step in and tap Roland on the shoulder, a sympathetic look on his face. "Look, I kinda get where you're coming from but he's got a point. We're nowhere near being even half-Dawn Slayers yet. Ten of us wouldn't be enough to beat one of whatever's out there. I don't know about you but I'm terrified. This really isn't starting an argument or getting in trouble over."

With those words, Duncan trotted away and towards the entrance, going up towards the teacher there, as well as the white haired student who had been late. Looks like he teacher was going to be an escort, and Duncan was not ashamed to admit that the security of an escort would be nice right now. The white haired boy would notice the centaur beside him. Hard to miss a full-sized horse with a boy's torso attached.He smiled. "Hi. Name's Duncan."

@Awesomoman64@floodtalon@Conscripts@Sync

---

Akane also took her place besides the door, turned, and tried to smile reassuringly. She caught Lilac's eyes as she spoke. "I will escorting girls to their communal rooms, if anybody wishes to follow."

While she waited, she pulled a small crystal ball from her jacket pocket and peered into it. Circe was safe in her dorms, thank the Trinity, but was reading a book on...cryptozoology? Now why would she be reading a book like that? Unless...Mako would have to keep a close eye on her, it would seem. Grinning grimly she pocketed the ball again.

@13org@Cerces22

Lumen's thumb pressed upon his bottom lip, tapping it between short intervals of thought as they began to gather the information about the situation at hand. The communal rooms wouldn't be much different than what he's used to in the orphanage. Luxury wasn't something he had much of so this change wasn't an unwelcomed one. Sharing rooms with strangers wasn't much of a problem and it proposed an alleyway for conversation and making friends. So ultimately, regardless if the situation was rather grim, he tried to look for a positive. Lumen knew he wasn't even remotely close to becoming a Dawn-Slayer. Much less a prominent magic user, the link to Kresnik's soul was still weak. Lost in though a young girl poked him off his train of thought by merely walking the opposite direction of where he stood. For an inkling of a second their eyes met, before she continued down her way. Another person of lively crimson hued locks, a distinguishing aura of certainty roamed across her features. Exuding some form of strength in every step. He looked beyond her and she was speaking to another young girl, a faun with humanoid features. This one seemed to be rather nervous over what had occurred, his eyes soften and a gentle smile made its way naturally towards his mien. He thought of that girl of crimson, she was there trying to alleviate any soft of confusion or stress the faun-girl had probably. That girl of crimson hair was probably really nice. He ushered a wave towards the girl at the distance, a type of half humanoid creature Lumen has never seen before. His sense of adventure and curiosity sparked, he knew there would be all kind of interesting people here. Interesting faces and backgrounds that would expand his knowledge of the world. He would have to make a mental note to introduce himself later, she seemed like someone who could tell him a good story. A large man now stood before him.

His presence was noted, he towered above Lumen, eyes of blood red locking with his own. Skin paler than normal as if he had no heat in his blood stream, yet even if the soul within Lumen bellowed sirens of danger, there was indeed something serene about this man. "Eh?" Was Lumen's only response after being snapped of his trance, ah, a teacher... How foolish of him. "Yes, please do so sir." The man continued. Lumen better follow, if anything there were a couple of creature that came to mind, vampire was the most certain answer. The teacher didn't even seem affected by the curse. How wonderful! He could actually have a conversation with some people without initial prejudice! Before Lumen could move to follow the teacher another voice halted him on his path. Another half-ling. A young... man? Horse? He didn't know how properly staple this boy because he hasn't met anything like it before. His upper half composed of a torso, arms and head like any other human being. But he had 4 other limbs which were all of that of a steed. How wonderfully curious. It sparked his sense of wonderment for a third time. How exiting!

"Yes, hello. My name's Lumen. It's nice to meet you Duncan." Before they continued down the path that lead to the rooms, young Lumen placed his hood on, if he could ward as much eye contact as possible, he could be certain that those of weaker strength in their magic could not get affected by this curse. "I see, this place really has it all for someone like me." he muttered to himself with hidden glee. "I just transferred here, Duncan. So it kind of feels like I'm a fish out of water. It doesn't help that I arrived at such in inopportune time, but I'm certain things would look up. I hope we can get along." He rose his voice slightly so that the teacher could hear. "And thank you, sir. I'm Lumen Kresnik, may I please know your name? So that I can show you my gratitude appropriately."

---

The silence that had fallen from Roland’s outburst was soon broken by another student speaking up, but this time in favor of the new rules. The boy made his way through the crowd to stare Roland down as he refuted his argument. At first, Roland took this as an intimidation tactic and met the boys gaze with the same fury in his eyes. But as the boy forced the words out of how he had seen the murder and the intensity in his eyes diminished, it became clear just how afraid he was. They all were.

As one of the teachers approached him lecturing him on what consequences such reckless action could bring, Roland’s attention instead was drawn to the students around him. The looks of terror painted on their faces only further drove home the point that Roland may have misjudged the courage of his peers. Here he was thinking most would want to rise up against this mysterious murderer, but instead they all feared for the lives. The final nail in the coffin for Roland’s defiance came when Duncan, the only person he even considered a friend so far, also voiced his disagreement.

That was the end of it. No one would stand with him. His gaze lowered to the floor as he hands still balled into fists began to shake. For a moment it looked as though he was about to explode, but instead he let out a defeated breath and halfway raised his hands in surrender. “Fine. You all know what I think of this, but if everyone is choosing to hide, then I won’t fight it.”

After giving in, Roland turned to follow Duncan to be escorted to the droms. The entire way, he kept his head lowered and his hands tucked in his pockets saying nothing as Duncan conversed with another student by the name of Lumen.

@floodtalon@Conscripts@Silver Carrot@Sync

[erased]

@Awesomoman64

Circe closed the book with a sigh, there was nothing in it that would suggest what type of beast attacked the other student. As she fingered through the stack of other books, consisting mostly of different kinds of creatures, and mental powers, she thought back to the assembly.

Roland isn't entirely afraid of the attack, I might find an ally in him. Although his go out and hunt it technique would fail miserably,
maybe he wouldn't be adverse to studying up first. She thought to herself. She reached in her bag and grabbed out paper, and a pen.

R,

You are not alone in your thinking, for now, let the panic die down. I am sure others would not be adverse to joining the hunt. First we must figure out what killed that girl, that way we will learn how to defeat it. I am currently researching everything I can on what kills like that. I need the teachers not to pry to deeply into it. Headmistress Aria reads minds, I do not know the extent of her powers. I need you to look into how to stop a telepath from getting in, else she will know what we are planning. I will be in touch by the end of the day. If you want to team up, write me back, leave the note under your mattress, I will collect it when I can.

C.

She reread the note, if a teacher found this, there would be hell to pay. Although she didn't use their names, she didn't want this note falling into teachers hands. She stood up and looked around, there were no other students yet in the communal room. Circe found a vent and shifted into a rat, she hadn't rested enough from her earlier shift, but she hoped she had enough time to at least plant the note. She crawled through ventilation system as quickly as she could, eventually coming out on the boys side. After a small search she found what looked to be Roland's bed, the young shifter scampered up and placed the note a little under his pillow. She drew a heart on it hoping that if someone saw it, they would think it was from an admirer and would leave it alone. Circe heard some voices out in the hall getting closer and took off back into the vent just as the door opened.

She got back to her room just in time, she couldn't hold the form any longer, and returned to her original form. She looked around and didn't see anyone nearby. She slowly sat on her bed once more and opened an other cryptozoology book, she had to find what did this, she wanted to learn all about it.

---

The vampire said nothing further after the confrontation with the brown haired boy, and he was going to do that as well right after the encounter with the seemingly shy white haired boy, as he walked pass the teacher and student bodies, but the boy's question pulled him back to face him. It was then that he had the chance to look at him closely. He was, as expected, a young child, likely to have not had his twentieth birthday. But perhaps the most significant of him was a birthmark. He wasn't aware or had any knowledge at all of the power behind that birthmark, nor was he affected. All that came to him was that birthmark was a pretty good sign to recognize him, that's all.

"Yurius Diencrade. The Vampire King." Yurius held out his hands for a handshake. If the boy took it, he would be met with a firm, tight and powerful grip from the old fellow's man. The vampire's gesture was old, but the power yielding behind it was still vast and fresh. "I don't need gratitude. Just do as I say. As we say, and your safety shall be ensured." He said, with the latter statement not just aiming at Lumen. Ironic that he used to be the one causing terror to people. "Defy it at your own choice and risk, but your danger shall not be looked at, and your death shall not be missed." He may sound harsh and a bit insensitive, but to a degree, the vampire was just displaying his point, accumulated from centuries of wisdom. It's just that his expressions were in a more 'tough love' tone, rather than the usual kind and forgiving that some students might have experienced.

With that, he led Lumen and a few more of the students, along with the handful that he just collected before the confrontation out of the door to the communal room.

@Sync@Awesomoman64@Silver Carrot@KoL

As Duncan followed the Vampire out to the dorms, he continued to listed to Lumen, who had just thrown a hood up indoors. Curious.
When the white haired boy had finished, Duncan replied; "Don't worry. I still feel a little like that, but at the end of the day, a school's a school. We all have classes, we'll all make friends, enemies, maybe even a relationship or two. Plus, every single one of us wants to become a Dawnslayer. I don't see any reason why we can't get along."

As they walked, Duncan noticed that Roland was being quiet, Offering a quick "excuse me," to Lumen, he dropped back to Roland's side. "Hey, mate," he started. "You've been really quiet. Are you still thinking about back there?"

@Awesomoman64@Conscripts@Sync

---

When Mako was sure that every girl was gathered who was going to be gathered, she left shortly after Yurius. Lilac, who was the student closest to Mako, a circumstance tailored by the witch so that the young faun might open up to her a little more on the way there, then began to talk to her, but the topic of conversation was unusual to say the least. Mako's lips pursed into bemused smile as she walked, and as her eyes were almost constantly closed, fixed in a sweet expression, it was hard to tell what she was thinking. Mako listened in silence, not interrupting, and only when Lilac finished did she chime in.

"That's a White Witch for you. Listen, it is unnatural and wrong to have no fear of death. Fear of death is a fundamental part of being alive. 'I need to survive' is the oldest thought in the universe. I think you may have misinterpreted your grandma. At least I hope you have. Perhaps she meant that you should accept your mortality, or that your fear of death should not stop you from doing good things. These are merely guesses, though. I'm not your grandma. What I ca help you with is fear. I won't be able to get rid of it. Fear is also fundamental to survival. If rabbits stood their ground and tried to fight wolves, there'd be no more rabbits. But I can teach you the tools. I can turn you from the rabbit into the wolf."

@13org

Duncan excused himself for the time being. Lumen eyes followed the young centaur's pace towards the brown-haired boy from before who seemed to have followed them. Lumen hadn't notice, he was silent and ruminating, it seemed Duncan picked it up during their exchange and decided to begin consoling his friend. How cold of Lumen, though the youth for his inability to pick up this queue. Maybe he wasn't cut out for this type of thing at the moment, anyway. He didn't know the kid who seemed to have really struggled with this information. "Does this mean..." Lumen began to ponder the outcome, but he immediately dismissed it. Peering through the shadows of his hood, the young silver haired youth beamed a smile at this sight. That of friends being friends. Maybe he should leave them alone for now, it would be rude to impose in their conversation. He would just be a hindrance, if it was him on the other side. Then maybe--

Yurius, the Vampire King. He extended his hand before Lumen, acknowledging his presence. Which Lumen returned with a sturdy shake of his own. However, the Vampire's grip was refined, strong and held true merit of a gentlemen's shake. Though there coursed a sense of intimidation through Lumen's senses, it was also odd that such was overshadowed by a great awareness of curiosity and respect. Though death was not something he was too comfortable speaking, particularly when it meant his own mortality... He was reminded of the dead man he always carries around. Of the soul whom he's living for too, he had to abide by these rules because if he didn't, knowing how limited his powers are, he wouldn't be able to defend himself and much less the other soul within him. "I don't intend to promise anything out of the ordinary. But my compliance will always be at the hands of the people in charge of our safety." Spoke the boy without breaking his posture or the smiled that beacon'd from those lips. If Kresnik ever taught him anything, is that following your dreams should come first, but that making allies along the way was a means to reach that. Through the softness of his tone and tenderness of his tune, turning his head to see the brown-haired youth who seemed troubled, and his now newly acquired centaur-friend Duncan, he followed: "But I also value those whose hearts have propelled them to action. If something's worthy dying for- wouldn't you think that a bit, heroic in a sense?" A chuckle broke after saying such, referring that the youth of brown hair that stood behind him was somewhat in the right state of heart, perhaps not in the best state of mind in a logical sense. But if anything, raw emotion seemed far more interesting than pandering to rational thought. Perhaps this was just Lumen's adventurous side speaking. He notices such and release his glee along with the grip of the hand from his teacher. Breaking the lock that kept their eyes trained to each other's stare. A small bow proceeded such. "Though, I am just being a bit foolish to be honest. I await your future counsel, Mr. Diencrade. Please teach me all you can about both magic and your experience. I'm positive that they will lead be to the future I desire to have." Lumen rose from his bow and tipped his hood to his teacher, ushering his leave, but before he did he went towards Duncan and this boy who he hasn't met yet.

"Hi, I'm Lumen." He said, without much as waiting for a response. "Good luck, friend. I'm rooting for you." Cryptic, without much expanding on that Lumen proceeded towards the rooms. Maybe he'll pick up a book and a random bed he comes in contact with. Lumen didn't have much in the terms of baggage so he could pretty much just go to sleep or hone his skills. It's too bad Kresnik never left anything in terms of mastering this skills. However, summoning fire in this place was probably not the best thing either... Lumen thought that he should conserve that for another time entirely. What kind of books do they have? Maybe he could see anything in regards to flame elementals. He didn't have much practice with magic, either, it wasn't until over a year ago that the link could become strong enough for him to actually summon the flame. Priscilla says it's still incomplete, however. He could believe it, he was a catalyst for someone else, he was possessed. Yet he kept his consciousness...

Whatever, this wasn't the time or the place. He'd wait until an announcement was made. Perhaps he can meet more people that peeked his interest. Soon he would uncover all the mysteries and gain the knowledge and sense of adventure he's been eking to obtain. If only thing weren't so complicated at the moment. "I'm certainly unlucky..."

---

It seemed to her that the students had finally been released from the hall and sent to their dorms, leaving the halls flooded once more by students subdued by the knowledge of a recent murder on campus. Tholl silently dreaded the idea of morning classes the next day, what with a skittish and distracted student body to settle down. "Meh. First classes of the semester are pretty much throw away days anyway. Syllabuses, school rules, and all that jazz burn through the hours like nobodies business."

Her audience looked at her quizzically, not comprehending such lofty topics, as it was a wild animal fitted in a spider silk harness and was presently sniffing at bits of furniture and bookshelves as it tested the limits of its leash. Tholl was surprised how well behaved it was, though she chalked that up to having enough self-preservation not to bite the hand that could end its life rather gruesomely if she wanted. She wasn't under the notion it was domesticated and were it not for the assembly she'd have struggled to reach Aria's office without it lunging at the student's who reeked of fear like irresistible prey.

"Though where the Hell is the Headmistress? Should I...." Her eyes flickered over the intercom positioned within reach of the diminutive telepath's chair. Smirking to herself she got up from the guest chair and swept the microphone into her hand, the wolf turning to watch her sudden movements before returning to the act of marking his new territory.

"Attention faculty, this is Mrs. Tholl speaking. Could Headmistress Aria please report to her Office at her earliest possible convenience. Her skills are required." Tholl said, finding it hard not to smile as her voice echoed through the halls beyond the office door. Oh, and if Ms. Lotte could come as well. We require two steaks, or any meat product readily available, as well as rug cleaner for...recent stains.

It wasn't like she could take the thing outside to do it's business. It peed on the building twice already and at this point Tholl was certain it held a reserve of urine just to mark new territory. At least Lotte was a miracle worker and would have it cleaned in a jiffy...assuming Aria didn't beat her hear and wring her out for it. Suddenly Tholl was far less cheery about being in Aria's office.

Trey wanted to feel good that a teacher was agreeing with him, but he couldn't when it was such a grim topic. The vampire was grim and tough, not uncaring but not coddling the students either. Trey could understand, this wasn't a situation in which they should be soft. This was as serious as it gets without a full blown evil plot brewing. Then again... no. Now wasn't the time to be thinking of worst case scenarios, that wouldn't help anyone. Several other students agreed with Trey as well, but he could tell that the one who started this still felt otherwise. Trey might not be able to stop the murderer, but he could at least make sure this kid stays safe. 'Huh. I guess having shared rooms has a silver lining in this one case.' He thought to himself as he followed the group to the communal rooms.

A message from someone named Ms. Tholl came from over the loudspeakers, calling for Headmistress Aria and Ms. Lotte to come to Aria's office, also apparently their would need to be cleaning supplies brought? Trey almost felt tempted to sneak off and see what happened, but after what happened less than an hour ago he decided against it. He didn't need to see another dead body so soon, especially if they were looking at what he thought they were looking at. Trey shook his head and focused back on Roland, who was now engaged in conversation with the centaur from earlier. He had agreed with Trey when he spoke out against Roland, so this conversation might be a little rocky. 'Jeez, I'm acting like this guy's mom. Why do I have to be so damn moral?' He bemoaned to himself in his head as he unconsciously fell in line right next to Yurius Diencrade. A quiet kid stepped next to Roland and wished him luck, not saying anything more before breaking off once again. Trey noted that for the future, he could be in danger too if he sympathized with someone like Roland.

'It's gonna be a long year...'

[erased]