It probably would have looked either comical or somewhat off to an observer, but under the scrutiny of his future “classmates”, Araki seemed to shrink in on himself. He noticed, rather lazily, as one of the children examined his claws how small they really were in comparison to him; it wouldn’t have been hard to wrap his hand around their head. The thought was brushed aside with a heavy sigh, one that only drew the attention from those not as easily excitable as their fellow classmates. Those few stood out to Araki just as much as the hybrid stood out to their peers, if not because of how few there were, then because of rational they seemed in his eyes. In Talze Utera, welcoming the unknown with open arms was rarely the smartest, if smart at that, of ideas. Then again, Araki had to constantly remind himself he wasn’t in the wild lands anymore.

One of the children who studied him looked like they had something to say, but whatever it was was drowned out by the collective “greeting” Gael had incited. The older man was gone by the time Araki’s ears had stopped ringing and he tried to soften his expression, aware of those around him. He also raised his hands up, placing them behind his head as he leaned back against the old, worn wall; had to be careful he didn’t gut one of the children by mistake. 

The classroom was by no means quiet, but compared to the brief roar of dozens of voices, it was actually possible this time for Araki to hear the question that was voiced. [b]“Why do you look so strange?”[/b] He couldn’t tell which of his classmates asked, it was hard when some of his classmates had taken to literally crawling on him, but then again it wasn’t all that important who asked. Was it?

Anywho, he shrugged dismissively, not too intent on giving an answer, and it was clear from his half-hearted reply. [b]“Because I’m a monster,”[/b] he muttered lazily as he glanced at the few who stood aside from their peers, eyes of jade searching their features. Evidently some weren’t satisfied by such a lazy reply if their frowns or disapproving expressions were anything to go by. A sigh and a shake of the head, which earned a few cries of delight as his white “hair” flew about and he looked again. Nope, expectant expressions were still present and waiting. It didn’t look like the day would be passing by quickly anytime soon.

[i]‘Where’s that golden-haired kid anyway…’[/i] Araki wondered as he turned his gaze away for the moment to search for the boisterous and egotistic child.
---
Suffice to say, the day was a long one before Araki had finally been released by both Gael and the other children. While the majority grew bored, for the moment at the least, of their new classmate within the hour, others were unrelenting in their pursuit to get something out of him. Try as he might, or rather, his half-assed brush asides to their questions seemingly only spurred them on. They weren’t really annoyances, and even if he didn’t really want to answer their questions, it never got to the point where things were uncomfortable. If there was anything that could be described as mildly entertaining than it would have to be the golden-haired child’s interference. [i]‘Really though…’[/i] 

He hadn’t been sure, and still wasn’t, where the self-proclaimed “king” had popped up from, but his arrival and presence seemed to dissuade the questions so for that Araki was happy at the least. That probably had something to do with how he had decreed that his vassal wasn’t to be bothered by such trivialities… or something along those lines; Araki hadn’t paid too close attention to the words being thrown about. Of course, the “golden king” wasn’t as benevolent as to leave Araki alone, and the hybrid had been forced to show off some parlor tricks to satisfy his “saviour” and entertain the class. While he did dearly miss the time where he could cause sparks and flames to dance at the snap of a finger, magical energy was not usually subtle and a small light show wasn’t much more than child’s play. 

Shimmering bands of jade faded quickly when Araki noticed Gael had returned, albeit some of his audience made their disappointment known quite loudly. For the hybrid, it was a mixed blessing he supposed. On one hand, freedom at last, but on the other, he had to admit that it was relaxing to just let the magic flow mostly uncontrolled. 

Somehow, in the midst of dealing with all the other children, Gael managed to spare some attention for Araki as well. Sure, he had to yell to be heard since he was outnumbered several dozens to one, but his voice was easy to catch. [b]“You sure you don’t want me to get you a carriage? It’s not an issue.”[/b]

While he did appreciate the gesture, Araki nevertheless shook his head to decline the offer. [b]“I’m better off on the roof tops,”[/b] he shouted back, grinning when the older man cracked a smile. At Gael’s thumbs up, he wasted no time in getting out of the school’s doors and making a beeline for a nearby building. It had been a long, strange day for Araki and the urge to just move and push himself, physically, was strong. He didn’t even bother with his magic, relying solely on what he was physically capable of.
---
Despite having been let go while the sun was still in the sky, if only barely, Araki didn’t return to the Seyour estate until the sky was illuminated by countless stars. His method of entry, just like his time, was a bit odd, but nevertheless condoned by Richard. The windows of his second-floor room were left unlatched and with the careful use of his claws it was possible to pry them open. He did exactly that and was greeted with the dying light of a candle, just a few minutes from burning out. 

Araki only bothered to take a cursory glance around the room as he closed the window behind him, before he made his way over to the desk and snuffed out the flame. His eyes lingered on the bed for a moment, adjusting to the darkness, before he decided against it. The household was probably mostly asleep by now, and, unbathed, he could make due without the soft mattress for a night. Instead, he propped his back up against the wall underneath the window, facing his rooms entrance. It wasn’t as comfortable as the bed, but years of sleeping on rough rock weren’t so easily forgotten, so it wasn’t long before sleep overtook him.