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The nameless master was serene with both hands laying across his blade. Natures voice thrummed in his heart and mind as the master absorbed the ambient energies even as he released them back into the surrounding area, allowing the students the time they needed to recover and come to terms with what had happened. Violence was the answer in Vlads heart. Mercy was the desire in Gus' heart. But Zephyr, as the boy had identified himself, had yet to open his heart at all. Darkness calm as the midnight lake below the mountain was the only thing that came to his mind at the thought of this child. What atrocities lurked in his soul to create such a calm. The potential for anything lingered beneath the deceptively gentle waves of the boys alarmingly calm demeanor.
The master stood up from his crossed position, hands flat underneath his blade as if in offering. Every motion was in perfect balance and precise, without ever having to look, as he sheathed the weapon upon his hip.l The polished wood was aged similar to the nameless but had lost none of its distinct color. As vibrant as the day it had been shaped from the woods. Hands crossed in prayer he bowed to the trees as they rustled softly in the wind, giving the appearance of bowing back to him.
"I will carry the boy. Zephyr. We will find you a room at the dormitory. Vlad. The masters will be told of the events here, but the verdict of what to do will be handled by me." His tone left no room for an argument. In the grove, and the academy, he was one of only three to carry the title of master. Though he did not accept students often, if at all, his words still carried weight to everyone on the grounds. Not because of power or age but respect for his wisdom. Rarely did the school get visits from their reclusive and seemingly nomadic mountain dweller.
Approaching the boy with soft steps he glanced into Gus' eyes to confirm he was indeed awake, if barely. A single finger placed to the masters mouth was all it took to confer to Gus to simply stay quiet and rest. Though the master could, and would, heal the boy, it was vital that he be allowed to recover on his own power as much as possible. For better understanding of his limits in both blood usage and energy consumption.
Placing both hands below the large student, one grasping below both knees while the other rested on the flat of his back, Gus was lifted as if weightless. The walk back was quiet. The boys talked quietly amongst themselves, with Gus beginning to become more animated thanks to the subtle healing effects of his rescuer. After about 10 minutes they reached the end of the grove and Gus could walk without assistance, though he limped ever so slightly.
"Return to the dorm, please." He turned to look Vlad in the eyes.
"Say nothing. You met nobody, Augustus hurt his leg by accident. If you are confronted, for any reason, I ask you simply ignore provocation and return to your assigned room. Do not unpack." The last words might have been taken as some kind of threat, perhaps expulsion, but there was a feeling that that was not the case. The master had something else in mind but had not seen fit to reveal his intent just yet.
"One last thing, before you depart. My name," The old man bowed ever so slightly to the three boys as he spoke to the boys,
"Is Sei." and simply was not there any longer. Gone without a trace or a breeze of wind. Nothing.
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THE LONG AWAITED TIMESKIP --> TO TOMORROW AFTER LUNCH.
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Kano Hargor - Morning classes
Kano waited at the entrance to the front of the school with his arms crossed, watching the sun rise. In a few hours his students would trickle in through the doors and line up at their designated locations to await a teacher. Many of which were still also sleeping. Kano and the Headmaster had no such urges and simply waited in silence together.
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Kano Hargor - Lunch Break
Sei and Kano had spoken before Vlad had even returned to the school grounds. Initially, Kano had been livid at the disrespectful disposition of the fire student who so brazenly disregarded the ideals of the academy by destroying part of his new home without so much as a care. Only to be then joined by the burly boy Augustus Colonel from the blood element classes. The boy Zephyr was an odd one out on this. Having not participated, he was off the hook, but even Sei had expressed his concern over the boys... disposition. Not in a negative sense but merely expressing that his alarmingly void personality would unnerve the other students, considering the element he wielded.
Kano had naturally disagreed, reminding the other master that should the unforeseeable occur they would stop it before it became a disaster. For now it was up to them as educators to teach compassion and avoid passing such a heavy personal, and unfounded, judgement.
"Do you really intend to go through with it?" Kano pitched curiously.
"I see potential. We, the forest, will kindle his spirit and soothe the anger in his soul. But that cannot be done here without supervision." "Very well, Sei. I trust your judgement as always. Primal guide you." Kano bowed and Sei simply faded away. Always a quick one, he was.
Kano left his office at the back of the school and progressed through the familiar hallways. Students had been relieved for the day to lunch and to further their exploration of the school grounds, even allowed into the bustling towns again, but the curfew was still in place. Nobody had bothered leaving the dormitory when the darkness came. Few heard the cries from beneath the mountains. If any at all.
But Kano had. Their murderous hate always tore at what was left of his heart. But the job must be done.
Rounding the corner, he exited the grounds and made the walk to the cafeteria. Another gorgeous day, the sun just beginning its decent. In a few more hours it would lay behind the mountain and the town would cool down considerably. The nights festivities in the town would carry on as the myriad shops that operated exclusively in the afternoon would shrug off their coats, roll up their sleeves, and proudly bend their back to whatever task needed to be done. Every visit to that bustling and ever growing town reminded the masters why they continued their work.
To see the next sunrise on their peoples march forward. To see them safe.
Kano stepped through one of the grand halls doors to glance about the sea of seated students eagerly enjoying their just reward. Volunteers cleared off tables, washed dishes, prepared food, cooked, mingled, and all embraced community through their stomachs. Yet another glorious moment he was always pleased to view. It had taken over 10 years to get the cafeteria to this peak with thanks to the techmentals. Their continued efforts bettered the quality of life every day. Though the very thought of their first few years in the school always made him Grimace.
Two of the most untalented and ungifted students to grace the halls had developed a bond stronger than iron. Together they had overcome the C.E.T with flying colors and discovered a method of elemental practice completely unique to themselves before showing others how to do as they did. One such teacher, Maxim (
@zetsuko) was one such techmental who had pushed the science to new heights and achieved the impossible. Though he had risked many lives to do it.
The thought drove him to veer from his course and proceeded to the second floor teachers lounge overlooking the students eating area. There he found the automaton staring down impassively. Kano had secretly wondered if Maxim ever regretted his robot form and missed the more simple human aspects of life, as Kano himself often did.
"Maxim. A moment of your time." Kano approached and shook his hand, the contact causing mild blue sparks to jump across their hands from the shifting and conflicting energies. Both of them ignored it as per usual.
"I want you to teach Miss Eria Grandous (
@the ghost in black).
My hands are a bit full with my own students and you are talented in Aether control. I leave her in your care." Kano released his grip and returned to the lower floor.
It didn't take long to find the redhead boy Vlad in the crowd and Kano simply approached, waiting for the boy to finish his food before motioning to the lad with his finger to follow. When the boy finally caught up, Kano led him outside in silence and faced him.
"Your incident at the grove yesterday was unacceptable. Your punishment has been decided." Kano turned in the direction of the grove and led Vlads eyes to it as well. "You will be living in the forest with Master Sei until he sees fit for you to return to the dormitory. You are not forced to linger at all times of the day but he has asked that you return their before curfew. He will meet you at the entrance. Take your essentials and depart after lunch for your manditory lesson." Dismissed with a wave, Kano turned and began the walk back to the school grounds and his office. He had yet to have his dance with her today.
