Taka
AlteredTundra
Cyadical
Asura
Xiro Zean
Lemons
Izurich
ThatCharacter
Kero
Mcmolly---
Hero Member
Sincerest of Knights
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3 yrs ago
starting off 2022 with COVID LESSGOOOOOOOOOOOOO
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6 yrs ago
Whoever says "the customer is always right" has not worked with atual customers.
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Move on? Sakuya frowned a little at that, though she wasn't sure why. Maybe he had a falling out with them before he left and didn't get the chance to make up with them. At that, she felt a pang of guilt at being so stern with him. She supposed she never considered he may have had a rougher time. Thena gain, she would probably be nicer if he wasn't such an ass.
Himawari, on the other hand, didn't seem to pick up on Noriaki's worries. Instead, she nodded in approval. "Yeah, you're right. There's always new friends to make anyway," She ended up replying. "If you want, we could be friends!"
At that, Sakuya tried not to laugh. "Himawari, I think you have too much energy for him..." She finally spoke. "Besides, you don't go to the same school. When would you see each other?"
Apparently she hadn't considered that. Letting out a tiny sigh, she came to a stop, frowning to herself for a moment. Across the street was the house that, to Noriaki, had just been rebuilt. That conflicted greatly with Himawari's sad look, her shoulders slumped a touch. "This is like your old house," She said quietly.
Sakuya looked over in the same direction, patting Himawari's head. "Yeah. But they're going to rebuild this one soon," She said.
Himawari didn't react much, though she continued to stare. From within the house, unbeknownst to her, a figure moved from behind a curtain. Eventually, she tore her gaze away, looking up at Noriaki. "Did you know about that, Hoshino-san? About the fires?" She asked him. "There was a fire in our house, too. Then Onee-san and Nakano-senpai disappeared..."
Himawari, on the other hand, didn't seem to pick up on Noriaki's worries. Instead, she nodded in approval. "Yeah, you're right. There's always new friends to make anyway," She ended up replying. "If you want, we could be friends!"
At that, Sakuya tried not to laugh. "Himawari, I think you have too much energy for him..." She finally spoke. "Besides, you don't go to the same school. When would you see each other?"
Apparently she hadn't considered that. Letting out a tiny sigh, she came to a stop, frowning to herself for a moment. Across the street was the house that, to Noriaki, had just been rebuilt. That conflicted greatly with Himawari's sad look, her shoulders slumped a touch. "This is like your old house," She said quietly.
Sakuya looked over in the same direction, patting Himawari's head. "Yeah. But they're going to rebuild this one soon," She said.
Himawari didn't react much, though she continued to stare. From within the house, unbeknownst to her, a figure moved from behind a curtain. Eventually, she tore her gaze away, looking up at Noriaki. "Did you know about that, Hoshino-san? About the fires?" She asked him. "There was a fire in our house, too. Then Onee-san and Nakano-senpai disappeared..."
Kaito's jaw dropped for a moment, though his gaze went back down to the trash. "The eggs...they betrayed me...?" He uttered, completely shocked. "It would make sense, everything else was perfect, but..."
Clearing his throat, Kaito knelt back down and rummaged through the cabinets until he pulled out a mixing bowl and a whip beater. He placed them both gently on the counter, leaving Daigo for just a moment as he searched through the small fridge. Coming back with a carton of eggs, once again he placed them delicately on the counter, though he would then slam his hands down.
"I'm not going to lose to eggs of all things!" He suddenly declared. "We're going to make the perfect pancake right here, right now!"
He paused, losing some of his manic energy. "Oh, actually, I'll need milk, too," He remembered, snapping his fingers. "Let's see...eggs, milk, sugar, flour...I think we might have some vanilla extract, too, somewhere," He knelt back down, opening the cabinet and pulling out ingredients. "Ah, Hinari-san, I'll make sure to follow your lead and watch you. I clearly still have much to learn if I let something as trivial as eggs get the best of me."
Clearing his throat, Kaito knelt back down and rummaged through the cabinets until he pulled out a mixing bowl and a whip beater. He placed them both gently on the counter, leaving Daigo for just a moment as he searched through the small fridge. Coming back with a carton of eggs, once again he placed them delicately on the counter, though he would then slam his hands down.
"I'm not going to lose to eggs of all things!" He suddenly declared. "We're going to make the perfect pancake right here, right now!"
He paused, losing some of his manic energy. "Oh, actually, I'll need milk, too," He remembered, snapping his fingers. "Let's see...eggs, milk, sugar, flour...I think we might have some vanilla extract, too, somewhere," He knelt back down, opening the cabinet and pulling out ingredients. "Ah, Hinari-san, I'll make sure to follow your lead and watch you. I clearly still have much to learn if I let something as trivial as eggs get the best of me."
Himawari slowly nodded in understanding, albeit she seemed a little confused by what he meant by the last part. She thought to herself for a short moment, trying to choose her words carefully. Sakuya chose to stay back and observe, though she was a little curious to see why Himawari was so keen on talking to what was essentially a stranger. She wasn't exactly a shy kid, but it was still a little weird. At the very least, it was nice to see her almost back to her old self.
"That must have been hard," Himawari finally broke the silence. "Do you miss your friends?"
"That must have been hard," Himawari finally broke the silence. "Do you miss your friends?"
Anzu didn't have much of an opinion on whatever they walked into. She was disappointed to hear that Nakano wasn't around, but she supposed it couldn't be helped. Placing the papers down on the desk, she took another quick look around. "I don't suppose Ueno-san is around, either," She guessed.
"Not today, no," Sora frowned.
Tapping her fingers against the desk, she tried to think of the next best course. They could technically try to convince the vice president, but it was pointless if she couldn't get either president or treasurer on board. However, she wasn't entirely appreciative of Ito's comment, letting out a small sigh.
"Sorry to disappoint, but we prefer training to make it to Nationals instead of wasting fruit," She replied. "Though if Nakano-san is in the Faculty Room, I suppose we can catch her there."
"I...don't think she's here..." Sora muttered, looking to Oka for help.
The older student shook her head. "You can come back tomorrow, Kogoro. We'll make sure to let Nakano-san know," She said before turning to Maki. "And I'll ask that you have some respect for Nakano-san. Isn't slandering her the entire reason you ended up here in the first place?"
"Not today, no," Sora frowned.
Tapping her fingers against the desk, she tried to think of the next best course. They could technically try to convince the vice president, but it was pointless if she couldn't get either president or treasurer on board. However, she wasn't entirely appreciative of Ito's comment, letting out a small sigh.
"Sorry to disappoint, but we prefer training to make it to Nationals instead of wasting fruit," She replied. "Though if Nakano-san is in the Faculty Room, I suppose we can catch her there."
"I...don't think she's here..." Sora muttered, looking to Oka for help.
The older student shook her head. "You can come back tomorrow, Kogoro. We'll make sure to let Nakano-san know," She said before turning to Maki. "And I'll ask that you have some respect for Nakano-san. Isn't slandering her the entire reason you ended up here in the first place?"
Kaito perked up as Daigo approached him, a more serious look on his face as he looked down at the trash. "I want to say that there's a very real chance I left it in for too long. They usually collapse when they're too dry," He speculated. "When the souffle is in the oven and bakes, a lot of hot air gets trapped inside. Once it reaches the much-colder outside, the air escapes. That said, I thought I had everything perfect, so I'm a little stumped."
Once he finished, he noticed that Daigo looked a little off. "...Hinari?" He waved his hand in front of his face. "Are you okay? I know Linda can be...a lot, but she means well."
Meanwhile, Linda waved off Ueno's concerns, practically beaming. "Of course not! We could always use a taste-tester," She joked lightly, walking over to the cabinets as she thought over Genki's suggestion. "We could very well try pancakes. I need to see where your skills are at, anyway!"
Once he finished, he noticed that Daigo looked a little off. "...Hinari?" He waved his hand in front of his face. "Are you okay? I know Linda can be...a lot, but she means well."
Meanwhile, Linda waved off Ueno's concerns, practically beaming. "Of course not! We could always use a taste-tester," She joked lightly, walking over to the cabinets as she thought over Genki's suggestion. "We could very well try pancakes. I need to see where your skills are at, anyway!"
Tired. So tired.
Veronica was shocked she was still able to walk, all things considered; that Professor Michail was relentless. She had heard about the knight making a few waves once he had decided to dedicate himself to the Church, but she supposed his buffoonery had caused her to underestimate him. His sister was more along the lines of what she had expected, but Veronica swore that Professor Kalonic was trying to give her a heart attack with that last strike stopping just before her chest. Professor Malathice's magic was the only thing she wasn't entirely sure how to handle. Sure, she could ride and swing a blade in an emergency, but her knowledge of magic truly paled in comparison to her peers. She would have to work more on her athleticism and magic resistance, it wouldn't do to be the weak chain in the link.
Still, where she would normally plan out her training days and start seeing who she could trust to help her improve, all she wanted to do was sleep. Of course, she wouldn't dare sully her sheets with sweat, and so she had taken Kaira's suggestion all too gladly. A hot bath and some time in the sauna was a wonderful idea and great for her skin as well. Still, even taking her clothes off came with a few whines and protesting from her limbs.
Nearby, she picked up on a conversation a pair of girls were having. One was a gorgeous blonde putting her wet locks into a ponytail, the other a brunette that seemed like the type to ask a million questions because she hadn't been paying attention.
"...better if we could just poof from one class to another, you know what I mean?" The spacey brunette asked.
Letting out a quiet sigh, the blonde shook her head. "Celeste, teleportation magic is dangerous when there are many people around," She chastised her gently. "I would think you knew that better than I."
"But it would be better, right, Elia?" Her eyes were bright as she followed her to the door.
It looked like they had just come from the shower and were now going to the open-air bath. The idea wasn't an attractive one, but then again, Veronica was never one to waste a networking opportunity. She supposed it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but she had to admit she was curious. Neither of them were Adrestian nobility, or at least she didn't think so. But expanding her reach beyond the Empire was precisely why she was here. Even if she wasn't a part of the conversation, she could safely eavesdrop and relax away from them.
With that in mind, Veronica wrapped a towel around her and did the same. She made sure to scrub herself clean with the soaps provided, shampooing her hair and making sure she was properly cleansed before going into the next room. The bath was surrounded with a variety of plant life, with two servants tending to them. One was focused on what looked like rocks, but once she splashed water onto them, the entire room felt warmer. A pair of what looked like small waterfalls came down from a wall to pour water into the bath, likely ensuring that the water was constantly moving.
As she stepped in, she couldn't quite hide her relief as she let herself sink fully into the water. It was heated enough that it felt absolutely wonderful, and the scent relaxed her immensely. Eucalyptus? Ah, that's what the plants were. It was the perfect finishing touch on a wonderful environment.
Veronica was shocked she was still able to walk, all things considered; that Professor Michail was relentless. She had heard about the knight making a few waves once he had decided to dedicate himself to the Church, but she supposed his buffoonery had caused her to underestimate him. His sister was more along the lines of what she had expected, but Veronica swore that Professor Kalonic was trying to give her a heart attack with that last strike stopping just before her chest. Professor Malathice's magic was the only thing she wasn't entirely sure how to handle. Sure, she could ride and swing a blade in an emergency, but her knowledge of magic truly paled in comparison to her peers. She would have to work more on her athleticism and magic resistance, it wouldn't do to be the weak chain in the link.
Still, where she would normally plan out her training days and start seeing who she could trust to help her improve, all she wanted to do was sleep. Of course, she wouldn't dare sully her sheets with sweat, and so she had taken Kaira's suggestion all too gladly. A hot bath and some time in the sauna was a wonderful idea and great for her skin as well. Still, even taking her clothes off came with a few whines and protesting from her limbs.
Nearby, she picked up on a conversation a pair of girls were having. One was a gorgeous blonde putting her wet locks into a ponytail, the other a brunette that seemed like the type to ask a million questions because she hadn't been paying attention.
"...better if we could just poof from one class to another, you know what I mean?" The spacey brunette asked.
Letting out a quiet sigh, the blonde shook her head. "Celeste, teleportation magic is dangerous when there are many people around," She chastised her gently. "I would think you knew that better than I."
"But it would be better, right, Elia?" Her eyes were bright as she followed her to the door.
It looked like they had just come from the shower and were now going to the open-air bath. The idea wasn't an attractive one, but then again, Veronica was never one to waste a networking opportunity. She supposed it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but she had to admit she was curious. Neither of them were Adrestian nobility, or at least she didn't think so. But expanding her reach beyond the Empire was precisely why she was here. Even if she wasn't a part of the conversation, she could safely eavesdrop and relax away from them.
With that in mind, Veronica wrapped a towel around her and did the same. She made sure to scrub herself clean with the soaps provided, shampooing her hair and making sure she was properly cleansed before going into the next room. The bath was surrounded with a variety of plant life, with two servants tending to them. One was focused on what looked like rocks, but once she splashed water onto them, the entire room felt warmer. A pair of what looked like small waterfalls came down from a wall to pour water into the bath, likely ensuring that the water was constantly moving.
As she stepped in, she couldn't quite hide her relief as she let herself sink fully into the water. It was heated enough that it felt absolutely wonderful, and the scent relaxed her immensely. Eucalyptus? Ah, that's what the plants were. It was the perfect finishing touch on a wonderful environment.
Sakuya was less than pleased at the agreement, albeit she did her best to keep her face neutral. Himawari, on the other hand, was happy with Noriaki's response, releasing Sakuya's hand and sprinting forward to catch up with him. She had to crane her neck a little to look up at him, her eyes examining his face. Part of Sakuya wondered if the girl had just let her wishful thinking take over, especially since Hoshino didn't really resemble her brother at all. Judging by Himawari's expression, she came to the same conclusion. But she went from inspective to curious, and soon enough, she seemed over her previous tears.
"I think walking together is a lot better," She agreed with his statement. "For some reason, everyone I used to walk together to school with wanted to walk on their own. They said it was something the other students did, but I don't like it. We're all going to school, why can't it be together?"
She didn't seem to expect a response, simply voicing her displeasure with her classmates before deciding to be a little more direct. "If we live near each other, how come I've never seen you before, Hoshino-senpai?" She outright asked. "Mama knows everyone from the neighborhood. Do you know my Mama?"
"I think walking together is a lot better," She agreed with his statement. "For some reason, everyone I used to walk together to school with wanted to walk on their own. They said it was something the other students did, but I don't like it. We're all going to school, why can't it be together?"
She didn't seem to expect a response, simply voicing her displeasure with her classmates before deciding to be a little more direct. "If we live near each other, how come I've never seen you before, Hoshino-senpai?" She outright asked. "Mama knows everyone from the neighborhood. Do you know my Mama?"
Hoshino Noriaki was the actual worst.
Caught between an exasperated sigh and the urge to yell, Sakuya bit down on her tongue so hard that she was sure she was going to accidentally cut it off any second now. He was definitely trying to get to her. That part wasn't worrying, though; what worried her was that it was working! Maybe it was because she was so used to getting insults hurled at her about her father, her appearance, her personality--she had to admit, no one really used the middle school crush equivalent, and she didn't really know how to handle it.
"Crush?" Himawari looked up at Sakuya. "Does that mean you like each other?"
The sweet girl was innocent in all this, but she didn't appreciate the comment. Inhaling sharply, Sakuya forced a grin as she tugged Himawari's arm, signaling for them to get going. "Hoshino is just making a really, really, really unfunny joke, Himawari," Sakuya replied, keeping in mind that he was walking ahead of them. Annoying, but she was sure that they would split off sooner than later.
Himawari pondered over Sakuya's words but didn't make any further comment. Sakuya leapt at the opportunity to ask how her day was instead, all too happy to hear literally anything else. As their conversation continued, however, she noticed that Hoshino was still in front of them. Truly, God had a wicked sense of humor if he just so happened to live in the same direction as the Natsuhime household.
Unfortunately, Himawari seemed to notice, too. "It looks like we're following Hoshino-san, doesn't it?" She asked.
"Maybe he's your neighbor," Sakuya tried not to react too much, but she was obviously unamused.
"Then we should walk together," Himawari suddenly dropped the gem of a line. "What do you think, Hoshino-san?"
Caught between an exasperated sigh and the urge to yell, Sakuya bit down on her tongue so hard that she was sure she was going to accidentally cut it off any second now. He was definitely trying to get to her. That part wasn't worrying, though; what worried her was that it was working! Maybe it was because she was so used to getting insults hurled at her about her father, her appearance, her personality--she had to admit, no one really used the middle school crush equivalent, and she didn't really know how to handle it.
"Crush?" Himawari looked up at Sakuya. "Does that mean you like each other?"
The sweet girl was innocent in all this, but she didn't appreciate the comment. Inhaling sharply, Sakuya forced a grin as she tugged Himawari's arm, signaling for them to get going. "Hoshino is just making a really, really, really unfunny joke, Himawari," Sakuya replied, keeping in mind that he was walking ahead of them. Annoying, but she was sure that they would split off sooner than later.
Himawari pondered over Sakuya's words but didn't make any further comment. Sakuya leapt at the opportunity to ask how her day was instead, all too happy to hear literally anything else. As their conversation continued, however, she noticed that Hoshino was still in front of them. Truly, God had a wicked sense of humor if he just so happened to live in the same direction as the Natsuhime household.
Unfortunately, Himawari seemed to notice, too. "It looks like we're following Hoshino-san, doesn't it?" She asked.
"Maybe he's your neighbor," Sakuya tried not to react too much, but she was obviously unamused.
"Then we should walk together," Himawari suddenly dropped the gem of a line. "What do you think, Hoshino-san?"
Anzu studied Yori's expression, thinking for a moment. Ultimately, whatever concerns she had seemed to have been put to rest; once again, with vigor, she picked up the paperwork with confidence. While she was aware that it wasn't a guarantee of their success, she hoped that Nakano would see the facts objectively. It wouldn't do to get overly emotional, but if she would at least hear them out, then there was a chance. She just hoped Yori's support would help more than harm.
With that in mind, Anzu led the way to the Student Council Room. Once the pair entered, they were greeted to the scene between the two council members and one third year student--but no sign of Nakano herself. Shoot, even the treasurer wasn't here.
"Excuse me," Anzu frowned as she looked around. "I was hoping to talk to Nakano about the Archery Club."
"She wasn't feeling well, so she left for the day," Oka stated.
With that in mind, Anzu led the way to the Student Council Room. Once the pair entered, they were greeted to the scene between the two council members and one third year student--but no sign of Nakano herself. Shoot, even the treasurer wasn't here.
"Excuse me," Anzu frowned as she looked around. "I was hoping to talk to Nakano about the Archery Club."
"She wasn't feeling well, so she left for the day," Oka stated.
Hinari Daigo was a good kid. Unfortunately for him, Linda was not nearly as kind.
While her nervousness around Ueno evaporated as she revealed her intentions, her eagle eyes were already locked on their potential new member. Kaito could see it from a mile away, letting out a quiet sigh as he joined the group. "I'm sorry for the disturbance. My reaction was a little over-the-top," He admitted, tapping his cheek. "But I was so sure I had it right this time..."
Linda waved Kaito's concerns away, all too happy to cater to Ueno. "Oh, of course. I almost forgot you were good friends with Makoto-kun," She stated, understanding. "I don't know if you remember Kinoshita Kaito, but he was here last year, too. Mori Genki-kun just joined us, and our newest member is Hinari Daigo-kun." She radiated joy, her previous meek self a memory by now.
While her nervousness around Ueno evaporated as she revealed her intentions, her eagle eyes were already locked on their potential new member. Kaito could see it from a mile away, letting out a quiet sigh as he joined the group. "I'm sorry for the disturbance. My reaction was a little over-the-top," He admitted, tapping his cheek. "But I was so sure I had it right this time..."
Linda waved Kaito's concerns away, all too happy to cater to Ueno. "Oh, of course. I almost forgot you were good friends with Makoto-kun," She stated, understanding. "I don't know if you remember Kinoshita Kaito, but he was here last year, too. Mori Genki-kun just joined us, and our newest member is Hinari Daigo-kun." She radiated joy, her previous meek self a memory by now.
Isolde had initially been relieved with the break. While she was no stranger to training, it was often in a private setting, and multiple breaks were ensured so that she wouldn't overwork herself. She naively assumed the Officers Academy was the same--after all, the school was filled with nobility, some who had never seen the battlefield. Instead, Michail was a stringent, incessant commander. There was no doubt in her mind that he was treating them like he did other soldiers, barking orders every once in a while and only stopping to critique one's technique, at which he would then demand a demonstration to show that they were listening.
So a break was good. She had missed breakfast like most of her classmates and was delighted to take a plate. That appetite, however, slowly left her as the discussion took place. Her gaze seemed to lower more and more as everyone spoke, often citing the same criticisms and her same flaw. It must have been so obvious since it felt like that was all anyone could come up with. No one seemed to comment on her footwork or her strikes, just...her confidence.
For some reason, she resented it. She felt like she was getting ganged up on, but at least she recognized that that was just her own hurt talking. She didn't even know why she felt offended, really. It wasn't like anyone said anything that wasn't true, but somehow hearing it out loud made everything feel worse. Honestly, she didn't have the luxury of having confidence, not in her position. Everyone else got to attend normally, everyone else got to focus on their studies and learn, everyone else had their positions secure and their place in the world.
None of them understood.
"Isolde?"
Professor Kalonic's voice seemed to finally snap Isolde out of her thoughts. She blinked slowly, having lost her train of thought on anything productive. The blonde was looking at her expectantly, waiting for her own critique of the rest.
There were a few things in mind that Isolde could say that she had noticed. Ultimately, however, she decided against it. "All that was needed to be said was already said. There isn't anything meaningful I can contribute," She ended up replying with a slight shrug. Her voice wasn't as quiet as usual, for once, but it was obvious she wasn't really pleased with the whole exercise.
Surprisingly, Euphemia seemed to accept it. "It's good that we take each other's critiques to heart and focus on what we can to improve ourselves. Well done, everyone," She stated, cautiously getting up from the bench. "Eat up, okay? I'm going to check on Professor Michail."
With a nod, Euphemia left, not pleased that Michail had let his student leave. While Michail would normally cower at her glare, however, this time he was entirely indifferent, more focused on filling himself. Still, he was acutely aware that Euphemia would keep glaring until they spoke. He finally tore himself away--though not without grabbing one last croissant--and jogged over to the blonde.
"If you keep glaring at me like that, you're gonna make me look bad," He couldn't help but whine.
"How could you let Lienna walk out?" Euphemia whisper-hissed, furious. "We're supposed to guide them through this!"
Michail's comical expression quickly evaporated, though he outright rolled his eyes. "If she would rather run away than confront her demons, that isn't something I can help with," He ended up stating plainly.
"That's what we're here for," She reminded him.
"You're wrong. We're here to make sure they know how to survive," He corrected her.
Tomai didn't have anything to say to his own group, so he just walked away and joined the duo. "Are we done for the day?" He asked, either ignorant to the conversation or just not caring much.
"Nope. Next part is defense," Michail replied.
Euphemia let out a huff of disproval, but said nothing. Kaira returned to the classroom, approaching the trio. "She wouldn't heed me after I called out to her," She said sadly.
"What was that about?" Lysander ended up asking Michail as he joined the group.
"A personal problem, probably," Michail replied. "Derec pressed the wrong button and she stormed off. The kid's got a decent head on his shoulders and a knack for identifying problems, but Goddess help him when it comes to solving them."
"I'm amazed you paid that much attention," Tomai admitted.
"You know, sometimes the things you say are hurtful," Michail frowned.
"Only sometimes?"
Lysander held back his groan, wanting the professors to focus. "I'll look for Lienna and make sure she's okay. How about you continue the lesson?" He suggested.
Euphemia wanted to protest, but she decided not to. Unfortunately, Lienna wasn't in her house, so she couldn't really say much without Michail overriding her. Instead, she clapped her hands twice to get everyone's attention. "Alright everyone! We're moving on with the second half of our class! Let's get back to the arena!"
Michail felt his energy coming back once the entire unit sans Lienna stepped back into the training area, and as he took hold of a wooden lance once again, he had a mischievous look on his face. "Alright, then. We've seen your attacks, now we're going to see how you handle yourselves when getting attacked," He announced. "You're all going to line up and go up against my lance, Euphemia's sword, and Tomai's magic. You'll be trying to dodge against all three of us, and then you'll be defending against the three of us. Worry not, our lovely Nurse Simeon is here to heal up your wounds. And if any of you attended the match on the first day, then you'll already know you're going to need it."
Tapping the lance on the ground twice, Michail grinned. "Line up! Let's go!"
The students would line up into three lanes against the three professors, with the obvious exception of the line for Tomai's magic being to the side to avoid getting hit by any magic. Michail was, as always, merciless. It stood to reason none of the students ever saw a strike coming, and more or less everyone was on their ass by the time he was done. He was a little too happy about it, too. Still, at the very least any bumps or bruises came from the fall and not the attack itself.
Euphemia, on the other hand, was the much more instructive Kalonic. She often pointed out the differences in dodging a sword and a lance, reminding the students that you had to change your tactics depending on the enemy's weaponry. Of course, much like her brother, her strikes were unavoidable, though for an entirely different reason: Euphemia was fast. She never fully connected her strikes, not wanting to harm anyone, but it was obvious she got to them before they knew what was coming.
And finally, there was Tomai's magic. Whereas before he was mostly if not completely silent, he instead reminded them of what they learned in magic theory. Dodging magic attacks was easier than tanking them, but it was a good practice in focusing their magic to properly take the hit. Of course, it was better for some than others; the more magically inclined obviously did better. He did, however, periodically remind them that dodging was best, and taking a magical hit was often the last resort. Even with that in mind, he resorted to a very basic Nosferatu spell--it was obvious he was holding himself back as best as he could.
By the time the training finished, there were bumps and bruises all around, and amusingly enough, Kaira had her own line. Fortunately, she didn't comment much aside from some encouragement, focusing on healing them up as quickly as possible.
Once they were dismissed, Isolde found herself sore and slightly irritable. A hot bath would likely hit the spot right now. She offered no words to her fellow Deer, choosing to put away her equipment.
While everyone was getting ready to leave, Kaira tried to get everyone's attention. "You might end up feeling weary after this. I think you should all get yourselves clean and go to the Sauna, it'll help ease you!" She suggested.
Isolde felt that was a little too much of a coincidence, but she wasn't going to question it.
So a break was good. She had missed breakfast like most of her classmates and was delighted to take a plate. That appetite, however, slowly left her as the discussion took place. Her gaze seemed to lower more and more as everyone spoke, often citing the same criticisms and her same flaw. It must have been so obvious since it felt like that was all anyone could come up with. No one seemed to comment on her footwork or her strikes, just...her confidence.
For some reason, she resented it. She felt like she was getting ganged up on, but at least she recognized that that was just her own hurt talking. She didn't even know why she felt offended, really. It wasn't like anyone said anything that wasn't true, but somehow hearing it out loud made everything feel worse. Honestly, she didn't have the luxury of having confidence, not in her position. Everyone else got to attend normally, everyone else got to focus on their studies and learn, everyone else had their positions secure and their place in the world.
None of them understood.
"Isolde?"
Professor Kalonic's voice seemed to finally snap Isolde out of her thoughts. She blinked slowly, having lost her train of thought on anything productive. The blonde was looking at her expectantly, waiting for her own critique of the rest.
There were a few things in mind that Isolde could say that she had noticed. Ultimately, however, she decided against it. "All that was needed to be said was already said. There isn't anything meaningful I can contribute," She ended up replying with a slight shrug. Her voice wasn't as quiet as usual, for once, but it was obvious she wasn't really pleased with the whole exercise.
Surprisingly, Euphemia seemed to accept it. "It's good that we take each other's critiques to heart and focus on what we can to improve ourselves. Well done, everyone," She stated, cautiously getting up from the bench. "Eat up, okay? I'm going to check on Professor Michail."
With a nod, Euphemia left, not pleased that Michail had let his student leave. While Michail would normally cower at her glare, however, this time he was entirely indifferent, more focused on filling himself. Still, he was acutely aware that Euphemia would keep glaring until they spoke. He finally tore himself away--though not without grabbing one last croissant--and jogged over to the blonde.
"If you keep glaring at me like that, you're gonna make me look bad," He couldn't help but whine.
"How could you let Lienna walk out?" Euphemia whisper-hissed, furious. "We're supposed to guide them through this!"
Michail's comical expression quickly evaporated, though he outright rolled his eyes. "If she would rather run away than confront her demons, that isn't something I can help with," He ended up stating plainly.
"That's what we're here for," She reminded him.
"You're wrong. We're here to make sure they know how to survive," He corrected her.
Tomai didn't have anything to say to his own group, so he just walked away and joined the duo. "Are we done for the day?" He asked, either ignorant to the conversation or just not caring much.
"Nope. Next part is defense," Michail replied.
Euphemia let out a huff of disproval, but said nothing. Kaira returned to the classroom, approaching the trio. "She wouldn't heed me after I called out to her," She said sadly.
"What was that about?" Lysander ended up asking Michail as he joined the group.
"A personal problem, probably," Michail replied. "Derec pressed the wrong button and she stormed off. The kid's got a decent head on his shoulders and a knack for identifying problems, but Goddess help him when it comes to solving them."
"I'm amazed you paid that much attention," Tomai admitted.
"You know, sometimes the things you say are hurtful," Michail frowned.
"Only sometimes?"
Lysander held back his groan, wanting the professors to focus. "I'll look for Lienna and make sure she's okay. How about you continue the lesson?" He suggested.
Euphemia wanted to protest, but she decided not to. Unfortunately, Lienna wasn't in her house, so she couldn't really say much without Michail overriding her. Instead, she clapped her hands twice to get everyone's attention. "Alright everyone! We're moving on with the second half of our class! Let's get back to the arena!"
Michail felt his energy coming back once the entire unit sans Lienna stepped back into the training area, and as he took hold of a wooden lance once again, he had a mischievous look on his face. "Alright, then. We've seen your attacks, now we're going to see how you handle yourselves when getting attacked," He announced. "You're all going to line up and go up against my lance, Euphemia's sword, and Tomai's magic. You'll be trying to dodge against all three of us, and then you'll be defending against the three of us. Worry not, our lovely Nurse Simeon is here to heal up your wounds. And if any of you attended the match on the first day, then you'll already know you're going to need it."
Tapping the lance on the ground twice, Michail grinned. "Line up! Let's go!"
The students would line up into three lanes against the three professors, with the obvious exception of the line for Tomai's magic being to the side to avoid getting hit by any magic. Michail was, as always, merciless. It stood to reason none of the students ever saw a strike coming, and more or less everyone was on their ass by the time he was done. He was a little too happy about it, too. Still, at the very least any bumps or bruises came from the fall and not the attack itself.
Euphemia, on the other hand, was the much more instructive Kalonic. She often pointed out the differences in dodging a sword and a lance, reminding the students that you had to change your tactics depending on the enemy's weaponry. Of course, much like her brother, her strikes were unavoidable, though for an entirely different reason: Euphemia was fast. She never fully connected her strikes, not wanting to harm anyone, but it was obvious she got to them before they knew what was coming.
And finally, there was Tomai's magic. Whereas before he was mostly if not completely silent, he instead reminded them of what they learned in magic theory. Dodging magic attacks was easier than tanking them, but it was a good practice in focusing their magic to properly take the hit. Of course, it was better for some than others; the more magically inclined obviously did better. He did, however, periodically remind them that dodging was best, and taking a magical hit was often the last resort. Even with that in mind, he resorted to a very basic Nosferatu spell--it was obvious he was holding himself back as best as he could.
By the time the training finished, there were bumps and bruises all around, and amusingly enough, Kaira had her own line. Fortunately, she didn't comment much aside from some encouragement, focusing on healing them up as quickly as possible.
Once they were dismissed, Isolde found herself sore and slightly irritable. A hot bath would likely hit the spot right now. She offered no words to her fellow Deer, choosing to put away her equipment.
While everyone was getting ready to leave, Kaira tried to get everyone's attention. "You might end up feeling weary after this. I think you should all get yourselves clean and go to the Sauna, it'll help ease you!" She suggested.
Isolde felt that was a little too much of a coincidence, but she wasn't going to question it.
Sakuya's expression went from concerned to irritated in record time, the girl throwing yet another scathing glare at him. He sure liked to get under her skin, didn't he? She bit her tongue for the moment as she focused instead on Himawari, who seemed surprised to hear Noriaki's voice. The realization hit her as she looked up at him, backing away with her hands raised to her chest. The change from surprise to disappointment was as quick as Sakuya, albeit she took it much harder.
"I'm sorry for my rudeness," She apologized in a quiet, exceedingly formal voice, losing all her previous energy as she gave Noriaki a polite bow. Once she straightened, however, she looked up at him with teary eyes. "I thought you were Nakano-senpai..."
Sakuya pulled out a handkerchief, offering it to her. "Silly," She gently chastised her. "Why would you think that?"
Letting out a hiccup, she took the handkerchief and held it for a moment. "They're both tall, and they both have dark hair, and blue eyes," She finally spoke, looking back at Noriaki. "My name is Natushime Himawari. I thought that...that Nakano-senpai came back, and that meant..." She trailed off, dissolving into tears.
Sakuya's expression softened, though she pinched Himawari's cheek. "Nii-san wouldn't want you crying like this," She said gently, straightening up.
Surprisingly, Himawari's tears ceased immediately, albeit she was still a little sniffly. She stared at Noriaki for a moment, frowning. "I'm sorry, Senpai," She apologized.
"Apologize to Nii-san, Hoshino doesn't resemble him at all. Come on, I'll take you home, pretty sure your mother's wondering where you are," Sakuya replied, taking her hand before deciding to address him. "Don't think too harshly of her, she's been through a lot."
"I'm sorry for my rudeness," She apologized in a quiet, exceedingly formal voice, losing all her previous energy as she gave Noriaki a polite bow. Once she straightened, however, she looked up at him with teary eyes. "I thought you were Nakano-senpai..."
Sakuya pulled out a handkerchief, offering it to her. "Silly," She gently chastised her. "Why would you think that?"
Letting out a hiccup, she took the handkerchief and held it for a moment. "They're both tall, and they both have dark hair, and blue eyes," She finally spoke, looking back at Noriaki. "My name is Natushime Himawari. I thought that...that Nakano-senpai came back, and that meant..." She trailed off, dissolving into tears.
Sakuya's expression softened, though she pinched Himawari's cheek. "Nii-san wouldn't want you crying like this," She said gently, straightening up.
Surprisingly, Himawari's tears ceased immediately, albeit she was still a little sniffly. She stared at Noriaki for a moment, frowning. "I'm sorry, Senpai," She apologized.
"Apologize to Nii-san, Hoshino doesn't resemble him at all. Come on, I'll take you home, pretty sure your mother's wondering where you are," Sakuya replied, taking her hand before deciding to address him. "Don't think too harshly of her, she's been through a lot."
Both Oka and Sora were talking when Maki entered, albeit the pair fell quiet. Letting out a sigh, Oka gave Maki a wary look, unimpressed by her words. Sora was more open-minded, though he did throw Oka a look before deciding to greet Maki. "You must be Ito-san," He assumed. "Thank you for coming! Nakano-senpai had a previous engagement, but we're here to welcome you regardless!"
"I'm surprised you bothered to show up at all," Oka outright admitted, though she didn't linger on the thought for too long. "Going forward, you'll be part of the Disciplinary Committee. This includes logging and responding to students' complaints when it comes to issues that may arise."
Sora tried not to laugh but instead decided to err on the side of caution. "So, basically, you patrol the halls and if anyone comes to you, you try to help them," He explained. "Simple, right?"
"I'm surprised you bothered to show up at all," Oka outright admitted, though she didn't linger on the thought for too long. "Going forward, you'll be part of the Disciplinary Committee. This includes logging and responding to students' complaints when it comes to issues that may arise."
Sora tried not to laugh but instead decided to err on the side of caution. "So, basically, you patrol the halls and if anyone comes to you, you try to help them," He explained. "Simple, right?"
'Don't worry about it' nearly always meant there was something to worry about. While the urge to argue bubbled up like a fizzy soda, Sakuya promptly kept her mouth shut. At least he finally backed away, giving her space to let out a tiny huff of disproval. If he was going to invade her space like that more often, then she needed to better handle it. Strange, she was used to getting yelled at until people's faces were blue, but this kid was...weird. Really, really weird. Admittedly, she wondered why she had such a reputation for being intimidating if an outsider clearly didn't have any issue challenging her.
Though, once again, he decided their conversation was over, capping it off--again--by mentioning lunch. Sakuya's scoff was much more audible, shooting Noriaki a glare of disproval. "I'll have to see what I have in my fridge, you mention food so much that I wonder if you're secretly starving yourself," She huffed out a mediocre comeback. Once he began to walk, however, she made it clear that she was definitely walking with him.
"I'll see you out since I'm going home as well." She stated, not wanting any misunderstandings.
Once the two reached outside, the sun barely hung over them. It looked like there was going to be an early sunset today, the weather turning crisp as a chilly wind blew throughout the town. Letting out a sigh, Sakuya tried to judge where Noriaki would be walking so she wouldn't get accused of following him. However, she came to a stop once she noticed a young girl standing on the sidewalk. Her light brown hair almost looked golden in the sunlight, and as she turned around, her bright, brown eyes widened considerably. Her uniform was that of a nearby middle school, though she didn't look much older than a seventh year.
"Himawari?" Sakuya openly questioned the girl.
Unfortunately, said girl was deaf to Sakuya's call, letting out a gasp. Without warning, she ran over to Noriaki, dropping her bag and hugging him tightly. "Nakano-senpai! You came back! You really came back!" She cried, her tiny voice relieved.
Though, once again, he decided their conversation was over, capping it off--again--by mentioning lunch. Sakuya's scoff was much more audible, shooting Noriaki a glare of disproval. "I'll have to see what I have in my fridge, you mention food so much that I wonder if you're secretly starving yourself," She huffed out a mediocre comeback. Once he began to walk, however, she made it clear that she was definitely walking with him.
"I'll see you out since I'm going home as well." She stated, not wanting any misunderstandings.
Once the two reached outside, the sun barely hung over them. It looked like there was going to be an early sunset today, the weather turning crisp as a chilly wind blew throughout the town. Letting out a sigh, Sakuya tried to judge where Noriaki would be walking so she wouldn't get accused of following him. However, she came to a stop once she noticed a young girl standing on the sidewalk. Her light brown hair almost looked golden in the sunlight, and as she turned around, her bright, brown eyes widened considerably. Her uniform was that of a nearby middle school, though she didn't look much older than a seventh year.
"Himawari?" Sakuya openly questioned the girl.
Unfortunately, said girl was deaf to Sakuya's call, letting out a gasp. Without warning, she ran over to Noriaki, dropping her bag and hugging him tightly. "Nakano-senpai! You came back! You really came back!" She cried, her tiny voice relieved.
Anzu let out a small sigh, leaning back against the table as she looked at Yori. She wasn't entirely sure how to reply at first, though she figured she may as well get the second thing out of the way. "I'm not sure we would be able to get much help from any teachers in time. They step in if things are unfair and you have the proof, but generally, they try not to interfere since we students should handle our issues properly."
Her fingers tapped her arm, though she ended up uncrossing them. "That isn't to say I'll be taking a 'no' lightly. But I don't want any unnecessary friction, either," She gave the girl a pointed look. "Diplomacy can take you a long way if you're willing to use it. We go prepared for the worst and hope for the best."
Her fingers tapped her arm, though she ended up uncrossing them. "That isn't to say I'll be taking a 'no' lightly. But I don't want any unnecessary friction, either," She gave the girl a pointed look. "Diplomacy can take you a long way if you're willing to use it. We go prepared for the worst and hope for the best."
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