Inedible

Nova Lux: A Magical Girl Game

The first blow is decisive.

Penny’s hammer crashes down on to the head of the first drone, the machine unprepared for the girl to come ripping through the empty space in its sensors created by Cordelia’s mirror shield and Nicole’s battering winds. The robot buckles under the weight of the blow, joints shuddering and rectangular head caving inwards as electricity burns through its circuits. The crater-shaped indentation left behind is proof of the force of her blow, as is the sound of tearing metal as she rebounds to her next target.

The second machine falls soon after, the first blow setting it off balance before it’s leg is taken out from under it. It careens into the first drone, the two crashing to the ground in a heap of metal. If there was any chance that they still had some fight in them Dana sees to that soon after, the quick bursts of light fired from her pistol puncturing through their exposed weak-points.

The conflict is over quickly, but the threat of discovery still lingers over the group’s collective head. A second passes, then several more, strained minutes of waiting to see if the other machines in the distance will respond.

They do not.

Once the coast is clear, after a few words of congratulations from the officers, the Ars Magi and their charges are able to make it across the street to the parking garage that’s been named their target. It’s mostly standing, a looming concrete structure filled with dark puddles of rainwater and chunks of rubble.

“Clear the building first.” Aiya instructs. “We’ll get set up near the top.”

It doesn’t take long to so. The space is dark but mostly empty, home only to chunks of concrete and the occasional automotive skeleton illuminated in the cone of the officer’s flashlights.

Once they reach the top floor Aiya gives the order to set up and Holst begins to unpack the equipment that the cadets brought along. It’s a small command station, a portable computer and what appear to be a group of baseball-sized triangular metal objects. Soon the cadet it speaking into a headset, checking in with command and giving a status report.

“We’re holding here for now.” The cadet explains, “Waiting on instructions.”

Minutes ticks by. From their vantage at the top floor the group can see out over the ruined district, their sightlines significantly less obscured than they were on ground level. Rain sheets down in the darkness, and here and there pale glow of Nox diffusers can be seen in the distance. Occasionally lightning lights the ruined skyscrapers and even more rarely bursts of light can be seen on the distant ground; other Ars Magi making their way through the night.

Holst had the presence of mind to pack dinner, several chunky protein bars that she offers to share amongst the Ars Magi while they wait. Garnier remains on the relay, but Aiya is ill-content to let the time pass in silence.

“I think I like your friends.” She remarks to Nicole from her perch on the hood of an old automobile.

“How’d you learn out how to fly around like that?” She asks of Penny, turning to address the smaller girl. “Or does it come naturally? You did some real work on those robots, I’m sure some engineer in Juno will be very upset with you.”

“And you’re a pretty good shot, aren’t you?” She says to Dana. “I hear you were pretty popular at our little ball, too. Everyone wanted to sit at your table. It could make a girl jealous.” She laughs, a high and pleasant sound before she turns her Cheshire cat smile to her next target.

“Speaking of that—you’re dance partner wanted me to send his regards, Miss Whittaker. You must have made an impression. Someday you’ll have to dance with me too.” Another laugh, and she adds, “If our dolcezza is willing to share you again.”

Secundi Lux

Selma

“They teach us lots of things. Recognizing value is one of them.”

Of the two cadets available, Selma’s partner is the less Selma-sized. He’s perhaps a head shorter, though he appears to be making up for it in sheer confidence. His arm encircles hers gamely, hardly a pause to consider before they return to the dance. The hand that comes to rest comfortably at Selma’s side guides easily through the motions of the dance, proving that the young man is a competent partner and her feet have less to worry about that with her previous.

“Nice to meet you, Selma. I didn’t think they grew Ars Magi quite as tall as you.” The steps become faster now, the tune changing to something more upbeat. “I’m Hyun,” The boy introduces himself soon after, seeming to have no trouble keeping up with the neat steps. “I’ve actually wanted to meet one of you for a while. Since we came here, but this is the first chance we’ve had.”

“How has Nova Lux been treating you? The Officer’s Academy is a bore, all drills and exams. I imagine a school where they teach magic would have to be much more exciting.” He steps, twirling Selma out, drawing her in again.

“The word is that you’ve already fought your share of Voids. Is that true?”

Rivka

“I see.” Says Rivka’s partner as the purple-haired girl explains the origin of her musical ability. The cadet listens with clear and rapt attention, though she still manages to hit each step of the winding waltz that takes the pair through the crowd. Occasionally she nods, more enthusiastically as Rivka continues to expound on the nature of art.

“I think so too. I mean, the way you put it is so much better that I could, but, I agree.” Another nod comes from the girl as the music begins to a little faster, a little looser. “I used to play piano—just, I mean, I took lessons, so I’m not very good, but I’ve always loved music.”

As Rivka speaks more of magic as her ability the girl agrees: “I see—I have a hard time believing that could happen, too. That there could be another person like you, I mean.” She pauses, as if realizing what she said, and begins to stammer out several less-than-coherent words before she takes the opportunity to change to the topic to herself.

“Why become a cadet? Well—it’s sort of a family tradition. I’ve been preparing for it since I was a little girl, mostly.” She pauses there, adding with a sheepish smile, “And, you know, I want to help make the world a better place, and the Academy is one place I can do that.”

Chie

With Selma off on her own adventure, Chie is left to her new partner. The tall cadet is dark-skinned and dark eyed, hair shaved short. He’s not quite as tall as Selma, but still easily taller than Crystal herself. His hand reaches to take the offered one gently, other hand settling on Chie’s shoulder as he begins to lead her back into the lilting steps of the dance.

“Cayman.” Her partner answers, “Cayman Sow. Nice to meet you.” He’s not as good of a lead as Selma, but the boy is a decent enough guide to keep Chie and his own feet in the right general area. It becomes clear soon enough that this one is less talkative than his companion, the dance continuing on in silence for a minute or so before he cadet ventures forth a topic of conversation:

“You’re nervous.” He observes. “Don’t worry. You’re doing fine.” The music becomes faster, a little looser, and though the steps are quicker they seem to at least be a little more free-form.

“Is this the first time you’ve been to a ball, Chie?” The boy asks as they sway, “I know most of you, the Magi, might not be used to this. Where are you from?” Another few steps and he supplies a pre-emptive answer to his own origin: “I’m from Osca.“

Crystal

The topic of machines will have to be broached later, as Castra vanishes into the crowd momentarily. There’s no one left to save Crystal from his inevitable return though, and he brings with him one of the many young officers that are scattered throughout the ballroom. The boy is of average height, his hair dark, a small blotch of darker skin under one cheek marring an otherwise beige complexion.

“Liam, this is Crystal von Caelestis. Crystal, Liam Neptune.”

With introductions made the younger man extends a hand to Crystal, leading her out toward the dance floor. Castra seems satisfied enough with this, nodding his head before he vanishes into the crowd, his work completed.

“I’m sorry about him.” The young man, Liam, says Crystal. “I didn’t want to cause a diplomatic incident, so I thought it would be better to humor him. You don’t have to dance, if you don’t want to.” He smiles weakly, confessing, “I’m not very good at it, anyway. I skipped all my lessons.”

Nova Lux: A Magical Girl Game

The rain moves at the behest of the wind, and the wind at the will of Nicole Cognoscenti. Sheets of water reorient in the direction of the rumbling machines, wind and rain mercilessly buffeting their metal exteriors. The downpour, earlier an unforeseen inconvenience, is transformed now into a potent weapon against the Ars Magi’s would-be hunters.

One that becomes even more effective when Cordelia calls her mirrors. There’s enough shattered glass and broken windows for her to make adequate use of her talents, enough to camouflage the small party of Ars Magi and officers. The later group fall in behind their protectors, Holst peering through her binoculars and calling out the directions to Nicole, ensuing that she’s redirecting the rain toward in the direction of the largest groups of drones.

The going is slow, careful steps and routing required for the group to pick their way across the rubble and ruined streets in front of them. It takes some thirty minutes before they begin the final approach to their destination, the parking garage that looms up over the smaller surrounding structures. They’ve managed to avoid the drones so far, giving wide berth when able and letting the heavy machines clunk and crunch past on their patrols.

It’s on the street adjacent to the garage that the group runs out of luck. Two of those hulking machines are clanking down the street, their heavy legs carrying them in long strides. They slow as they draw closer to the camouflaged group, their square-shaped bodies turning to regard their surroundings.

It’s clear that they don’t ‘see’ the group--not exactly. The interference to their sensors and lack of visual feedback mean that the machines are likely working only off the ambient magic in the area. It’s enough to draw suspicion though, in whatever algorithms the things run on. They begin to circle, drawing slowly closer, the weapons mounted on their exterior rotating and scanning for targets.
“If we take them out quick we could make a run for it. They might not even be able to put out a signal.” Garnier suggests, the boy casting a glance toward his companions. Aiya nods in agreement, while Holst makes a grunt that could be taken as assent.

“Hard and fast,” Aiya repeats, “Can you girls oblige?”

The drones draw closer still, illuminated bright by an arc of lightning that cuts close across the sky. Their metallic green hides are clearly visible now, armor plated and lined with blinking lights. A different beast entirely than the alien Voids, but still formidable.

Secundi Lux

Rivka

Rivka’s partner, the brown haired girl, allows a relieved smile to touch at the corners of her lips when the Ars Magi accepts her offer. Her own hands find their appropriate place, awkwardly at first, but once they settle she seems somewhat more at ease.

“Amalee.” She replies, adding after, “Amalee Kraus. From Hasta.” As the two move into the crowd, led by Rivka’s slow steps, it soon becomes apparent that Amalee knows what she’s doing. After the initial hesitance her feet move with practiced grace, no fear of tripping or getting tangled up with Rivka’s patient motion. Even when the music starts to move faster the girl is sure and steady.

It’s probably not too surprising that she knows what she’s doing. It’s probably less than surprising: Most of the Officer’s Academy is made up of the privileged, and while not all bear noble name most come from wealth. Enough wealth to spend on tutelage in the classical arts, among other things. Rivka’s keen eye can no doubt pick out the fact that most of the Officer’s cadets move with a modicum of grace. Enough not to embarrass themselves.

It takes Amalee a bit longer to warm up to further conversation, but she manages after a few slow rotations: “I didn’t know you were an Ars Magi, I was surprised.” She says, continuing, “Where did you learn to play? They don’t teach you that at Nova Lux, do they?”

She hesitates briefly, before asking: “That’s not part of the magic, is it?”

Selma & Chie

Selma and Chie’s spirals match and mirror the other dancers, a sea of slowly rotating bodies as the music begins to lull. The last few notes taper out as the dance comes not to a close, but to an interlude. Bows and curtsies are exchanged between partners, some parting, some lingering in each other’s orbit and waiting for the music to call once more.

The two Ars Magi, the green giant and her more diminutive partner, find that the bubble of their personal space, like many others, has become more fluid. As dancers begin to mix and mingle new figures materialize from the crowd. They’re not any of the familiar shapes Selma’s seen flowing past, not any of her fellow Ars Magi, but people entirely new.

The two young officers are a study in contrast; one tall and dark, the other ivory-skinned and almond-eyed. It’s the latter that’s the first to speak, reaching out to draw Selma’s attention with a touch to her bicep. He’s a handsome boy—some might even say pretty--, dark hair half-obscuring his eyes and an easy smile on his lips.

“Excuse me,” He begins, “As a member of the Officer’s Academy, I have to make a formal complaint. It’s not fair for the prettiest Ars Magi to only dance with each other.”

He requests, with a gamely extended hand: “Could we persuade you to trade partners, for just one dance?”

Crystal

“Excellent! I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. You’re a very important part of our future, you know.” Crystal’s reply seems satisfactory, and Castra nods enthusiastically.

“Myself? Oh, fine, fine. Traveled all the way here to see all of the cadets and handle some business. I do enjoy the festivities.” The man smiles, a pleasant laugh escaping his lips as he sinks down into a seat at the table. It does not bode well for Crystal getting any sort of reprieve anytime soon.

“The politicians are talking politics, and the military men about the military. You know how it goes. And something about machines—some new kind of Void-killer weapons from Juno. Supposed to be completely automated, can you believe that? I’ll believe it when I see it.” The man huffs, continuing, “After all, only one thing’s proven to work so far.” A knowing glance is cast at Crystal, indicating that she is, in fact, the thing.

He changes tack a moment later, after a sip from the glass of wine that he’s carried over with him. “Why aren’t you out dancing? It looks like all of your friends are out there. Do you need a partner?” A moment of thought and the man snap his fingers. “You know, my nephew is attending the Academy as well, I can introduce you. He’s around here somewhere...”

The man cranes his neck, turning in his chair to scan the dance floor.

Nova Lux: A Magical Girl Game

In the distance, over the static hiss of rain, the sound of metal and debris crunching underfoot of the patrolling machines can be heard. Two pass by the distant perimeter, red and blue lights flickering at the tops of the prong-like heads that protrude from the sentries boxy bodies.

“Magitech machine guns.” Answers Garnier to Dana’s question. “Missiles as well, it looks like. Considering the size of those things, you probably don’t want to get stepped on either.”

Lightning lances in the distant sky, flickering and leaving a vivid afterimage in its wake.

“Excellent plan, dolcezza.” Supplies Aiya, the dark-haired girl’s lips curling into a cat-like smile at Noel’s suggestion. She nods at Vanna after before noting: “Just tell us what support you need—our show starts once we get to our building.”

The other two officers seem to be in agreement, as they offer no suggestion or objection of their own. Holst, the blonde girl, does step up to Dana’s side and note: “I can spot for you.” She indicates the pair of binoculars she carries.

Garnier, on the other hand, gets majority of the officer’s equipment. It looks like a fairly heavy load, meaning he won’t be moving very fast if pressed.

“We’ll move when you give the word.” Says Aiya. “After you.”

Secundi Lux

The marbled floor in front of the small band is slowly filling with bodies; the brave first, and then the rest after. The dancers vary in performance, their skill levels ranging from clear classical training to those who get by only with simple, awkward swaying. The officers from the neighboring academy make up most of the crowd, the Nova Lux cadets smaller in number but high in demand. Amidst the cadets are the occasional dignitary or individual of importance, though the full-fledged Ars Magi in attendance remain off to the sides.

As Rivka sets out toward the sea of dancers she quickly finds that she is missing one crucial element to the waltz: a partner. This, however, is soon rectified by a gentle tap on the purple-haired girl’s shoulder as she draws nearer to the edge of the dancefloor.

“Excuse me.” From behind emerges a girl, one of the cadets from the Officer’s Academy judging by her uniform. She’s plus tie, unlike Rivka. Her hair and eyes are brown, the former a voluminous bob and the latter framed by freckled and pale skin. “You played at the Victoria the other night, didn’t you?” She refers to the establishments downtown, one of the few that allowed Rivka entrance and permission to perform a set on stage.

“You were very good. You would mind if—I mean, are you looking for a partner? To dance?” She extends a hand after her stumbling question, adding: “I need a partner.” Her demeanor indicates her nervousness, as does the subtle shake of her neatly manicured hand.

Aoife finds a partner quickly enough among the sea of dancers, an easy task given the privilege of having an Ars Magi on ones arm.

The problem is that she doesn’t tend to keep them for very long. There’s a lot of stumbling around and stepping on feet, and one partner leads to another, and another, each polite hand-off coming at the end of a poorly performed spin. She ends up, after several trades, in the arms of her former teammate: one Noel Nilsson, who is almost as bad of a dancer as Aoife.

“Hey babe.” Says her former partner, between bouts of swaying. “How’s the new team? Settling in okay? I’m getting a reassignment for the next exercise too, they said. It’s going to involve robots, did you know? The last guy I was dancing with was talking about it. Maybe we’ll get to work together again, that’d be fun, right?”

Back at the table containing the other three, Selma and Chie are able to begin making their way toward the dance floor. Crystal, however, does not quite get a chance to make her escape before she’s accosted by a cry of: “Little Crystal Caelestis, is that you?”

From amidst the tables comes an older man, perhaps in his sixties, mocha-skinned and mustachioed. Crystal recognizes him as Siervo Castra Neptune, a diplomatic, frequent visitor to her home, and friend of her father. Growing up she’s born witness to his visits often enough, most of which were preceded by important (and boring) political discussion that she was less privy to.

“How have you been? I heard you went away to Nova Lux, but I wasn’t sure I’d see you. I remember when you were just this high.” His hand is raised accordingly, to demonstrate the recalled shortness. “Now you’re an Ars Magi! How are you finding the academy? Are they treating you well? Have you been enjoying your time in Palmyra?”

Secundi Lux

The next week continues on pleasantly, if uneventfully. Lessons at the academy continue briskly, both in the classroom and physical exercise outside of it. Each of the cadets has a chance to practice their newfound abilities in less stressful circumstances than before, supervised by Nova Lux’s instructors and Ars Magi.

As the days tick past and the Ball grows nearer a muted sense of excitement begins to take hold amidst the students. For most this will be the first time attending a formal event, not to mention getting to rub shoulders with important dignitaries and members of the Duodecim. There will even be several Ars Magi in attendance, both from Palmyra’s own defense force and visitors from foreign cities.

Uniforms are cleaned and pressed in anticipation, instructions from the faculty are handed out, and then, soon enough, it’s time.

---

𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚊 𝙻𝚞𝚡 𝙰𝚌𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚢
Grand Hall
𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝟷𝟺𝚝𝚑， 𝟷𝟷𝟽 𝙰𝚅
𝟾:𝟶𝟶 𝙿𝙼
Masuzu Chie, Crystal von Caelestis, Rivka Sokolov, Selma Rosmarie, Aoife Strumgaard

---

| Music: Noble Mind |

The central hall of Nova Lux is a sprawling rectangular chamber, its vaulted ceilings and enormous windows adding to an already impressive sense of scale. From its walls and ceiling hang blue and gold flags bearing the academies emblems, these banners now interspersed with others marked by Imperium and Duodecium iconography. Enormous golden light fixtures shine down on the marbled floors below, illuminating the crowd of cadets, faculty, and honored visitors that have gathered this evening.

To the disappointment of those expecting gowns and high fashion, the ball is a military affair, and the students of Nova Lux are dressed accordingly. Cadets mingle in their dress uniforms, familiar faces dressed in crisp blues and golds.

The new faces are from the Officers Academy, the gleaming structure on the opposite side of Nova Lux’s lush gardens. Young men and women dressed in their own uniforms, similar but slightly different than those of the assembled Ars Magi. In contract to the cadets from Nova Lux, most of the officers are probably used to such affairs; many come from noble or important families, having gained entrance via wealth or status rather than largely non-existent magical ability.

The rest of the guests, excluding faculty, are dressed in civilian formal wear. Most of the Duodecim have at least one family representative in attendance, even those from hailing from the far-away cities to the west. There are several high-up members of the Imperium as well, along with their stern-faced Ars Magi escorts.

The whole thing exudes an air of pomp and ceremony, from the bombastic opening speeches to the twenty minutes or so devoted to running down the line of important people, shaking hands, and making clipped greetings. It’s almost an hour in before anyone is allowed to leave the long rows of tables that have been assembled on one side of the room, each assigned to a different team of cadets.

Selma, Chie, Aoife, Rivka, and Crystal, now an official team, are all seated at the same table. There’s not much time for conversation at first, until speeches begin to wind down and dinner, a light fair accompanied by a mild wine, is served.

Afterward the guests are finally released from their seats and allowed to begin mingling. The hall begins to fill with bodies and conversation, the noise soon joined by the sound of a stately waltz played from a grand piano near the front of the hall.

Nova Lux: A Magical Girl Game

With the ball done and over with, what comes next is more training. Both schoolwork, physical, and magical exercises fill the remainder of the month and the next after. Now that each cadet has greater control over their transformation and abilities there’s more room for magical training, though the exercises remain simple for the most part--no fighting Voids again, at least for now.

Of note, during this time teams are made official. The group from the Laurus, now plus Cordelia, is designed Magi Team 3. Astrelle’s absence, when investigated, seems to be a family matter. She has, perhaps, achieved her wish to be rid of her responsibility to the Imperium.

And then there are things to attend to outside of school. It takes some time before Aiya De Mars makes herself available, but when the time comes she makes good with Nicole on her earlier offer. During the neon-lit evening she and Nicole spend out on the town the Hastian is treated to places even she’s not seen before, clubs filled with thrumming music and rooftops sporting breathtaking views of bleeding neon lights that stretch across the city’s harbor.

The Duodecim girl is as flighty and flirtatious as the first time they met, complementing and thriving off Nicole’s already vibrant energy. The dark-haired girl has the confidence of someone who both knows what they want and has never been denied it, and a ravenous enjoyment for everything that’s available to her. When they part, sooner than it seems, she does so with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to rendezvous at another date.

The redhead isn’t the only Ars Magi that has a courter, though. Unfortunately neither of the two officers are able to secure permission to visit the robots, but both Penny and Dana receive invitation instead to go out into the city and see the new Magical Maid Altea movie. It’s a much less intense evening than Nicole’s, but not unpleasant. The offer is left open to go out again later, but neither of the officers are particularly insistent on the issue.

Throughout the month there are also rumors swirling around, mostly based on gossip overheard and stories traded at the ball. There’s talk of the new anti-Void machines, and of the upcoming joint exercise between the academies. The latter is confirmed by Nova Lux’s instructors soon enough, the date set for the end of the month.

The time passes quickly for most, until the day draws near.

---

𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚊 𝙻𝚞𝚡 𝙰𝚌𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚢
𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚁𝚘𝚘𝚖
𝙹𝚞𝚗𝚎 𝟸𝟿𝚝𝚑, 𝟷𝟷𝟽 𝙰𝚅
𝟺:𝟶𝟶 𝙿𝙼
Dana Noel, Penny Grenoble, Nicole Cognoscenti, Diana Khay Vanna, Cordelia Whittaker

---

“This will be your field of operation.”

The screens in the center of the briefing room flicker, cycling through green-tinted images until an aerial view of Palmyra’s abandoned district appears on the central monitor. From above the tall concrete walls cordoning off the district are made visible, towering above the desolate half-structures that fill the empty streets. The Nox diffusers, tall pylons that stretch above the streets, glow a pale blue in the afternoon light. The cadets will recognize at least some portion of the district from their entrance exam, and one of the observation towers is still half-destroyed from the incidents during that exercise.

The officer presenting, instructor Drier, gives her audience a moment to digest the image. The cadets from Nova Lux are arranged in a circle around the central monitor, all seated in neat rows and sorted according to their established teams. In the dim evening light the monitors are clear and glowing, and Team 3 has a good vantage from their place near the front row.

“In this exercise you will be clearing and securing several key structures, marked here.” On the monitor buildings begin to light up, their skeletons highlighted in fluorescent yellow. “Accompanying you will be several cadets from the Officer’s Academy, who will act in a supporting role as your operations team.”

She continues on, beginning to point out routes and instructions. Several for teams that aren’t those of the girls from the Laurus, though she gets to them eventually:

“Team 3. Your first objective will be to escort your operators to target C—” Drier motions again toward the monitor, which zooms in on a half-collapsed high-rise near one of the district entrances. “Where they will set up their base of operations and direct you to the rest of your targets.”

The screens flicker again, the images of ruined buildings and debris-filled streets vanishing to make way for something new: Pictures of machines. Tall, bipedal constructs with boxy looking bodies, rectangular heads, and long flexible legs.

“As Voids would be too difficult—and dangerous—to coordinate, your opposition for this exercise will be automated drones, provided by Juno’s Defense Force. Their magitech armaments have been reduced to less-than lethal capability for this exercise, and you are allowed to use any amount of force within your means against them.”

Discussion and planning continues for another hour, until the cadets are dismissed. The next evening, the mission commences.

---

𝙿𝚊𝚕𝚖𝚢𝚛𝚊 𝙼𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝙴𝚡𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝚉𝚘𝚗𝚎
𝙰𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝙳𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚝
𝙹𝚞𝚗𝚎 𝟹𝟶𝚝𝚑, 𝟷𝟷𝟽 𝙰𝚅
𝟼:𝟶𝟶 𝙿𝙼
Dana Noel, Penny Grenoble, Nicole Cognoscenti, Diana Khay Vanna, Cordelia Whittaker

---

By the time Team 3 arrives at their rendezvous point the evening sky is grey, overcast, and very wet. Sheets of rain wash over the empty streets and run down shattered buildings, forming deep puddles in the pockmarked streets. As the Ars Magi step out of the transport they find that their partners from the Officer’s Academy are already arrived and waiting, shrouded in cobalt colored cloaks to protect them from the downpour.

There are familiar faces hidden in those cloaks. Among the three figures waiting is Aiya De Mars. Accompanying her are two other cadets: Garnier, a wiry, dark-skinned, bespectacled young man, and Holst, a short and severe looking blonde girl. Dana will recall Garnier as the third of Noah and Dima's group, one of the cadets she spent time speaking with at the ball after the dancing finished. There’s enough time for a few brief greetings as the red LEDs on everyone’s clocks slowly count down the remaining minutes until the exercise commences.

“Team three,” Eventually comes the static-laced voice over the groups radios. “You’re clear to move. Escort your team and secure the target.”

The target building is visible in the distance, a the half-standing silhouette of a parking garage that looms over the surrounding area. Between the group and it are several hundred yards of ruined street, piles of rubble, and—something else.

Lights begin to flicker to life in the dim evening, specks of red and blue that are soon followed by cones of fluorescent yellow. Spotlights begin to move across the streets and the faces of buildings, and the heavy sound of metal crunching through debris can be faintly heard in the far distance.

“Garnier, would you tell our heroines what we’re looking at?” Aiya’s voice rises smoothly, the dark-haired girl motioning toward her companion.

It takes a moment for the other cadet to grab a sleek looking display from their pack, and after a few keystrokes and Garnier relates: “Target’s about 300 yards. Opposition is unmanned drones. Not very smart, but they come with sensor arrays and communication relays. If one spots us, they all do. They’re designed to kill Voids, so they’ll probably be good at picking up anything that uses a lot of magic.” A significant look is thrown toward the team of Ars Magi.

“Holst, get me a count of how many there are, pretty please.”

The smaller cadet, when asked, quickly finds higher ground. She's nimble, scrambling up the side of a ruined building before reporting back a moment later: “Eight, I counted. Could be more hiding in the rubble, though.”

“And it’s up to our heroines to protect us from them.” Aiya smiles, a sharp grin that cuts across her face as she turns to address the team of Ars Magi. “We’re at your service.”

Nova Lux: A Magical Girl Game

For everyone on the dance floor there are familiar faces that pass by periodically. Priya and Amanda has found partners among the officers, both respectable dancers in their own right. Vanna's roommate Cara makes a brief foray out on the floor before settling in at a lively table with a mix of cadets, and Penny will notice though Blair is lacking a friend like Dana to force her out on the dance floor, she seems to be content sitting with her teammates and chasing off several officers brave enough to visit.

Dana

“Oh, your friend is Duodecim? That’s pretty rare, right?” The question is well-informed; of Dana’s classmates, Vana is one of the most prominent member of the nobility. There are several cadets from lesser noble houses, but the big twelve seem to have a much higher representation among of the Officer’s Academy than at Nova Lux itself.

The talk of the incident at the training grounds seem to impress the boy, his eyes widening as Dana goes over her story. “Wow.” He says. “You must be really strong, if you can fight one of those. That’s impressive!” He laughs, loud and good-natured. “I exercise all day, and I couldn’t even fight a normal void!”

On the topic if his own training, he replies: “Well, there’s a lot of classes on tactics so far, and getting used to what we’ll be doing. We’re done one or two field exercises so far, a mock-combat or two. We’re supposed to have some hand-to-hand training sometime soon. I’m more excited about working with all of you guys, though.”

“Actually, if you want to hear something interesting from our side: They just brought in these big machines. They’re from…somewhere in Juno, I think. They make them there. They say they’re supposed to be used for field testing.” The music begins to slow, and Noah does as well. “They’re like—have you ever seen those giant robot TV shows? They’re kind of like that, but small. But they walk around on their own and everything.”

As the rest of the dangers slow and the music begins to fade the muscular boy makes a gesture back toward the table they cam from. “Do you want to take a break?” A pause and he adds: “I mean, I shouldn’t hog you if you want to meet more people, but we’ll be over there.” He laughs again, releasing the gentle hold he’s got on his partner.

Penny

“Yeah,” Dima agrees. “Altea’s really good. Are you going to see the new movie? It’s playing here too, there’s a few theaters--” Penny’s swaying partner hesitates, deciding: “Ah, well, we can talk about that later. More important, your mom, she’s in the Defense Forces? I’ve always looked up to them, that’s why I wanted to go to the Officer’s Academy.”

“My, uh, field tests haven’t been too great.” He winces, quickly adding, “I mean, they’re fine, but I’d like to work at an HQ branch.” A firm nod comes with that. “They say it’s pretty rare to get stationed at Nova Roma, but I’ve always wanted to see it. I guess everyone does though, that’s why they only pick the best.”

His gaze lifts to the woman Penny indicates, eyes widening a touch before he responds: “Oh—that is! I saw her on the news a few times when she was visiting. There’s a bunch of important people here. I don’t know if we’re allowed to, you know, talk to them. Besides all the hand shaking at the start. I wonder if people will look at us someday like that. I mean, you, definitely, at least.”

The music is coming to a close and the dancing (which is charitable for what the two are doing) comes to a stop. Dima clears his throat, making a gesture toward the refreshments table. “Drink?” He asks, clarifying after, “Do you want one, I mean? I think I’m retiring from dancing.” He’s likely earned a few bruises in the process of trying.

Cordelia

“Of course.” Says the boy when Cordelia states she has no preference for her team. “It’s the results that matter, isn’t it?” His hands are expert guideposts, angling and directing. They aren’t warm—or maybe it’s Cordelia’s imagination--but they are deft. Almost mechanical in their precision.

“We’ll hope yours has a happy ending.” He replies from his vantage, dark eyes gazing down into Cordelia’s. When he pulls her back from that long dip be smiles. It’s a thin and almost somber gesture, something that seems natural on his subdued features. “Judging from what I’ve seen, you have nothing to fear.”

The movements continue for a few minutes more before the lilting tune begins to come slowly to its closing notes. The pair slow, until they remain swaying listlessly as the last few notes echo through the wide hall.

Cordelia’s partner’s eyes move over her shoulder for a moment, and when they return he offers an apologetic smile. “It was lovely, but if you’ll excuse me.” His hand raises hers briefly, a small farewell before the boy steps aside. He strides to meet with another couple, a gray-haired man and tall, dark-haired woman. The former wears the insignia of Juno, one of the Duodecim. Cordelia can likely guess by the posture and position of the woman that she’s a servant—-maybe a guard, or at least some kind of attendant.

Nicole

“You’d think, but I’ve found Ars Magi don’t like to have fun.” Aiya replies easily to Nicole, another mirthful smile flashing across her face. “Be careful—I don’t think it’s allowed.” She might have the right idea, given Nicole’s meager experience. In the Hastian’s brief time with Victoria Glass there wasn’t much to indicate she’d even know what fun was. Perhaps there are others who have a better attitude, though.

“Did they?” The girl asks of Nicole’s catchphrase. “I’m not sure what they said about me. I never got the hang of the language—but I assume it was good.” Her lips part in a silvery laugh as they side-step, her fingers twirling her partner in a neat rotation before they join again.

The music has started to slow by this point, signaling an imminent close to at least this exchange of movements. “If you can make any place like Hasta,” Aiya continues, “Then I’ll take you on a date. Someplace where the neon is nice.”

Her hand disentangles from Nicole’s as the last notes of the music fade, and she requests: “Come and find me later. I’ll introduce you to some of the officers—but you won’t like any of them as much as me.” The girl makes a little curtsy of farewell, something less than formal that goes well with the wolfish smile that she flashes her partner before she sinks back into the crowd.

The dance floor thins briefly as the music fades, a small break in activity. It allows more time to mingle once again, to return to tables or find new ones to settle into. The ball lasts for several hours more, filled with more opportunities for dancing, mingling, and other formalities. Eventually all the dignitaries and military officials filter out, and the cadets soon after. Farewells are said as ways are parted, and eventually it comes time for the Laurus crew to make their exit.

The trip back to the dorms is a short one, and from there the Ars Magi can see the lights in the main building gradually dim to their normal night-time intensity. The common room is briefly busy with excited chatter, but eventually it comes time to retire for the night.

Nova Lux: A Magical Girl Game

The dance floor is quite full by now, filled with mingling cadets from both schools. The music continues, alternating between stately and swift, long strings of music echoing out across marble floors and reverberating against soaring windows. There are a few who still sit on the sidelines, a small number of cadets and the full-fledged Ars Magi attending as guests. Those from the Laurus will spy Victoria Glass amongst the crowd, as well as several other faces they may be able to place from television broadcasts and news articles.

Penny

“That’s awesome.” Penny’s companion approves of her abilities as their swaying continues. “I can’t even imagine how cool that is, doing magic, I mean.” He laughs, adding quickly. “Don’t shock me though. Please.”

“I used to watch Altea.“ Dima continues, almost before Penny can request her question of television be forgotten. “And Valkyrie Wren, and—-yeah, sorry.” He cuts his reply short when requested, but his enthusiasm returns soon after.

“Pola. I’m from Pola, it’s nice. Really hot, even with the domes. Do you know about the domes? Anyway, I miss my sister—she’s not magic--, and my dad. But, you know, they’re counting on me.” The slow waltz has changed into something more lively, and the distance established is mercy on the feet of both dancers.

“Right?” He asks. “The shows make it seem so cool. Like you can do anything. The shows about us aren’t nearly as good.” The boy pauses, adding, “I mean, I guess we just do a lot of drills, and reading, so it’s not exciting in real life either. But I hear we’re supposed to be doing an exercise with you guys in the next few months.”

Dana

Dana and her dancing partner make an odd match, but not the strangest on the dance floor. The large young man is adroit enough to make his partner comfortable, and he smiles brightly at the complement. “Yeah, you’re doing good too. Your friend must be a good teacher.”

On the topic of his own education, the muscular boy offers a bright smile. “It’s great!” He replies. “We’re learning all kinds of interesting stuff. Mostly, you know, military stuff. City infrastructure too, and there’s practical exercises too. I hear you all had a few of those.”

“Actually. I heard something went wrong over in the testing ground, when your tests were going on. What happened?” He pauses, adding. “Do you really get to see a Void up-close? Or is it secret? If it’s top secret don’t tell me. I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble.”

Nicole

“Aiya De Mars.” The name that the girl delivers comes with the same easy confidence as the hand that grasps Nicole’s, pulling her back onto the dancefloor. It’s a name that signifies that, once again, Nicole has found herself mixed up with a dark-haired member of the nobility. The girl moves with the same grace that Cordelia did, with steps that are no doubt the result of hours of choreographed practice.

Unlike Nicole’s former roommate, though, Aiya is clearly in her element here. There’s no brooding resentment in her demeanor, no hard shell to break through. Her dark eyes burn with mischief, a wicked glint that matches the curve of her smile as her hand twirls her partner in close, then far apart again.

“You’re good at this.” The girl comments, “Is it the magic? Or is it you?” A step closer, and she confesses with a mirthful whisper: “You’re my first, you know. Ars Magi. None of my caretakers would ever dance with me, can you believe it?” They separate again to arms length, then back together.

“But--you must be dying here. Do you miss the lights more, or the boys?”

Cordelia

Meanwhile the boy Coredelia received as part of the exchange is more reserved than Nicole’s new acquaintance, but equally adept. A good match for someone as well-trained as the former butler, and it shows easily as they make their way across the dance floor. The movements are stately and precise, speaking to hours spent in painstaking practice.

“Ms. Whitaker, correct?” Asks the boy, once Cordelia gives affirmation that she’s okay. His voice is low, his method of speaking as methodical as the steps the pair trace across the marble tiles. “Your initiation trial was very impressive. I hope you weren’t too upset about being separated from your first teammates.”

“How have you found Nova Lux?” He asks after. “Coming from your background, if I recall, it must have been a shock. Becoming someone so important, so suddenly.” His hand gives her a dip, leaning in close to continue: “Almost like a fairy tale.”