Sebastian took her hand in his good hand as they walked, "I think it's cute when you confuse yourself..."
As they walked he considered it, "Mm... I think maybe it was the use of Spirit but... maybe we should go to the Feeders first. Anna and Gunner can wait."
As they walked into the feeders Sebastian signed them up and took a seat beside her as they waited. "I'm glad I didn't scare you away... though maybe I should have."
~*~
Anna took a seat beside him, picking at her food... She was hungry but she hadn't really liked any of the options today.
She shook her head, "No, I've seen Rose fight... even if it was just a demonstration at the Commune it was still seriously impressive. If he had both she and her mentor as teachers then you're right... There's probably no way he isn't awesome. Plus, I hear he has the Battle mark from when he went with the other elites and hunted down Strigoi close to the school to keep it safe here..."
She considered a moment, "Though... you're right. That last bit might just be rumor. Moroi do like to gossip..."
Nephriel Member
The Frequently Missing.
STATUS: I am really back this time... after YEARS away. Jeeze.... x.x 5 yrs ago
- Last Seen: 5 yrs ago
- Joined: 11 yrs ago
- Posts: 629 (0.16 / day)
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Username history
- Nephriel 11 yrs ago
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5 yrs ago
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I am really back this time... after YEARS away. Jeeze.... x.x
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9 yrs ago
Um.... I think I'm back... Maybe.
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Bio
Soooo, basically I've been role playing for... fifteen years? I've been writing longer than that though... more along the lines of thirteen years. I'm 30, have a kiddo, and am happily married. So, I'm probably older than the majority of you on here but I love to write... I'm odd. I love to set and create ideas in my head but I don't really like to GM... I'm more of a throw everyone together and see what happens sort. Also, because I do have a kiddo my schedule is a little unpredictable. I can't promise much though I try to post at least once a day.
I enjoy high fantasy, mystery, drama, and romance BUT I don't do smutty play. I prefer to fade to black when things get steamy... Partly because I'm happily married and partly because I don't want the main focus in my plays to be smutt. I have several characters I adore and can't quite lead myself to give up on... I love expanding and evolving their stories so feel free to ask me about them and some of my roleplay ideas.... I have many.
I enjoy high fantasy, mystery, drama, and romance BUT I don't do smutty play. I prefer to fade to black when things get steamy... Partly because I'm happily married and partly because I don't want the main focus in my plays to be smutt. I have several characters I adore and can't quite lead myself to give up on... I love expanding and evolving their stories so feel free to ask me about them and some of my roleplay ideas.... I have many.
Most Recent Posts
So what do you guys think of having them throw a party tonight... kinda a 'start of the year' slam? It would break up the monotony and get everyone together all at once. XD
Sebastian turned back to Serena and smiled slightly once more at the change of subject, grateful that she didn't ask too many questions about what had just went on. "No, I haven't unfortunately... but if you know where to get some..."
As she handed him the practice stake he looked momentarily lost. Even with all his defense training it still felt odd to hold a weapon...for attacking... lethal close range attacking at that. He suddenly understood what Aleksander had meant, even if he managed to get close enough to a Strigoi to use the stake he'd more than likely be killed before he could ever effectively do it. That meant that even if he found Anya she'd probably kill or change him before he'd be able to change her back... Unless maybe Anna and Gunner were with him to help him do it but he wasn't sure they'd be behind him on it. He let out a breath, clearing his mind and listened to Serena's guidance.
~*~
Anna shook her head, "Actually, if it comes down to letting your Guardian die and escaping or staying and dying as well... You should run. It's a Guardian's job to put their life on the line, if you risked yours and got killed trying to help us it would defeat the purpose. That's why we aren't teaching you to attack except with magic which is from far away... What we teach you is purely for defense, to help us keep you alive or buy you time to escape. It's never an inconvenience to a serious Guardian to protect her ward."
Basil was a good student and a quick learner. For a long time Anna ran Basil through basic blocks to common attacks and showed her different ways to dodge those same attacks, "Always dodge if you have the time, if you don't then block... Taking the force of the blow is going to slow you down too, so like I said... Dodge if you can."
Anna suddenly felt odd, like someone was watching her... The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She told herself it was nothing but she decided that she'd shown Basil enough for the day. "We should head back... It's almost curfew. Since today was just our introduction to each other they won't be doing the over night tests... That'll come later. So, I'll meet you in the morning for breakfast... Will you be going to the Feeders first or the lunchroom?"
She guided Basil back towards the school and the Moroi dorms, wondering if she'd run into Gunner.
As she handed him the practice stake he looked momentarily lost. Even with all his defense training it still felt odd to hold a weapon...for attacking... lethal close range attacking at that. He suddenly understood what Aleksander had meant, even if he managed to get close enough to a Strigoi to use the stake he'd more than likely be killed before he could ever effectively do it. That meant that even if he found Anya she'd probably kill or change him before he'd be able to change her back... Unless maybe Anna and Gunner were with him to help him do it but he wasn't sure they'd be behind him on it. He let out a breath, clearing his mind and listened to Serena's guidance.
~*~
Anna shook her head, "Actually, if it comes down to letting your Guardian die and escaping or staying and dying as well... You should run. It's a Guardian's job to put their life on the line, if you risked yours and got killed trying to help us it would defeat the purpose. That's why we aren't teaching you to attack except with magic which is from far away... What we teach you is purely for defense, to help us keep you alive or buy you time to escape. It's never an inconvenience to a serious Guardian to protect her ward."
Basil was a good student and a quick learner. For a long time Anna ran Basil through basic blocks to common attacks and showed her different ways to dodge those same attacks, "Always dodge if you have the time, if you don't then block... Taking the force of the blow is going to slow you down too, so like I said... Dodge if you can."
Anna suddenly felt odd, like someone was watching her... The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She told herself it was nothing but she decided that she'd shown Basil enough for the day. "We should head back... It's almost curfew. Since today was just our introduction to each other they won't be doing the over night tests... That'll come later. So, I'll meet you in the morning for breakfast... Will you be going to the Feeders first or the lunchroom?"
She guided Basil back towards the school and the Moroi dorms, wondering if she'd run into Gunner.
As she doctored his hand he watched with a morbid fascination, "But it is me Anya... Spirit is part of me. I think it just amplifies what's already there..."
As she spoke her next words he looked at her carefully, "You still want to be around me after that?" He rubbed the back of his neck with his good hand. "My best... I don't know what that is." He smiled at her somewhat, "But for you... I'll try."
He dropped his hand once she was done bandaging it and glanced at the school, "Anna and Gunner will wonder where we are... They're in the cafeteria by now."
~*~
Anna shook her head as Gunner grabbed another apple and she debated over her choices before deciding on the spaghetti, even though she knew the sauce would be bland and the meat a mystery. She took a seat at the table, brooding over the days classes... The first half was boring. It was your usual classes, history etc... just Moroi based instead of human. The second half which came after lunch was what she was looking forward to.
"You think Guardian Belikov will be as good as everyone says?"
As she spoke her next words he looked at her carefully, "You still want to be around me after that?" He rubbed the back of his neck with his good hand. "My best... I don't know what that is." He smiled at her somewhat, "But for you... I'll try."
He dropped his hand once she was done bandaging it and glanced at the school, "Anna and Gunner will wonder where we are... They're in the cafeteria by now."
~*~
Anna shook her head as Gunner grabbed another apple and she debated over her choices before deciding on the spaghetti, even though she knew the sauce would be bland and the meat a mystery. She took a seat at the table, brooding over the days classes... The first half was boring. It was your usual classes, history etc... just Moroi based instead of human. The second half which came after lunch was what she was looking forward to.
"You think Guardian Belikov will be as good as everyone says?"
Aleks laughed, "Yes... I would not want the flame users to catch anything inappropriate on fire."
As she asked about Sebastian he frowned momentarily, considering... The boy had attended his defense classes since sophomore year and he had a feeling it had something to do with Anya's disappearance. He also knew that with the power of Spirit flowing through him there weren't many ways he could use that for attack, not without making himself more of a liability than a help. He also knew how much the Lazars would disapprove but had always believed in one making one's own choices. Finally, he nodded.
"If he wishes to learn... I will teach him." He glanced around and spotted Sebastian, "I should ask him... but first..."
He shouted orders to the class, basic instructions on how to position one's self to block attacks and the student Guardian's performed those attacks slowly on their Moroi and the Moroi practiced blocking, gradually speeding up until the movements were realistically paced.
~*~
"Hmm... Mine is Tiramisu."
For a moment the words she used in response to his warning shook him, it was almost exactly the same thing that Anya had told him so long ago. To avoid her seeing the mix of emotions that suddenly played across his face, even though she seemed intent on his file, he looked away and pretended to be distracted by the tables that Aleksander had set up.
He smiled back at her as she continued, "Yes well, maybe that's not such a good thing. I could have all sorts of terrible crazy insane people things going on up there... You never know," he joked.
"As far as what the classes are like... Well, it's the student Guardian's coaching one on one with their wards. For the beginners it's basic defense, second year it's learning which attacks to dodge and which to block... breaking out of certain holds, for people like me who have been coming three years it's actual counters, ways to distract the Strigoi without getting in the way of your guardian, and learning which bones are the easiest to break to gain time if you absolutely have to get that close and have that opening... which is doubtful but it's nice of them to teach us just in case..."
He wondered if there was anything about Anya in his file. Their semi-relationship hadn't really been much of a secret. Her parents had thoroughly disapproved, his reputation wasn't something they wanted tainting hers... not that he blamed them. Her loss had caused his parents to put him in isolation for days to keep him from harming someone... or himself. He'd gone pretty far off the deep end, almost completely lost himself in all that darkness in his spirit, and in the end it had only been Anna and Gunner who had pulled him through. That would be an awkward topic of conversation...
He heard Guardian Belikov shouting instructions and glanced over at Serena, "Well... we should start. Usually I run through practice with either Anna or Gunner, this will be a change."
He took up stance and was about to start when he heard Belikov again, "Sebastian..."
Seb nodded, "Guardian Belikov."
Aleks nodded to Serena as well before continuing, "Ms. Matila has brought it to my attention that there aren't many ways a Spirit user can use their element to attack in a successful manner..."
Seb grimaced, "No there isn't... Not without doing more harm than good."
"She has suggested I teach you to stake Strigoi... if you have the opportunity it could mean returning a Strigoi to it's rightful state. I am not saying you may have this opportunity, it is dangerous to even try-"
Determination was already flaring in Sebastian's eyes, "I want to learn."
"Are you sure?"
"I am."
Aleks frowned, "Sebastian, you are aware that even if you learn this you may never find or even have the chance to use this on Anya if she has become Strigoi?"
Sebastian grimaced but was undeterred, "Yes."
"Very well... Serena, how would you like to coach Sebastian in this?"
~*~
Anna laughed at her own mistake, "Learn something new every day."
She smiled at Basil, "Alright, well... we should find somewhere private where we won't be seen so that no one says anything to the wrong person... That way it doesn't get back to your parents."
She thought a moment then nodded, "Follow me..."
She guided Basil out of training class and into the woods along the parameter of the Wards near the lake, "This should be far enough out of the way." She considered a moment, Basil hadn't taken any classes before so she'd have to start small...
"Alright, we'll run through some basic attacks and blocks. I'll go slow and show you exactly where your feet need to be... first though... always keep your hands up. It allows you to block your face and makes your blocking quicker when you're already standing ready." She took hold of Basil's wrists and showed her where her hands would be most effectively positioned.
"Then, you'll need to brace yourself because most Strigoi are exceptionally strong and just a back hand could knock you off your feet if you aren't prepared and braced for it." She used her own feet to push Basil's foot where it needed to be, "This will usually keep you from getting completely blown away, but the more you brace the harder their attack will hit so if they have a weapon the better bet is to dodge and run."
The lesson went on and all the while Anya watched from the shadows outside the wards...
As she asked about Sebastian he frowned momentarily, considering... The boy had attended his defense classes since sophomore year and he had a feeling it had something to do with Anya's disappearance. He also knew that with the power of Spirit flowing through him there weren't many ways he could use that for attack, not without making himself more of a liability than a help. He also knew how much the Lazars would disapprove but had always believed in one making one's own choices. Finally, he nodded.
"If he wishes to learn... I will teach him." He glanced around and spotted Sebastian, "I should ask him... but first..."
He shouted orders to the class, basic instructions on how to position one's self to block attacks and the student Guardian's performed those attacks slowly on their Moroi and the Moroi practiced blocking, gradually speeding up until the movements were realistically paced.
~*~
"Hmm... Mine is Tiramisu."
For a moment the words she used in response to his warning shook him, it was almost exactly the same thing that Anya had told him so long ago. To avoid her seeing the mix of emotions that suddenly played across his face, even though she seemed intent on his file, he looked away and pretended to be distracted by the tables that Aleksander had set up.
He smiled back at her as she continued, "Yes well, maybe that's not such a good thing. I could have all sorts of terrible crazy insane people things going on up there... You never know," he joked.
"As far as what the classes are like... Well, it's the student Guardian's coaching one on one with their wards. For the beginners it's basic defense, second year it's learning which attacks to dodge and which to block... breaking out of certain holds, for people like me who have been coming three years it's actual counters, ways to distract the Strigoi without getting in the way of your guardian, and learning which bones are the easiest to break to gain time if you absolutely have to get that close and have that opening... which is doubtful but it's nice of them to teach us just in case..."
He wondered if there was anything about Anya in his file. Their semi-relationship hadn't really been much of a secret. Her parents had thoroughly disapproved, his reputation wasn't something they wanted tainting hers... not that he blamed them. Her loss had caused his parents to put him in isolation for days to keep him from harming someone... or himself. He'd gone pretty far off the deep end, almost completely lost himself in all that darkness in his spirit, and in the end it had only been Anna and Gunner who had pulled him through. That would be an awkward topic of conversation...
He heard Guardian Belikov shouting instructions and glanced over at Serena, "Well... we should start. Usually I run through practice with either Anna or Gunner, this will be a change."
He took up stance and was about to start when he heard Belikov again, "Sebastian..."
Seb nodded, "Guardian Belikov."
Aleks nodded to Serena as well before continuing, "Ms. Matila has brought it to my attention that there aren't many ways a Spirit user can use their element to attack in a successful manner..."
Seb grimaced, "No there isn't... Not without doing more harm than good."
"She has suggested I teach you to stake Strigoi... if you have the opportunity it could mean returning a Strigoi to it's rightful state. I am not saying you may have this opportunity, it is dangerous to even try-"
Determination was already flaring in Sebastian's eyes, "I want to learn."
"Are you sure?"
"I am."
Aleks frowned, "Sebastian, you are aware that even if you learn this you may never find or even have the chance to use this on Anya if she has become Strigoi?"
Sebastian grimaced but was undeterred, "Yes."
"Very well... Serena, how would you like to coach Sebastian in this?"
~*~
Anna laughed at her own mistake, "Learn something new every day."
She smiled at Basil, "Alright, well... we should find somewhere private where we won't be seen so that no one says anything to the wrong person... That way it doesn't get back to your parents."
She thought a moment then nodded, "Follow me..."
She guided Basil out of training class and into the woods along the parameter of the Wards near the lake, "This should be far enough out of the way." She considered a moment, Basil hadn't taken any classes before so she'd have to start small...
"Alright, we'll run through some basic attacks and blocks. I'll go slow and show you exactly where your feet need to be... first though... always keep your hands up. It allows you to block your face and makes your blocking quicker when you're already standing ready." She took hold of Basil's wrists and showed her where her hands would be most effectively positioned.
"Then, you'll need to brace yourself because most Strigoi are exceptionally strong and just a back hand could knock you off your feet if you aren't prepared and braced for it." She used her own feet to push Basil's foot where it needed to be, "This will usually keep you from getting completely blown away, but the more you brace the harder their attack will hit so if they have a weapon the better bet is to dodge and run."
The lesson went on and all the while Anya watched from the shadows outside the wards...
Yeah, I never used mine really so I've gotta get the swing of it.
Anna smiled her thanks, "Awesome... it won't take long."
When Basil informed her she'd wanted to take the defense classes but her parents had denied her she sighed, "And unfortunately that's what makes our job more difficult than it needs to be...No offense. Most of the time it's one of us against several Strigoi and they're already stronger and faster than us. I don't mind watching over my ward, that's the Guardian's job, but if the Moroi I was guarding knew basic defense and could combine that with attack magic... Well, we'd make for a hell of a team. I don't think the Strigoi would know what hit them and the death rates of both Guardians and Moroi would go way down...." She grimaced, "Eh... sorry. I'm talking too much."
She wandered down the hall, seeming casual but always keeping a watchful eye over Basil who she kept close by and in her line of sight always... There were very few moroi inside the training class and she didn't see any royals, aside from Sebastian who would no doubt be there momentarily.
She took up her Guardian stance by the door as she waited, "If you ever decide you want to break a few rules I could teach you in private, I'm way supportive of any Moroi who wants to lear... Especially a royal. The senior year Guardians were going to be helping to train their Moroi wards anyway."
"Oh.. there he is. Seb!"
~*~
Sebastian chuckled, the mood had all but faded away by now and he was feeling relatively normal again. As she mentioned compulsion he grimaced, "Unfortunately, it's about the only way to use Spirit as an attack unless I learn how to stake a Strigoi... which I doubt any teacher will willingly teach me. Though, it would be worth it to see my father so pissed. I can hear him now, 'You are a royal, not a low life Dhampir, learn your place."
He rolled his eyes and then accepted her help up and off of the bed, messing her hair up playfully but careful not to expose her neck... he knew how scared she was to have whatever she was hiding under there exposed... and he was pretty sure he knew what it was. The thought made him angry and sad for her all at the same time. Too bad he couldn't heal scars... "Hmm... what is your favorite food?"
As they finally reached training class he heard Anna yell for him and glanced about, spotting her Guarding a pretty blonde he recognized as Basil. He headed over, "So if you didn't get me, I am guessing Gunner did? I'll have to give him hell about being late."
Anna rubbed the back of her neck nervously, "Actually... Gunner got Gabby."
She passed Serena her paper, "Well, at least you already know your Guardian... and I like her." She winked at Serena, hoping things wouldn't be awkward.
Sebastian arched a brow, "This is a first... I guess they wanted to see if anyone else could tolerate my charming personality."
Anna scoffed, "More like they think it'll be good for us to train with someone we don't know back to front."
Seb feigned hurt, "I'll have you know I'm a mystery wrapped in an enigma and sprinkled with a little bit of intrigue..." He glanced at Serena, "Are you alright with this? You know I can be... crazy... but you haven't seen the worst of it yet. Hopefully, you won't get to." He grimaced thinking about Anya's sister and the Moroi boy he'd made maim himself. "It's... not pretty."
Anna glanced at Basil and then gave the two a slight smile, "I have to escort m'lady to wherever it is she needs to be next. She did me a favor by coming down here, now I best get gone."
She turned to Basil, "Where to Madame?" Anna was naturally playful and talkative, she hoped she didn't get on Basil's nerves.
~*~
Aleksander glanced up as Ms. Matila entered and smiled, "Ah... you did decide to come." He brushed his hands off on his pants and shook his head, "I think they're spaced out alright now... It is good you came. I had a request of you, it came to me when we were talking in the cafeteria."
"What do you think of helping me teach the defense classes? I think mixing the attack magic and physical defense would be extremely useful and exciting for the students. They can use their elements to strengthen their defenses and I think it will help keep them interested. Unfortunately, I don't know enough of how Moroi magic works to be able to teach such a thing myself."
He smiled again, "That's why I need you... Oh, Sonya Karp came to see me... She said you had something to ask but forgot what it was."
When Basil informed her she'd wanted to take the defense classes but her parents had denied her she sighed, "And unfortunately that's what makes our job more difficult than it needs to be...No offense. Most of the time it's one of us against several Strigoi and they're already stronger and faster than us. I don't mind watching over my ward, that's the Guardian's job, but if the Moroi I was guarding knew basic defense and could combine that with attack magic... Well, we'd make for a hell of a team. I don't think the Strigoi would know what hit them and the death rates of both Guardians and Moroi would go way down...." She grimaced, "Eh... sorry. I'm talking too much."
She wandered down the hall, seeming casual but always keeping a watchful eye over Basil who she kept close by and in her line of sight always... There were very few moroi inside the training class and she didn't see any royals, aside from Sebastian who would no doubt be there momentarily.
She took up her Guardian stance by the door as she waited, "If you ever decide you want to break a few rules I could teach you in private, I'm way supportive of any Moroi who wants to lear... Especially a royal. The senior year Guardians were going to be helping to train their Moroi wards anyway."
"Oh.. there he is. Seb!"
~*~
Sebastian chuckled, the mood had all but faded away by now and he was feeling relatively normal again. As she mentioned compulsion he grimaced, "Unfortunately, it's about the only way to use Spirit as an attack unless I learn how to stake a Strigoi... which I doubt any teacher will willingly teach me. Though, it would be worth it to see my father so pissed. I can hear him now, 'You are a royal, not a low life Dhampir, learn your place."
He rolled his eyes and then accepted her help up and off of the bed, messing her hair up playfully but careful not to expose her neck... he knew how scared she was to have whatever she was hiding under there exposed... and he was pretty sure he knew what it was. The thought made him angry and sad for her all at the same time. Too bad he couldn't heal scars... "Hmm... what is your favorite food?"
As they finally reached training class he heard Anna yell for him and glanced about, spotting her Guarding a pretty blonde he recognized as Basil. He headed over, "So if you didn't get me, I am guessing Gunner did? I'll have to give him hell about being late."
Anna rubbed the back of her neck nervously, "Actually... Gunner got Gabby."
She passed Serena her paper, "Well, at least you already know your Guardian... and I like her." She winked at Serena, hoping things wouldn't be awkward.
Sebastian arched a brow, "This is a first... I guess they wanted to see if anyone else could tolerate my charming personality."
Anna scoffed, "More like they think it'll be good for us to train with someone we don't know back to front."
Seb feigned hurt, "I'll have you know I'm a mystery wrapped in an enigma and sprinkled with a little bit of intrigue..." He glanced at Serena, "Are you alright with this? You know I can be... crazy... but you haven't seen the worst of it yet. Hopefully, you won't get to." He grimaced thinking about Anya's sister and the Moroi boy he'd made maim himself. "It's... not pretty."
Anna glanced at Basil and then gave the two a slight smile, "I have to escort m'lady to wherever it is she needs to be next. She did me a favor by coming down here, now I best get gone."
She turned to Basil, "Where to Madame?" Anna was naturally playful and talkative, she hoped she didn't get on Basil's nerves.
~*~
Aleksander glanced up as Ms. Matila entered and smiled, "Ah... you did decide to come." He brushed his hands off on his pants and shook his head, "I think they're spaced out alright now... It is good you came. I had a request of you, it came to me when we were talking in the cafeteria."
"What do you think of helping me teach the defense classes? I think mixing the attack magic and physical defense would be extremely useful and exciting for the students. They can use their elements to strengthen their defenses and I think it will help keep them interested. Unfortunately, I don't know enough of how Moroi magic works to be able to teach such a thing myself."
He smiled again, "That's why I need you... Oh, Sonya Karp came to see me... She said you had something to ask but forgot what it was."
He hadn't heard her calling, he'd been too wrapped up in finding somewhere to be alone so he could-
She caught his arm and pulled him to a stop, he turned to her... His grey green eyes dull and empty looking almost. He was hiding behind his walls again, a mask of carelessness in place, but for someone that knew him it would be easy to see how tired he looked and the emptiness in his eyes... like he was lost somewhere in his own mind. His hand stung, the deep cut reminding him he was still there underneath the feeling of drowning in his own hopelessness. He deserved it, he knew what using Spirit in a dark way could do... especially when he so rarely used it at all. He realized, belatedly, that when she'd pulled on his arm it had pulled his still bleeding hand from his pocket... along with the razor blade which had fallen to the ground. The crimson liquid dripping thickly from his palm made tracks down his fingers in a way that held his attention for a moment... the insanity gnawing at him before he looked back at Anya.
"Where am I?" He really wasn't sure, he'd been walking on auto-pilot but seeing her face broke through the haze a little bit. He blinked, seemingly coming out of whatever dark place he'd been sinking into... but it was only momentary. He knew he'd sink again the moment he was left alone. "Shit... you shouldn't have followed me. I don't know what I'll do when I'm like this... Hell, I barely know who I am..."
His hands were shaking, the blood still dripping from his fingertips on his left hand. At least it was the left... he wrote with his right. He wouldn't get behind on his school work... with that oddly illogical thought he felt slightly dizzy and sick. "I need to..." He leaned against the tree next to him and broke out into a cold sweat. Maybe he would come out of this more quickly than usual, the storm clouds were already parting which was leaving him with the after affect of channeling so much darkness. "I'm sorry," he said grimly. "I heard her picking on you and I remembered the bruise and I don't even remember most of what I said... Sometimes, when I get really angry, I lose it. I've only done it once before but I almost made a kid claw his own face off for putting his hands on Anna. Gunner had to knock me out to make me stop, sometimes I can't stop..."
He looked tortured, he hated the things he did... hated what using the magic did to him... but he was too selfish to take the pills to cut him off from it. Why couldn't he have wielded a normal magic? "I never wanted you to see me like that..."
~*~
Anna sighed, "The way I feel... you already did." She stretched and straightened up before laughing at him and joking, "You have a ways to go before you catch up with my lightning quick skills."
Still, he was right. She needed to train hard so she could keep up with him, and her speed really was the one thing she had up on him. He was bigger, stronger, and had a longer reach... if he outmatched her in speed she'd be in big trouble... not that she wasn't already.
She frowned, "Huh... I'm sure they'll meet us when they're ready. Right now, I'm starved. Let's hit breakfast."
She caught his arm and pulled him to a stop, he turned to her... His grey green eyes dull and empty looking almost. He was hiding behind his walls again, a mask of carelessness in place, but for someone that knew him it would be easy to see how tired he looked and the emptiness in his eyes... like he was lost somewhere in his own mind. His hand stung, the deep cut reminding him he was still there underneath the feeling of drowning in his own hopelessness. He deserved it, he knew what using Spirit in a dark way could do... especially when he so rarely used it at all. He realized, belatedly, that when she'd pulled on his arm it had pulled his still bleeding hand from his pocket... along with the razor blade which had fallen to the ground. The crimson liquid dripping thickly from his palm made tracks down his fingers in a way that held his attention for a moment... the insanity gnawing at him before he looked back at Anya.
"Where am I?" He really wasn't sure, he'd been walking on auto-pilot but seeing her face broke through the haze a little bit. He blinked, seemingly coming out of whatever dark place he'd been sinking into... but it was only momentary. He knew he'd sink again the moment he was left alone. "Shit... you shouldn't have followed me. I don't know what I'll do when I'm like this... Hell, I barely know who I am..."
His hands were shaking, the blood still dripping from his fingertips on his left hand. At least it was the left... he wrote with his right. He wouldn't get behind on his school work... with that oddly illogical thought he felt slightly dizzy and sick. "I need to..." He leaned against the tree next to him and broke out into a cold sweat. Maybe he would come out of this more quickly than usual, the storm clouds were already parting which was leaving him with the after affect of channeling so much darkness. "I'm sorry," he said grimly. "I heard her picking on you and I remembered the bruise and I don't even remember most of what I said... Sometimes, when I get really angry, I lose it. I've only done it once before but I almost made a kid claw his own face off for putting his hands on Anna. Gunner had to knock me out to make me stop, sometimes I can't stop..."
He looked tortured, he hated the things he did... hated what using the magic did to him... but he was too selfish to take the pills to cut him off from it. Why couldn't he have wielded a normal magic? "I never wanted you to see me like that..."
~*~
Anna sighed, "The way I feel... you already did." She stretched and straightened up before laughing at him and joking, "You have a ways to go before you catch up with my lightning quick skills."
Still, he was right. She needed to train hard so she could keep up with him, and her speed really was the one thing she had up on him. He was bigger, stronger, and had a longer reach... if he outmatched her in speed she'd be in big trouble... not that she wasn't already.
She frowned, "Huh... I'm sure they'll meet us when they're ready. Right now, I'm starved. Let's hit breakfast."
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Anna smiled back at Basil who was clearly proud of herself and then as Ms. Matila came over she moved to the wall like the other Guardians and spotted Kseniya moving away from Rae. Before she took her Guardian stance she waved at her with a small smile, showing that she wasn't still angry. Broken bones happened in practice, she just tended to get touchy when it was a friend... She'd have been the same way had it been Serena who'd broken Niya's leg... She'd explain that later. For now though she listened to Basil explain her earth wielding and considered what she could do to help Basil train... a royal who was willing and seemingly eager to actually learn to help her Guardian was rare.
As Anna caught Rae smirking at Niya she rolled her eyes, he hadn't changed much. Though, knowing Niya she'd be able to handle him just fine. She seemed the stern type when it came to Guardian work, she doubted she'd let Rae mess with her too much. She let her eyes scan the room and they fell on Gunner who looked so serious already... Her lips quirked with slight amusement before the bell finally rang. "Almost bed time... weird vampire time tables..."
Right now would be their free time before cerfew, some of the Moroi would be attending defense classes with Belikov which their Dhampir Guardians would attend with them and help them with so that all the Moroi could learn one on one. It was an interesting concept really. She wondered how many Moroi had actually signed up for the class and glanced at Basil, "Where to? Do you mind if I stop by the defense class if you aren't in it... I need to drop off a friend's papers on her ward." She knew Seb had planned to take the defense classes again this year.
~*~
As Serena struggled for the word Sebastian chuckled again, the shakes calming down finally. "It is sometimes... and nah. I can barely handle my own issues much less other people's."
As she asked her next question he considered, "Mmm... Favorite day or time of?" He shrugged and just answered both, "Probably... sundays. It's when we get to relax instead of taking classes, it gives me time with Anna and Gunner." He considered, "As for time... I like early morning. The dew is still on the ground and the sun isn't bright enough to sting yet but it's pleasant..."
He heard the bell and grimaced, "Been down here that long have we? I need to apologize to Ms. Matila... maybe make up some time. I need to head to defense class too though... Hmm... I'll have to meet her tomorrow I suppose." He frowned... He actually liked his teacher and she'd been honestly trying to help him by bringing Sonya Karp here to the Academy to train him. He felt like he owed her.
"Anyway, you should come. Anna will be there because she knows that's where I'm headed and she'll want to check in on me to make sure I'm okay after healing you... She'll want to see you too, she probably has your papers for your Ward."
~*~
Aleksander smiled, "Well, I should probably see her at the defense class for the Moroi, like you said... They'll be coming any moment."
He began pulling out the tables into the center of the room... Some held stones, others held bowls of water, another had candles. His goal was to help the Moroi mix what they were learning in Trishia's class with what he would teach them here. Honestly, it was part of the reason he'd invited Trishia... if they worked together they could help make the class more focused on things Moroi were good at and mix physical defense with magical attacks and make everything more effective. He hoped she would come.
~*~
Anya sensed the other strigoi and tensed, he was closer than she'd realized and he was older than her which usually meant stronger. She frowned, she hadn't meant to wander so close but she'd seen Anna and Gunner helping another Dhampir girl towards the infirmary and had been distracted by her annoyance. They were HERS... She bared fangs, her red eyes flashing. She had a choice, leave now that the other Strigoi had shown up or risk an encounter by remaining and maybe catch another glimpse of Sebastian... HER Sebastian. No little Dhampir would change that... again she hissed... stalking along the parameter of the wards. If she'd had a way in she still wouldn't be able to take them, not with so many Guardians nearby... She reminded herself to be patient, sooner or later they'd come outside the Wards...
Still, she couldn't bring herself to leave... her possessive anger rooting her to the spot despite the threat of an older and more powerful Strigoi.
As Anna caught Rae smirking at Niya she rolled her eyes, he hadn't changed much. Though, knowing Niya she'd be able to handle him just fine. She seemed the stern type when it came to Guardian work, she doubted she'd let Rae mess with her too much. She let her eyes scan the room and they fell on Gunner who looked so serious already... Her lips quirked with slight amusement before the bell finally rang. "Almost bed time... weird vampire time tables..."
Right now would be their free time before cerfew, some of the Moroi would be attending defense classes with Belikov which their Dhampir Guardians would attend with them and help them with so that all the Moroi could learn one on one. It was an interesting concept really. She wondered how many Moroi had actually signed up for the class and glanced at Basil, "Where to? Do you mind if I stop by the defense class if you aren't in it... I need to drop off a friend's papers on her ward." She knew Seb had planned to take the defense classes again this year.
~*~
As Serena struggled for the word Sebastian chuckled again, the shakes calming down finally. "It is sometimes... and nah. I can barely handle my own issues much less other people's."
As she asked her next question he considered, "Mmm... Favorite day or time of?" He shrugged and just answered both, "Probably... sundays. It's when we get to relax instead of taking classes, it gives me time with Anna and Gunner." He considered, "As for time... I like early morning. The dew is still on the ground and the sun isn't bright enough to sting yet but it's pleasant..."
He heard the bell and grimaced, "Been down here that long have we? I need to apologize to Ms. Matila... maybe make up some time. I need to head to defense class too though... Hmm... I'll have to meet her tomorrow I suppose." He frowned... He actually liked his teacher and she'd been honestly trying to help him by bringing Sonya Karp here to the Academy to train him. He felt like he owed her.
"Anyway, you should come. Anna will be there because she knows that's where I'm headed and she'll want to check in on me to make sure I'm okay after healing you... She'll want to see you too, she probably has your papers for your Ward."
~*~
Aleksander smiled, "Well, I should probably see her at the defense class for the Moroi, like you said... They'll be coming any moment."
He began pulling out the tables into the center of the room... Some held stones, others held bowls of water, another had candles. His goal was to help the Moroi mix what they were learning in Trishia's class with what he would teach them here. Honestly, it was part of the reason he'd invited Trishia... if they worked together they could help make the class more focused on things Moroi were good at and mix physical defense with magical attacks and make everything more effective. He hoped she would come.
~*~
Anya sensed the other strigoi and tensed, he was closer than she'd realized and he was older than her which usually meant stronger. She frowned, she hadn't meant to wander so close but she'd seen Anna and Gunner helping another Dhampir girl towards the infirmary and had been distracted by her annoyance. They were HERS... She bared fangs, her red eyes flashing. She had a choice, leave now that the other Strigoi had shown up or risk an encounter by remaining and maybe catch another glimpse of Sebastian... HER Sebastian. No little Dhampir would change that... again she hissed... stalking along the parameter of the wards. If she'd had a way in she still wouldn't be able to take them, not with so many Guardians nearby... She reminded herself to be patient, sooner or later they'd come outside the Wards...
Still, she couldn't bring herself to leave... her possessive anger rooting her to the spot despite the threat of an older and more powerful Strigoi.
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