The Elysion Brigade, The Story

The Academy for the Elysion Brigade. Where children are trained from a young age to serve in the Elysion Brigade.

It wasn't a particularly large institute, but still the races didn't interact too much before they were formed onto teams. Which is why Kane found himself wandering along towards the courtyard in which the graduation ceremony was to take place wondering what his team mates would be like. Would they be strong? Or devious? But the biggest question, would they be able to help him find his parents? Well, he didn't have the position to chose. He would be assigned his partner's by the head of the academy. For some reason that irked him greatly. As if he didn't really have a choice in the matter.

And to an extent that was true. He didn't really. And he hadn't really met enough of the Humans or Seifierl to make a decision anyway. Heck, he didn't even know all the Vorgan properly! He had trained quite a bit, which had left him far too little time to socialise or find friends. A disappointing thing in it's own way, he would have liked to have one friend before he graduated. There wasn't really going to be much time to talk to anyone else than his team mates after graduation. That was a simple fact of the Brigade.

There wasn't much he could do to fix that now, and it didn't really matter anyway. He supposed it was just nerves, graduation was a big thing. You learned who you'd be fighting with on the Brigade. Which was, incidently, a long time. The Brigade was worth it though. It was the only reason peace reigned, and that was a good goal in itself. And that was what was needed, good goals. Like searching for his parents....

Kane shook his head, dispelling those thoughts as he walked through the passageway, seeing students ahead and behind him. He was in a gap, an empty space inbetween them. Because he was, as ever since his parents disappeared, alone. Lonliness was like a weight. He shook those thoughts out too, dwelling on them would only lead to depression. He had to find his parents. He had to help the Brigade succeed... He itched to train now, training occupied him and drove out all the extra thoughts, the thoughts about his parents, and how he'd lost them one day, when they hadn't come home .... NO! He was losing it again. The nerves created by the ceremony were distracting his usual tight hold on his thoughts.

He grinned to himself, his sense of comedy taking over as he thought about it. Most people would probably laugh if they thought he was nervous. Kane had almost never been nervous. He was the one that stood in front of the class, taking the beating from the teacher while he tried to teach the rest a move, he could stand out and do almost anything, never getting cold feet from thinking about it.

At least, until now. Now he felt himself wound tighter than a spring. Now his mind went off in five different directions while he struggled to bring it back into the zone of darkness. That calm center where he could face anything. Where composure was second nature. His father had taught him about it, and he had held onto it ever since they disappeared, like a child that hangs onto a toy as the last memory of a loved one. As if letting it go would be like finally admitting that they could never come back... See? There he went again.

His thoughts strayed with every step, he just had to concentrate. Nerves would only slow him, they would only get in the way of his being able to help people. And find his-.. No, he would not let that thought continue. He must retain control. His breathing slowed as he entered the calm center, the void. He smiled, he would not slow for anything. He saw the door up ahead, the gateway leading out into the courtyard, with it's great ferns. It could almost be called a garden. He took one deep breath, and stepped forward into the light, and into the throng of people waiting for the graduation ceremony to begin.

Many poisonous plants look like their edible relatives or like other edible plants. For example, poison hemlock appears very similar to wild carrot. Certain plants are safe to eat in certain seasons or stages of growth and poisonous in other stages. For example, the leaves of the pokeweed are edible when it first starts to grow, but it soon becomes poisonous. You can eat some plants and their fruits only when they are ripe. For example, the ripe fruit of mayapple is edible, but all other parts and the green fruit are poisonous. Some plants contain both edible and poisonous parts; potatoes and tomatoes are common plant foods, but their green parts are poisonous. Some plants become toxic after wilting. For example, when the black cherry starts to wilt, hydrocyanic acid develops. Specific preparation methods make some plants edible that are poisonous raw. You can eat the thinly sliced and thoroughly dried corms of the jack-in-the-pulpit, but they are poisonous if not thoroughly dried.[1]

Light auburn hair swished as a girl flicked through pages of a slightly worn book, her bum seated upon the cold stone floor and a light coat surrounding her delicate frame. The girl was surrounded in dozens of books with similar topics pertaining to survival in the wilderness. Lisette shut the old musty book with a sharp snap. She had been inside the library since the morning as she tried to intake any helpful information for her knowledge base. It was slightly past noon of the graduation ceremony and Lisette was panicked at the prospect of travel; up until then the academy had literally been her only home. She ate, slept and at times even bathed within these very walls. The furthest Lisette had even been in the outside world was the city encircling said academy and even then she had never ventured even a step past the gate.

Perhaps there was a touch of security about being completely surrounded by books within a library within an academy within in a city that made Lisette feel at peace. Although she was about to graduate from the academy and venture out into the world the rather short human felt a soft tug at her sleeve: a small voice urging her not to go, that everything was too dangerous and that she’d be much happier staying within the safe comforting walls of her home. Lisette Aeona let out a small smile as she stood up and brushed the cream colored coat that served as her main article of attire free of dust. She knew it was just her pre-graduation jitters that were getting to her and there was no way she’d let it stop her.

Picking up the books one by one Lisette stacked them onto a nearby wooden table in the corner. The desk had a small blanket folded up in the corner of it as if signaling that was the home stay of a frequent visitor. Lisette widely grinned as she picked up the small blanket. With a small hug and a light inhalation of the familiar scent of books woven into the thread she then carefully set it inside her single strap side bag. Spotting something out of the corner of her eye Lisette fondly stared at a name etched messily into the table’s wood. With a small sigh she gentle drifted to the entrance of the doorway, looking back into the library with a nostalgic smile. It wasn’t as though the young girl wouldn’t be able to set the familiar haunting again but she knew that work in the brigade was something that literally took over your life. Even if she were able to come back it wouldn’t be for long. With a sad smile teasing at the corner of her lips Lisette shut the door behind her; her future was awaiting her.

A refreshing breeze wafted through the air as Lisette stared upwards into the sky, her arm tentatively shielding the Sun’s bright rays from her eyes. The world felt light with just a touch of fond sadness. The young girl stared as many students meandered through the fields all towards one converging destination point. Lisette grinned as she bounded down the stairs and ran along the green grasses of the academy towards the epitomical point of her future.

As of that day Lisette Aeona was an Elysian Brigade member!

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[1] was cited from here. Thank for for the information!

There once was a saying, that those within the Elysion Brigade would find reasoning behind their lives. How helping the greater good was much more worth their time than sitting in the shadows and lazily enjoying their time with the sins they eventually embed within themselves. To summarize their 'completed' lives with just the words Elysion Brigade. Saying they found their happiness within the world they were born by such mere means. Rumors were all that ever spread, the fact that everyone had their own meaning was less pronounced. People had reasons before joining with the Brigade, not a single one that could be directly solved by simply joining such an organization. No, this was merely a stepping stone to open paths reaching for the conclusion.

Bells. The graduation of training had finally come. The true step of people's paths have just truly begun. A life changing event where a simple trainee becomes a true member of the Brigade. Yet, even with such activities taking place, a young Seifierl daughter of ice laid upon her bed. Questioning the path that stood before her, the reasoning behind the Brigade itself. With the door open, a male figure leaned in the door frame, glaring inside at the motionless girl. Revarin Akin, her instructor. "Amnarei.." He spoke, his voice just as natural as ever, "People will only come to hate you if you insist on being this way." His body has been in the same position since he came to find Amnarei over twenty minutes ago. Her original plan was to simply skip the graduation ceremony and continue on without any partners, thus getting her kicked from the Brigade. She saw no hope of future residing within these walls.

"The same goes for you Akin." Her tone could be read as annoyed. Though this was always to be expected when she was around Revarin. Since he showed up she has been watched by the church as well the Brigade. Before she had the feeling she was more powerful than others, but when he appeared, it all went away. His victory within three seconds. Amnarei was an advanced member to graduate early, but her power no where near matched the other people with experience. She didn't even hold any records within the Brigade. Because of her act of superiority, she contained no friends within the academy. A wound that she dug herself, to be blamed on none other but herself. "Do you intend to wreak the benefits of the Brigade, or are you really just a pawn of church?"

His entrance into the room was unannounced, causing Amnarei to be caught in surprise as his cold hand grabbed at the neck of her shirt to pull her up. The sudden motion making her head jerk back, and the gentle skin pinch at his grip. A quiet cry of pain escaping from her lips. "It will look bad for me if my star pupil doesn't show up to graduation." He smirked, ignoring her last retort to his presence. She knew it was pointless to struggle against him, the difference in power was already proven many times before. His grip was forced onto her arm as he pulled her out the door.

When the presence of others were made known around her she attempted to resist by pulling at his grip. His smirk only widened, he never did like others to rebel. His grip slid down and firmly grabbed her hand, a coat of ice seemingly wrapping around their hands and binding them together. Immediately her head drooped as light pink took her cheeks. "This is how rumors get started you idiot!" She muttered trying to keep her head low as if to avoid others' sight. Her own embarrassment was his tool, she would obediently follow him as long as that pressure kept on her. Her rebellion subdued to walking silently beside him, hand in hand as she was pulled along in front of other members. Her hate in this man was doing nothing but grow.

His dark grin turned to a somewhat gentle smile before turning back to a normal expression. "What do you know, Amnarei can act cute. You don't want this information leaking out now do you?" The pink of her cheeks seemed to redden more, annoyance overpowering the embarrassment. It didn't matter, he was taking her to the graduation then letting go. Even Revarin wouldn't dare to continue this through the entire ceremony. She could easily escape before any of the official bindings were to take place. But that was before his voice pronounced once again, a more serious tone escaping. "Amnarei.. You told me once, your dream is to find purpose right?." After the fifth rematch she claimed against him, she lost a bet against him, which in the end forced her to tell him what she dreamed of. A nasty way to learn what one's desire is, especially since what she wanted was his early retirement. With the normal pale skin returning to her cheeks, she nodded. "Then lets make a deal.. As long as you serve in the Brigade as a proper member, I will help you find it." To this she looked to his eyes, wondering if he was actually serious on his proposition. To her regret, he actually meant it. His status in the church was of great value, and his research was always a great lead. If it were to find her reasoning behind life, then he could possibly find it.

"Fine.." She muttered, feeling almost forced to accept the proposition. Even if she did hate the man, it brought her relief knowing that he would help her find that dream. Never break promises, thats one thing that she could always hold too, even if she never really made promises to anyone. "I will try to be a Brigade member until you find the answer. But you better actually look for it.." Her head was obviously elsewhere from the distance of her voice. She hated the idea of it, but she did need help with the dream, and unfortunately, he had the best capability of finding it. As the frozen layer dissolved she wiggled her fingers feeling the freedom. Pulling away from him, and stepping in front of him. Her right hand extended towards him with only a pinky held up. "Pinky promise it..." Even if it was little assurance he would keep his side of the promise, she wanted it.

"Very well." He joined his pinky with hers, shaking once then letting go. He took a step back away from her, getting ready to take his leave. "Don't be late for your graduation now, or else I will drag you on the stage and make you sing the anthem." Turning on his heels he was already walking away, dismissing the idea of letting her have a chance to make a comeback. She silently bowed, before continuing the original direction. Even if she had to go on like this for years, as long as she could find the answer she was looking for.

Her entrance to the courtyard was late. This would only be temporary right? She could not allow her heart to get wrapped up in such a false illusion of dream like the Brigade. To be put in a group while she had no experience dealing with others in kindness. "Its a promise... Akin."

The masses swirled around Kane, his calm front still on as he found a spot nearing the front and sat down. The graduation wouldn't start for a few minutes, and he began to survey the others around him. There were representatives of all races, graduates through to Brigade members watching the new batch come through. There were most of the Council, off to the side talking over something, probably the final decisions on teams. There was even visitors, and security. The graduation only happened once a year, but Kane still did not see why it seemed to attract so much attention.

It wasn't a festival, it didn't even have any attractions apart from the actual team announcements. And even that wasn't too much of an attraction, yet still there were quite a few visitors from all three races. Kane snorted silently to himself, you could tell them by the way they found themselves in clusters of their own race. It seemed somewhat ludicrous to him, who had been raised in the Academy, to have such a problem with the other races. Sure, they had some things better and worse, but that was natural. The Seifierl weren't designed to keep up with Vorgan, their magic gave them all they needed. And jealousy? He didn't know what he'd do with magic anyway, there was something reassuring about fighting with his fists.

And probably a Seifierl would say the opposite, it was how they were built. Neither of them had the mind of the humans, the ability to explain exactly why things happened and put it into some sort of equation that they understood. Their technology was almost incomprehensible at times, but that was their strength, their advantage. It was natural when you had races. Surely? He'd never seen another race, and the ideas of how there were three currently flew right over his head, he preferred thinking about the present.

Yes, the present. The milling throng around him. The present was quite boring currently. He wanted to have his team announced already, so he could get onto -- onto finding the missing people and the cult responsible. Impatience might have been a good thing, it might also have been a bad thing. In fact, it would probably seem longer the more impatient he was. Time was rather tempermental like that.

Kane sat quietly as the throng around him moved to find seats, talk to other people, and generally wait for someone to get things started. Whose stupid idea had it been to make graduation so formal? He shook his head, now annoyed. It didn't really have to be like this, they could just get the students that were graduating, only a lesser part of the ones currently here, and get them into a smaller room with maybe the council and a few higher up Brigade members and tell them the teams they were in, rather than this whole crowd scene with people watching, random people from the city...

Impractical was what it was. He was infinitely glad when Mr.Iricus finally detatched himself from the rest of the council members and headed towards the dias with the rest of the Academy heads, or teachers. The man stepped up, standing and began talking. He had a very good voice, if nothing else. "Friends, members of our esteemed Brigade and citizens of our fair lands, I welcome you all to the graduation for the new Brigade members." And here came the whole introductionary speech. If only he could sleep through this....

But of course, he might miss his name if he did that, and that would make him look bad and have a whole lot of other consequences..... He'd survive the introduction speech.

Light pants echoed throughout the small clearing as Lisette raced across it towards the courtyard alongside a multitude of students doing the same thing. She looked out onto the nearby path and watched dozens of visitors walk along the titled pathway; many of these guests consisted of council members and various officials throughout the land. It was quite common to see important townsman and clergyman from cities and churches far away come to see the graduation; as the group of people graduating and joining the revered Elysian Brigade would be the protectors of the entire land. It was always smart for officials to recognize these names as mistreatment of the Brigade was usually dealt with a swift and powerful action from the council that represented then; however for many of those figures it was also a good idea to recognize the Brigadiers that would definitely be a permanent asset for a monetary exchange. For whatever the reason that drove these people, all it meant was that attending the graduation ceremony would definitely be an asset in future situations to came.

Lisette only took a moment to blink as she watched these people stride towards the ceremony courtyard before the well read human realized that although they had all the time in the world she did not. With a deep inhale Lisette pumped her legs quicker as she bolted towards the ceremony; it were times like these where being a Vorgan seemed much more appealing.

Light pants exited Lisette’s mouth as she finally made it to the courtyard; the breaths she were taking seemed to have stopped for a moment as she reveled in the decorum of the courtyard. Flowers were spread about at the lined the rim of the courtyard; the hazy mix of reds, blues and yellows made Lisette’s heart flutter as she realized how grand of an event the graduation ceremony was. Chairs were lined in a neat fashion, also slightly adorned with colors brightened by the flowers that reflected them, as they all faced towards a oak podium resting atop a wooden stage also decorated with flora. Behind said podium there was a multitude of council members gathered together.

A sudden hush over the bright crowd seemed to signal the start of the graduation ceremony. Lisette slightly panicked as looked about the courtyard frantically. Spotting the object of her desire she weaved in and out the torrent of people as she made her way towards the promising totem. Finally reaching a free seat situated a few rows from the back Lisette sat herself down as a faint pink hue adorned her cheeks. She patted down her skirt and coat for dust as she tried to play off her obvious embarrassment and glee.

A lough cough echoed throughout the silencing crowd as the crowd of council members dispersed and seated themselves on the reserved seats immediately to the front of the stage. In time the head of the teachers, a man known as Mr. Iricus, stepped upon the dias and moved himself behind the podium.

“Friends, members of our esteemed Brigade and citizens of our fair lands, I welcome you all to the graduation for the new Brigade members." He started as Lisette noted his rather powerful voice to be laced with what seemed to be pride.

“When these students started out they were nothing more than average children; children situated in almost every home of this land. They were young, they were brash and, like many children, they were in need of protection. These children, once again like many of your own, have gone through many trials and tribulations, many errors and omissions as well as moments of glory and moments of shame. Now these children are sitting before me; they have grown up in ways no one here could have possibly imagined; these children have learned and experienced everything this academy can offer and are now ready to protect and lead our land into the bright future it deserves! This is the point of their life they can look back on and realize that this is where they started their journey, this is where their lives were given meaning and that this is where they have truly become adults! With our blessings we are proud to announce that from today on all of the students here have officially become members of the Elysian Brigade!”

A loud roar of cheers and applause suddenly erupted from the crowd as they voiced their support for the new generation of heroes. Lisette smiled softly in her seat and she looked downwards as she suddenly found her feet to be very interesting. The rosy pink hue on her cheeks were more than evident to the people surrounding her.

Upon her entrance, everything had already began. The speakers had already shuffled through and most people were already sitting. Probably the few were only standing because they switched seats, finding one closer to their friends or relatives. "And now for the conclusion to the graduation, we will be assigning the teams. Now re-" The voice of the speaker seemed to just trail off in her mind, non of this introduction crap really did anything except lengthen the time frames of such events. However it was surprising to her that she managed to make it in time to hear the teams being red off, each member being called up one at a time. Perhaps Akin was keeping an eye on the time, and thats why he chose to pull her out at that moment.

She took a few steps forward, grabbing a chair in the back row, the person already sitting in it looking back at her. They were probably wanting to say 'find your own seat' but they could not quite manage to join their eyes with hers. The frost on the chair only spread as they tried to buy time. The boy was quick to give up his seat when she showed more annoyance for the wait. When she sat down the people on either side of her stood up and went to find another seat as well. This made her smile, since this was a public assembly people had less interest in starting a fight. "Fern Arferial, Seifierl, Fire" She quietly watched the short red head stand and walk towards the stage. A paper given to her, probably containing various details. Soon after, another member was called to walk up and stand beside her, then another.

This is the process that would continue for some time to come, already this was the seventh group called. They would call members up individually, announcing their name,race, and their branch of power or major in studies. There was possibly three hundred people seated amongst the crowd. Of those, it was possible that less than a hundred was in graduation ceremony. That meant that there very well may be at least thirty or so groups. And at this rate it would take at least another hour or two for this to actually finish up. Because of this she was actually hope she was in one of the groups coming up, then she would be dismissed a lot quicker than the rest of the unlucky bastards still sitting in the crowd.

The name calling continued, each person seeming more excited their name was called than the last. Perhaps it was because they were also growing weary of this ceremony's length, seeking an early escape from it all. How Amnarei spent her time was picking out the most annoying character out of each group. No matter how much she just wanted to stand up and walk out, she was bound to a promise. The only thing she could really do was hope that it would end more quickly with the calling of her name. To be one of the last remaining people that were not assigned to teams meant that they would be left behind to learn and help instruct until the next graduation. But then again, that is not nearly as bad as those who choose to stay behind and help study at the Brigade archives. The members who chose not to be on the teams and stay back in the safety of this place just to read books and teach their learnings to others.

More recognizable names began to flow through. Names that held current records because of their achievements throughout the Brigade. If she was to be paired with a group of those higher class members, would she be looked down upon? She quickly shook off the thought, figuring if she were looked down upon she would get her revenge in the end. But in such a group, wouldn't it be better? They could accomplish the missions much easier which would give her more room to search for the answers to her dream. What would it matter if two insignificant lives looked down upon her existence just because the difference of their levels?

"Amnarei Kalicus, Seifierl, Ice" She hesitantly waited before standing, wondering exactly what would happen if she chose not to at this moment. Would breaking a promise with Akin really be that bad, how far back would it set her on her goals? Was it actually worth it to put herself on the line to be supported by two people she didn't even know? Reluctantly she stood, feeling the eyes on her, another annoying part in these Ceremonies. She made her way through the chairs and continued down the path. Every step almost feeling like another person judging her. This was group nineteen, she did not escape as early as she hoped, but at least its better this way. She could not resist but looking between the people still in the chairs, each one different. It got difficult to decipher which ones were of what race, as all their faces were just blurs that passed by. Looking to the right, Akin was standing along the far side staring at her. Daggers that pushed her forward, not allowing her to turn back.

She lowered her head as she walked onto the stage to the council members, giving a light bow. When a member offered her the paper, she ignored it and instead walked back to the front of the stage where she stood, overlooking the crowd like the others had before her. The next two members called would be her partners, one of which would accept that paper. Why she did not want it herself was because of the information it may contain. She desired to not be in a position that required her to immediately converse with the two companions. After all, if this was like the stories, the Brigade had a tradition where each team must spend the remainder of the day together.

With her taking position on the stage, the second name would soon be called. What kind of faces would this bring to her, what all places would she see being part of a team? What if the two have their own goals and do not wish to help her with hers? Would they simply coexist and work on the designated missions together while actually leading completely separate lives? But then again, was it not also rumored that those assigned to teams only generally end up befriending the very allies they were assigned to? Her eyes remained cold, emotionless due to the activity of her mind. She hated the idea of actually following through with this, but it was Akin forcing her through this.

The speeches continued, and Kane grew more and more bored as they went. Only through self dicipline did he keep still. Most of them were unnecessary, some of them didn't have much to do with the actual graduation really, and quite a few repeated each other. Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. That's what they did. So he sat back, and ignored them.

When Iricus finally stepped back up to the podium to announce the teams, Kane sat up straight again. Which team was he going to be on, who would his team mates be? Well, the Seifierl were called up first, so he watched them as they walked through the crowd, making mental comments as to what his impression was and how interesting it would be to be on the same team. By the time the second team was announced, he was starting to realise that even the team announcements would take a while. So instead, he started making comments on the team members. He's over the top, she had a problem with ego... The list went on. He half grinned at certain combinations, nodded to himself at others.

The commitee certainly seemed to have a good grasp of how people would gel, so far every team had a higher possibility of getting along than would normally be expected. Team work it seems was higher on their priority than actually balancing the teams perfectly. Now they came to the higher class members. The ones that were the best in their classes. Now that would be a better team to be on, someone who could best him. Someone he could respect. He grinned in anticipation....

But even that had worn off by the fifteenth team. "Rodigar Uriel, Vorgan, Blades." The name, race and weapon group was read out once more, he watched the tall whipish male walk towards his Seifierl partner, a young Earth powered boy. The two of them looked like they had enough in common, it would work. The Vorgan was broody though, if Kane remembered correctly, and that would be a slight drag on the team. His mind slightly wandered, as if looking for something to keep him occupied, something to keep him busy until his name was called out. He didn't find much, and reluctantly returned to the present with a sigh and a muttered "Stupid long public events." He hated sitting still.

Despite his self control, his mind began to wander, would he be on the last team? It would be late then, and he wasn't sure if he'd hear his own name, all this boredom might put him to sleep. He grinned to himself, wouldn't that make him look bad. What team was it? He looked up, glancing to see what looked like team Eighteen going off stage. Nineteen next. Still Eleven more to go, on which he could be any of them. "Amnarei Kalicus, Seifierl, Ice." He took a look at the latest called up Brigade member, and was slightly surprised. Of the many emotions he'd seen the graduates display, reluctance was one that he'd never seen. She seemed firm enough once she actually got off her chair.

Her eyes were icy though, not a friendly sort. He pitied whoever had to put up with her. She reached the front of the stage, looking over the crowd with her cold eyes, and he raised his eyebrow to himself. She'd ignored the paper, was that an indication of something else? Hmmm. He laughed to himself, wondering how many more teams it was until he was called up. "Kane Mosteith, Vorgan, Hand-to-hand." He looked around slighty to see who the unfortunant Vorgan was, then paused. That was his name? Yes, that was him. He stood up confidently after a seconds false start, smiling slightly as he walked confidently through the eisles.

It seemed he'd jinxed himself. Well, you took what you get, and obviously the commitee thought he had a better chance of working with her than any other. He wondered why she had been reluctant to get up, but that had nothing to do with the moment. Would her reluctance cause them difficulties with finding and defeating the cult which had taken so many people? How would she react to him on a personal level? Well, there was only one way to find out. He took the steps at a bound, taking the parchment, but not looking at it. Rather he studied the Seifierl he would fight with for the next part of his life, for the Elysion Brigade. Then his mind conjured another question, who was to be the Human?

He watched Iricus stand once more up to announce the third member of the team, and tensed slightly with anticipation. Who would join him and this Amnarei? Neither were particularly social, he would guess, so the third one would be the diplomat, right? Well, he could only wait and see.......

Lisette looked wistfully onwards at the stage as names and teams were called out one by one. Members of each team walked up along the parted path of chairs and onto the stage until three members were present; at that time they were dismissed and told to follow directions that the first member was given. Many walked differently up the path; some were happy, same were angry and some were even sad; whatever the mood there was more than often people walked up with a bit of nervousness at what their future held as their faces told one all they needed to know about a person, or at least for now.

The young girl nodded slightly as she processed why exactly the teams were set to have one of each race. Each race had various advantages the others did not; having a team with a combination of all three would ensure maximum versatility and coverage in a situation; also, having no more than one of each race prevented a race biased group decision from occurring.

“Clemence Evens, Human, Gunner.” The announcer’s voice cried out. When the announced called out the team names it was always in the format of name, race and then their specialization. Considering that the school thought of itself as racially all-inclusive it was strange that they had to decree the race but one would suppose it would make the recognition of the name easier.

Specializations however were incredibly important as information to the general public but even more important to the expecting members of their team. To know what one was best with was information vital to the growth, stability and teamwork of the newly created team. Quite often with Vorgans the specialization call was to inform what weaponry the particular Vorgan specialized in; be it swords, axes, general blades, hand to hand fighting or even chains. With the Seifierl the specialization was to tell what element a Seifierl was most proficient with; yet of course any Seifierl belonging to their respective element based church was already aware of what they able to do..

Those specializations seemed to be accurate enough as Vorgans were known for their exceptional constitutions and Seifierl were prominently known for being the only race able to use magic. This left humans as the Jack of all trades type. They definitely had the mind for technology that the other races did not bother themselves with but with that knowledge came with a powerful question of indecision; although they were to explore more avenues with their extensive knowledge it came with the price of having difficulty what to pursue. The graduation would clear this all up however; the specializations were not something the student had picked but what the various teachers had observed of the student and their abilities. Quite often for Vorgans and the Seifierl it was just affirming what they had already known about themselves but for a human it was the most important part of the ceremony aside from the team decisions. This was the defining moment where an indecisive human could finally be told what they were best at and what they could truly specialize and focus their talents in; for a human this one instant would the instant where one could be given an identity that they themselves had not noticed. Lisette’s face brightened at the very thought of this as she was one of those indecisive humans.

“Lisette Aeona. Human, Hunter.” The deep authoritative voice cried out. Lisette blinked a few moments as she tried to process what exactly her specialization was. It took several moments of deep contemplation and the announcer calling her name out a few extra times but Lisette finally snapped out of her stupor.

“H-here! I’m here!” Lisette cried out as she stood up abruptly and knocked her chair backwards into a person behind her. She embarrassingly apologized as she set the chair back up while a multitude of laughs and snickers were heard throughout the crowd. Finally making it to the main walkway she patted off her coat and stared towards the podium brightly as she starting walking towards it. She looked at her two future teammates up on the stage; one was a Vorgan that looked rather bored yet put on a smile for public appearance while the other was a Seifierl with cold eyes that matched her vivid blue hair. Lisette made her way up on the stage and, at the small moment where her teammates looked towards her, she gave them a bright grin to rival the sun.

“And so, with all members of this team assembled all that’s left now is to follow the directions given to you.” The announcer said with his powerful voice. With a wave of his hand he then dismissed the newly formed group. Lisette led the way down as she skipped off the raised dias. She happily led the group of three down the walkway and through the doors leading into the school. Inside was rather quiet so Lisette quickly stopped there and turned around.

“Nice to meet you! My name is Lisette Aeona” Lisette smiled shyly as she introduced herself. She thought that this would be a good opportunity to look over the sheet and find their newly assigned room and such.

The announcer pauses, then reads out the last name. "Lisette Aeona, Human, Hunter." At first, there was no reaction. Kane raised an eyebrow. Was the Human not even here? "Lisette Aeona." Iricus again says, Kane grinning ruefully. Just his luck to be on the same team as the cold girl and a Human that wasn't even here. "Calling Lisette Aeona." Finally someone popped their head up, blinking before shouting "H-here! I'm here!" Knocking her chair over as she stood up.

He mentally face palmed. That was rather a clumsy way to be introduced. He kept the slight smiling face as she approached, trying not to let his disappointment and annoyance show. Unless the Seifierl and Human were good at fighting, then he couldn't think how they'd be balanced compared to other teams. Unless.... Unless he had proven himself so good with his fists that he had warrented a lesser team around him. But then, he would've had to be the only one who hadn't been told of his reputation.....

He growls under his breath. He knew he wasn't that great a fighter. At least the bright smile was a positive, maybe she was good at being a diplomat. Either way, they had just been dismissed. He slowly took his steps off the dias, smiling just slightly as the Human skipped down energetically. She was certainly positive if nothing else. He took one glance at the Seifierl to make sure she was following, then walked inside. He doubted the actual combat ability of their group in comparison to some others. Heh, There were some groups with exellent fighters, And that one elite fighter alone would change battles, the cults had a hard time facing them.

Either way, this seemed to be more of a balanced team, although what the others had was still an unknown. And next came getting to know them. If rumours were correct then they'd spend the next while in the same room or something. He was pretty sure it was one area for the team, for them to talk and learn about each other, to get to know each other and gel as a team. Teamwork was vital. His thoughts flashed back to the icy eyed Seifierl. Well, if she knew the meaning of the word 'teamwork' then he'd be surprised.

His brain finally registered the world once again as the Human addressed him. Ah, yes. Bright and happily too. For some reason that never failed to bring up painful memories. But he didn't let it show on his face. No, he'd resisted them for years, he would not fall into despair now... He had to find them, they were still alive. He had to believe that.

"I'm Kane, If you didn't hear my name being announced." His slightly sardonic smile went well with the steely look in his eyes. Finally he looked down at the piece of paper. And nearly laughed outloud. The paper was supposed to be one of the most important parts, that which designates something, and the rumours say gave information. This hardly hit the standards. Basically five words sat lonely in the center of the parchment, and with a mirthful look in his eyes replacing the steel he showed it to the other two. It said: "Room 14, East Wing, Corridor T." So, this was the big part of the ceremony, directions to their new room...

He blinks twice, looking at the other two. His face registers no change, but inside he suddenly tenses slightly. Well, he'd heard that generally teams slept in the same room, it was proceedure aparently, but he'd never thought he'd sleep in the same room as two girls....

For some reason that got him just slightly embarressed. He'd never really had any romance due to his compulsive lonliness. He supressed the feeling instantly, no, this would not get him. So, they were females. Would it change that much if they weren't? Not really. Except.... He detatched himself, searching for that center of calm. This was not what he needed on top of everything else today. For some reason thinking about his parents was starting to look like a good option...... But he couldn't.......

"Kane Mosteith, Vorgan, Hand-to-hand." So the first name was announced, and it took a moment for the person to stand. He seemed unsynchronized with the surroundings around him, that or he was simply carrying idiocy alongside him. Her eyes strayed from him when his feet hit the stage, seeing it a waste of effort to continue studying the Vorgan. The when he re-entered her peripherals, she could see the paper in his hand. At least he was one to take responsibility, or perhaps he was after all just an idiot digging into something he could not understand. "Lisette Aeona, Human, Hunter.", again her cold eyes scanned over the crowd, searching for one to stand. The name was repeated, and still no one stood. Perhaps someone else had the idea to avoid such an event and managed to go through with it. A third time the name was called, making Amnarei become annoyed. If one was to not announce themselves by the second call just leave the group as it is. One less body would mean one less person to deal with. Already this promise with Akin was walking a thin line, they may as well make it easier and only give her one member to work with.

Finally the girl popped up, knocking over a chair. An oddity drew Amnarei to look back to the Vorgan, pondering if he had any expression change to such a clumsy act. If he contained any annoyance he was hiding it well, which even more pulled on her strings. With these two around she would not be able to last, how far could she bend the promise. Was taking missions on without the group crossing the line to the point Akin would break his side? An almost silent growling sound passed through the air, once again forcing her eyes to meet the Vorgan. Perhaps he was more intelligent, maybe he was just as irritated. Then again, wouldn't it only cause more problems to have an idiot with a temper beside her? She was not an advanced member, that much Akin proved. She was simply a step ahead of the other Ice Seifierl in her classes because her attitude made them waiver.

With word of dismissal she could feel eyes pulling off her at to the announcer for the next group. Her eyes narrowed to the point where her icey blue could barely be seen under the shadow of her eyelashes. Allowing the crowds to thin in her eyes, only those directly in line with her narrowed vision actually visible. She quietly turned, following the two with regret growing within her. Because of a single promise she would be bound to two people for a lengthened period of time. For someone who pushed away all those who tried to get close to her, a simple promise of achieving her dreams pushed her in a direction that forced such a contact. These two annoying members of the Brigade were now to be proclaimed as her partners, their achievements as well failures would effect the eyes of those on her as well. Still, she had a plead to work alone, but still accomplish her dream. Though those two desires were far off from each other.

“Nice to meet you! My name is Lisette Aeona” Her eyes widened once again, the thin ground under this one was only thinning. She looked to the Vorgan, wondering if he would repeat the same annoying trait. The names were already said on stage, what was to be beneficial to announce their names once again? Instead he seemed to be in another state for a moment, making her slightly curious as too why. He was holding up a strong idiotic front indeed, to hide oneself is the ultimate disrespect. Then again, wouldn't that only rely on the reasoning behind their seclusion? "I'm Kane..." He seemed to come back from his state, reading the paper out loud to them. It was a room? So the rumors were actually true? She was not going to have any moment of peace alone from these two after all?

Cold hatred began to grow for Akin. It was his fault that she was being bore into this, otherwise she could of happily been back in her own room by herself. She would be able to get things done how she chose. Staring at the girl first she waited, expecting her to run off in the lead. For if they wanted her to lead, she would probably purposely lead them off into a crowd and shake them off. But no, again that would break the damned thin line of promise. She wanted to scratch at her head to try and peel out the irritation that was growing.

She looked back to the Vorgan, he was spacing again. Perhaps it could benefit them both if there was a more verbal confrontation between them. Then he would drop his walls, or forget whatever was making him lead off. To be stuck around someone who's mind was not clear would only be more infuriating. She walked beside the Vorgan, pausing for a moment to speak. "To share a room with such an idiotic beast, how unlucky I am. Come to hate me, and it will only benefit me." She continued to walk, Room 14, East Wing, Corridor T. That was the room that they were assigned. Perhaps if the Vorgan could hate her, his mind would not pass to useless things. As well, maybe he could show his true state of mind through hatred as well.

Lisette’s eyes blinked as she looked over the faces of the Vorgan and Seifierl. The boy she viewed seemed to be in a thought deeper than one should have after a supposedly joyous occasion such as a graduation. He was quiet and his mind seemed to wander once in a while to consult a thought that seemed to bring upon a tiny, almost unrecognizable nervous frown that twitched at the corners of his lips. He seemed to be happy, or at least hell bent on looking so, so Lisette blinked as she wiped it from her mind. Kane addressed the paper’s contents as Lisette suggested and determined a location from it that seemed to determine the positioning of a room. As one would have suspected, it was most likely the room where the dissimilar trio were to bed or perhaps the room of which they would receive information of another sort.

There was no more talk as everyone seemed to be ready to leave. However as they were about to set off in the direction of their room the Seifierl seemed to walk up to the Vorgon and speak something that Lisette wasn’t able to determine clearly as the Seifierl was facing away from her; whatever it was however seemed to be laced with an icy coldness that reverberated through the hallway. Without a second thought for it the trio began their march towards the room on the paper.

Minutes passed as they wandered about the building that housed the trainees. There weren’t any directions upon the paper they were given but only the location of said room. The trio continued to wander about the building alongside other teams that seemed to be lost as well. It wasn’t until the three passed a team that seemed to be leaving the building.

“Um! Excuse me!” Lisette cried out after the small group as they were about to leave. A young Vorgan boy turned around, seeming to be the most confident of his group alongside a nervous looking Seifierl boy and an expressionless human girl.

“Yeah? Whaddya want?” The Vorgan asked. His voice seemed to be rough and dripping with wildness but his expression looked sincere and kind. Lisette explained that their group was currently lost and was wondering if the boy’s group knew where to go. The young Vorgan explained that graduates had a building on the other side of the courtyard; apparently the teachers had kept that information secret on purpose but the Vorgan had an older brother that graduated just a year ago so he knew where to go. Lisette thanked him wholeheartedly and excused herself to join her group again.

“Hey! The name’s Tyrell! I hope we meet again!” Tyrell grinned and waved as his group walked through the doors leading outside.

Moments later, after crossing quite a large training field, the group finally made their way into one of the few buildings they were not able to enter as trainees. It was a massive stone building that seemed to command respect in its presence. Without another thought the group made their way inside and began to search for their room. It took quite a while, as there were many halls and their hall was lettered T, but eventually the group found their way in front a light brown maple door labeled ‘Room 14’. Lisette looked backwards at her teammates nervously as she held the door handle. Moments passed in silenced as Lisette seemed to be in deep thought; not long after however she suddenly gave the handle a swift twist and push, suddenly revealing the room that would house memories for years to come.

The bedroom was fairly sized for three people as the room itself seemed as large as a typical homes living room. The room walls were a light cream color that seemed to be painted on, possibly by the previous inhabitants, as the floors were a dark hardwood brown to match. In terms of furniture there were three beds in total, one bed of the left side of the room, one bed on the right side parallel to the one on the left, and a single bed on the far wall right underneath a wide rectangular window with double latches; all the beds were against their respective walls. At the foot of each bed was a medium sized chest to store equipment with an average sized dresser at the head of each respective bed. The room was not perfectly square however as the far right corner seemed to be walled off with a door on one of said walls; one would naturally guess that this would be their bathing area. It seemed large enough to fit, at most, two people at a time. In the center of the entire room was a medium sized brown and red circular rug. And lastly, on the ceiling was a simple set of three lights encircled by an oval globe that definitely illuminate the room properly. Before anyone else could say anything a rather eccentric voice cried out in the silenced room.

“I call this bed!” Lisette cried as she moved over to the bed on the far side of the room; the young Human seemed to be quite taken in by the prospect at being stationed right beneath a window.

"To share a room with such an idiotic beast, how unlucky I am. Come to hate me, and it will only benefit me." The cold voice addressed him, the coldness snapping his mind away from embarrassment. That was a thankful turn of events. "My, You judge so quickly. Beware, lest that come to bite you." He softly replies, striding off to follow the human before she had time to reply.

Then, they got lost. Of course, he should have expected this with the Human leading the way. After knocking over the chair and all that, it was the impression he had. To be fair, she didn't have directions, and that was always a hindrence. And if he hadn't been so iritated by the graduation he wouldn't have been so hard on her mentally, and would have accepted that he would have done no better a job. But he disliked sitting still, and therefore had been grown annoyed. He never would have been this way if his parents were still around, back then it was impossible to properly annoy him, but now it was all too easy.

Tyrell they met on the way through, he explained where to go. Kane nodded coolly to the other Vorgan, he knew the spear-wielder as they were both from the same church of origin. Tyrell almost reminded him of himself, calm and confident, although the other Vorgan seemed to be nicer, but who could tell? Kane didn't let it bother him anyway. However, thanks to the spear-wielder they were able to find their room, at last. It was a lot grander than the rooms they'd had as students. And the room itself was better designed. It wouldn't be hard to sleep here, it wouldn't be hard to turn this room into a fort if necessary, the door was in an easy position to jam/stop up, and protect if necessary.

"I call this bed!" Was the Human's quick shout, and Kane almost grinned. She did have enthusiasm, and was better at social then him and ... Amnarei, that was it. Talking of the Seifierl, he turned his head to watch her reaction. "Do you have a preference?" He asks with a raised eyebrow. He certainly didn't. A bed was a bed, the positions themselves didn't matter much to him.

So, it was an easily defendable area, a strong point in it's favour. It looked comfortable enough, and luxurious enough for him, it didn't appear to have any downsides that he could see immediately. In fact, it would be really hard to pinpoint the exact rooms of anyone in the Elysion Brigade, considering that the corridor was filled with similar doors. Narrow it down to the corridor and you have to find the room that only each group knows. Unless they tell someone else, and why would a Brigade Member tell someone outside the Brigade which room in which corridor the slept in? And even if they were stupid enough, it would still be easy to defend. As long as you kept the window shut so that no-one could casually walk past and look in, then anonymous each of the Brigade's exact locations would stay.

That sounded good to him. In fact, the Brigade's reputation was well earnt. Then again, he should have realised this. When you have powerful Warriors and Generals living here over the years, no matter how badly thought out the housing started, it would eventually be molded into a defensible location. On top of that, behind the paint the walls were brick, hidden very well, so just burning the whole thing down would be very hard. All in all, this would do, he turned back to the Seifierl to wait for her reply.

A human, so clumsy that she couldn't make it through graduation without proving herself. Now proving the fact that she is clumsy all the more. She heard rumors about the humans while she was still learning through the brigade. Humans supposedly had more difficult classes, having to keep more knowledge in the head just to work even the smallest mechanism. The more she saw this one, the more she denied that rumor. Seifierl had to use their own energy for their magic. What could they understand about difficulties in learning, if they don't lose a shard of themselves using their ability.

Vorgan, another race that annoyed Amnarei mainly because of rumors. Said to be the strongest of the races, and possibly the most advanced in battle. Looking at this one, she could not help but feel the idiocy that came from those rumors. If a member of such a race was so easily lost in thoughts, how could they ever stand up in battle. Swinging a weapon recklessly around. Even more idiotic was those who used their fists, they were obviously at a disadvantage so why bother?

"I call this bed!" Her attention snapped to the room just before running into the back of the Vorgan. Stopping immediately before letting out a quiet 'tsk' in disapproval. Once the Vorgan asked about her preference she strayed in thought. The only other door was on the right side, probably the bathroom. If she chose the right bed, the two would have an excuse to enter her domain which would be troublesome. For the same reason, being stationed under the bed would also be a burden. Without proper blinds, the sun would be an annoyance in the early mornings. And as well, if someone wanted to look out the window they would have to be in rather close proximity to her area. "Pets belong with their owners. Yet at this time, it seems even the human doesn't want you. It would only be so fitting for there to be a dog house outside for the beasts like you."

She looked back towards the door, just picturing Akin standing there, blocking her escape. Such a bastard would never understand her need to get away from imbeciles. She pushed forward, walking deeper into the room to head for the bed on the left. It was the best choice to avoid the others. Since she slept on her right side, she could ignore them when it was time for rest. "Don't let the dog breathe down your neck tonight Aeona." The warning was only partially verbalized, since she didn't honestly care what happened. As long as if she was out of it, everything would be fine.

She lazily dropped herself onto the bed, rolling over so she could look up towards the ceiling. So what if she got two room mates, she would still stick to her normal patterns. The only burden will be arranging the time for her to properly bathe. Her view of the Vorgan was as low as any common animal, so her expectations of him were rather low. The human could at least possibly understand the necessity of a proper bath. Problem was, when where they even allowed to go get their clothes from their old room? If all they were given was a room number, someone had to stop by eventually to give more details. If no one even checked up on them, how would they know that the groups were sticking together.

Amnarei picked up her head, looking back towards the door. There was no Akin blocking the doorway, there was no supervisor that was waiting down the hall to catch her. If she simply walked out and ditched these two would anyone really notice? But she couldn't exactly stay in her old room, otherwise she would be found. Also, she didn't really have any money for living expenses, which meant she had to stay with these two during the night. There was no real definite escape if she wanted to live comfortably. The Brigade had her well under their thumb.

Lisette listened and watched the young Seifierl closely. The features etched on the blue-haired girl’s face evidently stating that she’d rather be nowhere near this room if not for circumstances that kept her from doing so. Lisette gazed as her eyebrows wrinkled and etched downwards as her lips tightened to a thin line and moved slightly to the side similar to a smirk. In short, Lisette’s face was a mix between confused and upset. Her eyes nearly glassed over as she sat still on her bed for a few moments; although to the girl’s perception of time it might as well have been a few hours.

“Rude.” Lisette stated simply as she stood up carefully from her bed; or at least the bed she had claimed as her own. She quickly cut through the rather uncomfortable air as she walked right down the center of the room towards the door.

“I’m going back to my room to get my things.” Lisette’s small voice let out as she turned the door knob. “Don’t wait up.” And with that the door was opened swiftly and shut just as so as Lisette disappeared from her teammate’s view.

It didn’t take long for Lisette to make her way to her old room; the location and path towards the exit and to her old room was already etched within Lisette’s mind. Regardless of her clumsy appearance, once she had gone through a certain pathway once she would have remembered and mapped it out within her mental representation of the town and academy.

Lisette sighed as she opened the door to her old room. The room was rather small as rooms for trainees were always set to house only one student at a time. There was only a single bed leaning against a wall stationed right underneath a window, not unlike her new room, and a handful of items, tools, materials and books she kept as her personal collection. She had set aside a rather large trunk for things as the young Brigade member realized that she could not stay in the room forever. With a grin she opened up her briefcase and started to pack away everything that identified the young girl as Lisette.

It didn’t take long to pack as Lisette had calculated the absolutely most efficient way to pack her trunk from the beginning. However the young girl failed to realize one glaring issue she had blatantly forgotten to calculate. Lisette had placed her trunk on a small board with wheels on the bottom for easy movement yet had obviously forgotten to account for the stairs. Lisette was currently still within the trainees dorms but was stuck in her place as her room was situated on the fourth floor. She couldn’t lift her trunk off the board as she had started packing while it was already on top of it and with the way it was packed it had far exceeded the capacities of her strength. Lisette wasn’t even able to roll or drag it down the stairs haphazardly as there were quite a few materials in said trunk that, if disturbed, could possibly take out the stairs altogether along with Lisette.

“What am I going to do?” the young girl sighed as she sat herself on top of the stairs, seemingly talking to no one but herself.

"Pets belong with their owners. Yet at this time, it seems even the human doesn't want you. It would only be so fitting for there to be a dog house outside for the beasts like you." Kane's eyes flicked around at that. He growled, slightly more audily than when onstage, his eyes narrowed. He ignored the human as she went out, but continued to glare at the Seifierl as she decided on bed and such. His eyes following her with a slow burn of anger. He moved to his own bed, as he had no possessions he really cared about enough to fetch right now, and sat down.

"So, girl, I have to wonder. Are you just stupid, or so wrapped up in yourself that you didn't pay attention when they tried to teach you?" He replies, turning away as he sat on his bed. He couldn't believe this. They were trying to tell him that this girl had been raised by the Elysion Brigade?

He couldn't believe that. No manners, no sense of respect. Not even an attempt at finding out more about the others before hating them. She would be detrimental to the team. He could already see the problems she would cause. Was she from the cults? A sympathiser with the war-mongers? Quite possibly. The best way to do this was to ignore the arrogant brat.

So the question was, what happened now? Did a supervisor check up on the teams? How did they tell if one of the teams had or hadn't become lost? How did they stop brats like this from getting information out to the cults or any other group? The building may have been built well, but the security organization didn't look so efficiant at the moment. Heck, it wouldn't be too hard to slip a spy in at this rate.

They had to get to know each other? He thought that was what this whole stay in a room gig was about. Forget that. There wasn't a way known to any of the three races that would make talking to the girl of ice even remotely possible, let alone interesting. Only her own thawing would help there. What was he to do? Brood would have been the usual reply, but the girl had roused his anger. And besides, the almighty Seifierl, those that had founded the church? The mystical ones who understood more than anyone the need to get along? This was one of them? It made everything he'd heard about them seem stupid. If it wasn't for the old Seifierl that he'd overheard talking to his parents when he was younger he would have decided that the rumours had no basis. But no, this seemed to be different. Like a Vorgan that was born with no inate sense for battle, none of the reflexes that kept him alive, nor the strength that blew away the enemies. A Vorgan not inclined to battle. This was a Seifierl who didn't have the wisdom of her race, she probably had magical powers, but she had nothing of the Seifierl's deepness. Just like the clumsy human, although she wasn't as bad as this .... Amnarei.

He was stuck with two teammates who weren't even proper representations of their races? This was unbelievable. And he was stuck with them for the rest of his career as an Elysion Brigade Member, unless one of them died. Hmmph. Well, then he'd have to put up with her. The things he did. He wondered what one of the Berserker's would have done. Probably something violent to the girl. At least the Human understood that they had to work together. His thoughts processed in a second, he waited once more for a response.

"So, girl, I have to wonder. Are you just stupid, or so wrapped up in yourself that you didn't pay attention when they tried to teach you?" The words fumbled through her mind even as she rolled to stare at the closest wall. She always slept on her right side, this would always put her face to the wall making it that much easier to deny the fact they were there when she would be sleeping. But the retort did manage to make her break into a slight smile. The Vorgan could break that act of obliviousness and actually push his real self forward. The human leaving only put her at ease, not because she was much of a bother. But instead it was because the ground was more under Amnarei now. Her fear of being unable to escape was now nullified since the human proved it was possible. It made her feel a little more capable of being in such a room knowing she could simply walk out.

Perhaps she would be able to carry out the deal after all. If the Vorgan could provide amusement like this often it would not get boring easily. If she could get the human, then there would be all the more enjoyment out of this situation. She just had to change how she was holding her look on the situation. Before Akin got here, she would have thought more along the lines that she was not stick in this room with them, but they were stuck with her. Again, she smiled at the thoughts. It was impossible to return like that, the point has already been proven thoroughly that she was not as strong as she thought she was.

The bed felt bare, but that was to be expected of a mattress without even sheets. They probably had blankets and everything stored somewhere, but she didn't feel like searching. That was just more energy that would go to waste for things unnecessary. Eventually they would get a mission and get sent out. That's where energy was properly used anyways, not within the boring walls of this Brigade. The heavy eyelids forced themselves to close, she was not one to really be around others. Just the thought of getting stuck with them was already wearing her out. She pulled her legs to her chest, wrapping her arms together around them. Burying her face into her knees. She was not cold, but the thought of eyes watching her sleep began to bug her.

"Goodnight Mosteith." She mumbled out to the room, "Now it shouldn't bug you." She silently wished there wouldn't be a response. If it could just stay quiet, she would be able to drift into sleep without being interrupted. That is as long as the human doesn't barge back into the room. If someone comes by with the mission, then one of them could just get it and tell her later. When she is awake, she may have to share her time with these two now, but sleeping is the time for herself and no other. But then again, sleeping only led to her deeper pondering about her own life.

Could her dreams be more of a reality then the world she knew within the Brigade? What if the purpose of her life was simple to create a gap in the family and lead to her death. What if her life was meant to be a sacrifice to the god Infernos, to be in spite of his old nemesis. With such an oddity occurring, she was not supposed to live a normal life right? It is impossible to marry within the Blaztre Catalyst, her family tradition. But within the Frozephier Catalyst none would set eyes on her for her origin came from an opposing church. Her parent's didn't really look at her as a blood daughter. Why was she born like this, other than to destroy the hopes of those around her. But if that is so, why does everyone look at her, acting like they wish to befriend her or support her. Those who are two faced, those who hide their real identity are nothing but an eyesore. Everyone just needs to speak their mind and stop hiding behind false actions.

Amnarei had turned away, rolling onto her other side. And Kane just shook his head. For the moment she seemed to be ignoring him, and that was fairly fine by him. Interaction with her hadn't interested him much, the only thing it had done was anger him, and the last thing he needed to do on the first night was to kill one of his team-mates. That would get him really far in the Brigade. He'd get to visit places he'd never gone before... The prisons.

Well, at least she had pulled off the conversation. Now he wouldn't even be tempted by the thought of violence, though he probably wouldn't've done it anyway. Some things were more important here. "Goodnight Mosteith." The Seifierl girl's voice suddenly mumbled, catching Kane completely by surprise. "Now it shouldn't bug you." His head whirled, had she actually been somewhat civil? That was not what he'd expected as a response to his insult. Was she testing him?

He lay down on his own bed, shocked enough that he didn't even reply to her 'goodnight'. His head whirled slightly as he tried to work out what had prompted that response. Was it all an act by the girl? The coldness and the sharp commentary? Well, at least he had now verified that she could be civil, instead of being an anti-social insulter. So, why did she insult him? Probably to see what kind of reaction she would get, that was the general reason for it. Maybe she was testing his mettle? Of some sort.

Either way it was, the team should be able to function. And he lay down fully, whispering his own 'goodnight', although it was probably too low for her to hear, and then going through his little mental exercises before bed. They would allow sleep to come more easily, and make his rest light. Sleeping lightly was one of his specialities, rare was the case when he was caught while sleeping, during this the information bugged him. What game was the ice-cold girl playing? That she could be so derogetorive one second, then be so civil the next? Shouldn't bug him? Maybe not bug, but it itched at him. An unexplained quirk.

And the fact that she had remembered his last name, for some reason that seemed at odds with her cool and uninterested attitude that she projected. Well, she was an odd one, but that shouldn't get in the way of his rest, sleep was necessary and he wasn't going to lose some merely because the girl wanted to be contrary. If she insisted on being so odd, then she could be, he wasn't about to force other people to his way of thinking. As long as he could work with her, then he'd be fine. They all had their own agenda's, no doubt, but as long as they could work together, then they would be helping the Brigade, and helping each other to their interests and goals. As long as co-operation was there, then they could work out how to achieve their own goals.

Unless one or the other of them was a spy, there was no reason why they shouldn't be willing to help each other. As long as he could find his parents, as long as they could help him do that. Then, then there shouldn't be any problem between them. None of them. With these thoughts slowly sliding onwards in a spiral, and mixing with the subconcious, he slowly drifted past consciousness, and into the void that was sleep. The void that welcomed him with open arms and pulled him into the realms of fantasy for a little while, who pretended that, at least for now, his parents weren't gone.

The mattress began to cry as Amnarei shifted back an forth. Sweat from the nights heat clinging to her. An icy blight spreading around her as if an automatic counter measure for the heat. Only cracking when she gained consciousness, sitting up quickly and taking heavy breaths. She looked around the dark room, through the bit of window she could see it was night time, perhaps even early morning. Then again, she did fall asleep during the daytime, it should have been expected.

Quietly she pushed herself off the bed, every step she took the icy blight remained for a few seconds. When heat reaches an Ice Seifierl, it makes it difficult to maintain proper control over the element. At least, for beginners. The human girl had yet to come back, causing her to momentarily question the fact. With the bed empty, she assumed the girl actually did run off trying to avoid partnership. As she walked across the room, the blob on the other bed was more easy to make out. The Vorgan was actually sleeping, "Leaving defenses so low just because your sleeping." She leaned forward, pushing her hands on the mattress to keep herself up. She looked into his closed eyes, waiting for a moment. "Good, the idiot isn't faking." She whispered as softly as the first.

Pushing herself back up she walked towards the bathroom. Upon entering she dug through the different cabinets, cursing her luck that it was the last one she opened containing any towels. Taking off her clothes, she threw them into a corner. The shower was quick, mainly because all she cared for at the moment was to cool off. If there was no clean clothes to put on, it was pointless to wash properly. But to cherish the cleanliness she simply wrapped the towel around herself, grabbing one of the crappy brushes left as she walked out of the bathroom.

"Yo, seems like I came to the right room" Amnarei froze up, slowly facing towards the door where someone stood. "Damn it Akin!" She threw the brush fool force, watching it whiz right past his head. "You are a pervert you know that!?" The man only chuckled, stepping inside then immediately to the side of the door frame. "This time I came for business." Another figure popped into the door frame, this time Amnarei clenched tightly to the towel embarrassment obviously taking her cheeks. "Vvv-Vladamir Arin?"

"Member, please get yourself dressed." Amnarei shook her head, mainly because she couldn't feel like she could do anything else at the moment. "Please it is difficult to speak like this." Aren kept his eyes glued to the ceiling, unlike Akin who didn't stray his eyes at all. "I forgot to bring a change of clothes.." Akin rubbed his forehead, he was probably getting amusement out of this, "I thought I warned you to pack before coming to the new room." Amnarei stomped the ground, aggression taking over because of this man again, "You did not tell me anything! If you force me to these idiotic things your supposed to give proper warning!" She glared at Vladamir, "Take off your coat."

Vladamir had a smile spread across his lips, "So another girl falls victim to my fatal attraction! Very well, I will show you the power of a hard working Seifierl since you have pleased me!" Amnarei blinked a few times, pointing at him to Akin, a mental thought of 'Did he just snap?'. Akin simply nodded before trying to continue on. "It is about your human member." Aren threw off the coat, taking on different poses outstretching his muscles. "Examine young one, these markings are that of only capable Seifierl!" The arcane symbols that were burned into his arms trailed to his hands. "Anyways", Akin broke out again, "It seems while she was gone she met up with one of the incomplete groups that were sent out. They must have hit it off pretty well since there was already a transfer request."

Again, bother Akin and Amnarei turned to look at Aren as he even started pulling off his shirt. Amnarei sighed, picking up his discarded jacket and putting it on. Quietly doing the buttons as he insisted on talking more about his exercises. "Thank you for the trench coat." Aren broke out of his chance glaring at Amnarei, "That is the symbol of a high ranking Seifierl individual! It is inappropriate for one such as yourself to be wearing such a uniform. I demand you take it off at once!" Amnarei ignored him, reaching through the neck to pull out the towel. This is the point Aren choked on his words, his response changing, "Well uh.. I think you should wear that until you get a change of clothes. It would be bad to walk around with just a towel right?"

"In other words, he just wants a girl wearing nothing but his jacket. Relax Vladamir, Amnarei doesn't even have the breast size to hold up a towel without an arm." Amnarei glared at Akin again, this time throwing the towel at his head. This time it managed to hit, the towel wrapping around his face. "Ahh, it carries your scent."More embarrassment took to her cheeks as she walked over and ripped the towel off his face. "Why can't you show your damn perverted face to other people! Why is it only me that gets these comments from you!?" Akin laughed, "Because I take interest in you!" Amnarei dropped her head and turned back around.

Aren clapped his hands, already having the chance to put the shirt back on from the commotion. "Vorgan, do you wish to hear the assignment?" Amnarei looked back over her shoulder at Vladamir. "And now he gets serious again? These people are such idiots." She forgot about the Vorgan, throughout that much commotion he would be awake right? Even worse, he saw a side she didn't want, thanks to the damn idiot Akin again. "If you fail your mission, you will train for forty eight hours straight with me."

The dream slowly faded as his mind pulls itself from the dregs of sleep. Something had most definitely disturbed him, otherwise he wouldn't've woken up. He stays relaxed, aparently asleep for anyone in the room, while his ears strained to catch the slightest sound. He needn't've strained. The voice wasn't particularly trying to hide itself. One ... no. Two males and the Seifierl girl on his team."Member, please get yourself dressed."

Dressed? Oh, my. Kane almost gave into the temptation to grin. It seemed like they had some visitors and Amnarei had been caught without any clothes. My, that must be embarrassing. Now he just had to see if he could work out what the other two were here for. "It is about your human member." After a bit of unnecessary talk, and a jacket for the Seifierl girl, they actually get down to business. "It seems while she was gone she met up with one of the incomplete groups that were sent out. They must have hit it off pretty well since there was already a transfer request." Kane raised his eyebrow. So they didn't have the klutz anymore? Well, at least she had been friendlier than Amnarei.

And then the conversation spirals into trash again. The gutter minds of both the officials disgusted him, they could have a bit better focus and decency. But what they had they had. They'd never get respect from him though, especially this Akin guy. His humour was far from clean. Either way, they had information it seemed. "Vorgan, I do you wish to hear the assignment?" So, someone knew he was awake it seemed? Well, not quite as oblivious as he thought. Then again, they wouldn't be oblivious if they actually had managed to get up as high as they were. So of course they would have noticed. Though this only meant he had to work harder on it, he couldn't let even extremely good people notice that he was awake, otherwise high-ranking assassin's would be wary, when he wanted them to think he was sound asleep. Not that he'd have to deal with high ranking assassin's soon, it was just a note that he had to take.

"Of course I want to hear it." He replied, swinging his legs over the side of the bed, making no pretence at having only just woken up. The girl was in the coat, and there was a towel, meaning she probably hadn't been completely naked. Akin and the other one. He surveyed them quickly, both Seifierl. He was pretty sure he remembered Akin from the graduation, but he hadn't been very memorable then. So these were the high rankings that would give them their first mission? He didn't think much of them, arrogance and pervertedness was what he'd seen so far. But as long as they had the skills, he guessed, then the Brigade would benefit from their help. Now it was down to him and the Seifierl girl, what would the mission bring?

"Since you're one member less, we've decided to give you a lesser mission. There has been rumours of 'rabblerousers' in a group of villiages to the north, your job is to check it out, confirm or deny the rumours, then return here, to send out a cleanup squad if necessary." This irked Kane immediately. He would calm himself, of course, with the knowledge that he was one of the newest teams, and of course they wouldn't be sent anywhere even near important, but reconnaisance was not what he'd envisioned when he thought about the mission he would be sent on. Scouting wasn't what he'd trained for, he'd trained to fight....

"Are you mocking me?" She spoke quietly, frowning upon the mission at hand. "Not even allowed to find their hideouts. Not allowed to find out who it is?" She walked up to Vladamir, trying to find out if he was serious. His mind was apparently back, the stern look he gave off, he was completely serious. "I can even take the cleanup team's job by myself! Why is it you dare mock me?!"

Laughing originated behind her, laughter that made even her bones twinge. "I wonder about that, Amnarei." Akin stood right behind her, staring down at her. The frosty aura already surrounding him as if a killing intent bodied itself. "I will prove how worthless you are here if you insist." She gripped her chest, taking a step back. She wanted to take on his challenge, she wanted another chance to fight him. "Since you have graduated, the Infirmary won't complain about how deep your wounds are for disciplinary reasons." But he was serious, even with him toying with her she didn't win. "Vladamir, I nominate Amnarei Kalicus as the candidate for your next experiment."

"That will have to wait until I can properly complete the full technique. Otherwise it is only temporary." Akin waved it off, acting like it was not really a problem. Vladamir place a hand on Amnarei's head. "This might hurt. But it will allow me to see and hear what you do. My technique is placing an arcane sentry inside of an individual. I was hoping to only use it on cult members. But it seems this could also help keep people like you in line." A surge of light occurred from his palm, followed by Amnarei falling to her knees grabbing her head. "Unfortunately to burrow it within the mind, I first have to pierce every mental barrier. But since it is not perfected, I have only broke through one.

"Vorgan" Akin spoke, "Is it true you prefer hand-to-hand combat?" A chuckle escape from his throat. "What a truly barbaric way to be. But I guess that is what can also make you seem civil. Having the ability to take one's life with your very own hands, but still have the determination to stand in front of others. We are the same, you and I. "

"Revarin, it's time to go." Vladamir was already waiting inside the door frame, looking back towards Akin. "I see. And here I wanted to have a little more fun with my toy." With a last glare at Amnarei he walked out of the door, his figure vanishing from sight. "You two, I have already signaled for a driver. They should be at the gates within a half hour to take you north. Use your remaining time to get ready. He knows to look for a group of two containing a Vorgan and a Seifierl. His nickname is Taz, good luck the both of you." And so his figure also disappeared.

Amnarei waited a few moments before standing up, keeping her eyes on the ground. "Mutt, I am going to get clothes. I will meet you at the gates." She tugged at the coat, making it tighter around her as she walked out of the room. She refused to run, because there was no real hurry. Walking back to the old dorm rooms where all the trainees remained. "One day, I will stand above you both." She muttered, partially wondering if Vladamir could actually hear, or if he was even listening.

Just to be safe, she avoided looking around her room. This made digging through drawers a little difficult but to keep a shred of her pride she managed. Keeping her eyes glued to the ceiling she dressed. "I will wash the coat, and send it back to you." She sighed, walking into her old bathroom to start brushing her hair with an actual decent brush. "If you can see while I take a bath, I will kill you." She glared in the mirror, still wondering if he was actually serious about seeing and hearing what she did.

"That's a cute outfit you know." Amnarei threw down the brush, looking around the room for the person. "Please, the sentry can also be used for me to send feedback." So it was true, Vladamir could see, and even talk back. "This is going to get annoying." Amnarei spoke quietly, trying to test exactly how loud someone had to be for it to pick up. "Relax, I won't be watching unless your on a mission. Fifteen minutes have passed, you might want to head for the gates."