The Empire

"Daniel! You know I hate that name!" Ethelyn scolded and decided she wasn't escaping her peer's teasing now. She turned to face the monkey of a lieutenant and with a flirtatious looks she fixed the collar of his uniform.

"I'll forgive you for calling me that if you make the rat run a few extra laps in training today." She teased and flashed one of her 'pretty please' pouts. She didn't particularly have any special attraction to Daniel, nor was she a naturally flirtatious person, but he was higher than her on the totem pole and she liked staying in good relations with those above or equal to her. Not to mention he was hot and charismatic, so she could enjoy being friendly.

Before the lieutenant could respond she heard the clatter of the food tray as she turned to see Michale get a taste of bad luck. Ethelyn couldn't help but laugh.

"That's what you get Cadet! Good luck passing inspection!" She continued to laugh at Michale's misfortune.

Daniel laughed it off as Ethelyn started to chastise him for his comments, “You know I don’t mean anything by it.” he added as she slinked up to him and straightened his collar, trying to get him to give Michale a hard time, “You can do that yourself, today you and I get the kiddies, and you get to take the Magus.” He bounced his brow in emphasis, “Think you can come up with some interesting-” a crash and clatter rang throughout the cafeteria as the card shark soiled himself.

Daniel tried not to laugh, but still snickered a bit as he put a hand on Ethelyns shoulder and turned her too him to get her attention, “Okay, okay, enough fun, he got his come-up-in’s and now…” he took out the red ribbon envelope and dangled it before her face, “So do you… congrats Lieutenant, the Generals have agreed, you get a shot at the SDU.”

Suna

once again Suna woke up for a 2nd time an obvious frown on her face as she looked over her shoulder at the group of people that had gathered round a table. 'what in the world are they doing making so much noise' that's when she spotted one of the new cadets Michale and another officer whose food it seemed had gotten all over Michales uniform.

shaking her head Suna stretched, her shawl slipping to rest back on her shoulders, her hair was even more of a mess that before, not that she cared much. standing up she grabbed her tray of half eaten food and threw it away before heading to the training area,but at the last moment grabbed a couple napkins and offered them to Michale, her face blank and her eyes looking him over with great precision taking in every last detail.

Michale was just standing there when the girl what was her name...Suna that was it she seemed a bit odd but that was non of his business as far as he was concerned. "Thanks..." He said as he wiped his face off and cleaned off his collar and the rest of his uniform as best as he could.. while it got rid of the excess he was still a mess. Michale gave a small shrug as he threw the napkins away. "Well that was unfourtanate, however it seems there is at least one person who can do the right thing here." Michale said as he glanced around at the sevral students laughing at him. fortunately one of the few things he had been afforded was a few sets of teh school uniform he only needed but ten minutes to change and time was against him. "I dont think we have met I am Michale Sear and you are Suna... But you will have to excuse me I need to hurry and change before lessons in fifteen. With that Michale was off making his way through the halls headed straight for his room...He wasn't one to let some one get the last laugh on him.
---
Delryn watched the situation unfold as Ethelyn tried to get Daniel to make Cadet Sear run extra laps today... and gave a small cough. "Well I think its about time we head out for the day....With any luck I wont get bogged down by Artemis's daily meetings. We seem to be lacking any rifleman this year...You sure you can handle a bunch of meat heads?" Delryn asked Daniel as glanced over Ethylyns current state. "Ma'm I hope you do well with that Its time you realized School is over" His voice was perhaps a little colder than it had been before. but than again he was the one who had enough reason to truly understand the situation.

One of the members from her squad, the man with similar colored hair as her and the gauntlet was on his feet and calling out to her. “Oi Elphida over here!” he quickly waved over to her. Elphida was a little shocked at the opened display and couldn't help but feel eyes staring into her. She didn't remember his name but... it went something like... Ryan Ironhand or something... Sounded about right, but Elphida had a feeling it wasn't correct either.

Deciding not to be stared at for too long, she picked up her now empty(not so empty) plate and threw it into the boxes for cleaning before making her way there. Their squad leader was there, Rey Vandelion, his name, she knew. Not because he was the squad leader and she was trying to suck up to him, more like he was the squad leader and didn't seem to give a damn about things... She was scared of people like him. Sure, they weren't scary, but sometimes things happen due to their lack of interest and care. A small male was also standing there, although twig thing, he was taller than she was. She couldn't figure out whether he was a Guardian or Magus, and she probably couldn't anyway, seeing as how she had totally no magical skills like the rest had. Another girl with red eyes and again, same colored hair as she did was also sitting there. Everyone from the squad was here.

"...Hi. I don't really recall your names, apologies..." she stopped herself from stammering, which was successful...except maybe that slight quiver during the start of her sentence. But... at least she didn't stammer all the way.





“Enter.”

Meeko did not hesitate to open the doors and enter upon having granted entrance.She had only been to the room once before, but she still envied it. Large and semicircular with bookshelves and display cases lining its walls, at the center was a huge circular desk at which the Headmaster sat, draped by a wall of windows behind him. The mountains beyond were cast with early morning light at their peaks, but as the office faced to the west the morning sun had yet to grace the room with its warmth, and the dark cherry finish of the furniture added to the professional vibe the office exuded.

Just the way it was like when she first came in.

"Sir, Meeko Bertrand reporting." she saluted, then motioned to her clothes with an embarrassed but elegant gesture. "I do apologize for the lack of appearance. I had no time to change into the academy's uniform. You see, I just arrived."

"Now that the casual talk is aside, I'd like to just say that the crime lord that was put under my care is now closely monitored by the armed forces. I did have to resort to certain measures of... 'negotiations', but after capturing one of his henchmen after the small skirmish I had in one of their safe houses, we've gathered some intel as to the different safe houses he has. They're currently under surveillance. One bad move, and he's on the way to prison."

"On any other day, I would have loved to apprehend him myself." Meeko sounded a little confident, and somehow arrogant as well. "But I was only ordered to track his location, or in this case, locations, down. My mission is complete."

Rallen smiled at the fact he got the girl to come over. He sat down just before she arrived and listened to Caspians comment. He shrugged at this and spoke out again. “Sure I could but then your life would be rather boring wouldn’t it? he then turned his attention to Caspians roommate and tilted his head at the fellow really having no idea what the man was thinking are even trying to say to him. “Um…thinking what you’re thinking….probably not…maybe” He then turned to Suna who had decided to shush him. “Did you…fall asleep?” he questioned already knowing the answer. “Well sorry there maybe I’ll silently scream instead I’m sure that would be better.” he nodded to himself rather certain of himself. Finally her turned to Elphida who had just walked up to them. “You already forgot my name?” he let out a grunt and grabbed his heart. “So cruel to hear from someone I’ll shed blood with someday.” He perked back up with a smile. “Its Rallen do try to remember it this time would you?” he nodded at her lightly. “you know you really shouldn’t eat off on your own like that after all there’s strength in numbers right?” he nodded to himself.

Rallen brought his left hand up to his chin and thought to himself for a quick moment. He looked around at the group they had seemed to of gathered in the time span of the short moment. “Hey guys can I ask you all something?” he sighed a bit and dropped his hand back down. “What is it you guys want out of this whole Rite thing? Do you want to be the emperor or just survive?” He stared off for a short moment before he spoke up once more. “I suppose I should share if I’m asking. I’m not interested in this whole Rite and become the emperor thing. In fact I think it’s all just a bunch of nonsense. What I am interested in though is keeping my friends alive and keeping the next emperor from being some power hungry foul.” He looked around at the surrounding students his voice having calmed down significantly from when he started.

Karu looks at Rallen with serious eyes as he stands up straight getting out of his chair, "If there's anything I want more than the position of emperor myself." In such a determined tone, yet sorrowful, almost even pitiable. "Is for my friends to never fall in battle..." He closes his eyes for a while as he stays silent, "I may be hard to talk to, hard to approach, even harder to find in public; I will see it through that we make it from hell and back if it's the last thing I do. We are in the same squad, you may be superior, or even under me; that's no reason that one should better live than the other; at times where I can't have everything, but I'm selfish that way. I will find a way to take it." Before he finishes his 'patriotic speech' or whatever, they face Karu, his eyes covered by his hair, only the ones looking directly straight at Karu can only see the one eye not bandaged as his eyes were black one moment and as he opens his eyes once again is turns yellow (in this case Rallen). Karu taking notice when he makes his pause he covers his eye and backs up immediately, "I-I-I." Karu stuttering and fumbling over syllables, "I... need to go to the bathroom." He bolts to the bathroom in fear. Everyone else looking at Karu as he runs off wonder what happened to him, except for Rallen who knows.

Facing down in the sink as he takes off the eyepatch letting the water run, he looks up at his reflection with the golden yellow eyes, "Heh... I guess it's going to happen again. Maybe I shouldn't have tried..."

Ethelyn's laughter was cut off when Daniel reclaimed her attention with a twist of her shoulder. She hadn't been expecting it when the envelope was dangled in her face. With an impatient snap she stole the envelope and was about to feel the weight of it in her own hands.

"Well it's about time!" Ethelyn exclaimed to both Daniel and Delryn with the same answer. "We have training in 10 though so I'll save this for later. And Apparently I have a lesson plan to come up with. Thanks for warning me before hand, Daniel." She smiled and slid the envelope into a pocket.

"At least I get the magically talented ones for this lesson, I don't think I would have the patients to instruct the guardians in proper aura manipulation." She commented bluntly and prepared to leave.

Delryn raised his eyebrow slightly at Ethelyns Reaction to the set of orders. "About time? What is that supposed to mean... About time you get shot? About time you get blown up or about time you kill an insurgent?....This is an honor...But one that perhaps you shouldn't be exactly excited about getting... Excuse me Ill meet the both of you on the training grounds."

DElryn took a step back and gave a crisp salute. before turning on his heal and making his way out of the mess hall. In ten minutes time with no wheare else to be Delryn would be on the field waiting for the rest of the company to arrive...

Suna

nodding Suna too prepared fir her departure to the training. passing by the others she saw Karu's eye color change from black to yellow, her eyes widend a bit but then shaking her head ever so slightly she continued walking to the training grounds.

wondering what they would be doing Suna thought of sparring 'if we do it better be an opponent capable of actually fighting me' and she was soon remindd of a cadet who had challengd her a few days ago unfortunately the cadet, thinking he could beat her in a sword fight since she didnt carry any if her own.Suna didnt really care much for the fact that he challenged her but it did when he based it on her perfered fighting style as well as the fact that he undersetimated her which Suna never liked. the entire time he had been ranting he never seemed to realize what she had been doing the whole time. Suna ran at top speed which was incredibly fast compared to most and in one swift movement she hit him in the back of his head knocking him out in an instant. the challenge only lasted five minutes, at first those who watched which was very few in fact thought she had killed him until she corrected them "uncouncious not dead" and went on her merry way.

returning to present day Suna shaking her head lost in thought, most would have thought she wasnt paying attention but she was as she dodged everyone who got in her way pulling her shawl back up to cover her face once more as she arrived in the training grounds.

Daniel was about to congratulate her when Delryn went off, making a lot of accusations, as he made to Salute and turned to walk away Daniel’s hand grabbed his shoulder, his eyes hidden by his shaggy hair, “Don’t you think that anyone the General selects would know that?” he asked before releasing him and letting him walk away. He looked up to Ethelyn, a smile again on his face, “Ah, don’t worry about him, we had a rough deployment not long ago, I think he and the Colonel are both still shaking from it…” hell, I’m not really okay myself, but facades are required attire at this fucking school.

“Anyway, when we get out there I’ll split up the units since the Captain and Colonel are currently MIA… and don’t forget to report to the Colonel if anything in that letter is wrong.” He said as he gave her a light pat on the side of her arm and headed off as well, making a point to apologize to Delryn for his actions. He didn’t disagree with Delryn, but someone had to ensure her moral stayed up, she was going to need it in the coming mission.

“You already forgot my name?” the white haired man let out a grunt and grabbed his heart. “So cruel to hear from someone I’ll shed blood with someday.” he perked back up with a smile. “Its Rallen do try to remember it this time would you?” he nodded. “You know you really shouldn’t eat off on your own like that after all there’s strength in numbers right?” he nodded to himself.

Elphida almost went to her usual textbook smile and repeated nods, but remembered just in time she wasn't going to be the weak link in the group and just shrugged.

'I have to appear strong...at least for now...' she thought to herself, fearing the notion of the training they were about to receive.

“Hey guys can I ask you all something?” Elphida was snapped from her deep thoughts by Rallen's voice. “What is it you guys want out of this whole Rite thing? Do you want to be the emperor or just survive?” He seemed to stare off into space before he spoke up once more. “I suppose I should share if I’m asking. I’m not interested in this whole Rite and become the emperor thing. In fact I think it’s all just a bunch of nonsense. What I am interested in though is keeping my friends alive and keeping the next emperor from being some power hungry foul.”

Elphida found the man's sentence likable, but she had too many experiences with people who say one thing and did the other. Power did terrible things to people, even when they don't want it.

The thin boy looked at Rallen with serious eyes as he stood up from his chair.

"If there's anything I want more than the position of emperor myself." the boy said with a rather intriguing tone. "Is for my friends to never fall in battle..." He closed his eyes for a while as he stayed silent, "I may be hard to talk to, hard to approach, even harder to find in public; I will see it through that we make it from hell and back if it's the last thing I do. We are in the same squad, you may be superior, or even under me; that's no reason that one should better live than the other; at times where I can't have everything, but I'm selfish that way. I will find a way to take it."

Elphida avoided looking at the boy, she didn't really want to stared spilling tears. She was the type to cry at such speeches of self-sacrifice or protecting someone, that kind of emotional stuff. Stopping herself from crying was already good enough, but to look at the boy would just cause her to cry.

"I-I-I." Karu stuttered and fumbled over syllables, "I... need to go to the bathroom."

Elphida looked up in time to see Karu bolting. Then Suna decided to take her leave.

With a deep breathe, Elphida decided to tell her own idea of the Rite.

"...I think it's stupid." she put out bluntly. "We don't need the Rite at all...It just means that the strongest becomes the new Emperor, and not the smartest. It's the stupidest way to determine a new ruler. Any power-hungry fool would decide to take it for his or her own benefit."

"...I never wanted to come here for this. I wanted to create an orphanage for orphans in this war-inflicted world." she muttered quietly while averting her eyes.

Rallen yelled with a wave on his hands. Although he didn't cared, he still tried to look who it was. It could have be one of his squad members, but who knows? Might have been Rallen's roommate or friend or even maybe a sibling that he didn't know from the details of the team. He swung his head to the back, only to find a girl, with the third same hair as the three on the table. "Elphida, eh? She was in my squad, if I remember." He tried to jog his memories, but it just didn't work. Dammit brain! Remember! Fucking remember! Those words boomed in his head, yet nothing about her other than the information about her. He placed his palm over to his face, and sighed.

When the silver haired girl came and asked who they were, he quickly smiled. "Seems like you have a bad memory. Just like me!" He laughed at his own joke, noticing no one followed. What Rallen said seemed to make sense. 'Strength in numbers', eh? That's something to look out for. He made a note to himself. it was very much true. Standing alone makes one limited in powers, however, with a number of people by your side, the power limits from nothing. It can be deadly yet it can be miraculous.

'Why?', Rallen asked. Once he gave his personal opinion on the matter, Karu seemed to have joined in. The shy young man actually had a determined tone in his speech, and what he said was almost the same as Rallen's, if they weren't leeching off each other. Suna seemed to have decided to leave group when Karu left in state where tears almost came out. Elphida then gave her view on things and goal after this. Rey thought for a while. 'Starting an orphanage'... That actually sounded good for once. Rey's lips stretched a smile, as he stood up and gave a thumbs up to Elphida. "That's a good thing. Not much people ever wants to start an orphanage, nowadays." He said, offering the girl to sit down. "This war-torn world is turning for a bad end. It's not gonna wait for us to turn itself. Time moves along with it and so as the war. It stretches from nations to nations, it kills millions, whether it be a women or a child, it pays no heed to such things. All it does is cause more destruction on the world." He said and sat back down. "My parents are in a country side home now, but what we have seen before really tore us mentally. The men of the war took the women and raped them. Then they tossed them aside like piece of trashes and killed them. Moral ain't gonna cut to them, so that's why we have to end this war. I know that even when the war ends, crimes still persists; however, if only even a life can be saved, I will see to it that it safely lives in this world." He said, bringing his legs outside the chair. "I have no idea about the others, but there is one thing I know, and that is to protect those within my blade range. Killing is never good, but killing in war also doesn't mean you have the right to. Every life is precious, and we have to treasure it. You might have a different view of things from me, but I don't care. I have a duty to uphold, and that is to protect this life that my parents had gave, and to protect my friends and dear ones with this body." He said, as he immediately stopped his speech. "That is about what I think. But no matter what, I shall protect everyone, so you don't have to worry." He said, ending with a yawn and his face laying down on the table.

Caspian heard Rallen’s question and looked at his hands, thinking for a few minutes. Kyles spoke up though, “Of course I’m not going to take it seriously! I mean come one, this Rite is for the seniors right? I mean, us freshmen don’t have a really chance, we’re all the best from our high schools but these guys are the best in the nation, we’re out of our league. Right?” he was all smiles despite his depressing comments, throwing his arm over Caspian’s shoulder and leaning heavily on the young man.

“I’m not so sure if that’s wise… either of you…” Caspian looked up to the others and was clearly embarrassed that he’d spoken so bluntly, “Well, uh, I mean… you know… that’s j-just not how the Rite works right? I mean, the whole point of it is to fight.” He sat down and continued, again looking down, this whole lecture and discussion bothering him for some reason, “The rite is meant to find the best for the job, it’s why our nations is so strong. The Rite is meant for the best to battle one another, and in the process those with the will to lead are made to shine, at least that’s what they taught us in school… it’s not about the actual challenges so much as it is about the will to keep going, the charisma to subjugate others to aid you, when they introduced the ability to form alliances that was meant to show who could lead best right?” He looked up again, “But, if we don’t all try our hardest, and we don’t aspire to win then the Rite is pointless… if we don’t take it seriously, it means we’re just wasting our time, and other’s sacrifices.”

Caspian was silent again, and after a few seconds was beginning to stammer out an apology when another voice cut in, “You’ve got a point there.” Caspian turned and stood, like a shot, standing there before the group of freshmen was the Battalion commander, General Ruler, with a friendly smile and looking like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Ethelyn's smile turned into a straight face with the only evidence of frustration a mere eyebrow twitch. She held her tongue at his harsh words. With a childish, stubborn nature Ethelyn would not let Delryn's words sink in. She knew it was an honor, and she was prepared to see people die. She noticed when faces in the crowds of students went missing. Just because she had never seen what happened to them didn't mean she didn't understand.

"Yes Sir, I'll be sure to let the colonel know if anything is wrong." Ethelyn responded quickly to Daniel and pulled together another smile. Daniel gave her a pat on the shoulder and she appreciated the comfort. The two went their separate ways and she deposited her tray at the dish line.

"This is an honor." She said quietly to herself as she examined the envelope one more time before heading to the training grounds. She had a new rock hard determination to come up with the worst possible punishment for Michale in class today and it would start when she saw his uniform.

Caspian, just like the rest, snapped too in an instant, saluting the General with a bead of sweat dripping from his forehead, “G-G-General Ruler, Sir!” he called in response, ensuring that everyone in the room was at attention as was protocol, the Lieutenants and most of the company was gone however.

Demsond looked embarrassed as he glanced about almost like he was lost and rubbed his head laughing slightly, “Oh come now, you’re in your barracks, at ease, please! Relax, don’t mind me.” He said, slightly saluting to ensure protocols were followed, though only to the basest of formalities.

Caspian lowered the salute, as did Kyle who had his leg still halfway on the bench, having been unable to completely stand up, “Of course, sir, always a pleasure.” Kyle said cheerfully, Caspian was still slightly shell shocked, this being the first time he’d actually met the General in person, he seemed so, strange. He wasn’t the stiff military juggernaut the seniors and third years made him out to be, in fact Caspian thought the man looked rather happy go lucky, a trait that was shared by his Platoon leader. “So, what’re your thoughts on this General? I’d love to hear what you have to say, sir.” Kyle was bold, or at least Caspian thought so as he cast him a look of moron! Don’t ask him to waste time like that!

“Hmm, oh, well…” the General seemed to be taken aback by this interest of the young Cadets but cleared his throat, “I, well… it’s not a simple thing, so far all of you have valid ideals, and truth be told I would much have preferred if this situation had never come to pass.” He looked slightly more depressed now, though his smile was still the same his eyes had fallen ever so gently, “And not just the Rite…”

Caspian thought for a moment what he meant, was he remorseful about losing the throne so easily… or was it…? “Sir… if I may… during the entrance ceremony you were larger than life, like a real General… but now that I see you up close…you don’t really seem the type for commanding others.” He commented, instantly regretting it and bowing his head, “Oh, sorry sir, I-”

“Hmm, well, that’s because I’m not…” he said with a wide grin, “I really have never been one ot enjoy the spotlight of command… Artemis and Ethelyn and the others are more suited to that kind of thing than I am.”

“I Disagree with you , General!” another voice, one Caspian recognized instantly as he turned to see the Colonel entering the room, “But that’s a discussion for another time…. General, we’re going to be late if we don’t leave soon.” Artemis scolded as he stepped up to the man, who complained about not getting to talk to the Cadets more even as the Colonel shoved him toward the door, “Let’s go, Kalen will have your hide if you’re late, and Kayle won’t be happy either… and you!” he turned to the Cadets still in the Cafeteria, “Get out to the training Field, Cadets, Or the Lieutenants and CSM have full authority to make your lives even worse!” Caspian gulped as the two commanders left, one pushing the other out the doors and turned to the remaining cadets.

“Uh…. Well that was weird…”

-=-=-=-

Daniel cleared his throat and cried out over the Company, “Company! Atten-huh!” the clicking of boots resounded at his call, “Alright! Listen up! We’ve got a lot of work to do today. Captain James and Colonel Halken are in meetings all day, but they managed to book us these training fields for magic practice, so, I expect you lot to make progress to show them when they get back! Do you get me?”

“We get you, sir!” the company replied.

“Good, now then, over the past few weeks some of you have been able to take it easy during training, why? Because we were not catering to the weaknesses of the Alignments, that’s why!” he explained, looking at a Magus and then a Guardian, “So! The Colonel has asked that we rectify this… to that end, we will no longer be separating by platoons and Squads… today we are going by Alignments… now any of you cry babies out there who thing this is bigotry, you’re goddamn right! But, you will be better for it.”

He pointed to the left, “When you are dismissed, Magus will all report to Lieutenant Drake at field one to your right! Guardians, your asses are mine on field two to your left! Understand?”

“Sir, yes sir!”

“Dismissed!” he called and the company broke.

Michale had barely made it in time for formation. But he had made it and more to the point thanks to the extra uniforms he had changed and was just as presentable as he had been that morning before his misfortune. Delryn smiled as they where dismised slowly looking around as he made his way to the right side of the field where Ethylyn would be waiting...Part of him hated her, she was stuck up and came off as more deserving just because she was fortunate however another part of him thougut she was...attractive. but now wasn't the time for that now was the time for training. Michale rubbed his hands together as he got a few paces from Ethylyn and saluted "Cadet Michale Reporting as ordered for Magus training Ma'm!" He said as he stood there waiting for the instruction to begin.

----
Delryn surveyed the situation as the two groups moved into their respective fields. magus on the right and Guardians on the left. who was going to shine this year...Who was he going to recommend to Artemis for a SDU trial run....At the rate things were moving he wasn't sure he wanted to recommend anyone but...Something told him that wasn't a choice. Delryn slowly set up two spotting scopes so he could watch without interfering. and he would pray that no one would come and find him today for some meeting or briefing. He really just wanted today to be a quite day.

Karu looking at himself staring at his eyes in the mirror, "damn it, curse my own fate." Pulling out a case from his pocket and takes out the sunglasses and prescription sheet for any of the superiors that Karu would eventually have to deal with. Pulling out his PDA checking the time, "Crap, I should get ready for training." Looking at himself with sunglasses and sighing, "Why only me?" Karu makes a fist throwing at the mirror, but doesn't make contact leaving only a few centimeters away from his hand making contact. "I should keep my cool..."

The PDA beeps away as a challenge has been made with another student that Karu doesn't know and Suna, Karu walks over to where they're challenging as it's on the way to the training ground. Looking from a distance looks over as Suna just completely overwhelms the other student, "no chance eh?" Karu sighs and leaves it at that as walks towards the training ground.

Running over to the side of the guardian looking at everyone diverge into two separate groups of magus and guardian, not knowing which side to go, he makes a guess and runs over to the guardian side. Indeed, with his sunglasses on students look at him weirdly on the side of the guardians as well thinking that he shouldn't even be on this side.

The Headmaster Saluted back and sat, gesturing for her to take a seat as well, she was explaining her lack of uniform as she sat however prompting a response, “I trust not, you’ve been very busy. Most Cadets are astounding young people at this academy, but you are exceptional Ms. Bertrand.”

In an instant however she was all business and the Headmaster sat forward and bolt straight, his serious face on like he had done at the speech, like a stone monument. She mentioned Negotiations with a hint of propriety and his brow raised, “Nothing the war courts will hear of, I’m sure.” He commented and continued listening to her report on her mission. Ash she finished he cleared his throat, “Well, very well done, as expected Cadet, and you’re right, mission accomplished Bertrand, well done.” He stood and straightened his uniform a bit before looking out the window; a squad of cadets marching past below, “Your arrival on campus couldn’t be at a more opportune moment for such an upstanding student… I assume you’ve heard the rumors but I’ll put them to rest now. They are true, the Council has elected to enact the Rite of Succession… and Archon Academy is the primary battlefield.”

Turning to his desk he reached into one of the draws and looked up at her, “I apologize if you feel worn down after your previous mission, because I doubt a Class A Student in the First Year group is going to find much rest because of these events, but I have no doubt you’ll rise to the challenge, “he placed a PDA in front of her and a folded set of papers, “To aid in the Rite all students are being provided with a special App on their PDAs that tracks their standing and challenges, I’d suggest you familiarize yourself with it… and there’s been a change to your posting as well. With the Charlie Company Commander being a member of your house and your position in your house being what it is, Ms. Bertrand, the board of directors for the school have seen fit to remove you from his command to avoid any conflicts of interest.” He looked at her apologetically, “Just a precaution, as I’m sure you’re aware, however the fact remains. These orders transfer you officially to Alpha Company, Third Platoon, Fourth Squad. You’ll find your room assignment has changed as well.” He saluted her, forcing her to stand and return the salute, “You’re Dismissed, Cadet Bertrand.”

“Your new unit should be at training fields two and three today, the PDA has a map function so it shouldn’t be hard to find.” As she went to leave he stepped out from behind his desk and reached into his jacket, “Oh and one more thing,” he took out a red beret and cord and held them out to her, “Consider this recognition of a job well done…”

-=-=-=-

Daniel cleared his throat as he looked to the Guardians before him, the Magus at a field on the other side of a large concrete wall, “Alright, listen up! I know most of you have already taken advanced basic magics in school, even if you are guardians, because otherwise you wouldn’t be here at Archon… but, for the sake of safety and ensuring everyone is on the same level, we’re going to start things out slowly for those how didn’t have the chance to train with more advanced stuff as guardians.” He turned ot the line of target dummies and held out his hand, “Now remember, Archon is built in the path of a powerful Mana Flood, so your magic is going to be amplified here ,keep that in mind…. The spell we’ll start with is a simple Shot Cannon. Just extend you hand, “he’d already done so, “Channel your aura to you palm with a negative charge, “his palm began to glow a shimmering green, “This will attract positive mana form the air, “like a torrent particles of light began to appear, charged mana, and swirled ot his hand, forming a ball, “Let it build… then make a basic Barrel of your uncharged Aura… and Release!” he pulsed his hand and like a bullet leaving a gun, though much slower, the energy shot off, a green orb that hit the target. A blue seal appeared before impact and the orb exploded, sparing the actual dummy but still showing a hit.

“Simple, and easy, even a regular Guardian should be able to do that, so, step on up. I need some volunteers here people! Come on.”

'Magic Training...' Elphida thought to herself. Oh God... everyone was going to know she had no magical potential at all. What was she gonna do? That was all Elphida worried about while she trudged her way to the Magus side of the training area with good composition. Maybe some miracle will happen. Maybe her magical skills would manifest in this time of her need...but even if it did happen...it would be a mere fluke. She was way to easy to spot if one were to locate her by aura. She didn't have one. In a sea of auras burning brightly, she was the only one void of it. While this may have hidden her earlier, in a situation like this where she would be singled out, it was a double edged blade.

She ran her hand through the small rectangular cover that she had strapped onto the left side of her chest. This was her only charm in times like this.

'Ancestors guide me...' she prayed silently to herself.

A short while later, a hazel haired girl walked up to Lieutenant Drake and saluted. Now that was a top-notch salute right there, even Elphida could tell. This girl seemed very professional. And... wait. Was she part of the SDU?! She had the red beret and cord!

"Meeko Bertrand, ma'am. Apologies for lateness, I was preoccupied by an errand. I'm willing to take disciplinary action."




“Well, very well done, as expected Cadet, and you’re right, mission accomplished Bertrand, well done.”

Meeko dipped her head politely with a smile.

The Headmaster stood and straightened his uniform a bit before looking out the window; a squad of cadets marching past below, “Your arrival on campus couldn’t be at a more opportune moment for such an upstanding student… I assume you’ve heard the rumors but I’ll put them to rest now. They are true, the Council has elected to enact the Rite of Succession… and Archon Academy is the primary battlefield.”

Rite of Succession... Meeko's smile grew more pronounced as a look flashed across her eyes. Yes. This was a good thing for her. She would prove not just to a person, not just to a group of people, not just the school. She could prove to the entire nation of her strength. It was just the thing she needed to showcase her strength.

Turning to his desk he reached into one of the drawers and looked up at her, “I apologize if you feel worn down after your previous mission, because I doubt a Class A Student in the First Year group is going to find much rest because of these events, but I have no doubt you’ll rise to the challenge," he placed a PDA in front of her and a folded set of papers, to which Meeko bowed for permission before reaching over to look at them with interest, starting with the PDA first. She occasionally glanced at the Headmaster to show she was listening to what he was telling her.

“To aid in the Rite all students are being provided with a special App on their PDAs that tracks their standing and challenges, I’d suggest you familiarize yourself with it… and there’s been a change to your posting as well. With the Charlie Company Commander being a member of your house and your position in your house being what it is, Ms. Bertrand, the board of directors for the school have seen fit to remove you from his command to avoid any conflicts of interest.” He looked at her apologetically, “Just a precaution, as I’m sure you’re aware, however the fact remains. These orders transfer you officially to Alpha Company, Third Platoon, Fourth Squad. You’ll find your room assignment has changed as well.” He saluted her, forcing her to stand and return the salute, “You’re Dismissed, Cadet Bertrand.”

She picked up the PDA and the papers, bowing yet again.

“Your new unit should be at training fields two and three today, the PDA has a map function so it shouldn’t be hard to find.”

"I'll be there swiftly sir, you can count on that." she said with a smile.

As she went to leave, he stepped out from behind his desk and reached into his jacket, “Oh and one more thing,” he took out a red beret and cord and held them out to her, “Consider this recognition of a job well done…”

Meeko stared at the red beret and cord with an astonished look on her face. "I...I...wha..."

She realized what she was doing and she recovered quickly. Instead of bowing, this time Meeko curtsied low in front of the Headmaster, before taking the items. This was an honour and Meeko felt exactly that.

"Thank you sir. I will wear these colors with pride and I will not shame it." she saluted once more and left the room. She made her way to her previous room, utilizing the PDA right off the bat. She made a few mistakes, but eventually she was accustomed to the tablet. With great speed, she packed up most of her stuff, since she hadn't really unpacked when she first arrived, making the job all the more quicker for the hazel-haired girl. She ran the shower to wash off the sweat she had accumulated, as well as to wash off some of the grime from her travels.

In no time, she was in her training uniform, crisp and clean, her hair smelling the way it had been since she was young, a sweet, orangey tang wafting in the air. Observing herself in the mirror to make sure she was presentable, she picked up the red beret and cord from her bed, well, soon to be ex-bed and stared at it with wonder. She snapped out of it, after daydreaming for about 5 minutes and put the cord on. It sure was visible... She pinned the Bertrand family crest on her uniform, displaying it for the world to see. She picked up another crest from the table top and looked at it for a short while with a blank look in her eyes before pinning it onto her shirt underneath the uniform. She fixed her hair and then placed the beret perfectly on top of her head. A bit more mirror checking ensued before she was satisfied with the outcome.



She was in her new room, which was currently occupied by one other student.

'Elphida...At least she's tidy', Meeko observed the room, seeing how everything was placed properly and nothing was all over the place. She dumped her gear down in her corner and was then out of the door, not planning on wasting time.

"Training Fields..." Meeko mumbled to herself, plotting down on the PDA. Following the directions, she took a good look at her surroundings to get to know the place. Maybe she won't need to rely on the PDA so much if she did just that!

"Here we are." Meeko walked out onto the fields, two swords buckled onto the right side of her waist, one above the other. One was a thin elegant sword in it's equally graceful sheath, which must be a rapier, seeing as no other sword would have such a small, thin size. The other was of course, the standard issue Archon Academy sword, which felt was just an extra weight. She had perfect control over her sword and didn't plan on killing anyone. But rules are rules.

"Magus Training would fall under..." she looked at the groups separated. Easy enough to find out. The General was training that group over there...and he was a Guardian...

"Oh... Lieutenant Drake..." she said to herself when she noticed the white haired senior standing in front of the other group. "Magus it is then."

She made her way over to Ethelyn and saluted sharply. "Meeko Bertrand, ma'am. Apologies for lateness, I was-" Meeko thought hard for a word to make it sound simpler, she didn't want to be bragging. "-preoccupied by an errand. I'm willing to take disciplinary action."

"You're quick Cadet, and safe for now." Ethelyn replied to Michale with her more formal act on. Upon seeing Michale was clean and punctual Ethelyn dropped her earlier plans of punishment with frustration. She would have so much enjoyed target practice on the cadet. Maybe she'd get lucky still and he wouldn't be able to preform the basic magic they had planned for today, then she could definitely have him run around a field as the other cadets took aim. He would be just like one of her morning training mice, a pile of dirt running around only to get struck down by a shot through the heart.

Ethelyn took her place in front of the group of first year magus, to prove her power to any doubting minds she unleashed her aura. The earthy green mass expanded around her coils developed and to any skilled magus they would see her aura take the shape of a giant snake. A smirk crossed her face as she got a few looks of awe from the more respectful cadets. She opened her mouth to begin her own instruction when a student in a red beret she had yet to see before approached her. The badge on her uniform said she was a Bertrand and she confirmed that fact when she announced her name. Typical spell-sword, think they can still be considered a magus because they focus their aura in weapons.

"No need for apologies Cadet Bertrand, I don't take kindly to late arrivals, and I also don't need an announcement of your lateness. So join the rest of your squad and let me proceed before you become my target for this demonstration." Ethelyn scolded Meeko and waved her off to join the others.

"Seeing as all of you should have some magical talent, this shouldn't be too hard, in fact I'd prefer to get through this in one go so we can move on to something a little more elaborate and worth our time. All of you should be familiar with a simple shot cannon." Ethelyn paused and held her own hand out to the side. "Simply focus negative aura in the palm of your hand attract the positive aura and release it with a pulse." The green seal appeared on her hand and a huge cannon erupted from her hand. As a fun show of her own advanced magic, she twisted her hand around in a snake like fashion and a stone wall erupted in front of the traveling aura cannon ball. The wall exploded but she prevented any damage to the school buildings behind it. With a stomp of her foot another green aura appeared near the targets and they rushed a solid ten feet farther back.

"This shouldn't be too difficult. Once you hit your target join me on the side of the range." Ethelyn finished her instruction and began to focus in on the auras of her students so she could monitor any irregularities and prevent misuse of the magic.

Standing in line with the rest of the guardians he listened intently to the explanation given once again about the basic shot canon, which to someone like Kai who rarely carried any kind of firearm, simple magic like that was his means of range. Of course if the situation occurred he could use a firearm he preferred to use the weapons he was familiar with and use simple magic like that as back up. The basic principle of the shot cannon could be modified for use, as Kai preferred to use his weapons as the base for the negative charge, so he did not let go of his weapon.

Hearing Daniel call for volunteers, Kai stepped forward and for the purpose of demonstrating he understood the basic shot cannon. Raised his hand and began to focus a negative charge in his hand. Allowing the positive Mana to build up to a reasonable amount. Before he pulsed and sent his shot flying towards a target.

Observing where his shot hit he soon took a step back to bring himself back out the way so he could left everyone else have a go as merely this was to demonstrate his understanding of basic magic. Which for a combat specialist he was more studied into then most people would believe. While he had no where near the capacity or ability of a magus. He understood the importance of mana charges in defense, offense and how the two could be applied in certain situation. Now while he was limited in his own ability to do that. the knowledge certainly helped.

Karu analyze after what Kai was doing, Karu takes his turn next as he looks at the target dummy. Staring straight at them, he places his hand forward with his palm open as he releases his aura. A strange phenomenon happens as Karu's aura is suddenly released as for a good while you see three different patterns as well as three different colors envelop Karu in a melded pattern that looks as if conflicting:A red furious fiery pattern, a yellow zig-zag pattern, a wavy blue pattern. Each one battling each other as Karu throws his aura at the target dummy and the three different types of aura shoot off at the dummy each taking different directions but it hones towards the dummies.

"I don't think that's right..." Karu looks a bit dumbfounded as to thinking that isn't supposed to happen... As it is, repeating what the commander explained how it felt, it couldn't be any more blunt. As Karu aimed down the dummy one more time for a double check, only a yellow zig-zag aura envelops him this time and shoots off and zips by hitting the dummy at the speed of as if lightning. Karu knew how a bit of it worked and how Mana is represented, but the first time wasn't anything like the one he did now. The first shot felt natural... but it feels as if it cannot be reproduced again... The second shot was simple enough, but as if forced. Karu let it go, and hopes to not get any "conversations" with the commander. "Yep, indeed the first shot was just a random fluke..." Trying to avoid that he did it to begin with. "Like this right?"

Suna

Watching the others go Suna soon followed suit and volunteered to show them what she could, though it wasn’t much. Stepping forwards she raised her hand towards the dummy, releasing her aura which was a wild red and brown color lashing out like a wild animal despite how small it was. Slowly the mana in her hand began to build up and soon it grew to a good size in her standards which was smaller than the others and it shot off towards the dummy, hitting the dummy with a small explosion.

Suna cocked her head and stepped back rather tired from actually performing in front of people and voluntarily which was rather unusual of her. ‘hmm Mother won’t be particularly happy about that but I can discuss this with her at a later note’ she thought to herself before pulling her shawl back up over head, covering the majority of her face save her pale red eyes.

Caspian sighed even deeper and let out a yawn as the others took their places on the firing line. He stifled it when a Staff Sergeant gave him a dirty look and stood straighter but the moment the NCOs back was turned his eye lids fell to half-mast again. His night had been long, with Kyle always talking constantly, and he really didn’t have much interest in this training. To be honest he did feel insulted that they were doing this, he could see why the Guardians would need it but the Magus here no doubt had more than a basic understanding of mana control. He noted that many of the students were being as flashy as the Lieutenant had been. Yes, Flashy, what else could call it when she so blatantly overpowered her spell and then had to defend the school form her own attack. Several students were using multi shot attacks, or firing three bolts in separate directions only to bring them back to the target, it was all so basic and boring to him.

But there was one thing that had skipped his mind until then. A cadet had reported in to the Lieutenant, while Caspian was dozing to be honest, but the name he had heard made him take another look around. Bertrand… could it… nah, she wouldn’t come to this school… yet as he glanced about in the crowd of Magus he had to admit to himself that is was a possibility, No, she wouldn’t come here… not that she couldn’t get in or anything but why would she come here? he thought.

Yet his thoughts were broken as the Staff Sergeant at the front of the line he was in called him to the firing line. He stepped up and watched the others in his group let fly with their attacks. Some were spiraled, some were multicolored, one person used a seal to generate an arm canon outlined in mana and fire the blast but was getting berated for doing so by an NCO “What part of ‘Simple’ don’t you get Cadet!?” the NCO yelled and Caspian sighed again. His own NCO thawped him upside the head as he stood there, telling him to move it along.

He breathed in and held up his hand. Should I really do it like everyone else… no, better not, I’ve been able to keep a low profile because I’m E class so far, best to just hold back. The energy he gathered was miniscule by comparison to the others in his line up, but as he felt a bit guilty at using so little power when those around could see he had a fairly standard aura he thought better of it. No, if I make it too small it’ll be suspicious… but too big and people might actually look into me…alright, I’ll go for average. He steeled himself and channeled more energy into the shot, the ball growing. His aura was just like everyone else’s, nothing special about it, don’t mind me was all it said. Completely nonchalant, just like the shot he let fly, average, nothing special, better than most at a regular level but for Archon completely average and unsuspicious… which, of course, made his shot unknowingly one of the most suspicious in his lineup. But shrugging as the NCO gave him a look of “Is that all?” he just shrunk back into the crowd, completely aloof.

As he entered the crowd of observers to the side he stepped past the Lieutenant, praying that the woman his Platoon Leader Referred to as the “Granite Queen” would ignore him.

-=-=-=-

Artemis dragged the General out of the Dorm by his collar, much to the embarrassment of those around and pulled him forward along the path, the General complaining all the way, “But I didn’t get to finish talking to the Cadets! Can’t we go back, please?”

“No.”

“But! They all seemed like they were having a really good conversation, Come on Arty!”

“No… and don’t call me that.”

“Wha? Not Arty? How about Artems?”

“No.”

“Art-e-runi?”

“No.”

“Art-astrophy?”

“No.”

“Mr. Killjoy then!” the General declared breaking free of his grasp and holding his finger high triumphant.

“Oh for the love of…” Artemis swept his foot to the side, taking the Generals legs out from under him, leaving the man to tumble to the ground, looking winded and unbalanced as he lay there on the concrete, “Look here, either call me by name or by rank, that’s how it works around here. Honestly you’d think that general of this school would have more decorum.”

The generals eyes were spinning as the stupid smile he wore remained, “Ow… you know Artemis, tha-that really hurt….” He commented a slight line of tear falling from his face.

“Don’t blame me, blame the Writers.(1)”

“Eh?”

“Oh never mind.”

Meow!

“Hmm?” Desmond came to and looked next to him, sitting on the grass next to the pathway was a small cat, which meowed again and licked his cheek. His face went from slightly surprise and confusion to joy as he jumped up, whisking the cat into the air and spinning with it held high and outstretched, “Oh, Patches! You’ve returned to me!” he began to hug the cat, squeezing it rather soundly to which it first purred then began to change to a growl and finally hissed before scratching his nose and jumping from his arm, landing on its paws, and running into a nearby bush, puffed up ever so slightly all the way. “Ah! Wait, Patches? Ah why does she always run away?”

“Maybe because you’re a terrible owner.” Artemis commented ot the side while crossing his arms and watching the cat go.

“Bu-but, she always comes when Kalen called her!”

“Again, it’s because you’re a terrible owner…”

Desmond was digging into the Bushes on his knees, trying to get to his cat, “Hmm? Pardon? Did you say something?”

“Never mind… let’s just get going, if we’re anymore late than this Kayle is going to put us both in stasis and remove our organs one by one.”

“Wa! But I like my stomach just where it is!” Artemis was already walking away and advised that if that was the case than Desmond better not be late. Desmond rushed after him, calling out for him to wait. He didn’t.

-=-=-=-

“Sorry about that. Desmond here was having pet problems.” Artemis commented as he took a seat in the large meeting hall at the semicircular table. Kayle was the only other person in the room and as Desmond took his seat at the center of the straight half of the table, the only seat on that side. “Anyway, so, what’s this about, General?”

Desmond cleared his throat and looked up at the other, “Right, well, we need to discuss the situation on campus. General Kayle, you wanted to discuss the casualties on Campus because of the Rite, yes?” Desmond asked, more businesslike now that he was sitting in his big boy chair.

[(1)*OOC Note: Yep, I just broke the Forth wall… deal with it]