Paracelsus Decaromus's Story

"I'm Ebony, Amelia and Timothy's daughter from the Autumn family." Ebony introduced herself in the same way Ansha did without really thinking about it. She thought that this introduction gave more information than only the first name. For a second Ebony hoped that Ansha didn't take that as mocking.

Ebony was in the academy for less than a hour and already started missing her home. But who knows? Growing up includes changes, doesn't it? "I'm thinking of something... Were everyone here unexpectedly taken to study in the academy by force?"
Ebony wasn't good at finding subjects to talk about, nor was she into talking, but she didn't want to be invaded by the awkward silence.

The little girl was happy to see that a man will guide them.

The man who had brought him here was suddenly gone, and now Brenner stood alone in the dark entry room. Stood motionless for a moment, but when he heard footsteps coming in his direction he quickly backed into a small alcove of the room, hoping the added shadow hid him. It must not have done much good, because a few moments later he was found and called out by a man who had a young red-headed girl about his age with him. Shortly thereafter they found two other girls roaming the halls, and then they were off, apparently to see the Headmaster.

Brenner had been silent, following and taking in all his surroundings. He was studying the halls and corridors they were walking down, in case he needed to find his way back, when the red-haired girl spoke to him. "Brenner," what his only reply, but he gave her a smile before resuming paying close attention to what was happening.

A few moments were passed in relative silence as the group walked down corridor, ascended stairs and passed through bridges giving to emptiness before they reached a richly decorated door made of solid wood and precious metals. Knocking in an elaborate manner, the Messenger awaited an assent to enter from inside before opening the double doors with ease despite their heavy looks.

"The children have arrived, Headmaster." Said the man to an elderly gentleman sitting on an ornate chair behind an equally ornate desk. The older man was writing something with a quill on a similar vellum than the one having been used for the summon and did not look up from his task before the children started to fidget. Finally acknowledging his guests, the man pierced each of the children with his gaze, as if weighting their worth. Nodding once, he started talking with a surprisingly deep voice for his apparent age.

"Welcome to Perseus Academy, young ones, today you will be tested on your current abilities and will be given your quarters, complete with a change of uniform and necessities. We will start with the magical test, touch this orb, if you are indeed future heroes it will glow, confirming your innate magical abilities. Do not fear if you did not notice it earlier as that talent only appear on one's seventh birthday." Paracelsus said, holding out a bright orb made of an unknown material. As he put it on a pillow by his desk, it grew dark.

When Ariadne opened her eyes she was shocked to be in such an unfamiliar place. The trip had taken a blink of her eye, but this new place was so strange. As she lifted her hands and rubbed her face she still felt the cold sensation from the Messenger's grip. However, when she looked around the cloaked guide was no where to be found. Before her was a set of two large oak doors. Ornate iron knockers in the shape of fierce lion heads hung just out of her reach. As she stretched up to take one, the door opened before her, revealing a grand entry way. The room was dark, candles hung off the walls casting light in round spots on the floor. She looked back once more to the darkness behind her as a chill ushered her to enter the building.
Her small shoes tapped against the aged marble floors as she cautiously entered. A loud smacking sound caused her to leap from her skin as the door swung shut behind her.
The small girl trembled as she wandered closer into the building, and watched as the candles lit themselves down a corridor to the left. After rubbing her eyes she realized, they were in fact urging her to take that hall. Meekly she followed the strange series of light until l she reached another large wooden door. This one too opened before her as she peeked her head in.

In the large room she saw the messenger that had brought her, an elderly man, and a few children. They were huddled around a ball that glowed every once and a while. Quietly she stepped in, gripped her arms behind her back as she trembled slightly with fear.
"Hello..." she peeped, "Where am I...?"

Cassia watched as a couple of the other children stepped forward to touch the orb. As a dark-skinned girl with long braids walked up to the orb, the doors to the room opened and yet another girl stepped through them, asking where she was. She appeared to be alone. Had she found this room by herself? Cassia stepped lightly over to the girl and took her hand, tugging her closer to the group. "Perseus Academy," she whispered to the girl, not wanting to break the quiet of the room too harshly. "We've all just come here today, I think," she added.

She pointed to the elderly gentleman seated at the desk. "That old man over there, he is the Headmaster. He says we're going to be tested today. This is a magic test. If we touch that ball thing and it glows, it means we have magic." She hoped that was an accurate description on what was currently going on. In all honesty, she was befuddled herself. "I'm Cassia," she told the girl, offering her a smile.

She jumped in surprise when the room suddenly lit up and turned her head to see that the dark-skinned girl, Ebony, was stepping back from the orb that was glowing brightly rather than flickering. Cassia's eyes widened, looking from the girl to the Headmaster. When he didn't seem to be getting ready to say anything, Cassia decided she would give it a try. She stepped over to the orb and timidly placed a hand on it. Immediately, it gave off a warm, steady glow. It did not flicker, but it certainly wasn't the burst of light that had shone forth from the orb when Ebony had touched it. Satisfied with the result, although she didn't know what it meant, Cassia backed away to stand again between the girl who had just entered the room and Brenner, who was still silent and almost motionless. She smiled reassuringly at both of them and watched to see who would be next.

"Perseus Academy," a girl with fiery hair replied as she led Ari over to the group. Looking around she saw that everyone was staring at the orb, and watching it glow at the touch.
"I'm Cassia," said the girl, after explaining the magic orb. Ari's head spun with confusion. Academy? Magic? What are these people talking about? As she thought back she realized that she had never actually read the letter, her father had kept it close to him. Did he know about this? Why would her trust so easily these strange people? Cassia seemed king enough, but she was still unsure about the others. They didn't seem quite as nervous as she was as she writhed her hands in front of her. It seemed that it was her turn to approach the ball, though she did so timidly. Reaching out she grazed the orb with her finger tips, and watched as a glow formed in the center. Heat spread through her finger tips as she orb pulsated, much like a heart beat. The response was intriguing, and a smile spread across her face as she slipped her hands around it, cradling the beating ball in her hands.
After a moment she remembered that she was not alone, and hastily placed the orb back on it's pedestal. As the last touch of her finger left its surface the burned ebbed away, fading back into nothing. Though she was still confused about what was going on, there was something about the way the glow felt, as if it was coursing through her being, like the orb had become an extension of her own being. She took her place back in line, glancing around at the others and rubbing her locket in her fingers. As the red haired girl smiled at her a little fear ebbed away, as she gave her a small warm grin in return.
"Je' m'appelle Ariadne," she whispered, though after a moment she realized that they would not be able to understand her. As she though hard, her English came out with a thick french accent.
"I am sorry, My name is Ariadne, but you may call be Ari."

Her thoughts wandered back to her home, as she wondered how her father could let her go like that. How he was faring without her there, and if she would ever see his face again.

Brenner watched with interest as each new student went forward to touch the strange orb. The orb flickered and glowed differently with each person who touched it, and he wondered if it was because of different types of magic that flowed through them. After most of the others had already gone forward, Brenner realized it was time for him to do so as well.

He stepped silently towards the orb and placed a hand that he hoped was not visibly shaking on it. A very faint, almost undetectable light started in the center of the orb, and as he stared at it the light grew slowly but steadily brighter and brighter. He was captivated by the sight of it, by what it meant. It was true, he had magic, and now he could feel it in the warmth of his fingers touching the glowing orb. Any doubt he had felt about coming with the Messenger who had found him on the rooftop vanished. Brenner was supposed to be here.

Backing away from the orb, Brenner nodded a silent hello to Ari. He could see worry written on her face. In fact, he saw it on most of their faces. Even Cassia, although she was almost successful at trying to hide it. It was a new and terrifying and exciting experience for all of them, he was sure. He had never really had friends before, but he had a feeling that this whole thing was going to be a lot easier if they didn't do it alone. He looked to the Headmaster, waiting for him to say something.

A slow smile spread over the Headmaster's face as he nodded slowly to his new proteges. Slowly putting the orb back into his desk and locking it with a key that was previously hidden under his heavy robes, Paracelsus made his way to the front of his desk and walked to Ebony.

"Hm... there is protection runes on these... most curious... never mind. You are now all Hero Trainees, destined to protect the world from monster and your new life starts now. Do not fear about the lack of the orb's brightness compared to my own for I have studied magic for over seven decades diligently. You will find that your magical powers will prolong your life in time, and even save it in others so study it well. Now is the time for the Martial test. Follow me." The old man said to the children at large as the Messenger melted away in the shadows like he was never there in the first place.

The group made their way trough what seemed to be an eternity of corridors and stairs before entering a square room with a single dummy with glowing runes on it's body. The old man nodded and gestured to both the dummy and nearby practice swords on a rack.

"This dummy with measure your physical strength like the orb measured your magical one. Do not be alarmed if it does not glow brightly either for you are still very young and untrained. Now, choose one of the wooden swords on the weapon rack and let's get started." Paracelsus said gruffly to his young audience, apparently eager to get this task over with.

Theo woke up. He got out of bed and put on his clothes like usual. The cacophony of noises greeted him like usual. He ate his breakfast and put away his dishes like usual. It was just another day in the orphanage. Don't get Theo wrong. He was happy at the orphanage. Any other day of the year he would have been a happy, healthy, and skittish, if not overly shy, little boy. Today was different though. He was seven today. It was his birthday, he'd only just recently found out it was his birthday on this exact day. He didn't remember exactly how the matron had found out, he only remembered it had made him sad when he learned it. A birthday should be spent with your family, little Theo thought to himself. But I don't have one. My parents left me here. He played with the other children like usual, and he sat down for lunch like usual. He was starting to feel better when there was a big knock at the front door. Curious as to what it was. Theo snuck over to the front room right next to the door. He heard a man asking the matron questions. He couldn't hear any real words until... "Theo!" The matron called. "Theo, come here sweetheart!" Theo was shocked. Someone was here for him? On his birthday? Could it be?

Theo ran over to the matron at the front door. "Yes m'am, what is it?"

"This man is here for you." she said. Theo looked over at the man, wide eyed. He was tall, wearing a black cloak and he seemed sinister. "Hello little one," he said. "I have a letter for you. Would you like to hear it?" Theo only nodded. He could read it himself, but he wanted the matron to hear too. The man pulled out a small vellum envelope. He opened it, took out and unfolded the letter, and read:

"Dear Future Pupil,

You are formally invited to Perseus Academy where you will learn to become a true hero with both martial and magical expertise. The world needs you and we are not offering you a choice. Know that if you do not accept you will be mercilessly hunted down until death follows. Merely accept and you will be rewarded with a chance to be known worldwide as a great hero by simply taking your guide's hand.

With hope that you will take the right choice,
Headmaster Paracelsus Decaromus."

Theo was shocked. He was... a hero? How could it be? He wasn't strong, he wasn't very smart. What could it mean? He wasn't even tall for his age. Still, it was kind of scary. The letter said they would kill him if he said no. But... on the other hand... being a hero, a true hero. Theo had always dreamed of being a legendary hero, fighting evil and defending justice. It was perfect. The orphanage was always in need of a little help, and if Theo could leave, they'd have less mouths to feed. The matron was just about to protest, opening her mouth and making disapproving eyes at the man. Theo tugged on her dress, causing her to stop herself and look at him. He shook his head slowly. "I will go." He said simply. Her mouth closed and she almost sighed at him. She was worried, he could tell. The matron had raised Theo, he was practically her son. He was about to let go of her dress and walk towards the man, when a swish of motion caught his eye so he stopped. The matron had stooped down and thrown her arms around Theo, she hugged him tightly. "I will miss you." She said. "I'm a big, strong boy. I'll be ok. Promise." He replied. She let him go and he held out his hand to the hooded man. The hooded man nodded and grasped his hand. It wasn't an overly tight grip, nor was it soft and limp. However, Theo knew there was no going back, his grip was firm, he would hold onto Theo until he got to their destination. There was no denying that grip. Before they walked out the door, Theo turned his head and smiled at the matron. He tried to tell her that he was going to be ok with that smile. He tried to tell her how much he loved her, how much he would miss her, and how much she meant to him. Every warm feeling of love and joy went into that smile. He couldn't tell if she knew everything he was trying to say to her in that smile, but all that mattered was that he tried. Ryan blinked when he turned back around, hearing her begin to cry as he did. He knew that if he looked now, he would cry to and beg to go back, but he had to keep going. It was better for them, for all of them this way. When he opened his eyes again, they were there. The campus sprawled out before him. It was a school. An actual school. Theo had only ever dreamed of going to school. It was beautiful. Theo walked with the hooded man until he reached a door. He pushed the door open and walked in, the hooded man following. There were other children in the room. There were four girls and two boys. Theo hoped they were nice. Just then, a very old man spoke, in a very deep voice.

"Welcome to Perseus Academy, young ones, today you will be tested on your current abilities and will be given your quarters, complete with a change of uniform and necessities. We will start with the magical test, touch this orb, if you are indeed future heroes it will glow, confirming your innate magical abilities. Do not fear if you did not notice it earlier as that talent only appear on one's seventh birthday."

He could feel his cheeks beginning to brighten. He was so nervous. There were so many new faces, and he was in a new place, further there was some test they had to take. It was all too much for him, luckily someone stepped forward and went first. Finally, it was his turn to place his hand upon the ball. He stepped forward proudly, shaking off his nervousness. He walked up to the desk and stopped. What if it didn't glow as brightly as it did for the others, what if it didn't glow at all? He was so worried. "No," He thought to himself. "I can't be this person any more. I have to be brave." He placed his right hand on the ball. As his hand approached the ball, it began to flicker and glow. When he finally touched it, the light grew stronger. The ball felt warm in his hand. At first, the glow was very soft, but it was strong, and it didn't flicker. The light itself was in the center of the ball. As he held it, the glow became brighter. The light spread to the edges of the ball. Its intensity grew until it was a bright and strong light. It still wasn't as bright as the girl from before, but it was very bright. He removed his hand, but the light remained. As he walked back to his place in the line, the light faded and went out. Theo had no idea as to the significance of his light. He figured the ball would react differently to different types of magic, but he couldn't interpret their exact meanings. He was ripped from his pondering as the other children gave their names. With that all his previous bravado went right out the door. He blushed again and almost couldn't speak. "Hello," he murmured softly, almost too soft to hear, and just barely getting the words out of his mouth. "I'm Theo." He whispered. "It's nice to meet you." He then stared, as the others did, at the old man who called himself the headmaster. He had no idea what to do next, and he didn't want to do anything wrong. He just stood there, awaiting orders.

Isaiah followed ambiguously. He studied the movements of the man as they entered the next facility, and conjured from his analysis that the man was more than he appeared. He noted that had studied the arcane arts for many years, the man approved this conclusion, and his mind was at ease. Perhaps this man was a wise and mighty mage? Perhaps he, at once time, wielded some legendary weapon in combat? Many a thought ran through Isaiah's head, but this did not deter him from his next task.
Swiftly he stepped forwards. A test of physical strength, be it? This was, indeed, his cup of tea. The boy was rather downhearted that he would be using a weapon that was not of his own possession; however, his father had taught him that skill came not from the blade -- but from the one wielding it. He had spent much of his life training in swordsmanship, and it was now or never.

Isaiah mustered the courage to step forward, being the first to test their might against this practice dummy and the orb. He stepped ever so carefully to the rack, and pulled from it, the heaviest of the wooden swords. 'A perfect fit.' These words he muttered, and slid from his lips as he stood half-eagerly in front of the dummy.
He took a quick breath, and released it slowly. Assuming the stance of a powerful strike, he let the practice sword fly in the direction of the orb. Though, he did not follow up. This was merely a practice swing. He glanced back at his peers and, once again, took a deep breath. Exhaling slowly.

With a valiant battle cry, he maneuvered into swinging stance. Hitting the sphere with an upwards strike, with such force that this pulled him from the earth below, by just a few inches, of course.
He plopped back down to the ground with his eyes on the dummy as if it were an actual combatant.
He relieved himself of this aforementioned stance and eyed the orb.
A smile parted his lips as it shimmered radiantly for a moment. During this moment, he quickly turned to the group of children and gave a thumbs up, along with a childish smirk.

He parted ways with his lifeless, wooden adversary, and placed the practice sword back on the rack.
Isaiah then made his way next to newcomer, Theo, now confident. If not in his magical abilities, then of his strength.

When the massive light invaded the room during the previous test, Ebony's hands got a mild, but painful burn. At first she thought of going last for the second test. Her heart was pounding even faster than before. A lump was stuck in her throat, her forehead was soaked in sweat. Her face was cold and motionless as a stone. The girl couldn't take the pressure any more.
Ebony forgot about the pain on her hands and went after the boy, who gave the thumbs up. This cheered her up a little, but her blood was still boiling in her veins. She quickly grabbed the first sword she saw, without considering its weight, but the piercing pain trough her hands was so strong, it caused her to drop the weapon. She squatted to take it again.

The ends of her braids touched her hands. Ebony felt relaxing chill and relief trough her arms, as the pain was fading away. She finally took the sword and realized it was heavy for her. The girl took a lighter one and stood in front of the dummy. She closed her eyes and hit it with all the force she had. The performance wasn't as good as Isaiah's, it was even much weaker, but it was strong enough to make the sound of a solid hit.

The girl looked at the headmaster, and then the other kids. She wished them luck in her mind and joined them.

Ansha stepped forwards, taking a deep breath, and reached for an average sized sword. She calmly flexed her shoulders and arms, and approached the dummy with the sword held diagonally with both hands. Her knees were slightly bent and she was carrying her weight on the balls of her feet, as if she was expecting the wooden model to strike at any moment. With a cry, she span smoothly, leaping upwards and bringing the sword smashing down on the wooden figure. As wood met wood, there was an almighty cracking noise, and the orb lit up brightly, as much as if not more than Isaiah's. She took a step back and replaced the sword on the rack, calming her heartbeat and rejoining the group with a smile.

She stood next to Ebony, and leaned to whisper. "It was brave of you to do that with your hands. Burns hurt the worst." her face scrunched up childishly, before relaxing and watching everyone else.