Bryce Zephyr's Story

♠Lilly Zypher♠

---

The late summer breeze blew Lilly's bangs into her field of vision, causing her to jump back in case he came at her again. "I'm telling you! I've dealt with monsters since I could crawl! I should teach Creatures and Spells this year!" It had always been the same since they started teaching at Henry Jefferson. Bryce would insist on instructing the Creatures and Spells while Lilly would get stuck with Combat Training. Not that she minded, she got to hit kids and spar constantly, but something inside her made her think Bryce doubted her ability to teach a Spells class.

"You're being an ass like usual!"

Lilly swung at her husband, but the hook punch missed. She threw several more, only hoping to land some. One landed and she quickly backed it up with a roundhouse to his side. Lilly knew what he would say. Bryce would tell her to grow up, to act her age, that she wouldn’t always get what she wanted. In the years they had been married, they had fought to points where one would think they were getting a divorce. But marrying Lilly was like marrying a donkey. She never gave in easy.

Lilly received a kick to the stomach, sending her back onto the grass.

"You know Master; it would be a lot easier if you settled for Combat. You obviously like to fight." OZ hovered close to Lilly, biting his lip. He had been ordered long ago to stay out of their little fights, but it was hard for him. He knew Bryce would never hurt Lilly in his current state, but just seeing her like that made him want to stop it. Lilly wasn't nearly as spoiled as she had been in the past, but she still got a little too worked up when she didn't get what she really wanted.

"It's not that!" Lilly yelled. "Any idiot can throw a punch!"

"But they cannot do it with as much skill as you. That is why they need you, Master. Trust me."

"What am I? An idiot? Never trust a shadow." Lilly rolled her shoulders, popped her neck and got back into the fighting position.
"Most of all never trust a Shadow Lord." OZ whispered. Lilly had taken Liam's place as Lord of the Shadows, something she still didn't know herself. "There is a lot she needs to know."

Lilly hit Bryce with a quick uppercut then dropped her fists, a thought occurring to her. She took whatever blow he dealt then looked up at him.

"This is stupid," she began, tearing her fingers through her knotted hair. "OZ is right. If I'm so eager to fight, then I should just...teach Combat." She had given in. They had been scolded many times by the principle for fighting. He had said if he found any trace of them fighting, Lilly would get put on probation. She wasn't a kid. But she also didn't want to bring the Council into this. Bryce didn't like them one bit, for some reason, but she wasn’t going to try and find out why.

Bryce shook his head as the breeze blew through the clearing he and his wife were standing in. I'm telling you! I've dealt with monsters since I could crawl! I should teach Creatures and Spells this year!" For the past two years Lilly and Bryce had been co-teachers for the secret Magic Arts club. Lilly taught the students how to fight and Bryce tried to get them to think creatively and learn about the creatures they'd have to fight.

"Lilly, We've been over this before. You're the better fighter. If we want the kids to be as good as they can it makes more sense for you to teach them how to fight and for me to teach them about the creatures and the different ways to use their magic."

"You're being an ass like usual!" Was her reply shortly followed by her closing the distance trying to catch him across the face with a right hook. Thanks to the slight wind barrier Bryce always had a round him dodging the blow was easier than ever. Not to be put down Lilly began swinging wildly trying to connect with Bryce's face. After 4 or so punches Lilly finally connected the blow dampened by Bryce's barrier.

'If I weren't so cautious when fighting with her like this that probably would have snapped my neck.' He chuckled as she spun launching her leg into his side he bent over wincing. "Lilly look at this. We're married wouldn't it be easier to talk rather than going through this every year? Besides we both know you don't want to have to draw up a lesson plan or deal with the council pertaining to the missions we'll have to take. I'm letting you have the fun job." He sighed as he started countering Lilly's attacks. He ducked under another side kick and jumped back up spinning with some assistance from the breeze hitting Lilly squarely in the stomach sending her sprawling onto the grass.

Oz decided to try to talk Lilly out of the fight. "You know Master, it would be a lot easier if you settled for Combat. You obviously like to fight." He was standing close to Lilly remembering what happened the last time he got involved in one of their lover's spats.

The pair started to argue about the fight. Meanwhile Bryce dusted off his suit trying to get the boot print off of his side. While he was distracted he didn't notice Lilly closing in again and took an uppercut right to the chin. As he fell back he pushed off the ground with his feet and brought both of them crushing into Lilly's stomach as he fell on his back sending her skidding a few feet back across the grass.

As he picked himself up he heard Lilly start to laugh. "This is stupid. Oz is right. If I'm so eager to fight, then I should just... Teach Combat." Bryce smiled thankful that the fight ended somewhat peacefully. Neither of them were going to have any visible bruising to show what had happened.

Bryce chuckled and walked over to Lilly pulling her into a hug. "I'm glad we're done with this." He smiled holding his wife close for a moment before he heard a slight buzzing by his ear. "What is it?"

"Bryce, it's already 2:40. Class is getting out and the students are going to be making their way to the club room soon." He chuckled and thanked the wind spirit. "Lilly it's time to go meet the students." He smiled and took her hand as they began walking towards the school. "Hmm I have an idea for our introduction this year." He smiled one of his devilish smiles. "Remember how my first day of class went?" Lilly instantly understood what Bryce meant and they both started laughing as they walked to the classroom holding hands.

♠Lilly Zephyr♠

---

The trip back to the class room was quicker than expected.

Right before Lilly took the turn that would lead to their new class of Mages, she paused with a realization she didn’t like. She shifted uncomfortably and itched her left shoulder. “I hate kids,” she muttered to her husband before entering. Then the clock hit 2:50.

Lilly walked into the room, tall and glaring. “Everyone in your seats, now. Before that clock even thinks about moving to this time you should already be in your seats. We are not a daycare; we won’t wipe your asses for you.” OZ followed behind Lilly until they arrived to the front of the room, that was when he took his position in the right corner of the room, watching the kids.

“Bryce,” Lilly stated clearly. “Take it away.”

---

---

Iyana Liadon

---

Iyana had migrated into the classroom, greeting and making small talk with her fellow mages. Many of them seemed fairly nice and seemed to be excited to work together. Then a familiar voice came through the door, calling to her.

“Iyana! What’s up?” Iyana turned to see her changed brother standing by her, smiling away. Iyana herself let out a squeal and jumped on her brother.

“I knew you could do it, Ciel! I just knew it! I’m so happy you are here, I don’t have to start this journey without you!” Iyana held her brother at arms length. “Why are you just now getting here?”

“Hi, I’m Yako! My partner is Melody, she’s over there pretending to sleep.” She said as she pointed her beak towards her friend. “What’s your names? OOOH! Can we be friends? I wanna be friends.” She said excitedly.

Iyana smiled at the bird demon, then looked over to her handler, Melody. “Miss Yako, I would love to be friends!” Iyana pulled her brother over to a desk next to the desk she decided would be hers, right next to Melody. “Hi Melody. I’m Iyana Liadon and I hope we have an amazing year together!”

“Everyone in your seats, now. Before that clock even thinks about moving to this time you should already be in your seats. We are not a daycare; we won’t wipe your asses for you.” Iyana turned quickly to the front, her face to determined. She didn’t want to be scolded on the first day. It would be unacceptable. The woman in the front of the classroom didn’t look at all old enough to be the Shadow Mage she had heard so much about from her family and grandfather. Lilly and Bryce Zephyr were among some of the most powerful Mages ever. Why they were teaching high school Mages? Who knew.

Iyana tried to keep her excitement contained. What would she learn today, how would her abilities grow? The possibilities were endless! Despite the terrifying Mrs. Zephyr and her soul devouring demon, he looked the title, Iyana was happy to have them here. Giving her their knowledge? Best part of being allowed to attend this mysterious club.

Yako chirped and tweeted as Iyana responded, "Miss Yako, I would love to be friends!" as she exclaimed this she pulled her friend to a desk next to hers. [b] "Hi Melody. I'm Iyana Laidon and I hope we have an amazing year together!" the girl exclaimed as Melody lifted her head off of her desk. "Great, Yako went and introduced herself, and by extension me, to some of the other kids. I'm gonna have to have a serious talk with her when we get home." She thought as she looked to her classmate.

"Huh. ... oh." Melody grunted not really paying attention. "MELODY! That's not nice. When someone introduces themselves to you, you need to be polite. Say hi!" Yako sang, although despite her cheerful tone it was clear that she was scolding her friend. "Dammit, now I've gone and upset Yako, well I guess it won't kill me to say hi." She decided. "Ugh, fiiiiiine. Hello Iyana, I am Melody. Happy Yako? I introduced myself, I was pleasant. Are we done?" Melody reluctantly responded. Before Yako had a chance to respond a man and woman walked into the room. The woman scolded the class screaming "Everyone in your seats, now. Before that clock even thinks about moving to this time you should already be in your seats. We are not a daycare; we won't wipe your asses for you." Melody's head, which was already drooping back down towards the desk, snapped up at their new teachers words. Iyana was obviously excited for some reason, but Melody didn't know why, she had no idea who these "teachers" were.

After the threat had passed Melody relaxed again, she sat upright in her desk her arms folded on her lap. Her eyes were open, but expressionless, she was paying no attention to anything. Yako fluttered around the room chirping and tweeting happily as the class started.

Bryce and Lilly were outside of the classroom just before 2:50 when she turned to Bryce. "I hate kids." Bryce stifled his laugh as they walked into the room as Lilly started yelling at the students. “Everyone in your seats, now. Before that clock even thinks about moving to this time you should already be in your seats. We are not a daycare; we won’t wipe your asses for you. Bryce. Take it away.”

Bryce smiled as Ikari jumped onto his shoulder. "Good afternoon students. First off, Lilly's right. We are not here to take care of you. While we will not flat out set you up for failure you will be challenged." Second. You will pay attention while you are in this classroom. What we teach will keep you alive, and if we judge you not worthy to go on the class "Field Trips" then you will stay here. Third. I understand that not all of you are what you would consider people persons. I encourage you to make friends. They can become the fuel that drives you to become as strong as you can be." Bryce smiled remembering back to him and Zach's fights.

He was distracted by his memories for a few seconds before Ikari pawed at his head snapping him back to reality. "Right, sorry. Ok so this semester I will be your Magic Spells and Creatures teacher while Lilly will be your combat instructor. Today being our first class I figured we could start out with something fun..." Bryce's smile changed to more of a smirk. "I know how all of you must feel. Coming to class and paying attention is a real drag. So! I'mma give you a chance to get out of class. If you so choose you can challenge me to a duel. If you manage to hit me you don't have to show up tomorrow." He smile looking around at the class's reactions. "And if that isn't good enough for you then you can challenge Lilly here to a duel. If you can hit her you can have the whole rest of the week off." He smiled and opened his arms. "Any takers?" He continued smiling as he scanned through the class putting names to faces, but there was one student he couldn't remember seeing in the papers listing off his students. His eyes flashed as he locked his gaze with him. 'Who are you that thinks he can sneak into my class unnoticed?'



Ceil smiled as Iyana jumped all over him happy that she was happy. "I know I've got a lot of explaining to do, but can we do it later?" He smirked slightly as a bright little bird flapped over to him and his sister twittering about being friends. Ceil's smile fell quickly. 'Friends? Why would anyone want to be friends with me?There's no chance anyone would want a failure like me to be a friend. I'm just gonna stick with Iyana. As long as I have her and Briar I wont need anyone else.' Iyana was able to reply, but before Ceil could form a coherent thought long enough to reply the teachers came into the room.

“Everyone in your seats, now. Before that clock even thinks about moving to this time you should already be in your seats. We are not a daycare; we won’t wipe your asses for you. Bryce Take it away.”

'This is one of my teachers? Who comes into class like this cussing out the students?! I have a strange feeling about being here... I really hope they don't notice I don't belong...'

Shortly after the other teacher spoke up introducing himself. "I know how all of you must feel. Coming to class and paying attention is a real drag. So! I'mma give you a chance to get out of class. If you so choose you can challenge me to a duel. If you manage to hit me you don't have to show up tomorrow. And if that isn't good enough for you then you can challenge Lilly here to a duel. If you can hit her you can have the whole rest of the week off. Any takers?"

'Challenging your students to a fight?! What kind of crazies are these people?' As Ceil was having his internal panic attack he felt like someone was watching him. Bryce had locked his gaze directly onto him. 'So much for going unnoticed... Only way I'm going to get out of this is to prove I belong here. Gods I really wanted to avoid having to do something like this.' Ceil stood slowly lifting one of his hands to the white half helm he wears on his head hiding most of his face from the other students. "I-I'd like to challenge Mrs.Zephyr."



Bryce's smile flashed as he kept his gaze locked on the boy. 'So that's your game then? Fight to prove you belong here. I'd likely be angry if he didn't remind me so much of myself, and besides Lilly most likely won't realize he isn't actually one of our students yet so she won't kill him... For now... I'll let him sneak along, but sooner or later he's going to have to do something.'

"You really scared me there, meanie." Said Levi after Robin jumped in front of him, which made him at the very least chuckle. He knew it was impossible for him to sneak up on anyone unless in a snowstorm, and his face was majorly faking it, which made him laugh all the more. He said hello and Paws lifted her head at the names of the two teachers of the year. "From what I've heard, Bryce is the smarter and more controlled one, while Lilly is the stronger and less controlled one." This made Robin’s head tilt. He had heard something about the teachers, but being him, he didn’t look into that much that was Paws job.

” I’m sure they aren’t that bad. Besides, I doubt you have anything to worry about, you master anything you touch. I’m the one who needs his demon to remind him to not drink milkshakes.” He laughed at his own expense a little, remembering last week when she did stop him from ordering it at a Sonic. He knew he wasn’t the best, and was a bit of a freak overall, but he did try, and with at least one friend like Levi, he felt better than ‘Snowflake’ as his nickname went.

“Everyone in your seats, now. Before that clock even thinks about moving to this time you should already be in your seats. We are not a daycare; we won’t wipe your asses for you. Bryce. Take it away.” Said a woman suddenly, making him jump a bit. ‘These must be the teachers, scary……’ He thought and then walked to where Paws was laying, and put her in his lap to listen to the husband wife pair. ”Robin, I shouldn’t have to say it, but please avoid getting into trouble.” Said Paws, making him pet her head. “No promises.”

"I know how all of you must feel. Coming to class and paying attention is a real drag. So! I'mma give you a chance to get out of class. If you so choose you can challenge me to a duel. If you manage to hit me you don't have to show up tomorrow. And if that isn't good enough for you then you can challenge Lilly here to a duel. If you can hit her you can have the whole rest of the week off. Any takers?" Said the man, Bryce. Robin was just thinking how cool it would be to duel with such a powerful person, and Paws interrupted saying to him quietly. ”No, no, no, NO! Robin Aaron Jayson, you listen to me. There is no way you are fighting either of those two.” ”Why not??” He whined. Paws sighed and said, ” These two are powerful, very powerful. Both rank B. You wouldn’t be lucky to hit them, you’d be lucky not to end up in a coma. She is a Dark mage and he is Wind.” She pleaded with him.

”Paws, if I step up, even if I get my ass kicked, I stood up. And who knows, if I hit one, then I get to take a nap tomorrow!” He smiled, and then saw someone challenge Mrs. Zephyr. ‘I need to do it.’ He thought, and began to raise his hand and stand up. When fully up, he spoke, ”If I may, I wish to duel you, Mr. Zephyr.”

Oralee's eyes wandered about the room. She sat when she was instructed, watching the teacher walk in, and looked immediately at the ground.

She started talking quickly, leaving Oralee to her thoughts, which she liked. She knew that she would pay no attention, after all; how could she have possibly gotten into the academy in the first place? Oralee must have been invited to be the kid who is always laughed at, or just someone to watch fail. She could imagine no one, who in their right mind, would invite her to an academy. And for mages, too.

"Ora!"

"Aki."

"Shut up." Akiari frowned, and bit on the plastic spoon. "Are you paying attention? You should be. This is very important, and I know you'll want to go on those field trips! You can find pretty places to go play harp, and you can find me a new flute, too." She grinned.

The old flute had an interesting ending, so she thought. The poor thing had been ran over by a car several times in its life, leaving it to a...rather horrid end. It had sailed on the Titanic, survived by being carried off by a passenger in need - Isaac Woods, if she remembered rightly - had traveled all over Europe, being played by Akiari, had been fixed by the best Chinese flute player she ever met... It had such a fantastic life, and it was melted away by a volcano. To her own fault, she had let Akiari play on the side of the flames, and scared her bad enough she dropped it; it was her fault, and she may as well replace the flute. (Because, if she was to be honest with herself, Isaac was a very cute man whom she would have loved to meet and must please his spirit by replacing the poor thing).

"...I know how all of you must feel. Coming to class and paying attention is a real drag. So! I'mma give you a chance to get out of class. If you so choose you can challenge me to a duel. If you manage to hit me you don't have to show up tomorrow. And if that isn't good enough for you then you can challenge Lilly here to a duel. If you can hit her you can have the whole rest of the week off. Any takers?"

"Never, by the grace of the Gods..."

"Good choice."

"Nobody asked you." Oralee snatched away the ice cream, and shoved it into the cooler. Akiari sighed, and shifted into the phoenix, curling her tail feathers around Oralee's arm.

Martin Siec (Last named pronounced See-Ehk)


A couple minutes earlier...

---

The bell rang, the end of school came at long last. About time Martin thought, pushing himself up from his desk and onto his crutch. He knew that everyone would be heading straight to their clubs now that regular school classes were done. Between his hacking cough and his lame leg he was the last person out of the math classroom. He knew he needed to show up for a club he too was signed up for. The Medieval Club, less commonly known by select few as The Magical Club. Ordinarily he wouldn't of signed up for a class like this. It sounded a little too much like something out of a Harry Potter copy cat novel. Truth was that he wouldn't of made it into a school like this if it wasn't for them vouching for him under the requisite being his attendance to his magical arts classes. That and they were offering free food and a room to stay at. Who was he to say no to all that?

Thus, in these hallways he did walk. His destination: The Magical Club. The hallways were packed, filled with young adolescents flooding from their classrooms like blood pumping straight from the heart. Occasionally he would receive a push here or a shove there despite the fact it was clear he was handicapped. The halls were crowded so it made a certain sense he supposed. The comments from a few others however was nothing if not ill intentioned. Walking past some students who were evidently jocks, forgiving the fact that he does not like to judge people based on stereotypes these certain folks lived up to them quite well, he could hear from behind them making derisive comments at his expense. He couldn't really distinguish what they were saying but he could tell it was derisive based on the tone and the subsequent laughter. He disregarded them, preferring to simply keep to himself rather than confront anyone about this issue.

Eventually, he made it to some halls that were rather empty with the exception of a small gathering of similarly aged students. Even at the same age as he was, he was still the shortest amongst them. Well, the shortest human at the very least. These people were each accompanied by strange companions of some variety. Some were more animalistic while others were basically people like their human cohorts. He would be a bit surprised by all this if the concept of demons wasn't explained to him back when he interviewed the magicians for enrollment. While all these people whom he assumed were going to be classmates had their companions out and about with them he believed he was alone in coming here. He had accepted that his demon was confined to the mirror from the very instant that he learned of demons. There was one little detail about that presumption that Martin did not know however.

His demon was totally not confined in the slightest. Advocate had been following him the entire way invisible to everyone, human, mage and demon alike. He was not going to reveal himself and spoil the surprise he had for Martin. He would let Martin know how little he knows about him in good time. For now, Advocate was incorporeal and invisible to all. If it weren't for the fact he could see and hear everything that was going on around him he wouldn't even exist.


Present time.

---

Martin had found a seat way back in the far left corner of the room, the farthest seat from everyone. He figured he could sit there and not bother too many people around him with all his coughing and sneezing and the general air of sickness about him. With some effort he finally managed to get himself from his crutch to his seat without falling over. That would of been embarrassing indeed. Instead he managed to remain relatively unseen for the duration that it took for the class to start, a box of tissues at his side constantly proving to be a worthy investment every time he bought one.

People were already socializing and starting to make friends and such. He faintly hoped at some point in this school year he might actually make a friend here at some point. It was exactly that though, a faint hope. Martin had long since resigned his attempts to socialize beyond standard living affairs. He had quickly found that very few people can tolerate a guy as sickly and rather unseemly as he for too long. Living on the cold streets with fellow homeless people, many of which were alcoholics or drug addicts, was the closest he got to people that could relate to him in some sense. That time of his life is where he got a majority of the ailments that plague him even today.

The teacher, a rather grumpy seeming sort named Lilly Zephyr, introduced herself and her husband, Bryce Zephyr, rather tactlessly before letting Bryce start the class off for her. Martin was trying to concentrate on the class but his headache was making it hard for him to concentrate. He may have had a fever as well but he hadn't checked as of recently so he didn't know for sure. The teacher was talking about some nonsense about hitting or something along those lines. Seeing as how his stomach was starting to hurt more he figured he was probably going to throw up soon. After the teacher was finished talking he stuck up his hand, hoping to ask the teacher if he could be granted a temporary leave to use the bathroom. He was pretty sure they probably wouldn't ask as to why.

Little did Martin know that the teacher had just opened the challenge to all students to choose if they wanted to duel their teachers until first contact. He didn't know raising his hand made him look like he was volunteering to combat.

Nexon Vermillion

“I apologize. Kai doesn’t speak, not even to me.”
“Kai is a fire mage, and I ask,” Lee leapt onto Nexon’s desk. “She’s never been around people. Please forgive her if she comes off as rude. Kai doesn’t mean it.”

"Oh, no. I don't find her rude. I merely wish to better know of a fellow mage who studies in the same class as me. Trying to be friends isn't something you get, but something you strive to be. I only hope that I do not bother her with my presence. I may be one of the 'popular' kids in school, but I still want to have trustworthy friends like everyone else." Nex looked up into the ceiling and thought about how he had been living his life with those fake people who calls themselves his 'friend'. Already more than he can remember, he always sees a group of people together, laughing happily and teasing each other.

He 'escaped' reality by continuously clinging onto Noel, telling himself that all he needed was her. But that is not going to work. He need to have someone he can trust with his secret, someone who could probably mess up his life a little, but still be there no matter the circumstances. Ah, how I wish to be able to enjoy that too.

Before Lee or Nex could move on to another topic, the teachers had already announced their entrance, albeit a little extreme.

“Everyone in your seats, now. Before that clock even thinks about moving to this time you should already be in your seats. We are not a daycare; we won’t wipe your asses for you. Bryce. Take it away.”

The red haired teacher, with her bold way of choosing her words, surprised Nex. Although he couldn't refuse that she was a beauty, her manner of language contradicts this and completely breaks the beauty image. Nex didn't dared to move nor remove his eyes from her, due to her over-empowering aura and her beauty. He is a normal boy, after all.

"Good afternoon students. First off, Lilly's right. We are not here to take care of you. While we will not flat out set you up for failure you will be challenged. Second. You will pay attention while you are in this classroom. What we teach will keep you alive, and if we judge you not worthy to go on the class "Field Trips" then you will stay here. Third. I understand that not all of you are what you would consider people persons. I encourage you to make friends. They can become the fuel that drives you to become as strong as you can be."

The other teacher who was introduced by Lilly, the 'easy-to-angry' woman, as Bryce. He seemed to be much more cool-headed and doesn't go about yelling at others just because so. Nex felt more comfortable with this man. If anything, he wanted to take the class with him rather than Lilly. If, there was a choice.

"...I know how all of you must feel. Coming to class and paying attention is a real drag. So! I'mma give you a chance to get out of class. If you so choose you can challenge me to a duel. If you manage to hit me you don't have to show up tomorrow. And if that isn't good enough for you then you can challenge Lilly here to a duel. If you can hit her you can have the whole rest of the week off. Any takers?"

He took that back. Bryce is crazy as well. He's more of the quiet but sinister teacher type than the head on type. Anyways, this talk about a fight against the teachers definitely worked on some of the students here, mainly because there was already one who volunteered and one other not-so-healthy individual. Nex wondered why would he raise his hands if he was sick, why would he even go to school in the first place if he is? Well, everyone has their reasons. Nex chose to leave it alone.

That's what he thought at first, but he had doubts. What if that student was really sick? What if he couldn't hear what Bryce had said and raised his hand and needed to go to the washroom? The ideas all floated around his head, but he ultimately decided to ignore it. If something does happens, Nex will help him the first thing he sees it.

He turned to Lee and Kai, his face remained the same. "Well, doesn't look like we can go without trying either. Are you interested in taking a bet with me to land a hit on them, Kai, Lee?"

Iyana Liadon

---

"Good afternoon students. First off, Lilly's right. We are not here to take care of you. While we will not flat out set you up for failure you will be challenged. Second. You will pay attention while you are in this classroom. What we teach will keep you alive, and if we judge you not worthy to go on the class "Field Trips" then you will stay here. Third. I understand that not all of you are what you would consider people persons. I encourage you to make friends. They can become the fuel that drives you to become as strong as you can be."

Iyana bit her lip out of excitement, a habit of hers. The energy the two of them gave of was scary, but awe inspiring. Any mage that cared could see that they were highly respected.

"...I know how all of you must feel. Coming to class and paying attention is a real drag. So! I'mma give you a chance to get out of class. If you so choose you can challenge me to a duel. If you manage to hit me you don't have to show up tomorrow. And if that isn't good enough for you then you can challenge Lilly here to a duel. If you can hit her you can have the whole rest of the week off. Any takers?"

Even Iyana thought that if someone took that offer, they were nuts.

"I-I'd like to challenge Mrs. Zephyr." Ciel said as he slowly stood. Izac and Iyana’s jaws dropped, Ciel, who had always been the misfit in the powerful Water Mage family known as the Liadon’s, was about to challenge one of the strongest Shadow Mages of her generation. What exactly happened when she left?

She hadn’t noticed the two people behind her that had raised their hands. All she heard was people continuing to volunteer.

“If I may, I wish to duel you, Mr. Zephyr.” A boy with white hair said.

"I'll make an attempt to fight you Mr. Zephyr, but I won’t promise I'll be able to." a taller girl said with a pause, "I'd also not like to spar in an enclosed space, if that's a problem, then I retract my acceptance."

“All these people are crazy,” Izac whispered to Iyana, curling up in her lap.

“Or they really want the day off…” Iyana was internally debating on whether or not she should attempt at a match with one of the two. But her inner voice scolded her, saying she wasn’t ready for such a thing. “Yeah, I’m not going to try.” Iyana giggled with her demon as she poked his belly.

Kai Atropos

---

"Oh, no. I don't find her rude. I merely wish to better know of a fellow mage who studies in the same class as me. Trying to be friends isn't something you get, but something you strive to be. I only hope that I do not bother her with my presence. I may be one of the 'popular' kids in school, but I still want to have trustworthy friends like everyone else."

Kai was ever so obviously unaffected by the language use of her teacher. “Everyone in your seats, now. Before that clock even thinks about moving to this time you should already be in your seats. We are not a daycare; we won’t wipe your asses for you.” What really caught Kai’s attention was the woman’s demon, he was strange in a way. He reminded Kai of someone she had seen in a dream several times. The demon stood formally in the corner of the room, looking over the students, no doubt gauging their power.

"Good afternoon students. First off, Lilly's right. We are not here to take care of you. While we will not flat out set you up for failure you will be challenged." Second. You will pay attention while you are in this classroom. What we teach will keep you alive, and if we judge you not worthy to go on the class "Field Trips" then you will stay here. Third. I understand that not all of you are what you would consider people persons. I encourage you to make friends. They can become the fuel that drives you to become as strong as you can be." Kai shifted her attention to the male teacher whom had more to say than his angry partner.

He got distracted momentarily. "Right, sorry. Ok so this semester I will be your Magic Spells and Creatures teacher while Lilly will be your combat instructor. Today being our first class I figured we could start out with something fun..." the man’s smile changed to more of a smirk. "I know how all of you must feel. Coming to class and paying attention is a real drag. So! I'mma give you a chance to get out of class. If you so choose you can challenge me to a duel. If you manage to hit me you don't have to show up tomorrow. And if that isn't good enough for you then you can challenge Lilly here to a duel. If you can hit her you can have the whole rest of the week off. Any takers?"

Kai was intrigued by the offer, knowing she had an excellent combat background. She had killed plenty in her past. The one difference was that these people had was they could use magic, twenty times more powerful than any human she had slain.

"Well, doesn't look like we can go without trying either. Are you interested in taking a bet with me to land a hit on them, Kai, Lee?" Kai looked back at Nexon and nodded. She knew exactly who she wanted to challenge.

Kai raised her hand, staring directly at Mrs. Zephyr. “What are you doing,” Lee whispered quickly. Kai simply looked at her demon then back to Mrs. Zephyr. Lee didn’t know what had gotten into her, but Kai was looking confident. Confident she could learn something from the battle hopefully.

This is Scarlett talking.
This is Avery (her demon) talking.
This is Scarlett thinking.
Everyone else talking.

Scarlett Oliva Sinclair

“Today kids, there will be slightly chance of rain but no worries! We’ll have plenty of sunlight the next following days!!” Her alarm clock droned on and on about the weather.

“You know its actually gonna be sunny the whole day including today.” Avery corrected, "Stupid radio people. They don’t know anything.”

“Shut up…” Scarlett mumbled into my pillow, “Sleep. More time. Shut. Up.” There was a period of silence before laughter erupted. “What?!”

“You do know you’re over thirty minutes late for class.” Avery replied smirking.

“YOU IDIOT!!!” She screeched while flying off the bed in a hurry making everything on the bed slip off. “Move you idiot. Why didn’t you wake me up earlier.”

“Remember the first time I tried waking you up?” He replied crossing his arms and sat down on the only chair in her room.

In her closet, she browsed her eyes around her closet for a while before settling on her lazy clothes. Scarlett switched out of my pajamas’ into a madras, white band tee underneath, and ripped jeans with combat boots in the closest. By the time she came out Avery shook his head showing his disapproval in her choice of clothing for the day.

“Oh yea. Whatever. Works for me bro.” She smirked then grabbed her backpack and headphones. “Leggoooooo.”

“Legos? I wanna play with legos! Legos! Legos!” Avery cheered as he jumped in the air making her even late then she already was. Annoyed, she raised a hand then slapped him hard on the shoulder making him stop. “Ouch Scarlett! Was that necessary?” Raising an eyebrow, she dragged him out the door making him mutter a string of cuss words.

“Come on slug.” She muttered, glancing down at her palm for the classroom number. It was the first day of Magical Arts Club and she was already late. Waking up late was a daily thing for her on the break but absolutely not on school days.

Whilst searching the hallways for the classroom, Avery took a step back observing her curiously. “You’re nervous aren’t you?” He grinned teasingly, “There’s nothing to be afraid of darlin’.”

She patted her thigh discreetly wiping off sweat from her hands. “What? Nervous? Calm kid is my middle name.” He moved his arm around her shoulders in a comforting way and shook slightly.

“You’re gonna be alright kid.” He muttered just as they approached the classroom.

Scarlett quickly shrugged off his arm and replied, “Please behave Ave. Just for today.” He raised his hands up in alarm and nodded his head slightly. She placed a hand on the doorknob and twisted it slowly opening the door. Choosing a seat quickly with Avery following behind, Scarlett thought to herself. One thing I hate is being in the front row and being one of those eager beavers. I may make good grades but I am not that thirsty.

The tall guy in the front, who seemed to be the teacher, was talking when I sat down, "...I know how all of you must feel. Coming to class and paying attention is a real drag. So! I'mma give you a chance to get out of class. If you so choose you can challenge me to a duel. If you manage to hit me you don't have to show up tomorrow. And if that isn't good enough for you then you can challenge Lilly here to a duel. If you can hit her you can have the whole rest of the week off. Any takers?" Scarlett tried her hardest not to scoff at his little challenge. There was no way anyone in the classroom could take on the teachers. They were probably extremely trained and had a ton of experience.

Looking up at the teachers she took a moment to observe them. The girl teacher seemed tough, strong, and easily able to take down any student in the class. The guy teacher seemed the same way, but there was something about him that Scarlett felt that it would be easier to fight against. Avery glanced over from her right and smirked noticing she was deciding whom to fight. He bent down to whisper in her ear, “Pick the guy. You’re gonna go down either way.” She swatted her hand shooing Avery away from her ear. Scarlett had already begun to make her mind on not fighting anyone instead.

Several students had already begun to volunteer. She shook her after every challenger spoke up. She glanced down at her hands wryly and thought to herself, “Oh man, I better not have to fight because I came really late.”

Bryce looked over the class as they debated weather or not to accept his challenge. The first to accept was the boy who wasn't supposed to be there who'd challenged Lilly. 'I hope the kids good Lilly very well may end up hurting one of the students during this little game.' The next one to volunteer was Robin, the ice mage. 'This will be fun. My first fight as a training mage was against an ice mage. I wonder what kind of a fight he'll be able to be put up.' Robin's challenge was quickly followed by Minerva the earth mage who's only request was to fight in an open space. 'I knew we'd have at least one volunteer but I never expected so many of my students to have this kind of fire.'

The next challenge came as quite a surprise. Martin, the very sickly looking boy raised his hand seemingly looking at Lilly. Bryce only nodded to the boy as he continued scanning over the class not wanting to miss any of the volunteers. Bryce's devilish smile widened as the next hand shot up. 'Leo, it's been a while since I tried to teach you how to fight the first time. I can't wait to see how you've grown.' Not close to finished the class continued to offer up volunteers. Kai volunteered shortly after Leo challenging Lilly.

Bryce smiled looking over the class. "Alright now unless there are any other volunteers I believe we have a proper set up. Miss.Scarlett I'm going to have to request that you participate in sparing with one of us. This will be the only warning. Showing up late or inexcusably missing this class will drastically harm your chances of attending our Field Trips." Bryce smiled running through the challenge list in his mind again trying to decide where they'd be going. "Now I believe there are three challengers for each Lilly and I. Robin, Minerva, and Leo. You will be with me on the roof of the west wing of the school for our match. Kai, Martin, and Mr. Liadon. You will be with Lilly in the forest for your matches." Bryce had to smirk at the black haired boy's response to his figuring out his last name. 'I saw what happened when the two of you met. I can put that much together. "Scarlett you are free to chose either of us to be your opponent." Bryce looked back over the class. "Alright, those of you who chose not to challenge us you will need to choose one of us to watch. While you may not fight directly I expect you to pay attention to the battles. Learn while you watch. Demon will not be allowed to participate in the sparing matches. I don't want any of them getting hurt. OZ and Ikari will act as the judges during the matches. If anyone is wounded they will ensure that they are quickly delivered to the medical wing. So! If there are no questions I believe we should get the show on the road! Those wishing to watch me as well as Robin, Minerva, and Leo let's make our way to the top of the roof. Everyone else follow Lilly into the forest." With that Bryce walked out the door to the classroom his students following him closely.

Upon reaching the roof of the school Bryce turned and smiled. "Welcome everyone. This part of the roof is specially protected for sparing matches. We are completely hidden from view here. We will begin in order of challenge received. Unless someone really wants to go first and the others find it agreeable." Ikari stood next to Bryce and grew to her full size standing level with Bryce's waist.



Ceil's original calm began to fade as more and more students volunteered to challenge the teachers. 'Well this is what I have to do to prove I belong here.' After a few minutes of explanation he found that he would be fighting Lilly in the forest. 'Perfect. I'll be able to use the abundance of plants for an advantage.' He remained quiet but turned offering Iyana a small smile before following Lilly out to the edge of the forest.

Robin wasn’t entirely sure if he was shaking from fear, excitement, or the fact Paws looked like she wanted to kill him. He had done it, he challenged his teacher to a duel for the chance to have a day off on the first day of classes. If he had tacos, and a happier Paws and maybe Ryan Gosling, this would be just like a dream he had over the summer. ‘I hope I win.’ He thought. ‘ You are an idiot.’ Spoke Paws.

“Maybe, but I’ll make you a deal. If I lose, then I’ll brush you for an hour straight. I I win, you have to wear those puppy socks I got from the store the other day, the ones with the bones on them.”, Paws only nodded her head, and smirked a little bit. Robin made a promise to himself that he would win, and then Google how much a private island cost later.

Alright now unless there are any other volunteers I believe we have a proper set up. Miss. Scarlett I'm going to have to request that you participate in sparing with one of us. This will be the only warning. Showing up late or inexcusably missing this class will drastically harm your chances of attending our Field Trips. Now I believe there are three challengers for each Lilly and I. Robin, Minerva, and Leo. You will be with me on the roof of the west wing of the school for our match. Kai, Martin, and Mr. Liadon. You will be with Lilly in the forest for your matches. Scarlett you are free to choose either of us to be your opponent. Alright, those of you who chose not to challenge us you will need to choose one of us to watch. While you may not fight directly I expect you to pay attention to the battles. Learn while you watch. Demon will not be allowed to participate in the sparing matches. I don't want any of them getting hurt. OZ and Ikari will act as the judges during the matches. If anyone is wounded they will ensure that they are quickly delivered to the medical wing. So! If there are no questions I believe we should get the show on the road! Those wishing to watch me as well as Robin, Minerva, and Leo let's make our way to the top of the roof. Everyone else follow Lilly into the forest.” Spoke Mr. Zyp., as Robin now wanted to call him.

He turned to Levi, and then smiled. “You should have challenged one of them, you have a better chance of winning then me.’ He laughed at himself again. “Will you watch my match? I might need someone to either highfive or carry me back to the nurse. Oh yea, we should get some dinner later.” He spoke, his mind already starting to wander again. He smiled at his friend, picked up Paws, and then followed his group to the roof.

The roof was windy, being up so high, which would probably help Mr. Zyp out, or that’s what Paws said anyways. Robin liked the view from on top of the roof, it was cool, and then his attention was brought back to the teacher. "Welcome everyone. This part of the roof is specially protected for sparing matches. We are completely hidden from view here. We will begin in order of challenge received. Unless someone really wants to go first and the others find it agreeable." He said, meaning his challenge would be up first. He put Paws down, and told her to find somewhere safe, so she wouldn’t fall off the roof. ‘You are crazy if you think I’m leaving you here. I’m watching, and then later, I will wear those stupid socks with pride and shame.’ Said Paws, making Robin feel a new sense of fighting spirit, those socks were going to look sooooo cute!

When the girl spoke, he thought she was going to ask to change the order, but instead changed her mind, he wanted to ask what she was going to say, but was brought back by looking at Mr. Zyp, and walked closed, to signal he was going first. He tried to remember what his parents had taught him about issuing a challenge to another mage; Name, Type, challenge, Bow and then bring up your weapon. Or something like that, he honestly found it dull, and his brothers never challenged him before they shot air balls at him, or sucked him up in a hurricane that one time.

“Mr. Zyphyr, I, Robin Aaron Jayson, Ice Mage, challenge you to a duel.” He tried to say as seriously as possible, and held eye contact. He then went to bow, but felt some dust in his nose and then sneezed very loudly and forcefully, ‘ACHOO!’. He shot back up again, and then said, ” Sorry, Dust bunny attacked me.” He then smiled a bit, and then began to work his magic.

The roof was too small for his polar bear or jaguar, so that left the mice and turtle. ‘ Defense and stragtegy.’ He thought, as Paws lectured him over and over again. He went for his Ice-Chain, it was easiest. He clenched his fist, and then feeling the magic rise in his hands, soften them, letting down a long chain made of solid ice. They were each around an inch long, and slightly thinner, allowing for faster movement. The chain where he held it was close to nine feet long, but he could extend or contact it if he needed to. He then raised it above his head and began to swing it in a circle. Once it was at a pretty good speed, he said. “The first move goes to the one who was challenged, correct?”. He said, and then felt a tiny not in his stomach from knowing he would probably lose, but he was going to show his skill.

Though he had successfully stifled his wee little demon, Leo had not escaped the wolfish grin and searching eyes of his Uncle Bryce. Leo sighed. This class was slowly turning into a nightmare. Not only would he have to fight his uncle Bryce, he'd have to do it in front of all his classmates. "Ahh man, what a drag..." Leo whined, to no one in particular. His thoughts turned, rather darkly, to the embarrassing scene that was sure to follow his defeat at the hands of his uncle. All the while, Leo gripped his little demon tighter and tighter, his hands still covering the poor little thing's nose and mouth. Slowly turning from red to purple to outright blue, Hans could take it no longer. If this kept up, he would die. So, he did what he had to do. He bit Leo's fingers. "Yowch!" Leo shouted, standing straight up, and releasing his little demon, quite violently, into the air, and sending him up through the ceiling tiles and into an air duct. Sweet oxygen finally restored to him, Hans rolled up into a ball and rolled out of the hole he'd made upon entering the ceiling. Luckily, his landing was softened by Leo's skull, causing the poor boy to promptly sit back down. Leo rubbed his head gingerly. "Jeez Hans, what the hell was that for?" Leo griped. "You were suffocating me! I had to get out somehow. It's not my fault you're a brainless twit!" Hans countered. Stymied, Leo pouted, crossed his arms, and said nothing. This whole spectacle had, of course, taken place during the silence that preceded his uncle's announcement. Blushing bright red, Leo tried not to think about what an idiot he'd just made out of himself. It didn't work. Then his uncle spoke up.

Bryce smiled looking over the class. "Alright now unless there are any other volunteers I believe we have a proper set up. Miss Scarlett I'm going to have to request that you participate in sparing with one of us. This will be the only warning. Showing up late or inexcusably missing this class will drastically harm your chances of attending our Field Trips." Bryce smiled as he doled out the punishment. Leo only groaned. His uncle was such a jerk sometimes. Hans rolled back into a ball and rolled himself into Leo's lap. Leo, who had already forgiven the little demon, absentmindedly scratched and petted Hans, who reveled in the attention. Bryce continued. "Now I believe there are three challengers for each Lilly and I. Robin, Minerva, and Leo. You will be with me on the roof of the west wing of the school for our match. Kai, Martin, and Mr. Liadon. You will be with Lilly in the forest for your matches." Hans's ears pricked up, and he jumped back onto Leo's desk, which forced the red haired boy to stifle a chuckle. Watching Hans jump was one of Leo's favorite pastimes. Hans ignored Leo. Brace had said match. Singular. Was he intending on fighting them all at once? If so, now was a fantastic time for Leo to showcase his power. While the others were distracting Bryce, Leo might be able to get in a gravity pulse or two. If all else failed, also could take it up close and personal with Trick Room and Destiny Bond. Leo had only recently developed the skill and power necessary to fuel both techniques at once. Bryce still didn't know about it. Hans smiled to himself. Leo might actually be able to do it. Hans rolled back down into Leo's lap, allowing Leo to let him some more. "Scarlett you are free to chose either of us to be your opponent." Bryce looked back over the class. "Alright, those of you who chose not to challenge us you will need to choose one of us to watch. While you may not fight directly I expect you to pay attention to the battles. Learn while you watch. Demon will not be allowed to participate in the sparing matches. I don't want any of them getting hurt. OZ and Ikari will act as the judges during the matches. If anyone is wounded they will ensure that they are quickly delivered to the medical wing. So! If there are no questions I believe we should get the show on the road! Those wishing to watch me as well as Robin, Minerva, and Leo let's make our way to the top of the roof. Everyone else follow Lilly into the forest." With that Bryce walked out the door to the classroom his students following him closely. Leo slowly stood, and followed his classmates out as well. As they walked, Hans whispered his idea into Leo's ear from his perch Leo's shoulder. Leo agreed to test it out, but he still had his own doubts. Bryce was much more powerful than them. He was probably more than capable of handling a few T class students at once.

Upon reaching the roof of the school Bryce turned and smiled, facing the students. "Welcome everyone. This part of the roof is specially protected for sparing matches. We are completely hidden from view here. We will begin in order of challenge received. Unless someone really wants to go first and the others find it agreeable." Ikari stood next to Bryce and grew to her full size standing level with Bryce's waist. At that, Robin, Leo's classmate, and an Ice Mage, stepped forward. Leo had no qualms about him going first. Ice was a decent match up against Wind. Robin should be able to provide some sort of distraction. As they combatants took their beginning positions, Leo slowly walked over to where Ikari was, and took a seat. "Hello Ikari." Leo said politely, offering his hand to sniff, as was polite, before scratching her once or twice behind the ears. It was their customary greeting ever since Leo had been a little boy. After the second scratch, Leo took his hand away and clasped his hands in his lap. Leo knew that Ikari didn't like to be pet very much, and he wasn't in the mood to make her grumpy with him. "This is such a drag. I just wanted to use the bathroom..." Leo whined. Ikari ignored him, but Leo swore he heard the slightest of chuckles. "That's not funny Ikari!" Leo said, pouting, and crossing his arms. Hans only shook his head. "Heads up Leo. We'll be going soon." Hans said, clambering down from his spot on Leo's shoulder. Leo only nodded, swallowing hard and steeling himself for what he was about to do. In preparation, Leo began to channel his power. He allowed his strong magics to well up inside him, ready for use. Hans smiled with grim determination. Leo was getting stronger every day, even just a week ago his aura wasn't this powerful, every bit of the S class rank he'd only recently earned. Bryce would know Leo was coming, but he wouldn't know when. Not until it was too late and he was caught in Leo's Trick Room and Destiny Bond.

Ceil followed close to Lilly deciding that he was going to do his absolute bet to prove himself to her. 'If I can impress Lilly there's no way they'll be able to send me away. I may not hit her but I'm going to give my absolute best.'

After a while of walking the group arrived in a clearing a little way into the forest where Lilly began to lay down the rules of their sparing matches. "First off, the forest must remain in tact. If you are to destroy any of it, you will be severely punished. Second, in order to win, you have to hit me with your own fist. Thirdly, don't make this fight personal. Whatever your goal is, I do not give a damn. I am here to train you and that is it. If you want to go cry because you got your ass handed to you on a silver platter, feel free. But I will not tolerate any sort of emotional fluctuation in your fronts. Once we start Combat training, I expect you all to act as I say and do as I say. Anyone who doesn't follow my orders and guidelines will be punished." Lilly moved to the center of the clearing before facing the students once more. "You," Lilly said, pointing to the boy who first volunteered. "You're first up."

Ceil nodded and walked across the clearing reaching his hand up to the helm that half covers his head drawing it away slowly the helm pulled away forming into a blade. "Alright, I'm Ceil Liadon, Plant mage." He smiled hearing the murmurs from the surrounding students as he lifted his left hand pointing at Lilly. "Seed Bullet." Hundred of small super fast seeds shot out of his sleeve towards his teacher most of them fell scattering across the ground and quickly dug their way down into the soil.

On the sideline Briar was standing on his own away from the group silently cheering Ceil onward as he began his fight with Lilly.



Robin walked forward preparing to begin their battle. As he began his introduction Byce smiled. "I'm glad to see that manners haven't been lost on you kids. Robin Aaron Jayson, I, Bryce Zephyr, Wind Mage, accept your challenge." Bryce lept into the air as Robin formed ice chains. Upon reaching about 15 feet above the school Bryce opened his hand reaching into the air next to him opening his dimensional storage and removing the scythe Aeyla had given him all those years ago. "It's time to begin Robin. Remember you have to hit me with your fist in order to be declared the victor.

Bryce swung his scythe around himself creating a whirlwind around his body. "Of course that's easier said than done. Wind Blades." Swinging his scythe down in a cleaving motion toward Robin a dulled blade of wind sailed towards the student quickly followed by 5 more.

As his blades encroached Robin he felt one of the students gathering power with a quick glance he saw it was Leo. 'What are you planning nephew?'

♠Lilly Zephyr♠

---

"Alright, I'm Ceil Liadon, Plant mage." He smiled hearing the murmurs from the surrounding students as he lifted his left hand pointing at Lilly. "Seed Bullet." Hundred of small super fast seeds shot out of his sleeve towards his teacher most of them fell scattering across the ground and quickly dug their way down into the soil.

Lilly jumped lightly out of the way, smirking at the young man. Oh, a Plant Mage. I'm terrified. It may have seemed harsh, but she had always seen any other Mage Types as weak. Or at least she thought of Shadow Mages as more superior. Bryce and Zach were the only exceptions to her philosophy. Lilly had discovered last year that if she stayed silent during a battle, it usually gave her more of an edge, and with a simple smile on her face, it was hard to know her next move. But something deep inside her always told her never to underestimate anyone. To keep on her toes. Even the simplest things would trip her up long ago. When he old teacher was still alive, Robert, that was one of the many things he had taught her. And then there was Jessie, the man she had spent endless months with to learn and become even stronger. Lilly hadn't heard from him in the longest time, just as she hadn't seen anything of Liam, her father.

The bigger the head, the harder the fall, she had heard many times. Some of the students from the previous year that were watching obviously didn't seem interested in anything that was going on. They were going to die young in Lilly's eyes. Only those who watched every chance they had would live long enough to put their powers to use. Boy it had been a long day. Lilly just couldn't wait to go back to the darkness.

---

ON THE ROOF

---

Lilly kicked her feet back and forth as she watched her husband spar with the young Ice Mage. Many of the students were looking at her oddly and one finally had the guts to ask. "Mrs. Zephyr ... aren't you supposed to be in the forest?"

"Yes I am, but if you kids cannot learn the difference between a Shadow Clone and the real thing, your dead meat. Besides. It's a tracking lesson. I lost all the kids that were going to the forest in the hallway so I could switch out with the Clone. In all aspects, the Clone and I are exactly the same. There is no way of telling I'm over here and the Lilly in the forest is a fake. Until she gets hit that is. Then she'll dissipate and I'll be there in a second flat." Lilly fluttered her pitch black wings behind her and smiled devilishly at the young student. "I think the only one who would know about my Shadow Clones is little Leo."

Lilly stared intently at the young Ice Mage, letting her mind wander. He reminded her a lot of Robert. And, in a strange way, it made her miss him. Despite all the awful words they had exchanged, they had an amazing bond. Lilly, yes the all powerful Shadow Lord, still had nightmares about what the three young Mages had to do in order to save the world.

Something about the young man reminded her of Robert, and it wasn't the Mage Type. What was it?

Scarlett Oliva Sinclair

Scarlett's face fell when her thoughts came true. In the background she could hear Avery's soft snickering obliviously directly toward her.

"Alright now unless there are any other volunteers I believe we have a proper set up. Miss Scarlett I'm going to have to request that you participate in sparing with one of us. This will be the only warning. Showing up late or inexcusably missing this class will drastically harm your chances of attending our Field Trips. Now I believe there are three challengers for each Lilly and I. Robin, Minerva, and Leo. You will be with me on the roof of the west wing of the school for our match. Kai, Martin, and Mr. Liadon. You will be with Lilly in the forest for your matches. Scarlett you are free to chose either of us to be your opponent. Alright, those of you who chose not to challenge us you will need to choose one of us to watch. While you may not fight directly I expect you to pay attention to the battles. Learn while you watch. Demon will not be allowed to participate in the sparing matches. I don't want any of them getting hurt. OZ and Ikari will act as the judges during the matches. If anyone is wounded they will ensure that they are quickly delivered to the medical wing. So! If there are no questions I believe we should get the show on the road! Those wishing to watch me as well as Robin, Minerva, and Leo let's make our way to the top of the roof. Everyone else follow Lilly into the forest." Mr. Z explained.

Feeling like one of those cliche head banging on desk when something goes bad moments in movies, Scarlett scowled instead at Avery.

"Aww poor whittle Scarlett is gonna get beaten up on the first day! Who are you gonna choose?!"Avery chuckled behind her as she followed the rest of the class out. Ignoring Avery, she kept a steady pace behind the group.

"Ok. If I fight Mrs. Z then it's a girl vs girl fight. Meaning she can do what ever she wants. Including the fact she can hit harder then a guy would. Or maybe Mr. Z would just be as painful. Or I could stand way behind everyone and he'll forget. Yes. Yes. Yes." Scarlett thought to herself pulling a thinking face. Just as the class split off into different directions, Scarlett trailed behind Mrs. Z's group.

Avery, being the nut head he usually is, took off last minute clutching Scarlett's wrist toward Mr. Z's group.

"What are you doing?!"Scarlett half yelled half whispered.

"Oh please, I know your little plan. Just follow my suggestion an you'll be fine. You'll probably be equally beaten up either way." Avery smirked. He could read Scarlett like an open book unlike most people. In response, Scarlett pinched Avery's shoulder and marched off ahead of him. Leaving him slowly drag behind muttering a string of curse words. By then they were lagging fairly far behind the group.

After a couple minutes, they had finally arrived at rooftop. Mr. Z began speaking, "Welcome everyone. This part of the roof is specially protected for sparing matches. We are completely hidden from view here. We will begin in order of challenge received. Unless someone really wants to go first and the others find it agreeable."

"Ok, I'll go last. Unless they forget or run out of time." Scarlett thought to herself as she took a few steps back from the group. She was still able to see the match from where she stood but was barely noticeable in her opinion.

The ice mage was the first one up and was already summoning his power. He spoke proudly though she could tell he was nervous somewhat, “The first move goes to the one who was challenged, correct?”