PLEASE CLOSE ~ DEAD

[Fortune86]

Helios looked back down the street that Imari and Bastain had been taken down. The crowd had surged back in their wake so that he couldn't see any sign of them. Feeling anxious but knowing there was little he could do at the moment he nodded to Selena.

 

"Okay, let's go find the others."

 

A horrible feeling had started to build up in his stomach. Bastain hadn't seemed at all pleased when he learned that Imari had kept him a secret all these years. Was it because of him that they had fought? was this all his fault?

[Kestra15]

With a smile Selena gripped Helios' shoulder tightly, then led the students back to the meeting point. She wondered just what Diana's plan would be from here; the day was drawing on and a return to the School on foot or with a caravan would be arduous, and the day's attack by an Abomination on the main route would certainly leave most caravaners rattled and reluctant to travel that day. They undoubtedly could find somewhere for the night, perhaps at the barracks, although she doubted the Military would be overly-welcoming of them given Bastian's disturbance of the peace. And of course, what of Bastian? He could be looking at a severe punishment, especially if it was true that he had purposefully endangered the public in this little tussle.

 

Not wanting to ruminate further - certainly without any of the salient information to hand - she instead led the students back to where Diana was waiting for them. Drawing close to the teacher she asked in a low voice, "Have you heard about Bastian?"

[DragonSpirit009]

Imari and Bastian followed the soldiers obediently. They had no reason to resist, well except the fact that is wasn’t their fault people came to watch them fight. It was still the militaries job to keep people out of danger. When they were stopped and told to meet up with Lord Terrence caused Bastian to frown a bit. Why would he wanted to see them, he never really interfered in such things. His gaze turned to Imari who didn’t even show much emotion. All he could feel from her was that she was the superior between them now and it’s going to stay that way.

 

~~

 

Bella followed the group in silence. She could see that Helios was in shock by the battle even more than what she was. He must know the women she thought to herself. In the end Helios had said her name which answered Bella’s mental question.

 

“Hey Helios. How do you know the woman that fought Bastian?”

[Fortune86]

Helios looked round at Bella.

 

"She's my mother. My...foster mother. I don't understand. I knew she didn't get on too well with her cousin, Bastain, but...."

 

He lapsed into silence. He couldn't think of anything that made sense, only that it was all somehow his fault.

~~~~

 

The soldiers took Imari and Bastain up several flights of stairs and escorted them into Lord Terrance's office. The ruler of the city was sitting at his desk and reading through some paperwork but he put it down when he saw Imari and Bastain.

 

"Good afternoon" he said. "I have been told that the two of you had a fight in the middle of The God's Green. I really hope this is not the case and that I have been misinformed."

[DragonSpirit009]

“Cousin’s? Really? Why would they fight?” Bella asked trying to hide the surprise on her face. From what she could tell Bastian seemed like a take no nonsense kind of person but fighting your cousin to such an extent was scary.

 

“I’ve never seen family fight like that. Do you have an idea why?”

~~~~

 

Bastian straightened himself as he entered the room like he did in the old days when stood before their rulers. Both he and Imari didn’t look very decent but it’s not like they gave them a chance to clean up.

 

“You’ve not been misinformed.” Imari spoke breaking the silence.

 

[Fortune86]

Helios stayed silent. He didn't want to tell Bella what he suspected about it being his fault. Why did it have to be like this? Ever since he had joined the Summoner's school it was just one disaster after another. He wasn't cut out for this.

~~~~

 

Terrance looked disappointed.

 

"And what of the reports I have heard about shots being fired at onlookers?"

[DragonSpirit009]

Bella tilted her head wondering what Helios was thinking. Maybe he didn’t even know himself. She was also rather surprised that the teachers didn’t do much in finding out what’s going on. It was like they didn’t really care well one of them didn’t seem to.

 

~~

 

Imari just glanced at Bastian knowing he was the only one who pulled that stunt. If he didn’t he would have been beaten a lot sooner.

 

“That my dear is this one’s fault. He looked for an easy way to escape Drahual and to take the upper hand. Sadly he was never the bright one when it came the fighting.” Imari spoke still looking at Bastian.

 

Bastian looked to the side he didn’t want to meet Imari’s eyes. He was already in trouble she didn’t need to rub it in even more.

 

[Fortune86]

Terrance had looked upset before, but now he looked horrified. He quickly regained his composure and looked directly at Bastain.

 

"I must admit Bastain" he said softly. "That I am deeply disappointed to learn this. You were one of Ciel's best students, he often spoke highly of you. To drop to such depths in order to win a petty squabble would have appalled him."

 

He looked back and forth between the two Summoners in front of him.

 

"Would either of you like to explain what this fight was over?"

[ValidEmotions]

Sorana

 

Sometimes, it was difficult for someone to leave home....

 

Inhaling deeply, Sorana shouldered her travel bag, taking another look around her room. Her mother was calling from downstairs, voice muffled as it tried to reach the young girl through the walls. "Coming!" she called back, hurrying out of her bedroom once she was certain she had everything.

 

Rushed footfalls thumped against the wooden steps, a hand gently brushing along the worn railing. Her home was small but cozy, containing hundreds of memories that she cherished. The girl entered the kitchen where her mom was cleaning up, a tattered apron wrapped around her waist. "Hurry now sweetie; you're already a day behind," the woman remarked, a faint smile breaching her features.

 

Sorana looked up at her mother, smiling in turn. "I'm a quick study, Mum. Don't worry." Kissing her cheek, she began to step back and head for the door when her mother entrapped her in a fierce hug. "Mum?"

 

"Be safe, alright? I love you and I already miss you. You'll come home when the year is over?"

 

Relaxing and returning the gesture of warmth, Sorana spoke reassuringly. "I'll be fine, Mum. They've got well trained teachers and I know they won't let the students get hurt. I'll write you each day and let you know how my schooling goes." Her mother pulled back, holding her shoulders at arm's length to see her face completely. "I love you too, Mum." It was unfortunate that she couldn't say farewell to her Pa but he had to go off an complete some errands for the landlord if her family wanted to stay in their little home.

 

Finally on her way out, Sorana looked across the town and up at the impressive school in which she would receiving her teachings. Excitement bubbled up in her chest and she hurried for the infamous grounds.

~~~~

 

Atani

 

Ugh. Her head bloody hurt. Mumbling a few harsh words unbecoming of a "lady," Atani stood at the edges of the tiny forest she had passed through to get here. It wasn't comfortable, sleeping in trees that had branches sprouting at odd angles but, the young woman was honestly used to it. Living in the mountains, one got comfortable with the cold climates and rough surroundings.

 

Several hundred yards away stood the Summoner's School, the small town of Niefir snuggled just on the other side. Continuing on, it only took her a short while longer to reach the school's fountains. She whistled in awe at the craftsmanship, an appreciation for hand-made things ingrained in her body since childhood. "Hey!"

 

A frown crossed Atani's face and she turned around, seeing a younger girl approaching. Distaste entered her gaze as the girl came to a panting stop just before her, taking a moment to catch her breath. "Are you a student here too?"

 

Dumb question. Atani pressed her lips into a thin line, turning her back on the girl and heading for the entrance doors. "W-Wait! My name's Sorana. What's yours?"

 

"None of ya business. Now, leave me alone," Atani remarked, verbally brushing Sorana away. Pushing the entrance door open, she stepped into the hallway and looked around. Another set of doors rested just before them and she pushed them open as well.

 

"Hello? Anyone here?" Atani glanced back over her shoulder and continued to frown, watching the girl as she rubbed her arm or clutched at her bag. "Maybe they're all in class?"

 

"Then hushing up would be the wise thing to do. Wouldn't it?" Atani snarked with a sarcastic smile.

Edited September 1, 2014 by Narvix

[Fortune86]

Sheridan was just mopping down the floor of the infirmary when he heard someone calling from the main hall. Sighinh he moved his mop and bucket out of the way to one side and went off to investigate. Walking out the door and round the corner he saw two teenage girls peeking through the door to the main hall.

 

"Let me guess. New students. Classes started yesterday."

[ValidEmotions]

Sorana

 

She started when a new voice responded, turning her gaze towards the man that approached them. "Um... Yes. We're new. I live down in Niefir but I was on a trip with my Pa and didn't get home until yesterday. I wasn't prepared to arrive until today," she admitted sheepishly, smiling shyly. "I'm Sorana. It's nice to meet you, sir."

 

There was muttering behind her and she looked over at the other girl as she began speaking. "I got held up in the mountains. I know classes started yesterday but, did ya honestly think all the students were gonna be on time? Jus' accept tha' we did the best we could ta get here." Sorana blinked. This girl was from the mountain regions? But, that was a long way to travel and she came alone?

 

Looking back at the aged man, she shifted her weight between each foot. "Where exactly is everyone? I noticed empty training fields outside but it's too early for a midday meal...."

[DragonSpirit009]

Bastian’s eyes met with Lord Terrence eyes but his head was hanging low. He didn’t have much time to think on what to say but he knew for sure that Imari would have blocked each and every attack of his.

“I… I know what I did was wrong.” Bastian started to talk slowly. “I know sending attacks to innocent bystanders were wrong. But what I did know was…” Bastian then looked at Imari with a little bit of confusion. “That Imari would’ve blocked each and every attack. No matter at the cost of her own life.”

 

“I deserve to rot in jail for my actions but not Imari. Thou we don’t see eye to eye I know when I’m defeated. And I realise now certain things.”

Imari looked at her cousin filling slightly with pride. Not because she had beaten him but because he realised that he needed to change. Bastian was always head strong and never thought things through but now it seems that he is getting the bigger picture. The reason why they always fought was so she could make him a better person that’s what her parents always believed.

 

“Terrence… sorry I mean Lord Terrence the reasons we fight is our own. It’s a family thing which I did tried to explain to you once but it is finally over and we both will take the punishment we deserve.”

 

[Chicogal]

Diana nodded at Selena's soft query. "I saw the end of the fight and hurried back here to gather everyone," she murmured back. "I don't know how long he will be detained for. I need you to take his place for now." She hadn't known Selena for long, but the woman had proven herself to have a good head and a heart in the right place. Turning to her motley crew, she sighed softly. They would be tired, but this was the life of a Summoner. "Alright, guys," she called to get their attention. "Who here has a rideable Fiend?"

[Fortune86]

Sheridan snorted.

 

"Everyone knows when the new term starts. If you couldn't be bothered to get here on time than it's your own fault you miss out. We had a kid who only learned he was a Summoner the day before and he got his butt here okay. One of the many things you are going to need to learn as a Summoner is to plan ahead."

 

When the younger of the two girls spoke Sheridan sighed.

 

"Out on their first job. Escort duty. They probably won't be back until night fall so you'll have to wait around a while."

 

He pointed to a corridor opening to the left of the entrance hall.

 

"The girl's dorm is the last door on the left. Drop your stuff in there for now. If you want to entertain yourselves until the other get back I suggest you go to the library. You'll pass it on the way to your dorm."

 

~~~

 

"Nonetheless your actions were very foolish" said Terrance. "And I can not simply except that this will not happen again. I may be Lord of Tehgrimm Suda but I still answer to my people. I must be able to tell them something. Now I'll ask again, what was the cause of the fight?"

 

~~~

 

While they all had Fiends that could be ridden, Helios doubted any of them could manage the long trek back to Niefer. The fight with Deminjal had left them all exhausted. If Imari hadn't been arrested, he would have suggested they ask her for a lift. By air the journey would take hardly any time at all.

[DragonSpirit009]

Bastian sighed wishing this was over and just through him in jail. Diana and Selena will have to go on with school, he doubt they would wait to hear what his fate will be anyway.

 

“I came to look for Imari because of Helios. She never told us about him. I wanted answers. Then signals got messed up and because we have a history of fighting with each other our old feud sparked and then we fought.”

[Fortune86]

"Helios? Ceil's son? How did you come to learn about him?"

 

Terrance looked from Imari to Bastain. He didn't think Imari would just have randomly decided to tell her cousin about a boy the city had kept as something of a secret for the last nine years.

[DragonSpirit009]

“Yes that Helios. It turned out he’s a summoner Terrence. A light one at that, it resembles his uncle’s fiend.” Imari spoke smiling softly. She was a bit proud but at the same time she worried to death about him.

 

“Two days ago he summoned his fiend. I decided that he should attend the school as soon as possible. I got a bit side tracked with my emotions and forgot to send you a letter on what happened.”

 

[Fortune86]

Terrance slumped back in his chair. Helios was the last person he had wanted to see out fighting monsters. He cursed himself for passing that stupid law that delcared all young Summoners had to train, but what else could he have done? The Abominations were nearly as bad as the Titans when it came to mass destruction.

 

"Well, I suppose there isn't anything we can do about that now. I just hope that the poor lad doesn't go the same way as his father."

 

Sitting forward again he gestured to the soliders to unchain Imari.

 

"Imari I'm going to let you go, on the understanding that such a thing will not occur again. I need you to run that orphanage for me. Those girls you hire as helpers spend too much time twittering to each other rather than working. Bastain, I'm sending you down to the cells to cool your heels for a while."

[DragonSpirit009]

“Oh it wouldn’t happen again.” Imari spoke as she looked at Bastian. She was relieved when the chains came off. Drahual was pleased as well as Imari’s crystal got to communicate with her again. With Lord Terrence’s orders given, both summoners were moved out the room and heading to the staircase.

 

“Imari I need a favour from you. I need you to take everyone back to school. I’m the only one with a large fiend that could take them but... well you know.”

 

“Wait they are all hear?” Imari spoke surprised a bit and paused on the staircase. One of the soldiers looked annoyed at her but she wasn’t going to let them push her around anymore.

 

“Yes we had a transport mission. They are all here. They are waiting most likely at the trader’s gate. I need you to take them back. You’re the only one I trust.”

 

Imari frowned in confusion with is last words but she merely just nodded. “I’ll send you some clean clothes for the night.”

The group then moved on again only to split up leading Bastian to the cells and Imari to her freedom. She quickly made headway to the orphanage and was greeted by questions from co-workers and children alike. As she had no time to be nice about everything her orders were rather stern. She told the children that she will tell them later what happened. Then she addressed the staff and informed them the Lord Terrence wasn’t pleased with their slacking off and that they needed to work harder. With in all the chaos Imari finally got a chance to go change her clothes and allowed her bloodied clothes to soak so long. Just as she was about to leave she asked one of the girls to take some clothes to Bastian in the cells.

 

Imari raced quickly towards the traders gate hoping they all would still be there and haven’t left with anyone else. It took her a few minutes to locate the group instantly recognizing Helios and Diana.

 

“I’ll take you home.” Imari spoke as she approached the group.

 

[Kestra15]

"I'm not sure about a return trip today," Selena replied, again her voice quiet and non-confrontational and only just loud enough for Diana's ears, turning her head so any students canny enough to lip-read couldn't see. She didn't want to show a split leadership to the students - especially having just seen Bastian cast in irons - but as Healer she had a duty to protect the physical well-being of her charges. If they were trained Military Summoners she would expect them to return to the School, Abomination or not, but as first day trainees she didn't think it would be fair or safe. Even she felt a little tired, having just done Tehgrimm Suda to Niefer and back again in twenty-four hours, and while she could make the trip once more it would be severely wearying. And of course there was the question of whether the students could control their Fiends well enough to make the trip back.

 

Thankfully it became a non-issue when she noticed the woman identified as Imari hurrying towards their gate, and she gave Diana a soft touch and nod of her head to indicate the approaching Summoner. With her offer of a lift to them all Selena glanced to Diana; having only known the woman as someone Bastian had picked a public fight with she wasn't the best to judge if accepting the lift was safe.

[ValidEmotions]

Atani

 

She grew livid, frowning deeply at the janitor's apparent distaste. "Listen here, ! Why don't we shove ya into the mountains, by yerself, without food and water, without weapons and armor, without an escort to keep ya safe? Why don't we send ya off all by yer lonesome self to fend off predators bigger than ya or in larger numbers without guarantee of survival and only a few throwing knives as means of getting food? Let's see ya stick to a time constraint under those conditions!"

 

Atani's fists were clenched, a dark scowl on her face. "Be glad that I got here with me life intact. Who gives a about time constraints when you're being hunted on a nightly basis by some foul creature or another! Ya people always brush of people like me, people from the mountains. We deserve better respect than that! Ya wouldn't have all yer precious metals if it weren't for Zurt Lyordeur. But, the only recognition we get for doing something so dangerous day in and day out is 'Oh! The mountain people!' As good as goats to the rest o' the world!" She spat at the ground, storming away from the janitor and the other girl towards the dormitory.

 

Sorana

 

Blinking, Sorana shifted her weight slightly. "I'm sorry we didn't get here on time but, as I said, I still had chores and work with my father so I wasn't able to pack up and head out until this morning. At least I live close by to the school so I didn't arrive any later. Thank you for the information...." She left the janitor then, heading for the library.

Edited September 3, 2014 by Narvix

[Fortune86]

((Narvix I just want to point out that everyone would know when the school term starts for the Summoner's school, as it would be the same date as every other school in the land for simplicity's sake. Also, there are no wolves in Wyhdori. Pretty much every non-domestic animal is extinct due to the monsters.))

[ValidEmotions]

[[sorry :c I'll make appropriate edits when I'm not on my phone in about an hour.

 

EDIT: Fixed my post. Sorry again for making the wrong assumptions |D It's not made very clear how the students know when the school year starts for the Summoner's School and I figured some animals, like wolves, managed to figure out how to adapt and survive with the new threats. I'll be sure to double check on things I'm not 100% about from now on.]]

Edited September 2, 2014 by Narvix

[Chicogal]

Diana sighed, crossing her arms. "I'm not sure of what to do, then," she muttered. She had set this mission with the expectation that Bastian would take them back. Maybe she would have to pull a few strings and set them all up at a hostel for the night. It would just have to come out of the school's emergency budget for times such as these. Already, that fund was going to be drained away. With a groan, she pushed back her curtain of dark hair. "Alright, people. We... oh. Hello." The teacher turned around at the voice of someone fairly familiar. It was Imari. Eyebrows knitted together, she decided not to ask any probing questions at that moment. Perhaps on the way. "That's very kind of you," she said, stepping forward. She put a hand forward in intent of a friendly grasp and smiled.

[DragonSpirit009]

Imari stopped before Diana but her look was stern and displeased with the younger woman. As Diana extended her hand Imari just merely looked at it. She was disappointed in the woman mostly because she took so much pride to have been taught by one of the greatest but she didn’t live by his words completely.

 

Imari’s gaze turned to the group. They were a small group indeed and it kind of saddened Imari. Summoners were important; to have so little for the future worried her. Imari’s eyes fell upon Helios smiling softly. Thank goodness he was still fine. She moved past Diana to have a closer look at her “son”.

 

“You’re a bit dirty my dear.” Imari spoke as her hand moved over his head, her fingers messing his hair a bit more. Imari kept smiling softly. She wanted to hug him but she knew he might get embarrassed, instead her hand moved down to his hoody and pulled it up, hiding his face a little.

Edited September 3, 2014 by DragonSpirit009