PLEASE CLOSE ~ DEAD

[Fortune86]

While Helios was sorry that someone was in need of healing, he was glad to have the chance to get away. After all, Selena had only asked that he escort them to the infirmary and now they were here.

 

The moment student nurse stepped into the infirmary for supplies Helios turned on his heel to face back down the corridor.

 

"I'll see you guys later" he told Sorana and Bella before walking off with as much polite haste as he could.

 

Reaching the main doors he stepped back outside and then stopped while he thought what to do next. He couldn't practise in the training areas here, he might get in the way if someone wanted to train with their Fiends. Going out of town wasn't an option either since there were too many people around. That left the nearby wood.

 

Helios left the school grounds and set off up the hill towards the thick cluster of trees at the top.

[Evangeline]

Seraphina glanced back toward their silent observer. The woman had remained quiet for so long that she had nearly forgotten her presence, much unlike her student days.

The young investigator tipped her head in a small nod. She was not quite sure what this could mean, but it was certainly nothing good. For a moment, her attentions turned toward the teacher.

"Perhaps you should tell the students to stay in groups. Going off alone would be dangerous, and accepting things from strangers would be a very bad idea. Try to keep them from panicking."

 

--

 

Castian glanced toward Diana and the red-haired woman as they spoke. His chest rose in a pained, elongated breath as he stared back up at the other.

"Listen, I was blind-folded and when I did see them, it was dark. I could only tell they were dressed as merchants."

His brows furrowed, "Though...there was only one guy who talked to us. He killed my friend. Deep voice, blue eyes, black hair. That's all I can tell you."

[ValidEmotions]

At the sight of the toothy expression, Sorana hesitated and smiled nervously in turn. The Fiend wasn't going to hurt her and more likely just pleased. Right? Rubbing the back of her neck, the girl followed the vulpine as it led her in the direction of the mess hall and infirmary. Least she wasn't being made to go back to the training fields....

 

As they reached the infirmary, Sorana picked up voices before she picked out people. Miss Selena was there with Sandor, Helios, and Bella. But, there was also another strange militant. She opened her mouth to start inquiring but quickly closed it again as Selena seemed needed and was already starting to leave.

 

Left with the other students, she watched Helios leave before turning her attention back to Bella and Sandor. "Um... I can start the tea?" she suggested, uncertain. As a secondary thought, she rubbed at her face again, realizing it probably betrayed the fact that she had been crying earlier. Sorana didn't want the other students to know this but there wasn't any way to avoid them learning about it.

 

Quickly, she turned and moved into the infirmary, grabbing the flint and tinder from where it had been shown. A few strikes and the wooden logs in the stove were lit, a steady fire coming to life with a bit of coaxing.

~~~~

 

Atani's eagerness gradually turned sour as Bastian made his response. He wasn't exactly giving her the reply she wanted to hear. With a dismissive wave and tsk, she started walking towards the doorway the group had come out through, Behemoth dissolving behind her. "Fine."

Edited February 18, 2015 by Narvix

[Fortune86]

Arthur remained silent while he put together what little clues Castian had been able to provide. It wasn't a lot, but it was more than Arthur had an hour ago. And maybe there was a way to find further information.

 

He gave the barest of nods and then turned to Seraphina.

 

"I think he has given us all we can. It will be safe to remove the restraints now. If you will excuse me, there is something I must go and do."

 

Leaving Castian in Seraphina's hands Arthur began to stride towards the door. Since the interview was no over Castian was no longer his concern. If he tried to flee the school again, it would be Diana's and Bastian's problem. That said, the boy probably wouldn't be going anywhere until someone had seen to his injuries.

 

At the door he stopped since Diana was blocking the way.

 

"Excuse me" he said. "I need to pass."

 

Hima had stood back up when his Summoner approached. He looked up at Diana, waiting for her to move out of the way.

 

~~~

 

Helios surveyed the area from the top of the hill. There was a wonderful view up here and the trees would ensure his privacy. He had always preferred to train alone. Reaching up and pulling his bow over his head and shoulder he stepped into the cover of the to find a suitable target to practise on.

[DragonSpirit009]

When the students left, Bastian and Areo continued with the clean-up in silence. He had to admit he was curious on how the interview was going and what Arthur found out. He was also glad that Diana wasn’t near him giving that disapproving look he had gotten from everyone so far. The students didn’t bother him that much or other people but she did make an impact on him at times.

 

“Hey look at this mess!” Sheridan spoke as he entered the training area. He looked at Bastian angry as he stepped closer to the young man.

 

“I’m cleaning up. Can’t you see?” Bastian replied with a slight hint of irritation.

Sheridan paused a bit and finally took notice of the large fiend gathering the destroyed cages and monsters. “Oh.” He finally spoke looking at Bastian with a frown of confusion on his face.

 

When most of the larger pieces were gathered Bastian gave the word and Areo grabbed a claw fully of the destroyed debris.

 

“The dumping site is still on the flat lands right?” Bastian spoke as Areo already took to the sky.

 

“Uh, yes.” Sheridan spoke unsure how to hand Bastian. “And tell your lizard to dig a hole and burn it.”

 

“He knows.” Bastian spoke again as he started to gather the small pieces of wood and glass.

 

“Whats wrong with you boy?” Sheridan finally asked. “You never help with the clean up.”

 

“Nothing.” Bastian merely replied still continuing with the clean up.

 

“Don’t lie to me.”

 

“Back off old man.” Bastian spoke as he swung around to look the man in the eyes. “I can leave all this for you or I could help. What will it be?”

 

“Hey don’t get snippy with me boy! I’ll break your neck.”

 

Bastian stayed silent as he stared at the man annoyed. He wasn’t sure if he should take on his challenge or just dismiss it. In that time Areo had returned and gathered another pile of debris, ignoring the two men. Bastian decided to take his fiends approach and ignore Sheridan. So the best way would be to leave. He walked past the janitor without saying good bye and down the hallway. Bastian stopped halfway only to lean against the wall. He was irritated and the needed to shrug it off, so he closed his eyes and embraced the coldness of the wall, cooling him down.

 

~~

 

“It would be rude if we didn’t enjoy some tea.” Bella spoke as she herself stepping into the infirmary. She didn’t really like the smell of infirmaries but luckily this one didn’t smell as bad as those in the city. As the young girl entered she took her seat in the nearest chair as she waited for the tea to be prepared.

 

Edited February 19, 2015 by DragonSpirit009

[Kestra15]

Stepping into the staff office it was plain to see who her patient was; the young man who had joined and then quickly left the training session was closest to the fire, shivering slightly. His shoulder looked out of place, and what looked like abrasions and cuts on his wrists that had clearly been tended to by conventional means. She wondered if that was because he had not had access to a Light Fiend since sustaining them or - ever a possibility - he was a Dark Summoner and therefore immune to such magic. In an age where Vundiha's Light could heal so many, the traditional methods of healing were sometimes left to grow rusty; hence why Healers still firmly had their place, learning the ways without magic to tend to those who cannot or will not be healed by Summoned magic.

 

Moving past the stern group of Military officers Selena crouched near the young man, ensuring not to get too close and crowd him. If he was going to disappear so quickly from a lesson and was undoubtedly the reason for the commotion she didn't want to walk right up to him and cause him any more reason to be skittish. Vulpis was two steps behind her Summoner, taking in the scene as well for anything that the nurse may have missed.

 

"My name is Selena, and this is Vulpis," she said by way of introduction to the young man. "I'm a Healer, and I've been asked to help you."

[Chicogal]

Diana looked at Arthur for a moment, bright eyes slightly narrowed. She didn't know what the entire story was. He was a weasel, but one who certainly wouldn't tell her what was going on in its entirety. Then she stepped back, into the relative darkness of the passage. This was like her, wasn't it? Relatively in the dark. She waited for Arthur to pass by her.

[Evangeline]

Seraphina delicately removed the restraints,

"Thank you for your help." Her tone was soft as she straightened up. The metal cuffs went back into her satchel before she turned to follow her fellow summoner out of the staff room. She only paused momentarily as she reached Diana.

"Send me a letter if anything changes here. And keep an eye one him, hm?"

Seraphina's cerulean gaze surveyed the newcomer before she glanced back to Castian's hunkered form. Her head dipped in silent greeting before she disappeared around the corner after Arthur. He should be fine now that a healer was there. There would be no further use for her to remain. The young summoner did not seem too pleased to have her at his side either.

 

As she came to a stop at Arthur's side, she spoke up, her crystal clear voice hushed as to not attract attention.

"Upmejeuh. Does that sound familiar to you?"

 

--

 

He was, admittedly, more than happy to see the man and his fiend leave. As the restraints fell away, Castian rested his good arm within his lap, his fingers flexing in attempts to retrieve feeling. Finally, the other military woman left, and he was free of their annoying presences.

 

Dark, grey irises stared up, at the woman as she introduced herself. He did not feel like using his voice that much for the moment. His gaze flickered back toward the fire. The feeling was finally seeping back into his bones - but that may not have necessarily been a good thing.

"Do you have brandy, or whiskey?"

It was usually a habit that nurses would store the strong drink away for medical emergencies. Darkness summoners were know to live on the stuff, and at that moment, that was all Castian wanted to help with the pain.

[Kestra15]

"You're cold; giving you alcohol will just put your system into shock," Selena replied evenly as she opened her satchel. "I've got a few preparations that can help with any pain you have, but I'd like to check you over first. I can see your shoulder is out of place and you're cold, but I want to check there's nothing else more dangerous that we're missing before I give you anything."

[Evangeline]

The young man grumbled in displeasure. Stupid ice fiend. Still, she did say she could help him out even if she did deny him his precious poison of choice.

"It's an old football injury. It will pop back in easily enough. Something about torn ligaments..."

Castian relaxed as much as possible with a sigh of resignation. He had only wanted to go to the stupid tavern. Was that too much to ask?

 

An easy smile twisted across the summoner's lips as he gazed at the fair, dark-haired woman. She was rather beautiful.

"All yours, my dear."

[ValidEmotions]

With the water set to heat up, there wasn't much left to do except maybe pull out a few cups ahead of time. So, taking a seat next to Bella, Sorana felt awkward in the silence. "It's... Bella, right?" she started shyly, voice perhaps a little too quiet. Clearing her throat, she tried for a more confident appearance. "I'm Sorana. We saw each other in the cafeteria but haven't really had the chance to meet, huh?" A nervous chuckle came from her lips, rubbing the back of her neck as she looked at the ground.

 

"You have an interesting Fiend...," Sorana tried, trailing off at the end. Shaking her head, she worried her lower lip, scrambling to think of something for conversation. "Where did you live before coming to the school? I'm from Niefir."

[Kestra15]

"Thank you," Selena nodded in reply, before kneeling next to the man. Soft, quick hands moved over his body as she examined him thoroughly, starting from the top and working down his torso, then each limb in term, taking mental note of the fresh wounds and the older scars. "You are a Darkness Summoner?" she asked, no hint of prejudice in her voice as she did so. Vulpis simply stood by, using her tails to create a small screen to provide Healer and patient some privacy.

[Evangeline]

((He does have bandages anchored over his shoulder and around his upper chest. Beneath the bandages, I think a hint of his crystal can be seen?))

 

While she knelt, Cas Tian's cold, hard gaze followed her every move unceremoniously. But as he tugged his shirt away, he hardly seemed bashful before her assessing gaze.

 

When her arms reached out, the male nearly jumped away from what turned out to be a pleasantly warm touch against his battered skin. After the previous night, even the delicate brush of her fingertips enticed a flinch to adorn his pale feature - despite his attempts to hold his stoic facade. Shivers chased after her wandering fingers, making the male appreciate the distracting caress of the glowing flames burning steadily in the fireplace.

"Mmm. I am. Seems like i'm going to make you work for it today." Despite his earlier caution, apologetic undertones tainted his softening voice. He sat back, forcing himself to relax beneath the healer's care.

[Kestra15]

"I'm a Healer," was Selena's simple, unprejudiced reply. "This is my calling in life." Privately she had to admit that there was much to be done for the young man, from the surface bruises and minor burns around his wrist to the much deeper and more dangerous wounds on his back. She did not remove his bandages just yet, content that the lack of fresh blood on them meant whatever was beneath them had not split and caused any life-threatening bleeds. He was awake and breathing, aware of his surroundings - all the important, life-preserving features she was looking for - and so she could turn her attention to his immediate injuries.

 

"I have here something for the pain - a simple compound of herbs that will lessen pain without making you drowsy," she said as she pulled a small tin from her satchel, a faint rattling from within indicating the compound was in pill form. She pulled another, slightly larger tin out. "And I have a cream that I can put directly on the shoulder that will numb the area so relocating it will just leave a warm ache. I do want to give you some paste for your wounds to stop infection, but that will have to wait until later; I will need to mix up enough for your wounds." She looked up into the Summoner's eyes. "Sorry, I wasn't told your name?"

[Fortune86]

Arthur stepped past Diana and once in the corridor started towards the main doors with Hima at his heels. For now, he was done with the school and it was time to pursue other leads.

 

He didn't get far before he heard footsteps following him. Within moments Seraphina had caught up and asked him in hushed tones if he had heard of Upmejeuh.

 

"Yes" he replied without breaking his stride. "But this is not the place to talk about it."

 

Approaching the doors he opened them and passed through, holding them open for Seraphina to follow.

[na82008]

When Selena started to lead him and a few other students to the infirmary for tea, Sandor began to follow, but soon stopped, and instead walked to the dormitory. In side, he shuffled through his rucksack, looking for something. After a few minutes, he found what he was looking for. He pulled out a lead stick and parchment. He then walked out side and began to sketch the monsters he had seen. He was surprised to find out that even though he hadn't drawn in years, he was still rather good at it. The monsters may not live in real life anymore, but he would make them live on paper.

 

((Have pencils and paper been invented yet? Also, sorry I haven't been active. I keep forgetting to check the rp's. ))

[Evangeline]

Seraphina dropped the topic, and without another wasted word, she turned to exit through the doorway Arthur held open. Her palm lightly touched against the oaken barrier, and without breaking stride, she walked out toward the front of the school with a dip of her head in thanks. The question was, where would she...or they be going.

"You'll work with me, Arthur? Or will you be going solo without Bastian for this one?"

Sapphire eyes flickered back toward the man. She knew he preferred keeping to himself, but she figured their partnership could be of better benefit. Then, he could return to where ever he had been all these years sooner. Did she really want that to happen?

 

-

 

A straight forward answer, and not even so much as a glance sent up his way. Castian supposed she would be one of those devoted types. It was rather disappointing, yet perhaps it provided a small ounce of comfort that the woman was set on helping him. The boy remained silent for the rest of her assessment. He did not expect too much. Many of his injuries were beyond repairing in this world; at least, where summoners were concerned. The young man had already accepted the fact that he would probably die at a young age. It was logic. In the meantime, he would have fun and simply live out his life.

 

The rattling caught his attention. He had been so intently focused on the flickering flames that he had missed the meaning of the words her soft voice had uttered. However, the sound of the individually wrapped concoction of herbs was enough to alert the male that she was offering medication. At her next offer, a single shoulder lifted in an almost dismissing shrug.

"I'll wait for you any day, miss."

Chocolate irises gazed intently into her dark orbs. A rather charming smile danced across his lips, and his head tilted downward in greeting.

"Forgive me. I seem to have forgotten my manners. Jia Cas Tian, at your service. CasTian is perfectly fine. And you, my dear healer?"

[DragonSpirit009]

With the water set to heat up, there wasn't much left to do except maybe pull out a few cups ahead of time. So, taking a seat next to Bella, Sorana felt awkward in the silence. "It's... Bella, right?" she started shyly, voice perhaps a little too quiet. Clearing her throat, she tried for a more confident appearance. "I'm Sorana. We saw each other in the cafeteria but haven't really had the chance to meet, huh?" A nervous chuckle came from her lips, rubbing the back of her neck as she looked at the ground.

 

"You have an interesting Fiend...," Sorana tried, trailing off at the end. Shaking her head, she worried her lower lip, scrambling to think of something for conversation. "Where did you live before coming to the school? I'm from Niefir."

“Yeah things kinda go in a fast pace here. We’ve barely even survived the second day and now today things kinda got worse on a whole different level.” Bella spoke looking down at the floor. She was still a bit upset with how Bastian reacted in the lesson but she wasn’t sure what to make what he had said.

 

“Oh thanks.” Bella smiled when Sorana gave a compliment on her fiend. “He’s a bit rude at times but I still like him. I’m from Dnortih Mdyhl. The place of a lot of artsy people. I had to beg my parents to let me come to this school. So what is your fiend like?”

 

((I can’t remember if she did summon her fiend x.x))

 

[ValidEmotions]

[[Nope. Never did as she doesn't know how |D]]

 

"Oh! I've always wanted to go there with my father but I had to stay with my mother to help her at our home. Still, I plan to visit Dnortih Mdyhl when I'm older," Sorana remarked, smiling faintly. She was unnerved by Bella's statement about barely surviving the day before. She didn't know how bad it was and would rather not know.

 

At the question about her own Fiend, she grew a little insecure. "I-I'm not entirely sure... I've only really seen her once or twice. She seems agile and quick though. Except, I don't think she's very strong physically." Did a Fiend's strength represent the strength of its Summoner? Would Bella think her weak? She hoped not. Even if she did feel weak during the class earlier.

[Kestra15]

"I'll wait for you any day, miss."

 

Selena couldn't help herself at that point; a smile played at her lips even as she raised an eyebrow at the young man. It was hardly the first time someone had made such comments and she doubted it would be the last, but she could appreciate the smoothness of that reply. However if the Summoner was looking for either blushing or disapproval he was to be disappointed; the Healer took it in her stride and simply found it amusing. A patient who could still make such comments was clearly in good health mentally, and that was something she could foster - to an extent.

 

"Good to meet you Castian," she said as she finished inspecting his wounds. "I'm Selena, and Vulpis here is my Fiend." The fox-like Fiend dipped her head, tails still fanned to give them privacy. She opened the tin and handed Castian one of the pills, an earthy brown in colour and fairly smooth. "It tastes better than it looks," she assured him, placing it in his good hand. "If you swallow it, I'll put some of the cream on your shoulder and we'll have it back in place."

[DragonSpirit009]

“Really?” Bella asked surprised looking at Sorana with a slight tilted head. Maybe she was in situations she can’t remember when she even spoke the word or it was an everyday word she didn’t even realise was the magic word to summon her fiend.

 

“Well we can solve that problem easily. I can help if you want?” She asked smiling.

[Chicogal]

Diana set off down the corridor, gaze trained on the ground. Her feet carried her outside, but her mind was barely aware of this. She was thinking. Oh, what a tangled web this was. It was like the Titans all over again. A shiver ran down her spine - not that she would not fight them all over again. She would fight them all over again just for the chance to speak to Ceil - what was she supposed to do?

 

She knew what he would say. Your students come first. But what if keeping them safe meant getting involved? Arrgh. Shaking her head, she hopped up on a low wall. Staring across at the dusk, the teacher curled her fingers around the edge of the structure. Her students were finished for the day, by the sound of voices down the corridors - she needn't worry about them for now. Castian was being taken care of.

 

Where was Bastian?

[Evangeline]

A smile was what he got, and after a moment, the male deemed his endeavor worth it. Normally, his quarries merely brushed him off, gave a rather magnificent frown, or even a well-aimed blow to award any of his efforts. The other half blushed or flirted back, but Selena seemed to move right along, neither acknowledging his attempts, nor rejecting--save for the twitch of her lips. Selena's smile could be considered a rather beautiful painted across her pale, sharp features. Perhaps even enough to take his attention away from his injuries for the moment.

 

"Selena. That's a beautiful name. And Vulpis, greetings to you. Is there a meaning behind the fiend's name?"

He held a hand out to accept the oddly coloured capsule. He had certainly swallowed worse. He pressed the medication to his lips, and away it disappeared with a faint bob of his adam's apple.

"Mm. Fair enough. I would introduce you to Minseok, but every time I bring him about, I feel a bit like passing out... Perhaps another time?"

[Fortune86]

Seraphina dropped the topic, and without another wasted word, she turned to exit through the doorway Arthur held open. Her palm lightly touched against the oaken barrier, and without breaking stride, she walked out toward the front of the school with a dip of her head in thanks. The question was, where would she...or they be going.

"You'll work with me, Arthur? Or will you be going solo without Bastian for this one?"

Sapphire eyes flickered back toward the man. She knew he preferred keeping to himself, but she figured their partnership could be of better benefit. Then, he could return to where ever he had been all these years sooner. Did she really want that to happen?

"While I find working alone to be less distracting" admitted Arthur. "The presence of another like-minded individual can have its uses. I will not claim to be infallible, so another point of view can help prevent mistakes."

 

He didn't say anythign further until he had lead the two of them some distance away from the school. Hima circled around them, checking for scents or sounds of anyone who might overhear. When Arthur was sure the coast was clear, he turned to face Seraphina.

 

"Bastian and I investigated Upmejeuh this morning. The priests believe that he is the God who flooded the world with monsters."

[ValidEmotions]

“Really?” Bella asked surprised looking at Sorana with a slight tilted head. Maybe she was in situations she can’t remember when she even spoke the word or it was an everyday word she didn’t even realise was the magic word to summon her fiend.

 

“Well we can solve that problem easily. I can help if you want?” She asked smiling.

Caught off guard by Bella's surprise and offer, Sorana hesitated, fidgeting with her hands close to her chest. "Well... I... When I mentioned this before during the lesson, Miss Diana said she would teach me how...," she started, her voice soft with uncertainty. "But, if you could help me, I would appreciate that," she added, briefly meeting the other girl's gaze.

 

Looking away towards the stove, she faintly wished the water would heat up faster so she could have something else to focus on. However, the will of the world wasn't going to bend for her in this moment as the teapot remained in silence. "When did you first discover your Fiend?" Sorana inquired.