#we can have two mages at a time right? it'll be fine

[girlscience]

as much as I hate to admit it, Solas is the only da:i companion who isn't a city slicker

[twisted-wonderland-but-gayer]

Hi!! Really like your writing could we possibly get a drabble or something like that of Middle Schooler Yuu?

Hell-Raising Gremlin: A Middle Schooler

Synopsis: Yuu is a cringy middle schooler that curses a lot and insults people

Cw: Cringe writing. Yuu is 12 and Gn. Cursing. They call Riddle stupid and tell Azul he's gay. No romance ofc. Not proofread

“What the fuck?” Was one of the first things that came out of your mouth when you kicked off the door to your coffin. A crowd of eerily robed people turned to stare at you as if you were the weird one for wearing normal clothes. Each person had matching eyeliner and wait, does that person have horns… and a tail? What sort of fucked up LARP furry cult were you kidnapped into?

“Honestly…” Another voice rang out “Coming through the door of your own accord is virtually unheard of, why are you in such a rush?” A bird masked individual said as he approached you, two glowing yellow orbs peaking through the mask, each part of his person accessorized to fit a perfect aesthetic. Okay, thats a pretty cool costume you’ll admit, but it still doesn't change that you are obviously in the wrong place.

"Um… probably because some strange carriage literally kidnapped me and forced me into a coffin and then I woke up here? I don't think I'm in the right place."

"Hmm I don't think you are entirely lucid yet… a side effect of the teleportation magic perhaps…" the man wondered out loud.

"Can you break character for a second and tell me where the hell I am, dude?" You glared at him and a few of the weird adults around you laugh. You keep a brave face despite the fear building up.

"You are at Night Raven College, a prestigious magician training school in Twisted Wonderland." The masked man states bluntly and confidently like that explains everything.

"Didn't I just say to break character? I'm not playing DND here or anything, I need to get home, I'm not supposed to be here in this weird cult thing… I need to get home!" a few more laughs reverberated in the crowd.

"I'm being serious, this is a school for magicians"

"Right well… I don't have magic. How's that?" You give a smug smirk. "So please send me home?"

The man just gives an infuriating blank expression. "Why, you are here because the black carriage recognized you as a powerful mage! You should be quite proud of that given how young to appear to be! Please stand by and the mirror will sort you into your dorm shortly!"

"I was kidnapped first of all, and I don't even have that weird robe thing! Look dude, you got the wrong person! I'll go up to that mirror right now and show you!" You assume this "magic' mirror was just some computer check in thing. Hopefully when you give your name it'll prove you aren't on the list of whatever the fuck this is.

"My, so hasty… such is the youth I suppose. Fine then, go up to the mirror."

You must give props to this actor for staying in character the full time, but now wasn't the time. As you approach the mirror you hear whispers, and you see 5 individuals and a floating tablet standing by it, looking as superior as they could. Some glared at you, others looked intrigued.

The mirror spoke, "State thy name."

"Yuu…"

"You're soul is… invalid… I cannot read it. Therefore I sort you in no dorm."

The crowd murmurs amongst themselves as the masked person looks genuinely surprised. "Well then. I must apologize, there must be some mistake." You exhale in relief. Finally he gets it. "Mirror, send this person home!" No response. Why was he asking the mirror?

"Ahem… Mirror take this person—"

"I cannot."

"... huh…" You frown

"This child's home is nowhere. They do not exist here. They are from another dimension. Therefore, they cannot be sent home."

The crowd's murmurs get louder. You still don't believe in this whole weird magic school act thing. "Are you fucking kidding me, did I seriously get isekaied by a horse drawn carriage?" 

At that you see the floating tablet mute themselves. Before you could even turn around and ask for the masked man to get a real person to send you home, a strange creature runs in front of you. You stared at it in complete shock.

"Mrahaha! If they can't join this school, then there's room for me!" The weird cat thing talks. Flames came out its ears and its tail was forked. What the fuck, what the fuck. How is this cat on fire and talking?

The crowd laughed at the cat's words. "Oh yeah?! I'll show you!" The creature yells out. You didn't think much of it until you saw blue plumes of flames come from its mouth and aim directly into the crowd. The crowd yells and pushes each other around. You could feel the heat.

This couldn't be some high tech animatronic could it? You gawk as banners catch flames and you see some of the mages in the crowd casting water spells to put themselves out. Is this really another world…? No way… no way. You have to get hit by a truck for that! This just has to be a very weird fever dream...

Another blast of flames is fired across from you, growing bigger and bigger, threatening to engulf everything in the room. One person from before lets out an annoyed sigh and you see him turn to approach the flame. 

Without thinking you immediately run over to pull him back catching him by surprise and making him stumble. "Dude, what are you doing?!" The doll faced young man looks over at you in shock, before his race reddens.

"How DARE YOU try to—"

"Riddle enough! They were just trying to help!" Another taller green haired mad says with a clover on his face. "Come with me…" the man says before pulling you back protectively.

You watch as the strange ruby-haired man, Riddle– what a stupid name–, approaches the weird cat. He raises his arm before lowering it. "OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!" He yelled, and a strange collar appeared around the cat. The flames around the room suddenly die.

"Hey what gives?! What I'll just… huh?! My magic! Its…"

"Sealed away. That collar around your neck does not allow you to use magic." Riddle states. "No cats are allowed are celebrations, your very existence here is a violation." A few robed figures go to grab their cat and toss him out.

"Damn…" you mumbles as you step put from behind the stranger that protected you.

"You there, child." Riddle states, still looking upset. "What you did was dangerous, you should have never stepped in to try to help."

Oh this dudes attitude pissed you off with how condescending he sounded. "Well sorry for trying to fucking make sure you didn't burn yourself. God forbid I didn't know you could do that weird collar thing."

The green haired man paled and the face of Riddle got red. "Excuse me?! You need to learn how to treat your superiors with respect–"

"I respect whoever respects me regardless of age! And you're not superior at all! You throw tantrums like a kid!" You spat back and the crowd seemed to laugh. The green haired man tries to pull you back. "Come on now, Yuu try to be nice…"

"Why would I? He's the one that started it! He can start yelling at people for no good reason but I can't? Hell who the fuck even names their kid Riddle its such a stupid name!"

Riddle was fuming at this point and everyone just seemed to either cringe or watch in rapt excitement. "IT IS NOT! You have not followed a single rule of the entrance ceremony! Those who don't follow the rules should be punished! Especially rude ones like you!"

"Did you not hear the mirror? I'm not from this world! I literally don't know any rules at all! How are you gonna get mad at me for that?! You're the one that keeps yelling for no reason and then getting mad at me for giving back the same energy? And now you're trying to threaten me!"

"Enough!" The red head yells. "Apologize now or it's off with your head!"

"Oh no my magic that I totally have! I'm so scared! Go ahead and do it! You're only punishing me because I'm right! You can't ever comprehend being wrong so you need to make yourself look stronger in every other way because you're a coward and a control freak! I may not have been in this world long, but something tells me in the real world you can't collar everyone that upsets you! You're a coward and a god damn fucking tyrant that feels the need to prove himself superior to a fucking TWELVE year old just because I had the audacity to try and help you! I am twelve and everyone here appears to be an adult yet none of you are actually helping me! I wanna go home!"

"Enough!" The masked man's voice yells out and you huff and look away. "That is enough for both of you." You look over at another man with blueish hair and glasses along with a mole struggling to hold in a laugh. You narrow your eyes. "Oh I just KNOW your bitch ass isn't laughing with your birthing hips and gay little face!" The man's eyes widen and he stares in shock for moment before looking down at himself. The crowd erupts in laughter.

"Yuu!" The masked man reprimands before sighing. "Dorm leaders! Take your students to their new homes! I will deal with this… situation" As everyone left, you glared at Crowley.

"It's about time you fucking listened me, hot topic wannabe ass." Crowley could tell that this child would fit in perfectly here.

[xiv-wolfram]

Treasure - Comic Script

Post ARR - Patch 2.2

Wolfram wants to help General Raubahn relax.

Technically Hullbreaker is 2.3 but in my canon this happens after the meeting of the Syndicate to discuss the Doman refugees..

Catch up on my WoL Comics (Chronological List)

This is the script for a future comic. Posting for those who don’t want to wait to get the story. Numbers indicate frame number.

Wolf walking up to Raubahn at the Hall of Flames. Narrator - "Wolfram went to Ul'dah for a meeting with the Sultana and the Syndicate to discuss the Doman refugees. During which he sensed that General Raubahn, his former partner and current commanding officer, was under more stress than usual. After the meeting the Warrior of Light has a proposition to help him relax."

Rau smiles broadly and makes a welcoming gesture - "Wolfram! I’m glad to see you stuck around after the meeting! There were some topics of import I could not discuss with the Monetarists listening. I was about to head to the Quicksand for my first meal of the day …would you care to join me?” 

Wolf smiles - "Actually, I stayed because I have something I'd like to ask for your aid with. Yet a meal would be most welcomed!” Thought - ‘It’s well into the afternoon and he hasn’t eaten. I’d wager this is a common occurrence of late.’

A) Rau beams - "Of course! I’d be pleased to help however I can!” B) Rau catches himself and smiles awkwardly. Thought - ‘I sound much too eager for someone who has work to do… yet he did help us to save Eorzea. Surely any request will be for the good of the realm.’ Say - “ …anything for Hydaelyn’s Champion, of course." 

A) Wolf beams and gestures excitedly - "Excellent! I’ve been told a possible location of the pirate lord Mistbeard's stash. I’ll admit it’s not terribly important in the grand scheme of things, yet it should not take more than a few days. I believe we’re both due for a bit of fun." Wolf grins - "Raubahn Aldynn, would you like to go on a treasure hunt with me?"

Rau surprised, taken aback - "A treasure hunt?! Just the two of us?" Thought - ‘Perhaps I misinterpreted his concerns about professionalism?’

Wolf smiles awkwardly - "Aye, we wouldn't get to keep the treasure, but it’s not as if you need the gil. And I’m told the island is crawling with ferocious beasts, which sounds like our idea of a good time. This is if Ul'dah is able to spare you, of course." Thought - “Did I just say our?! Idiot!”

Rau surprised but smiling - "Y-yes that sounds like great fun! I'll make arrangements with Roaille. She threatened just yesterday that if I didn’t take a break she would force me to." Thought - 'A bit of adventure is exactly what I need! It'll be nice to spend some time together as well.'

Zoomed out shot walking onto the street outside Flame HQ while smiling and conversing.

Zoomed out shot of Hullbreaker Isle Beach.

Walking up the path toward the lemurs.

They shoo away the lemurs. (comically)

Lemurs running into the foliage as they laugh.

Zoom out. They continue along the path, talking.

A) Close up of a trap. B) Rau close up, wincing to indicate he stepped in the trap. Thought - ‘Ugh, he’s distracting.’

A) Close up Wolf, worried - "Aw hells! I should have expected traps. Are you alright?" B) Rau nods, wincing - "Aye I'm splendid. " (sarcastic)

Wolf kneeling down, opening the trap. Rau puts a hand on Wolf’s head for balance as he shifts his weight to the free foot. 

Rau sits on the ground. Wolf kneeling, holding Rau’s leg but looking at his face with a smirk - "Good to see you've retained that sense of humor. Thought - 'And his good looks…Godsdammit don't think about that!’

Rau grins - “Alright then mage - are you going to heal my leg or are you content to hold it while mocking me?”

Wolf chuckles - “Eh, fine. I suppose I could spare some aether for the man I kidnapped and brought to a deserted island!” Rau laughs - “Now who’s the jester?”

Wolf holds his aether focus in left hand and hovers his right hand over Rau’s leg. Dim green light around his right hand. Rau watching Wolf, beaming. Thought - 'He's quite skilled… I don't feel a thing. It’s beautiful…the spell.'

Fighting Sasquatch. Rau driving down with a vertical slice as Wolf is casting.

Rau shields Wolf as he uses VerHoly.

Further along near the cave area, they've stopped. Snacking (/apple) and talking.

A) Wolf looking tired - “- so now everyone wants the Scions’ help. It’s exhausting. And they’re oft working an angle.” B) Rau smiles sadly, looking away - “I’m sorry Wolf… I didn't realize how much work you lot were taking on. I feel bad for asking so much of the Scions now.”

A) Rau frowns - “Things in Ul’dahn are becoming increasingly difficult to handle and I know not where to turn, yet I didn’t mean to strain your resources.” B) Wolf surprised, waving his hands /deny - “No! No! Not you Rau!”

A) Wolf blushes and smiles awkwardly - “You’re an exception. I’m always happy to help you! ” B) Rau beams - “Oh! Well in that case, you have my thanks. Yet I must insist you tell me if I ask for too much.”

A) Wolf grins - “Yes sir!” B) Raubahn blushes and looks away. Thought - ‘Aw hells Raubahn! Don’t think about that!’

Fighting the Kraken. Rau rushes to one tentacle with Intervene. Wolf rushes the other with Corps-a-Corps.

Raubahn uses Rage of Halone on his tentacle. Wolf uses Enchanted Redoublement on his.

Raubahn blocks a tentacle from slamming down on Wolf as he uses VerFlare on the main body.

After defeating the boss. They’re sitting against a tentacle, tired. The main body has fallen beneath the water.

A) Rau beaming - "You were right, this was great fun! Everything has been so tense in Ul'dah lately. It's been a long time since I've been able to get out like this. Thank you, Wolfram." B) Wolf beams - "No, thank you! I know I'm supposed to be this mighty Warrior of Light fellow, but much of the job is dreadfully lonely. I appreciate your company, genuinely.” Thought - ‘I hope Rau changes his mind about the whole professionalism thing… Rhun’s been so busy lately he can’t even answer his linkshell. I truly miss having a close friend. I happen to be madly in love with this one, but I’m sure that won’t cause any problems.’

A) Rau smiling awkwardly - “Well I'd hate for you to be lonely…after all you've done for Eorzea I mean. Pray, ask me along anytime. Although…I must admit, I’m surprised you didn’t bring one of the Scions." Thought - ‘Sounds like he does want to be friends after all?’ B) Wolf smiles awkwardly - “The Scions are great, but they’re so young that it’s hard to see them as peers.”

A) Wolf frowns - “Well, except Papalymo. He’s around our age… yet I do not like how he speaks to others. Especially Yda." B) Rau ponders - "I don’t know the man well… merely by his reputation as a powerful mage. Yet you have a kind heart and are a good judge of character. I don’t see a reason to force yourself to be around someone you don’t enjoy.”

A) Wolf smiles warmly - “Aye, I’d rather spend my limited time with those who can brighten my day. And hopefully I theirs? B) Rau smiles - “If that is your criteria - then I certainly look forward to our next adventure.”

Catch up on my WoL Comics (Chronological List)

[siriannatan]

Jinn & Other Troubles - Finale

The final chapter. I literally have no idea where else I could have gone with this so I'm stopping here.

AO3

The rest of the fWhip's day was relatively normal all things considered. Some people were threatened, one or two were stabbed and some letters picked up. A good day even if it stretched out until almost sunset. Festival time was always busy and Pix insisting he has to spend at least one day of it fully with Jimmy did not help. Not in the slightest. It was so bad actually, fWhip had no choice but go through the Academy...

"It'll be fine, Gem likes rules so she's probably already in bed, gossiping with her fellow good mages... yeah..." he sighed speeding up towards his previously favourite shortcut through the city. 

Even in a hurry he could not miss a call for help and with a groan turned into a side alley and... Was met with the sight of Gem of all people in the town being harassed by some idiots.

"Come on miss, if you're out at his hour..." one goon chuckled reaching out towards Gem so fWhip threw his dagger at his hand, cutting it but not getting stuck.

"Leave the young lady alone," fWhip nearly growled at the, left had raised with fire in it, mostly to make the bracelet more visible, when they turned to see who threw the dagger.

The bigger and uglier bandit paled but his friend apparently knew nothing about the city. "And who do you..."

"Stop it Bill," his friend stopped him. "We're really sorry, sir, we'll be leaving sir," he apologised pulling his friend away. "Come on, he's with Copper King, we don't want to mess with him."

fWhip didn't drop his guard until they were gone far enough. "What are you doing out at this hour?" he turned to his sister who was staring at him with wide eyes. "Has the Academy not told you to be in after sunset?" he sighed.

"They did. And that you never got in," she huffed, arms crossed and clearly angry with him. "You could have told me you failed the ent..."

"I didn't even get that far. Money and some old name with no weight to it is not enough to get into Evermore... We have no time for this. You need to go back to your dorm..." fWhip groaned in annoyance. Gem was always stubborn and no doubt got even worse.

"So you can avoid me?" she protested.

fWhip sighed. "I'll find you another day? When we're not at danger of landing in prison for breaking the curfew? I promise I will and explain everything then," fWhip promised.

Gem sighed. "Fine, but only because you're right about the curfew, and you'll tell me where to find you."

"That's not a good idea..." fWhip tried protesting, leading Gem towards the academy. She stopped him with a glare. "I'm honest here... Look for the Vigil... and don't talk to anyone other than me. If you come in and not see me say you made a mistake and leave. And quick. It's not a place you should be at," he sighed, speeding up. "And how did you even leave your dorm?"

"I snuck out through the window," Gem grinned. As if that was something to be proud of.

"Never do that again, I have enough to worry about," fWhip sighed, relaxing a bit when they crossed Academy gates. "I'll be fine from here. Find you tomorrow, and... Happy Birthday fWhip," she said and ran off towards the dorms.

fWhip sighed and wasted no time running off to the Vigil. He had no intention of warning Pix. He'd no doubt try to meddle and that would not end well. And not even Jimmy would be able to stop him.

At least he managed to get to the Vigil with no further problems. "I'm sorry I'm late..." he said seeing Pix and Jimmy in the bar, probably waiting for him but... Why were there a small pile of boxes and a cake on his bar...

"That's fine. Happy anniversary of being born," Pix waved him off with a satisfied grin. And dropped his disguise. 

fWhip was frankly a bit stunned. He never told anyone what today is and knew even for Pix it was a bit of a pain to find out. "How? How do you know it's today?" the tiefling asked taking a slow step forward. He was so damn confused.

"You're my favourite employee, of course I know," Pix chuckled. "Now come on, we have candles."

"And dinner," Jimmy added, fleeing Pix's hands and ran up to fWhip. "Happy birthday, thanks for always looking after me," the elf said hugging him. And then pulled him to the cake.

It wasn't a big or super grand cake. It wasn't even all that decorated. Just a cake you can get to go on any day. Nothing special and fWhip was grateful for it. And shocked Pix bothered to do anything. He was damn busy, and had Jimmy to spoil and... fWhip absolutely could not remember last time someone did something like this for him. Pix nearly burying him in magic books did not count. That was work stuff - at least to fWhip it was.

"fWhip? You okay?" Pix's, dare he say worried, voice broke him from his thoughts and got him to realise he was crying. 

"I'm fine... It's just been a day... you send me to airships and... it's been a day..." fWhip mumbled and lit his own damn candles. Just two what was actually kind of amusing. 

"A couple of days," Jimmy hummed hugging him again. "Remember to make a wish," the elf said, gave fWhip a small kiss on the top of his head and returned to Pix's lap.

"And you can come to me if you ever have problems ever again. No need to say what it is, just say that something happened and you're not feeling all too well," Pix said and... it was probably the nicest thing fWhip has ever heard.

He always kept his distance from things. From people. Pix even. All people knew him as was a front. fWhip the almost mage. fWhip the mercenary. fWhip the bartender. fWhip, the right hand of Copper King. He rarely spoke about himself save for what he told Pix and Jimmy and even that was missing bit pieces. He never mentioned Gem for one. He never said how hard it was to see her go. To have to go to Stratos on his own with all of his family's hope piled on him. To have Evermore's gates slammed in his face. He told it as if it was someone else's story. He never told anyone how hard it was to settle into the town after that...

And now Pix bought him a damn cake. And gifts. And was always buying him books almost since the first day they met... "Thank you..." fWhip sobbed out, unable to stop his own emotions. And for the first time in a long time just let himself cry. Falling to his knees and sobbing. And worrying Pix end Jimmy enough to have them both all over him.

"Come on fWhip, it's just a cake..." Pix muttered.

"It's not the cake... it's just been a while since I celebrated my birthday," fWhip sniffled, feeling incredibly dumb with his boss comforting him. And said boss' boyfriend... Who recently kissed him... This was... not something he ever thought about. "Today's a lot... I got a bit overwhelmed..." he added taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. "And... my twin sister might be attending the Academy now and she might show up here... Thought you'd like to know..."

"That's okay fWhip, as long as she doesn't go to the back rooms she should be okay," Pix chuckled, and kissed fWhip's temple. "Come on, you have candles to blow out and gifts to open and there's dinner," he hummed, pulling both fWhip and Jimmy up.

fWhip did not complain too much about blowing out the candles. It did feel a bit childish but neither Jimmy nor Pix have ever celebrated a birthday so he might as well let them enjoy it through him. The gifts were a bit of a different matter. Pix had him pick up the gifts as his errands earlier. A rare enchanted diary designed to hide its contents from anyone but the owner - fWhip - was no doubt super expensive and what False had delivered. The mystery box from Big Eyes Emporium was a very nice writing set of an almost unbreakable quill with copper detailing and an inkwell enchanted to one be bigger than it looked and two, to never spill any ink. And a very nice copper pocket clock with a chain. At least one box wasn't something fWhip picked up. And it was the biggest that worried him a bit. Inside was a very nice new vest. Like a really, really nice vest with even more embroidery than fWhip's current vest. And it had a perfect pocket for the watch.

He of course tried protesting against all the expensive gifts. One would be fine but all three? "Isn't Jimmy the one meant to be spoiled?" he huffed taking in all the detail of the clock. There were no doubts that it was Tango's handiwork.

"Who says I can't spoil the both of you?" Pix hummed, Jimmy was in his lap very quiet and yawning all the time. He usually didn't move as much as he did today and was reasonably very tired. "Come on Jimmy, just hold through the dinner and we'll go to bed," the jinn gently shook the dozing-off elf awake. "I'm not letting you sleep alone, I'm not waking up to you drunk and giggling at your floating lights ever again," he added pointing to fWhip.

fWhip was not quite sure what Pix meant but he was more than okay with attention going off his birthday. Dinner was nice even if he started to understand how Jimmy must have felt with Pix all over him. But in his case, Jimmy was leaning on him a lot to not fall asleep into his food. He just blamed it on Pix being worried he'd cry or repeat last night and Jimmy being tired. He had no idea how wrong he was.

"No," Pix said when fWhip tried to go to his own room and was easily picked up by his boss who was already carrying a sleeping elf. And carried up to the other bedroom. "I said you're not sleeping alone, didn't I?" the jinn chuckled as fWhip tried to form any kind of protest that would not wake Jimmy up.

"But... but... I'll be fine..." fWhip tried protesting but it was for nothing. Pix set his mind on keeping an eye on fWhip for the night. "I don't... it's... you and Jim..."

"Both agree you're cute and need to relax a bit," Jimmy mumbled, pulling fWhip down to the bed.

"I think I'll need to get him a necklace for him to understand he's my other boyfriend now," Pix chuckled joining them in the bed. "No thinking fWhip, just sleep, I know you don't need it."

fWhip had no choice but to give up. There was no arguing with jinn when they set their minds on things. Or with Jimmy. The elf learned a lot since Pix picked him up and not all of it was good things. Like using his status as Pix's favourite elf to scare people. Or using his pretty face to get things.

And fWhip was maybe just now realising he might have liked his boss this whole time. And Jimmy too... "I hate you both," he grumbled, relaxing and letting himself sleep. The last two days were far too much for him.

"Love you too," he just barely heard Pix and could swear it was followed by a kiss.

Even if it wasn't the first time fWhip woke up squished between Pix and Jimmy, it... It stung he could not sneak away to get ready for the day. It left him with nothing better to do than think about last night... realisations let's call it. And that maybe he was not opposed to dating Pix and Jimmy. He did not expect much to change. Pix's favourite pastime was throwing expensive magic tomes at fWhip before Jimmy. And fWhip was glad the pretty elf took some of Pix's attention off but now... he expected it'd be even worse.

"I can hear you think..." Jimmy mumbled right into fWhip's hair. "You're not leaving until I'm done with cuddling," he warned hugging him even tighter.

"What Jimmy said," Pix chuckled and gave them both morning kisses. "This feels nice, and I better not need a necklace for you to understand..."

"Fine, I'll move my stuff in later but I'm keeping the other room as my own office," fWhip sighed. "Am I going to have to get used to being squished every morning?" he could not help but ask. Not that he was complaining, it felt nice...

Having to rush to 'open' Vigil did not feel nice even with Jimmy and Pix being there to cheer him on. He was not letting either of them anywhere near his bar stuff. And it wasn't like that initial rush was that bad. It wasn't like anyone ever visited Vigil to just drink there and not somewhat connected to the main business. And at least now he could spin some tale that did not connect him to crime for Gem. And avoid saying what his scarier boyfriend does...

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #262: Osakabehime (Archer)

Today on Fate and Phantasms we're building the OG hikkoneet, Osakabehime (Archer)! She's a Conjuration Wizard to build up her paper army and a Banneret Fighter to lead them to a victory royale!

Check out her build breakdown below the cut, or her character sheet over here!

Next up: Who is that mysterious thief?

Race and Background

As usual, this isn't changing too much from Batty's usual form, outside of the fact that Hexblood is no longer in UA. This gives her +2 Dexterity and +1 Intelligence, as well as the Fey typing and an Ancestral Legacy for proficiency in Perception and Survival. It's not a survival game without survival, right? She also gets Darkvision up to 60', and can create an Eerie Token once a day, tearing off part of her body to make a tiny item that can deliver telepathic messages, or let you view the area remotely for a minute, though the latter destroys it.

For one last bonus, your Hex Magic lets you cast Disguise Self or Hex once a day for free, or by using your spell slots. Osakabehime can have a little shapeshifting, as a treat. Just don't do it around Tamamo.

Plus, she's still a Guild Artisan, as much as she'd like to not be. That's Insight and Persuasion proficiency.

Ability Scores

Put your highest score into Intelligence, since Batty's kind of a nerd. After that is Dexterity, then Wisdom. Turns out survival games need both of those. Her Constitution isn't super high, but it'll be offset by the wizard levels, don't worry. Her Charisma is pretty low this time, since self-deprecating people aren't fun to be around. That might be a me thing, but this whole blog is also a me thing, so it's fine. Anyway, that means we're dumping Strength. You're still not a bodybuilder. Unless you get to be a berserker in summer 2023, but that's a big if.

Class Levels

Wizard 1: Not gonna lie, starting off as a fighter for that HP boost would be sweet, but you start off as a nerd in FGO, so you're starting off as a nerd here too. First level wizards get proficiency in Intelligence and Wisdom saves, as well as two skills like Arcana to know what a video game is, and Investigation to tell when you're going to walk into an ambush. They also get Arcane Recovery, letting you recover a couple spell slots on a short rest once a day. We also should mention you get Spells, cast using your Intelligence and spell slots, which normally recover on long rests. This includes cantrips like Fire Bolt for a small grenade, Infestation to sic some origami on a fool, and Message to command your troops. You also get leveled spells like Mage Armor so your fighting in a swimsuit isn't a terrible idea, Catapult to throw origami at a fool, Magic Missile for some gunfire with an aimbot thrown in for flavor, Fog Cloud for a smoke grenade, Shield to make a temporary barrier for yourself, and Find Familiar to get started on your army. Don't expect me to talk about every spell you get in this build, so check the character sheet for all of them. Usually they're either summons to build your army, evocation spells to stand in for gunfire, or building spells to make your own cover. It should be noted that familiars found this way can't attack, but it can use items and be used to cast touch spells at a range.

Wizard 2: Second level wizards pick their specialty, and as a Conjuration wizard you are a Savant at conjuration spells, so copying down conjuration spells into your spellbook takes way less time and money. You can also perform some Minor Conjuration as an action, creating a nonmagical item that weighs less than 10' and takes up less than 3' on a side for an hour. (Hand and Light crossbows both fit this category, fyi.) You can also cast Feather Fall so your drop off the battle bus doesn't splat you on the pavement.

Wizard 3: Third level wizards get second level spells like Alter Self for some proper shapeshifting, as well as the option to make natural weapons or water breathing. You can also create a Flock of Familiars if your DM's okay with using spells from adventure modules. This lets you have up to 3 familiars for an hour, and as long as they're within a mile of you you'll be able to sense through their eyes and ears.

Wizard 4: Fourth level wizards get their first Ability Score Improvement, so bump up your Intelligence for stronger spells. Spells like True Strike. I know it only gives advantage on melee attacks, but if you're using a gun I hope you're aiming it.

Wizard 5: It's no surprise what third level spell we're getting first. Fireball. It's a big ol' grenade for when a lot of people need hurting. If you want to avoid hurting, it's hard to get better than Leomund's Tiny Hut. A ten-foot radius area is a pretty big bunker for up to 10 medium-sized creatures, and it prevents magical effects from entering the area. Creatures in the hut when its made can pass through the walls at will, aside from you since the spell ends when you leave.

Fighter 1: Okay, enough nerd stuff for now, it's time to discover your love for survival games as a fighter! At first level you get proficiency in all weapons so you can actually use a crossbow, and you get the Archery Fighting Style to add 2 to your ranged attack rolls to make up for starting as a wizard. You can also use your bonus action to get a Second Wind, taking a breather to regain some HP.

Fighter 2: Second level fighters can use an Action Surge once a short rest to take two actions in the same turn. Now you can play games and work on that manuscript at the same time. Y-you are working on it, right?

Fighter 3: At third level you become a Banneret and get the one banneret skill that matters in this build, Rallying Cry. This means that when you use your Second Wind, you can also heal up to 3 other nearby creatures. This only heals them for 3-5 HP on use, but most familiars only have 1 or 2 HP so... it's a lot to them?

Fighter 4: Use this ASI to max out your Intelligence for the strongest spells. I'm sure your dexterity is fine, just like the work you're totally doing.

Fighter 5: Fifth level fighters get an Extra Attack each action, or at least they would if they weren't using a crossbow. We'll fix that later.

Wizard 6: Sixth level conjuration wizards know Benign Teleportation, letting you spend an action to teleport up to 30' away, possibly even swapping places with another willing creature. You can do this once per day, though it also recharges after casting a conjuration spell. Spells like Sleet Storm, which creates a hail of bullets (technically a hail of hail) that will have your enemies ducking for cover (because they've been knocked prone). It also forces spellcasters in the area to make a concentration check every time they start a turn in the area. This is more "cover fire" than an actual attack, but sometimes that's what you need to survive.

Wizard 7: Seventh level wizards get fourth level spells like Conjure Minor Elementals to summon papercraft animals that can actually fight. Plus, most of these things come with elemental attacks built in, so you don't even have to arm them!

Wizard 8: Eighth level wizards get another ASI, making you a Crossbow Expert. Now you ignore loading on crossbows so you can attack twice a turn, you can dual-wield hand crossbows, and you can shoot in melee range without disadvantage. I don't know why it's harder to hit someone point-blank, but now it doesn't matter anyway! Yay not thinking about it! We're also hopping back a bit to pick up more second level spells, like Enhance Ability to give you twitch reflexes and Dragon's Breath so even your familiar can get in on the murder action.

Wizard 9: Ninth level wizards get fifth level spells. Skill Empowerment will give you expertise with a skill you're proficient in for up to an hour, giving you the leet gamer skills we all know you have. You can also put up a Wall of Stone for a more permanent barrier.

Wizard 10: Tenth level conjurers have Focused Conjuration, meaning your concentration can't be broken by taking damage if you're concentrating on a conjuration spell. Considering how many of those things end with "if you drop concentration it'll try to kill you", that's a huge bonus.

Wizard 11: Eleventh level wizard, sixth level spells. Fizban's Platinum Shield gives you cover that follows you around, and Tenser's Transformation activates your gamer rage, giving you temporary HP, advantage on weapon attacks, extra damage, and proficiency on strength and constitution saves. The only downside is all that activity has a chance to exhaust you once the spells done, depending on if you pass a constitution save or not.

Wizard 12: Use your final ASI to get a little more military as a Martial Adept, giving you a d6 superiority die to use once a short rest, either on an Ambush to add it to your initiative or stealth roll, or a Tactical Assessment, adding it to your History, Investigation, or Insight check.

Wizard 13: Seventh level spell time! Prismatic Spray is a powerful enough buncha beams to come from your whole army, dealing plenty of damage and possibly even some nasty status effects too. Simulacrum is cheating. I know Osakabehime can't make body doubles in-game, but if you want an army you need to concentrate on more than one spell, and this can do that. You make a bunch of simulacra, then keep them on standby to have all of them cast summoning spells at once. Boom, insta-army.

Wizard 14: Your final conjuring trick is Durable Summons, meaning every creature you summon with a conjuration spell starts with 30 temporary HP. Given most familiars only have 1 HP, again it's a huge boost in survivability.

Wizard 15: Your final level nets you eighth level spell. If you're on the offensive, set up a firebombing campaign with Incendiary Cloud. If you're on defense, create a Mighty Fortress. Tada.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

We finally did it, you can now build an army. Like, a proper one, not just in D&D terms. Given enough time, you can amass dozens of Osakabehimes, all of which are capable of summoning dozens of elementals, and all of those have boosted HP thanks to Durable Summons.

Right, speaking of, your summons alone also deserve a mention thanks to their higher HP totals and the fact that you cannot drop concentration on them, so your opponents only options are fighting through all of them or fighting you, and that's also a problem because...

You're good at making arenas to fight in so you'll always have the upper hand. With Mighty Fortress and Wall of Stone, you can carve out mazes that only you know the layout of. This is especially dangerous when combined with the smattering of teleportation powers conjurers also get.

Cons:

You are incredibly weak in terms of HP, which'll hurt you and your simulacra. Just to explain how bad it is, your simulacra have 56 HP. That's one less than the average Mud Mephit you can summon (including the Durable Summons THP), and that's a CR 1/4 monster. Fireball might not be as big of an issue for your summons, but it's still a huge one for you.

Your summons and buffing spells both use your Concentration. Just because you don't drop it any more doesn't mean picking one spell over the other is less painful.

This build is slow. Both in the sense that your spells take a while to work -good luck putting up a tiny hut mid-fight- and that your best features come very late in the build. Focused Conjuration and Durable Summons both come online past level 15, which is a lot of time spent without good concentration/creatures.

[otherpeoplesheartachept-2]

First Dress

Pairing: Trixie/Keris

Rating: G

Summary: Keris wears a dress for the first time! And goes dancing with her partner at the Leavers Ball. 

AN: I wrote this for the @trans-mages prompting fest, and this prompt came from the amazing @wellbelesbian (It features trans woman Keris, and nonbinary Trixie)

Read on Ao3 or below!

-

I must look like a right idiot standing here in front of the mirror—we only have twenty minutes before the Leavers Ball starts but I'm frozen, dress held limply in my hands. 

I'm afraid I'll put it on and it'll feel wrong. No, I suppose I'm really afraid of how right it will feel to put on. I'm afraid I'll never be able to go back, which is a ridiculous thought, I don't want to go back into the closet–and it isn't as if avoiding dresses my whole life will make me feel less like a woman. But still...

"Keris?" Trixie turns to me, lipstick held up to her lips. She looks at me with raised eyebrows. 

My roommate, Amanda, has already gone down to meet up with her boyfriend (he's actually leaving this Leavers Ball, Trixie and I have another year at Watford) so I don't feel weird talking about how I feel with just Trixie in the room, she's always so understanding. 

"I'm scared," I admit, meeting their eyes in the mirror. 

Trixie looks at me sympathetically. She doesn't have to ask about what. We've talked about this a lot; Trixie was the first person I ever came out to; as a woman and as a lesbian. And though Trixie's better at hiding it, she has some of the same insecurities as me. We've been there for each other through a lot. 

"You'll look so amazing, Keris!" they move closer to me, wrapping around one of my arms. "I promise. And if you hate it, I can just magick you a new outfit, okay? We could have just done that from the start like I suggested..." they say in a teasing tone, gesturing to the blue fabric in my hands, "instead of spending ages sewing. I mean look how well mine turned out!"

She strikes a pose in her yellow-gold suit, and smiles her big cheesy smile, crinkled-up nose and all. 

I roll my eyes, resisting the urge to kiss their adorable face. They're right about her outfit of course, it turned out amazing. But I wanted to make my first dress. My grandma is an amazing seamstress, and I wanted to learn from her. She even gave me an old sewing machine of hers to take to school and practice. Admittedly a full dress—with a pattern I frankensteined out of two other dress patterns—was definitely way above my skill level, but I had fun making it, and I think it turned out alright. (I haven't put on the blasted thing yet. I'm still scared.) 

 Trixie spins me to face them, and puts a hand on my cheek. I look down to meet her eyes; this close it's really noticeable how much shorter they are than me. 

"You'll be okay, honey," Trixie says in her soft voice, gently tugging at the end of some of my long hair. "No matter how you feel in the dress, it's okay. And you're still you, you're still the best person ever, okay?" 

I try to look doubtful, but I can't hide the smile she brings to my face. I don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing partner. And of course they're right. I know who I am, feeling a little scared of a dress doesn't change that. 

I nod once, then again more confidently. I'm going to be fine. 

"Okay, okay, I'll put it on, but turn around-" I shoo her with my hands. 

Trixie laughs and turns around, putting their hands over their eyes. 

I take a deep breath and quickly throw off my school uniform to step into the dress. The fabric feels lovely. I'm surprised the internal seams aren't scratching me. (I think Trixie spelled them. Sometimes when I took breaks from sewing, I'd see her looking over the unfinished dress, swearing they were just tracking my progress, but I’m pretty sure she was muttering spells.) When I first told Trixie I was going to sew my dress they were horrified at the idea of spending so much time on something that could be done in one minute, it was kind of funny. She's just too impatient sometimes, though I am grateful I had Trixie to sneakily spell my mistakes better. All the stitches and seams are impossibly clean. 

I smooth my hands over the dress, then I look up from the ground and stare at my reflection. It's a lovely dress: light powder blue, the top is shaped like something Snow White would wear, and the skirt is made of tulle in the style of a romantic ballet tutu. The bodice even shimmers in the light, which is something I did let Trixie do with her pixie magic. I try not to scream, but I can't help the happy squeal that escapes my mouth. I look like the girl I've wanted to be for years. I might start crying.

"What! What! Can I look?" Trixie asks excitedly. In the mirror I can see them bouncing on their heels. 

"Yes," I laugh. 

She gasps when she gets a look at me. 

"Baby!!" Their smile is huge. "You look amazing!!" 

They attack my cheek with kisses but I block her with my hands. I'm still trying to focus on the dress. It fits perfectly. The bodice shapes my torso in a flattering way, the skirt flares out at the perfect spot on my waist. I can't get enough of it. The tulle tickles my knees and then I remember—I can do a skirt twirl!

I spin around and watch the fabric poof out then twist around my bare legs. I'm smiling so wide I think my cheeks are going to crack. I've been wearing the school issued skirts for a few months now, but this is so much better, the fabric is so flow-y. I shake my hips and watch the skirt twist and twirl in the mirror. 

"Kerisssss," Trixie squeals, draping an arm over my shoulder. "You look so pretty, can I please kiss you?" they give me puppy dog eyes. 

I giggle and nod. She smears her fresh lipstick on me but I don't care. I feel like I'm made of clouds, big fluffy cumulus humilis clouds. 

"Oops," Trixie runs their thumb across my lip when we break for air. I'm sure she's just smearing the lipstick more. 

"Oops," I repeat before moving in for another kiss. 

Eventually we pull away from each other and look at ourselves in the mirror longer. Trixie is stunning in their suit, it's hard to resist smearing her lipstick even more. 

When I bought the fabric for my dress Trixie bought some goldish-yellow vinyl fabric and used spells to form it into the suit she has on now. It's wide, but not in a baggy way. They've got on a white, silk, pirate-looking shirt underneath the suit jacket and the blue flower I gave her pinned to their lapel. Her hair is dyed blue to match my dress. I told them not to do that but she insisted we match in some way. To make it fair I added some yellow yarn twists to my hair twists. Looking at us in the mirror is like watching puzzle pieces fall into place. Like this is who we're supposed to be, and who we're supposed to be with.

I glance at the clock and realize we only have a minute before the Leavers Ball starts.

"Shit!" I shout—Trixie needs to fix their make-up, and I haven't even started on mine.

We make it to the ball, twenty minutes late. "Fashionably late" as Trixie says. 

My nerves come back as we enter the courtyard where the Leavers Ball is being held. I'm worried about being in public in a dress. I'm worried about what people might say or do, even though so far everyone at school has been pleasant. I try to focus on the decorations to distract myself. 

Fairy lights are twisted into the vines that grow on the pergola overhead. Lovely little pink flowers blossom from the vines and the fairy lights make some of them glow. Some students are already dancing, but most people are standing on the edges, or sitting at tables. The round tables are covered in purple and green table clothes—normally I dislike Watford's colors, but they've gone with pastels, which makes them a lot prettier in my opinion. Each table has candles in the center that have been spelled to float a few inches above the table. 

My roommate waves us over to where she's sitting with her boyfriend. We chat for a bit about Watford, and life after school. Other people drift in and out of the conversation, saying hi and exchanging compliments. Everyone looks great tonight. Still, it's hard to stay focused on the conversation. I try not to get in my head about things but I can't stop fidgeting. Trixie notices and tries to help. 

"Let's dance!" they exclaim, pulling me towards the other moving students. But I resist.

"I'm thirsty," I say, redirecting us towards the punch table. It's mostly an excuse to avoid dancing, but I also do want some punch. 

Basilton Pitch is lurking in the corner near the table, I smile at him politely, reaching for a cup.

"Hi Baz!" Trixie waves happily, even though she knows he finds her annoying. I'll never stop admiring her ability to not be bothered by other people's opinions like that.

Basilton nods and tips his plastic cup towards us. 

"Hello ladies," he says coolly, "you both look lovely."

"Thank you," Trixie and I say at the same time. 

"You look nice as well," I add. 

"Thank you," Basilton says, like he didn't need me to tell him that, but I think he's hiding a small smile. He's never officially said it, as far as I know, but I've always gotten the vibe that he was queer. I think we understand each other, at least about this. 

"Tell him the cool thing-" my girlfriend nudges me with their elbow "-about your dress."

"The dress has pockets," I say, putting down my cup to shove my hands into the spots where the pockets are. 

I doubt Pitch cares, but I do it anyway, just to see Trixie go crazy over it, again. 

"Pockets!! And she sewed it herself!" Trixie's arm tightens around me. 

Basilton actually smiles at this. "That's quite impressive. And the dress suits you very well."

Before anything more can be said Trixie is waving bye to the Pitch heir and pulling me around to say hi to someone else. We mingle some more and I will myself to loosen up a little. I focus on how nice it feels to be in a dress. I’m so much more comfortable than when I had to wear suits to things like this. And I think I've gotten more compliments tonight on this dress (and my sewing skills which Trixie makes sure to point out to everyone), than I have in the past year. It helps to be reminded that so many people here are supportive of me—makes it easier to enjoy myself without worry. 

Trixie begs to dance with me so I finally agree. I've never liked dancing much, my limbs are too long and awkward to look good dancing, but Trixie takes to it like a fish in water. She's not the best technical dancer, but her enthusiasm and joy more than make up for that. I love watching her like this, it's like looking at a firework that never fades into the night sky. She puts her whole heart into jumping around to whatever generic pop song is playing. I make an attempt to match her energy.  

We end up dancing and joking in a little triangle with Rhys until the music shifts to a slow song. Trixie gives me a look and before I can excuse us Rhys fake gags and rolls away, saying he needs some water.  

Trixie pulls me close to her by the waist. I take one of her hands, and place my other hand on their shoulder. She's shorter than me, especially now since I'm wearing heels—so I place a kiss on the top of her head. Their short hair tickles my lips. 

She nuzzles her nose into my collar and sighs. I don't recognize the song playing, but Trixie softly hums along to it. I'm not sure they're even aware they're doing it. I don’t point it out, in case that would make her stop. 

"You alright?" Trixie asks, pulling away slightly to look up at me. 

I nod. "More than." 

Neither of us can really slow dance, so we just sway together in time with the music. My heart is so full, I might drown in these feelings. 

"Good," they beam at me. "You deserve the best, Keris."

I try to ignore the flurry of butterflies that stir in my stomach when she says that. 

"You feel good?" I ask, though I know the answer. It's practically written in huge sparkly letters across her face. 

"I feel amazing!" Trixie answers with their signature enthusiasm. 

"Good," I say, leaning down for a quick kiss. Their lips are soft, and warm.

"You're amazing," I say, pressing our foreheads together. Her arms rest on my waist now. "And thank you for helping me be who I am."

Trixie wraps me in a tight hug. I wish I could feel like this forever. 

I haven't said it yet, but I love them—so much. Trixie is one of the best people I know, and she's always seen me for who I am. I want to spend forever with them. I can only hope she feels the same about me.

[eryiss]

Summary: Freed and Gajeel were total opposites in every way, only connected by the guild. When they were forced to train together under Makarov's orders, they expected antagonism and mistrust. Instead, they were given a lesson in how quickly opposition can turn to attraction. The issue: let the budding relationship simmer away, or let it explode. [Freed x Gajeel Multi-chapter]

Notes: Hello everyone. I’ve been wanting to write something longer for this couple for a while, and this idea seemed quite fun. I hope you all enjoy it and maybe I can convert some of you to living Freed x Gajeel. Happy reading.

Links: FFN, Ao3, Chapter List

Chapter One - Makarov's Idea

As he walked towards the guildhall, Freed kept looking up at the moon.

The nights sky was cloudless and gave him an unhindered view of stars and the moon. It was a beautiful sight, but made him frown a little. The moon was large and nearly in its fullest state, a concern for the time of year. It had been some time since the full moon had coincided with the longest day of the year, and it seemed like it was going to happen again this year. The brimstone in his blood seemed to fizz at the idea, and he quickly looked away.

At his side, Laxus bumped his shoulder to get his attention. His frown told Freed that the dragon-Slayer had seen his concern, and he smiled to comfort the man.

"Nothing to concern yourself about," Freed assured him. "I've got it under control."

"Make sure you do," Laxus instructed. "No missions until it's over, right?"

"Of course," Freed nodded.

Laxus seemed to think the matter settled at that, but Freed wasn't so sure. The entirety of the guild - or at least those not already on missions - had been called to the guildhall that night. Makarov hadn't explained why he wanted everyone present, but it was entirely possible that they would all be dragged away on a mission and that Freed would be forced to act as if everything was normal. So promising that he wouldn't go on any missions was more wishful thinking than anything else.

Still, if he did have to go on a mission, he could handle it. Six years ago, it had taken him by surprise. Not this time.

"Let's take bets," Bickslow, unaware of the hushed conversation, stated mischievously. "Fifty-fifty odds of it being either a world ending disaster we have to deal with, or some weird competition so he can perv on the gals again."

Laxus winced at the second option, but didn't deny it.

"It better not be the second one," Evergreen huffed. "But knowing him, it probably will be. So I'll put five hundred jewels on that."

"Nah, it's been too long since we all nearly died," Bickslow shrugged. "Five hundred on the world ending. You two sticks in the mud gonna get involved?"

Freed had stopped listening to their conversation moments before, and found his worries back on the sky. The full moon had been scheduled in exactly one week, and it meant trouble for him. He should be making preparations in case he lost control of himself; this was all a distraction. He should leave town, just in case.

His team looked at him in concern, but remained quiet.

As they approached the doors, Freed's mind remained preoccupied. A hand clasped onto his shoulder and jerked him back, and he realised it was Laxus. He frowned, only then realising he had nearly walked into Gajeel Redfox. The dragon-slayer glared at him, arms crossed to highlight his biceps. He didn't have much else than his physical strength, Freed supposed, so he had to show it off.

"Idiot," Gajeel spat at Freed, and Freed nearly scoffed at the hypocrisy of the word. If either of them was an idiot, it was not Freed.

Gajeel was walking into the hall before Freed could retort.

"God, who put a stick up his ass?" Laxus muttered as he shook his head. He looked down to Freed again, looking worried. Perhaps he hadn't believed Freed's assurances as Freed had hoped. "You need to go back? He ain't taking over yet, right?"

"No, I was distracted, that's all," Freed assured him, but none of his team looked happy. "I'm in control of myself. But I've got plans on how to approach the demon should I need them."

"Can we help?" Evergreen asked.

"I'll ask if I need it, but I don't suspect it'll happen," Freed placated them. They were still unconvinced. "You needn't coddle me, I'm fine. Particularly when there's apparently a fifty-fifty chance that the word is ending. Though, I'm putting five hundred jewels on the competition."

Apparently, the mention of gambling, broke the ice.

When they got inside the guildhall, it was more crowded than normal. All the tables on the lower level had been taken, and as such they were forced to climb to the S-Class balcony and sit there. None of them particularly minded that, and they waited for a short while for the rest of their guild mates to file in and settle, drinking and talking as they did so.

Eventually, Makarov walked onto the stage and stood before the crowd of wizards. After a few shouts for them to be quiet, the room fell into silence.

"Thank you all for coming," He began after clearing his throat. "I'm sure you're all wondering why we're here."

"For you to creep on us," Ever mumbled, and Bickslow snickered.

"Fairy Tail is a guild with its bedrock founded on the principles of friendship. We work so well because we work together. Whereas other guilds maybe have one or two teams, we have many," Makarov explained, gesticulating as he spoke. "It makes me so proud that you've forged these relationships and implemented them into your working lives. Your friendship and love allows you to work together to fight harder and become stronger, side by side as friends. I'm immensely proud of you all, but as of late I've noticed a problem with your work."

He paused, and Freed rolled his eyes. Everything was so dramatic with him.

"While you're very good at working with your own teams, you sometimes struggle working with the guild members you're unfamiliar with," Makarov continued, as if this statement were a tragedy. "And sometimes your teams won't be available, and I don't want you not taking group jobs because your regular team isn't around."

"Starting to think I bet on the wrong side," Bickslow grumbled, taking a drink.

Freed found himself only half listening. Whenever Makarov made an announcement there would be a lot of preamble that Freed didn't particularly care to listen to; not when he had bigger problems to deal with.

Perhaps, if his demon did become more powerful under the moon, he could rune himself into a cage of sorts. That might work, though perhaps physical manacles and shackles might be more practice. His team would be able to help with that, most likely. They wouldn't be happy about it, but Laxus had seen first hand what could happen when the demon was allowed to take over without restraint. He would understand.

No. He was worrying for nothing. The demon was under control now. Besides, he should be listening to his guildmaster.

"So, to broaden your opportunities, I've come up with an idea," Makarov grinned. "For the next week, you'll be split into pairs that you don't normally work with, and you'll spend all of that time training together. These partnerships will be random, and by the end of the week you'll be fighting side by side in a tournament to prove how well you can work together."

Hm, maybe a distraction would work better than restraints. Makarov's idea was flawed to the point of pointlessness, but a week of training might wear his body out to the point his demon wouldn't have the energy to take over.

"And, I'm sure you're all thinking why you should care about this, so there's a prize set up for the team who wins," Makarov was grinning wider now. "Fifty thousand jewels!"

That sent a rush of excitement and talking through the guild. Freed found himself wondering where the money actually came from.

"That's not all. The fights will be ranked on teamwork, cohesion and communication, and at the end of each fight you'll get points based on how well you did," Makarov was running his hands together. "And the team with the least points will have to do a punishment, and the winners decide what it is!"

"Goddamnit," Bickslow mumbled, handing money to Evergreen. "Always about punishments with him."

"If you knew that, then you should have bet smarter," Evergreen laughed.

Freed ignored his friends, leaning back and watching as Mirajane brought out a large, ridiculous top-hat. It wasn't difficult to guess that this was how Makarov intended to randomly choose the teams; pick them out of a hat. Maybe Laxus was right and his grandfather was turning mad, but he seemed to be enjoying himself so Freed had no place to complain.

He would simply drink his beer, watch the chaos unfold, and use the oncoming disaster as a distraction.

——

Gajeel swallowed down his beer with a scowl on his face. When Makarov had called this meeting, he had known that whatever the old crow had to say, it would piss him off. When Makarov had made his announcement, Gajeel had been proven right.

A whole week with some random wizard seemed pointless. Gajeel worked alone, and only teamed up with people when needed. This wasn't going to work.

Fuck, it was such a waste of time! He could be doing jobs and earning his rent instead of fucking around with a stranger, trying to embrace Makarov's ridiculous mantra about the importance of friendship. Or if he wasn't making money, then he would have at least liked to relax and take some time to rest. He didn't want to make a new friend, he wanted to eat, sleep and maybe find a guy to take to bed. None of that would happen with some Fairy Tail mage hanging around his neck.

"Our first team is," Makarov began as he rummaged through the stupid hat he'd had made. "Juvia and Natsu!"

Dammit! Juvia was one of the few people he could have tolerated. The other was the bookworm, and Makarov would probably say them working together wasn't in the spirit of things.

Still. At least the salamander had to work with someone who extinguished his fire. That was funny.

"Kickass!" Natsu yelled into the crowd, standing up and pumping his fist in the air because he lacked self control. "We're gonna dominate!"

They wouldn't.

"If you'd like to meet up and discuss your plans then now's the time," Makarov stated, and Natsu was making his way to Juvia immediately. "And now it's time for the next team up," He reached into the hat again. "It's Evergreen and Lucy."

No loss there. Maybe he and blondie could have been okay, but Gajeel wasn't pissed the chance was gone.

Lucy looked up toward the balcony and waved at Evergreen a little intimidated. Evergreen looked resigned, but after some nudging from Bickslow, made her way down the stairs and started to talk to the woman. Gajeel absentmindedly wondered if the two had ever had a conversation, because they looked awkward around each other; painfully so.

Fuck, that was going to be him, wasnt it?

Maybe he could convince whoever he was paired up with to lie and say they trained when they just spend the week alone. But then there was the tournament, and the threat of some random punishment, and Gajeel had already been humiliated after losing the guild-wide race and having to dress like an idiot; it wasn't happening again if he could help it.

"Next up," Makarov reached into the hat again. "Bickslow and Gray."

"Fuck yeah, some eye candy at last!" Bickslow yelled, and people laughed. Gajeel rolled his eyes, watching as Bickslow leant over the banister and looked towards his teammate. "Wanna make a deal, every time you strip, I strip."

Gajeel could see Gray avert his gaze as if bored, but he was red in the cheeks. They were even redder when Bickslow tossed his shirt towards him, both men now partially stripped.

Well, at least he wasn't with that idiot. The two of them would be a mess.

Many other teams were announced, and Gajeel found himself more and more annoyed each time. The partnerships made no sense, most of the time their magics wouldn't compliment each other, and Gajeel knew that it would end in disaster. At best, half of the partnerships might end up having a fight with each other, and at worst people would get hurt because they just didn't work. How the hell did Makarov think this was going to work out?

Maybe Gajeel should have slunk out and not attended the meeting. He was running out of money for rent, and his landlord was a bastard just waiting to kick him out, so it made sense for him to get a job. Maybe if he left now he could avoid it altogether.

"And next we've got Gajeel," Makarov shouted, and Gajeel cursed. "And Freed."

Oh fuck no. Absolutely fucking not!

Gajeel was not working with that stuck up prick. A guy like that had clearly never worked a day in his life, probably grew up in a fancy ass house and only got into guild work because it was a trend to slum it with the other wizards. Everything about Freed - holier than thou - Justine screamed pampered brat. He would probably throw a fit if he got dirt under his fingernails. He was the damn opposite of a man like Gajeel, and he knew he'd struggle not to murder the spoiled shit before the week was over.

Could he even defend himself? He had magic, but as far as Gajeel knew, that only worked when he had time to prepare. Hardly practical in the heat of battle, and what would he do without it? He wouldn't have the balls to use his sword as a weapon, Gajeel was pretty sure of that, and he looked like a gust of wind could take him out.

Fucking dammit. The salamander was better than this!

He damn near walked out of the guildhall then and there, because he couldn't deal with an egomaniac freak for a week. But, as he went to move, he saw the egomaniac freak walking towards him, and he was not going to allow Freed to think he was running away. He turned in his chair to meet the man's gaze but didn't make a move towards him. Freed could come to him, not the other way around.

Soon, Freed was in his space, standing above him. His expression was as unimpressed with the situation as Gajeel felt. At least they could agree on one thing.

He looked up to meet the mans gaze. Freed was… taller than he thought.

"I think it's fair to assume neither of us want to do this," Freed said rather than greeting him. Gajeel was right, he was a dick. "And I expect that the way I train myself won't be the same way you do, so likely there's a chance we'll come to blows, so I have a proposition."

Huh, maybe Freed was gonna suggest they lie and only pretend to train together. Gajeel would agree, but make Freed squirm first. "Yeah?"

"If we went somewhere and tried to train how we both normally do, it would be an act of futility," Freed explained. "We have six days to work together. I propose that for the first three days we train however I wish, and you follow my instructions. For the latter three days, we train however you wish and I will follow your instructions. That way, we both get three days of training ourselves in a way we know works, and the week won't be a waste of time entirely."

Huh.

That wasn't what Gajeel had thought, but he could deal with it. He had to admit, trying to find a way that would work for them both would not work, so this meant he'd at least have three days to improve himself.

"Fine," He grunted. "But I wanna go first. You're gonna drag me to some library or something like that, and that's a waste of time. Might as well make it a rest day after some actual working out."

Freed sighed, as if dealing with a child, and Gajeel nearly kicked him in the balls. "If you insist,"

"I do."

"Well then, I'll see you on Monday."

"Guess ya will."

That was it, and Freed turned to go back to his table. Gajeel emptied his drink, then grinned. Three days where the asshole had to do as he said; that was interesting. Freed probably spent his life being pampered and spoiled, but not with Gajeel. Nah, he was gonna work. Gajeel was gonna put Freed through hell and love every damn second of it.

[afandommultiverse]

The Gift - Leopold Vermillion

Words - 2006 Request - TreueHyuga

A/n - I hope you enjoy it! I had a really fun time writing this one! Leopold is aged up to 18! So, so are you lol.

Y/n POV

"Come to think of it, your birthday is coming up, isn't it, Y/n?" Leopold grinned wolfishly at his girlfriend, pumped with excitement and happiness due to the celebration around them, the celebration for him! His birthday, his coming of age day.

"It is, Leo, why are you gonna plan a surprise party for me too?" You lured him close giving him a smooch on the cheek. It was you who planned the whole thing for Leopold tonight, the director of the whole galant party. It was a great surprise party, Leopold hadn't suspected a thing, some can choose whether that's a good or bad thing.

"No. Maybe. We'll see, won't we, my dear?" Leopold's arms wrapped around you, pulling tight and leaning in closely. His hand skimmed up your waist and back down your arm, pulling your arm out and whisking you to the dance floor.

"Another dance? We just got done with five!" You shrieked, pulling your exhausted legs after him. Pure adrenaline and euphoria powered your body, swinging it around and following his steps. Laughing and tripping some, maybe even almost running into a few people too.

"Never my dear, I never want to stop dancing with you. I promise this is my last selfish birthday wish." He smiled, twirling you in and dipping you to the music. You smirked and leaned in, mirth and tease swimming in your eyes.

"I wouldn't mind a few more selfish wishes." You whispered as he pulled you up, hand slithering across his chest and resting at his heart. Your voice practically poured incentive, selfish questions, and desires Leopold had wanted to ask you for years poured into his mind as he stared into your eyes, completely suggestive and seductive in their e/c shaded wake. He pulled you up fast, pulling to hold your hand against his racing heartbeat.

"Y/n, you ha-

"Leopold!" A fiery hand came to rest on Leopold's shoulder, stopping the much-anticipated words that would have left Leo's mouth. He turned, almost giving his brother the stinky eye but couldn't help but to smile. His brother had been gone for a few months, having to go on a long expedition. Giving you a quick apologetic look and a kiss on the palm of your hand, once laying against his chest, he let you go.

You were immediately cold, already missing his insufferable heat you just learned to live with, and heat you learned to love. You watched on as he chatted with his older brother, not blaming him for being so excited, it had been months. You pulled at his jacket coat twice to let him know you were leaving and he nodded, grabbing you're pinky and rubbing at it before letting you go.

"So, finally eighteen, huh?" Fuegoleon smiled at his younger brother, who now stood as tall and as prideful as the rest of his lion clan. Fuegoleon knew he was ready, and knew he would make a fine captain one day, maybe sooner than later.

"It seems so." Leopold grinned, he was jittery and bouncing with excitement, how couldn't he be?

"You might be trying to play it off but I know exactly what you're up to." Fuegoleon looked at Leo, completely aware of his little game.

"Your right brother,  only 59423 hours and 45 seconds left to beat you in becoming the captain of the Crimson lions. I think I can't get there before 25!" He grinned like a cat, eyes glinting with just as much point and mischievousness. He loved wagering with his brother, especially when it came to how powerful he could get. It meant more training!

"You are crazy... I'd like to see you try!" Fuegoleon huffed, shaking his head and walking away a smile hidden behind his back as he walked towards other guests. Leopold would make it alright, Fuegoleon was sure of that.

Leopold turned to look around for you, his looking over every person before they found him, draped across a wall and staring at him playfully, pointing a doorway. He grinned and looked around, before practically running towards you, picking you up and running to his room for nightly festivities.

***

Your birthday was in three days. Seventy-two hours. Four thousand and twenty minutes. Two hundred and fifty-nine thousand and two hundred seconds- WHAT WAS HE GOING TO DO? He had been going back and forth for two days, thinking of what he should get you. Leopold had already finished with the planning, he knew he couldn't do a surprise party, because not only had you done one for him, you were too smart and Leopold couldn't keep anything away from you.

"Maybe Fuego or Leona could help." He muttered to himself, staring at the same paperwork he had been staring at for the last two hours.

"Could help with what?" Leopold practically jumped out of his skin, completely endorsed what to get you, he did expect you to be right behind him.

"Y/n? Oh! Uh, maybe they could help with this- this uh, work here, something about...  uh- blown up houses or something- uh what are you doing here, dear?" He pushed the pages away and turned to face you, smiling almost too widely. You stared at him weirdly.

"You okay?" You asked, coming to put a hand on his head, feeling to see if he was warmer than usual. He wasn't, only flushed and a little sweaty. You wiped your hand off on him and walked up, coming to sit on his lap sideways.

"Our mothers took me out dress shopping for my birthday gala, it was incredibly boring and so tedious!" You rested your head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat and relaxing as he lifted his hand to comb through the beginnings of your hair, his fingers tickling the skin on the side of your face now and then when he repeated the motion.

"Luckily I found a gorgeous dress though." You turned your head to look up at him. His smile was as bright as usual as he smiled down at you, hand coming to rest against your cheek as he spoke.

"That's good. I'm sure It'll look gorgeous as I'm taking it off you." He whispered cheekily leaning in for a blazing kiss. You slapped at his chest jokingly, meeting his kiss with just as fevore and love as him.

Pulling apart, you two wanted nothing more than to continue, but Leopold still had decisions to make, and your mother still wanted to go jewelry shopping with you. So with one last craving kiss, you got up and left, leaving Leopold to go searching for his brother and sister.

***

"What should I get Y/n for her birthday?" Fuegoleon and Mereoleona stared down at Leopold with little interest.

"This is what you pulled us away for?" Mereoleona growled, staring at her little brother with anger but happy that he had come to her for advice. He never does, always opting for stupid Fuegoleon- who by the way, is the second born.

"This is serious! I can't think of a single thing! I've already gotten her everything before, and I sure as hell am not going to get some boring gifts, it's gotta be perfect!" Leopold crying looked at his older sibling with pleading eyes. Mereoleona sighed and rolled her eyes while Fugoleon simply smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, what do they like?"

***30 Minutes Later***

"And they also-"

"Okay! Leo, we got it! Let's move on!" Meroleona stopped Leopold from splurging any more useless information, already sick of his lovesick stories of you. Meroleona sat back and thought hard, she too stuck on what Leopold should get, if he hadn't already of gotten it for you, it was simply too stupid enough to get then. Finally, though, Fuegoleon spoke up.

"Leo, do you love Y/n?" Fuegoleon held Leopold's eyes, ready for a slipping leak of deceit, but found none when he strongly replied.

"Are you serious? Of course, I love them! Hell, I've loved them my entire life it feels! They are always there for me, always have been! Without them, I wouldn't be nearly as powerful as I am today. Without them, I don't think I would have ever made it this far. I can't even begin to think of what my life would be like without them." Leopold spoke with such ferocity it left him almost breathless, his chest burning with the love for you. Fuegoleon only looked on in amusement.

"Well brother, I think you know what to do."

***

The party was beautiful, walls draped in f/c silks, your favorite. Flowers of all kinds filling every vase dotted across tables and window seals, some even hanging from the ceiling. Entertainers performed around you, showing off for the guests and patrons. Music filling the gigantic halls of the ballroom, sending magical melodies swirling around the room. It had been a night of dancing and drinking, good food, and sweet desserts. Laughs and jokes were shared with good friends and guild members.

As the night grew colder and fatigue slipped into everyone's exhausted bodies, [pulling them to leave and seeking sleep in their beds and homes. Leopold had swooped you up and carried you out of the ballroom, pushing past departing guests and banquet wanderers with genuine goodbyes and courtesies, hoping to see each other again.

"Where are we going, Leo?" You asked, confused and he walked out in the night air of the castle, finding a special mage standing near, opening a portal and nodding us in, a warm smile on his face.

"To you're last birthday present, my dear." Fuegoleon smiled and walked through the portal, walking out into a forested area. You looked around, taking in the change of environment. A wooden cabin layout in front of you two, covered in vines and foliage. Fireflies lit up the entrance, buzzing around a small bridge passing over a little creek in front of the little cabin. As we walked across you watched as the fireflies buzzed around brightly, spooked and startled by the walking of Leopold's steps. You giggled as they flew around you and Leopold, some even going to the water and lighting it up, making out the shapes of fish and lily pads dotting the water's surface.

"Leo, this is beautiful." You whisper, looking up at the spiraling trees, watching the stars shine and twinkle down on you. Leopold only smiled at your astonished face, quick to get you inside and show you your final gift.

Leopold opened the door, walked in, and set you down. As you walked around the warm cabin, taking in the decorations and personal trinkets Leopold had brought, to what he would hopefully like to call your new home. Leopold watched as you took in everything, reaching in his pocket and grabbing your gift, getting down to rest on one knee. He waited for you to turn back around, looked at him questioningly, and watched the slow realization dawn on your face as he lifted the little box and showed you what lay inside.

A gorgeous ring, detailed to a royals perfection, with the stunning vermillion house sigil carved on the outside. A vermillion diamond rests between the golden prongs holding it in place.

"Leo." A hand covers your mouth as you look at him in shock and astound. "Do you mean it?" You asked, walking over quickly and staring down at the man you love holding your next step in his hands.

"I would never lie or joke about something like this, Y/n. I love you, and I know I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I can't live without you." Leopold spoke, eyes staring up at her with honest truth.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!! Of course, I'll marry you!" Leopold jumped up quickly and wrapped you in a breathless kiss, bringing you in tightly and finally letting go of all his anxiety of you saying no, no it was too early or something, but he needn't worry now.

You said yes.

[storydays]

Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins p1

The elven king, Xaius stands on the parapet of a great citadel overlooking a massive, smoldering battlefield. "Archers! Fire on my signal! Catapults! Hold for the next wave!" He turned to give an order, when a hideous creature, a gargoyle made of twisting shadow, swoops in toward him.  Xaius reaches for his sword,as a blast of light catches the gargoyle in the side, blowing it into nothingness. The king turned to see his second-in-command, the battle mage Ellara, approaching with a gentle smile. "It looked like you needed a hand, my love" "I had it handled. What's your status?" Xaius asked. 

"The Shadow forces are many, but they're weak. Our front lines are driving them back. " The elvlen woman smiled wearily. "I-I can't believe it..but we might actually win this th--" She gasped hearing a thunderous roar in the distance. "Gods above...it's the DreadLord! Those madmen actually summoned the DreadLord." Xaius gasped, but looked down to see Ellara's gentle but firm grip. "My love, what do we do?" She whispered.  Xaius turned to her, eyes sparkling, his face hard and stoic. "We fight. We die.  And we pray that some day, a hero will rise to avenge us..someday." 

*Two thousand years later*

In a quaint little tavern in the town of Riverbend, a grinning pair of brothers downed their drinks, as the younger continued telling one of his favorite stories."So what happened next?" chuckled a 21 year old Ezra. His white hair had now grown down to his bottom but he kept it in a braid that hung around his shoulder, bangs brushed to the left side of his face, covering his birthmark, but allowed his gold eyes to peek out. He set down his mug of wine, and locked eyes with his brother across the table.

"The Dreadlord strode down the battlefield, boom,boom BOOM! And then--" His brother was cut off by the grumpy bartender. "We've been hearing this story for years, Kade. The Dreadlord attacked and destroyed the great elven empire." He stated, wiping down a nearby table. Kade scoffed. "Well, yeah, that's the short version....but you don't have the flair for storytelling that I do." Kade crossed his arms and pouted like a child, instead of the 16 year old he was. 

Ezra leaned back in his seat, and looked around. They were sitting at their favorite table in the Dancing Pig Tavern, listening to his brother tell another story. 'It's crazy to think that 10 years ago, we were watching over Kade through his sickness...now he's here telling tall tales like those books he likes to read.'  Kade and Ezra weren't only brothers, but they were also best friends. Kade was well known through Riverbend but not everyone was as easily amused as the elf was. Kade blended in well with the humans, with his short brown hair, bright green eyes, and freckles splashed across his face, while Ezra stuck out like a sore thumb. 

Ezra tuned back into the conversation to hear: "I don't care how well you spin your tales! You still need to pay for your drink." The bartender gruffed at the smaller human. "Barkeep, you wound me." Kade huffed, his mood darkening slightly. Chuckling, Ezra paid his half of the tab and gave the younger a look. "Pay up, Kade. Mother taught us better than that." He stated seriously. "You too, Ezra? I swear, no one in this town appreciates the value of a good tale! Fine, I'll pay. But we're not coming back here!" Kade cried dramatically. 

"Yes we are." Ezra and the bartender laughed louder when Kade added at the end, "Well, not tonight at least!" Ezra downed his wine and Kade finished his soda, before paying his side of the tab, and the two left the bar for the night. Ezra looked around their humble village before letting out a long sigh. "Another night in Riverbend. Same as any other." He mumbled gloomily. "That's not true. Some nights I manage to get us free drinks." Ezra barked a laugh before shoving his brother playfully, unable to stay gloomy around his brother. 

"You know what I'm--" Ezra's sentence was cut off when he bumped into a tall human heading towards the outskirts of the village. "Hey, watch it!" "Ugh, sorry 'bout that."  Ezra stepped back, eyeing the person in front of him. He was a rugged looking man with tanned skin,wavy shoulder length brown hair, glowering brown eyes, and he had a scar on his left eyebrow. He was wearing a cream long sleeved shirt, shoulder guards, wrist gauntlets, green cargo like pants, with a dagger on his left hip. 

"Who're you?"Ezra asked, while the man retorted, " None of your business, that's who." Two people that the elf did recognize followed the handsome man. Town Constable Angus and his tough as nails apprentice Grenn. "This here's Mal Volari, from Whitetower." The elder man  explained. "He's a world-famous adventurer!" Grenn grinned. "Wait, really?" Kade asked shocked. "Well..I wouldn't say world famous, more like continent-famous really." Mal snickered to himself. 

"Well, it's nice to meet you." Ezra said, minding his manners. His poor mother would be rolling in her grave if he didn't at least pretend to be nice. "Yeah, great, nice to meet you too. Now if you don't mind, we've got some important business to get to..." Mal was interrupted by Kade, "Adventurer business? Around here?" "Mal's got a lead on a powerful ancient artifact in the elven ruins to the south! If we can get it, it'll sell for a fortune!" Grenn said excitedly. "Damn the Gods, Grenn, keep it down!" Hissed Angus, "You want everyone in this town to hear about it?" "No need to be so nasty about it." Ezra mumbled, noticing Mal's raised eyebrow at him. 

"You mean...to the north, right? There's no ruins to the south." Kade corrected.  Mal shoots Angus a glare and the man shrugs. "Y-Yes! To the north! That's what she meant!" He fumbled over his words. "Hang on...there's a powerful ancient relic somewhere around here? And you're going to get it?" Ezra spoke up, excitement coloring his voice. "I got a tip, okay? A good one. From someone willing to pay a whole lot of gold. Angus and Grenn here, they're going to help me claim it. Now if you don't mind..." Mal made to leave again when Ezra gasped the man's arm, and stated, "We'd like to come along." "E-Ezra!" Kade gaped. 

"What? It's the chance of a lifetime." Gold eyes playfully sparkle at his brother's expression. Mal eyed the elf before letting out a weary sigh. "No can do. This is dangerous ancient crypt business. I can't have some rookie along bumbling things up." The human noted how the elf stiffened, and prepare himself for an argument.

"I'm not a rookie." glared Ezra. "Really? Ever pried a jewel from the hands of a cursed skeleton, knowing one wrong move would bring the whole room down on your head?" Mal challenged, making Ezra falter. "I mean, not technically.." He deflated. "Ever stabbed a snarling croctopus through the eye on the deck of a burning ship?" Mal continued. "I don't..know what that is." admitted Ezra. "How about this? You ever killed a man? You ever been in a real fight?" Ezra hesitated. ""Yes, I have to both of those." He said darkly, sending chills down everyone's back. "That's what I thought. I like your hustle, I really do. But I don't have time for some kit who's still wet behind the ears." " 'Kit?' " wondered the elf. 

"It's a term for new adventurers..you know, like an apprentice?" Kade whispered." "See? You don't even know the terms. Which means you've got a long way ahead of you. Get out there, have some adventures of your own, learn some skills. Then come find me, we'll talk." Mal walked off towards the village gate, Angus laughing as he followed, Grenn sending her old friend a sad look. "Sorry, Ezra." "Well, that was a thing that happened." Kade laughed nervously at Ezra's silent fuming.  "He's wrong. I could've done it. I'm the one who taught Grenn to be the adventurer she is today! Angus is an old drunk ass who can barely stay on his feet half the time! 'Learn some skills' I've got plenty of skills!"

The duo began walking again, when Kade asked aloud, "Like..what?" "Well Father taught us to fight bare hand, and I've learned some things about wielding a sword from my travels with Mother. I'm not useless." Ezra ran a finger over the silver ring on his left ring finger in habit. "That Mal guy really got under your skin, didn't he?" astonished the green eyed brother. "I don't know, I suppose I'm just jealous. I want to go on grand adventures and explore." He sighed dreamily. "And get fabulously rich." Kade grinned, Ezra matching him. "That too." 

"Aw, don't be hard on Riverbend. This town's been good to us! Not every human village would take such care of a couple of kids like us." 'Or would allow an elf to stay without being treated horribly.' went unsaid between the two. "I know, Kade! And it'll always be my home. I just...want to experience something more. It's not like a great adventure is just going to drop into my lap." Ezra huffed, brushing his bangs to the side again. Green eyes watch his older brother for a moment before clapping his shoulder. "Well, don't worry, brother. We'll experience it all together. " Ezra chuckled softly. "I can always count on you, Kade."

"But for now, all we've got is Riverbend. So, where do you want to start tonight?" Ezra grinned, "Let's head to the night market." "Uh, did you miss the part about having little coin?" Kade raised a eyebrow. "And you think I'm going to let that stop me? Come now, brother, you know me better than that." 

The brothers weaved their way through the  bustling night market, listening to vendors call out what was for sale: Fruits, meats, silks from the capital, and fish from the shore. An elderly food vendor turned and shook her head at the boys with a warm smile. "Well, well. If it isn't my two favorite customers. Two copper pieces will get you the finest pears we have." "Watch this." Ezra mumbled to Kade, before confidently walking towards the vendor, with a sly grin.

"My dear vendor, we don't have any coin..but is coin what really matters in this world?" "Excuse me?" The vendor chuckled, used to the young man's antics. "Love...passion...a moment of intimacy. Why, what is coin compared to that? Surely a beauty like you can understand." The white haired elf purred, his voice smooth like silk, eyes aglow. The woman barked a laugh at Ezra. "You are an absolute rascal, you know that? Now take these and get out of here boys." Laughing, she handed him two fresh pears, as he winked his thanks. 

Ezra bit into his as Kade stared at his back with wide eyes. "How? How did that possibly work?" He raced to catch up with Ezra. "What can I say? I'm the best flirt in Riverbend." His brother laughed before finally eating his pear, walking to the town square when he spoke up again. 

"You see? Riverbend isn't so bad. They've taken good care of us." "You're right. I just wish--" "HELP! Please HELP!" A shout echoed through the air. The duo turned to see a young woman in priestess's robes ran into the town square, before grabbing into Ezra, gripping his arms to keep herself from falling,Ezra eyes her. 

She had long red hair the fell down to her armpits in ringlets, some strands falling into her face, framing her light brown eyes. She was wearing light pink robes, with a silver and violet necklace on her neck. "You need to help me! Please!" She begged. "Whoa there, what's wrong?" Ezra asked. The woman straightened herself out, standing tall. But Ezra could see behind her disciplined posture, was a hint of fear. 

"I am Nia Ellarious, a priestess of the Light. My mentor and I are on a pilgrimage...but we were attacked by an owlbear on the road! I managed to escape while he distracted the beast. But he needs help! Now!" "Have no fear, young priestess..we are brave adventures." "Really?" Kade snorted at his brother's antics. "Shh! Don't mess this up!" hissed Ezra as Nia smiled in relief. "Thank you so much! Please, hurry now. He's just down the road." She began rushing off as Ezra and Kade shared a hesitant look before running after the ginger, but not before Ezra grabbed his sword on the way, strapping it to his left hip. 

"Let's go."

@imturaxamara @bladesappreciationweek #bladesAW

https://bladesappreciationweek.tumblr.com/

[fidgetnano19]

Kids! (Part 3)

Translations

Mija: magic

Egomija: Bonded mage

[[MORE]]

"Magical doubles, maybe?" Finny suggested, her eyes trained on the boy who was calling himself Brexton.

Noe shook his head, following her gaze before looking back to the real Brexton. "No, doubles would be the same age. I think we can safely rule it out."

"Magical doubles, plus some sort of age spell, then..." Finn countered, then chewed her lip in thought. "Age spells are easy enough, but to duplicate a whole perso– two whole people. It'd be easier to create a golem than that."

"Like I said, let's forget doubles. There's too many details that are exactly the same to be simple disguises, either."

Cross returned to the group, heaving a sigh and resting his head against Brexton's shoulder. He reached around, rubbing Cross's arm to lend the pup some comfort.

"Well?" Finn demanded, impatient as always.

"Everything he said is right. Papa's name, the ship, the place he was found... There's not a single hole in his story."

"Mine, too. Let me guess, he went to bed ad usual, but suddenly he was here."

"Yup. He saw a room full of strangers and did what he– what we do best." Cross whimpered, rubbing at his forehead. He tugged his hand away suddenly, eyeing the small mark on his finger. "Maybe it had something to do with the spell?"

"What spell?" Noe demanded, taking a measured step toward them.

Brexton frowned, wishing Cross hadn't said anything in front of the egomija. "Nothing. Nothing that would have caused this, anyway."

"But it's only the two of us, and we both put our blood in, so–"

"Show me the spell, Cross."

Cross looked to Brexton for confirmation, but he shook his head, silently insisting that Cross ignore the command.

"I– I don't know what book it was in?"

"Fine. If you don't want help, then we'll just–" Noe grabbed Finny's hand, dragging her toward the door.

"We really should tell him", Cross whispered, standing on his tiptoes to bring his face close to Brexton's ear. "We have no idea what we're doing. We're in completely over our heads, here."

Noe stopped at the entrace, waiting for them to change their minds. He knew they would stop him before he left with Finny, and it was that smug attitude that pissed Brexton off the most.

"Damn!" He left Cross to retrieve the book, angrily flipping to the right page and handing it to Noe. "This is pointless. I still say they're some sort of trick. Spies, or–"

Behind him, the little 'Cross' broke into a loud wail. Finny rushed over, trying to console him, but all she got him to do was point a finger of accusation at the other boy.

"I only– I tugged her hair a little, as a j–joke." The older boy confessed, holding his hands up defensively, and looking to Brexton like he was expecting some sort of backup.

"Why would you do that?" Finny questioned him, hugging the crying boy to her chest.

"Her... her face is so pretty, and I– I don't know, it just made me want to bully her."

Cross turned to Brexton, rolling his eyes and snorting indignantly. "He's Brext, alright."

Brexton's shoulders sank as he nodded his concession. "Yeah, that's definitely me."

Noe ignored their exchange, reading over the spell. "I don't get it, what exactly were you trying to accomplish?"

Brexton explained the spell to Noe, giving the others a chance to calm the child version of Cross.

"How many times do I have to say 'no shortcuts' before you and Finn get it through your thick skulls?" Noe growled, whacking him in the arm with the spellbook.

"So the spell did go wrong?" Cross asked, returning to the conversation at hand.

"No! For a spell to go wrong, there first has to be a way for it to go right. The mija couldn't do as it was told, because you literally cannot send things back in time. So it sort of... guessed at it's intended purpose." He glared at Brexton, tossing the spellbook onto the table and disrupting several scattered papers in the process. "You can't send things back in time, because they either didn't exist then, or they're already there. No matter how you look at it, it's impossible."

"So, the boys can't be sent back, either? What will happen to them? Or to us..." Cross chewed at his painted nails, beginning to pace the floor until Brexton grabbed him, holding him still.

"I said you can't send things back. The boys belong there, it's a totally different thing. They should go back to their own time and place, once the spell wears off. The problem is, I have no idea how long it'll take."

[theworldofyaltra-blog]

The World of Yaltra Parts 1-10

Yaltra, a world filled with magic gods and special abilities, a world of kingdoms and Queendoms. Light fills the world, but where light resides darkness is sure to appear.

In the queendom of Ceark, a warrior legend resides, a man named Dae Vol he was 14 and a tall boy standing at 6'3" with light brown hair and steel gray eyes, he prefers to wear red and gray robes. Dae had moved to Ceark when he was young. He went straight to the castle that day and demanded to be Chief of the Order of Knights. He was put through a test to see his power, they made a wager that if he was able to beat the top ten of the Order of Knights he would be given the title he wished. Dae was skilled, being born of a warrior and trained since he was a young boy. Dae got through nine of the ten, but when he reached the leader of the knights he was defeated. The leader of the Order of Knights recognized the boys potential and took him under his wing. Dae trained with the leader for 3 years when one day he was instructed by his mentor that to become physically stronger he had to become mentally strong. Dae was sent to Vertul School of Magic. At first Dae hated school, he disliked most people at the school, being an orphan back in his birth town only knowing his father was a warrior, and growing up in the slums. He disliked their aristocratic aura, he could tell that most looked down upon him. But one day after class he was approached by two people. He was approached by Phay Meloa a girl around 16 years old and her best friend Zould Akia a 17 year old half elf boy. Other than the staff of the school these were the first people to be nice to him at this school, they looked at him like a peer, like a friend. For a long time they were inseparable, and eventually they graduated the school. Zould left to his homeland, Phay was headed home too, but coincidentally Phay's home country is Ceark. Dae and Phay decided to travel home together. Phay asked what Dae was going to do. He tells her of his mentor and discovers that Phay is the daughter of his mentor.So Dae keeps training with Phay's father. Dae and Phay spend much more time together, growing closer and closer. Speed forward a bit and Dae confesses his love for Phay she feels the same. Dae and Phay get married 5 years later. A year after Dae is successful in fighting his now father in law becoming the leader of the Order of Knights. Zould then moves to Ceark and works as the High Wizard in place of his late uncle. Phay gets pregnant and gives birth to a boy, he is named Ty. A year later a war breaks out between Ceark and the kingdom of Anot. This war lasts for 4 years, and Phay's father passes on the battlefield. During the 3rd year of the war Phay gets pregnant again but dies in child birth. The child is a girl which Dae names Saia. Now it is 12 years after the war, this is where the story will truly begin.

"Hey you! Stop right there!" The guard commanded.

"Make me!" I replied confidently. But my confidence quickly faded as more guards appeared from the ally ways.

"You won't get away from us again Bo Asden!" This is not the first time I was in this type of pickle, especially with that particular guard. I never learned his name though, all I know is that he's getting faster.

Finally I found my favorite mode of escape, one of the many ally ways in this dump of a country. Ever since the last queen died and her bitch of a sister took the throne things have been hard on us poor folk. But enough history we have a problem at hand, that being-

"It's a dead end."

"And the end of the line for you thief!" Exclaimed the guard."You'll finally get your comeuppance."

"Hey there pal. Can't we work something out here?" I doubt this will work but I gotta try.

"No."

"Damn." Well I guess prison won't be that bad, I could work on my people skills. Plus free housing and food, but then again they would be alone.

"Seize him!" Exclaimed another guard. I guess I'll go out in a blaze of glory. As the first one came at me I swept gracefully past him and punched him in the back of the head, he was out cold.

"Gary!" So that's his name, good to know. They stopped playing fairly at this point and rushed me. I got overwhelmed and was thrown to the ground, it seemed they wanted to repay me for Gary.

"Stand down soldiers!" Boomed a large man behind the pile of people on top of me. He was a large man around 6'3" with graying brown hair and steel gray eyes. But it seems he is something to the guards because they got off me with fear in their eyes.

"I will take care of the thief, take Heads to the infirmary." This made me loose any feeling of safety. After the guards left with Gary he came closer and began to speak. "So tell me boy, why are you stealing from people, what is your motive?"

"I doubt YOU would understand"

"Try me kid, you'd be surprised"

"Believe it or not, some kids don't have parents to take care of them. All those kids have is me, so I get them food this way."

"How old are you son?"

"Sixteen, why?"

"Well, since you're sixteen you can work for their food, plus even if you're too old the orphanage will take the children your looking after."

"But I can't just-"

"You can, it's safer for them."

I'm sick of this asshole preaching about something he doesn't understand. I'm going to teach this old guy a lesson then he'll think twice about ordering people around. I ran towards him fists ready, then I was on they ground.

"What just happened?"

"Your predictable, but I plan on fixing that."

"What?"

"Get up and follow me, I'm gonna make you stronger."

"Yes sir." As we left I saw something. It was a man in red and gold robes, just silently watching me, as if he were waiting for something.

"Something wrong boy?"

"No and I have a name, I'm Bo."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Dae."

After the whole 'come with me' thing, Dae lead me past the slums to the more suburban part of the kingdom. It was sorta weird though because he didn't talk the whole way, just odd silence between us. Finally he stopped at a medium sized Dutch style house. He walked in the house prompting me to follow him. I had guessed at this point that it was his house. When I walked in I was greeted by a warm, loving atmosphere, just like I thought a home would feel, maybe it was just my imagination though.

"Father who is this boy?" Said a boy that seemed to be around 17, and looked like a slim young version on Dae. Not so far behind him a girl lingered, unsure if she should trust me.

"Tsun this is Bo, he will be trained here from today on." Dae said with his seemingly endless confidence. There was one thing wrong with this though, not once was I told that I would be staying here and being trained, I guess that's what he meant by 'make me stronger' but I had things to do, people to feed.

"What!? Why?" Said Tsun with rage. Never mind, I need to find someone to take care of the kids, because now my sole purpose in life is to antagonize this boy.

"I did not say it was a matter of discussion. He will be here so deal with it." I think it's time for me to step in.

"Well I'm lookin-"

"Be quiet boy, you need to prove yourself if I am to accept this!"

"Someone's cranky."

"Well if you're so apposed just fight him, he took on Gary." Hmm Gary's more popular than I previously thought. But also fight him? Why not? It'll be fun, he can't be too good if Gary is their frame of reference.

"Fine, if I win he shall leave, and if he wins he can stay." Dae didn't respond. "Follow me boy." He led me to a door in the back of the house with Dae and the girl trailing behind. Then the door led out to a grassy field.

"Might I ask how?" I said.

"To simply put it, magic." Dae replied. What a convenient excuse for an otherwise impossible situation.

"Come at be boy."

"It's Bo son."

"You know it's Tsun."

"And you know it's Bo." I wonder how stupid he'll look when he looses. Dae and the girl were whispering, catching my curiosity I tried listening to them and caught 'He isn't too bright though, huh' from the girl. What made her think that? That is what I found out. I turned back and we officially 'started' the fight. At first we just walked in circles, but then in a second he was in front of me, trying to connect his fist to my face. Lucky I dodged the attack and backed up.

"You're fast." I prepared a punch.

"Thanks." With that once again he jumped right to me, just as planned. He might be fast, but he seems to think with his head, not his mind. Wait, that doesn't make sense. Or does it? Fuck it, I'll go with it. What I was trying to say though was, i had expected another jump so I had prepared that punch and that plus his speed.

"HMF"

"That's a strange noise, I didn't expect that." I replied snidely.

"I take that back." Whispered the girl to Dae.

"Damn right!"

"Language!" Responded Dae. Also it seemed the girl was embarrassed to have been heard.

"Alright he can stay." Tsun groaned from the ground.

After the short battle with Tsun, I returned inside to explore a bit. I came across a shelf filled with pictures of times long ago. One depicted a younger Dae along with an elf and some girl that resembled the whisper girl, but this seemed too old for that to be her.

"Hey Dae!"

"What?"

"Who are these people with you in this picture?"

"The girl was my wife before we married, and the elf is my friend Zould."

"Where is your wife anyways?"

"Sadly she passed years ago, and Zould vanished during the Few year war."

"I've always hated the name of that war."

"Yes, it isn't very imaginative, like it was thought of on the spot. Anyway, we have to find a place to put the children you care for, and tomorrow morning we start your training!"

"Alright." I said. Something still felt off though, like a storm was coming.

"M'lord, the time has come. We may never have a chance such as great as this to invade Ceark."

"Prepare the fleet, we leave next week."

"Yes lord Ziao Tae."

I'm in a scorched field, one day the grass will grow but for now it's burnt dirt, burnt by battle mage fires. Dad is on the ground, but not the same dad i know. He was younger with full brown hair lacking the bits of gray without his short beard. In front of him stood an elf, one I've seen only in pictures. Dad once told me his name was Zould and his best friend, someone he trusted with his life and secrets. Zould was speaking, that's when I noticed the dark smoke cloud in front of him, i could feel the dark magic in the cloud. This cloud could only hurt.

"If I do this you will let him live, is that right?" Zould said looking to my father.

"Yes young elf, if you do this I will spare this boy and he will not fall like the rest." Uttered the evil thing. I realized the bodies scattered everywhere, some parts were removed from the bodies, it was sickening. "Just wound yourself and don't resist me." With that Zould cut his palm and the cloud seeped into it. He screamed from the painful experience.

"Take care Dae." He said. Then he started to change. He looked different now but his back was turned to me and as he started to turn I was surrounded in darkness. I was fearful at first, but then a calming voice told me.

"Find the book, save the elf, save the world." Then I awoke. I was in my room again. I was still just Victoria Vol, the 16 year old daughter of the "Great" Dae Vol.I've been having this dream for a month, but the calming voice was new. I was filled with questions from his words. What book was I to find? How do I save the elf? Is the cloud a danger to the world? But I couldn't find these answers on my own, but maybe dad could help me. It was around seven thirty so dad should be worshipping the "Forgotten God", the first god but also least know to the point that he is majorly unknown to most. Usually people will pray to more popular gods like Nekatio the god of cats, personally I like to worship the goddess of light Samantha. Dad likes to say that Samantha and the goddess of darkness Wendy are in a romantic relationship, but that's just ridiculous. Why would a girl go out with another girl? Dad also tells me it's not a big deal, I'm sure I just don't understand. I entered my fathers room but he wasn't there, something important must have come up. I decided to go down stairs to make some breakfast. Down in the kitchen I saw the boy dad brought back home a week ago as a student. He had hair that was a sandy yellow color and dark blue eyes, he was around 5'8 which I liked seeing as though I'm 5'4 and live with two giants standing at 6'3 and 6'2. He's kinda cute. "Do you know where my father is?" I asked Bo hopeful that he knew.

"Not specifically but he said it was important." Drat I wanted to ask him about the dream. But a voice cut through my thoughts. "Why is Gary your standard for strength?"

"Well Gary is a werewolf, plus he is considerably strong as just a human too."

"Did you say werewolf?"

"Yes and if anyone ever killed him it would mean big trouble."

"Who did this." I said to Dr.Sandra Bouls.

"Who ever did this used black magic to kill him, its potent even now though Mr. Gary Heads was killed around 48 hours ago."

"This is a problem, only one person could kill Gary with such powerful dark magic."

"Do you mean-"

"Zaio Tae."

It was a quarter past eight now and Victoria was leaving once again, she left at this time every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Where was she going though? I don't know much of Victoria except basic knowledge like age and gender.

"Where do you go on these days?" I decided to ask.

"Nothing to worry yourself about." Oh wow that really helps me. I guess it was supposed to be like that. So since she won't tell me I'll have to find out for myself. And by that I mean while I have free time let's follow Victoria. After a few seconds after her departure I left the house and followed the small black haired girl from a safe distance of two or three yards. We went a mile or two when she stopped and went to enter a small house on the outskirts of the city, I had closed the distance and decided now was a good time to reveal myself.

"Who lives here?" I said, startling Victoria. She saw it was me and calmed just long enough for her surprise to become anger. She slapped me.

"Why did you follow me, douche!"

"Language Vic. Also, ow."

"One, you deserved it. Two, I don't want you here. And three, who said you could call me 'Vic'."

"Well I'm not leaving now Vic, I want to know who this person is."

"I don't care! Just go back ho-"

"Oh, Victoria you brought your boyfriend to lessons today!" Said a friendly looking old lady cutting off Vic's sentence.

"He is not my boyfriend, he is a boneheaded fool."

"Such harsh words Vic." I feel that I'm starting to bother her, I'm glad I came.

"Well come on in, both of you." Said the old lady gesturing us to come inside.

"I'm looking forward to this."

"I hate you."

"Ha."

Inside the house was a room with a table to the left, a sitting area to the right and two doors. The old lady had us sit down and Vic explained my current situation.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I'm Matilda, a witch and Victoria's grandmother."

"Nice to meet you Matilda, why does Vic come here so often?"

"I can't just visit my grandmother?" Vic said with a cold tone.

"She comes to learn, just like my daughter learned."

"Learn what? Witchcraft?"

"No carpentry, of course it's witchcraft." Then a knock came from the door. "Well aren't I popular today." With that Matilda went and answered the door, and at the door was Dae.

"Matilda we have a big problem." Dae said sounding genuinely concerned.

"Nice to see you too, come in son."

"Oh I guess Bo joined you today, but you may stay it concerns all of us." What is going on that has him so worried? Nothing much ever really happens in Ceark, the only thing we really ever have to worry about is the magic haters of Takacia.

"Matilda, Victoria you've been having a certain dream lately right?"

"Yes I was hoping I was just going senile but he has returned hasn't he."

"What? Who's back? What does this have to do with my dreams?" Victoria looked scared, what in the fire realms is going on?

"I will tell you in due time but for now head home, and Matilda its time for you to abandon ship. I have to do something now, Victoria and Bo, go home for now."

"But what is all thi-" but before I could finish that sentence he was gone.

"Queen Aldraea, I have come as asked."

"Ah yes Knight Dae Vol, I have been informed of the dangers that loom and I have a task of utmost importance for you." Man she sucks, I'm just waiting for an assassin to come along. "I need you too look after my daughter, I'm having her go undercover as one of you plebeians so she may stay out of deaths grasp. And what's worse is she takes after her late father, such a weak man." This is music to my ears, her daughter takes after Borjor the kind. This is the best possible outcome, Borjor died a martyr. He was said to save any person, he would go to battlefields and save both friend and foe. Sadly he was 'mysteriously' poisoned. "Cassidy! Come here girl." A young teen girl then entered the room, she had long golden locks and jade green eyes although I could barely see them since she stared at the floor in submission.

"Y-yes mother."

"This is Knight Vol you shall live with his family while danger is high. I expect no problems with this."

"Yes mother."

"Now leave me, both of you."

"Yes my queen." With that I left with the shy princess.

It was eight in the evening when Dae opened the door and behind him was a girl around 19 and timid looking.

"Hey Tsun, I know I'm new myself but is this something he just does? Bring people home?"

"No actually, you two are the firsts. Also may I ask your name?" Tsun asked. A good question too but I doubt she will answer herself, she looks too uncomfortable for questions.

"This is Cassidy and she will be staying with us for a while." He told us nothing more of girl and lead her to the fifth and last bedroom of the house. He then went to Vic and lead her to the room, she entered, he left.

"Well that sure was 'enlightening', I really learn a lot about her." I said sarcastically.

Father had come to my room and filled me in on the princess and her situation, then lead me to her hopeful that I could calm the nervous girl. She sat on her bed and stroked her long golden hair, which is kinda weird because neither her mother or father have/had black hair.

"The queen isn't your real mother is she." I said bluntly, and now that I think about it that was rude of me.

"No, my real mother was a maid. She died in child birth." She replied unexpectedly. "My father didn't like 'mother' though and she didn't like him, which is why he had the affair. We would bond over our hatred of her, but then she." Cassidy stopped at that point realizing that she was saying very personal things to a stranger. "I-I'm sorry, I'd like to sleep now if that's ok."

"Of course, you can come to me if you need to talk again." Then I left. She seemed sad now, but she seemed a lot more comfortable. Maybe one day she will finish her talk with me.

It's been two months since Dae took me in. My days have been mostly routine; wake up, pray, eat breakfast, train, eat lunch, study, eat dinner, pray, sleep. The only diversions from said routine are my off days. For training we mostly just workout, sometimes Dae will teach me things like sword techniques. He's brought up magic infusion before, a skill in which something can be infused with magic, it's usually just for swords and armor though. I can't infuse anything because of my weak magic though, that's what studying is for. I've been practicing out of a thick spell book for beginners and have some basic magic down like 'Ignis Creare' a simple spell for making fire. Then there's 'Pruinae Creare' which is just the opposite of Ignis Creare. But enough of that, I'm currently at dinner and Dae has bequeathed some information upon us.

"I'm sending you all to Virtul Magic Academy." Dae stated.

"Excuse me? Why might I ask are we being sent to a school." I asked.

"Reasons."

"Do you have to be so vague?"

"Nope."

"I don't want to go. I'd rather stay here." Vic and Tsun agreed.

"It's not up for debate, I'm not answering any questions either. You four are going and that's it, you might want to pack your luggage because you leave in the morning."

"This is bullshit." Tsun claimed. Huh usually he's not one to argue, maybe I'm rubbing off on him, I felt happy from this thought.

"Just accept it, it's not like he's going to change his mind." Vic cut in. Tsun seemed rather peeved because his next course of action was to head to his room, drama queen. I was about to complain again but Dae sent me a glare, and the next thing I new I was headed to my room to pack. I'm not sure entirely what made me back off but I know it wasn't magic, that made it all the more terrifying.

It was evening when we arrived at the school, but it looked more like a fortress than a school. The whole campus was enclosed by a 12' stone wall in the shape of an octagon. At each point of the octagon was a tower, 4 were class buildings and the other 4 were dormitories, 2 for boys and 2 for girls. In the center was a larger tower which held the cafeteria, a ballroom, teacher housing, and at the top was the headmasters office. When we arrived we were shown to our respective rooms and someone was to pick us up and show us the around campus. A portly guy a year or two older than I showed me around, he seemed nice I should have listened to him. I didn't see the others till morning classes the next day. First class was Magic History with Ms.Uerosa she looked around in her mid to late twenties and... tried. She is too nice for her own good, the other students walked all over her, the ones who didn't and listened were few and seemed respectable, like they earned their right to learn here. The ones who couldn't be bothered to listen to poor Ms.Uerosa were, obviously, the children of 'important' nobles. Sadly a lot of the people here were those types. I did meet some good people, like Bruce, he has copper hair and glasses and schemes, which is always a plus in my book. I found him the most likable of the people here, luckily he's also my roommate. In my next class I finally got back together with Vic and Tsun, the other girl was in a different class. This class was Magical Practice with Mr.Dawnbreak, first task was summoning a familiar.

"Ok class, a familiar is the most important part of a magician, they can symbolize your magical strength and will be your companions till the end of your days." Mr.Dawnbreak boomed. He then mumbled some chant and a dwarf troll appeared next to him. "You can summon familiars at will with a simple chant, you can have multiple familiars depending on your magical strength. Now who's ready!" He's a very interesting teacher, very eager. Vic had summoned a black cat she named Simon, which was a sign of her strong affinity to potion magic. Tsun summoned a dog, to show his physical strength. Bruce summoned a Phoenix and everybody was too awed to ask what that meant. Now it was my turn. "Alright Bo, give it a try!"

"hoc est maximus ut custodiant lectione nunc." I chanted. And a figure started to appear. Now I'm not sure exactly what was going on, or why but when the summoning smoke cleared all that was there was, a girl. She was, different though, that meaning she had wings hand sharp teeth. She opened her mouth and spoke.

"Hilsener mester." She said. We looked upon her in both confusion and awe. "Min heter er Drakaina, har jeg kommet til å tjene deg." She spoke this time, but still we just gazed upon her. "Du kan ikke forstå meg he. Is this better, master?" Holy crap she spoke something comprehensive. "I am Drakaina." Drakaina said.

"Hey Mr.Dawnbreak, has this happened before?"

"No Bo, I can say it has not."

"Drakaina? What are you?"

"I am a drage, dragon, my master."

"I'd perfer if you called me Bo."

"Yes mas-, Bo."

"I'm going to fetch the headmaster, you students stay here, bond with your familiars." And with that Mr.Dawnbreak was gone. What would happen now? Only the gods know. This is going to be interesting though, that I knew for sure.