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Sigurd Curtis/Transcript for non-profitable and encyclopedic archiving purpose only, used in a way that qualifies as Fair Use under US law. Wizardess Heart+ belongs to NTT Solmare, Corp. © Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. |
Day 1: The Right-hand |
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[PART 1]
“My dearest Smokey, I’m on a train that’s whisking me away to Gedonelune as I write. I can't believe I received an Acceptance Letter. This is like a dream! Just think, you and I will finally be able to meet in person for the fi..." [Effect: Screen shake] *Gathunk* The carriage gave a mighty jolt, smearing my writing. MC: "Great, right after I went to the trouble of writing it out!" Acceptance Letter: "And what is this epic you've been arduously penning?" MC: "I'm writing a letter." Acceptance Letter: "A letter, you say?" MC: "To my pen-pal. We've been writing to each other ever since a letter of his arrived on the wind one day. He said the incantation cast on it would deliver it on the wind. And since it goes where the wind blows, he didn't know whose hands it would end up in, only that he'd like to be friends with whoever it was. That was the gist of the first letter." Acceptance Letter: "So that's how this business got started." MC: "And he's a student at the academy!" Acceptance Letter: "My, my, what a coincidence." MC: "I'm so excited to finally get to meet Smokey in person! But..." Acceptance Letter: "But what?" MC: "If he sees how clumsy I am, his impression of me would change. It would go up in smoke... But I still really want to meet him! Oooh, I don't know what I want!" I looked to the sky for guidance, my head in my hands. Acceptance Letter: "*Sigh*... You'll have plenty to worry about soon enough, to say nothing of adding your own woes..." MC: "I should meet him. That's the right thing to do. But maybe I should hold off until I've gotten used to studying here?" Acceptance Letter: "*Sigh*...I've never met a new student who's had her head higher in the clouds. We're here, look." The Acceptance Letter pointed at the window with a half-folded edge. MC: "Where?" I casted a glance at the window.
MC: "Wow!" A pure white castle towered in the distance. Acceptance Letter: "That is Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy." MC: "That's the academy?!" [PART 2] I excitedly pried open the window and leaned out towards it. My hair trailed out, pulled by the wind's grasp. MC: "I'm finally here, Gedonelune! I'm finally here!" Acceptance Letter: "Hey. stop leaning out like that! You'll fall!" MC: I'm finally here!" (Mom, Dad... I'll become a wizardess you'll be proud to call your daughter. Just wait and see.)
MC: "Oh wow, look at all these people!" Everywhere I looked there were people. Stall keepers energetically champion the wares that lined the street. MC: "What a wonderful town! Oh, those donuts look delicious!" I began an impatient dash for a donut stand I'd set my sights on. Acceptance Letter: "Stop, wait!" MC: "For what?" Acceptance Letter: "Detours are completely out of the question!" MC: "Come on, it's not going to hurt anyone if I take a peek." Acceptance Letter: "I said it's completely out of the question, so stop asking! You'll miss curfew at this rate!" MC: "Sir, yes sir..." Acceptance Letter: "Goodness grief, I feel amiss leaving you to your own devices." MC: "You mean here, right now?" Acceptance Letter: "We're at the end of my guided tour." MC: "This can't be the end! How am I supposed to get to the academy from here?" Acceptance Letter: "You have a perfectly functional map." Mr. Acceptance Letter flicked his hand... or page, rather. A poof of smoke later and a single sheet of paper fell onto my palm. MC: "What's this?" Acceptance Letter: "A map of the campus and the path to it. Use it to find your own way there." MC: "Thank you, I will." Acceptance Letter: "It was a somewhat turbulent journey, but I can't say it was a boring one. Be that as it may, endeavor to do whatever passes for your best. Farewell!" Mr. Acceptance Letter went up in poof of smoke of his own, turning back into an ordinary piece of paper. The paper glided down onto my palm. MC: "Mr. Acceptance Letter..." (I'm going to miss him... even if he was a bit full of himself.) [PART 3] MC: "Thank you for bringing me this far..." I rolled the now inanimate piece of paper up and stowed in my bag. MC: "Time to get going! But first..." (I can't get those donuts out of my head!) MC: "Excuse me, can I have one of those, please?"
MC: "Hmm, I think I'm on the right track. I'd be sure... if everything didn't look the same as it did a minute ago." The silent forest echoed with the growl of my empty stomach. MC: "Ugh, I could use a bite to eat. Never a better time to try that donut!" I dug through my belongings for the paper bag, and thumbed the donut out part-way out of it. MC: "I can tell I'm going to enjoy this!" One bite later, and my mouth was brimming with its soft texture and sweet flavor. MC: "Mmmm, this is amazing!" I primed myself to take another bite. ???: "What are you doing here?!" MC: "Mmfp?!" Startled at the crack of a voice from behind, I turned around. There stood a slender boy. His silky brown hair waved in the wind. ???: "This area is off-limits! And your face looks unfamiliar..." MC: "I-I'm..." It was only then that I realized the donut that had been my hand disappeared without a trace. MC: "Wait, where did..." I looked down at the ground, spying the body of my mud-drenched confectionary comrade, taken before his time MC: "Noooooo! Not the donut!" ???: "What the heck?! You don't have to scream!" MC: My donut. My sweet, sugary donut!" ???: You can always buy another." MC: Not always. The town is miles away! This is all your fault for yelling and startling me half to death!" ???: "It's your fault for being in a restricted zone!" MC: "What now?" ???: "How can one be so uneducated?" [PART 4] The lament came in a cute, high-pitched voice. ???: "Leslie, perhaps she's a new transfer student?" A pink bat flapped into view from behind the boy. The cute voice I had heard seconds ago must have belonged to her. Leslie: "Is she right about that?"
MC: "She's right. I'll be studying here, starting today." Leslie: "What's a new student doing out here?" MC: "I was making my way to the academy, obviously!" Leslie: "And you ended up wandering into this forest on the way? A likely story!" MC: "I did. I was just following the map." Leslie: "You managed to wander in here by map? That's an even more likely story." MC: "Ugh..." ???: "Leslie, a dash of delicacy is required when handling a lady." But before that, introductions seem called for." MC: "Oh, I'm MC, MC Hart." Chica: "I'm Chica. Technically, I'm his familiar but... but in practice, I'm all but his master. And this here is Leslie Roseblade. We hope to keep your acquaintance." Perching on Leslie's shoulder, Chica flourished a curtsey with her wings, and bowed. MC: "W-We hope to keep your acquaintance, too." I responded reflexively, bowing likewise." Leslie: "I'll escort you as far as the entrance..." MC: "Thanks." Leslie: "Try to keep up." Leslie began to briskly stomp on without me. MC: "Hey, wait!" Chica: "I'm sorry about this. Leslie has trouble picking his words around unfamiliar girls." Leslie: "No one asked for your opinion." Chica: "Well, you're on your way to making a terrible impression. I'm the one picking up your slack. I'd appreciate some gratitude." Chica flumped huffily into the air, re-perching on Leslie's shoulder. Leslie: "If I wanted your opinion, I'd ask." MC: "Say, Leslie?" Leslie: "What now?" MC: "You said this was a restricted area back then." [PART 5] Leslie: "What of it?" MC: "Why is it restricted?" Leslie: "..." Chica: "Allow me to explain." Chica glided from Leslie's shoulder to mine. Chica: "We're in the East Forest. It's strictly off-limits to students." MC: "Really?!" Chica: "There's no shortage of deadly magical creatures on the prowl. Even werewolves." MC: "As in will-eat-you-alive werewolves?!" The very thought sent a shiver down my spine. MC: "*Sigh* Thank goodness I didn't run into one..." Chica: "You needn't worry though. We're still only at the edge of the restricted zone. It's the heart of the forest you need to worry about. You'd be swallowed by the darkness before you've gone ten paces. MC: "You*d just vanish..." Chica: "Exactly. Never to be seen from again..." MC: "Ugh!" (What have I gotten myself into? I was this close to...) The close shave doubled the shiver running down my spine. Chica: "But the chosen few are exceptions." MC: "Chosen how?" Chica: "Goodness me. You're throughly uneducated. I'd have thought that would pass for common knowledge." MC: "Ugh..." (It hurts because it's true.) Chica: "Listen well, and don't forget this. The chosen few elite, the Guardian of the Forest, are all members of the House of Roseblade!" MC: "Who are they, exactly?" Chica: "I'll have you know Leslie's one of them. He protects the forest. So the darkness keeps its distance from him. And he can walk through the forest without getting lost. But the threat of magical creatures is ever present." MC: "You're not scared?" Leslie: "Not really. This is my job." Chica: "Leslie is an expert archer. He won't go down without a fight." MC: "You're an expert archer! That's amazing!" [PART 6] Leslie: "I've been taught since I was little, that's all." MC: "So what does the Guardian of the Forest protect?" Leslie: "..." Leslie ducked my question, abruptly stopping and pointing ahead instead. Leslie: "The academy is past there. Don't go getting lost again." MC: "Thanks!" Chica: "No doubt we'll meet again. We bid you farewell." Chica dropped onto Leslie's shoulder, and offered a bow as she had before. MC: "W-We bid you farewell..." I parroted back at her and returned her bow, just as I had before. Leslie: "See you." Leslie retraced his steps back into the forest. MC: "Oh!" (I didn't get an answer out of him. I wonder if we will see each other around.)
MC: "Woah..." The castle I had glimpsed at a distance now loomed large right before my eyes. (It's even bigger than I imagined it would be...) MC: "Oh my goodness, I'm actually here!" My hands were shaking. The dream had finally become a reality. Despite my joy, I was riddled with nerves. MC: "I can't go into this half-hearted now! I'm going to be the next Serge Durandal!" I crossed the campus threshold, my hand balled into a determined fist.
MC: "Erm... The map says it's this way..." I craned my neck, flipping around the map. But I was none the wiser for it. (Oh gosh. Am I lost again?) Boy Student A: "Excuse me, coming through!" MC: "Sure thing!" A boy carrying a bundle of wood trundled past me. Girl Student A: "Sorry, can you grab some more decorations? We're a few short!" Girl Student B: "On it!" Boy Student B: "We've got a bent sign over here!" Boy Student C: "I'll get on fixing it as soon as possible!" The air was filled with the chattering of voices, the wail of saws on wood, and the pounding of hammers. Each and every soul was dashing about, making preparations for something. [PART 7] MC: " I wonder what they're preparing for..." Sun-shaped marks dotted about the academy's walls. MC: "What on earth are those? ...Hm?" ???: "You're a fresh face around here." I wheeled around so I could put a face to the formless voice. A guy was standing there. MC: "*Gasp*" His hair was profound purple, and the eyes behind his glasses held had a compassionate gaze... His grin set my heart throbbing. (H-He's so handsome...) ???: "You wouldn't happen to be MC, would you?" MC: "What?! Oh, yes! That's me! Wait, you know my name?!" ???: "I knew you were the new student. I heard you are starting from today." Sigurd Curtis: "I'm Sigurd Curtis, the assistant prefect. It's nice to meet you." He followed up by extending me a hand. MC: "I-I'm honored to make your acquaintance!" Stiffly, but miraculously, I managed to take his hand and return his handshake. Sigurd: "*Chuckle* Relax. You can take the formalities down a notch." MC: "Oh, s-sure... So what does an assistant prefect do?" Sigurd: "The Prefect is the academy's best and brightest, and student representative. I'm his help. MC: "That's amazing!" Sigurd: "It's not all that amazing. I'm just the help. So what are you doing around here? Aren't you supposed to be checking in to the dorms around now?" MC: "Well, I managed to get lost, so..." Sigurd: Ah, first day and all. I'll walk you there, leave it to me."
MC: "Seriously?! Are you sure?" Sigurd: "Of course. I couldn't leave you flapping in the wind." MC: "Thank you. You're a kind sort." Sigurd: "I guess I am. But what if I've got an ulterior motive?" MC: "Do...you?" Sigurd: "What if I do?" Sigurd teased with a smirk. MC: "Do you, really?" Sigurd: "*Chuckle*" That chuckle was all the answer I got from him. (His smile says I'm joking' but I can't get a read on him) [PART 8] Sigurd: "Can you wait a moment while I put these up?" He gestured towards a nearby box stuffed with sun decorations. MC: "Oh sure! Do you want me to help?" Sigurd: "I'll be fine. I've got an incantation for this." Sigurd took his wand in hand and tensed into position. Sigurd: "We're encouraged to use plain-old elbow grease, but I think I'll get a pass this once. O wind, scatter all before you! Ventaron!" A gale accompanied the wave of his wand, tugging my hair with it. MC: "Ack!" The sun decorations danced in the air, before pinning themselves to the walls with terrific force. MC: "That was incredible!" As I was smoothing down my disheveled hair and the hem of my skirt, I was entranced by the elegant incantation. No, I was captivated by more than the magic... The spectacle of his cloak flapping in the bluster commanded my eye... As did the curvaceous outline of his eyes, his prominent nose, and his lengthy eyelashes peeking out from under his waving hair. (He's so handsome...) My racing heart thumped rhythmically. My gaze bored into Sigurd. I was caught off guard when a gust of wind rebounded off of the walls and swerved right for me.
MC: "Ack!" In the next instant, my body was gliding through the air. MC: "No way!" Sigurd: "Oh no! Penna!" Sigurd waved his wand frantically.
Suddenly, yet softly, my descent slowed. I drifted groundwork like a leaf on a tepid breeze. MC: "Ack!" And came to a rest in Sigurd's limber embrace.
Sigurd: "My apology. I lost control of the wind. Are you all right?" MC: "Y-Yeah... I'm fine." His face, inches from my own, had my pulse pounding. Sigurd: "I lose control of my magic now and then. Are you bur?" MC: "No, I'm fine." Sigurd: "Thank goodness." He eased me to my feet with a smile. [PART 9]
MC: "Hey, the decorations..." The decorations garnished the walls attractively. Sigurd: "That's one problem solved." MC: "That's unbelievable!" I found myself inadvertently applauding. Sigurd: "*Chuckle* Thanks." MC: "I can't believe you can wield magic like this!" Sigurd: "Hang in there. You'll get the hang of it soon, too." MC: "I'll try!" (I hope I'll be able to cast magic like him one day!) The thought had only crossed my mind when it happened.
The emblem on my chest burst into a glow. MC: "What in the world?!"
I wasn't the only one...
Sigurd: "What are the odds...?" Sigurd's emblem flared into life just the same.
Liz: "What's going on?!" Sigurd: "*Chuckle* You can't tell?" His carefree grin contrasted indifferently with my panic. The light grew, and a stiff breeze scattered my hair. Globes of light erupted from our emblems, colliding between us. I braced myself for their rebound. But then the globes, and my expectations, shattered into a sparkling shower of particles. MC: "How beautiful..." My enchantment was fleeing. Boy Student A: "That was awesome! Did you guys see that glow?" Girl Student A: "Gimme the who's-who!" Girl Student B: "Oh-my-gosh, Prince Sigurd?!" Boy Student B: "Hear that? Somebody and the Right-hand!" Students within earshot huddled around us instantly. MC: "What the heck is going on?!" Sigurd: "You can't expect them not to make a fuss." MC: "What the heck are you so calm about it?!" Sigurd: "The way our emblems glowed just now means we've been paired as Buddies." [PART 10] MC: "Meaning what?" Sigurd: "You'll get a complete explanation tomorrow. Basically, in this academy Buddies are essentially appointed partners. The chosen two are in the same boat. Our grades can rise and fall depending on each other." MC: "Wait, hold on! So if one half has terrible grades..." Sigurd: "The other half's grade will be dragged down too." MC: "You've got to be kidding me?!" Sigurd: "Which is why they have to help and support each other." MC: "Don't tell me I'm Buddies with..." Sigurd: "Yours truly." His affirmation came with the flash of a grin. MC: "So this is really happening..." Sigurd: "Nice to meet you, partner." MC: "Um, just so you know, I'm... pretty lousy at magic. I'm positive I'll drag you down with me... Maybe you should end our pairing while you still have the chance?" Sigurd: "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but pairings can't be undone for any reasons." MC: "N-No way!" Sigurd: "It'll be fine. We're in this boat together, remember? I'll do everything I can to support you, so let's run this three-legged race." MC: "I-I guess..." (Sigurd must be very gifted if he's acting as assistant prefect. The pressure is killing me...) Sigurd: "Still color me surprised when I saw our emblems light up. It's very unusual for Buddies to be paired this quickly." MC: "How unusual?" Sigurd: "Most students graduate without ever being paired." MC: "That rare?! I'd never guessed." Sigurd: "It's destiny..." Sigurd mumbled under his breath MC: "Huh?" [PART 11] Sigurd: "*Chuckle* Destiny might be tying our paths." His smile was back. MC: "Destiny..." My cheeks burst into flame at the word. MC: "Urg... Urmf... Urk..." I mouthed unintelligibly, embarrassment keeping the words from me. Sigurd: "I was joking. You're adorable." MC: "*Gasp*!" I had blushed in spite of knowing he had been joking, but being called adorable made my cheeks completely red. (I can't take anymore! I'm going to pass out!) Sigurd: "We should get going to the dorms before His Horror graces us." MC: "His Horror?" Sigurd: "It will be pretty horrific if he finds me." He grinned, playfully laying a conspiratorial finger over his lips. MC: "I have no idea wh..." Sigurd: "Forget about it. Come on, let's go." He ushered me away with a gentle push to the back.
Sigurd: "I'm sorry for rushing you. I had a sneaking feeling he would show up." MC: "By he, you mean..." Sigurd: "The Emperor." MC: "The Emperor... of what?" Sigurd: "*Chuckle* Unfortunately, you'll meet him eventually." He shot a wink at me. MC: "Unfortunate in what way?" Sigurd: "I guess you could say he has a demanding personality." MC: "Something to look forward too..." Sigurd: "But I think he'll take a liking to you." MC: "What makes you say that?" Sigurd: "Hanging around him for years has given me a gut feeling about these things." MC: "So you're on good terms with this Emperor?" Sigurd: "Not willingly. I'll fill you in on him after you've met him." MC: "Sure." (I can't wait to meet this Emperor for myself.) [PART 12] MC: "Oh, I just remembered! What was up with those sun decorations?" Sigurd: "Oh, the Torada Sol. Those gold sun-shaped decorations, gold-plated, that is... We put them up, asking the sound to offer us its protection." MC: "The sun's protection?" Sigurd: "Yeah, it's part of the Sol Festival, Sol Felia, that'll happen a few days from now." MC: "You have a festival!" Sigurd: "We should in 12 days' time. But preparations are running late. Sol Felia is held at this academy every four years." MC: "Interesting." Sigurd: "I don't suppose you know why it's every four years, do you? It's got something to do with the solar calendar." MC: "Um... L-Let me think about this..."
MC: "Oh, I've got it! It's held on leap years." Sigurd: "Well done. I'm impressed. The solar calendar is off by a day every four years. That day is Sol Felia. We hold a festival to express gratitude for the sun's blessings on that day. For the main event, the Sol Maiden fires an arrow at the sun. After that, sun-themed food is served." MC: "Food?!" Sigurd: "Everything from main dishes to dessert." MC: "Oh, now I can't wait!" Sigurd: "Though there's a mountain of things that need to get done between then and now..." Sigurd's lament came as a drawling sigh. MC: "I'll help with anything you need. Just ask! I'm your, you know, B-B-Bu..." Sigurd: "Buddy?" MC: "Right! Your Buddy!" Sigurd: "Right you are. I'll be counting on you." MC: "Anytime!"
Sigurd: "We're here. That's the entrance, there." MC: "Thank you very much, Sigurd." Sigurd: "I', happy I bought you on your first day. I've been curious to meet you for ages." MC: "Ages?" [PART 13] Sigurd: "Assistant prefect remember? The information of the students comes my way." MC: "Oh yeah, makes sense..." Sigurd: "I was lokeng forward to finding out what kind of girl you'd be. I'd say you surpassed my expectations." His hand rested on my head with a plop. MC: ""*Gasp*!" My cheeks hit boiling point instantaneously. Sigurd: "Seeing as we're Buddies now, you don't have to read me like a big, scary senior." MC: "But I'm... And you're..." Sigurd: "You can call me by name." MC: "Sigurd..." Sigurd: "Good, good." He nodded decisively with a satisfied smirk, and lifted his hand from my head. Sigurd: "Well then, MC, I'll see you around." MC: "Yeah, see you around, Sigurd." Sigurd: "Catch you tomorrow, then." And then he left, waving his hand as he went. MC: "*Sigh*" I let my overwhelmed feelings go with a gentle exhale. MC: "What an amazing guy..." (And I'm his Buddy!) MC: "I'll have to make sure I don't drag him down!" Clenching a resolute fist, I spun to face the dormitory and sparked into motion.
MC: "Excuse me..." Reluctantly, I forced the door open. The sound of rusty hinges squeaked across a deserted lobby. MC: "Um... Is anyone here?" A regular chopping of footsteps approached from the depth of the lobby. Dorm Mother: "MY goodness, who would you be?" The footsteps belonged to a stern looking woman in rounded glasses. MC: "I'm MC Hart. I'll be studying here starting today!" [PART 14] I hastily bowed deeply, remembering my manners. Dorm Mother: "So you're Liz. I've been waiting. You actually made curfew." MC: "Yes. I had some luck with guides..." Dorm Mother: "This bodes well for you. I'll have stick to the dorm rules and lead an upstanding student career from here on, too. Do I make myself clear?" MC: "Yes, ma'am!" Dorm Mother: "That's enough of that. Get your rest before dinner is served." The housemother's stern expression softened kindly. (She strikes me as strict, but kind.) Dorm Mother: "Your roommate is eager to meet you." MC: "I have a roommate!" (Oh gosh, I wonder what she's like. I can't wait!)
MC: "Hmmm... Room 203?" I searched down the hall for the room the housemother told me I'd be staying in. MC: "Here is it! 203" Standing in front of the door, I took a deep breath to calm myself down. MC: "Here we go..." (First impressions are the most important!) I used my fingers to pull th corners of my lips into a great smile. (Smile and look happy!) I stretched my smile as far as I could before letting go and rapping my knuckles on the door. MC: "Excuse me?" ???: "Come in!" A cheerful voice called out from the other side of the door. After swallowing the lump in my throat, I cracked the door open.
MC: "I'm coming in..." I squeezed half my body through the crack of the door, hesitating to step inside. ???: "Welcome!" The girl inside bounced off the bed, leaping forward to greet me. ???: "You must be MC, right?" MC: "Y-Yeah. That's me..." ???: "I'm Amelia Nile! Your roommate! Nice to meet you!" After her energetic greeting, Amelia grabbed my hand and gave me a vigorous handshake. MC: "N-Nice to... meet you too..." (What a spunky girl!) [PART 15] Amelia: "Come on, come in!" MC: "Thanks..." Amelia: "That's your bed right there. All your stuff is in that chest." MC: "Thanks again." Amelia: "Did you run into any trouble on the way over?" Liz: "I managed to get lost in a forest... and ended up traipsing into a restricted zone." Amelia: "You what?! As in the East Forest?! Nothing happened to you?!" MC: "Nothing. A guy called Leslie saved me." Amelia: "Leslie did?! Wh don't these things happen to me?!" MC: "Amelia, do you happen to know Leslie?" Amelia: "Know him? He's member of the House of Roseblade, and a Guardian of the Forest! He's the academy's poster boy." MC: "We're talking about the same Leslie?" Amelia: "He's even got a fan club." MC: "He's that popular?!" (I've got to admit, he was incredibly talented...) Amelia: "So Leslie brpght you to the dorm?" MC: "No, only as far as the edge of campus. After that, I ran into Sigurd." Amelia: The assistant prefect?" MC: "Yeah, and we became Buddies wi..." Amelia: "What?! Buddies?! Your emblem glowed on your first day?" Amelia scuttled right up to me with shock plastered to her face. MC: "Yeah, more or less. Amelia, a little room?" Amelia: "Oh sorry! Sorry! I wasn't thinking..." MC: "Is it that big a shock?" Amelia: "Of course it is! For starters, it's not like emblems glow all the time." MC: "Now that you mention it, Sigurd said something similar." Amelia: "And on the first day, as well. And with The Sigurd! A sharp mind, athletic prowess, and looks to spare... And rumors say his magic puts the professors' to shame." MC: Seriously?!" [PART 16] Amelia: "He's Mr. Perfect. His dictionary doesn't have a definition for flaw. On top of that, he's approachable and popular." MC: "Wow..." (I can tell why though...) Amelia: "Liz, running into two A-class hotties in one day? What's the big idea?" MC: "I'm as shocked as you are!" Amelia: "I'm jealous. Imagine of you end up dating one of them!" MC: "What?!" Sigurd's face popped into my head for a second. Long enough to scorch my cheeks. MC: "That would never happen! They'd never give me the time of day!" Amelia: "Oh, did someone pop into your mind just now? You've gone bright red." MC: "Ugh!" I hurriedly hid my cheeks in my hands. MC: "Amelia!" Amelia: "*Giggle* That's my name! It'll be fun grilling you." MC: "Amelia!" Amelia: "Ahaha!" MC: "*Giggle* Ahaha!" We broke out into mutual, hearty laughter. (She is a blast. I can see us being friends in no time!)
MC: "You and I will be able to meet..." (Will be able to meet, and...) MC: "Ugh!" I scrunched the letter up and hurled it into the waste paper basket. MC: "From the top..." [PART 17] "My dearest Smokey. I'm at the Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy of my dreams as I write this. It's still feels like a dream. I had an eventful first day. First, I arrived in town at Gedonelune. The town's a lively place that's packed with people. Being from the countryside, it was a fresh sight for my eyes to see so many people going about their day. And then there was the donut stand. I stopped to buy one, even though Mr. Letter said there wasn't time. And was it ever delicious! Smokey, next time you're in town try them. You won't regret it. After that, I tried to follow a map to the academy... I lost my way, and before I knew it, I'd stumbled into the East Forest. So there I was, wandering through a restricted zone without a clue, when a guy called Leslie lent me a hand. Apparently he's from the House of Roseblade, and the Guardian of the Forest. Look at me go on. I'm sure you know all about Leslie. His familiar was this adorable little bat. Her name is Chica. She's a gracious lady though-and-though, from the way she talks, to her dignified manners. Chica taught me a bunch of things. Like how deadly magical creatures roam the East Forest. And how you can be swallowed up by darkness, never to be seen again. It gives me chills to think what might have happened if Leslie hadn't been there... That's a mistake I won't be making twice. I met someone else when I got to campus. The assistant prefect, Sigurd. U'm sure you've heard of him as well. I met hi when he was in the middle of preparing for the Sol Festival, Sol Felia. He used magic to pin all these golden sun decorations to the walls before you could blink! His magic was so elegant that I couldn't peel my eyes away. All I could think was, I want wield magic like him one day... And then the biggest surprise of all. I became Buddies with him! Sigurd is incredibly talented. So I hope I don't drag him down with me. My roommate Amelia is hilarious. I think we're going to get along well.It's been one eventful day all right. But I can see myself enjoying life here. I want to meet you as soon as possible, but... I can't for now. Not until I'm a wizardess you'd be proud to be associated with. But when I am, I'll go looking for you. Please hold on until then. Liz." To be continued... [TRAILER] Chica: "Welcome one, welcome all. I'll be covering the preview. You may call me Chica." Taffy: "And Me Taffy!" Chica: "My, and I heard I'd be alone." Taffy: "The more the merrier." Chica: "Well it doesn't bother me either way." Taffy: "Nice to meet you, Bat-Lady." Chica: "My word, I'll have you know I have a name, Chica! It's best you..." Taffy: "Me Taffy" Nice to meet you, Chica!" Taffy: "You pretty shade of pink. Me wish me is pink." Chica: "How lovely... Wait... I was in the middle of scoring you! What terrifying powers of misdirection!" Taffy: "Next time, Liz help Sigurd. Me want to help, too." Chica: "Next episode is 'Start of New Days'." Taffy: "Don't miss it!" |
Day 2: Start of New Days |
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[PART 1]
--- MC: "Mmmm! The weather is perfect!" On my second day, the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in sight. MC: "All right, time to make an impression!" I sandwiched my face between an energizing slap. Amelia: "Liz, sorry to keep you waiting!" Amelia pattered up beside me. MC: "I'm a bundle of nerves." Amelia: "Relax, take it easy! So, Liz, which class are you in?" MC: "Which class?" Amelia: "You saw it on the Acceptance Letter, right?" MC: "No way!" I tore the Acceptance Letter free from my bag. Amelia: "See, there." The entry Amelia was pointing to read Fortitudo. MC: "Forte-what?" Amelia: "Fortitudo. That's the name of your class. I'm in Portestas, by the way. Then you've got Sapientia. And Vir Ingeniosus, a special class for gifted students." MC: "Woah." Amelia: "Each of the four class is split into elementary, intermediary, and advanced grades. You can normally guess a student's grade by tiheir age, but skipping a grade isn't unheard of." MC: "I follow you...So, we'll be in different classes?" Amelia: That's how the cookie crumbles. But don't worry, your class has the nicest people!" MC: "Yeah, I'm looking forward to meeting them!" Then, when I was about to leave the dormitory grounds... Amelia: "No way! The Right-hand is here?!" MC: "Huh? The right-hand?" Amelia: "There!" Amelia clamped my cheeks in her hands and pivoted my face. And what I saw...was Sigurd. MC: "Sifurph!" Sigurd turned to me with a spreading grin and a wave. MC: "Ugh!" Reality hit me. My face was still in Amelia's hands. MC: "A-Amuria!" Amelia: "Sorry! I was too surprised!" [PART 2] (Sigurd saw my stupid impression!) Amelia: "But what's the Right-hand doing here?" MC: "By the Right-hand, do you mean Sigurd?" Amelia: "Yup. The Prefect's nickname the Emperor, and his assistant is his Right-hand." MC: "That makes sense..." (That explains why that boy called him the Right-hand yesterday.) Amelia: "But this is the first time the Right-hand is ever come out here!" MC: "Really?" Swooning voices crooned from every corner, driving Amelia's point home. Girl Student A: "It's Prince Sigurd. He's a gorgeous as ever today!" Girl Student B: "Eek! The Right-hand is here!" The gazes of the girls leaving the dorm zeroed in on Sigurd. (I knew he was popular, but wow!) I was still reeling when Sigurd sauntered towards me. MC: "He's coming this way?!" Stopping a pace away he placed his hand upon his breast and bowed. Sigurd: "Your escort awaits, my lady." MC: "What? Who?! M-My lady?!" Sigurd: "*Chuckle* Maybe not the last part. But I did come to walk you to class, Liz." Chuckling, he stood back to his full height. MC: "Ugh!" (He's teasing me again!) Amelia: "How did it slip my mind? Your emblem, and Sigurd's..." MC: "What about them?" Amelia: "O-Oh, would you look at the time!" Amelia scampered away on flustered legs. MC: "Hold on! Wait, Amelia!" There wasn't a trace of her left. (I-I've never seen anyone move so fast!) Girl Student A: "That can't be the girl Sigurd was paired with yesterday...can it?" Girl Student B: "I envy her..." The girls' whispers had no trouble teaching my ears. (I-I want to hide) Sigurd: "Shall we get going?" MC: "Um...where are we going?" [PART 3] Sigurd: "You'll need a few things explained to you before starting classes. Come on." MC: "Oh... Sure!" Sigurd moved with a start. I flapped to catch up to him.
Sigurd: "Did you sleep well last night?" MC: "Yeah, like a baby!" Sigurd: "That's good to hear. I was worried nerves would keep you up on your first day." MC: "A lot happened yesterday. It caught up to me and I was out like a light. But when I woke up this morning, I was nervous..." Remembering what happened yesterday had my pulse quickening again. Sigurd: "*Chuckle* It'll be fine. I know you'll have a great time studying here." MC: "I hope so, too." Sigurd: "I guarantee you will." MC: "*Giggle* Thanks. You're super popular. I was surprised." Sigurd: "Hmm... I don't see what the fuss is about." MC: "All those girls were swooning for you." Sigurd: "I'm nothing special next to the Emperor. Still, I suppose it's better than being unpopular." Smiling, Sigurd paused to wave at a girl passing by. Girl Student A: "Eek! Prince Sigurd waved at me!" The scarlet-faced girl was ecstatic. Sigurd: "..." His lips eased into a smile as he saw her off with a nod. Sigurd: "But I think I'd prefer having the interest of one person over many." MC: "What type of girl do you go for?" Sigurd: "Let's see... Kind, genuine, not always entirely there, and a bit on the clumsy side." MC: "I get kind and genine, but the other two..." Sigurd: "It's endearing. You meet a girl like that and you want to protect them. Take you... as example." Sigurd punctuated, poking me pointedly in the forehead. MC: "What?!" All at once my face was flushed, and my heart pumped madly. Sigurd: "*Chuckle*" His laugh told me I'd been had again. [PART 4] MC: "Y-You're teasing me, aren't you?!" Sigurd: "Am I?" He parried my question aside, and stepped up his pace. MC: "Hey, wait!" (I can't get a read on Sigurd for the life of me... What is he thinking?)
MC: "Whoa..." I had thought the academy looked like a castle from a distance. The thought was reinforced once I stepped inside. Red carpets ran up the steps of the lusciously ornate vaulted stairways. (It really is like a castle...) Studente shuffled up and down the staircases. (All of them are wizards and wizardess in training.) Sigurd: "MC; this could get a little noisy. Hold on." MC: "What could?" ???: "You're late!" I turned to face the irritated voice... And there stood the sharply cut figure of a guy. He stood bold upright and had a no-nonsense hair. Sigurd: My apologies, Your Excellency." Sigurd addressed the imposing figure with a smile. MC: "Your Excellency..." (Hold on. He's the Emperor?!) ???: I keep telling you not to call me that!" Sigurd: "I'm sorry, Klaus." Klaus: "Honestly... What have you been to? You're more than a minute late." Sigurd: "Now, now, it doesn't matter, it's only a minute." Klaus: "It matters. I don't have a minute to spare." Sigurd: "No wonder you get wrinkles when you stress out over time like that." Klaus: "Why you..." Sigurd's easy-going attitude clashed with Perfect Klaus's agitation. And the contrast seemed to provoke the Prefect further. Sigurd: "Aww, don't get mad." Klaus: "Grr..." Sigurd: "Klaus, this is MC." MC: Um! Nice to meet you! I'm MC!" I pulled together a bow at the last second, caught out by the sudden introduction. [PART 5] Klaus: "I'm Klaus Goldstein, the Prefect." MC: "Um, yes! I've heard a lot about you..." Sigurd: "*Snicker*!" Sigurd burst into laughter, straining at the shoulders. Klaus: "What's so funny?" Sigurd: "Look at her. She's scared half to death of you... She's like a lamb cowering from a wolf... Haha." Klaus: "...!" Prefect Klaus trembled from head to toe, his hands balled into fists. (Is Sigurd winding him up on purpose?) Sigurd: "Come on, we don't have whole minutes to spare. Let's go!" Sigurd nudged Perfect Klaus in the back, urging him into a step. Klaus: "I get the idea. Get your hands off of me." Sigurd: "There, there." MC: "..." (It's just my imagination, or are they actually on good terms with each other?)
The Prefect and assistant prefect guided me to a pair of large doors. MC: "Where... are we?" Sigurd: "Hold on a second." Sigurd wrapped his knuckles crispy against the door a couple times. Sigurd: "Sigurd Curtis and his Merry Band, reporting for duty." He directed his nonchalant greeting at the door. Klaus: "Hey is this any place to be joking around?" Sigurd: "The Headmaster gets a kick out of these kinds of jokes." MC: "Th-The Headmaster?" (Don't tell me this is the...) ???: "Haha, you and your merry band, eh? I like that. You may enter." Sigurd: "Thank you." A deep voice on the other side of the door welcomed us in. Sigurd slowly slid the door open. Its hinges strained and creaked under the door's heavy load. I gestured respectfully, following Prefect Klaus and Sigurd's example. Sigurd: "Come on in" MC: "S-Sure!"
Inside, there were two men waiting patiently for our arrival. One was the very image of a strict professor, with long dark hair accompanied by a stern gaze. [PART 6] But when I saw the other one... I almost stopped breathing. MC: "Headmaster Randolph!" Randolph: "Oh? You know who I am?" There before me was none other than the great mage Randolph, Headmaster of the academy. MC: "Of course I do. Not one person comes here without knowing who you are!" Randolph: "Oh, really? Then I'm more famous than I thought." He nodded and smiled, looking exactly the same as I'd seen him in newspapers. Klaus: "A-hem." Prefect Klaus cleared his throat, threateningly me to remember my silence. Klaus: "MC, you're supposed to introduce yourself! Mind your manners." MC: "Oh, r-right! It's a pleasure to meet you! Thank you so much for inviting me to this stool! School! Academy!" (I tripped over my words!) Sigurd: "*Chuckle*" Sigurd averted his gaze, his shoulders heaving. (Ugh... I want to die...) Klaus: "Honestly... You're every bit the moron your file said you'd be." MC: "H-Hey!" Klaus: "I'm speaking the truth." Sigurd: "*Chuckle*" Sigurd hunched over painfully, clutching at his belly as his shoulders bobbed up and down. Klaus: "She's your Buddy. Don't just stand there laughing. Do something!" Sigurd: "*Chuckle* Sorry..." Sigurd stood up, wiping tears free from the corners of his eyes. Sigurd: "As you can see, Liz is a funny character." Randolph: "What an interesting addition she'll make. I've taken a shine to you, young lady." MC: "Th-Thank you." Randolph: "Now that you're here, I would like to personally welcome you to the Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy. We always have room for outstanding students at the academy." MC: "Thank you. I'm honored." I bowed deeply in gratitude. Randolph: "I am the Headmaster, Randolph. And this man right here..." Schuyler: "Conrad Schuyler. Professor Schuyler to you, and the deputy headmaster to the staff." MC: "Pleased to meet you." [PART 7] Randolph: "Now then, I hope you'll permit me to move on to this Buddy situation that came to light yesterday. I've heard that your emblem glowed on your very first day here?" MC: "Oh, y-yes! Sigurd was there, too..." Sigurd: "Yes. There's no mistaking that her emblem was reacting to mine." Randolph: "Most illuminating. Liz, just how much do you know about the Buddy system?" MC: "I heard from Sigurd that a Buddy is..."
MC: "A partner. Someone who's in the same boat as you. If one half's grade fall, the other's do as well..." Randolph: "Well put." Sigurd: "You have sharp memory. You'll go far." (He praised me!) Randolph: "Buddies influence each other's lives, for better and worse. So it's of the utmost importance they cover each other's shortcomings... Tat's how I've always thought of them, at least. There are many kinds of Buddy pairings. You should figure out what kind of partnership works best for you." MC: "For us..." Sigurd. "We're a team, right, MC?" MC: "Yeah!" Schuyler: "Now allow me to explain what is forbidden at the academy. You must not leave the academy grounds after nightfall. Also, the East Forest near the Tower of Sorrow is off-limits." MC: "The Tower of Sorrow?! Isn't that from the fairy tale of the Dragon of Time and the First King?" Klaus: "Please tell me you're joking..." Prefect Klaus pressed his palm to a face thet has exasperation written on it. Sigurd: "You never fail to amuse me." MC: "Huh? What are you getting at?" Schuyler: "That is no fairy tale. It is a matter of historical record." MC: "Seriously?!" Sigurd: "That's it right there. That's the reaction I wanted to see." Randolph: "Haha, your sprite is warranted. In certain regions, the story is passed down as a mere fairy tale." Sigurd: "So, what about the Three Mages? Have you heard of them?" MC: "Y-Yeah. The Three mages, right? I read about them in a book once." Schuyler: "For the past 2000 years, the task of protections the Tower of Sorrow has been passed down to the three most powerful wizards. The Headmaster is one of those three whom the task has fallen to." MC: "What?!" Sigurd: "That there's 100% pure, unfiltered shock. Absolutely classic." [PART 8] Randolph: "Yes, that is correct." He smirked playfully and gave me a wink. (Why is he acting like it's no big deal at all?!) MC: "I can't precess this. To think the Headmaster is a part of the Three Mages line. From now until the graduation, I'm going to study my socks off so I can be a great magic user like you!" Schuyler: "Your spirit is laudable, but you should worry first about officially becoming a student." MC: "Huh? Officially?" Klaus: "Don't tell me... you didn't read the Acceptance Letter properly?" MC: "Du-wha...?" Randolph: "Mc. Please take a closer look at your Acceptance Letter." MC: "Huh? Why?" I dug through my luggage and found the letter I had tucked away. MC: "What is that?!" In inspected the letter, only to find the word provisional stamped on it... MC: "Provisional student?! What does that mean?" Klaus: "It means what it says it means, you moron!" Randolph: "You will be, provisionally, a student here for the next thirteen days. That is your deadline." MC: "My deadline for what?" Schuyler: "Once your time is over, you will be judged to see if you are fir for the academy." Randolph: Judgment will rendered on the final day by a magical tool called the Scale of Judgment. You'll be accepted as an official student only if the scale judges you worthy." MC: "You're kidding..." (I was celebrating getting in, when I hadn't even reached the start line.) Reality weighed down on my shoulders. Randolph: "Listen well, MC. Whether you spend the 13 days carving a path forward, or standing paralyzed with worry, comes down to you. (My fate will be decided in only 13 days' time.... Can I really pull this off?) Randolph: "But know that the path forward will open up to you if you follow your heart." MC: "As long as I follow my heart... I understand. I won't let you down!" Randolph: "Good. With that attitude, we have high expectations for you. But let me ask you one last question. What is magic to you?" MC: "Huh?" (I've never even thought about that before...) [PART 9] (What does magic mean to me?) I remained quiet since no good answer came to mind. Randolph: "Van't think of an answer?" MC: "I'm sorry..." Randolph: "Very well. It matters not. You still have plenty of time to find one. Take your time, and search for the answer within your heart." MC: "I will." I nodded firmly, looking into the Headmaster's gentle but unyielding eyes. Schuyler: "That concludes explanations." Klaus: "Now we can turn to our business." MC: "What?" Sigurd: "We have something to talk to you about as well. Come on." MC: "O-Okay." Klaus: "Thank you for your time, professors." MC: "Th-Thank you!" We gave the two men their dues and left the Headmaster's office behind us.
Sigurd: "Come on in." Sigurd ushered me into the room. I was greeted by the wafting aroma of coffee. Klaus: "This is the place." Prefect Klaus dominated the chair behind the desk in the center of the room. And Sigurd stood at his side, quite literally his right-hand man. I silently occupied the seat opposite side the desk. Klaus: "You've already heard about Sol Felia?" MC: "Yes, the Sol Festival!" Klaus: "That will makes this easy. Normally the executive committee is responsible for all the festival preparations. Which I object to..." Sigurd: "Klaus; we talked about this and came to a mutual decision, remember?" Sigurd heaped a firm hand on Prefect Klaus' shoulder. Klaus: "..." [PART 10] Going by the twitching of Prefect Klaus' eyebrows, he was biting his tongue over something. Sigurd: "Your emblem reacted to mine. So I was hoping you'd pitch in, as well." MC: "You want me to help with the festival? I'd love to!" Klaus: "*Sigh* I get the feeling this will put more trouble on our plate, rather than less..." Sigurd: "It's decided. Starting today MC is officially appointed to the Sol Felia executive committee." MC: "I'll do everything I can make it a festival to remember!" Sigurd: "Good, good. I'll be counting on you." Klaus: "Try not to get in the way at least." MC: "Yes, sir..." Klaus: "Sigurd, how is our ongoing situation?" Sigurd: "Hmmm, not well. We still haven't found anyone." Klaus: "*Sigh* With the way things are going, I'm beginning think we won't." Sigurd: "It doesn't matter. If we can't find anyone, you can do it like you did last year." Klaus: "That's easy for you to say. You know the crowd will be disappointed if I'm the one up there." Sigurd: "You've got a point there. If we go with anyone, it should be a pretty girl in a beautiful outfit to match. It'll be an improvement over Emperor Pouty." Klaus: "Did you say something?" Sigurd: "Mc, come on. You'll miss the start of class if you don't hurry." Sigurd swept around the desk and gave me a gentle shove. Klaus: "Hey, wait!" Sigurd: "I'll be right back after I walk Liz to class." Sigurd shot out of the office as if Prefect Klaus was on his heels.
Sigurd: "Your class is on the floor above us." MC: "Say, Sigurd." Sigurd: "What is it?" MC: "What was that ongoing situation about?" Sigurd: "Oh, that. You don't have to worry about it, it's nothing important. It'll work out one way or another." Sigurd smiled to himself. [PART 11] MC: "Okay." Sigurd: "Your class is that door right there." MC: "Thanks." Sigurd: "Are you nervous?"
MC: "Y-Yeah..." Sigurd: "Don't worry. Everyone in your class is friendly. You'll fit in in no time." MC: Thanks." Sigurd: "A first impression can go a long way. Try smiling." MC: "Okay!" I curled the corners of my lips up as far as they would go. Sigurd: "Good. That's adorable." MC: "*Gasp*!" (He called me adorable again!) Embarrassment set my cheeks blazing. Sigurd: "*Chuckle*" But Sigurd simply smiled indifferently. (Maybe he only meant it as an off-the-cuff comment?) Sigurd: "I'll be going, then." MC: "Y-Yeah, thanks!" Sigurd. "See you later." He left, reacting his steps.
I assumed... when he whipped around behind me and dropped a hand on my head.
Sigurd: "I'll swing by to see you again after class." MC: "S-Sure." My chest pounded at the heat of him at my back. MC: "U-Um!" I turned around unable to bear it any longer...
No one was there. MC: "*Sigh* What's wrong with me..." (My heart is on fast-forward whenever I'm with Sigurd... Is he like that around everyone?)
MC: "E-Excuse..." I sheepishly stepped into the classroom. Everyone was immersed in their own conversations, paying me no mind. MC: "Um... Where should I sit?" As I was glancing around the room... [PART 12] ???: "Miss Hart?" MC: "Yes?" I turned to face... MC: "Prefect Klaus?!" Klaus?: "N-No! Don't mistake me for my big brother!" MC: Hmm? Big brother?" Elias: "I'm Elias Goldstein. I heard about you from him." MC: "So you are Klaus' ... little brother..." (HeÄs his spitting image... Although Elias seems a shade kinder.) Elias: "We're allowed to sit where we want, so pick a place you like." MC: "Thank you." Elias: "Just thought I'd say hi." Elias left me to find a seat. MC: "Hmm..." Casting my glance around the room, I spied an open seat near the window. MC: "Over there looks good." I made my way over to the window side... When a wolf lurking in the seat behind mine stole every nerve in my body. MC: "Eeeek?! W-Wolf." I scrambled away in shock. The wolf flicked open an eye, gave me a once over, and returned to rest. ???: "Don't worry. That's my familiar..." The eye-patch sporting boy sitting alongside the wolf chimed in. MC: "O-Oh, right... You had me worried. I'm the transfer student, MC Hart." Yukiya: "Yukiya..." MC: "Nice to meet you, Yukiya." Yukiya: "Right." Yukiya turned his gaze towards the window. (Maybe he's... not the talkative type?) My train of thoughts was interrupted by the bell. The students clattered for their seats at once. Following their lead, I hastily dropped into my own. Schuyler: "Class is about to start." The door opened and the same Professor Schuyler I had met in the Headmaster's office strode in. Schuyler: "But before we begin, MC Hart. Rise." [PART 13] MC: "Y-Yes, sir!" I clambered to my feet, surprised at being called on without warning. Schuyler: "She is a new student in her trial period." MC: "U-Um. I'm MC Hart. Nice to meet you all!" The classroom filled with a polite round of applause. Schuyler: Very well. Return to your seat." MC: "Yes, sir!" (That was terrifying...) Schuyler: "We'll move on to today's lesson on magical tools." (The classes I dreamed of taking are actually happening!) Schuyler: "Today we'll be going over the wands magic users employ." MC: "Wands..." I fished my wand out from my bag and displayed it proudly on my desk. I got his from Mom and Dad back when they were still alive. They gave it to me when my magic powers first awakened. (It's falling apart at the edges by now, though...) Schuyler: "We'll start with a question. Liz?" MC: "Y-Yes, sir!" Schuyler: "Which trees provides us with the wood that wands are made of?" MC: "U-Um..."
MC: "Magical Trees!" (I'm dead sure I read a book about it!) Schuyler: "Correct. Wands are made from the wood of the Magical Trees of Gedonelune. That much is common knowledge." (Thank goodness I didn't get it wrong...) Schuyler: "I've no doubt you've all shopped for wands at magic shops before. When choosing a wand you must remember that there are many variants tuned for different levels of magic affinity and user tendencies. For example, those with a strong affinity to magic take better to long wands wrapped in vines, such as ivy. Do you know why that is, Elias?" Elias: "Yes. Powerful magical users channel magic power through the tenth of the long wand and coiled ivy. Since the duration between incantation and discharge is lengthened it makes it easier to control their power." Schuyler: "A poignant point from our ever astute Elias." (Elias is amazing! He's as talented as Prefect Klaus.) Schuyler: "Conversely, those with a weak affinity to magic are said to take better to shorter wands. The reasoning is the inverse, by shortening duration between incantation and discharge the potency of the magic is amplified. Further, there are wands specialized for offensive magic and medical magic skills respectively." [PART 14] Schuyler: "Wands can differ from one another simply by their intended use case. It might pay to take a moment to re-examine what makes your wand tick." (It all makes sense. I've never paid a second thought about it until now. There's more to wands than I thought!)
My first day of classes had come to an end, and I'd come out the other side in one piece... I staggered out of the classroom and sighed deeply. MC: "*Sigh* Talk about complicated..." (Will I be able to keep up?) ???: "MC. Are you ready to go?" Sigurd's side-long approach snapped me back to the real world. MC: "Hey, Sigurd!" Sigurd: "I bet you're exhausted." MC: "Classes were tough...." Sigurd: "They would be as it's only your first day. You'll catch up in no time if you review properly." MC: "Yeah, I will. I can't get between you and your grades." Sigurd: "You can get between me and anything else you want. I'd welcome it." MC: "Huh?!" Sigurd: "Okay, not anything. But you really can ask me about anything you're unsure about." MC: "Th-Thanks..." (I don't know where the teasing stops and the truth begins with Sigurd.) Sigurd. "Want to get started with the festival preparations?" MC: "Sure!"
MC: "What is this place?" Sigurd: "The archive. We store old documents, books, and a thousand other things besides, here." Hanging motes of dust sparkled in the cascade of sunlight emitted by the window. Sigurd: "Wait there a second." Sigurd said, disappearing into the depths of the archive. Sigurd: "Erm.. this is it, here..." Sigurd's mumbling carried to where I stood. Sigurd: "Found it!" He reappeared, holding two large boxes. MC: "What's in those?" Sigurd: "More Torada Sol's." [PART 15] MC: "As in the sun decorations?" Sigurd: "Right. I'm impressed you remembered that name. Well done." He grinned approvingly, and jumped into motion, boxes in arm. MC: "I can carry one of them." Sigurd: "They are heavy."
MC: "I've got this! I used to help out on the farm, so I know a thing or two about lifting!" Sigurd: "Okay, then..." Sigurd stiftend one of the boxes over to me. MC: "Argh! What's this made of?!" My arms plummeted immediately, stopping just short of the floor. It was heavier than I could have imagined. MC: "Urrgh!" Sigurd: "Liz, are you all right?" He plucked the box out from my arms with a single hand. Sigurd: "I did tell you they're heavy." MC: "I-I didn't think they'd be that heavy..." Sigurd: "Well, the decorations might be gold-plated, but they're made out of iron at the end of the day." MC: "I-Iron?!" (No wonder...) MC: "Don't you find them heavy?" Sigurd laughed at the suggestion, he was carrying both boxes without any sign of breaking a sweat. Sigurd: "I'm stronger than I look." MC: "Wow..." Sigurd: "Don't overdo it. You can help me put them up." MC: "Sure. I'm sorry." Sigurd: "We each have our strengths. We'll share the work by playing to them." MC: "Okay." (It's good to know I can depend on Sigurd."
We decorated the walls by han, one decoration after another. MC: "You're not going to use magic to zap them into place like you did the other day?" Sigurd: "It's tradition to prepare for the festival using as little magic as possible." MC: "That's a fascinating custom." Sigurd: "Although we're not above cheating when we're strapped for time. Like the other day. How does this one look? Is it on straight?" MC: "Hmm, the right side could be a little higher up." Sigurd: "Thanks. So, have you made any friends?" MC: "I was too busy just trying to keep up with class... I did meet Elias, though." Sigurd: "Ah, the Prince." MC: "The Prince)" [PART 16] Sigurd: "That's his nickname." MC: "The older brother's the Emperor and the younger's the Prince. That make sense..." Sigurd: "Exactly. And they both act the part, too..." MC: "Speaking of friends... I actually did make one, from before I transferred...." Sigurd: "Fange that. How'd that happen?" MC: "We're pen pals. They sent a letter with a wind incantation cast on it and it happened to land on my doorstep." MC: "We got to writing and I found out they're a student at this academy." Sigurd: "Wow, what are the odds of that?" MC: "Yeah, I was surprised, too." Sigurd: "So, have you met them yet?" MC: "Well..." Sigurd: "Well?" MC: "I'm still an amateur with magic... In fact, I'm just plain lousy at it... And right now I'm only a provisional student... I was thinking of trying to find them once I'm officially enrolled." Sigurd: "I can understand that... I hope you meet him or her." Sigurd finished hanging his decorations and stood back, admiring the end result. Sigurd "Yeah, this looks good." MC: "It's perfect!" Sigurd: "Let's leave things here for today. I'll walk you home." MC: "Thanks." (I hope I'll be able to meet him some day...)
That night... I sat facing my desk, pen in hand. "My dearest Smokey. Today was my first day of classes. They were unbelievably tough to follow. I need to double down my studies. and the biggest surprise of all! I became member of the Sol Felia executive committee! I'm helping Sigurd, who's the real mover-and-shaker, but I won't take my duty of spice up the festival lying down. I can depend on my Buddy, Sigurd, far more than I realized. For example, even though he looks really skinny, he's actually super strong... He's the kind of person that can look Prefect Klaus in the eye and give him a piece of his mind. I genuinely respect him. So that's another reason I'll have to do my best so I don't trip him up. I'll be in touch. Best Regards. Liz." [TRAILER] Chica: "I, Chica, will once again be covering the preview. With the help of my butler, Leslie." Leslie: "Who are you calling a butler?" Chica: "Moving on, it looks like Liz is putting her best foot forward as a member of the executive committee." Leslie: "Sol Felia, huh? I wonder how the festival will turn out?" Chica: "I need to get my Prince Sigurd to take me to Sol Felia. I can't sit here waiting around!" Leslie: "*Sigh* Honestly. I guess I'll have to do the preview. Next time is 'Cloud Bird'. Don't go anywhere." |
Day 3: Cloud Bird |
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[PART 1]
MC: "*Yawn*" The pleasant morning sunshine relaxed my mouth into a yawn. Amelia: "Good morning, big mouth." MC: "I'm still sleepy... I was up reviewing and writing a letter last night." Amelia: "A letter?" MC: "Yeah. To my pen pal." Amelia: "Oh! Your boyfriend!" MC: "No! I've never even seen his face." Amelia: "I got my hopes up for nothing. You know all those stories about pen pals becoming lovers." MC: "*Giggle* Nothing romantic is going to happen between us. Besides, Smokey s more like an older brother who I can tell anything." Amelia: "Lucky. I whish I had someone like that, too..." Amelia came to a stop, her sentence half said. Amelia: "Hey, look Over there." She shot a glance ahead of us. There stood Sigurd. MC: "No way! Why is he here again?!" Amelia: "Maybe he came to see you again? Look, he's coming this way!" Sigurd: "Good morning, you two." MC: "Good morning." Amelia: "G-Good morning!" Amelia bowed stiltedly, nerves probably getting the best of her. Sigurd: "Is she your roommate?" MC: "Yes, This is Amelia." Sigurd. "nice to meet you, Amelia." Amelia: "It's an honor...." She was red up to her roots and paralyzed in place, but managed to force out another stiff bow. The second she was upright she pulled me aside and hissed in my ear. Amelia: "Oh my gosh, I can't take anymore! it's like seeing a god p close! I'm gonna go!" MC: "What?!" Amelia: "Good luck!" She saw me off with the thousand yard stare of a general sending soldiers to certain doom. MC: "Amelia, honestly..." Sigurd: "*Chuckle* You've got entertaining roommate." [PART 2] MC: "*Giggle* Yeah, I do." Sigurd: "Shall we? I cam to see you because there's a little thing I want your help with." MC: "By my help, you mean Sol Felia preparations?" Sigurd: "No, something different." MC: "Something different?" Sigurd: "*Chuckle* Try not to be too surprised." And then, he simply grinned.
Sigurd: "Over here." MC: "Wow... The view from up here is amazing!" Sigurd had brought me to none other than the rooftop of the academy. The town of Gedonelune was laid bare to see in its entirety. MC: "This is an amazing spot." Sigurd: "Step back a bit." MC: "Huh? Okay..." I stepped back as Sigurd had instructed. Sigurd: "Hmmm.. A little further." MC: "Okay?" I took a step back, again. Sigurd: "Good, great. Stay right there." Sigurd paused for a smile, before turning his attention to rummaging through his pocket for something. Sigurd: "Got it..." He withdrew a small, tarnished silver flute. Indicate flourishes crisscrossed its surface, which was... decorated with lilies. He casually placed the flute to his lips and blew. The sky reverberated with a high-pitched whistle. The flutter of beating wings approached us from someplace distant. Only, the birds these wings belonged would have to been gigantic. MC: "What is that?!"
A clean and white cloud sailed towards us, clear as day. MC: "That cloud is...getting closer?!" But as it drew closer, I realized it was a magical creature. A clean, white magical creature that was heading straight for us. Its wingspan must have been more than sixteen feet across.
MC: "I-I-It's coming towards us!" I scrambled away, ducking down and bracing for the worst. My hair, cloak, and skirt flapped freely, batted about by the powerful downdraft. [PART 3] MC: "Ack!" I frantically pinned my skirt down with my hands. The magical creature proceeded to land on the roof. Panic got the better of me. My legs gave out, and I cowered in open view of the breast. MC: "Ack! Dn't eat me!" Sigurd ambled up to the magical creature, chortling through closed lips at my desperate pleas. MC: "S-Sigurd!" Sigurd: "Who's a good boy?" He petted the magical creature while holding it in his warm gaze. MC: "What?" Sigurd: "Relax. He's my pet bird." MC: "Your pet?" Sigurd: "Come here. It's fine, he won't bite." MC: "O-Okay..." Its fur was white enough to be a non-color, and its stocky feet and red eyes brought another creature to mind. MC: "It reminds me of a unicorn." Sigurd: "Do you know what it is?" MC: "U-Um..."
MC: "A cloud bird...maybe? You know, the kind that eats clouds..." Sigurd: "Exactly. You know your magical creatures. I'm impressed." Sigurd ruffled my hair approvingly. MC: "Ugh... You're babying me, aren't you?" Sigurd: "Maybe I am." MC: "Sigurd! Again?!" Sigurd: "You really are adorable." MC: "*Gasp*!" (I'll never get used to hearing that!) MC: "But this cloud bird is different from the one I saw in the encyclopedia... I'm pretty sure its fur was more o gray side." Sigurd: "He's lighter, which is extremely rare." MC: "...?" Sigurd: "It's a trait some creatures are born with. They tend to have lighter fur. It makes their blood vessels transparent too, which turns their eyes red. Magical creatures can be born with unique traits, too. How's that for your daily dose of trivia?" MC: "The more you know..." (You learn something every day...) MC: "Is he your familiar?" Sigurd: "I'm not sure familiar is the right word. It's more like my... trusted steed." [PART 4] MC: "Wait a second. Are you a... tamer?" Sigurd: "*Chuckle* Bingo. As a matter of fact, It's my major." MC: "That's incredible! I've always admired tamers!" Sigurd: "Let me guess, Serge Durandal?" MC: "Yeah, him! How did you know?" Sigurd: "Well, he's a household name. But I don't want you thinking I'm a taming legend like him. I don't have a hope or a prayer of summoning a dignified creature like he can." MC: "You're still incredible!" Sigurd: "Thanks. If you ever major in taming I can show you the ropes, anytime." MC: "I'd love that!" Sigurd: "So, you remember I had something I wanted your help with?" MC: "Oh yeah. What was it?" Sigurd: "Truth to be told, something has been a little of with him recently. He's not his usual lively self." MC: "Poor guy." Sigurd: "He's a hair slower than usual during flights, too..." MC: "Wha... You mean you ride him?" Sigurd: "Yeah, exactly. A handful of tamers are also riders. I'm among them." MC: "That's even more incredible..." (Any self-respecting tamer-fan knows of riders, but I never thought I'd get to know one in person.) Sigurd: "So I was thinking, you know how you can talk to magical creatures?" MC: "Huh... Uh, yeah. How do you know about that?" Sigurd: I read your file, remember?" MC: "Oh, right...?" Sigurd: "So will you ask him what's going on, for me? I can't get to bottom of it alone." MC: "Sure. I've got this." I approached the cloud bird unthreateningly, testing a hand against its body. MC: "Hello..." Cloud Bird: "Kewaar." - "Who are you? Why do you understand me?" MC: "Um, where to start... I'm a friend of Sigurd. He brought me to see you because he was worried about you." Cloud Bird: "Kwaaar." - "I see. I'm sorry I worried him." [PART 5] MC: "Can you tell me what's wrong?" Cloud Bird: "Kwar, kewaaar." - "I've injured the inside of my right wing. The injury is in a tricky to see spot, so he never noticed it." Cloud Bird: "Kewaar." - "It's a shallow injury so it should heal on its own soon enough..." MC: "We had no idea... We'll take a look at it now, okay?" Sigurd: "What did he say?" MC: "It seems he's injured the inside of his right wing." Sigurd: "I don't remembering seeing anything there..." We shifted our investigation to the creature bird's front side. And sure enough there was a small cut right where he said it would be. MC: "Ouch... That seems painful..." Sigurd: "I'm sorry, boy... I never noticed it. I'll get you patched up, hold on." Cloud Bird: "Kwaaar." MC: "He says not to worry about it." Sigurd: "Thank you." As Sigurd unsheathed his wand a smile, kinder than any I'd yet seen from him yet, graced his features. Sigurd: "Sanatio Lumen!" The combined effort of his incantation and the wave of his wand willed a flowing bandage of light to wind around the wound. Then the light fizzled out of existence with a gasp. MC: "Wow... I've never seen light healing magic before." Sigurd: "Unlike water and wind magic, light magic is easy to keep under control... So, how does that feel?" Cloud Bird: "Kwaaar!" MC: "Yeah, he says it doesn't hurt anymore!" Sigurd: That's great. And it's thanks to you, Liz. I can't thank you enough." He petted me on the head casually, and my heart seized with sweet pain." (What's gotten into me? Why does this happen to me whenever Sigurd touches me?) Sigurd: "Go on now." Sigurd instructed as he petted the cloud bird. The bird trumpeted a mighty, high-pitched squawk, and flapped it's wings. The rooftop was pelted with another turbulent downdraft. MC: "Ack!" Finally, the cloud bird darted away like a javelin with a gale at its back. [PART 6] Sigurd: "I'm glad that worked out." A genuine, kindly warmth brimmed in his eyes. MC: "You love your cloud birds, huh?" Sigurd: "I sure do. I love animals and magic creatures when I was a kid. I used get shouted at for sneaking them into the house." MC: "*Giggle*" Sigurd: "I like winged-animals in particular because they're adorable. You're adorable. Maybe I like you, too." MC: "*Gasp*!" My face felt like it had beed doused in a hour of fire. MC: "Wh- Wh-Wh... Wh-Wha..." I flapped my gums, but nothing resembling words came out. Sigurd: "*Chuckle*" Sigurd's reaction brought me back down to earth. He'd been teasing me, again. MC: "Ugh... Again?! Sigurd!" Sigurd: "*Chuckle* There's never a dull moment with you." MC: "You meanie..." Sigurd: "Odd, I don't remember being mean. *Chuckle*" MC: "Ugh..." (Every time he says something, it's with that grin. What is he really thinking? Does he mean any of it? Or is he saying it all for kicks?)
(I still can't get over how big the cloud bird was...) My encounter with the cloud bird was stuck in my head even after I'd gotten to class. (Riders are so skilled... The books I've read said it's not easy to become one. And even then, only a small portion of tamers ever become riders. The more I learn about Sigurd, the more incredible he becomes.) ???: "Are you Liz?" At that disstracted moment, a green-haired guy seemingly materialized inches from my face. MC: "...?! Yeah, and you're..." Luca: "Luca. I'm technically your classmate." MC: "Technically?" Luca: "I... attend class on a voluntary basis." [PART 7] MC: "We have a voluntary attendance system? I've never heard about that before..." Elias: "Voluntary attendance, my foot. You mean skipping class." Just as I was trying to make heads or trails of the situation, Elias offered his take. Luca: "My, my Prince Elias. You flatter us with your presence." Elias: "Don't call me that!" Luca: "Now, now. We're in the company of a lady." Elias: "Grr... MC, it's best you don't get mixed-up with him. This might be the first time e's seen the inside of a classroom." Luca: "Now that's just mean. I keep telling you I attend on a voluntary basis." ???: "What's going on?" This time, our conversation was interrupted by guy with long, tied-back silver hair. Luca: "Cerim, perfect timing! This here's the new girl." Cerim: "Oh... you're the new student." MC: "I'm MC. Nice to meet you." Cerim: "And you." Luca: "Me and Cerim skipped class yesterday, so I figured he hadn't met her yet, either." Elias: "Don't lump him in with you. Cerim actually comes to classes." MC: "U-Um... I'm guessing you guys go a while back?" Elias: "Wha... Knock it off! Affiliating myself with Luca, of all people!" Luca: "Hey, you'll hurt my feelings. MC, let me clue you in on the easy way to tell these two apart." MC: "Huh?" Luca: "The bad guy with the stick up his butt is Elias. And the good guy with the stick up his butt is Cerim." Elias: "Luca, you..." Luca: "Oops, I have earned the ire of Prince Elias. Now it sees like a good time to make myself scarce." Luca added with a wink. Luca: "See you around, MC." If there was a space of time between his farewell and his exit, I didn't see it. [PART 8] Elias: "He is timely about his escapes, if nothing else..." Cerim: "What's new?" (Not that, apparently...) The bell rang, signaling that class was about to start. Elias: "I better get back to my seat." Cerim: "Me too. MC, it was nice talking to you." MC: "Yeah, you too, Cerim!" (Cerim seems like a nice person. ... Though, I'm not sure what to make of Luca. I hope I'll be able to fit in and get along with everyone.) ???: "Let's get class underway." One look at the person who walked through the door almost had me falling out of my chair. MC: "Headmaster Randolph?!" Every pair of eyes in the classroom centered on me at once. MC: "Ugh..." (Just dig me a hole...) Randolph: "Haha, is something the matter, MC?" MC: "Oh, no... Why are you teaching class..." Randolph: "I teach History of Wizardry, Contracting Magic, Barrier Magic, and Magical Creature Biology." MC: "Wow... I thought your hands are full just running the academy." Randolph: "An important business, that. But it's not substitute for raising the wizards and wizardesses of tomorrow myself. Can I count on you to be among them?" MC: "Y-Yes, sir!" Randolph: "Now then, today I'll be teaching Magical Creature Biology." (Yes, my forte!) Randolph: "Today's class will cover cloud birds." MC: "*Gasp*" (I just saw one today! Luck is on my side!) Randolph: "Cloud birds can frequently be spotted around our academy. Take Sigurd's pet bird which, I'm sure you've all noticed, is pure white." [PART 9] Randolph: "That is owing to a rare feature that bleaches its skin and fur. MC, do you know what creatures with that condition are called?" MC: "U-Um..." (I'm sure Sigurd mentioned this...)
MC: "Ruby-eyes!" Randolph: "You're well-versed in this area, I see. I hope to see you match this lofty precedent going forward." MC: "Yes, sir!" (Thanks, Sigurd!) Randolph: "Now, the staple of a cloud bird's diet is clouds, but they are a rare species of animal that is neither entirely carnivorous nor entirely herbivorous. Furthermore, these semi-dignified magical creatures inhabit the mountain ranges of northern Gedonelune. In fact, this is the only region the world they inhabit. This is to say that Gedonelune is as much a part of them as they are of it. But familiarity aside, I urge against approaching them carelessly as a number of them are ferocious. The strength required keep a cloud bird in rein is remarkable. For Sigurd do so is testament of his skills as a rider. But if any of you happen upon a cloud bird, you are not approach it under any circumstances. (I didn't realize that cloud birds were that ferocious... Sigurd's more incredible than I thought.)
After class... Sigurd's needed my help again today. And I was ready to give it. If I could've... MC: "Professor Schuyler, I'm finished." I offered my supplementary report to him, holding it out in both hands to keep a respectful distance. Schuyler: "Let's see it then." Professor Schuyler snatched the report from my hands and glared at it harshly. MC: "..." (Please accept it...) Schuyler: "*Sigh* Rudimentary, but passable. You may leave." MC: "R-Really!" Schuyler: "on the understanding that you will not sprout feet on magical tools in my class again!" MC: "Ugh... Yes, sir..." [PART 10] Schuyler: "Very well. You may go." MC: "Thank you for your time, sir..."
MC: "*Sigh*... That was scary." I stepped out from Professor Schuyler's preparation room, when... Sigurd: "Long day, huh?" MC: "S-Sigurd!" Sigurd stepped out to greet me. MC: "How did you... know I was here?" Sigurd: "I went to your class and the prince told me you went to hand in a supplementary report." MC: "*fake Laugh*" (I-I want to to hide...) Sigurd: "I hear you got a foot to grow out of a magical tool." MC: "Ugh!" (It keeps getting worse!) Sigurd: "*Chuckle* You're great at keeping us on out toes." MC: "Don't make fun of me! I'm sorry, though... For dragging you down with me already..." Sigurd: "Don't be! I sort of anticipated this." His saintly smile cut through me like a dagger. MC: "Ugh!" (He must think I'm the biggest fool in the world.) Sigurd: "Don't worry. Everyone messes up once or twice. You were warming up." Sigurd smiled, unconcerned. MC: "I hope so..." Sigurd: "I know so. It will be fine. I'll teach you." MC: "Sure. Thanks." Sigurd: "We should get going. We've got the rest of the decorations to put up outside today." MC: "Okay."
MC: "*Sigh* We finally got them all up." Sigurd: "On the outside, at least... We've still got the inside of the auditorium to do." MC: "What? We're doing the auditorium as well?!" Sigurd: "We have to. That's where the Sol Maiden play is performed each time." [PART 11] MC: "A play. I'd love to see it." Sigurd: "We'll be hard-pressed for time, seeing as we'll be busy pulling all the strings..." MC: Oh, yeah." Sigurd: "I can always use my authority as assistant prefect to make the time for you to see it."
MC: "What? Really?" Sigurd: "Yeah, You've earned a reward." His hand dropped onto my head. MC: "Ugh." (My heart won't stop tossing up. He's just babying me. That's all... Isn't it?) Sigurd: "I'd like to see the performance myself." MC: "You haven't seen it before?" Sigurd: "I was on the executive committee last time, so I didn't have the time of day... I know. How about I use my authority as assistant prefect to sneak in and see it with you?" MC: "You'd do that?" Sigurd: "We'll watch it together." His smile seized my heart. MC: "S-Sure..." (Together with Sigurd... I can't wait.) Sigurd: "Okay, we can wrap things up here today." MC: "Huh? We're done already?" Sigurd: "No one will mind if we bunk off early." MC: "What? If Prefect Klaus finds you, you won't hear the end of it." Sigurd: "So we won't be found. Problem solved." Sigurd emphasized with a grin. (Some people say the most audacious things with a straight face... Sigurd says them with a smile... Oh please, don't let anyone find us...)
MC: "Why the roof, of all places?" Sigurd: "I wanted to thank you for helping me this morning." Sigurd promptly blew the flute he'd brandished earlier. Just as this morning, its whistle echoed against the sky... And once again, the sound of flapping wings drew closer. Remembering what had happened last time, I hastily pinned my skirt and hair down. The wind whipped into an energetic stir as the cloud bird landed on the roof of the academy. Sigurd: "Come on, get on." MC: "Get on? You don't mean..." Sigurd: "That's exactly what I mean." Sigurd clambered onto the cloud bird as held his wand at the ready. Sigurd: "Manu Fenibas!" A pair of reins woven from light materialized at the wave of his wand. Sigurd: "It's ready. MC, come on." He extended his hand down to me in invitation. MC: "Okay!" [PART 12] Once I had my hand in his, Sigurd tugged me up onto the back of the cloud bird. Sigurd: "Okay, hold onto my waist." MC: "Okay! B-But..." Sigurd: "Are you... blushing?" MC: "W-Well..." Sigurd: "Your reaction's adorable. But seriously, hold on or you'll fall." MC: "Wait!" Sigurd: "Fly." The cloud bird immediately took to the air with a majestic flap of its wings
MC: "Woah!" Sigurd: "Hold on tight!" Sigurd's warning barely reached me before the cloud bird shot off at an outrageous belt. MC: "Ack!" Gravity pressed down on me with overwhelming force. Startled, I clenched down tightly on the reins. Sigurd: "*Chuckle* I did say hold on." MC: "T-Talk about fast!" Sigurd: "His wings pack an insane punch. He can fly circles around other cloud birds. In fact, he's only using half his full power right now." MC: "O-Only half?!" Sigurd: "You're riding with me today, so we're taking it slow and steady." As Sigurd spoke, we slowed down and I was finally able to survey the scene stretching out below us. MC: "Wow... The academy looks so tiny from up here..." Sigurd: "This is what I wanted to show you. Thank you for what you did this morning. I mean it." MC: "Not at all! I'm glad I could help." [PART 13]
Sigurd: "Thank you. Go on home, now." Once we'd arrived back on solid ground. Sigurd ran a gentle hand over the cloud bird. It narrowed its yes appreciatively before taking off. MC: "Thank you, Mr. Cloud Bird!" I bade the cloud bird farewell to its parting back. Sigurd: "Now we'd better go home, too." MC: "Yeah. I had fun today, thanks." Sigurd: "I had fun, too." ??? "Fun doing... what?" The demands of a low, piercing voice came from behind us. MC: "Ugh." We turned around slowly to see Prefect Klaus' towering form. MC: "P-Prefect Klaus!" Sigurd: "Yeah, that's him all right. He found us." Klaus: "And what do the two of you think you're doing, bunking off!" Sigurd: "Bunking off? I'll have you know that's slander. We were making preparations for the festival." Klaus: "As if I saw the cloud bird just now." Sigurd: "We were deciding which attractions to place where on the festival grounds from the air. It's easier to get a handle on things from up there. Look, we even mocked up a plan." Sigurd passed a sheet of paper to Klaus. Klaus: "Hmm, so you were... This arrangement would be perfect." Sigurd: "Right? See, we were working." Klaus: "My apology... But next time, report to me in advance!" Sigurd: "Yes, sir... We'll keep that in mind from now on." Klaus: "It's late already, go home." [PART 14] And with that Prefect Klaus left. Sigurd: "Klaus' sincerity can be his naivety sometimes." Sigurd flashed a complicit smile. MC: "That was incredible...." (He smiled to his face and lied, without so much as batting an eyelid... And he went as far as preparing a floor plan in advance... Sigurd's as crafty as a fox... All the more reason I can't make sense of what he's really thinking.) Sigurd: "Do you want to head back now?" MC: "Oh, s-sure..." (In the end, is all his teasing, all the compliments about being adorable... a lie?) Doubt writhed and coiled in the pit of my stomach. Sigurd. "What's wrong? Were you thinking about something?" MC: "Huh?" Sigurd: "You had a serious expression on your face." MC: "Um, I wasn't thinking about anything!" Sigurd: "Okay? Well, you can talk to me if anything comes up." MC: "Yeah, thanks..." (He's the last person I can talk to about this...)
Amelia: "Sorry about today." It was night, so Amelia and I were in our pajamas when we sat on our beds, talking. MC: "You turned bright red and proof, gone." Amelia: "Yeah, most people would get nervous talking to Sigurd! I'm impressed you aren't" MC: "Hmm.. I was at first, but I kind of just... got used to being around him. I guess." Amelia: "Makes sense. You're together every day. I'm super envious." MC: "Envious... of us..." Amelia: "What's wrong?" MC: "Hmm... I'm not sure how to put it but, there's somethingg that's worrying me precisely because we're together." Amelia: "Something like?" [PART 15] MC: "I can't tell what's going on in Sigurd's head. He's always smiling, so I can't tell what his true intentions are." Amelia: "Ah... You're right. Sigurd's smile seems like a fixed part of his face." MC: "So I'm always thinking about how much of what he says is sincere." Amelia: "That goes to show how madly you're into Sigurd." MC: "What! No! It's not... like..." Amelia: "She says. Somebody's bright red." MC: "*Gasp*" I hurried by cheeks in my face. Amelia: "The story of a girl in love. Starring MC." MC: "I-I said it's not like that!" Amelia: "Let's pretend I believe you." MC: "Honestly..." (Love... I'm not in love...) I realized then that I couldn't convince myself of it. (Am I...?) After Amelia fell asleep, I was sitting at my desk as usual, pen in hand. "My dearest Smokey. I've adjusted a little to live on campus in the three days I've been here. Festival preparations are also on track. Today, Sigurd gave me a ride on a cloud bird. It was a blast of a time. The academy was beautiful from high up in the sky. Sigurd's one incredible wizard... I respect him. But sometimes I can't tell what he's thinking... My roommate tased me, saying it must be eating as me as much as it is because I'm in love. Love... I've never been in love before. I wouldn't know what love feels like. Have you ever been in love, Smokey? Let me know what it's like if you have. Best Regards. MC." To be continued... [TRAILER] Ronny: "I'll be covering the preview today, you ungrateful saps. Sit down and try to pay attention! Chica: "My word, what a potty-mouthed creature!" Ronny: "That is one tacky looking bat!" Chica: "How dare you!" Ronny: "You wanna fight about it?!" Chica: "Hmph! I've got better things to do! I get the feeling something terrible is about to happen!" Ronny: "I feel it too... Something stinks." Chica: "Next time is `Dimming`." Ronny: "Don't ya dare miss it!"
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Day 4 Dimming |
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[PART 1]
The sun shone dazzling bright. It sat high in a clear azure sky. (The weather is great. It's warm out, too...) MC: "Where... am I? It reminds me of the forest I wandered through on my first day..." (The Eat Forest... I think.) MC: If it's the same place, then it's more chirpy and cheerful than I remember..." Oddly enough, I didn't feel afraid. But my feelings of security were promptly dashed. A jet-black shadow began clawing at the sky. (What? What's going on?)
The frost gradually darkened, and was veiled in a thick mist. MC: "What? This can't be happening." I craned to look up at the sky again... The black shadow creeping towards the sun, spreading like a plume of ink tainting the water its brush had plunged in to. The sunlight thinned dramatically, until finally the darkness had blotted in out.
The crisp tinkle of a bell cut through the air. MC: "What was that?" ???: "Help..." MC: "Who's there? Who said that?" The voice came from the depth of the forest. ???: "Help..." ???: "Help me!"
MC: "*Gasp*!" I bolted upright with a start. MC:"*Pant*" I was dreched in sweat from head to toe, trembling slightly. MC: "Was it a dream?" Then, at the exact moment, I heard a bell tinkling from some unseen corner. ???: "Help me..." As well as the voice i had heard in my dream. MC: "I heard that! It's real?!" I was terrified, but I couldn't sit around ignoring thet heart-wrenched plea for help. I stole from my room under cover of night. [PART 2]
???: "Help me..." MC: "Where are you?" My feet carried me toward the voice of their own will.
???: "Help me..." MC: "The voice is... getting louder." My mind was occupied by one thought to keep going. I knew full well that I was heading for that forest in the dead of night, but i couldn't silence that one thought. MC: "Wait, I'll find you..." Then, as I crossed the threshold of the forest... ???: "Freeze!" A voice, no... a hand, caught me from behind. MC: "*Gasp*" Surprised at the sudden development, I turned around... to see Leslie. MC: "L-Leslie?" Leslie: "You! The new student from the other day!" MC: "What are you doing here?" Leslie: "I'm the one who should be asking you! I told you this place is off limits!" MC: "Huh? Where am I..." The realization of what I was doing, and where, brought me back down to earth. MC: "What am I doing here?" Leslie: "What are you doing here in the middle of the night?!" MC: "I don't know! I just... heard a voice and..." Leslie: "A voice?" MC: "It was asking for help... I followed it and somehow I ended up here..." Leslie: "Your sure you heard it?" MC: I wouldn't lie about this!" Leslie: "Do you... know what's in this forest?"
MC: "I'm pretty sure the Tower of Sorrow was around here..." Leslie: "So you know that much, at least. You might've even read a book once in your life." MC: "Th-That's rude! I'm studying as hard as the next person!" Sigurd [actually Leslie, Sigurd wasn't present]: "So... What else do you know about this place?" MC: "What else am I supposed to know?" Sigurd [actually Leslie]: "Doesn't look like you know... Good." MC: "Say Leslie... Do you have any idea what's going on?" Leslie: "It's none of your business. Go back to your dorm." [PART 3] MC: "But I'm dead sure that voice was coming from just up here!" Leslie: "I told you to go back!" MC: "..." Leslie's grim expression and rage-quivering voice knocked the words out of me. MC: "Fine..." Leslie: "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, this time... But if I find you wandering around here again... I'll shoot you where you stand." MC: "...!" Leslie: "Get out of here." MC. "I'm going..." And I did go, following Leslie's order to the letter.
Everything that had happened stayed on my mind well after I returned to my room. MC: "..." (What's being kept hidden in the East Forest? What was that voice?" And what was Leslie doing there?) I flopped onto my stomach, burying my face in my pillow. MC: "I can't sleep..."
Amelia: "MC! MC, get up!" MC: "I-I don't know, sir... I'll review after class..." Amelia: "You'll have to wake up first... MC, wake up already!" MC: "...?!"
My eyes were startled open by Amelias's cries. MC: "Huh, wha... G-Good morin'?" Amelia: "For now! This isn't the time to be dozing off! You're going to be late!" MC: "What? It's that late already?!" (I went from not being able to sleep to sleeping like a log!) Amelia: "Hurry, come on! You'll miss breakfast!" MC: "O-Oh no!"
MC: "We're back on track. It's a miracle..." Amelia: "I called you seven-trillion times and you just wouldn't wake up." MC: "Yesterday must have caught up with me." (a lot did happen...) I gave a stretch and drank in the sky. (What a creepy dream... it gives me the creeps just thinking about the sun being blotted out... The sun's the same as always, right as rain, right as...) MC: "Hold on..." [PART 4] (Isn't the sun, I don't know... dimmer, than usual?) Amelia: "Ah!" Amelia caught sight of something and froze. Amelia: "Every single day now." An encouraging pat on the arm later and Amelia was off like a rocket. MC: "Huh, wait!" Then I saw what she had Sigurd, striding in my direction. MC: "Sigurd!" Sigurd: "Good morning. i came to walk you to class." MC: "Specifically for that? Every day?" Sigurd: "Yeah." MC: "Why...?" Sigurd: "Because you're important to me." MC: "...!" Sigurd: "You're my Buddy." MC: "R-Right, Buddies..." (What was I hoping he'd say?) Sigurd: "That, and there's something bothering me. I get the feeling I shouldn't leave you on your own for too long." MC: "What are we talking about?" Sigurd: "Hmm... Hopefully it's just my imagination." MC: "What do you mean?" Sigurd: "It's fine. Don't worry about it." Sigurd's face beamed a dismissive smile. MC: "O-Okay..." (Whatever it is, it's bugging me now.) Sigurd: "Do you want to get going to class?" MC. "Sure."
Sigurd: "How are classes going?" MC: "At the moment, I'm completely hopeless at Practical Magic..." Sigurd: "Practical Magic, huh? I'd like to teach you, but it's not my forte." MC: "No way! i've seen the magic you can use. It's amazing!" Sigurd: "Using it is one thing, keeping it under control is another." MC: "Now that I think about it, you lost control of a spell on the day we met..." Sigurd: "Guilty as charged. That's why I focus on light element magic. If I lose control of the spell, people won't get hurt like they would with fire, water or wind magic." [PART 5] MC: "Is it that difficult to keep a spell in check?" Sigurd: "I'm a special case." MC: "In what way?" Sigurd: "I've got a strong affinity for magic which makes keeping it under control an uphill battle." MC: "That's... That's incredible!" Sigurd: "I don't know about that. A strong affinity for magic does not talented wizard make." MC: "How come?" Sigurd: "You can all the affinity for magic in the world, but it doesn't mean a thing if you can't control it." Having too strong affinity for magic isn't all it's cracked up to be." MC: "I wish that was all I had to worry about." Sigurd: "Really? There are plenty of headaches that come with the territory. I have to spend hours lengthening my wand, or coiling it in ivy... Not that it does much good." MC: "Hmm..."
MC: "But it kind of makes sense now." Sigurd: "What does?" MC: "The first time I saw you was magic, I felt strength and compassion behind it. Your strong affinity for magic and your compassionate spell must have merged. Sigurd: "That's one way of looking at it... You have a fascinating way of seeing the world. You've always got a fresh take on things, so there's never a dull moment." MC: "Thank you." Sigurd: "I envy you..." I wasn't sure I believed what Sigurd had mumbled myself. MC: "Huh?" I was about to exercise my curiosity when it happened. ???: "Prince Sigurd, my darling!" The familiar squeak of a cute high-pitched voice approached from behind us. MC: "*gasp* I know that voice." Chica fluttered into sudden view. Chica: "Greetings and good tidings, Prince Sigurd." Sigurd: "Hi, Chica. Adorable as always today." Chica: "Goodness, you flatter me! I'm tickled pink!" Chica spun around in delighted little circles. (He called her adorable, too... Maybe it's just an off-the-cuff comment in Sigurd's mind.) Chicha: "Ah! Mc!" MC: "Morning, Chica." [PART 6] Chica: "How are you with Prince Sigurd?!" Sigurd: "Liz and I are Buddies." Chica: "Wha... Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-Wha.. You weren't supposed to get a Buddy! This wasn't the plan!" Chica: "My poor heart! The shock!" Chica fluttered limply towards the ground. Sigurd: "Be careful." Sigurd said, scooping Chica out of the air in his hands. Sigurd: "Are you all right?" Chica: "I've never been better! What a gentleman!" Chica's eyes bulged hearts. (Chica must like Sigurd.) Chica: "But i'm glad you're here." MC: "Me?" Chica: "I happened to be looking for you." Leslie: "Hey, what are you wasting time doing?" Just then, Leslie cut in to our conversation. MC: "Leslie..." I couldn't look him straight in the eye after what happened this morning. Leslie: "Mc!" Chica: "Leslie, I found her." Chica: "He's been positively hounding me to find you ever since." Leslie: "I... No one needs to hear that!" MC: "Me?" Chica: "He felt simply dreadful about this morning and wanted to apologize." Leslie: "Hey!" MC: "Leslie..." (Leslie might have a certain way with words, but maybe he's actually a nice guy...) [PART 7] Leslie: "Can we... talk alone for a while?" Liz: "I guess..." Leslie: "Come on, follow me." Leslie took me by an arm and trotted into step. Sigurd: "Hold it right there." Sigurd took me by the opposite arm. Sigurd: "I can't have that." Leslie: "What's it to you?" Sigurd: "She's my Buddy, so I can't leave her alone with you." Leslie: "..." Sigurd: "It's not like you'r going to confess your undying love for her, is it?" Sigurd added with a smirk. Leslie: "What?! Of course not!" MC: "Y-Yeah!" We desperately protested the accusation. Sigurd: "Then what's the big deal? You have something to tell her that you can't tell me?" Chica: "Leslie, Prince Sigurd is an honored dignitary." Leslie: "Fine... You come, too." Sigurd: "Thanks." (Phew... It will be a load of my mind if Sigurd is with me.)
Sigurd: "So, what's this about?" Leslie: "I found her entering the East Forest last night." Sigurd: "The East Forest? Why? You know that it's a restricted zone, don't you?" MC. "I-I'm sorry..." Sigurd: "You came out safe and sound this time, but it's still a dangerous place. Why did you go near the forest?" MC: "I... I ended up there without realizing how I got there... I heard this voice... It was reeling me in..." Sigurd: "A voice?" Leslie: "She said it was begging for help." [PART 8] MC: "Yeah... But I heard that voice before then, in a dream." Leslie: "A dream?" A creepy dream... This darkness covered the sky and... blotted the sun out." Leslie: "...!" Sigurd: "..." The two of them were awed into silence. Chica: "She's awakening." Chica tore through the silence with those words. Leslie: "Look at the sun. Anything strike you?" MC: "Huh? The sun..." I trained my gaze skyward again. And sure enough, the sun looked as oddly dim as it had last time. MC: "It's, I don't know... dimmer, than usual?" Sigurd: "It makes sense now. You have greater gift than I could have imagined." MC: "Huh?" Leslie: "It's like you said. Shadow is beginning to creep over the sun." MC: "Wait!" Sigurd: "Look here." Sigurd squatted down and sympathetically brushed a blossoming flower with his hand. Sigurd: "This flower here, the trees, even the grass.. They're all fading in color." MC: "Now that you mention it..." Sigurd: "I suspect it's not just plants that are out of whack either. Magical creatures must be feeling the effects of this, one way or another." MC: "Even your cloud bird?" Sigurd: "There's a chance that things are about to take a turn. Fortunately, there's been nothing irregular about my cloud bird." Leslie: "Something's been off with the Magical Tree, as well. Its leaves are drying up and shedding by the bucket load." Sigurd: "Have you told the Headmaster?" Leslie: "It's already been reported." Sigurd: "Hmm... I can see Klaus and I will be leading an investigation into this." MC: "Are things going to be okay?" Sigurd: "It's too early to say. We still don't know what's going on. Liz, don't worry about this. Leave the situation to Klaus, Leslie, and myself. And don't approach the East Forest under any circumstances. Okay?" [PART 9] He patted my head as he always would, and flashed his typical smile. MC: "Sure..." But my heart sank. His usually reassurances could offer me no security in a situation. There was something lurking, submerged in that smile. Sigurd is true intentions among them. (His heart is a locked box to me...)
MC: "Practical Magic. I'll never get the hang of this..." Practical Magic squatted on first period on my timetable, which was indifferent to my plummeting mood after that had just happened.The students had already gathered for class when a man walked up to us. He had a welcoming air about him. ???: "Class is starting." (A new teacher!) ???: "We had a new student if memory serves, didn't we?" He cast his gaze around and smiled approvingly when I landed on me. ???: "It would be you? I'm Loran Merkulova. I teach Astronomy, Astrology, Medical Magic, and Magic Potion Pharmaceutics. I'm also responsible for overseeing the infirmary." Mc: "I'm MC. It's nice to meet you." Merkulova: "And I, you, Liz." (He seems like a nice guy!) Merkulova: "Today we'll practice casting medical spells by magic circle." MC: "Not magic circles..." (They're my number one sticking point...) Merkulova: "While we'll be covering medical magic today, the spell in question will provide shelter, rather than a means of healing wounds. Barriers are certainly a potent alternative... However, they come with a catch. The caster has to continue to channel magic into the barrier to maintain it. By contrast, a magic circle can be drawn once without the need for a persistent magic current. Freeing the caster up to render medical assistance under its protection. In practice, it's recommended to secure a safe space ahead of time, and draw a magic circle there in advance. In the event someone is injured, you can then carry them to that waiting pocket of safety. Today we'll be drawing magic circles that employ the element of wind. Draw the circle in this doubled formation, using your textbooks for reference. Then write the relevant element in the inner-circle three times. Continue to write the barrier incantation around the rim of the outer.circle so that it wraps around its circumference. Lastly, draw a pentagram in the center. Be sure not to place it upside down." [PART 10] Merkulova: "Now, pair off and draw a magic circle. I'll have you activate them by channeling a magic current through them later. You may begin!" MC: "Oh no... Who should I pair with?" I glanced around here and there. Elias: "Miss Mc?" MC: "Oh, Elias!" Elias: "If you have no one to pair with, I'll pair with you." MC: "Thanks, you're a lifesaver!" Elias: "Let's not waste any time getting started." MC: "Sure!" Elias: Can you start by drawing the inner-circle for me? Don't worry, it's easy." MC: "Okay." I have the inner-circle of the magic circle format Elias had instructed. MC: "Um, what am I supposed to write inside the inner-circle again?"
MC: "I'm pretty sure an element goes here..." I motioned to scratch an element inside of the inner-circle. MC: "Um, what element was it again?"
MC: "I've got this! It's wind!" I filled the inner-circe out with wind element inscriptions. MC: "Say... Elias. Do you and Sigurd get along? He gets along with your brother like peas in a pod." Elias: "Sigurd is a relative." MC: "Really? I didn't know that!" Elias: "Apparently, I was left with his family one summer when I was little... But I don't remember it." MC: "I'd never have guessed..." Elias: "But I do know that he is caring. He always has a thought to spare for other people." MC: "Huh..." (Sigurd is just as kind as I pegged him to be...) Elias: "Are you done?" MC: "Yeah! Down to the last stroke!" Elias: "All right, then let's activate the magic circle." MC: "We're supposed to channel magic into it, right?" Elias: "This will be tricky for you. I'll handle it." MC: "Appreciated." Elias nodded coolly, produced his wand and held it aloft. Elias: "Tabelnus Skewae!" He swung his wand on the back of the uttered incantation, and then... [PART 11] MC: "..." Elias: "..." MC: "..." Elias: "..." MC: "H-Huh?" Elias: "Why! Why won't it activate!" MC: "Maybe I messed up?" Elias: "Doesn't look like it from what I can see... And besides, it should still activate, even if you did." MC: "Then, what's going on?" The question loomed larger after I looked around and saw pairs here and there saddled likewise with inactive magic circles. Elias: "I wonder what's going on..." Elias crossed his arm to ponder the situation. Elias: "Ah well. Give it a try yourself in the meantime." MC: "Me?!" Elias: "Just try it." MC: "Okay... O Magic Circle, I command thee to come to my aid! Tabelnus Skewae!" A pale green light shot out of the magic circle as I brought my wand down in an arc. A wind of green particles gathered and formed around the circle into a dome before our very eyes. MC: "Did I..." Elias: "I'd say you did." MC: "Yes!" Merkulova: "We have a successful activation here." Professor Merkulova came over to confirm his assessment. MC: "Yes, sir!" Merkulova: "Elias, did you?" Elias: "No, the circle didn't respond to my incantation." [PART 12] Merkulova: "Elias, too... Something is afoot. Half of the exemplary students were unable to get their circle to activate. It defies any logic explanation..." Elias: "What's... happening?" MC: "..." (I've got a really bad feeling about this...)
MC: "*Sigh* It's done for the day." The students were quick to leave the classroom behind. MC: "I've got the decorate the auditorium today. I better get started." I gathered my belonging and made to stand...
When a butterfly flapped around the room. MC: Oh, hey little guy!" Looking closer, I realized it was made of paper.
MC: "How can that be?" I followed it with my eyes, puzzled when it flew in my direction. I fluttered down to settle in the palm of my hand, and became a plain old inanimate piece of paper. MC: "What is this?" I peeled the paper pen, to find it was from Sigurd. "Dear Liz. I'll be a little behind schedule, so go on to the auditorium without me. Sigurd." MC: "Wow! I guess you can send messages with these?" Hmm... Is it me or..." (This message gives me a sense of deja vu... Why?" The stared at Sigurd's message open-eyed, contemplating it. (Something is off here...) MC: I don't have time to think about this now. Auditorium, here I come."
Boy Student A: "Hey! More to the right! I said right!" Boy Student B: "Get me some more nails!" Girl Student A: "Do we need more decorations here?" Everyone in the auditorium was frantically going about preparations. Among them was a familiar face. Elias: "MC?" MC: "Elias!" Elias: "Are you looking for Sigurd? You won't find him here." [PART 13] MC: "No, I'm here to help with this." Elias: "help? Are you on the executive committee?" MC: "I was added to the committee, seeing as how I became Buddies with Sigurd." Elias: "Oh, right. It's newt to me." MC: "Are you on the executive committee, too?" Elias: "Yeah." MC: "Decorating the auditorium is going to be make decorating everywhere else look easy." Elias: "You're right about that... Not least because we have to get the stage set up here. Main business for the day is getting that wooden sun symbol hoisted up." MC: "Wow, someone spent a lot of time on that!" Elias: "It's dangerous around the stage, so keep your distance, okay?" MC: "Yeah, I will. So, what do you want me on?" Elias: "Can I ask you to decorate the walls?" MC: "Sure." I took a box of decorations from Elias and headed for a bare wall. Behind me, the giant sun symbol was in the middle of the laborious process of being hoisted up. Boy Student A: "Don't let go of that rope!" Boy Student B: "S-Sure..." The symbol steadily rising in fits and starts was a captivating sight. Then realization struck... I noticed the boy pulling on the rope was shaking at the knees. MC: "Th-They're going to drop it!" I rushed towards him, sensing imminent catastrophe when it happened. The boy collapsed, and the rope flew from his grasp! MC: "*gasp*" The lopsided sun symbol arched towards me like a pendulum. MC: "*Ack*"
(I can't make it!) I squeezed my eyes shut and cowered down, convinced of my fate. [PART 14] ???: "Scutum Lumen!" -*Crash* The shout of the crash was followed by a creaking echo. MC: "..." MC: "Huh?" (What? I didn't feel anything...) I apprehensively pried my eyes open...
Sigurd: "Are you all right?" The sight of Sigurd standing over me jumped into view.
MC: "Sigurd!" Sigurd: "Are you hurt, anywhere?" MC: "I'm fine! What about you!" Sigurd: "Not a scratch. I got the barrier up in a flash." But there was a scratch, a freely bleeding one, scored across his cheek. MC: "Sigurd! You're bleeding!" Sigurd: "Some splinters grazed me. That's all." MC: "This is my fault!" I tugged a handkerchief from my pocket and pressed it against Sigurd's cheek. Sigurd: "I'm fine. I'll patch myself up with healing magic later." He smiled, characteristically dropping his hand on my head. MC: "Sigurd..." My heart clenched in my chest. And a hot, inexpressible something caught in the back of my throat.
Sigurd: I'm more worried about that..." Sigurd turned to face the target of his sympathy. The sun symbol lay on the floor, pitifully dashed into shards. Sigurd: "We've got ourselves a problem..." Klaus: "What's all the fuss about?" Prefect Klaus, having been stirred by the commotion, approached us. [PART 15] Sigurd: "Klaus. Great timing." Klaus: "What happened here?" How did this happen?" Boy Student A: "We were... trying to hang the sun symbol from the ceiling..." Boy Student B: "It's my fault..." A boy with a pale, sickly expression emerged from the crowd, supported by the students around him. Boy Student B: "I've been feeling strange since this morning... I couldn't use magic properly, and felt sluggish. But I knew I wasn't sick..." Klaus: "..." Prefect Klaus shot Sigurd a glance with a sour expression on his face. Sigurd: "..." Sigurd returned Klaus' glance, and nodded acknowledgment. Klaus: "We don't have much of a choice... Fix it with repair magic, right away. I'll permit it this once. You can use magic to hang it from the ceiling, too. You have your instructions." Klaus turned his attention towards us. Klaus: "Liz, that's enough for today. Sigurd, go home as well." Sigurd: "Your concern is much appreciated, Your Excellency. You're too kind." Klaus: "Quiet. ... The Right-hand." Having clumsily returned Sigurd's jab, Klaus left the auditorium. Sigurd: "Well, seeing as we have permission, do you want to go home?" MC: "Sure..." Sigurd: "I'll walk you to your dorm." MC: "Wait, I'll walk you to your dorm, today! Can I?" Sigurd: Haha, my knight in adorable armor. All right, I'll take you up on your offer."
MC: "Hey... Are you sure you're okay?" Sigurd: "I'm fine. The scratch on my cheek's been healed... But your handkerchief's seen better days." MC: "Forget about that!" Sigurd: "I'll make sure to give it back to you after I've washed it." He said, stowing the handkerchief n his breast pocket. MC: "Was what happened just now related to the incident this morning?" [PART 16] Sigurd: "It could be... I think it's likely." MC: "You were late today because you were looking into that, weren't you? What did you find out?" Sigurd: "Mc..." Sigurd gently pressed a silencing forefinger to my lips. Sigurd: "I said not to worry about it, remember?" MC: "B-But..." Sigurd: "Everyone's already hard at work getting to the bottom of this, whether you worry or not."
MC: "Then I have to help, too!" Sigurd: "You can't. I'm asking you to see that it's dangerous." He stroked my head as if soothing a child. Sigurd: "We have no idea what might happen. And I might not be there to protect you..." MC: "I'm sick of always being protected!" Sigurd: "I know how you feel, I do. Bu you're better safe than sorry. I want you to see my side." MC: "You don't baby anyone else. Only me..." Sigurd: It's not like that. I'm just worried for you." Sigurd waved away my concerns with a smile, so much his usual self that it frightened me. I had no idea his face was like under that smiling mask. Sigurd: "I know something that will make you feel better." MC: "Something like what?" Sigurd: "Our Magical Tree doctor is coming off of sabbatical." MC: "Our Magical Tree doctor? Sigurd: "He's, how do you put it... a little eccentric. He disappears into his research." So while he's technically our academy's resident Magical Tree doctor, he's often globe-trotting. But he said he'd come straight back when he heard about the Magical Tree." MC: "How about that... Maybe he'll be able to save the Magical Tree?" Sigurd: "I hope so."
I was absorbed in our conversation so deeply that I was surprised when we arrived on the doorstep of the girl's dorm. MC: "Huh... Wait! I was supposed to walk you to the boy's dorm." Sigurd: "Haha, it's fine. I can make my own way make." MC: "But I..." [PART 17] Sigurd: "Go on before you miss curfew." Sigurd prompted me with a prod to the back. Sigurd: "I'll see you tomorrow, MC." MC: "Tomorrow, then..." Sigurd turn on the heel and departed the way he'd came. (I ended up being escorted by him...) As I watched him leave, I stilled the mysterious, prickling pain in my heart.
Night came, and I had my pen at the ready as usual. Writing to Smokey had become a daily routine. And Smokey could be depended upon to return my letters daily, too. The fact gave me the firmest moral support I had. "My Dearest Smokey. I'm sorry for the unusual question yesterday. Today, I studied magic circles, and after that I prepared for Sol Felia, as usual. But one of the decorations fell during preparations... And Sigurd risked life and limb to protect me. He's so kind, and strong... But he's always wearing a smile for a mask... so I can't gauge what he's thinking. Is it arrogant of me to have to get to know him better? I'm sorry for asking your advice on this. I just feel that I could talk to you about this... Good night. Best regards. Liz." To be continued... [TRAILER] Klaus: Something is already in motion..." Elias: "Klaus, do you think it could be..." Klaus: "..." Elias: "I've never seen you think so hard... We could have a dire situation on our hands." Klaus: "..." Elias: "I'll have to cover the preview. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Next time is 'An Old Tale'." Klaus: "I get the feeling people are talking about me behind my back..." Elias: "That's your dire situation?!" |
Day 5: An Old Tale |
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[PART 1]
MC: "And the sandwich goes in the lunchbox... over here... Done!" The sandwiches for lunch were neatly put together in the lunchbox. MC: "I made me some mean sandwiches, if I do say so myself!" I had borrowed the dorm's kitchen in the early hours of the morning to prepare them. MC: "I hope Sigurd likes them."
MC: "Good morning, Sigurd." Sigurd: "Good morning, Liz." Sigurd greeting me on my doorstep had become a routine part of my mornings. Amelia had started making a habit of leaving the dorm ahead of me, likely out of consideration for us. Sigurd: "You're carrying a bit more than usual with you today." Sigurd stated curiously, noting the basket I was carrying that held the sandwiches I'd made earlier. MC: "Oh, y-yeah!" Alarmed, I hide the basket behind my back. (I need to ask him to lunch...)
MC: "Um... So, will you ea lunch with me today?" Sigurd: "Lunch?" MC: "It's okay, you're busy... I understand..." (I'm just pestering him...) Sigurd: "I'd love to." MC: "Huh?" Sigurd: "I've been thinking about having lunch with you for a while now. Thank you for asking me." MC: "R-Really?" My joy at his words flashed my cheeks baking hot. Sigurd: "I'll bet lunch with you will be fun." MC: "I-I'm glad to hear that..." (I made the right call asking him!) Sigurd: "I'll come get you at lunchtime. I'm looking forward to lunch." MC: "I'll see you then!"
MC: "That worked out well." I skipped into the classroom, my feet not touching the ground once until I got there. MC: "Hm?" I immediately noticed something was out of place. MC: "Hmm? Aren't there fewer students than normal?" [PART 2] (I must be imaging things...) I was turning the idea over in my mind and Cerim walked into class. MC: "Hey, Cerim! Good morning." Cerim: "Good morning, MC." MC: "There's an empty seat over here." Cerim: "Thank you." Cerim took the open seat next to mine. ???: "Hey! You!" MC: "Hm?" A voice that didn't seem to be coming from anywhere in particular growled. ???: "I mean you! Yeah, you!" I squinted at Cerim's shoulder and... there was a squirrel perched. MC: "Oh, what a cute squirrel!" ???: "What?! I'm not a squirrel. Mr. Ronny!" MC: "Huh? He can speak our language!" ???: "Don't go lumping me in with random magical creature! I'm his familiar!" MC: "You mean... you're Cerim's familiar?" Cerim: "This is Ronny. He has mouth on him... I'm Sorry." MC: "Okay..." (He's not wrong though...) Ronny: "I told you! That means I get to be familiar with him, and you don't! You got that, dingle-brain?!" MC: "Hmph! It's my choice if I want to talk to him or not! Don't think being cute makes you the boss of me!" Ronny: "Say that again!" Cerim: "Ronny, quit it." Ronny responded to Cerim's scolding off with a huffy about-face. Cerim: "I am so sorry." MC: "N-No, it's fine. Really." Cerim: "Mc... have you noticed?" MC: "Noticed that... Wait. That there's less students than usual?" Cerim: "Exactly. Five students from our class are absent." MC: "A whole five?! Maybe something's going around?" Cerim: "I'm not sure if that's it..." The student who had collapsed yesterday flashed into my mind. (It can't be related... can it?) Professor Schuyler slithered into the room, winged in by the bell. [PART 3] (Great... Professor Schuyler.) Schuyler: "Class is now in session. Today, we will be covering magic control. How one controls their magic power acs as the cornestone of all magic use. And it is no simple feat. It would not be and understatement to say that most spells end in failure due to stumbling at this critical juncture." (Control, huh? Wasn't Sigurd saying he had trouble keeping his spells under control?) Schuyler: "Today, you will pour water into a pitcher at a steady speed, using only magic." Pitching too slowly or too quickly will be considered inadequate. You'll match the pace set by the hourglasses I am going to hand out now. Incidentally... I trust you all know the incanation to summon water? MC, if you please."
MC: "O water, hallowed source of life, converge before me! Aqua!" Schuyler: "Your preparation for class is immaculate. My trust was not misplaced this time. Be sure that it won't be in the future, either." MC: "Yes, sir!" Schuyler: "Aperio!" Professor Schuyler waved his wand, and plumes of white smoke billowed around the classroom. The smoke cleared, and in its place on each desk sat a water pitcher and hourglass. Schuyler: "Begin!" Incantations chorused around the room instantly. MC: "I've got this... Go me." I clasped my wand, stilling my mind. MC: "O water, hallowed source of life, converge before me! Aqua!" I swung my wand... Tufts of white smoke obscured the pitcher, which reemerged with a pair of wings. MC: "Ah, not good!" I hardly had the time to recognize my failure before it started briskly gliding around the classroom. MC: "H-Hey, wait! Um, what was the spell to return it to normal again... Um..." The pitcher continued flapping a graceful circuit around the class. Fortunately, its mischievousness hadn't gotten the better of it...yet. (I've got to get a leash on it. Quick!) Schuyler: "Supesaman Mundi!" Professor Schuyler followed his incantation with a flourish of his wand... The pitcher shuddered and yawed before the wings took their polite leave from existence. Finally, the pitcher dropped like a stone, coming to a halting smack in Professor Schuyler's open palm. Schuyler: "Liz! First feet, and now wings... What manner of beast are you concocting in my classroom?" MC: Ah, well... I..." Schuyler: "You and i are going to have a wo..." [PART 4] The end of his sentence was eaten by a sudden pattering shower of something. MC: "That's cold! What is this... Rain? Rain?! Inside the classroom?" Schuyler: "What is the meaning of this?" Girl Student A: "No way. Why! Come on, stop!" MC: "Someone messed up, and it wasn't me?" The string of failures piled up, with a torrent of water hurtling through the air and crashing into the walls in a spray of droplets. MC: "Ack!" Boy Student A: "Why is this happening! It's like it's got a mind of its own!" A squirt of water made of my face, and cleanly hit the mark. MC: "*Gurgle*" Girl Student B: "S-Sorry! I can't get my magic back on a leash!" MC: "What's gotten into everyone?" The classroom was drenched, making for a terrible spectacle. Only three students had cast the spell successfully. Elias, Cerim and Yukiya. Schuyler: "How is this possible...?" MC: "Maybe... everyone messed up like me?" Schuyler: "No... Something is clearly amiss. Only students with a strong affinity for magic successfully cast the spell. Are the wands the culprit?" Professor Schuyler examined his wand and, sure enough, its bark appeared dulled. The same was true not only of his wand, but everyone's. MC: "So, it's my wand's fault I messed up!" Schuyler: "You have as much a reason to succeed as they do. You've simply failed to grasp the fundamentals." MC: "Huh?" Schuyler: "You have a strong affinity for magic, after all. You've yet to be impacted by your wand." MC: "What? I have a strong affinity for magic?!" Schuyler: "As much as it pains me to say it, your affinity for magic is remarkable strong." MC: "Yes!" Schuyler: "You've no cause for celebration. Having a strong affinity for magic is meaningless if it can't be wielded." MC: "Ugh...." (Come to think of it, didn't Sigurd say the same thing?) Schuyler: "In any case, these circumstances are suspect. Today's class is dismissed!" MC: "..." (This can't be a coincidence... What's happening with the sun is connected to this.) [PART 5] [PART 6] [PART 7] [PART 8] [PART 9] [PART 10] [PART 11] [PART 12] [PART 13] [PART 14] [PART 15] [PART 16] [TRAILER] |
Day 6: |
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[PART 1] [PART 2] [PART 3] [PART 4] [PART 5] [PART 6] [PART 7] [PART 8] [PART 9] [PART 10] [PART 11] [PART 12] [PART 13] [PART 14] [PART 15] [PART 16] [TRAILER] |