Descendants of Time (Role-Play Act 5: Revolutionary Moment)

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Striding as fast as he could without breaking into a run, Aramus left the girls dormitory. This time, the stares from the girls he passed actually made him feel guilty about what had gone on earlier. Shaking his head, he looked behind to Kusanagi and the lecture that would soon befall its owner.

A few scant minutes later, he knocked on the door of the infirmary before stepping inside, closing the door as quietly as possible. The infirmary was a place with many wards – full of beds with pure white sheets. There was but one nurse assigned to this place, but she seemed to be out at the moment. The infirmary of the Magic Academies were different from the ordinary ones in other schools. They stored numerous amount of magical medicines and rare products; taking caution against various incidents. At the same time, all students put to rest would have a green magical sphere surrounding them. Not as an actual barrier, but more of a healing spell. Those unhurt visitors coming to see a student should stay out of the glow lest they wish to lessen the healing effects provided to the students.

It made him feel bad, going from one girl to the next, even if it wasn’t in that context. Making his way through the infirmary, he soon found Tsuruko at the far end of the wards. She looked none worse for wear but was still asleep, so he pulled a chair up next to her bed. There was only one lesson for him later today so he could pass the time here till then, that is, if the nurse didn’t mind.

Tsuruko had been knocked out for quite a while when she was asleep. Perhaps the first real-time battle was a little too much for her, or maybe she could have taken better preparations. But for her there were many more lessons that she’d have to learn, one way or another. It was one of the best ways to grow, after all. Aramus’ steps grew louder as he approached a still Tsuruko. Tsuruko could somehow hear this, and with an unnatural groan she struggled to open her eyes. Although not to her surprise she found her teacher sitting right beside her. Her eyes regaining focus, she remembered what state she was in beforehand.

[color=#baa700]“Where…… the battle…!”[/color]

Snapping shut his grimoire with a thud, Aramus turned his chair to face the now awake Tsuruko. [color=#bf00ff]”Yes… the battle. Now you know what happens when you maintain a spell for too long. It was your first mock battle after all.”[/color]

[color=#baa700]“So that’s what I did…?”[/color] Tsuruko furrowed a brow as if not wanting herself to believe she made that kind of mistake during battle. [color=#baa700]“It was.. a… horrible mistake, from me, at the least. I seek your tender forgiveness, sensei,”[/color] Tsuruko felt that the person that she needed to apologize to the most was herself.

[color=#bf00ff]”Just be sure to know your limits. There are also a few things you need to note though, especially with your usage of Prism Flare. No doubt it is a very useful spell but using it in front of all your classmates was perhaps not the best decision. In particular, I got blinded by that spell due to my inattention and lost my lunch in the process.”[/color] He paused, sighing down at Tsuruko who still looked a tad lost. [color=#bf00ff]”In the future, your teammates might not take too kindly to being blinded.”[/color]

[color=#baa700]“I’m really sorry. I… should’ve seen that coming.”[/color] Tsuruko had been practising it by herself all this while so she had no idea it would had this effect on other people. She tried to bow towards Aramus but all her energy had been drained from her. Instead, she offered a kind of compensation, [color=#baa700]“Did.. you already have your lunch?”[/color]

[color=#bf00ff]”With timely intervention from Elizabeth, yes.”[/color] He replied with a laugh. [color=#bf00ff]”Otherwise I would’ve gone hungry. That said, you have a lot of potential, being the wielder of Kusanagi.”[/color] At the mention of its name, the sword wafted over to his side. [color=#bf00ff]”I have yet to see many students in this academy with weapons of this calibre. Perhaps training more with someone in your class or with me if you want to become more proficient. Take it from me, it’s much more useful than solo practice.”[/color]

[color=#baa700]“Ooh, I’ll be eternally grateful if you would take someone like me as your personal student!”[/color] Tsuruko exclaimed. She had the spirit to learn, and what more could one learn if not under one of the teacher of a renowned Academy?

[color=#bf00ff]”Alright, that’s fine with me. We need to cover your basics first. I’m not sure what they’ve taught you before but it is imperative that we incorporate your sword skills with your spells. I would like to see a combination of your spells and swordplay.”[/color]

[color=#baa700]“Hmm, I… wonder about that. My Ignem spells are mostly used to slow down the opponent, or to wear him down, or create unusual situations where they can’t fight properly, and my other spells are either for general use, I decided, or to... disallow people from casting spells,”[/color] Tsuruko explained. [color=#baa700]“I find my weapon skills a cut above most so I didn’t really find the need of offensive spells…”[/color]

[color=#baa700]“And... I usually wind my opponent down before doing physical attacks, as they’re harder to dodge when they’re disabled,”[/color]

[color=#baa700]“I’ve been taught on how to deal with single-targets before, but I’ve almost never encountered a battle with multiple targets…”[/color]

[color=#bf00ff]”Strange how your previous teachers did not instruct you to use them in conjunction with each other though. I assume you’ve never fought in a team or with a partner as well?”[/color] He added thoughtfully, trying to think of ways that Tsuruko could improve. [color=#bf00ff]”And as skilled as you are with the blade, there will be situations where you will be without them. Best to learn at least one basic spell, if you can.”[/color]

[color=#baa700]“...No… everyone avoids me for some reason,”[/color] Tsuruko averted her gaze.[color=#baa700] “I do have a few basic spells, if that’s what you’re meaning… I’ve practiced blade techniques to the end of my memory so i think it’s natural that I… like using it more.”[/color]

[color=#bf00ff]”Not an issue. I will see if there are any others who would be interested in team training, but it’s unlikely, haha.”[/color] Aramus laughed weakly, waving his book around in the air. [color=#bf00ff]”Funny how Elizabeth said the same thing. Is it a Japanese thing or just you two in general?”[/color]

That question threw Tsuruko off-guard. She didn’t know how to answer his question, for if she’d answer either way, it’d still feel that bit wrong. [color=#baa700]“It’s… a Japanese thing…?”[/color]

[color=#bf00ff]”Both you and her said the same thing but it could just be me though. In any case, I will return Kusanagi to you. Though, you owe me a muffin.”[/color] With a self assured smirk, Aramus bid Kusanagi over and it hovered by her bedside. [color=#bf00ff]”The wind will dispel once you are ready to sheathe it. In the meantime, do rest up. If you do not feel well enough for your later classes, please inform the nurse.”[/color] He got up to leave, returning the chair to its rightful spot. As Aramus walked out, that familiar part of him bid a smile to his features and he wondered, what flavor of muffin would she bring?

[color=#baa700]“...Thank you,”[/color] replied a weak Tsuruko, mildly smiling. She put some thought into how she would repay Aramus a muffin, but cast it aside, and with that she returned to staring at her sword of Kusanagi. By some odd power the wind embraced it if it had to fall, and guided it if it were to strike, making it seem almost weightless. As she laid her hands on it, it’s full weight returned as if it recognised it’s owner right from the beginning. Soon, she sheathed the sword back into its scabbard. With the sword returned to her side it was high time Tsuruko be dressed and continue her regular scheduled programme.

(Welp, colors are dead even with HTML. Jacob really loves to degrade his site for some reason.)

With a slow and a careful set of thuds made on the door – the teacher knocked, asking permission for entry without the use of his voice. A gentle yet stern tone of voice beckoned him inside momentarily.

Aramus found himself inside the Headmistress’ room. A chamber glistening with technology. Apparently, the Headmistress had a hobby of collecting †˜interesting’ – or so she claims – accessories and devices sold across the futuristic city of Tokyo. She’d often be found lounging around with those devices called phones. Something mages loathe since it was a triumphant victory over the their magical use of communication.

“Welcome Mister Valmark, how is your experience teaching here so far?” The Headmistress asked casually, despite addressing him as one would in England; she spoke in Japanese.

Was this really the reason he was called here? Aramus wondered. The loudspeaker was used just to summon him here. There must’ve been a bigger reason, there had to be one.

[color=#bf00ff]”It has been… interesting. The students here are entirely different from those in the Royal Academy, for one. No doubt technology has played a greater part in that. I’ve seen the uses of those… smartphones, but everybody tapping away at them during lunch break is a little disconcerting to me. I blame the culture difference.”[/color] answering honestly, Aramus did find the students a tad out of sorts, with their lack of a uniform, each student could dress according to their own taste. It felt weird coming into class sometimes to face a riot of colors compared to his time back in the Royal Academy. It was a lot more formal back where he was from. Albeit there still wasn’t any particular uniform back in the Royal Academy, either.

“But isn’t that great? I personally enjoy seeing a collection of students out of the norm,” the Headmistress responded, giving a short laugh as she crossed her fingers and laid her chin over them.

“It gives me something new to study. How the Europeans of the modern world and how the Japanese of the futuristic world would interact…” her voice trailed off.

[color=#bf00ff]”Personally, I do enjoy seeing the same. I’m sure you know why. That said, I don’t think it’s us being modern, rather, the backward people in the eyes of the Japanese.”[/color] Shifting in his robes, Aramus spoke his views. There was no use denying that the Japanese were superior, at least in this regard. [color=#bf00ff]”Is there something else you called me here for, ma’am? I’m sure you called me here for more than just my opinion.”[/color]

“Well, I’d think half my staff are from England, and they are far behind the moderners,” the Headmistress said, chuckling. One wouldn’t be able to discern if that was more of an insult or a joke from the casual tone she spoke in. Aramus nodded in agreement, he had one smartphone and was trying very hard to understand it. It was mind boggling for what it could do.

“Indeed. I have a bit of a… request,” the Headmistress begun, her expression turning solemn, a little bit if anything. “You’re aware that we aren’t able to have very young children as students, yes?”

“However, there are so many gems among the children that I cannot help but adore.”

[color=#bf00ff]”What would you have me do, headmistress?”[/color] Honestly intrigued, Aramus was eager to see what she had in store for the young children. If he could, all of his effort would go into overseeing their progress.

“Come in,” she said in response to Aramus’ question.

The door parted ways, and Aramus turned. A short figure had arrived. Short blonde hair and well, a cute face. A very cute face, in fact. He couldn’t go wrong with that description in mind. The child had teal colored pair of eyes, and he was very short. Indeed, the height of a child, literally.

[color=#00ab6d]“H-Hello… ”[/color] the little young boy greeted shyly. He spoke in English. It felt almost nostalgic to Aramus.

[color=#bf00ff]”Hello yourself, young one.”[/color] Aramus replied with a smile, it must have been pretty nerve wracking for him to be personally selected by the Headmistress. [color=#bf00ff]”So he’s the one going to be under my care from now on?”[/color] This he directed to the Headmistress. He could totally relate to the young boy’s position.

“Indeed. While it is illegal to have a student younger than the age of sixteen enrolled in a Magic Academy. There is no rule against a young disciple, I believe,” the Headmistress stated, apparently having given the issue enough thought before calling Aramus in. “He has talent, and I’d like him to receive proper care for it.”

Looking back at the young boy fidgeting, it vaguely reminded Aramus of himself in his younger days when he was first taken in. [color=#bf00ff]”Alright. What is your name, young one?”[/color] Introductions were in order if he wanted to train this boy to his fullest potential.

[color=#00ab6d]“Almond, sir,”[/color] the boy said weakly, unable to connect his eye with that of Aramus’. His fingers fiddled before his mouth, and he seemed more nervous than anything, he felt that his heart could pop out of his chest any moment now.

[color=#bf00ff]”Well Almond, it seems that we will be together for some time. You can address me as Aramus, teacher, sensei, whatever you see fit.”[/color] he tussled the boy’s hair, knowing that this would be something interesting for the both of them.

The boy’s figure shuddered with embarrassment as his nervousness peaked. [color=#00ab6d]“A-Ah yes! I’ll go with t-teacher… then,”[/color] he forced his eyes to the floor as he blurted those words out. He went with †˜sir’ only because he was somewhat afraid, but now that Aramus offered and gave him a choice, he could only pick †˜teacher’, since the man would be taking him in as his student personally.

Turning back towards the Headmistress, Aramus did have a few things to ask about his new charge. [color=#bf00ff]”What would you like me to teach him? Has he been instructed before in the arts or can I start from scratch?”[/color]

“Almond, please wait for your teacher outside, alright?” The Headmistress said sweetly, almost sounding like his real mother. Almond nodded and went back, somehow seeming to be really happy. He even made sure to close the doors properly.

“So I assume that you’d like to take him under your wing, then?” The Headmistress asked Aramus, facing him now, wanting to confirm with him. “To be honest, I wouldn’t force him on you. I wanted to make an offer, I suppose.”

Aramus shrugged, looking back towards the door. [color=#bf00ff]”I’ll be very frank, he reminds me too much of myself at that age. I know what it’s like to not have anything and to be thrust into an unfamiliar world alone.”[/color] He winked once at the headmistress, giving her a determined smile. [color=#bf00ff]”I wouldn’t have it any other way.”[/color]

“Indeed. That is precisely the reason I have summoned you. You’d know to an extent… about the kind of world such children find themselves in,” the Headmistress said, revealing her reasoning behind picking him. Aramus’ background was littered with experiences nobles, or mages of privileged upbringing wouldn’t have any idea of, at all. “I will pay you at least triple your salary for this. However, some of those money would be for the boy. So be careful with that,” she added with a sly smile.

[color=#bf00ff]”T-triple!?”[/color] Unable to hold back his surprise, Aramus raised his voice. Would he be able to eat three times as much, or more accurately, be hungry three times less? No, no, he had to take care of Almond as well. Maybe two times.

“I am his guardian after all. So I have to pay for his expenditure, yes?”

[color=#bf00ff]”Thank you very much, headmistress.”[/color] Lowering his head in proffered thanks, Aramus accepted his new assignment.

“Now to the main business. Almond is – well, as you may have guessed already – special,” the Headmistress begun. “His magics has considerable raw power as a child. There are often instances where he loses control, of course. These are common. However, not to the scale that Almond pulls off. Regarding your question earlier; he has very sparse knowledge of magic. You may teach him what you know. It may prove to be good for his wellbeing to know what he possesses.”

[color=#bf00ff]”Very well. Square one it is. Anything else I should know?”[/color] Sliding a finger across his tome, he was already beginning to plan out how he was going to teach Almond. That is to say, with almost no plan at all.

“He is – as some may call it – a war orphan. You remember the Second Great Mage’s War? This was a child who lost his parents due to it. He was originally supposed to be a noble, but as the situation was… someone took over the properties, and he was to be disposed of. Someone who knew me happened to be close as the deed would be done… ”

“I suppose you can figure the rest of the story. My friend is poor, and he could only think to confide about it with me. Perhaps as a female, I have a soft spot for children. Now, things ended up this way. I am a busy person, however, and I needed someone more experienced to take care of him,” she explained.

[color=#bf00ff]”If only there were more like you, then there would be less people who would have to go through what I did. I will do what I can for Almond, you can be sure of that. Will that be all, Headmistress?”[/color] Feeling the conversation draw to a close, Aramus still needed to prepare for his next class. He would have Almond tag along for that, it would prove useful to the boy.

“I’d like it if you can take him out to the city, sometime. I feel like he needs to get a good view of the world from time to time. Other than that, I must inform you that he is going to be transferred to your place. Please take care of him,” the Headmistress said with a big smile, dropping the bomb at Aramus.

Aramus merely hung his head and sighed. [color=#bf00ff]”This only happens when I try to do something good, doesn’t it.”[/color] muttering under his breath, he instinctively cursed whatever god he had pissed off. [color=#bf00ff]”Do I get a bigger room at least?”[/color] Chuckling weakly, Aramus did one last attempt to try and gain some ground. Him and Almond, together, was going to make for some very weird times.

“If you wish. The expenses are all yours to take care of from the given salary, however,” she replied, shrugging. The smile didn’t wane even then. Women may sometimes be kind, but may also be sly.

“Though, I am paying the salary in advance this month. Like, now,” she said, opening a drawer in the back to take out a sum of money. She had it ready apparently. With this he’d have to last the rest of the month and the next month. It wouldn’t be so pretty for a ride.

[color=#bf00ff]”I’m too young to be a father.”[/color] Lifting both arms up in surrender, Aramus turned to leave. [color=#bf00ff]”I’ll see what I can do with my current accommodations. If need be, we will expand. The boy will need his own room eventually.”[/color]

“Indeed he will. Tell you what, if I see good results, I may raise your payment,” she said, trying to provide Aramus with some motivation factor.

[color=#bf00ff]”I will accept. Though good parenting is a reward in and of itself.”[/color] He imagined what rumors would spring up, having Almond following him from class to class by his side. [color=#bf00ff]”If there’s nothing else, I’ll go be with my son. We have a lot of catching up to do.”[/color]

“...Maybe it’s best you don’t call yourself a father. Perhaps uncle, or just master – as one would like a mentor of a mage-in-training – would,” the Headmistress advised, quietly nodding to herself for some reason.

[color=#bf00ff]”Sorry if the joke offended you. I just felt he needed someone to count on, that’s all.”[/color] Aramus waved a hand goodbye as he walked out, his robe flowing behind him. [color=#bf00ff]”And like I said earlier, he can call me whatever he wants. I’m just going to be the best damn foster-father-uncle-teacher-mentor-master-whatever he’s going to have.”[/color]

“Yes, yes, I am counting on you. Have fun with that spirit always following you.”

As Aramus left, he heard a giggle. A rare giggle he wouldn’t expect from the Headmistress.

Hand freezing mid-wave, Aramus turned back towards the headmistress, narrowing his eyes to slits. He locked eyes with her for a few scant moments before sighing again, continuing on his way. [color=#bf00ff]”It’ll never leave, won’t it?[/color] He said to everyone yet no one in particular.

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It was almost evening, and Aramus was lounging about in his room in the boys dormitory now. The room was quite simple, a window, a pair of beds, with a toilet and a closet. These were, of course, the provisions of the academy. The other bed was not quite necessary, and the staff considered removing it as the room was originally meant for students to stay in. However, Aramus insisted that it was better off kept as an extra. He wouldn’t know where to sleep if some unholy occurrence would break it apart.

A bookshelf and a desk completed his simple room, the former packed to the brim with novels and the latter covered with notes and other papers he had yet to file away. It was a bit spartan for a Magic Magister but he didn’t need much else. Now that Almond was here however, Aramus was glad that he had kept the extra bed.

Guiding his new charge in, he pointed to the extra bed. [color=#bf00ff]“You can place whatever you own there for now. I will see if we can get you a small table and drawers.”[/color]

[color=#00ab6d]“Alright,”[/color] the boy nodded. Almond had just came in; taking in the sight of the room to be shared with his teacher for an untold amount of time. He walked forward tentatively, dragging the big luggage he parked beside him.

Aramus wondered just how he had all this luggage, as a war orphan who was on the verge of death would usually not have almost anything.

Gingerly Almond took a seat on the bed, and opened his luggage. It was full of rich-looking clothes, so much that Aramus could imagine a blinding shine from them. There were also many gadgets and devices. He figured now that all these luggage were the provisions of the Headmistress. Even as she casually carted Almond to him, she seemed to be a rather doting parent who had the luxury to give him so many things to play with. Almond soon begun to place the items out of the bag and onto the bed…

[color=#bf00ff]”Looks like we’ll have to get you a closet of your own after all…”[/color] the young teacher placed both hands on his hips, looking at the sheer amount of… stuff that Almond had in his luggage. Aramus emptied his own meagre pockets, looking forlornly at his wallet. Even if it did have a hole, it would have to make do until he could visit the city again.

Opening his closet, Aramus dug around for a moment beneath his belongings before pulling out a candy bar. He tossed it onto Almond’s bed, the bar bouncing on the mattress. [color=#bf00ff]”Here, a snack for you. Make sure you brush your teeth later or your teeth’ll drop out.”[/color]

[color=#00ab6d]“A-Ah, thank you,”[/color] Almond said, trying to catch the bar, but failed. [color=#00ab6d]“My… teeth will drop out?”[/color] He asked as if wanting to reconfirm, his skin turning pale by the second, a comical sight to Aramus.

Aramus nodded grimly, facing Almond. [color=#bf00ff]”If you don’t take care of them, they will rot and drop out so always remember to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed.”[/color] He patted Almond on the head to calm the young boy down before helping to unpack and arrange his belongings.

[color=#00ab6d]“Y-Yes, teacher!”[/color] Almond responded, almost too loud and strangely determined. One would wonder if he took it as his first lesson for the day from Aramus. [color=#00ab6d]“Umm, when do I get taught about magic?”[/color] He asked. Seemingly eager to learn the arts of magecraft.

[color=#bf00ff]”Anytime. You will be following me to class as my… assistant. You will watch and learn from what I teach directly. It will be difficult for you but during our free time, like now, I will teach you the basics.”[/color] Aramus could already imagine bringing Almond to class, and how he would most definitely by fawned over by his female students.

[color=#00ab6d]“Oooh! I can’t wait to see a real class. It would be an honor, teacher,”[/color] Almond said, his eyes sparkly like rare and valuable gems. The boy was truly excited to learn more about magic. [color=#00ab6d]“So I will be… learning the basics, now?”[/color]

Aramus nodded, pulling out the most basic of books for Almond, Rules of the Magic World, from his bookshelf. [color=#bf00ff]”First and foremost, this is what you will need to know. It will teach you right from wrong and… that’s all you need to know. Take note of forbidden spells, those are particularly important.”[/color] He handed the book to Almond, already feeling the part of a proper teacher. Here was a boy who was actually willing to listen.

Almond gingerly took the book bestowed upon him with a really curious look on his face. The book wasn’t so thick, but the title seemed to carry a sense of importance to it.

[color=#00ab6d]“Then… I shall read up on this book. I am not too good with some words yet… I’d be very grateful if you can help me in the various parts I get stuck in.”[/color]

Already making space for Almond in his closet, Aramus looked over his shoulder as he continued hanging the boy’s things. [color=#bf00ff]”Of course.”[/color] He busied himself with the simple things for he had his own planning to do. At such a moment, there was an audible knock on the door. Aramus turned to face the door. Who could it be at this hour? People would usually be done with dinner by this time and then head to bed. In fact, he assumed that the rich Headmistress probably had Almond eat before sending him here. Albeit he himself wasn’t done eating… he’d have to look into the cafeteria sooner or later, but there was Almond to tend to for now.

Anyway, he felt that he had to open the door soon. Taking a few steps, he reached up to the door and opened it casually.

Eyes widened and jaws dropped. The beautiful locks of gold and an elegant silky attire coupled with a very familiar smile greeted him.

[color=#ff0088]“Good evening, teacher,”[/color] she greeted him in English. It was her alright. Yes, the one with marvelous hands who made his godly lunch today – Elizabeth. Knowing that her teacher was from England, she could casually speak in her mother tongue when others wouldn’t be around.

Caught off guard, Aramus could only let a startled [color=#bf00ff]”Eh?”[/color] in response. He froze for a moment, taking in her appearance before shaking himself awake. [color=#bf00ff]”Ah… Elizabeth. What brings you here at this time of night?”[/color] He was positive he had been staring, she looked fetching in her clothes after all.

[color=#ff0088]“I am rather surprised that you’re here relaxing, teacher,”[/color] Elizabeth said, voicing her disappointment. [color=#ff0088]“Have you forgotten your promise with our teacher Mathilde? She’ll take what little lunch you get tomorrow if you don’t offer her a rare wine,”[/color] she reminded.

Aramus gulped. Trust his favorite student to remind him of what he owed. Maybe a bit too upstanding. He looked back into the room to see Almond still reading quietly, making sure things were alright before replying. [color=#bf00ff]”Not in the slightest. Uh, please come in. It’s a bit messy but…”[/color]

He opened the door for her, Aramus didn’t want anyone else to see what was going to happen anyway. After all, he could feel the deathly stares from the boys outside the room, all the way from the corridor.

[color=#ff0088]“Pardon my intrusion,”[/color] the visiting lady said; stepping in tentatively as she looked down. Now under the lights of the room, Aramus could get a clear view of his favorite student. She wore a red sweater that – sparkled magnificently in the light – neatly coated her beautiful figure all the way down to her thighs, and a pair of black stockings. Her hand was equipped with a fabulous looking bag that shined with pretty-looking stones. It almost seemed like she was to be going out for a dinner in a fancy restaurant tonight.

[color=#00ab6d]“...Teacher, i-is she… ”[/color] Almond begun with wide eyes, gulping even, [color=#00ab6d]“is she your… girlfriend?!”[/color]

[color=#bf00ff]”Almond!”[/color] Aramus flushed, looking away from Elizabeth even as he shut the door quickly with a tad more force than normal. [color=#bf00ff]”She- she’s my favorite student, that’s all!”[/color] Struggling to regain his composure and the blush on his face, Aramus inadvertently blurted out whatever was on his mind. [color=#bf00ff]”Pardon him, Ellie, it’s his first day and he.. oh my goodness.”[/color]

[color=#ff0088]“T-That’s right. We’re only teacher and student is all,”[/color] Elizabeth said, agreeing with her teacher. Her face was beet red, one would think that merely pinching her cheek could cause steam to flow out from her ears and nose.

[color=#00ab6d]“Ah… yes, i-if you say so,”[/color] Almond said, unable to say anything to the two denying his words, immediately at that.

[color=#ff0088]“Wait, Ellie?”[/color] Elizabeth uttered, looking at Aramus dumbfounded, tilting her head. [color=#ff0088]“Ahem, so who is this cute young man? To think you have an apprentice already. I am happy for you, yet very jealous indeed.”[/color] It was an honor to be called the favorite student by a Magic Magister, but she could already feel her position endangered by this young – impossibly cute – boy.

Aramus sputtered for a moment, he had effectively put his foot where his mouth was. [color=#bf00ff]”Yes. Elizabeth, this is Almond. Starting today, he will be my apprentice and assistant. He will be joining me in all my classes as he learns to be a mage.”[/color] Although still red, he avoided looking Elizabeth in the eye, instead looking at Almond.

[color=#ff0088]“A-Ah… I see, congratulations on having such a cute boy as an apprentice… I’m sure that he will grow to be as strong as you, teacher,”[/color] Elizabeth said, walking up to Almond and patting him. A smile naturally came to her face, seeing his coming reaction.

[color=#00ab6d]“I’m not cute… ”[/color] Almond silently said, pouting.

Aramus chuckled, watching the exchange before getting down to business. [color=#bf00ff]”Well, Elizabeth, I don’t suppose you came out here just to remind me. Come take a seat and I’ll prepare a cup of tea. Sugar? Milk?”[/color] Digging around in his closet, he took out a small tea set that he always had on him for the days he spent cooped up, engrossed in his research.

[color=#ff0088]“I was hoping that we could go to the city now,”[/color] Elizabeth replied, stating her intentions outright to the teacher. [color=#ff0088]“There is no better time than this evening, and only a teacher can permit leave from the Academy’s Boundary Barrier, yes?”[/color] She said. Indeed, the permission to leave the academy grounds were strictly restricted to the teaching staff and the Headmistress herself. The only exceptions for the individuals whose homes were located in Tokyo, for whom it is optional if they wish to stay in the dormitories or not.

[color=#ff0088]“I will go with black tea for tonight,”[/color] she answered.

Aramus slowed a bit as he prepared the tea, a small cup of milk for Almond already on the desk. [color=#bf00ff]”You want to go out now?”[/color] He added three sugar cubes for his own cup before looking at Elizabeth for her input.

[color=#ff0088]“Yes, of course. I-I can step out if you need to… prepare,”[/color] Elizabeth said, averting her gaze from Aramus.

[color=#bf00ff]”No no! It’s alright.”[/color] Handing her the cup of black tea and milk to Almond, he took a sip from his own to calm frayed nerves. To think that a simple visit would turn into a night on the town.

Elizabeth gently received the cup of black tea and took in its breath. Taking a sip, it was evident as her expression was distorted, but she still continued to drink the tea nonetheless.

[color=#ff0088]“So… what do you intend to do with the wine’s payment? Have you thought of a solution, teacher?”[/color]

Finishing a sip from his own tea, Aramus placed the teacup on his cluttered desk. [color=#bf00ff]”Well, due to a sudden windfall, I am now able to afford the wine. We can leave whenever you are ready, Almond will you be fine on your own?”[/color] Aramus looked over to the young boy drinking his milk, book at his side.

[color=#00ab6d]“Yes! Please go out and enjoy your date, teacher. I’ll be marking down the parts I don’t get, so do not worry,”[/color] Almond said with a big smile.

[color=#ff0088]“My, my, I wonder who taught these things to a child… ”[/color] Elizabeth said, her voice trailing off, yet her gaze was led to Aramus…

[color=#bf00ff]”At least he knows when people need time for themselves.”[/color] Aramus replied, even as he sucked his breath in. Really, what was the Headmistress teaching him? [color=#bf00ff]”I only got him today so I can’t say much about his upbringing prior to this.”[/color] Taking the empty cup from Elizabeth, he placed both of theirs into the sink for later. He noted that she had drunk sparingly, perhaps maybe something sweeter might be in order.

Finishing the cup wasn’t so easy, Elizabeth was glad to be done with that battle. [color=#ff0088]“I am ready when you are, teacher. It is best that we don’t go too late. So now would be the best time,”[/color] Elizabeth said, not wanting to think about who was teaching anything to this child before he came to Aramus, but she figured that Almond was now in good hands.

Aramus quickly shrugged on his coat, putting the damaged wallet back into his pocket with a sigh. [color=#bf00ff]”Well then Almond, we’ll be off now. If anyone comes looking for me… Well don’t answer the door. If you need something to eat or drink, there’s more in the closet. Also, don’t forget to brush your teeth before bed!”[/color] Winking at Almond one last time, Aramus closed the door as he and Elizabeth went out into the night.

The next day.

The strange duo – Michael and Iris – the executor and the ghost – found themselves before Shakespeare’s Globe yet again. It was evening, and the coldness of the night was already settling into the air, making the man feel chilly. The Engine lightings were bright and strong, people crowded the entrance, and a man was announcing again and again that it was almost time for the play to start. His eyes scanned his surroundings; only to find out that Bram Stoker was nowhere in sight. A good reason he came back here was because Bram was one of the suspicious individuals he met recently. Well, any man rambling freely about vampires – even if it was a novel in work – would be quite suspicious, as the vampires were thrashing about actively in the Magic World.

The two soon entered after making payments and preparations before entering the large hall. Of course, he did not have to pay for Iris, who was certainly not with Michael at one point, as she floated away to some other place for better observation, apparently. It was better this way, anyway. Bram may not have noticed her since she was standing behind him last night, but any mage could literally spot the ghost here, if there were any other mages here, that is. A useful bait, but too cruel a thing to do to use.

Michael soon took his seat, and awaited for the play to start, and soon it begun.

Some minutes into the show, it was amusing to say the least. The acting skills of the actors and actresses was indeed impressive. Michael found himself fairly absorbed into the play.

“Oh Romeo.”

“Whenceforth art thou Romeo?”

“Oh Juliet!”

This drew Michael’s attention. Not because of the cliche lines he found before him for the first time, but because of the actress of Juliet. No matter how he looked it… it was in no way a lady, was she? Everything was alright, but something about the short hair bugged him. Why was it short? He wondered. He then looked down to the chest, and sighed, and stopped thinking too deeply about it; trying to get his mind back into the show.







When the play ended, Michael walked out of the hall, and exited the theatre with mixed feelings. Iris poked her head out from within the establishment, and floated out; appearing before Michael who stood beside the street.

“That was so good!” Iris commented, as expected, she was likely driven to tears, and had a long ride from the entire play. Now that he thought about it, there were an abnormal amount of girls squealing in the theatre halls, wasn’t it?

“Did you enjoy it too?” She asked, hoping to hear something similar. Similar to her comment.

“I bet you cried a whole lot.” Michael teased, avoiding Iris’ question. He’d be damned if she found out he liked the play more than he thought he would.

“That’s right… t-that… part where… ” and Iris already started to sob from remembering the tragic scenes of the play. “Wait, that doesn’t answer my question…” she added, wiping said tears from the corners of her eyelids.

“Mister Stoker wasn’t here tonight. Have you seen him?” Michael didn’t had any intention in answering Iris’ question. A man’s heart is complex. he thought while glancing at the crowd.

Iris puffed her cheek uncontrollably; getting upset at the straightforward ignorance, but decided to let go. She didn’t think about it last night, but after a good amount of thinking in the morning; she too, realized that Bram Stoker was suspicious. Albeit he didn’t exactly dress like the scar-faced man, but it was awfully similar. She’d probably notice almost immediately last night if not for her distracting excitement for the theatre.

“I haven’t really seen him anywhere. I even checked backstage to see if I could find him… I only saw some actors and actresses, and staff members there,” she reported. To think she’d sacrifice some moments of the show just to check and find Bram Stoker; she sure was devoted.

”You think he’d show up if we wait here long enough?” Michael mused. While he did go to the theatre to watch the play, he still brought all his equipment with him just in case. He felt rather naked not carrying his gun with him at all times.

“I don’t think so,” Iris smiled as she replied.

Michael sighed, ”It’s never easy, huh? Guess I’d ask around, I’d rather not waste our trip here.” Michael waited for the crowd to disperse before going inside the theatre again.

“What I meant is that we don’t really need to wait… he is right behind you, on his way here,” Iris said with a mischievous giggle.

Michael gave Iris a look and then sighed, before turning around to greet the enigmatic playwright. ”Good evening, Mister Stoker. The play you suggested was quite good. My companion- ah, she left before you got here- she cried a lot and looked like she really enjoyed it.” He said, sending a teasing glance at Iris.
“Is that so? That makes me truly happy,” Bram said, giving a hearty laugh. “It seemed like I was a little too late today yet again, I feel like I really need to apologize to the actress of Juliet since I promised to watch her,” he sighed as he brought up his worst fears.

”What kept you, if you don’t mind me asking? It seemed to me that you were really looking forward to this play.” Michael inquired hoping to get more information about the mysterious man.

“The constables and the lack of toll gurneys, of course!” The old man cursed, as if talking about something truly atrocious. “The constables thought I was a shady figure, but let me go as soon as someone was able to identify me, while I believe the very popularity of the plays caused a decline of available toll gurneys,” he explained with a look as if the world was ending.

“I should have come here in advance, I was too engrossed in my writing yet again,” he confessed. “Oh well, there is always next time. Ah, but forgive me for my lack of manners – good evening, Mister Michael.”

Well, you are suspicious.”Must be the cape.” Michael said, “It seems like the topic of vampires engrosses you quite a lot. I assume you’ve been wanting to write about them for some time now?”

“I suppose that may be the case,” Bram said, pulling on his cape a bit, and taking a look at it. “I started with this getup only because I wanted to learn how the antagonist of my story would feel, though.”

“Well, it has been about two months since I started. An acquaintance suggested that it was high time I should write about something dark,” he stated.

“I must admit I have not yet read your works, but I must ask, what might’ve spurred your friend. Have been writing comedies, or dramas, perhaps?”

“She is a fellow writer and – to people’s surprise – the actress of Juliet – she is also Mary Shelley,” Bram answered cheerfully as he remembered his beautiful friend. “She is a writer of horror stories, I suppose she wanted a fellow writer to work with the same genre for once.”

”An actress and a writer, you say? Might she be interested on who could write a more terrifying tale, between you and herself?” Juliet’s actress was one of the elements that captured his attention in the play. For a fleeting moment, he wanted to ask the playwright if he could arrange a meet; but it was only in that moment. He had things he needed to be done, more important things.

“Perhaps?” Bram said, confused a little slightly, he wasn’t sure if Mary wanted something like that.“She just said that it’d be amusing to see me writing such a novel. I, as a writer, couldn’t help but take up the task as a challenge. It has been rather rewarding so far.”

”Truly, the feeling of trying to overcome a challenge is satisfying. Ah- do you mind if we move indoors? The nights are rather cold.” He said as he tried to sense anything from the writer. Sensing nothing of import, he lowered the priority of investigating the writer.

“Well, now that the play is over, I’d love to at least apologize to my poor friend, and then go home,” Bram said, walking along with Michael to the inside of the premises. “Why don’t you meet my friend? She is a shy yet fine individual I’d say.”

Michael narrowed his eyes as an idea hatched in his head. ”I would love to! I do admit I am a bit of a fan of hers ever since her performance.” Michael said as he tried to arrange his clothes and fix his hair, something that he does not do regularly. It might be that this was the first time he was meeting someone, a girl especially, he idolized.

“Then, off we go,” Bram said, leading Michael into the theatre house. Iris gave a curious look at Michael as they entered, not sure why he was trying to make himself look better now.

[size=7]BGM[/h]


The two – no, three – entered a particular room in a different part of the theatre. Bram was in a hurry, fearing that his friend may have left already. And just as he opened the designated room, he found a girl in deep blue – almost violet, in fact – victorian dress holding a bag and a parasol – about to head out.

“Ah… Mistre Bram,” the lady said, with a shocked look of surprise. It seemed like she was just about eighteen years old, but seemed younger somehow from her facial expressions. “I did not think that you’d make it here.”

“Sorry, I was running late, as usual, I apologise,” Bram said, truly seeming to be apologetic, but Mary seemed to have forgiven him already.

“It’s alright,” Mary replied immediately, beckoning him to stop looking so sorry as she waved a hand dismissively. “I am well-aware that you are busy.”

“Well, anyway… I bought a friend today to make up for it; here he is,” Bram said, motioning a hand as Michael came into her view from behind the old man. “Mary, meet Michael, and Michael, meet Mary,” he said, introducing them to each other.

“Good day to you, my name is Mary Shelley,” she formally introduced herself, bringing her hand up to shake her hand with that of Michael’s.

“I w-wish you the same, Miss. Erm, my name’s... Michael, Michael Kallweit,” he replied, nervously shaking her hand. He could feel his hands shaking as he shook her hand. Her hand’s warm… and soft.. and she smells nice, he thought as he continued shaking her hand. He felt like he had been shaking her hand for an eternity, yet he did not want to let go.

“U-Umm… ” Mary murmured, showing a rather forced smile as she received the greeting. “Y-Yes… nice to meet you,” she said, somehow getting herself nervous from feeling his nervousness.

“The hand Michael, the hand!” Iris whispered to Michael, whose head poked out from the corner of the door.

”Huh? Ah! Sorry! It’s just that your hands were so sof-” Michael quickly released Mary’s hand, hanging his head in shame. He continued looking at the floor, wishing somehow it’d swallow him up at that particular moment. ”I- I’m sorry, I’ll.. go.” He said after a while, turning around to go home.

“A-Ah, wai-” Mary uttered, following after Michael, but as soon as she exited the door, she found a transparent face of a girl before her. As the eyes of the two met, their smiles and expressions froze stiff into a stagnant stand-off.

“Is that… what I think it is… ” she whispered to herself.

“Is something the matter?” Bram asked Mary, tilting his head. He finally realized that Mary was shocked about entirely something else now, too bad the entertaining scene had already ended, or would it continue further – he pondered internally.

“Of course not! I do not exist!”

“I knew it… ”
“Hm?”

“Nothing, nothing at all, Mister Bram,” Mary gave a meek smile, turning to the fellow writer, then walked past the apparition of the ghost known as Iris, and held Michael’s hand who was in the process of leaving.

“Hey, would you like to visit the Lyceum Theatre next time? That’s where we usually do business,” Mary said, inviting Michael. Of course, she hadn’t a clue that Bram had already invited him here, and that he was being pulled from one theatre to another. “I can provide you the ticket. I used to be shy like you but… through acting, I have learned to deal with it. I hope watching my acting would help you, too” she stated, beaming a smile.

Michael was surprised by the hand that suddenly held his. He was even more surprised that it was Mary Shelley, the girl whose hand he almost unintentionally crushed. After hearing her invitation, Michael felt as if he ate butterflies and they were trying to get out of his stomach. Michael froze with an unintelligible expression in his face, unable to comprehend the situation. ”Uh.. I’d l-love to go… But.” He cleared his throat.

“I am glad to hear that,” Mary responded with an even bigger smile, and that’s when Michael came to notice perhaps the most strangest aspect of this particular girl. Her right-eye was gold in color. In fact, the pupil seemed like that of a cat’s. At this moment, nervousness faded and knowledge came to mind. Knowledge pertaining to infernal connections and holy teachings. He could think up several theories – the curse of a demon, or something along the lines of that… but then, when he tried to sense any impurity from the eye; he felt nothing evil. In fact, it felt strangely pure. No mana, no nothing. Was it really natural?

Iris too, had just noticed the same thing too, as she looked at the directions Michael’s eyes stared at. These two did not notice the abnormal eye as they were focused on totally different things before even meeting Mary Shelley. Michael was too focused on the hand and could not look up directly, while Iris was too amused by Michael’s shifting expressions to actually check Mary out.

”Excuse me, Miss Shelley.” Michael said as he stepped closer to Mary. With his right hand, he raised her chin to look at her eye properly. What ever that was; he wanted to know, and if possible, help. He stared deeply into her eyes, wracking his brain for knowledge, anything that would help him identify her condition. Even up close, he couldn’t come up with anything better than what he had from afar; but that did not that mean he’d give up. If anything, it just made him more determined.

“Eh?... Eh? Eh?” Mary’s mind drew a blank as Michael came dangerously close to her right-eye. People had given strange stares and would often ask her about it, but nothing to this extent had happened to her before. Blood carried up and gathered about under her cheeks; painting her face pink, albeit slightly. She could feel her face burn hot.

“Doctors do claim that there is nothing wrong with my eye… ?” She spewed out, trying to dispel Michael’s apparent anxiety.

”Huh? Oh. OH!” Michael suddenly realized their position, slightly jumping backwards to create some distance. ”M-m-my..” He cleared his throat and continued, ”My apologies. I-It’s just that I have seen something close to, but I guess not similar to this.”.

“Ah, no. It’s okay,” Mary instantly waved her hands dismissively again; expressing that she was fine. “Then, let us be on our way out. Unfortunately, due to the Queen’s new laws, working people are not allowed to stay out too long,” Mary claimed, walking past Michael casually.

“Ah, I was hoping to have a chat, how disappointing.”

“Perhaps another time, Mister Bram,” Mary said, waving her hand to him as she bid him farewell for the night.

“We’re following her,” Iris whispered to Michael. “She is too suspicious, don’t you agree?”

If we’re talking about suspicious, old man Bram is more suspicious of the two. Michael thought. ”Take care, Miss Shelley, Mr. Stoker. I suppose I would be going too. It was umm, a pleasure to meet you, Miss Shelley.” Michael said as he made a small nod towards Iris and walked out the theatre and into a nearby alley.

BGM


The night of London grew ever darker and colder as time passed and the clocks ticked. Mary walked across the stone pavement – well on her way to Thames – to her home; her small, rented lodgings lied in wait for her. She held her parasol up and carried a bag on her other hand – protecting herself from the soot in the air – as usual. Something felt different about tonight… indeed, it was that man again, and the spirit girl beside him.

Mary sighed. “I know you’re hiding there,” she said, turning behind her, and looking to the corner towards a house. To be specific, she looked exactly two houses away. “Come out.”

Michael slid himself past buildings, pillars, and even crept slowly over the roads almost like a snake. Yet… how could he have found her? He pondered as he showed himself in defeat, and walked towards Mary, with Iris floating behind, apparently disappointed.

”I honestly don’t know how to explain this. I-I guess, I’m worried about you?” Michael said, not even managing to make himself believe what he just said. He scratched his cheek awkwardly and looked away, making a note in his head to practice his hiding skills more. If she were hostile, I’d be in deep trouble.

“Worried about someone you just met?” Mary said, tilting her head, finding Michael’s words rather questionable. “Is it not about my eye?” She asked, reminding herself that he indeed stared at it rather intently.

”I’m worried about you, because of your eye.” Michael replied with the truth, giving up completely on making excuses. ”My work… is to help in such cases. As is the case with Iris here, I’ll assume you’ve met?”

“Yes, I can see her perfectly fine,” Mary replied, smiling, pleased to hear what seemed like the truth, “but there is no need to worry, my eye is just fine.”

“So you are Iris, pleased to meet you,” Mary said, their gazes meeting each other, giving her a respectable bow, to which Iris did the same.

“Pleased to meet you too.”

“So exactly who are you guys?”

”Well, it’s a long story, but the short version is that I am helping her since she messed up my job, and it ended up with her in this state,” Michael pointed towards Iris, ”And me having to start from square one. Apparently.”

“Right… messed up… your job… ” Mary uttered, processing the words she had just heard. “So, what Organization do you two work under? The Royal Council?” She asked, making a guess.

”I,” he said, putting an emphasis on the word, ”I work not for the council, nor any of the mages’ associations.” He smiled and continued, ”I’m assuming you’re a mage?”

“Is… that so?” Mary said, doubting his words, but did not pursue it any further, even Iris seemed to be rather tight-lipped. “Mnm… something like that,” she answered vaguely. “I’ll be frank. Do not accompany me at night,” she added bluntly with a warning, “you’ll die if you do.”

”I’m rather stubborn, see?” Michael replied, completely unfazed. ”What makes you say that, anyway?” He continued, having no intent to leave the girl alone now.

“Well… ” Mary heaved another sigh yet again. “I suppose you’ll see when it happens. Don’t blame me if you die,” she said, closing her eyes.

”I’ll definitely haunt you if I die.” Michael said, teasingly. ”Besides, I won’t die till I fulfill my promise to Iris. Though…” Michaels words trailed off as he tried to sense for other people’s, or being’s presence. Feeling nothing out of the ordinary, he made a small shrug and continued, ”Your words sound ominous. What’s the matter?”

“No need to worry about me. Just focus on Iris instead,” Mary answered, ignoring the question itself. “She probably needs more of your help than I ever would,” she added.

”I’d help you. And Iris. And anyone else that needs my help, and is within the scope of my work.” Michael replied, with his face full of conviction. Nonetheless, he glanced towards Iris’ direction seemingly asking for permission.

Iris shrugged. “Up to you,” Iris responded, not really telling the man what to do. “I’d prefer you not getting involved in more things, I mean… your mission is completely different,” she said, thinking that she didn’t want him to be hanging around with another girl after all.

Michael tilted his head, ”I… see? I say let’s wrap this up quickly, as I wouldn’t be able to get this out of my mind till then.” He said as he made an apologetic smile to Iris. He returned his focus towards Mary and said, ”So, what makes you say those things? Does your eye shoot beams of light or something?”

But as Michael looked back to her; she was already gone. The two then peered into the distance, and found her running ahead in what seemed like her full-speed, and unfortunately, she seemed to be faster than Michael in general, too.

“After her!” Iris exclaimed.

”Oh for the love of-” Michael’s curse got cut short as he realized that he needed to hurry if he did not want to lose her. Even if Mary was running faster than Michael, somehow he managed to keep her within his field of vision. Next time, I’d bring a bola. He thought while a sinister smile crept up his face.

(OOC: Turns out the posting is a little fucked up since this isn’t entirely chronological now. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.)

The two pursued the platinum-haired girl known to be a new and popular author and actress – Mary Shelley. The executioner was eager to help the golden-eyed girl as he felt a bad premonition, or perhaps it was a measly hunch from Iris. Regardless, the two were unyielding. They pursued this person known as Mary no matter the distance.

However, Michael had just noticed after about ten minutes of running: where was the bridge? It shouldn’t even have taken five minutes to be there. The River Thames wasn’t so far from there, at all. At least, it wasn’t supposed to be so far, he believed. Iris too, was confused, as she looked with a very confounded look on her face.

Just as Michael saw her face, and turned back towards the running female figure in front of him – he had just noticed… this was no longer the London he had lived in since his young age. The surroundings warped to show stark differences; buildings changed and the sky was met with a definite difference, even. This was the first time he had seen such supernatural occurrences take place. He had only read bits about such circumstances.

Taking a moment to search, flipping through the pages of his memories – he remembered that the Boundaries could cause such changes as one goes through them. In other words, he was somewhat half-way into a completely different Realm, and it wasn’t just him or Iris going there, Mary too was on her way there. Why, he did not know, but he was sure that there was more than met the eye when it came to this person.

Just like the time he was escaping from the fog, he could hear something. A voice that was definitely not Iris’. The whisper of the violent steel monster visited his ears, just as it did back then. A monster that crept through the darkness of London.

There were fewer and fewer Engine lights along the way. The world had certainly warped, and he noticed that there was not a single mundane individual here, neither were there any other magicians. Just the three of them.

Just as he turned his face to the side to check out more of the change.

He was there – in a completely new world.

The two stopped to look around. Black buildings, steel floor, a black yet empty sky. Yes, a sky devoid of clouds, unlike England’s skies. The air felt stale, and reeked of iron. Iris approached one of the figures and reported that even those were made out of metal.

Michael then found Mary standing far in front of the two, then he and Iris nodded to each other, and ran up to her.

Mary heard footsteps, and turned around, revealing a shocked look on her face. “What are you doing here?” She asked, making a frown.

”Wish I knew. Where is here exactly?” He replied.

“This is a place where you shouldn’t be in,” Mary answered. “It’s dangerous here.”

”Well, I can see that. But why are you here?” Michael asked while looking around.

“It’s not like I want to be here. It just… happens,” Mary said, glancing downwards to the metallic floor.

”Weird. What happens when you’re here?” Michael said, ”It smells… iron-y.” Michael then quietly listened to the sounds and air of his surroundings, and he heard something similar to what he could hear before he came here. However… the voice… was very different now. He was certain that there was a similarity, yet it was now vastly different. A ghastly breath… a ferociousness… a monster? He was certainly more alert now.

“Nothing good. You must leave me and search for an exit, now,” Mary warned.

”If we’re searching for an exit, might as well we bring you with us. As you’ve said; it’s dangerous here.” Michael placed his left hand over his holster, preparing to draw his gun if something would ambush them. Better safe, than sorry.

“Seems like that isn’t happening,” Mary smiled as she spoke, after she turned towards the two. Yet Michael realized something. He realized that Mary’s body was clearly quivering.

Quivering in fear, that is. She really didn’t end up here because she wanted to.

Michael put his hand on Mary’s head and smiled at her, ”Look, don’t worry. I’ll get us out of here. Trust me, okay?” He took out the cross that were given when they finish their training and handed it to her, ”I-it might not be much, but…”

“I don’t need it. More importantly, look behind you,” Mary said, pointing to what lied behind Michael and Iris.


BGM


And there lied a large dark figure made out of iron itself. There was a growl. A strange voice, and its eyes shone with a crimson dim light. Steel objects from the ground broke apart to form its lower portion of the body, before its legs had materialized.

“Iris, bring Mary with you, you two hide.” Michael shouted as he turned around, drawing his gunblade in the process. He froze for a moment when he saw a gargantuan figure made of steel, instead of some beast that he was expecting.

“I can still fight, don’t forget that I can… umm… well, never mind that! It’s not like he can hit me! Why should I hide?” Iris complained, but ushered Mary to go hide, who in turn sighed.

“It won’t even respond, but will chase me if I hide,” Mary stated, her voice was clearly shaking. “I’ll have to fight too. You’ll have to keep it occupied for bit, though.”

Michael pinched his forehead, ”Well, if you guys say so. Iris, can you immobilize him? I might have a plan. Sort of.” He said as he ran his hand along the blade’s edge.

“That’s impossible,” Iris said, rubbing the back of her head with shame. “I can’t do it due to all the steel here,” she claimed. “I could try, at least.”

”Better than nothing, try it.” He said as he ran towards the steel giant.

Iris nodded. “Here goes nothing… ” she said quietly, then whispered an incantation silently, gathering mana from the Realms. As Michael made his way to the giant, the steel floor was torn apart as hands of earth rose out from below; ensnaring the monster in its grasp – immobilizing it as requested.

“Thank god it worked! Now’s your chance,” Iris exclaimed cheerfully.

”Thanks!” Michael shouted as he jumped onto the earthen hands, following up with another jump, this time towards the steel giant. He managed to grab onto it, but as he was starting to climb past its legs and pointed his gunblade at it; the giant moved, causing his hand to slip. He managed to land with his feet and roll, but he still felt some of the impact which sent a small shock throughout his body.

“Ahh…” Iris placed her palm over her forehead. “Exactly what did you wanted to do?” However, just as she asked, she heard a groan. Then turned to the platinum-haired girl beside her – Mary, who held her right eye, as if in pain.

“Please… look away,” Mary said, her body fidgeting even more than before, and she sweated profusely. Soon, she moved her hands slightly, freeing the space around her eyelid, before Iris saw the most… strangest – or perhaps even the most grotesque – occurrence in her life.

A hollow hole opened up in Mary’s right eye. It grew from the center of her lens – growing enough to go beyond her eye-socket, it seemed. A hilt of a deep dark crept out, slowly and steadily, and she gripped it with her bare two hands; pulling it out. As soon as she did so, her eye returned to normal. Thorns flew out from the deep black blade, and implanted themselves onto her right arm.

“Ugh!” Her voice leaked out for a moment as she felt a prickling pain from the thorns. She gave the blade a swing; cutting the air apart with a sharp slash. Meanwhile, the Steel Giant tried to pull itself away from the earthly arms that kept it bound to its location, but it failed to do so.

”Uh. Wow.” Michael said as he sheathed his Gunblade. He then drew his gun and aimed at the giant, which was currently struggling to get free of Iris’ spell. As he was firing his gun, he momentarily felt numb on his hand which misaligned his shot. ”Iris, got any more damaging spells?” He shouted at her, trying to play off the numbness he felt.

“I’ll try something,” Iris said, then chanted to herself silently yet again. As she combined her teachings from her Technique of Rego, and her capability to manipulate the mana of the Form of Terram. Something came to her, how did she know all this? Even she herself did not know. Her childhood was a complete mystery to her; she had no memory of it whatsoever. No matter, I will find out in due time. It’s handy, anyway, she thought, making her resolve.

She then raised her hand, and with it a large piece of iron – a steel pole to be exact, rose up from behind them. She then swung her hand towards the giant, and the pole impaled the gigantic monster with a loud thud, making it groan. Mary ran up from behind the pole and tried to attack, but the monster’s hand shielded itself, and it easily pushed the frail-looking girl back.

“Jeez, I thought it was occupied with your spell, it sure is carefree,” Mary commented, taking a few breaths. The monster continued trying to break free.

”Well, at least it’s not moving around. Do these things regularly appear here?” Michael asked as he moved into position and took aim towards the giant’s left armpit, in order to prevent it from using its arm. He fired a shot and it hit the giant exactly where he aimed at, but it was not enough to disable the use of its arm. ”Right. One more, I guess?”

Mary stayed silent, not answering the question, while Iris casted the same spell as before after chanting quietly, and this time she could only spot a small rock to throw at the giant from the ground she found from where the arms made out of earth came out.

Mary ran up to the monster again with her sword at bay. The hand came to block, but she jumped and got over it instead; running over it, displaying a sheer use of athletic capability. As she reached its elbow, in which there was electricity connecting the sections of its arm instead of bone or steel; she sliced it apart with her blade; severing the connection, making the arm unable to maintain itself. She then jumped off, and landed down as the arm fell.

At the same time, the Steel Giant was able to free itself from the palms of the earth. With a loud moan from pain and effort, the arms of mud and soil broke down and retreated back to the ground beneath the steel floors. It then raised its arm towards the sky, and lightning flowed out, and came together to form a large blade of lightning. With it, he swung it towards Iris, who was too shocked at the sight to even react. The poor girl screamed pitifully as she fell over to the ground a few meters away after taking taking the strong blow.

“Iris!” Mary called out to her, then faced the monster back and cringed. “Leave her be, you want my eye, right?” As she asked, the giant groaned, as if responding to her words.

”Iris! No!” Michael shouted. He tossed a grenade towards the monster’s feet as he ran towards Iris, but the grenade exploded prematurely, sending him flying until he hit a piece of rubble.

“Be more careful! How are you going to save anyone like that?” Mary said, rushing over to catch Michael. She seemed even faster than before ever since she pulled that blade out. Iris, however, still laid on the ground, but at least she hadn’t disappeared. With a glance, Mary could tell that Iris was already in a bad situation.

“You should’ve ran away with your friend as I’ve told you,” she added, then dashed off in a flash – leaving Michael behind and to the enemy – slicing at its belly, just beside the impaled pole, she then gave it another swing, and the electric current running in place of an elbow in the other arm was cut off, just like that. It lost its other arm.

Mary then pulled back and stood beside Michael.

”Is Iris… okay?” Michael asked as he looked towards the place where Iris was lying down. ”And no. I will not run away. Especially now.” He spoke filled with determination, his worry about Iris was gnawing at him inside.

“Not dead, but hurt,” Mary answered, but before she could reply to his other set of words, bright light laid over her eyes, and she noticed that it was far too late to react to. It sailed right down to Michael, making a huge cut around his right shoulder. More specifically, it was the region between his neck and his shoulder that was hit, before he too, was blown away. Painfully enough, he found himself bashing against the steel structures behind and slumping into the floor eventually, ending up beside Iris. Turned out the giant was able to conjure a blade out of the holes from where the current for its arms were flowing. Which was unexpected, as such Mary couldn’t predict a coming attack. It was a strange type of monster, with a steel shell it only ran on electricity.

“... This is why I prefer to walk alone at night,” Mary said, sighing, her tone sounded calm, but it was full of anger and frustration. Both feelings came from her powerlessness. Despite having strength and power, she felt powerless because she couldn’t even protect a pair of people. What good was this power for?

Michael knew he was losing blood, and fast; if the numbness he felt around his whole body was any indication. Glancing at Iris’ seemingly unconscious form, he willed his body into standing up and raised his gun. Switching the gun to fire in automatic, he aimed in the general direction of the giant, as his vision was slowly fading. He squeezed the trigger tightly and then fell down to a genuflecting position, as his hearing got covered by a ringing noise, mostly from his gun.

The gunshots ran past Mary, and it wounded the giant, or so she believed. A thud or two was heard, so she assumed that it did… something. No arms, and a pole already obstructing its core from functioning properly… and yet it delivers such powerful strikes… as expected of them.

Mary then held the blade up that was glancing towards the steel floor, then sprinted off once again towards her enemy. She’d have to try over and over again till it’d finally go down. There was no arm to leap over, nor did she find a particular structure in the street to go over. Thus, there was only one object left to utilize now – the pole stuck in its abdomen.

She had built up enough speed from her sprint, so all she had to do was leap to get over the pole.

The monster roared, not in anger, but fear – as the frail-looking girl demonstrated her skills and abilities without fail. The speed would be hard to react to.

One may ask, what was she aiming for this time? The answer was made apparent when the blade came out from the back of its head. Indeed, the head, not that it seemed like an ordinary head, but she thrust her blade deep into its chest – making it poke out from its back – and rammed it up to its head; slicing it in two.

The lights emanating from its eyes stopped burning and it soon dissipated. Mary jumped off from the monster – pulling her blade out of it – and it turned to black feathers before it vanished into the air. She casually walked towards the two that laid on the ground.

“Turns out I ended up saving you two,” Mary said, kneeling down out of her tiredness. Her blade was gone before she even knew it, and heaved a long sighed.

”Haa… What was that thing?” Michael asked, as he tried to stand up. He could barely feel anything aside from the cold from the blood covering his whole body, yet he managed to limp towards Iris. He knelt beside her and spoke, and in his voice a mix of worry and exhaustion, ”I’m sorry for doing this to you… I guess I am far too weak, still.”

“I refuse to tell,” Mary said in a stern manner. “And you aren’t coming with me, nor her, again,” she said as if scolding. “I’m used to this so I’ve been fine all along, but you two need to be treated,” she said.

”Yeah, I’d rather not face one of those things again soon. I’ll still help you though. In a less bloody manner." Michael replied, fully aware he bit more than he could chew. ”Can you do anything to help Iris? I am quite alright." He lied, as he stood up.

“I’d actually say that she is in a far better condition than you,” Mary answered. “This isn’t her real body, is it? As long as that’s the case; there’s nothing I can do about her. If someone can lend her some mana, however, it might help this form recover. That is an educated guess, of course. I haven’t been taught too far into magecraft yet,” she explained her thoughts on the situation.

“How do you suppose I do that?” He said as he tore a sleeve from his shirt, to use as a bandage. He realized he can’t move his right arm at all, but still, he managed to wrap his makeshift bandage around his wound to prevent bleeding out. “And sorry for the trouble, I guess.”

Mary tried laying her hand on Iris. “Seems like I can touch her after all. Alright, you’ll have to try and send me some… hmm, I suppose we need Mentem mana for this. Think you can gather those from the atmosphere? I’ll act as the bridge – effectively transferring mana into her.”

Iris on the other hand seemed to have lost consciousness for the most part, and could hardly move. Her eyes were closed, but she was still here, which was the only proof of how she hadn’t completely lost her consciousness.

“Yeah, I suppose I can.” Michael replied as he placed his working hand on Mary’s shoulder. He started channeling Mentem mana, trying to get as much as he could.

Mary, having received and connected the flow of mana concentrated on it, and after some moments of going through the issue of not able to properly manipulate it, she finally held a leash on the raw magical power.

“That should be good enough for now,” she said, then placed her palm over Iris’ head. Michael watched as a blueish white light passed from Mary’s shoulder down to her fingertips, then pouring into the spiritual form of Iris.

The spirit apparition started to gain a better form. It was gaining more and more of its color. Moments ago it seemed like she was about to fade away, but now her blue spirit body looked more brighter as it gained some mana.

“I wanna see Romeo’s performance again… ” Iris muttered, as if she was still half-asleep.

“She seems alright to me now,” Mary said with a smile, looking back to Michael.

Seeing the colors return to Iris, Michael hurriedly crouched beside her and spoke, “Hey, let’s watch it again tomorrow? And the day after that too. When you’re cured, let’s watch it again.” He looked towards Mary with a smile full of gratitude and thanked her, “Thank you, again. For helping her.”

“Ah no, it’s okay. I just hope you two learned your lesson now,” Mary said, smiling. “And I’m sorry for dragging you two into this. Even though I’ve been telling you two to leave… I should have thought of a better way to shake you two off.”

“No. I overestimated what I can do. I could’ve got you and Iris in a worse position. I… I really am sorry.” Michael hung his head in shame.

“Well, your wishes are noble, I’ll give you that. It’s good that you’ve accepted the fact, though,” Mary said, finally pulling herself up from the steel floor. “Now, let’s get out of here.”

And with that, just as Michael blinked his eyes at Mary’s words, he found London before his eyes again. Iris got up and yawned, as if she got up from a deep sleep, and Mary sighed as if she only took that long run before ending up beyond the Boundary.

“Try not to take a walk around here at this late at night,” Mary warned, “you don’t wanna run into that again. With that… I suppose I should get going,” Mary then turned her back on the pair and walked for the bridge that lied over River Thames. Iris waved her hand towards Mary as she left.

“Heh. If only I could.” Michael said to himself as he looked towards Mary’s direction. He turned towards Iris and said, “You okay? Sorry for getting you caught up in this mess.”

“Slightly dizzy even now,” Iris answered. “But nothing I cannot manage. That was… scary though,” she added.

“Thank you for helping me, nonetheless. I suppose I should repay you for that, how does another play tomorrow sound?” Michael asked as he stood up, he was feeling rather light-headed but he thinks he could go back to the church with no problem, assuming nothing else happens on the way.

“Actually, I’d like to go to another place before that,” Iris said, her eyes having a different glint of excitement than usual. “The Hyde Park. That place where everyone goes to relax.”

“If that’s what you wish for, princess.” Michael teased, as he started limping towards the direction of the church. “Though, I think we’d need to get a move on with our actual job soon,” he finally added.

“Ahahaha… sorry for thinking that Mary was suspicious, I didn’t think this would happen,” Iris said, as the two left for home. Well, home to Michael, anyway. Iris would soon just vanish into the air to go back to her body that was in a coma.

She is suspicious, though.

[color=#67390d]“Alright. You know the rules. No forbidden magic. No hitting with anything very dangerous in the head. Thus, no killing. Fight fair or be tricky, and don’t cause trouble for the others,” their teacher instructed.

To his right was Claudia, a scholar not known to many, but she had recently joined a secretive society. Otherwise, she was known to be a Dark Knight, and was studying to be a promising scholar in the future.

To his left was Catherine. A promising freshman in this Royal Institute. She wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about magic, but she seemed to be exceptionally talented in the arts of combat. In that sense, the teacher felt that this would be an interesting Mage’s Duel.

“I vow to follow the rules of the Mage’s Duel, and will fight fairly and proudly. May magic not be used to plant seeds of despair after our battle.”

The two said. It was an opening rite to every Mage’s Duel. An oath, a rule, and a vow.

Claudia eyed her opponent from up to down. She looked like any other Londoner. A girl in frilly black dress with auburn hair. Her blue-ish green eyes stared her down with a smile. Was she one of those arrogant noble girls? She wondered.

[color=#e982ce]What’s this? Someone else of privileged decent, possibly? She looks rather confident for a rich woman, as expected. Hmph. That expression...she is no superior of mine. Claudia concluded in thought, hiding these thoughts with a proper and diplomatic smile to match the girl’s.

[color=red]“Hello. I look forward to this. Let us have a fair duel,” Catherine said with a greeting, sounding rather casual in the way she spoke. Her expression made her seem confident indeed.

[color=#e982ce]“Likewise, good luck to you." replied Claudia.

“Then, you may begin,” the teacher said.

After hearing this, Claudia promptly pulled a wooden case from behind her, it appeared into her hand as if it were invisible on her person. With a smirk, she lied it on the ground across from her and used her foot to pop the case open. With jubilation she pulled out her sword– Y’mir. and gave an eager smile as soon as her hand gripped the hilt. Claudia was excited to use this weapon, a Mage’s Duel was the best opportunity, of course.

Claudia braced herself as Catherine moved. The speed at which she moved surprised even her. Catherine dashed in such a manner that Claudia couldn’t hear even a sliver of noise as she closed all the distance – three meters worth, at that – in a single moment between them. Claudia saw Catherine’s ordinary snobbish smiling face – as she fortified her Ymir before her – to deflect the strike, but the blade moved so fast that she didn’t even know what happened.

When Claudia came to, she found her back struck against the wall, with the other scholars’ eyes resting on her. How did a sword strike blow her off so much?

Claudia used her sword to prop herself up as she struggled to her feet. The attack was unforeseeable at that. She made sure nothing like that would slip past her guard again. [color=#e982ce]“Not bad at all...in fact, that was splendid.” Claudia said to the girl, [color=#e982ce]...for some snob... To retaliate, Claudia dashed forward, taking a heavy slash towards Catherine. By a split second, Catherine absorbed the brunt of the blow, sending her sliding backwards. Claudia could feel striking something tough for a bit moment on her dress. What was it made of?

However, even as she disgruntled from taking the strike; Catherine wasted no time. Taking a leap, she closed the space between them yet again – the very distance that Claudia made efforts to make with a hit – her blade setting sail from right to left horizontally, slicing at Claudia’s stomach; coating the floor red below her. Claudia instinctively moved backwards immediately, fearing a decisive strike. She couldn’t hold her stomach to reduce the bleeding as she wouldn’t be able to hold her blade that way.

Evidently as Catherine moved in on the wounded Claudia, ready to strike her low; she was halted midway and held in midair. Catherine looked into the eyes of the culprit and saw that they were dead solid, along with a crazed smiling face. The bleeding Claudia reached out her hand and held the girl in place, knowing full well she was going to go down. She didn’t care anymore, she wanted the girl to remember exactly what happened to her despite all that. [color=#e982ce]“Now, you’re mine...y’know, I think I like you better in this position. I could just squeeze your little fucking throat out if I wanted..." coughed Claudia laughing weakly, suddenly sprouted obscenity.

However, Catherine seemed to have that snobbish smile all the same. She wondered why Claudia thought that she was all her’s now, when she in fact was just about getting started. Perhaps her mind was unclear after taking all the damage – she thought so triumphantly. Even if her spell was making it much harder to breathe some air in – especially when she was hung midair – Catherine felt that she was enough trained to be able to force some air through to her lungs. She wasn’t just any snobbish rich lady Claudia was attempting to look down on.

Catherine spun midair as her blade cut through the invisible arm that tried to constrict her throat and landed onto the floor gracefully. Claudia frowned with displeasure and readied herself as her opponent gave a magnificent leap towards her once again. This scholar was far too agile, but she felt that one shouldn’t underestimate a dark knight. Claudia didn’t have much space behind her, with a wall standing tall just some inches away. So she jumped backwards, allowing her shoes to land against the stone walls for a moment, then propelled herself with great force – leaping to the other side of the room.

[color=red]“Impressive for a wounded person,” she complimented, turning to Claudia.

[color=#e982ce]“Ngehehe~, not bad for some woman who looks like her face had been forcefully paralyzed..." replied Claudia coughing up a little blood. Her wounds apparently took a toll on her, especially when moving too much. [color=#e982ce]“Gah! Fucking girl can’t stop smiling, it’s pissing me off!" Claudia wasn’t going to let this fight end so soon, she had a few more tricks up her sleeve.

She lept over to place a palm onto the floor, mentally chanting an incantation to the Infernal realm– something Claudia swore she wouldn’t do before. She looked up to the possibly still-smiling girl and bit her lip defiantly as every light in the room died, leaving the room in darkness. [color=#e982ce]“...Just so I don’t have to see that mug anymore." spat Claudia, staring at the girl intently through the darkness. She pulled her sword from the ground and licked her lips in anticipation. That was her chance, the lights were off, the judges would have no vision on their quarry– meaning anything could go for Claudia.

Smiling wildly, Claudia raised her arm once more and held her palm open. The way the hand molded was almost as if it were were wrapped around something– something vital. With no eyes on them, Claudia had no means to hold back on this goof of a woman. Claudia even let out a few pained giggles as she saw the girl frozen in place once more. Her ruby purple pupils shone through the darkness with her silhouette brightly. With immense force, Claudia squeezed her hand down hard.

Catherine suddenly fell limp onto the ground, and Claudia laughed uncontrollably as she watched the snob fall low. All before her teacher and her classmates, apparently blinded due to her spell that killed off the lights of the room. She limped over to Catherine and knelt down over her body. [color=#e982ce]”H-Hey, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you smiling anymore, hmm? Why aren’t you screaming, huh? Hahaha! Damned girl doesn’t know how to scream, and you were so cute too!" Spat Claudia, blushing heavily at the girl’s instant pain. It was as if Claudia was getting off to this. As she continued to laugh, her smile was contorted further when a hand grabbed her face and pressed cheeks towards the nose; cutting her insane laughter short.

Claudia’s mind was tossed into a flurry of questions; inquiring about what happened just now internally. Why wasn’t she dead? How could she grab her face with this much strength?

However, just then, the hand fell off and the lights came back up. Claudia felt the brunt of a different fist.

“Don’t think you can get away with casting a spell made forbidden by Her Majesty the Queen,” the instructor said, who seemed to have made way to them. Claudia had no inkling of this, was she laughing too loud just now?

Claudia stared blankly at the instructor, unable to choke out any words to give an explanation. Her translucent, foggy eyes had reverted back to normal, at that, she had not realized what she had done until now. She covered her mouth with both hands and looked at Catherine’s body with wide eyes and topped it with a loud gasp. [color=#e982ce]“I...no, I couldn’t have...could I…?" she questioned herself weakly. There was no doubt about it– Claudia used magic of the Diabolists– the very people she was born under. Tears ran down her cheeks as she came upon this realization. [color=#e982ce]“No, no, no, no, no, no! NOOOO!"

The hall was in an uproar, as students all looked down to Claudia with fear rather than disgust. What little reputation she had was going to face its doom. Words of her would likely be spread, but given her background, perhaps they could work something out.

“You’re henceforth under detention. Don’t touch magic for now unless you want to be forcefully detained. Good luck at the Magic Court.”

Claudia was being escorted to the Director of the Royal Institute. The man said to stand at the top of the academy. The man said to have once wielded such magic that none knew before. The man said to be mysteriously chosen by Her Majesty the Queen – Victoria herself. However, these were nothing but rumors. No one knew the truth, and could only spread words of their personal beliefs to spend their time.

With the teacher beside her, she felt like a prisoner being escorted to the prison cell. The teacher had a solemn look and held a wand at his right hand. Unfortunately for Claudia, she was to walk from the left, so she couldn’t seize it and then beat him up, nor could she run from a professional teacher who was likely a powerful mage. To top it over, she was still bleeding slightly from the wounds she received from Catherine; she was gonna pass out if she’d be sliced once more by her blade.

The corridor was empty for the most part, classes were in session, of course. As Claudia walked, something familiar entered her field of sight; locks of platinum blonde, and a familiar gold. The girl that Escott and herself had to act as a father and daughter for, the one regarding whom received some information about from her teacher, Mary.

Mary naturally gave a silent greeting – with a respectable bow – to the two as she passed, but she held a smile that somehow gave Claudia a message that everything would be alright.

Claudia, as bereaved as she was, took notice to this and nodded to the woman. Was she planning something? “What is she doing here? I thought she was just an ordinary human…” Clauda murmured under her breath as she passed by Mary.

“Don’t worry,” a voice whispered to Claudia as the young woman passed by.

Don’t worry? With the situation Claudia was in, she had very much of a right to worry. But regardless, Claudia, at this point had no one on her side after that display. She would have no choice but to trust Mary. “Right…” sighed Claudia, remaining patient for the time being.

After this, Claudia finally arrived the door to the Director’s office. A deep brown door as one would expect of such an establishment. A very short girl– a lady awaited their arrival before the door. She remembered who this was, another one of her teachers.

The teacher who taught her Latin, and was apparently so talented that she was a candidate to be a Magic Magister, but she refused due to her lack of time. She was known to a faerie, this was made apparent by the pair of horns over her head, her unusual violet hair, and her glaring pair of red pupils. She wore a somewhat respectable attire for a child, but it was a one-piece at the end of the day. A red one, at that.

“Amrita, huh? I suppose I wouldn’t be allowed inside?” The teacher beside Claudia asked.

“It is unfortunate,” Amrita – the faerie before the door – answered. “He is supposed to see her, yes? We’re aware of the situation.”

“Tch,” heard Claudia from her teacher beside her, who left her side momentarily.

“Come in, the Director expects you,” Amrita said, opening the door to the Director’s office.

”Thank you," Claudia said to the the teacher rather rasply before entering. Her throat hurt a little and her tear ducts were dried. Apparently unconsciously reacquainting with her roots had really hurt her bad. Hell, there wasn’t a moment where she did not grimace what was to come with meeting the Director.

As Claudia entered the Director’s room, she found it extremely plain and simple for an office, unlike the other teachers decorating with their personal flair and sense of fashion. The only noticeable fact was that there were many, many books stored in shelves. She wouldn’t know, but they were Amrita’s books – all of them.

Amrita walked in from behind Claudia, closing the door, then moved to the side to the Director, who sat behind his desk; looking down at Claudia. Amrita then brought up a note in her hand, and read it out, [color=purple]“She is guilty of casting a spell made forbidden by Her Majesty the Queen. In the practical combat lesson – no less – she killed her opponent after using a spell to lower the visibility of the room… the fallen student is miraculously alive and is now resting in the infirmary – her name is Catherine Macmillan – this concludes the report.”[/color]

“Well now,” Arthur – the Director – said, “How are you going to explain this, miss…?”

Claudia braced herself and took a deep, collected breath for what she was about to say. “I offer no excuse to the crime I committed, sir, only to say that I am guilty of such an act and see no way to appease of this." Claudia said at first, her face stiffened into a stern expression.

”But– I shall tell you of my origins-- my true origins before you even decide what to do with me,” Claudia declared.

“The truth is a dangerous thing,” Arthur said, “Revealing it can lead to much hardship. For most it is better to lie and accept the consequences.”

“I understand. Then no beating around the bush. What is my punishment?” Asked Claudia raspily.

[color=purple]“Is letting her go really alright? She is dangerous, and almost killed a scholar,”[/color] Amrita said to Authur, sounding somewhat angrier than usual. [color=purple]“That scholar was a student I wanted for my research group, you know?”[/color] She said. Indeed, Catherine was a promised newcomer, but for a teacher to her for a research group made her even more valuable.

“Magic in it’s own right is dangerous, Miss Armita, not just myself. I figured you, of all people would know that,” answered Claudia not taking too much of a liking to that comment. Questioning the Director isn’t a very wise thing to do, especially on such matters.

[color=purple]“Don’t act all smart while using a spell like that carelessly,”[/color] Amrita outright attempted to remind Claudia of her pitiful state. [color=purple]“I am well aware of what a magic is; danger roots not from magic, but from behaviour, impulses, and an unrestrained and unstable emotion that clearly lost control.”[/color]

Claudia’s eyebrow twitched a little as the woman mentioned “unstable emotion”. She acted as if she knew exactly what people subject to it go through, as if they don’t even try to keep their impulses under control. Such is the way of people integrated in the underside of society– all closed-minded people, the lot of them. “Tch, spare me your lecture. I hear that tired lesson enough for it to resound in my ears a hundred times over,” Claudia sighed.

[color=purple]“You are free to leave the academy if you are tired. These †˜tired’ lessons is what he donates money for,”[/color] Amrita shrugged, referring to the man who arranged for Claudia to be able to study in the Royal Academy. She tried to remind her how big of a wrong she committed. There weren’t many teachers aware of how each students got into the academy, only a few were allowed to check the records holding such information, Amrita being one, as the Director’s secretary. [color=purple]“Along with what name you made as a knight here. I see that the guard of the Duke of Cleveland has no manners, after all.”[/color]

“I suggest you leave the Duke out of–” Claudia began to say until she suddenly hunched over, grabbing her stomach in pain. Right, she never received medical attention from that fight from earlier and she was near the point of passing out. Arguing with this teacher wasn’t going to make her situation any better, likely. “Ugh...for what reason am I still arguing with you? Unless you are handling my punishment, I have no means to speak with you longer.” Claudia snarled, still feeling the sting from her wounds.

[color=purple]“Hmph, the Duke didn’t even teach her how to treat her elders,”[/color] Amrita scoffed, despite being shorter than Claudia, or well, being hardly taller than the desk, she was somewhat prideful, for being a faerie who lived for centuries. She was also a role-model mage if not for being short-tempered, and sometimes fooled around with by her students – albeit they all find her endearing to say the least – she was still a person heavily sought as a candidate to be a Magic Magister, but she continues decline it, over and over again. People still wonder why she did so.

Claudia grit her teeth in quivering anger, this woman truly began to get under her skin for some reason. Possibly because of her unnatural obsession for the Duke, that she would not even stand for the slightest ill word directed towards him. Why would that be, considering he would likely toss her aside for this? One would call it love, others would call it fixation. Either way, Claudia was slowly losing her temper once more. No– keep it under control, not in front of the Director, not now. “The Duke, has no control over my emotions. I am to serve and protect him, that is all– on the topic of speaking to those older than I am, however, it would not matter to that degree when I am speaking to an ant of a woman.” Insulted Claudia.

[color=purple]“You just proved my words; a Dark Knight with no sense of respect,”[/color] Amrita said, seemingly feeling victorious, but burning with rage inside, she then faced Arthur. [color=purple]“And that’s the result of taunting her, if you keep her around the academy to avoid a public mess in the Magic World, I fear that other scholars would likely be vexing her to no end anyway. There is a risk of the second casting of the forbidden spell. What will you do about her?”[/color]

“Claudia, I’m appalled that you think it’s ok to talk to my assistant like that in front of me,” Arthur said, shaking his head in disbelief, “Especially when you’re the one who has been brought to me for using a forbidden spell.” Arthur put a palm to his face, deliberating an appropriate punishment.

“It’s clear to me that you do not deserve to call yourself a Knight,” he said finally, “Your sword and your armour, you will leave them with me, and must ask my permission to use them for the foreseeable future. Would that I was able to expel you I would, however, the fact that you can use forbidden magic must be kept under-wraps.” Arthur sighed before turning to Amrita, “Is that an agreeable punishment for you?” he asked.

Claudia pinched the bridge of her nose with exasperation. “Not that I have a choice...sir.” she said with grimace. At this point, even now, Claudia did not care what happened to her, not anymore. As far as she was concerned, she was a child of diabolists– she had no place in this world despite the Director choosing to stay mum about it, which she was eternally grateful for, mind you– it's only that knowing such things left the taste in her mouth to run bitter. “I...thank you for your understanding, Director, sir. I will do all… that I can to appease this matter.”

The girl wanted to cry right there, painstakingly holding back tears in her eyes while turning away from the two to keep her composure.

[color=purple]“There is one thing I feel that we must address, however,”[/color] Amrita said, ignoring Claudia’s words of acceptance for now, she felt that they weren’t done with her just yet, [color=purple]“her participation in the practical combat lessons from now on. Would you allow her to continue attending those classes?”[/color]

“Under close supervision,” Arthur said, “I trust that Miss Claudia can keep her word that it never happens again, and if it does… well she can imagine the repercussions.”

[color=purple]“Very well, that is acceptable,”[/color] Amrita agreed with a nod.

“That is fine. Will that be all sir, or is there more to say?” asked Claudia

“You did something very reckless Claudia,” Arthur said, “It would be wise for you to apologise to the girl you hurt. Of course I’m not going to force you, this isn’t a primary school for little children where I have to hold your hands through the motions but all the same, it wouldn’t hurt to show some semblance of remorse, if not for casting the spell, which frankly is a minor issue for me personally, then at least for those you have hurt.”

“You are correct, sir. I was not in control of my emotions at the moment and it was deplorable of me to use such a spell on Catherine. She was only doing what she was told, and I nearly killed her out of anger. I intend to speak with Catherine in private and apologise. She did not deserve it at all.”

“Wonderful,” Arthur said, “You’re free to leave once you’ve given me your armoury.”

Claudia sighed as she pulled her blade from the wooden case that carried it, tentatively placing the sword onto the Director’s desk with a half scowl. “Now about my armor, there needs to be a ritual for its removal, no?” asked Claudia.

[color=purple]“The rites of knights is something I can perform,”[/color] Amrita answered in Arthur’s stead.

"Lovely..." huffed Claudia lowly.

The carpet that Claudia stood on glowed as Amrita’s palms joined before her chest with a resounding clap. [color=purple]“I figured I’d keep it here since he is a knight fanatic, although he wouldn’t really get it, but it is unexpectedly convenient,”[/color] she said, a smirk crept over her face as she continued to supply the magical circle drawn over the carpet with some mana.

Pieces of armor begun to appear around Claudia’s body – as if they were veiled with water – the colors and form unwrapped slowly as moments passed; Amrita’s spell sucking the invisibility coating in with the ritual spell.

“Huh. That will never get old, I suppose.” Claudia said sardonically, looking uninterested. She willingly peeled the armor from her person and placed it onto the desk. There were too many foul occurrences to take a vast toll on her mood today. She wanted nothing more than to go home to endure the stern talking to from the Duke. Gods know word about this had already spread to him. “Now excuse me, Director, Miss Armita– I will take my leave for today. I'm sure it would be rather taboo for the other students to see me.” Claudia turned suit and walked away to the exit, not saying a word more, no longer appearing saddened by the incident.

As Claudia opened the door to leave, she found Mary, who entered casually as Claudia walked and left the room.

[color=purple]“Hey, don’t enter without permission,”[/color] Amrita said, sounding somewhat annoyed, perhaps she was still hurt from the insulting comment from Claudia even now.

[color=#0000a0]“I apologize, but there was something I needed to speak with to the Director. Would it be fine to have some of your precious time, Mister Director?”[/color] Mary asked, presenting manners unlike Arthur’s previous visitor, despite not being a noble; she was apologetic enough. Not knowing the Director’s name, she could only substitute it for what title he went by.

Arthur laughed at her words, “Precious? Hardly,” he said, “I’ve had a lot of time, and I have quite a considerable amount left in the future. My time is worthless, do feel free.”

[color=#0000a0]“I cannot say if that is a thing good or bad,”[/color] Mary commented, giving a chuckle. [color=#0000a0]“May I persuade on the matter of Claudia, please? I believe there may be issues from robbing her of her blade after the armor,”[/color] she begun, still carrying the same smiling expression. Mary was definitely the more persuasive type unlike Claudia on the matter, and due to her affiliations and position, it seemed like she was asked to be a negotiator.

“That blade is a symbol of knighthood, clearly she has showed that she is no knight,” Arthur retorted.

[color=#0000a0]“Indeed, but it is also not her property in full,”[/color] Mary replied, bringing her reason to the table.

“That is of no significance,” Arthur said, “The sword stays with me until I see fit to return it.”

[color=#0000a0]“Mnm… that is a problem. The Society may choose to take it back forcefully. Are you content with your decision?”[/color] Mary asked, bringing up a big name that people often tried to avoid.

It is a criminal organization that specialises on elaborate homicide and theft, almost unthinkable methods are invented with ease with the minds of the scholars gathered very delicately from the shadows. A hivemind originally thought to have spread to the corners of Europe by the 19th century, it is now more or less present in everywhere across the globe. Almost every society has this society hidden… somewhere, somehow, in some way.

What connection did this massive Organization have with Claudia’s blade?

[color=purple]“...T-The Society… ? Why does it have to go that far?”[/color] Amrita questioned, startled from hearing the name.

“Now this is a pickle,” Arthur said scratching his chin, “I like to keep internal matters internal you see, and their involvement would be unfortunate.”

[color=#0000a0]“Indeed. The Queen may extend her influence to protect you, as well. We don’t want to spark a large conflict from a trivial matter such as this. Well, trivial in regards to the blade, of course,”[/color] Mary replied, clearly not wanting to see something big go down for a mere blade.

“You must understand that I can’t allow her this blade though,” Arthur said, “What she has done is horrific, and this is a punishment after all.”

[color=#0000a0]“As such, I propose you leave this blade to someone who is amidst many power surges, but something that they can be more or less content with,”[/color] Mary suggested, placing a hand on her chest, [color=#0000a0]“in order words, to me.”[/color]

“To you?” Arthur raised an eyebrow inquisitively, “You’ll see to it that she doesn’t receive the blade until the punishment is withdrawn?”

[color=#0000a0]“I am able to seal it. You must inform me when you’d want her to receive it back, however,”[/color] Mary answered, she sounded promising enough.

“That won’t be a problem,” Arthur said handing the sword to Mary, who found it to be more heavier than she thought it was. She still carried with respect, and her golden right eye – that was starkly different from her clear blue left eye – glowed, before a black hole opened up from the iris, and instantly sucked the blade in.

[color=#0000a0]“I thank you for your cooperation,”[/color] Mary said, giving a slight bow with her head.

“It was my pleasure,” Arthur said smiling, “Was that all you needed?”

[color=purple]What the heck was that just now?[/color] Amrita thought, using her senses of magic, she didn’t feel a single trace of mana from that eye. A very strange phenomena indeed, she hadn’t ever heard of a unique magic such as that.

[color=#0000a0]“Actually… mn, this may be a bit personal, but I am very interested in the affair of the lycanthrope that you have encountered last night,”[/color] having the opportunity, Mary took it up to may as well find out about something she was curious of.

“Where did you hear about that?” Arthur asked, curious.

[color=#0000a0]“Information runs deep, but spreads fast,”[/color] Mary answered vaguely.

“Well you won’t hear anything more from me,” Arthur said, “I’m sure there are people who would rather I refrain.”

[color=#0000a0]“I figured that,”[/color] Mary said, smiling, apparently having expected a similar response already. [color=#0000a0]“Then, how about I propose an information exchange? I believe you are interested in vampires?”[/color]

“I’m listening,” Arthur said.

[color=#0000a0]“There is an information that came in about a suspected hideout of vampires, albeit it is possibly temporary, and they may be abandoned soon.”[/color]

“Then you should hurry up and tell me,” Arthur said.

[color=#0000a0]“I’d like to know what took place in your incident first, before I reveal any of my information.”[/color]

“There’s not much to tell that you probably don’t already know,” Arthur smiled, “Me and Amrita were patrolling London, when we encountered a Lycanthrope, naturally we had a nice little chat with it until we were interrupted by two old acquaintances of mine. It was then that I hurried back here.”

“And the old acquaintances would be?” Mary said inquisitively.


“I’m not at liberty to say I’m afraid,” Arthur, “I don’t think they’d appreciate the attention.”

[color=#0000a0]“I suppose that’s as far as it goes,”[/color] Mary replied, nodding. [color=#0000a0]“I am going to assume that one of your acquaintance would be the Madame Countess of the underworld,”[/color] she said, before revealing a smile.

[color=#0000a0]“She was likely sighted around Westminster,”[/color] she stated, before getting to the point, [color=#0000a0]“It is ironic to find that she vanished around Church Road, which is, funnily enough, close to this Arthur Road.”[/color]

“One of them may be her, but as I have already said, I’m not at liberty to say,” Arthur said still smiling.

[color=#0000a0]“I only assumed, I didn’t question,”[/color] Mary chuckled. [color=#0000a0]“Either way, there is a Boundary detected around Church Road. You should be able to go through it with Miss Amrita’s help.”[/color]

[color=purple]“I see… so we can enter the lair of vampires from there,”[/color] Amrita said, placing a hand under her chin. She already started thinking of how she’d apply magic to open their way to the Boundary.

“I see, thank you for your information,” Arthur said, smiling, apparently happy to have the information. “Anything else?”

[color=#0000a0]“No. I shall take my leave now,”[/color] Mary said, giving a bow before taking leave of the office.

[color=purple]“I’ll go prepare. It won’t be easy to crack open a Boundary, but I’ll make it happen,”[/color] Amrita said, before Arthur could even say anything, running off from the room after Mary left.

Claudia left the premises of the Royal Institute. She was looked into at the infirmary, and received proper bandages and some magical medicines. Underneath her clothes were battle scars to be healed in time.

The arms of the clock had only struck eleven as she approached – this was when the lunch period would just begin – the fountain amidst the courtyard. The sky was ever cloudy – mingling with the smoke of the factories – and under this sky were many students even now, walking around, and sometimes talking. A brilliant path they had ahead of them, unlike her… Claudia thought, many students were actually allowed to skip classes, at the eventual expense of credits – so they’d need to resume taking class to not run the risk of that – while others just had free time due to not picking up particular lessons at the start of the semester. Her mind drifted as she thought about how bad her life would be now that went and did what she shouldn’t have.

[color=#0000a0]“Leaving already?”[/color] A familiar voice spoke from behind.

Claudia turned to find Mary, who placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

Claudia scoffed. “Why not? It’s obvious I have no place in this school anymore, no matter what the Director said. Tongues will be flapping– and of course, I will be in the center of that.” Claudia hissed, still in a bitter mood.

[color=#0000a0]“Well,”[/color] Mary begun, apparently taking Claudia’s tone calmly, [color=#0000a0]“skipping classes isn’t going to make it better, is it? The Director would rather wish that everyone forgets about this incident. There is no proof so the scholars can only gossip and spread rumors,”[/color] she said, hypothesizing. “As far as I heard, only that teacher actually saw your crime,”[/color] she said, offering consolation.

The girl sighed, futilely calming herself for the time being. It had not crossed her mind that Mary was only there to help. “...Fine, so what if I don’t have to deal with my peers. What of my Lord– the Duke? Word likely had spread to him. Suffering through the rest of the day would only prolong the inevitable. I’d want nothing more than to hear his views and be done with it.” Claudia said, clicking her tongue at the very thought. The Duke was a kind man, but his words struck deep if provoked enough. Hearing that his knight had used a forbidden spell– well, there would be hell to pay.

[color=#0000a0]“Isn’t Lord Duke busy?”[/color] Mary asked, puzzled. [color=#0000a0]“Considering the fact that he is a parliament member – a politician, I doubt you’d be getting over it any time soon today.”[/color]

“I suppose that would give me time to mentally prepare, now would it?” Claudia replied in a sardonic fashion, smiling melancholically. “Why are you helping me, anyways? I’ve done nothing in your stead to have you do so, nor do I known you all that well.”

[color=#0000a0]“Oh my, do I need a reason to help?”[/color] Mary asked, smiling. [color=#0000a0]“I did what I felt like, is all. You aren’t his daughter, but you do remind me of someone, I suppose,”[/color] she answered, reminding her of last night when Escott and Claudia pretended to be father and daughter on their way home.

[color=#0000a0]“If you don’t know me well, why don’t we hang around today?”[/color]

Claudia bat up an eyebrow from her previous statement, tilting her head to the side as well. Who could she had reminded Mary of? She couldn’t argue with her prerogative, however, she would feel the same on some occasions. ”I...I guess that sounds appealing. Why not?" Claudia said with a nervous and forced smirk.

[color=#0000a0]“Then that’s settled. My friend is waiting in our usual shop, so let us be on our way,”[/color] Mary said, almost pulling Claudia by the arm as they walked through the courtyard and past the gates.

(BGM)


”Mnm, in any case, I am long passed that point in my life… mostly, anyways," Claudia said, straightening out the tiara that sat delicately atop her head. ”However," Claudia began, voice trailing off as her eyes squinted to a glint. ”If I could, one day, have the chance to find the men that did it...the ones who killed my family and took my life from me, I would take it.” Claudia said in a dark tone for a moment. Somehow, she bounced back quickly, returning to her mildly calmed expression.

”But I digress, ever since then, my life has been prosperous with meeting the Duke. I cannot complain, either; the man practically gave me a new world to dwell in, to create something new of myself, and I have the highest of respects for him. I’m grateful." Claudia concluded, beaming a smile at the two women.

[color=#0000a0]“So yeah, you should really pipe down with those magic,”[/color] Mary said, as if giving Claudia her conclusion.

“A nice story, though. A nice happy ending is always preferred,” Charlotte smiled, sipping on her tea. Albeit she wasn’t sure about †˜those magic’, she’d likely ask Mary later.

Claudia only smiled. Was bringing her here a part of her plan? Perhaps she knew that Claudia was a bit of a loner. Maybe a bit of good can come from making a few friends. “Oh, by the way," Claudia said, wearing a sudden wry smirk across her face. “Pardon my curiosity, but what was your relationship with Mister Escott? I seem to remember you were in a cold sweat that night we first met."

[color=#0000a0]“I just wanted to get home that night, and Mister Esco-”[/color] before Mary could finish though, the audible noise from Charlotte dropping the tea on the table was a clang loud enough to shake Mary up from top to bottom. She turned to Charlotte slowly and steadily – almost reminiscent of a robot from the far eastern country of the rising sun – wanting to confirm her worst fears, but at the same time, she didn’t wanted to face it.

“Oh? Ooooh? So my little Kitty here is being courted by a man. So that’s how it is,” Charlotte said, a dark smile appearing on her face, her teasing would last for months, “so that’s what you’ve been doing recently; meeting a man. My Kitty is finally growing up,” she concluded conveniently, without even listening to the entirety of the story.

[color=#0000a0]“I-It’s not like that! Let people finish when they talk, jeez,”[/color] Mary hissed at Charlotte, trying to regain some ground in the new-found topic, [color=#0000a0]“and don’t call me †˜kitty’!”[/color] She tried to remind her. How many times would she have to tell her? Probably over a dozen times.

“That’s never changing, my dear Kitty,” before Mary could retort to her, Charlotte faced Claudia – as if ignoring Mary’s retorts – seemingly interested. “Say, how did he look, handsome? I do hope that he is an aristocrat. Our Kitty has so much attention and interest from the nobles in the Royal Institute, but she is oh-so-busy with her historical studies.”

[color=#0000a0]“...You’re one to talk, you don’t have a man either, and you study the same subject… ”[/color] Mary murmured, but her words would be drowned out by the now-excited Charlotte.

“Perhaps Mary will one day marry a Baron, or even a Count. Imagine an author climbing among the ranks and selling books. Her popularity would expand rapidly,” Charlotte went on, talking about the future of Mary, who didn’t even wanted to consider it now. Her excitement made it seem as though she was talking about herself.

Claudia covered her mouth as she laughed, looking rather mischievous from what she had caused. It was as if that was her plan the entire time! “Oh, now that would be a treat! Perhaps he could whisk you off to a land of riches, much more wealthy compared to London." Claudia teased, joining in on Charlotte’s schtick.

“Indeed. Perhaps the man would take her to the New World and shower her with jewels and love! Of course, we’d have to teach him to call her †˜kitty’ affectionately,” Charlotte added oil to the fire as she continued from Claudia’s remark. “It wouldn’t work any other way.”

[color=#0000a0]“Beware; for I am fearless, therefore powerful,”[/color] Mary said, quivering with anger.

“That quote isn’t going to stop anyone,” a snicker slipped away from Charlotte.

[color=#0000a0]“Ah! Jeez!”[/color] The two were soon locked in a test of strength as Mary tried to pounce on Charlotte, and of course the defendant caught the assailant’s wrists with ease and wrestled in a rather funny manner. Some eyes fell on the ladies from outside the walls. It was still outdoors, and many walked across this busy hour of the streets. Albeit none could hear the conversation of the ladies, not with the voices and noises from the pedestrians mixed across the area.

“Oh my, now isn’t this a spectacle,” Claudia accidentally said aloud as she made an imaginary camera with her fingers, viewing the two women on top of each other. She wore a rather sly smile as she said this, however, hosting lewd thoughts with the sight. “Now I see why Charlotte is so hung up with Mary having possible affairs with a man, when she truly has feelings for the woman herself! Such a taboo change of events has played out here!” Claudia said with a blushing, loving expression on her face.

Mary stopped and Charlotte blinked – but smiled all the same – when Claudia begun to take the position of an air-cameraman; dumbfounded.

[color=#0000a0]“Eh?”[/color] Mary – clearly stupefied – uttered.

“Oh, my,” Charlotte blushed, just a little bit.

[color=#0000a0]“T-That’s… w-we aren’t like that!”[/color] Mary said, flustered, her face beet red, perhaps comparable to a tomato.

“You hurt my feelings, Mary.”

[color=#0000a0]“Eh?!”[/color]

“You know I would stay with you forever,” Charlotte said, with a straight face, apparently totally serious.

[color=#0000a0]“C-Charlotte… what are you–”[/color] They now stopped wrestling and Mary nervously looked down at her friend.

“My heart aches for you,” a hand – that let go of Mary’s from the wrestling that stopped moments ago – was placed passionately over her chest, and the most painful of expressions were constructed by the author known as Charlotte.

[color=#0000a0]“Ehhhhh?”[/color]

“Well, I am only joking,” Charlotte’s calm and saintly smile back on, while on the other hand…

Mary sat down on her chair with the largest and heaviest sigh ever. [color=#0000a0]“You had me there… ”[/color]

“Pffft, hahahaha!” Claudia guffawed, unable to hold it in any longer. “Shame, I thought I was witnessing a heartfelt moment there. Though if you’re not willing to take Mary, of course I am always on the market.” Claudia joked, still blushing all the same.

“It’s not that I’m not willing to take her, but the fact that Mary would chase a man rather than me,” Charlotte said, sounding sad again, almost about to rub a tear away from the corner of her eyelid with a tissue. “I would take you on any day, regardless,” she added, giving a wink. It was probably said in jest.

[color=#0000a0]“I am just not interested in courting about now, so no †˜chasing’ at all,”[/color] Mary replied defiantly to the views of Charlotte with her arms crossed. [color=#0000a0]“B-Besides… what do you think the society would think for such… l-lewd proclamations?!”[/color]

“Let them think what they will,” Claudia only said. ”Love and heh, sinful relationships wouldn’t be vilified in the Society, I would hope.“ Claudia placed both her hands on both of her cheeks, with the thoughts still swiveling in her mind. Now that I think about it, Charlotte and Mary are quite attractive...huh. Claudia then placed a finger on her pink lips in thought.

[color=#0000a0]They are sinful for a reason… of course they’d be vilified![/color] Mary thought immediately, but didn’t voice the obvious opinion. [color=#0000a0]“I-I’ll be fine with ordinary relationships, thank you,”[/color] Mary responded, a cold sweat going down by the side of her head, various images went around her mind, but she shook her head immediately to get them out.

“Perhaps I should write–”

[color=#0000a0]“No! You mustn’t cross that line!”[/color]

“Hm? I was about to say that I’d write about you being courted by a proper English gentleman, or would you prefer it be a gentlewoman, now?” Charlotte asked with a teasing smile.

[color=#0000a0]“I didn’t say any of that, and why’d you write about me being courted?! Ah jeez, I’ll just… yes, drink this wonderful tea, and ignore you,”[/color] Mary said, stuffing herself with cookies before dropping a sugar cube on her tea, and gulping it down, before dropping the tea onto the saucer as it was too hot, coughing up.

Charlotte giggled. “Oh dear, and here I thought you liked romance tales.”

[color=#0000a0]“Hmph,”[/color] Mary scoffed, still ignoring… or so she thought, but the moment one would respond, they were doomed to fail.

“I am quite fond of them, if done right. There was one I read once, but I cannot completely remember the name, mind you, but this book was so sinfully wonderful that I simply could not put it down. I recall it’s name to be Fifty Greys of Shade, I think?” Claudia said aloud.

[color=#0000a0]“Pffff,”[/color] Mary coughed up as she was drinking tea – almost ruining the entire table, she was thankful that she didn’t blow the tea everywhere – while Charlotte tilted her head; bewildered. [color=#0000a0]“You… have very unique tastes… ”[/color]

“What’s that?” Charlotte asked, doubtful that she heard the title before.

Claudia giggled. “Well…” her voice trailed off. ”If I remember correctly, the novel was of a very…risque nature; an erotic novel." Claudia said, blushing even more.

“My, that sounds amusing to say the least.”

[color=#0000a0]“Is that it?! Just amusing?”[/color] Mary asked, astonished.

“What happened to ignoring?”

[color=#0000a0]“...”[/color] and so Mary was back to eating from the lavish set of food.

“Is that a work from the New World, by the way?” Charlotte asked Claudia.

”Why yes it is. I’ve obtained that, as well as a few other variations of, ahem, those types of books . I would be happy to share some with you if you would like a read." Claudia said with a smile. Albeit, the work she mentioned was written by a British author, who wrote the work after leaving the country, and that person was a mage… which would be the only explanation behind even leaving the country.

“I will seek you out when the time presents itself,” Charlotte answered to the offer, “I am too busy with researches, I wish I had more time.”

[color=#0000a0]“Ah, right. You were deciphering ancient Egyptian text for homework, was it?”[/color] Mary asked, reminding herself of a conversation they likely had recently.

“Yes, my professor thinks it’d be a good †˜warm-up’ before he starts his next project in our research group.”

[color=#0000a0]“Speaking of which, have you two heard that Professor Griswold intends to open his own research group soon?”[/color] Mary brought up, remembering a rumor on the topic of research groups; extra curricular activities of the Royal Academy. Scholars especially devoted to their studies had the option to participate in such activities, and they’d come across great knowledge and information throughout their findings in their activities in the group. However, not only the scholars have the option, the teachers also had an option to pick students, and they were picky. So only a few of such scholars actually existed across the world. [color=#0000a0]“I’ve heard only the rumors, but opportunities like these are apparently rare, and very valuable.”[/color]

“No, I think so? Isn’t that the teacher who specialized in teaching Animal Form spells and Philosophy?” Charlotte asked, wanting to confirm what she could remember about Griswold. He was often seen with snakes, for some reason. A dangerous pet.

[color=#0000a0]“Yes, I think he is also charged with Claudia’s class, too?”[/color] Mary said, but it ended up as a question as she wasn’t sure.

“Yes, you are correct. He is my teacher for the course I chose.” eyes looking half lidded with uninterest as she said this. That man’s name made her scoff much more than she did anyone else. “A research group, though? Do tell.”

[color=#0000a0]“Yes, I hear that they’d be doing some experiments and projects based around mythical creatures,”[/color] Mary answered. It did seemed like a rather beneficial group for those interested in mythologies largely. [color=#0000a0]“I suppose it’d be intriguing for those wanting to learn more about the magical creatures of the Magic Realm.”[/color]

“I’d think that too. Albeit, dissection is a little unsettling for me,” Charlotte said, expressing her distaste as she placed her tea; finished. “I am much more content researching mythological stories and ancient text. I only wish that I could analyse and finish my homeworks as fast as you, though, Mary.”

[color=#0000a0]“Don’t start it, I can’t even believe myself for being done so fast, sometimes. It is rather eerie.”[/color]

“Something to do with your right eye?”

[color=#0000a0]“I would hope not.”[/color]

(BGM)


“Not to impose or anything, but what is the story behind your eye? I would assume it isn't through genetics that you are able to complete your homework so swiftly.” Claudia inquired.

[color=#0000a0]“Ahaha… I wish I knew,”[/color] Mary answered, somewhat confused about it herself. Mary wished that people would stop asking about it, albeit it’s not like she hated the eye itself. [color=#0000a0]“It only appeared about an year ago when I was gazing up at the sky in Hyde park, with Charlotte.”[/color]

“That day was so eventful, wasn’t it? Since someone claimed that they saw the sky for the first time beyond the clouds,” Charlotte reminisced the day those events ocurred.

[color=#0000a0]“Right, that day. You then caught every newspaper with articles about it… really, The Times even said that it was but a ruse,”[/color] Mary sighed, remembering that day an year ago, it caused a large ruckus.

“I am glad that you don’t have those nightmares so much now, though.”

[color=#0000a0]“Yes, they were a little scary, so I am glad.”[/color]

“Nightmares?” Claudia asked.

“She sees dreams while awake, I’d call it a daydream, I suppose? It is a little worrying…”

[color=#0000a0]“Nothing to worry about anymore, I am fine, Charlotte,”[/color] Mary said, giving a reassuring smile.

“Have you ever thought of seeing a Magister about it? I would think they would know of it’s origin.” Claudia suggested.

[color=#0000a0]“Well, I don’t find it as something harmful necessarily,”[/color] Mary answered, [color=#0000a0]“If they’d know, then some of them would’ve said something by now, I mean… even our academy happens to have one who was legitimate for it, at the moment. You know, Miss Amrita?”[/color] She couldn’t think another from the top of herself, but apparently there were two more in the academy.

Claudia’s expression went sour for a moment at the mention of that woman’s name. “Yes, I unfortunately I do. I already had one encounter with her today, just hearing her name resound in my ears just makes me nauseous.” she said, pouting with a cheek puffed out.

[color=#0000a0]“I know that, since I saw you coming out of the Director’s room,”[/color] Mary answered. Albeit she wouldn’t feel nauseous, Amrita was a cute teacher, and that was her honest opinion.

“You two went to the Director’s room, what for?” Charlotte asked, curious. It wasn’t so common a situation, which was also the reason why the Director was so mysterious to the scholars studying there.

[color=#0000a0]“To fetch something,”[/color] Mary answered.

“Fetch?”

“Mn,” Mary nodded, giving a vague answer, leaving Charlotte confused.

Claudia only stayed quiet, wearing a grim expression as she reclined in her chair. Charlotte got a little too curious, reminding her of that incident again. She had to regain her composure and change the subject before she asked once more. That’s what she did; she forced her scowl into a face of nervousness. “Err, by the way, Charlotte,” Claudia called out, almost regretting what she was about to say.

“Yes?” Charlotte asked, her attention apparently swayed.

Claudia took a drag of fresh air, while internally an entire interface of possible inquiries went through her mind as she thought of something in a brisk pace. She got it; she parted her lips as she smiled. “So, I thought about your proposal earlier-- you said that you would take me on any day, no? Then how about it? You and I…” Claudia paused, letting the sentence roll naturally. “Go out, perhaps? A date, maybe?”

[color=#0000a0]“Two girls going on a date… ”[/color] Mary said, imagining the situation. She supposed that people would only see them as female friends hanging around, never to know what forbidden– no, she stopped; she wouldn’t think any further about it.

“Kitty is going to cry if you steal me and leave her alone, though,” Charlotte chuckled as she answered.

“She has been playing hard to get from the start, why not I have you for the time being?" Claudia said, wearing a refined smile on the outside while inside, she was freaking out; in disbelief that she was asking another woman out for a night on the town. Not that she minded anyway, but she had never had this experience before.

[color=#0000a0]“Hmph, you two can have fun allll you want, see if I care!”[/color] Mary ended up stabbing her pudding with a fork as she said that, and stuffed her mouth again…

Again…

“You’re gonna get fat, you know.”

[color=#0000a0]“None of your business.”[/color]

“So says the actress of Juliet,” Charlotte said, then faced Claudia, “Mn, I don’t really mind coming along. Albeit, Mary and I did actually planned to head down to the bookstore right after this. Would you like to join us?” She offered.

“S-Sure. Perhaps I could catch up on what novels are out.” Claudia accepted with a nod. Internally the girl was sighing, relieved that went better than it should have.

“Then that’s settled,” Charlotte answered, clapping her hands once before looking towards Mary. “I need to fetch something from Ms. Pearce, be right back,” she said, getting up and walking into the café.

[color=#0000a0]“It is good that you were able to divert the conversation from the Director’s visit… but perhaps that went a little long for a turn,”[/color] Mary commented, laughing. She didn’t think that any diversion was needed, however, as Charlotte wouldn’t pursue something one wouldn’t want to talk about. [color=#0000a0]“That said, I have your sword from the Director. Unfortunately, I’d still need his permission before letting you use it.”[/color]

“Wonderful…” Claudia sighed, folding her arms from the matter. “I’m a bit surprised you were able to persuade him, I hear he’s rather serious about knights. What did you say to change his mind?”

[color=#0000a0]“Haha… well, I have my own ways,”[/color] Mary answered, again, vaguely. [color=#0000a0]“Well, do you really feel fine now?”[/color] She asked yet again.

“Mnm... yes, thank you for your help, Mary.” Claudia answered with a smile.

“Mnm, though I don’t think she is enjoying herself too much. What do you think Mary, shall I intensify your treatment?"

[color=#0000a0]“No, no. I got plenty of medicine for the day, thank you, Dr. Claudia. I am most thankful… not,”[/color] Mary answered with a semi-calm tone, then sighed and then placing a bun there just to seal her mouth from playing the doctor’s game now.

[color=#0000a0]“So? When do we go to the library?”[/color] Mary asked after munching, facing Charlotte after sighing yet again. [color=#0000a0]“I have to return to the academy in soon for extracurricular activities…”[/color]

“Ah, yes. Your research group, was it? Well, I might have to go… or not have to go. The professor is not sure himself,” Charlotte said, she’d only know if she was called on her phone, anyway, “we can go now, lest we regret eating too much and leave too late,” she answered.

”Well then, time is of the essence. Shall we?" asked Claudia getting up from her chair after swallowing the bun Mary shoved into her mouth. ”Huh...Dr. Claudia has a nice ring to it..."

The two nodded, and got up. It seemed like Charlotte and Mary had covered the expenses somehow – even though she didn’t see them pay – as they left the café. It was going to be a long day, and the bustling streets of London was going to serve them well tonight.

(BGM, shush, I'm being lazy to find other stuff to use as BGM. People suggests action music way too often, that hardly works for casual gossip scenes.)


The three walked across Square Miles again. The long bridges visible from the street leading up to the towers, and the high-rise buildings were really pleasing views along the way. The stone pavements were crowded – made evident by the chorus from shoes and ongoing conversations of various kinds – and the three stayed close together so that they wouldn’t be separated. Mary made an effort to not cling to Claudia from instinctive fears due to her unique tastes. Unique, she claimed, because she knew no other way to address them, and she didn’t wished to insult a new-found friend.

Charlotte seemed cool and collected, and didn’t seemed to be conscious about it. Was it just Mary overthinking? Thinking that Claudia may grope her given a chance? Perhaps she was being paranoid now. Why’d she not be joking? She could claim to not discriminate genders and like all kinds of people, but she wouldn’t touch in any strange places of a person she was opening up to just today, yes?

Those were the thoughts Mary used to calm herself.

Soon, however, her eyes and attention were directed elsewhere. One could very well claim that it was an attraction caught simply because it was attractive; attention-catching due to its, well, again, uniqueness, but not in a bad way… or was it simply beauty? Mary looked towards a person with long grey hair. Beautiful – was the only thought that came to mind. A hairpiece was adorned just around the left ear, and now that she thought of it… was she looking at her?

Indeed she was, her eyes stared directly at her like a hawk. Yes, it looked straight into her peculiar eye.

After a few moments, the three passed by her.

“What a beautiful boy that was, albeit he wore a hairpiece. A hairpiece… he must’ve been a person of unique tastes like our new friend here,” Charlotte said, noting the same beautiful person that Mary looked at seconds ago.

[color=#0000a0]“It was a boy?!”[/color] Mary said, almost shouted, in fact, but she made sure to keep her voice low. Regardless, it was safe to say that she was astonished.

“Indeed, the physique was a little too masculine if you ask me. Besides, female Church members wears more… womanly attires,” Charlotte pointed out, which was somewhat true since this apparent boy wore a black and grey jacket and long black pants. “What do you think, Claudia?”

“I cannot say for sure. However I know of a select few women whose physiques are that of a man’s. Perhaps men who do that sort of thing would like very much to...how you say– take a turn in our shoes? I find it rather appealing they would go to such lengths.” Answered Claudia, batting an eye back to the concieved man, who was no longer there.

[color=#0000a0]“Well, everyone has their own tastes, I suppose,”[/color] Mary said, nodding, not sure if she liked the direction of the topic. Finding a boy †˜appealing’... who crossdressed. To be honest, she did found the boy attractive, but then… [color=#0000a0]“Wait, how did you notice that he is from the Church.”[/color]

“Church members – especially mages working for them – wears a cross around their wrist or arm to signify their position often. This is still a hunch, though,” Charlotte answered. She was as observant as she was calm.

[color=#0000a0]“Ah, that is a good point. I think I saw many such mages, now that you mention it,”[/color] Mary replied, noting the particular feature of the Church members. [color=#0000a0]Ah… another mage,[/color] she thought, looking down. It wasn’t so strange to see mages down the town, since the great and prosperous country of Britain was attracting magicians from all over the world, but perhaps some were a little strange and needed more efforts to mingle with the mundanes.

“I never understood the concepts of Religion. I would always think holding such beliefs of your god was a personal thing, rather than flaunting it proudly. Hmm, I would suppose being devoted to the Church has such rules.” Claudia said with a shrug.

“You do know that God in fact exists, though, right?” Charlotte asked, stating it as though the answer was obvious.

Claudia tilted her head to the side in question. ”Does he? Pardon if I sound ignorant on this subject, but I was never taught of such things."

[color=#0000a0]“I think she is relating to the Divine Realm knowledge taught by the lessons regarding the lore of the Dominion,”[/color] Mary answered, trying to shower some insight on the topic.

“It’s not even that, Mary,” Charlotte pointed out. “In the Second Great Mages’ War, there was an actual battle on the Divine Realm where mankind was, well, literally kicked out by God himself,” she said. It was reported by The Times, at least in the newspaper they released specifically for the Magic World. After that, the Church gained many more supporters and followers.

[color=#0000a0]“Ah right, that did happened, didn’t it?”[/color] Mary replied, almost forgetting about the war. Sometimes people would forget from experiencing peaceful days – that England was in war with the futuristic Japan even now.

“I see. So since then, England had been fighting Japan, even after the Second War?” Questioned Claudia.

“Yes,” Charlotte answered plainly. “They’d been at war for a long time, and even now; we’re still under the Second Great War. There are rumors of powerful Engine machines being invented for the next raid, too.”

[color=#0000a0]“Well, it’s not just England, but most of Europe,”[/color] Mary added after Charlotte. [color=#0000a0]“There are also rumors that some of the graduates and studying scholars from Royal Institute may participate in the next big attack. You never know when a letter from the Royal Council may come at your doorstep.”[/color]

Claudia clicked her tongue. War and violence, ironically, did not sit well with Claudia. A small disagreement soon turning into an all out massacre of blood and gore. “Tch...typical. As if diplomacy mattered to humans anymore, leading to an incompetent bout wrought by the men who run the country. Hmph, it is all a bunch of la connerie to me.”

[color=#0000a0]“Well, I do somewhat agree, but there’s nothing to go diplomatic over when Japan refuses to execute the Time Warrior in their country, and uses them for their benefit instead,”[/color] Mary replied. The old prophecy dictated that the Descendants of Time should be killed whenever they arise, but when Japan refused, of course the rest of the world wouldn’t be happy.

“I could see the reason, too. The Magic World really hates the Time Warriors due to that prophecy,” Charlotte added.

”A Time Warrior in Japan? Interesting. You would think there would be some inside attempts to bring this Time Warrior down, given the entire country hates them. I can see a public uproar occurring at the very least." Claudia replied.

[color=#0000a0]“Indeed,”[/color] Mary nodded. She was more surprised that Claudia wasn’t aware of the war nor the Time Warrior of Japan, however.

“I’ve actually read some articles about attempts that were made, somewhat in vain. Japan’s technology is more than just a step ahead, apparently,” Charlotte said, remembering the time she read the newspapers published by The Times in the Magic World. “This is just a rumor but… they say that they sent in a group of spies recently.”

“Is that so? I hear Time Warriors are exceptionally powerful. Technology alone will not help much in their efforts if that were the case.” Claudia said with a sigh. “Spies though? I had no clue England were that desperate.” Claudia wore a face of sheer disbelief as she said this, rumor or not, it made her feel somewhat self conscious that the country’s loss in this war was imminent in any case.

[color=#0000a0]“Though, it is a fact that Magic World killed few Time Warriors in the past,”[/color] Mary said, this was coming from a student who studied history extensively as a member of a research group. [color=#0000a0]“I believe the technology is really tough, a Time Warrior only makes it harder to topple. I can see why England – or the European forces, for that matter – is desperate.”[/color]

“Speaking of rumors though… have you guys heard of the Banshee?” Charlotte brought up. They were talking about rumors, this was as good as any time to bring it up, then.

[color=#0000a0]“A Banshee?”[/color]

Claudia raised an eyebrow, but somewhat had an idea to what she was referring to. She wouldn’t be speaking of the Lorelei me and Mister Escott were tailing, is she? Claudia thought. “No, I have not, please explain.” she fibbed, playing along.

“They say that there is a young girl wandering around the streets at night; singing strange songs,” Charlotte answered. “Apparently her voice and singing is really good. I’d like to listen one day,” she said, apparently really interested on the matter. “Say, Mary, you go home pretty late, yes? Haven’t you heard like, anything?”

[color=#0000a0]“Of course not,”[/color] Mary said – waving her hand dismissively – giving a light smile. [color=#0000a0]“It’s just a rumor, silly.”[/color]

“Well you never know, rumors and legends have a possibility of being true. Just look at the Magical World, any Mundanes would find all this to be unbelievable.”

[color=#0000a0]“Indeed,”[/color] Mary agreed, but gave Claudia a disappointed look, which she missed. [color=#0000a0]“I can see that happening.”[/color]

“Well, rumors still have a 50% chance of being true,” Charlotte stated her belief, “they are rumors only because they aren’t confirmed.”

“That is true as well. However, they all are bound to have come from somewhere. I wonder where, though,” Claudia thought aloud, placing a hand on her chin.

[color=#0000a0]“Sometimes people say what they see, but other times people make things up for the sake of conversing,”[/color] Mary said, as if speaking from having experienced meeting someone who’d make things up on the fly.

“Sounds familiar…” Claudia replied, thinking up a few select people to fit that description.

Mary frowned. [color=#0000a0]“Very much so.”[/color]

“I see, so the men courting Mary must always be trying to impress her,” Charlotte concluded, “that must be it.”

[color=#0000a0]“How’d you get to that conclusion?!”[/color] Mary snapped yet again, yet blood carried up to her cheeks.

Charlotte laughed.

Claudia covered her mouth with her palm, stifling her laugh. “It’s quite obvious when you stop to look at the signs, my dear Kitty. It’s a wonder why you haven’t realized this yourself.” she said with a silent guffaw.

[color=#0000a0]“There are no such signs! You two just think too much about things that don’t matter,”[/color] Mary said, her cheek expanding as she pouted.

“Ah, there is it,” Charlotte said, ignoring Mary’s words of denial, stopping before a shop.

It was the Howards Bookstore, their destination. The three entered the shop. It was silent, yet it was so full of ladies – along with few men here and there – looking around and checking books out. It had a very quaint feeling to it, despite it being the 19th century here; the scent and the airs to it just made them feel as though they came to a place further back in time.

“Wonderful, now where’s the…” Claudia began to say before her voice trailed off as she went off to find another section fit to her tastes– the erotica section. She remained quiet as she effortlessly filed through the books along the shelves in order to find something she hasn’t read already.

(OOC: This fucking Claudia right here. I’m not sure if they had such sections in bookstores around the 19th century at London – heck, it may have been a scandal for almost any lady working for an upstanding society member to be seen there – but whatever, I can’t stop a player from having fun I guess.)

Mary and Charlotte just looked at Claudia making her way to the erotica section… just like that.

“She is full of courage, mn?”

[color=#0000a0]“I’ll just check the romance section as usual… ”[/color]

“Wuthering Heights?”

[color=#0000a0]“Eh?”[/color]

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream?”

“Romeo and Juliet?”

[color=#0000a0]“I-I wish you’d stop saying those names with a straight face… ”[/color] Mary murmured, feeling stupefied – her face as red as tomato already – or rather scared how she could mention Wuthering Heights like that. Then again, it was the work of Charlotte’s sister.

Mary went across random sections after that – holding off her romance section for later – and found a certain book whose author caught her eye.

“Mn, John William Polidori’s work…”

[color=#0000a0]“The Vampyre… ”[/color]

A moment of unrest between the two.

“A single copy left.”

[color=#0000a0]“You aren’t really laying your hands on that, yes, Charlotte?”[/color]

“I am open-minded, why not?”

[color=#0000a0]“But–”[/color]

“Romeo–”

[color=#0000a0]“Argh, fine,”[/color] Mary conceded, letting Charlotte take the novel.

Claudia had finally returned, wearing a content smile, if not all, carrying a rather considerable stack of books in her arms, all likely to be of the same genre. “Have you two found something to your liking?” Claudia asked, then having spotted a book Charlotte held in her hand. “Oh look, it’s Wuthering Heights."

“A good work, wouldn’t you agree?” Charlotte stated, beaming a smile.

[color=#0000a0]“No matter how much of a doting sister you are… that’s a littl– ”[/color]

“It has such a powerful words of expression, Kitty. I can see why it’s too much for you,” Charlotte said, teasing once again.

[color=#0000a0]“Don’t call me that, but really… I almost thought that it was a man who wrote it until I saw the name of the author,”[/color] Mary said, scratching the back of her hair.

“I remember you coming to me to talk about it, she has… well, her own imaginations, I suppose.”

“Don’t we all?” asked Claudia, still smiling. “And judging by what’s in the book, I can absolutely tell that your sister in an interesting person.” she then pulled the collar of her shirt, letting the air out.

“I assure you, she is very interesting, yes,” Charlotte said, nodding, almost as if trying to force that opinion in.

[color=#0000a0]“†˜We all’? Or just you guys?”[/color] Mary tilted her head, somewhat disappointed at this point.

“I’m beginning to think you don’t have any particular tastes, Mary...or do you? Everyone has skeletons in the closet, I understand why you are up in arms about these sorts of conversations." Claudia replied jokingly.

[color=#0000a0]“Because that isn’t what ladies are supposed to talk about. Rather, why do I not have any particular tastes when all you talk about are eroticas?! Do you have particular tastes aside from… anything l-lewd?”[/color] Mary questioned, her head swirling and spinning before she held it down herself. This was clearly an offensive statement made simply because she wasn’t in agreement with one who was †˜open-minded’ while the other was clearly a perverted lady. To be honest, she didn’t know if she could even call her a †˜lady’ in this particular society of England.

“Well, I will admit that we mostly did ended up talking about those kinds of titles,” Charlotte admitted. “And on that note, I can’t see Fifty Shades of Grey anywhere.” She wondered if novels from the New World would be snuck into the shelves, but it didn’t seemed to be the case.

“I should have it lying around in my room at home somewhere. I’m finished with the book, so I don't mind giving it to you," Answered Claudia. ”And for the record, Mary, certain women do take to gossip about such things, just not in front of you, clearly.”

“I wanted to avoid borrowing, and I am usually busy, but I suppose that will do,” Charlotte answered.

[color=#0000a0]“Fine. Perhaps they do, but certainly not so openly”[/color] Mary said, crossing her arms over her chest again. [color=#0000a0]“But I think that is a little rude to someone you only got to know today, and besides… ”[/color] she begun to murmur by this point, [color=#0000a0]“not even Charlotte is as much perverted as you. And that still doesn’t support your claim regarding my tastes. Are everyone else so judgemental? To think I helped her earlier. Hmph.”[/color]

Claudia shrugged, taking that statement lightly. “Well I do see why you feel this way and I do not, as I am from a modern country where this is normal behavior.” Claudia jested. “Besides, people are drastically closed minded here, it couldn’t hurt to blow off steam every once in a while, could it?”

[color=#0000a0]“Right, right. Just be mindful of your position, though… me and Charlotte are fine, but any other girl may spread rumors about the Duke having someone lewd as a maid. It may spark ominous results.”[/color] At this point, Mary decided to play a more neutral role with Claudia. She’d hardly consider helping someone who caused so much trouble, but then this was her thinking hotheadedly. She’d likely act as a friend once she is cool-minded again. Mary was simply proud to be a reader of romantic tales, and it made her furious that someone would say something so offensive to her about her tastes.

“That would indeed be scandalous, destroying much of a Duke’s reputation, in fact,” Charlotte nodded in acknowledgement of that danger. “Being a lady is no simple task, you must be careful about yourself.”

“Of course. I suppose I got carried away due to err, making new friends for the first time. You won’t have to worry about my affairs with the Duke, however. I do well to shroud this from his sights.” Claudia assured.

[color=#0000a0]“I suppose, but that’s different. Hiding from Duke and hiding from people who might spread words, I mean,”[/color] Mary stated.

“Well, you never know who’s watching you even as we speak,” Charlotte joked.

“Mnm, I guess that would be a problem, would it?”
Claudia said with a smirk. “I suppose I should be a bit more careful now, especially when I now I have people to converse with.”

“Well, you can be relaxed in the café, though. Ms. Pearce sometimes talks about her… lively life, you should come when she is around, sometime,” Charlotte suggested.

“Lovely, I suppose now I have a new place to go in my free time then. And to think I thought the rest of today was going to be a wasteful disaster.” Claudia said, scratching the back of her head.

[color=#0000a0]“We tend to meet up there often,”[/color] Mary said, [color=#0000a0]“Come by if you’re bored, or want to talk about anything… ahem, most things, I mean,”[/color] she added, correctly herself halfway.

“Well, we tend to meet up when we have free times between classes, since it is like a ten minute walk from there to the academy,” Charlotte said, pointing out how close the two places are, for which it was a convenient meeting place for herself and Mary, and now possibly for Claudia, too.

“Splendid!” Claudia said, cheerfully clapping her hands together. “I have to say, not many people would come to me and invite me to speak with them at all, usually it would be about a certain assignment they are unable to complete without my help.”

[color=#0000a0]“Well… I’d reckon they heard about your connection to the Duke, that’s why,”[/color] Mary said, telling her the harsh truth. Gossips were nothing to be looked down on; words travelled much faster than assumed. She honestly believed that everyone in the academy more or less knew about her connection to the Duke.

“Eh? How would they know about such a thing?” Claudia tilted her head to the side once more.

“Probably because word spreads about who is donating for you or letting you in on the academy,” Charlotte answered. “Don’t be surprised. There are influential powers participating there. Someone who works for the Duke is likely not of humble birth, from the perspective of people, and hence looked down on sometimes.”

[color=#0000a0]“You still have reputation as a scholar though, I think…”[/color] Mary said. [color=#0000a0]“So I don’t think everyone exactly don’t like you, maybe they find it hard to approach you.”[/color]

[color=#0000a0]Albeit, most people will know about the rumor about you casting Heart Shatter spell… [/color] Mary sighed internally.

Claudia pinched her nose between two fingers and mumbled in between sighs, “Fils de salope…” hearing that merely made her want to be associated with the students even less. Why should her ties with the Duke stop them from approaching her in the first place? If they weren’t so closed-minded perhaps they could have seen passed that, Claudia thought. “Typical… it matters not, I’ve been fine by myself from the beginning. Fie what everyone else thinks.”

[color=#0000a0]“Well, you’re no noble lady now in this society, so you’re not expected to expand your contacts either,”[/color] Mary replied. [color=#0000a0]“So, I suppose it is alright the way things are now.”[/color]

“I renounced my nobleship ages ago, the moment I set foot on London. I have no problem with that either way.” answered Claudia, nonchalant about this whole matter now.

“But what if you marry the Duke one day? You’d have to live up to his expectations!” Charlotte said in jest. Now it was Claudia’s turn to be teased.

Claudia blushed heavily, completely flustered from the thought. “M-Marry? W-Well, I never thought of that as a possibility…” she said, placing both hands on her cheek and shaking her head with a loving expression.

“Oh dear, is it me, or you…”

[color=#0000a0]“Have feelings for him?”[/color] Mary asked after Charlotte’s voice trailed off, finishing the sentence.

“I...well, you see…” Claudia stammered, face flushed even redder. “D-Don’t be ridiculous! Me and the Duke? Ha! What an otherworldly accusation!”

“Then why so red?” Charlotte asked, not willing to back down.

[color=#0000a0]“Well, it does seem hard to imagine,”[/color] Mary nodded.

“I...I just consider the Duke a dear friend, that’s all. B-Besides, hypothetically speaking, if that were the case, he wouldn’t be interested in me.” Claudia defended, crossing her arms.

“Treating your guardian as a friend, huh?” Charlotte said, not sure how to take that response.

[color=#0000a0]“That does… sound odd?”[/color] Mary gave a forced smile.

Claudia realized how wrong that sounded and decided to change up her words. “Well– not in that order, I would say that I consider him a friend, while he has no clue I feel this way– I guess you could say that it sounds like a primary school relationship where the guy has no clue I exist. Ha...haha...ha.” Claudia explained, all but well.

“Well, cheer up,” Charlotte said, patting her shoulder.

[color=#0000a0]“Who knows, your feelings might reach him one day,”[/color] Mary said, smiling tenderly.

“P-Perhaps…” Claudia said, lowly, not believing that in the slightest.

“Well then, back to the topic of books,” Charlotte said, brightening up her smile and voice. “What would you be getting, Mary?”

[color=#0000a0]“Hmm… I am deciding on one of Dumas’ works this time,”[/color] Mary answered, picking out a particular book.

“Ooh, good choice, I should’ve thought of that,” Charlotte said, impressed by the choice.

”Dumas? I do not think I have heard of him before. What books has he done?" asked Claudia, interested.

Mary picked up the book she was going to be renting out, it was tilted †˜The Count of Monte Christo’ and showed it to Claudia, [color=#0000a0]“Wait, you really haven’t heard of this famous author before? His works are marvelous; The Three Musketeers, La Reine Margot, The Black Tulip, you haven’t heard of them before?”[/color]

“Ah, I’ve only heard of The Count of Monte Cristo and the Three Musketeers, funnily enough, never knowing the name of the person who wrote them. I hear that these works are all instant classics, however.” replied Claudia. “I have heard a brief synopsis of the Count too; a man, wrong by society sets out for revenge, correct?”

[color=#0000a0]“Indeed, and so I am looking forward to this,”[/color] Mary answered, seemingly exciting, pressing the book to her chest.

“Here you go again, always being so giddy when it comes to books,” Charlotte commented, looking at the happy Mary.

[color=#0000a0]“I can’t help it, I just love books,”[/color] Mary said, smiling.

“I suppose that’s enough book shopping for today?” Charlotte asked, turning to the two after checking that they all had at least one book at hand.

Claudia glanced at her stack and realized she bit off more than she could chew, chuckling nervously at this. She wasn’t the tallest of people, she was no taller than 5’7 at least, but the stack she held was even taller than she was, toppling over her head. She would not be able to sneak this amount past the Duke, even if she tried. “Uhm…” Claudia stammered a little to make up her mind. “Perhaps I should… put a few down until next time…” Claudia decided, painstakingly laying a good portion of the books down onto a table, partly hoping others wouldn’t try to claim them. “Alright, ready to go when you are.” Claudia sighed, attempting to make due.

[color=#0000a0]“What’d you do with so many… never mind,”[/color] Mary sighed, and then reformed her smile. [color=#0000a0]“Why don’t we help you put these back to their place?”[/color] She offered, she wouldn’t want other women or children come across these books, after all. [color=#0000a0]“It’s not proper manners to leave books like these on the table.”[/color]

“I’d suppose so,” Charlotte nodded, she intended to catch a peek at some of the titles just to expand her vocabulary with such passionate books.

“Right, right… who knows, some poor child may end up reading some of these by mistake. We wouldn’t want that…” Claudia replied, putting her own stack down to deal with her discarded stack.

[color=#0000a0]“Yes, we really wouldn’t want that,”[/color] Mary nodded deeply in agreement, for once. She then took a portion from the stack to be discarded. [color=#0000a0]“Then I’ll be putting these back into place,”[/color] she added, leaving for the shelves.

“She actually knows the way to that section despite them being numbered… as expected of a book lover,” Charlotte commented silently, then took up her own portion of the deal. “Anyway, I’ll be putting these back on place, then,” she too, went off to the shelves.

Claudia then picked up the rest, and braced herself to journey back to the erotica section she departed away from recently. Walking back to it – with the rest of the discarded-to-be stack she carried – she found Charlotte and Mary on both sides; inserting books into the shelves. Charlotte was peeking into the titles, while Mary seemed to be ignoring them. They seemed to be almost done, so Claudia hurried to pick back up the location she got the books from, and begun inserting them back in too.

(BGM)


[color=#0000a0]“Then, I will be off,”[/color] Mary said, smiling. The three were in front of the café again. Classes weren’t over at all for the day, and they only had around one and a half hours out now.

“Right, then. Adieu, Mary.” Claudia waved, returning the smile.

“See you. Take care,” Charlotte bid her friend farewell for now, waving to her, who also waved in return.

As Mary disappeared into the crowd of people in a matter of moments, Charlotte turned to Claudia, “You ready for the †˜date’, then?”

Claudia let a slight shade of red touch her cheeks, smiling. “But of course. That is what I was waiting for,” she said with a slight hint of excitement in her voice.

“I see,” Charlotte noted the change in facial expression, but retained her normal tone of voice, “Where would you like to go?”

Claudia shook her head. “Now, now. As a gentlewoman, I have asked you out on this date. It would only be fair if you were to choose the venue, no?” Claudia emphasised. She pulled a wallet from a pouch, opening it to check her funds for tonight, remembering the money the Duke granted her to get to school and back. She could not bring herself to use it for something so trivial as traveling. Having saved up this money for so long, perhaps now Claudia had found a good reason to use it. “After all, I'm walking home anyway,” Claudia said to herself aloud.

“Mnm… you’d think the organizer would have plans already,” Charlotte said. This would usually be the case, but she already knew that Claudia had asked her out on a whim. “Oh my, would you do it any other way? Most scholars seems to be taking a carriage, but I mostly see people walking.”

“It matters not to me,” Claudia shrugged. “As long as I am able to show you a decent night, I am content,” she said, showing the zenith of her commitment, “If you prefer that I pick the location, I will be more than happy to.”

“I have only implied that the one who asks should usually have plans, I did not voice my preferences,” Charlotte chuckled, then started to walk from the shop, making Claudia follow. “If you’re going to be so half-hearted about dates, gentlemen will be disappointed, you know,” she added with a wink. “Commitment is important.”

Claudia puffed a cheek out, but took it into consideration. Believe it or not, this was her first ever date. Her only guides at this point were the erotic novels she so avidly read– but even she knew the difference between fantasy and real-life. She had no choice but to take the things she'd read about with a grain of salt. “Right, right. Sorry about that. I know of a few restaurants I've passed in recent days and a rather amazing spot in the city that I always wanted to visit, but never got the chance to.” Claudia said, planning the night anyways. Unfortunately for her, she hardly knew the city, despite having lived there since childhood after the slavers had brought her over.

“I know not why you wanted to avoid talking about the Director,” Charlotte said, “or why Mary didn’t tell me why she went there, but it won’t stop me from worrying.” Not to let Claudia run away from it, she added “I think I’ll handle the locations for today instead, but what is the amazing spot you speak of?”

Claudia stopped abruptly in her tracks, wondering how Charlotte had caught on, especially when she had seemed so swayed at first. With a sigh, she turned back to Charlotte with an exasperated expression. “Well, there was a spot that gave a wondrous view of the city. I believe it would be acceptable to end to our night there.”

“We had such a place?” questioned Charlotte, as she looked up towards the sky with a finger under her chin after stopping.She wondered, “I suppose we can go there. Perhaps we should go shopping first, and then perhaps a trip to Hyde Park.” Hyde Park had almost always been a popular spot to hang around since her younger days, so perhaps it was too common a choice? Frankly, Charlotte wasn’t quite sure where to go, either. This was her first date as well – not that she treated it as a real date – and she felt largely inexperienced.

"Splendid. Shall we depart then, my lady?" Claudia asked in a joking manner, gesturing Charlotte along with an offered arm.

“Yes, let us be off,” Charlotte answered, taking the position of a high-esteemed mistress. The two resumed walking yet again.

(BGM)


Charlotte and Claudia entered a shop. An array of appealing Victorian dresses were on display for the passing ladies on the stone pavement. The colorful clothes were what caught Charlotte’s eyes, despite their being manufactured in some factory utilizing the steam technology; they were gorgeous enough for ladies like themselves. Admittedly the materials were likely not as great as the hand-sewn clothes that nobles often have the privilege of donning.

“What kind of clothes do you usually prefer?” Charlotte asked. While most in Britain preferred Victorian dresses – as it was the Victorian era – some preferred to wear lower class, simpler attire. Since Claudia was now a mere servant of the Duke, Charlotte wondered if it was rude to come to a store selling fancy Victorian dresses.

“Aside from this?” Claudia asked, pointing to her skirt, long stockings and shirt, lightly tugging on each article. “Casual wear will often suffice for me. Something from a simple shirt, pants and suspenders to my usual attire. I find myself alternating between the two.” Claudia said. “Unusual for a knight, I know. It has been so long since I wore a dress, though.”

“Unusual for anyone is more like it. You are wasting your youth, Claudia,” Charlotte shook her head and placed a palm over her forehead in pity. “Knights don’t have set attire, they’re supposed to dress †˜casually’ to avoid mundane suspicion. What you’re doing is missing the entire point of of your armory’s invisibility .” Not that Charlotte knew about the armors being taken, but, as a Londoner, she was right that Claudia didn’t attempt to blend in like the other mages.

“It’ll be my treat. Come, let us find you a lady’s dress that would actually befit you,” Charlotte said, browsing the dresses on display. “What do you think is your image color?

"O-Okay. Well, I suppose a dark purple would suit my skin tone well." answered Claudia, staying back curiously. Her gaze brushed past an array of colors, mentally picturing herself in each frock.

“Hmm, sounds like something similar to Mary, mn?” Charlotte hummed, her fingers passing past many layers of fabric that seemed fine enough to the touch. “How about this?”

She pulled a dress out from the array and caught its upper shoulders; showcasing it for Claudia.

Claudia was actually colored with surprise by the look of this dress. Like most Victorian attire for women, the dress was rather frilly. Much to her surprise, the dress was a dark purple, with light purple outlines along the frills and very front. Claudia smiled happily at this, as purple was her favorite color, as well as at the exhilaration of picturing herself wearing attire like this again. “I love it…” Claudia said absentmindedly, taking the dress into another room to try on.

She soon exited, donning the purple frock with a light smile. The tiara she wore on her head would likely persuade others that she was a princess of some sort. “Well, how do I look?” She asked, turning around, posing in the mirror.

“Not bad, I’d say,” Charlotte nodded in acknowledgement, as the dress indeed seemed fit. Perhaps she had an eye for fashion? She flattered herself with such thoughts.

“It does fit you, though that tiara is a little out-of-place, even for what you wore previously.”

“But…” Claudia began to say in protest, face going grim. “It was my mother’s. She gave this to me as a child before… regardless, I cannot simply get rid of it.” she said, hesitant. She seriously intended to go out wearing that tiara. Charlotte had a point: it was a bit much, but that fell on deaf ears.

“Mnm, a servant wearing a tiara may be seen as arrogance by the public, don’t come crying to me if you are ever shunned,” Charlotte said, laughing it off, not letting the mood grow solemn with that face. She flicked Claudia’s forehead. “Making a face like that is going to ruin that face of yours.”

“Ah...I-I…” Claudia stared up at Charlotte with a slight blush. “We...wouldn’t want that, now would we?” she repeated from a previous time, dropping the grim mask from her light smile once more.

“You wouldn’t, not †˜we’,” Charlotte then turned and faced the man who’d be having her extract money from her wallet, and made way. “This is more pricy than I thought,” she said, paying for the dress anyway. An attendant took the dress away from Claudia and packed it up for her to take.

“I hope you wear this often, better make it worth the cost!”

“But of course, I would not dare waste your money on a dress that I merely love.” Claudia replied. “Really Charlotte, this was a good find. I’d say you have a knack for this kind of thing.” she complimented.

“Well, Mary and I are used to scouting for dresses,” Charlotte responded to the praise, not readily showing happiness. “We had to look for dresses for characters in our works, just to add more weight to our own imaginations.”

“Characters or not, it is still good… have you ever considered trying your hand at fashion in general? Becoming a designer? Say, something to do on the side apart from writing,” asked Claudia, showing more interest in her new attire than expected.

“Mnm… I haven’t thought of it,” Charlotte considered her life thus far for a moment, and reminded herself, “I’d like to be more focused on writing, for now, however.”

Claudia shrugged. “Fair enough, we all have our talents. I for one have yet to find mine. Perhaps singing–I never tried it though.” Claudia thought aloud, putting a finger to her lips and looking to the air. “Oh how rude of me, I had just realized that I spent our entire day talking about myself when I hardly know a thing about you, save for the fact that you’re Mary’s friend and you’re an author. This is a †˜date’ after all. Why not tell me a little about yourself, my lady?” Claudia inquired, wearing a refined smile.

“Well, for now, how about we go to our next destination?” Charlotte asked, noting the attendant looking at the two strange because Claudia said †˜date’ in that manner. What was this scholar thinking? Regardless, with the package handed to the two, they had no more errand to run with the shops.

The two left for Hyde Park.

(BGM)


Lush green grasses, trees with healthy leaves, hills; a place where the two could bask in the presence of nature. A sight Claudia hadn’t seen in years, and likely forgot by now. A country revolutionised and changed. Layers of steam, smog and grey clouds replaced the blue skies from Claudia’s view forever, after she was brought to England by the slavers. On the other hand, Charlotte had learned to like this change, even though she somewhat longed to see the clear and beautiful skies.

Who didn’t? Perhaps only the children who knew of the grayless skies in their childhood and could no longer remember them anymore after maturing were the ones that didn’t long for them.

Hyde park was one such place that the Engine culture didn’t take away. It didn’t give people the rays of the sun in littering showers, but it did gave people the rumor that some could see the sky from here. It gave people hope. It gave people more than just a reason to visit. Albeit, people simply enjoyed basking in nature just as any forestmen would, the rumors were but a small influence.

Charlotte and Claudia could see people in all directions, ranging from plebeians to middle classed, to even high-esteemed aristocratic ladies and gentlemen that came out to enjoy the park. It was possibly the only place where people of all types of social standings came to meet and congregate.

A special place, arguably.

The two were greeted by the Crystal Palace that stood behind the park, it was as gleaming as ever. Such radiance were retained despite the lack of the sun, making it admirable.


“I don’t have a sheet to make this a proper picnic, but I suppose we can sit across the grass fields just fine,” Charlotte suggested, peering down to the green grounds. “I hear they clean this place very often.”

“That is fine, I don’t mind.” replied Claudia, mystified with the landscape before her.

Charlotte sat down over the grass; leaning against a tree – that lied on the side originally – and ushered Claudia to take a seat beside her, patting the grass. “The weather is really nice here, isn’t it?”

“Some say that you get less soot here in the air, too.”

“Indeed, I could imagine. I wonder how they manage to do it, though. Magic? What do you think, Charlotte?” Claudia thought out loud as to took a seat next to Charlotte. Her legs crossed to the side as she did– a likely position for women wearing dresses and skirts alike.

“I doubt it,” Charlotte laughed at the mere suggestion of such a thing. “It feels too natural to be tempered with magecraft. It was simply preserved from the time King Henry used it as his hunting ground.”

“Ah, I see. And with that, the rest of the city turned into a place of technology and innovation, am I correct? Factories everywhere, around every corner you go. When I first arrived, it did not take me long to realize how out of whack London’s timeline– along with the rest of the world is.”

“Yes, only this place remains now, and apparently they have intentions of taking the technology to higher levels for the war,” Charlotte replied. “Ah, the timeline mismatch is such an interesting subject. Mary and I have had countless discussions about them. There are – and were – many rumors about them, some say that London’s timeline often flickered back and forth.”

Claudia stared, astounded. “Is that so? I wonder what really happened for such a thing to change the timeline of an entire country. I cannot complain, however. I fairly enjoy the sights of †˜Victorian London’. I have always dreamt of walking amongst the sharply dressed men, and frock wearing women, sipping tea in cafés, and gazing at whatever sights London had to offer. But of course, that was only a childhood dream came true, I suppose.” Claudia chuckled, reminiscing.

“I do wish to visit the other countries too, to at least find out where their cultures lie and explore what their timelines possess.”

“Mhm, that is a fair dream for many modern Londoners to have, they say,” Charlotte said, apparently looking back to a certain past. “I suppose you are now living a dream come true, which is a great thing. Just so you know, you wouldn’t have met the Duke if not for that.”

Claudia looked up to the tree, exploring the leaves blow from the subtle wind. “That is true,” Claudia said with a smile. “I am glad he chose me out of the many children in the orphanage. I sometimes lie awake at night wondering what could have happened if he didn’t.”

“My, a fated meeting I daresay,” Charlotte said, clapping her hands. “And here you’re out – cheating on him – betraying his kindness,” she said, chuckling.

“Jeez, I… I said we were friends!” Claudia yelled, face red from embarrassment.

“Oh dear, are you sure you want to lie about that? A †˜date’ is explicitly implying something more than just an outing,” Charlotte said teasingly, with this reaction seen, she’d tease her for long about this, “Are you sure that calling him a friend one-sidedly applies well?”

“T-That doesn’t imply anything, I just took a liking to you, okay?!”

“My, my, what a passionate confession,” Charlotte replied, “and a scandalous one already,” looking left and right, some people did look at Claudia with awe from that loud proclamation. She snickered ever so loudly from witnessing this reaction.

Claudia glanced left and right as well, talking notice to the peering people. She made sure to lower her voice a little. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Claudia said appearing mad, but couldn’t manage to hold her laugh.

Charlotte’s lips stretched wide, but she shrugged her shoulders; pretending to not know anything.

“Oh dear, whatever may you be referring to? This banter was meant to follow this direction, there was no intention on my part,” she stated.

“Hahaha, very funny.” Claudia huffed, using a false laugh in her sarcasm. “So this is the power of Charlotte Brontë, such a fearful and powerful woman… I see why Mary trembles before you, weak and flustered.” she put a hand on her forehead and leaned backwards, pretending she is suffering from Charlotte’s treatment.

A dark expression arose from Charlotte as Claudia continued to look at the sky. Both women were leaning against the tree, facing different sides, after all.

“Trembles before me, huh? I wonder what she truly feels…” she said, a very different tone than a moment ago, she buried her head on her thighs after she brought them up to her chest, and her voice was dripping with dismay.

“Hmm? What’s the matter?” Claudia said looking back to Charlotte. “You don’t think she vilifies your friendship, do you?”

“No, I feel like she is… pretending to be the Mary I once knew,” Charlotte answered.

Claudia bat up an eyebrow at that. She wouldn’t really know much, given she had just got to know the two girls today. What could she mean? Claudia wondered. “Pretending? For what reason?” she asked.

“For this joke of mine to work,” Charlotte said, laughing from the bottom of her lungs.

“Oh, hahaha.” Claudia laughed, taking to the joke well. Judging from Charlotte’s change in attitude and sudden mention of Mary, Claudia didn’t believe that was a joke for one bit. It did not add up at all, unless Charlotte turned out to have a dark sense of humor, which was hard for her to doubt. Nevertheless, it all seemed too out of place. “That was a funny joke indeed, but why don’t you tell me what’s really the matter?” Claudia said, with a serious expression.

“I wish there was a matter,” Charlotte answered, chuckling, “as mages, our lives are so much like mundanes. To be honest, I hardly know what she does aside from her known activities: acting as Juliet in plays and as a research group member in Royal Academy, for instance.”

Claudia’s expression loosened a bit, yet she still had her suspicions intact. “She likely spends it writing.” she shrugged. “Who knows? Either that or maybe she does have a secret sex life.” Claudia said, covering her mouth with a giggle.

“No, she doesn’t!” Charlotte instantly denied, playing along. “M-My Mary can’t be possibly into those l-l-lewd activities…” she said, toning down her voice to a whisper.

“Ufufufu~ oh my, it appears your feelings still remain for Mary.” Claudia teased, attempting to keep her voice low as well.

“That is correct,” Charlotte said with pride, an unexpected reply, or was it expected of her? Either way, she’d play along till the end, “My cute Kitty will not be yielded to any man; she is forever mine,” she added, in a more dramatic manner.

Claudia leaned back and held her forehead once more, pretending to die. “So it is true, you are cheating on me with Mary. The tables have been turned!” Claudia said over-theatrically.

“Well, I needed someone to laugh at. Hahaha!” Charlotte laughed like a true villain, as if having played with her all along throughout the farce of a love triangle.

“Jeez, you and your japes,” Claudia huffed, puffing a cheek out. It was as if she was truly entangled in a love triangle with these two. It was strange at the very most, becoming taken with two women she just met today. She sometimes couldn’t tell if Charlotte was joking or not, despite what she had said so far.

There was a loud ringing tone, and Charlotte excused herself from Claudia for a moment, getting off the tree. She took out an Engine phone. Engine phones were considered truly a miraculous technology by the mundanes, but the mages knew that the concept of mobile phones in the modern countries were mimicked, and that concept was soon modified by the steam culture. Mundane at first thought how a device could communicate so far away to another device that of a similar model, but eventually tossed the questions aside and accepted whatever explanations were provided. However, to Claudia’s disappointment after she came to England; these phones had no display screens. They were as old-fashioned as the telephones in the houses of nobles. Even the numbers were dialed with a rotary for these phones.

Charlotte seemed to have taken the dark tone she spoke with earlier. An expression she never saw before, even worse than the last. Was this really a joke?

“Yes… yes, professor, I will make my way back to the research room. Yes. I will see you soon,” her arm that held the device faced the green ground, so she never faced Claudia again.

“Sorry, something came up…” she said, as if forcing those words by her throat. “It is unfortunate that I won’t be able to accompany you to the place you wished to visit, I will go now. See you soon at the café,” she bid her farewell then and there, and hurried off towards the streets outside the park, possibly to find herself a toll gurney; the fastest form of traveling available to the Londoners.

Claudia sat on the grass, completely at a loss for words. Was that it? Did her conceived first date end, abrupt and like a whimper? At first, it was a mere act as Claudia proposed just to sway the girl’s mind, but for some reason, why did it feel much more than a simple facade? Claudia sighed, wearing an expression of sheer disappointment as she watched Charlotte hurry down the street. ”Adieu… Charlotte."

She cut her eyes from the woman, looking to the ground. Scrounging to her feet and dusting off her new dress, Claudia sighed as she walked along the grass, out of the park in a completely separate direction, off to her home where the Duke would likely be waiting.

[size=7](BGM)[/h]


Aramus and Elizabeth found themselves in a city they usually wouldn’t have so much time to walk on. The lights were as dazzling as ever. The skyscrapers were as tall as they’d remembered. The high-rise buildings were as awe-inducing as always, despite the fact that they saw such long establishments back in England. Lastly, the people were always there regardless of the time they’d visit the city, something they weren’t used to seeing.

Be it night or day, midday or midnight, dusk or dawn; people of the futuristic Japan would usually be crowding the streets. It was strange, as if they didn’t need sleep at all.

The vehicles flew while some still ran on wheels. Elizabeth was always impressed by the levitating cars that ran across the transparent roads up in the skies.

[color=#ff0088]“This place always makes me speechless,”[/color] she said thoughtlessly. [color=#ff0088]“I cannot compare our Great Britain to this.”[/color]

Enraptured himself, Aramus always enjoyed his ventures into the city. With Elizabeth as company, it was great. [color=#bf00ff]“It is an entirely different experience from our homeland. I’ll just visit the usual joints to see if they have something better for our dear healer.”[/color] Taking out his own smartphone, Aramus looked at the map he had so often used to get around.

[color=#ff0088]“Then let us be on our way,”[/color] Elizabeth replied, apparently very excited for their venture into the city tonight. It was clear that she hadn’t had the opportunity to come here very often.

The two then journeyed across the city and gave some of the shops and markets a visit. It seemed like Elizabeth was fond of letting herself get distracted, that’s one thing Aramus could tell, with how every little things could sway her eyes away. He could only watch over her when she was like this.

However, it wasn’t so easy to find a †˜rare and pricey’ wine as Mathilde had put it. It had to be an exceptional bottle, or at least that’s what she implied. Elizabeth seemed to have had a keen eye, and had rejected over ten labels at least, making both the sellers and Aramus sigh.

[color=#ff0088]“These markets probably don’t have anything rare… perhaps we can find some in an auction?”[/color] Elizabeth suggested as the two approached a park on their way to the next location that Aramus found from his map in the smartphone even as he pondered her words.

[color=#bf00ff]A-auction?[/color] Just what was this girl thinking!?

[color=#ff0088]“How about we take a break?”[/color] She suggested, even though she didn’t appeared to be tired in the slightest. Was she being thoughtful about Aramus?

[color=#bf00ff]“Alright. It is nice to stop and watch what goes on around from time to time.”[/color] walking to a nearby vending machine, Aramus dropped a few yen coins inside, the machine dispensing its payload with a silent whirr. [color=#bf00ff]“Here.”[/color] This time, Aramus passed her a can of milk tea. What better way to spend a short break than with some tea, of course. [color=#bf00ff]“I’m sorry I can’t get you anything better.”[/color]

[color=#ff0088]“It is alright, teacher. I will definitely end of trying out the futuristic drinks the next time I come by, however,”[/color] Elizabeth accepted the can of milk tea, while stating her newfound objective as she opened the can and took a swig of her tea. [color=#ff0088]“But really, there was no need to buy any drink for me, at all.”[/color]

[color=#bf00ff]“Nonsense. You took the time to accompany me on a trip that did not require you to.”[/color] Aramus said, walking to a pair of mechanical swings. He missed these back in his orphanage as a younger child. Even for swings, they looked… advanced. He tentatively took a seat, letting the mechanism start up.

[color=#ff0088]“I’ve had your… delicious black tea back in the dormitory. Besides, you must save up for Almond. It is no good to spend money for pleasantry and formalities, not in your case,”[/color] Elizabeth replied – shaking her head – almost like a mother, then looked down before continuing, [color=#ff0088]“It was definitely a requirement, however. How could I not accompany you – when it was my incompetence in combat that lead to you taking special measures to getting me cured? Even now, I feel like I haven’t been able to pay you back for your kindness.”[/color]

A green light lit up on the side of the swing’s stands; hinting the startup of the machines struck into the slim-looking supports of the swing. Before Aramus knew it; the swing started moving, all on its own. It started moving slowly – just as it would like any ordinary swings – but soon begun to get faster and faster, carrying more and more distance. The speed was absolutely not natural and as a man from the industrial city of London from the 19th century; he was beginning to get scared of the automation now.

[color=#bf00ff]“I, ah… It’s ok Elizabeth, really.”[/color] The speed was getting a little disconcerting for him. What happened to the happy rides he had with the other kids as a child? This was definitely not the same harmless swing from his childhood and he was beginning to get worried. [color=#bf00ff]“No really, as your teacher, I’m obliged to make sure all students are well taken care of. Besides, you’re the one that saved me from going hungryyyyyy.”[/color] The last line was said after a particular bad cycle and now it seemed he would not be able to get off. What kind of machine was this!?

Elizabeth hadn’t noticed Aramus sitting on the swing at all, as she was happily drinking her canned tea, despite asking him why he had to go to the trouble of raising his expenditures for providing her with a drink. She could she not savour her teacher’s painfully earned money? It was the least she could do, since he insisted on treating her. However, when she heard his voice trail off the way it did, she immediately stood up and looked to the side to find Aramus on an ultra fast super swing – or so it seemed like – to her.

[color=#ff0088]“T-Teacher?! What’s going on!”[/color] She exclaimed, making her way to the side of the swings, not sure how to turn it off herself. She seemed to be panicking, even though it was Aramus who was supposed to be panicking.

[color=#bf00ff]“Aaaaaaaaaa- I don’t know!”[/color] Cursing himself for being defeated by a childrens’ play device, Aramus was honestly panicking, but could not do so as he had to cling to the handles on the seat. What kind of demented person designed a swing like this? [color=#bf00ff]“I’ll find a way to stop it… I hope!”[/color]

[color=#ff0088]“I-I’ll see if there is something in here that can stop it!”[/color] Elizabeth shouted a reply but she honestly couldn’t see anything aside from a greenlit circle that indicated that the swing was online. There was no way to notice a button in this darkness. Her hands quivered about, and she was very worried for her teacher, staring at him getting hopelessly swung over and over at a high speed back and forth. Albeit, at least it stopped getting faster. They both figured that it was at its maximum speed at the moment.

A low noise occurred in a few moments as Aramus noticed that the speed of the swing was starting to drop, allowing his heart beat and his screams to go down. Elizabeth realized that there was someone else other than herself, who seemed to have pressed on the green light itself. So it was a button! A red light turned up from just below the green light.

Aramus could finally get off the swing, albeit his head was spinning, and he almost fell off, but Elizabeth caught him, and helped him get to the benches – which she checked if it was mechanical, just in case – somehow.

[color=#ff0088]“I almost thought you’d be sent flying to the road, that was scary,”[/color] Elizabeth said, sighing, it was almost as though she was on the swing with him, and appeared to be burnt out. Perhaps it was the worry and tension that really wore her out.

Aramus clutched his head, the trauma of having his childhood swing destroyed making him slightly weak in the knees after that ordeal. [color=#bf00ff]“Not as scary as seeing your childhood get ruined, whatever good was left of it.”[/color] He took a few sips, or attempted to, from his can of milk tea but it was already empty, making empty whooshing sounds as nothing but air filled his mouth.

The two were taking deep breathes, leaning against each other in the middle of the bench, with Elizabeth’s head in Aramus’ shoulder, and his cheek pressed against her silky blonde hair.

[color=#ff0088]“At least you had a childhood with swings, they wouldn’t even let me play for the sake of studying… ”[/color]

Taking in deep breaths, Aramus just sat there. He was glad that Elizabeth was here with him, imagine what would’ve happened by himself? [color=#bf00ff]“That’s implying I had a childhood at all. I’m surprised you hadn’t heard of my origins. Still, at least I can tell your parents when I meet them that they have a fine daughter.”[/color] Placing the empty can at his side, Aramus now only realized how close they were and froze. Thank heavens no one from the academy was around, if not that paycheck of his would definitely be forfeit.

[color=#ff0088]“Well, they’d still find ways to criticize me anyway. They are rather harsh,”[/color] Elizabeth said, but then she noticed a figure staring at them blanking in front of them. It was the one who pushed the button. Then she noticed how close and stuck she was with her teacher. Blood flushed all the way up to her cheeks in but a single instant. Elizabeth moved away so fast that Aramus almost fell over in the bench.

[color=#ff0088]“A-Ah, sorry for not noticing you earlier! Thank you very much for saving my teacher from the swing… uh, um, he is a little… old fashioned. Yes, that’s right,”[/color] Elizabeth quickly spoke out to the girl before her. She didn’t seem to be Japanese either.

Strangely enough, Aramus wondered why he’d always run into foreigners like this. The beauty before him had blonde hair just like Elizabeth, but even he could tell that her’s were much richer and brighter somehow. She had a pretty face and a bright fair skin, but her expression was absolutely emotionless as she looked down at the two with her cold starry eyes.

Starry? Aramus thought. Why were they like that? Was she was a mage?

[color=#bf00ff]“Ah, so you were the one who saved me. Thank you very much.”[/color] Aramus wasn’t sure but he bowed slightly in thanks. Indeed, he had noticed Elizabeth backing away from him hurriedly, but the person before him was intriguing as well. There was still a faint blush on his cheeks as he could still feel her warmth, though.

[color=#0000a0]“It’s okay. From the looks of it, neither of you seemed to be a native. It is a common issue even for natives,”[/color] the girl replied in a monotone voice.

[color=#bf00ff]”Ah, I see… Nonetheless, I am grateful you stepped in to help.”[/color] He gave her a smile, but was perplexed by her tone of voice. It was as if she had no emotion, and her reply was so matter of factly; it bothered him.

[color=#ff0088]“Um, excuse me but, would you happen to know where we can find a rare and expensive wine?”[/color] Elizabeth said, cutting in. It was a good an opportunity as any, perhaps a native – as she put it – would know.

The lady before them gave a single nod, and muttered a word, or so it seemed. Then her eyes glowed blue. It seemed as though she was looking at something else, despite still facing them. Strange, the two on the bench thought, tilting their heads in curiosity.

[color=#0000a0]“Do you have a Nerve Device?”[/color] She asked facing Aramus.

[color=#bf00ff]”A-a wha? Nerve… Device?”[/color] He could answer her with confusion, slightly off focus as he had tried to sense if she was using magic. Apparently, it must have been some form of technology that looked like magic or far surpassed it.

[color=#0000a0]“I suppose you two are not registered as citizens… ?”[/color] The girl seemed somewhat confused, also tilting her head like they both did earlier. Elizabeth just looked as though she was weird, but did not dare interrupt the conversation.

[color=#0000a0]“Then, if you have a smartphone at least, please let me see it.”[/color]

Aramus handed his phone over to her. Whoever she was, it looked like she knew what she was doing. Too bad he was a dumb foreigner, so he would defer to… this stranger.

The lady took the phone, then skillfully paced her finger across the screen; marking several locations.

[color=#0000a0]“Search results refer to these locations. Good luck,”[/color] she said, handing back the smartphone to Aramus, before giving a slight bow, then walking away from the park.

[color=#ff0088]“Thank you… ”[/color] Elizabeth said, waving her hand at her lightly with no smile. She was still stupefied by this person. [color=#ff0088]“She was so pretty, but somehow scary,”[/color] Elizabeth whispered to herself, heaving a sigh again.

[color=#bf00ff]“Thank you very much, miss! May I have your name?”[/color] Aramus raised his voice so she would hear him, although it did make him feel bad that he had to shout.

She turned towards Aramus, then pointed to a large television screen attached to a building that aired advertisements.

It showed the same face! ...But something was different.

More than just different.

Mind-bafflingly different.

It was a lady – with the same face – smiling and singing at a stage. In the bottom corner of the screen, Aramus could read the name displayed. Of course he could read it, since it was written in English.

“Alice,” it said.

When Aramus looked back to the girl, she was already gone.

He looked over at Elizabeth mutely, totally unsure of what to say. The contrast was too large. Elizabeth looked back all the same, apparently speechless too.

[color=#ff0088]“I don’t know what to say… was that really a celebrity of futuristic Japan? Are they all like this?”[/color]

Her teacher shrugged in response. He had no words, really. The night started out pleasantly enough, him and Elizabeth, then a ride on the demonic swing and now this strange woman named Alice? [color=#bf00ff]“I think it’s best if we continued on our way, Elizabeth.”[/color]

[color=#ff0088]“Indeed, despite all that had happened, at least we know where to check now,”[/color] Elizabeth answered, getting off the bench.

The two then left the park, wanting to forget about the disastrous swings. The night was still young and the two were only getting started.

(BGM)


Sherlock waited in a restaurant, it was a place of higher standards. Unexpected, he thought. The red carpet, the lavish food, the intricately designed surroundings were all but unfamiliar to him by now, after so many years. He wouldn’t have bothered if not for the telegram he received in his condominium back in Baker Street. A somewhat dirty room, but still cozy, nonetheless. He’d only come to such places due to his aristocratic contacts.

So, why was this familiar face staring at him now – sitting opposite to him – and offering him all these food? What did she want from him? He’d rather ignore her, if not for mentioning her old… †˜event’ that took place in the past. How he wanted to forget the horrors of that day. His young days after having gained his powers.

Mary – the mysterious lady – was the one who invited him. Her skills were almost peerless if he could remember correctly. She still wore her deep blue victorian dress, keeping a parasol beside her, probably because she wasn’t so fond of the soot mixed in the airs of London. The factories always exuded smoke born from steam technology, that polluted the environments, and the soot was but a minor product of the many disasters that steam technology brought to the country.

If Sherlock had to say what the weirdest part was about the girl – it’d be that golden right eye. An eye so starkly different even when compared to a natural gold eye. It was unnaturally bright, and he found it almost comparable to a cat’s iris.

[color=#0000a0]“You know, there was no need to make up a lie to me,”[/color] she begun, apparently having seen through his improvised act, [color=#0000a0]“I am more or less aware of the Lorelei.”[/color]

“The lie covered many options. You were an issue, but so was the girl. Why were you even out that late? Sherlock leaned forward on the table.

[color=#0000a0]“Me? An issue?”[/color] Mary asked, tilting her head. [color=#0000a0]“Because I had work, of course,”[/color] she answered.

“Working that late? I’m impressed you got the chance considering the state of alert that London is in right now. Anyways, I’m pretty sure you have more interesting things to talk about other than your night job.”

[color=#0000a0]“It was a little more late than usual due to a distraction, but I can’t really do anything if I am attacked,”[/color] Mary answered – taking a sip of her tea – then smiled, [color=#0000a0]“I have only come to check how you’ve been. After that, I have hardly heard of you.”[/color]

“My job keeps me in the shadows, just as it should. If you don’t hear about me, then that just means I’m doing a good job. I try not to think too hard about that incident; a lot of things don’t add up. My leads are sparse, unless of course, you’ve come to me with one.”

[color=#0000a0]“Well, I am somewhat aware of your activities,”[/color] Mary replied, closing an eye before flexing her index finger straight up, [color=#0000a0]“Observation of the Lorelei, was it?”[/color] she stated casually, apparently having done some research herself. [color=#0000a0]“I have information on Geneva, but I do not think any of that story will come in handy for you; unless you intend to join on the Second Great Mages’ War,”[/color] she answered.

The Second Great Mage’s War, a war that had been going on for over a decade now. It was mostly Europe against a single country that successfully held out even now due to its sheer advantage gained due to advancement of technology. Often times, The Times would publish many articles in the Magic World regarding how the war was going. Futuristic Japan was in the twenty-third century, and most of what it possessed was a mystery to the rest of the world, even now. What sparkled conflict was when it was realized that the government was using a Time Warrior they discovered in their country. The majority of the Magic World wanted them gone, but the government of Japan wouldn’t follow or obey the prophecy, nor would the Organization known as Shrine – surprisingly enough – which was thought to be a †˜good’ Organization from the perspective of the Royal Council in England. Royal Council was the Organization led by Her Royal Majesty, which more or less kept order and stability in the Magic World, and also controlled the Great Britain from the shadows.

Sherlock mulled over some thoughts. On one hand, getting involved in a Magic War did not sound like a good idea. His position was being compromised and he’d seen and witnessed forces far beyond his comprehension. However, Olivia’s case was undoubtedly tied with the Magic World. Now that he thought about it, the scales had been tipped even before she brought up the subject. He had to join, not because he was already in danger, but because he needed answers.

“I don’t think I have a choice now do I? I know too much, and I’ve seen too much. What are you, teasing me?”

[color=#0000a0]“Not that I want you to join it,”[/color] Mary laughed, instead of a finger, she put up her entire palm instead and waved it to signify that teasing was hardly her intention. [color=#0000a0]“If they learn of your identity as a Time Warrior; you’re out of luck,”[/color] she stated the harsh fact, again, casually.

“Let me change my stance then.” Sherlock leaned back on his chair just enough so that the floor creaked a bit, and he rubbed his chin with his left hand sorting his thoughts out once again. “The obvious course of action is to gain allies and preemptively strike. Let’s say I want in on this war, what would you say?”

Mary took a sip from her tea yet again, contemplating the idea. [color=#0000a0]“You have The Society assisting you, yes?”[/color] She asked, despite knowing the answer to it. [color=#0000a0]“Why’d you need more allies?”[/color]

[color=#0000a0]“Well… that man would be happy, but I can’t say that I’d be happy to have you around,”[/color] she said, expressing her thoughts on the idea.

“Mary, I’m going to let you on a secret.” Sherlock motioned her to lean in on the table a bit as he did, she leaned in slightly, but avoided getting too close.

“I don’t know what you think about me, but I don’t care about The Society. I don’t care about your old man or that overpowered woman. In fact, I don’t even care about you.” He paused and leaned back to let his words sink in. Then, he continued.

“However, do you know what that means? That means I can operate a little differently than other people, and you know that don’t you? There’s a reason why you are here, and I doubt I left an impression of a friendly person. So that means you are either here to make an ally, or here to check up on me, perhaps under orders. None of that actually matters though. You can smile, you can make small talk, and dress well. You know of this exquisite restaurant, you work a job, and I bet you have friends. I bet you’d be living a great life if not for… well you know.” He looked at Mary’s right eye, and then tapped his own temple.

“Get me in the war, and I’ll help you live the life you should be living.”

[color=#0000a0]“I am here simply out of worry, and perhaps curiosity,”[/color] Mary answered, still smiling. It didn’t seemed as though his blatant statement regarding his lack of care surprised her. However, Mary did wondered why he couldn’t see his Organization as an ally. [color=#0000a0]“Call me naive or maybe kind, but I don’t think you’re as bad as you try to make yourself appear,”[/color] she stated her opinion calmly, this time treating herself to a scone before she continued, [color=#0000a0]“If you don’t care; you’d never have come into that place. Mister Holmes, you’re the one who cares the most… for you are always in thirst of knowledge. That is why you care. I do not know your objective, but you have it, do you not? A case you could not solve.”[/color]

“I’m glad we’re on the same page. You say you’re here out of curiosity? Fine, it’s not like I can read your mind. However, I think you’re a little mistaken. What I said, I meant. I do not care for these people nor this war, I care about the things around them.”

[color=#0000a0]“Essentially the same thing; what is around them is only possible to uncover if you care about them.”[/color]

“Exactly, but it is the subtle difference between caring about someone because of that person, and caring about someone because of what they have. At this point, it doesn’t matter if people know of my motives, but there is a reason I’m telling you these things. It means that my personal reasons weigh that much more. I’m not helping someone else, I don’t plan on helping The Society, your old man, or you. I am helping myself. Drive from personal conviction means I’m willing to do more. You may choose the means and the ends. Doesn’t that sound like a good deal for you? Even if I were to be absolutely useless, which is entirely possible as you suggest, you will lose nothing; you can only gain.

[color=#0000a0]“Mnm, I’m not exactly asking for help. I’d feel bad trying to take advantage of your so-called stance, as it’d be putting you in major danger,”[/color] Mary answered, it seemed that she edged away more and more from Sherlock’s proposal with each moments that passed. [color=#0000a0]“You do know that every time you utilize the power of a Time Warrior; your eyes would show your mark, yes?”[/color] Mary asked, trying to confirm a basic knowledge. [color=#0000a0]“Such power is instrumental for a war, but knowing the mages, I wouldn’t advise it. If the mages kill you, what’s the point of fighting for them?”[/color]

[color=#0000a0]“Unless you have a brilliant method to elude them, I am all ears.”[/color]

“Well, I’ve had this power for some time, and a number of its aftereffects. The marking I am aware of.” Sherlocked answered the first question before taking a sip of his tea.

“If the mages kill me though, then so be it. The point of fighting either for or against them is the same to me. I will attain knowledge, and if I must risk my life then that is simply the price I pay. You must understand that I need answers, and this war is nothing short of an oasis in a desert. Perhaps you don’t need me, but now that I’ve gotten wind of this war, believe me, I will find my way in it. I’m offering a mutual agreement that could benefit us both.”

[color=#0000a0]“I see… ”[/color] Mary sighed, apparently conceding. She found it more surprising that this man wasn’t aware of the war, even though it went on for so long, [color=#0000a0]“I am surprised that you haven’t caught wind of it earlier, as it is still a big deal. Especially after the news came out when God apparently cast us humans down from his Realm after the big fight,”[/color] she said, utterly surprised that he only caught wind of it now.

“I had my suspicions. You don’t really get away with mass destruction. My connections are based in the human world for the most part. This is the downside to entering the game late.

[color=#0000a0]“You probably made the wrong connections; most of the aristocratic titles and the peerage system was made to reward outstanding families of mages,”[/color] Mary replied, explaining a part of why the society was the way it is. [color=#0000a0]“These are people one could actually blackmail for revealing their magical ancestry, but it’d put you in that much more danger.”[/color]

Sherlock slowly sipped his tea once again as he considered what Mary was proposing. It was an idea he’d thought about for some time already, but with the current events it was possible that he would need to weigh the scales once again.

“No.” He put down his cup before continuing, “Blackmailing is an option I’ve once considered, but even now, or perhaps now more than ever, I need to be careful. An insecure network and a target on my head is not what I am looking for. The blackmailing may be useful down the line, but that point is not now.”

[color=#0000a0]“I am merely suggesting based on your past deeds, Mister Holmes,”[/color] Mary answered, calmly taking another sip from her tea, she was really trying to save the remaining tea, but couldn’t help but sip every now and then. [color=#0000a0]“Regarding the matter of the war though… I may be able to lead you to a suitable contact.”[/color]

Sherlock raised his eyebrow for a second. Despite all that he’d said, he still found it surprising that Mary was willing. Perhaps she was simply going with the flow of things, but anything beyond that would be nothing more than baseless assumptions. “I see. Despite all I have said, I give you my thanks. Which reminds me…”

Sherlock closed his eyes and rubbed his temples attempting to recall that event. As horribly as it was, he did have an obligation to remember some things. “I did not quite properly thank you back then either. How about I pay for this meal? Obviously it will not be enough to return the favor, but it is a start.”

[color=#0000a0]“I can’t have you actually join the battlefield, unfortunately, but perhaps as a strategist,”[/color] Mary added, it was a late addition, but an important one. [color=#0000a0]“You will simply be eradicated once you use your power. It isn’t a risk or a gamble; but a fact.”[/color]

[color=#0000a0]“Mn, no, I’d rather pay for myself,”[/color] Mary declined, shaking her hand dismissively; feeling the need to pay for her own food after all.

“Interesting, a strategist? Well I must say, being in the frontlines was going to be a death sentence, so this new position will probably increase my chances of survival several fold. I feel the need to ask you though; why appoint me as a strategist? Surely you know that I have no kind of large scale military experience.” Sherlock dropped the topic of paying for the meal as Mary seemed like the type that would not budge on these matters.

[color=#0000a0]“Mn? Ah, because it was a joke?”[/color] She answered, chuckling. [color=#0000a0]“I’d try to put you in a position, but I just don’t know what. You definitely lack a military background or knowledge to support the position of a strategist. There isn’t much to gain from this war – I believe – not for you, anyway. The Society is not largely involved, in it, anyway.”[/color]

[color=#0000a0]“Besides, I may be known to most sides, but I am neutral; I cannot get you into any military.”[/color]

Sherlock hung his head in a moment of shame. Even after all his years of experience, seeing through lies were one thing, but the essence of a joke was another. Perhaps it was simply because he did not acquaint himself with too many people. Nonetheless, he quickly recovered, “I see, I should have known since that did not make much sense. At the very least, it seems you hold precarious position to some degree. Take your time, it doesn’t seem like this war will be ending soon, at least from my perspective.”

Mary shrugged her shoulders. [color=#0000a0]“Time will tell,”[/color] she stated, finishing her cup of tea. A shame that it was done, a tea so good felt as though it was a crime to commit when one would finish it. [color=#0000a0]“You may ask your Organization about it, and see if it turns up with a favorable response. I doubt it, but it is worth a shot.”[/color]

“Matters in there are rather… delicate. I will have to think about how to play my cards. It is a difficult Organization to deal with, but I will see how far I can push my luck. Sherlock went ahead and drank what was left in his cup of tea and set it down once again.

[color=#0000a0]“Now then, I suppose I’ll get to what I really came here for,”[/color] Mary said, diving her hand into her pocket, and taking out an envelope, then slipping it towards Sherlock on the table. [color=#0000a0]“I came to give this to you.”[/color]

Damn women. They are as difficult to deal with this century as they were in the last. Sherlock took up the envelope, and only found a card inside. It seemed like a pass for… something called the †˜Queen’s Meeting’?

[color=#0000a0]“That is a pass to the Queen’s Meeting. It is up to you if you want to come or not. Of course, quite a lot of information would be swirling about there.”[/color]

With a slight chuckle and a smirk as he examined the card carefully, Sherlock responded, “Heh, by now you know more than enough about me to know my answer. Sounds interesting; I’ll be there.” Still examining the card, he casually followed up with a question, “Anyone I need to look out for?”

[color=#0000a0]“The Queen, of course. The rest are… well, I’d leave the judgement up to you,”[/color] Mary answered, shrugging. [color=#0000a0]“It is really up to you – how much you want to expand your information, and how much you may chew in a single night of an event.”[/color]

“So I’ll need to pick and choose my own fights, interesting. With that said, will you be there as well?”

[color=#0000a0]“Yes, I have been invited too,”[/color] Mary nodded, voicing her answer.

Sherlock pondered the extent of Mary’s influence and power. While he knew she was powerful, even if supposedly neutral position, she seemed to be in far more place than he anticipated. He could only wonder who she was and why she did the things she did. “I see. I must say, you certainly seem to make your way around, but I will not prod. I look forward to seeing you there.”

[color=#0000a0]“Women are a pain to handle – according to you – yes? That is one of my ways to it,”[/color] Mary said, getting off the chair, smiling. [color=#0000a0]“Have a good day,”[/color] she said, before taking leave of the restaurant after making her payments.

Sherlock gave a simply wave of his hand in response as he stayed seated for a moment. The real problem here is how involved, or how not involved The Society is in regards to this †˜meeting’. I’ll have to tread lightly if I want to remain alive.