Following Lunch, we went to homeroom.
Myself, Erielle , and Ezekiel begin to walk. Rose and Erielle pass one another in the hallway as Rose and her group make their way to Class 1C.
In the corner of my eye, I see the long light green hair once again.
"Bianca". I called as I walked over to her.
She turned and looked at me "Oh, hello Valerus good day to you"
"Good day to you too. You look tired. Not getting enough sleep?"
"Oh me am fine no worries here."
"I was looking for you at lunch."
"I had to help Professor Ariana with something. So I was delivered lunch to her room"
"I see Gotcha"
"Hello Bianca." Erielle says.
"Hi Erielle how are you? Your looking great today."
"Thank you."
"What up Bianca." Ezekiel says.
"Hello Ezekiel."
"Oh yeah I forgot to tell you Valerus something weird happened when we were walking home yesterday. Did you tell em Bianca?"
"No I haven't"
"What happened?" I asked.
"Basically it was like someone or something was following us from the academy."
"What. Like a stalker?" I ask
"Yeah something like that?"
"You guys alright though?"
"Yeah"
DING DONG DING DONG
"Well I'll catch you later," Bianca says as she heads into Class 1C.
I wave to her goodbye as I turn to go to my class.
BUMP
"Sorry I didnt see -"
"Valerus we meet once again"
My eyes roll as I let out a huge sigh.
"Jericho, listen I dont wanna-"
He puts his hand up. "No its not that. I overheard you talking to Bianca Roche."
"Yeah and?"
"She recalled getting followed or watched by someone?"
"Kinda yeah."
"I experienced that this morning. Right after my interaction with you I started conversating with Bianca. In that moment I felt as if someone was watching us. I fear that she may be in danger."
"What?"
"Valerus he might be right." Ezekiel speaks.
"Well what do we do?"
"We discuss after class just meet with me." Jericho says as he walks into Class 1A.
----------------------------------------
A nearby mountain range close by Aiz.
VRMM VRMM VRMM
Rising from the shadows from the ground three figures emerge from them.
"Ah, Aiz it's been a while. Argh this burn seems to be acting up again. The scar that old man gave me" Deadman says.
"Oh is your boo boo burning?" a female voice says as she carries a little umbrella with shades on.
"You would be shrieking in agony at the flames of the Federations Head Captain."
"If anything I'll just use my blood magic."
"His fire will turn it into a boiling point"
Bloody Queen smirks as she takes a few steps forward.
STEP STEP STEP
"Aiz looks much different since the last time I was here," Bloody Queen says as she tip-toes.
Deadman takes a look at Bloody Queen.
"What do they call those on your face?"
"Sunglasses. They are sunglasses Agus- I mean Deadman"
"Remember prefer to codename Milady"
"Of course. Now where are our targets?"
"There" Silent points in the central district of Oriana. "They have strengthened the barrier but that shouldn't be an issue." Silent reassures the two.
"It seems one of our guests have arrived.Come out" Deadman demands.
Appearing out of thin air a mage wearing a dark hood and black cape reveals themselves.
A young guy of normal height, slender build, and slight muscle. He has jet black hair hair that hangs to the left of his face, half concealing it and stretching down to his shoulders, while the other half of his hair is held pointed upward in purple spiky strands on top of his head.
"Deadman, Miss Bloody Queen, Silent all good too see you again."
"To you as well Forze. Where are the other four?"Deadman asks.
"How rude of them to not greet us." Bloody Queen says.
"Pardon there absence from this meeting but they are off preparing there part of the mission. While am being used as there messenger."
"It would have been great to have them here so were all on the same page."
"Do not worry we are all on the same page." Forze responds.
"I hope so."
Forze gives a smile. "With helping us getting what we want you'll in turn get what you want.
"Continue on Mr. Forze." Silent says.
-----------------------------------
SHIVER
I felt a cold shiver down my spine as a stare outside the classroom windows.
"Valerus pay attention" Erielle comments.
Celeste Carmen steps forward.
"Alright class as many of you know the Magus Exam is coming up near the end of this month. Am sure you are familiar with the rules as you heard from other professors, students, etc. However this year they will change it. "
The class goes into an outroar.
"How can you change it? Isn't it a tradition to follow? Were mere days ahead?"
"Please settle down. The change involves the third stage the eight mages who make it in will be the team for the Aiz Magnificent Magic Games. With the losing 4 being the substitutes of the main four."
"Why would they need to do that?"
Celeste thinks back to the conversation she had beforehand with Ariana Heldam.
"Why would the Headmaster do that?"
"He believes that if the Twelve Stars and Valerus Marina would place in the top four and something were to occur. Who else would be their replacement"
"I see the idea but why even continue with the Magic Games even if you know the risk"
"You'll have to ask the Headmaster yourself"
"Hmm," Celeste stands at the podium amongst her students.
"So interesting addition added. Does none of this seem fishy to you guys the fact that the headmaster is well aware of the danger this puts us in and still decides to do it?" Erielle asks.
"Well that won't matter cause you got the two strongest mages in this school," Ezekiel says proudly.
"Let's not forget the third years we hear a peep coming from them. Also knowing that there are three that stand out." Erielle says. "Val, what do you think? Val?"
"Valerus?"
"Oh am sorry am just not feeling it right now."
"You were spacing out again. That's the third time since yesterday." Erielle says in a concerned tone.
"Ah dont mind him he's just excited and anxious to participate in the Magus Exam."
"Yeah sure" I respond to them. "This is the same feeling as that night years ago."
-----------------------------
Class 1A
"Within the third stage, the eight mages who make it in will be the team for the Aiz Magnificent Magic Games. With the losing 4 being the substitutes of the main four." Taz Fuldre speaks.
"What a change," Jericho says aloud as he looks across the room.
STEP STEP STEP
"So Albeck how was it fighting a Twelve Star Mage?" Jericho asks.
"Okay but I didn't win"
"Hmm, that's not what I heard. You beat him and brought him straight to the ground"
"Believe what you must but I didn't beat him. If you want to ask more questions ask Rose Providence from 1C she'll entertain you" Albeck says as he walks away from his seat.
"Talking to her would be kinda hard.:
"Albeck" Jericho calls out
Albeck continues walking.
Jericho runs to catch up. "What's the scoops of you and Ms.Providence do tell" Jericho eggs on Albeck.
"Nothing"
"Ohh you guys are dating aren't you" Jericho persists as he follows Albeck.
Albeck remains silent as he heads out the door.
SLIDE
BUMP
AHH
-------------------------------
Class 1C
"So whoever places in the top 8. The losing four will be the substitutes for the main team" Ariana Heldam speaks.
"Oh, Rose that means if all of us pass we can fill out most of those spots on the team," Azalea says.
"Meaning it'll be the Boutiques of Roses team, "Suneeta says.
"We got this" Lily says.
"No worries Rose we'll help you get a spot in there regardless if we are not partners" Bella speaks to the group.
"Thank you, girls I appreciate it," Rose says in a mean girl manner as she looks at Bianca Roche. "She might be a problem, not only do I have to deal with that Twelve Star, the emotionless statue in Albeck Reigns, but also the so-called Earth Saint," Rose thinks to herself.
"By the way who was that guy this morning with the cape? He looked to be someone important."Azalea asks.
"Azalea if he has a cape it doesn't mean he is important" Sunneta speaks as she playfully chops Azalea's head.
"Yeah we didn't even catch his name," Bella says with her arms crossed.
"Hey, Rose what did you talk to Albeck about in the morning when you caught up to him?"
"I dont wanna talk about it," Rose says in a depressed manner.
"Man, I guess Albeck got you thinking huh?" Sunneta says.
"No, he does not!" She speaks aloud.
"Awe look at you getting flustered over a boy" Bella teases her.
"Am not flustered am legitimately annoyed" Rose says as she stands up and walks to the door "am getting some fresh air."
SLIDE
SHUT
-------------------------------
Rose remembers earlier in the day.
"Albeck Reigns"
STEP STEP STEP
Albeck stops and turns to look at Rose.
HUFF HUFF
"Hey, I realized what you said yesterday. I need to realize to focus on myself and-"
"That's good glad you realized it. Good"
"See you later"
"Hey am not done-"
Albeck kneels to her "The twelve stars aren't the only competition in this exam you got me Valerus Marina, the dragon clad, and the Earth Saint. I suggest you ready yourself" as he walks away.
---------------------
Rose walks past Class 1B as she heads toward the restroom.
She places her hands on her head "Ugh this exam. I just gotta focus on Erielle , Bianca, and Alb-"
SLIDE
"Huh-"
BUMP
ARGH
Rose falls to the ground.
"What did I hit a stone wall"
"Sorry," a familiar voice says as he extends his hands.
Rose looks up.
"Albeck Reigns" she spoke as she came to her senses.
"Ah, so you guys are." Jericho says.
"No. Dragonclad" Albeck responds.
Rose looks up "You're the guy from this morning."
"Thats right am-"
"Am fine thank you Albeck" Rose says as she continues her way to the bathroom. "The list grows more and more for the people I need to but to prove to myself that am great. Hopefully, I'll show my good-for-nothing parents that left me" Rose says as she sets on winning the Magus Exam.
Jericho stands there in disappointment.
Albeck walks away in the opposite direction.
SLIDE
"Valerus." Jericho calls out. "Can we talk now."
Jericho walks over to Valerus.
The door opens from class 1C. Bianca comes out.
"Perfect timing Bianca would you mind following me and Valerus"
Jericho, Bianca, Valerus, Ezekiel, and Erielle stand in the hallways of the academy.
"I called you here to discuss recent events that have been happening with you Bianca." Jericho says."Bianca do you feel safe walking home by yourself?"
"I admit I couldnt get sleep last night. It always feels like eyes are watching me. Not only that I have to be prepared for the Magus Exam in a couple weeks. Meting expectations since am an elf. Its just so much."
Erielle puts her hands on Biancas shoulder "If you need help let us know. I know the feeling you have trust me."
I stare at Erielle look at our relationship and the way our household is. "She feels like she has to try her best as well just like Bianca."
"If anyone causes any trouble I. No "we" will be there to stop them." Ezekiel says as he brings his arms over myself and Jericho.
"Thank you everyone, I appreciate your concerns." Bianca smiles.
"Hello students." A voice calls from behind us.
"A familiar face. A person who has been an afterthought in my mind." I thought.
Professor Fillion Drake.
"How can I forget what Professor Carmen told us." I said to myself.
"Good afternoon Professor." Erielle responds in a cautious tone.
"Didn;t mean to startle you all. I was just wondering if you six could help get some things moved to my classroom. I just got back and I haven't been able to do so."
"Uh professor right now is. Wait six?"
Everyone looks in a surprised expression.
"Hmm that person standing around the corner isnt with you guys?" he asks as he walks too the corner. "Must've been my imagination. You guys still willing to help?"
"S-sure."
"Don't worry it'll be quick."
We all grab something to bring back too the classroom. As we arrive at that corner I stare at it. "Someone was listening in to our conversation."
-----------------------------------------
The Federation Headquarters Squad 7 Barracks
"Finally the mana that I found in the Underground Waterway can lead us too the possible traitor. That is all Captain. Should be on standby when the Magus Exam occurs?" Aisaki finishes her report.
"Yes, Aisaki we should. Let's inform the other companies as well "a female voice speaks.
"Yes, we shall" a woman with long coral pink hair, and a black coat, with 7 out of the sides of the octagon shaded with a ladybug symbol, a white dress, with a beauty mark under her left eye, and dimples. Lying on her ladybug-themed chair bed.
[The Federation Captain of Squad 7 Healing Squadron: Okina Tenmu]
The Federation Squad 1 Barracks
Allistar Honorson awaits in a seated position in his room. surrounded by beautiful artworks of flames and fire. With little vases filled with fire poppy vertically lined up up until the seat. With a giant banner of the Squad 1 and Headcaptain logo in the back.
"Captain there here" a male voice calls.
"Yes bring them in" Allistar demands
STEP STEP STEP
Two people walk into the room
"You called us Head captain?" a voice calls.
"You both will be heading to observe the Magus Exams tomorrow. From the events that were reported by Lieutenant Hanami of Squad 7, you'll be sent."
"Yes Headcaptain," an older male voice says as he bows with jet black spikey hair, brown eyes, a scar on his cheek, and an imperial hat that has a 4 on it, a black cape with the Octagon shaded in blue, in the 4th slot whilst holding a katana.
[Squad 4 Captain Dragonclad Percival Caldwall]
"I haven't visited that place since I won," a young male voice says with curly brown hair, brown eyes, black coat, black pants, white undershirt, and dark blue designs integrated within his black goat.
[Squad 4 Lieutenant Alekzander Hart]