Arrival at Conflux Arcana Academy.
We'd been driving for about six hours now.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAvAlAJSOF
Craig was passed out in his seat, his mouth hung open. Annie had a book and was reading while I put in my earphones and stared out the window as we drove.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeRJ0TncWp
I had absolutely no idea where we were going, and I was a little alarmed this thing might have been one big trafficking operation but the seats had an embroidery of the schools crest.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU48ohTZR1
We tried to ask the driver where we were going but he just grunted and didn't answer the question.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrnaKyVhVM
I know, super rude.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGVsfmQ5Kv
Or maybe he just can't talk? Nah, he's definitely rude. Well- considering we can't see his face with that cloth covering him I can't see his facial expressions so I can't really determine if he's being rude or he just can't speak.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe2vUxRpdy
Oh well.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddu17tasx4
I also have no idea what happens at this new school. Are the people there also able to do the same freaky stuff I can do? Were they also able to speak different languages at a young age? Do they also have a pet dragon? Did they also have the same weird dreams I did?
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nhBXJzAaj
These were all questions I was dying to ask as soon as we got there, I really really need to know why in hell I can do the things I do.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvj1tUxCjj
Excuse my language. I'm just really fed up of not knowing what's going on.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkv0knBgKR
I feel a soft hand touch my knee and I look to see Annie looking at me, her reading glasses resting on her head.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o8lqPNb1c
I take out one of my earphones. "Yeah?" I ask softly.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVsDb6WmeI
"How are you feeling bub?" She asks softly.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXziD2ny2k
I think for a second. How am I feeling?
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfPppTyalf
I feel slightly agitated for being in this car for so long. I also feel slightly agitated because the lovely man driving has not given us even a hint of where we're going. I'm sad I had to leave my friends and family. And I'm also super confused.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjnVWhsFSl
"I'm okay, just tired." I say, giving her a small smile.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzZesqeEJj
It doesn't seem to reassure her at all, and by the look on her face I can tell she doesn't buy it.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0KwtNX7qM
"That's what you always say when you're not feeling okay, Leon." She says with a soft look.
"Is it a bad head day?" She asks in soft concern.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZKwT1zk4q
I contemplate lying and saying I'm fine again, but why lie when she'll know I'm not okay.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UBmG6LkTb
I nod. "I'm scared." I say softly.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIhenAdKR8
She nods in understanding, her hand on my knee raising to my face and caressing my cheek softly.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt3EgsLYr6
"You've always been so strong Leon. And what's happening is scary, even I would be terrified. But by going into something with a frightful mind, you close your mind to the beautiful possibilities." She says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKvhJbs6ON
I smile softly at that, she smiles back. "Go into this, get your answers, find out who you are, but don't lose sight of what your soul looks like. You have the most gentle soul I've ever known, don't let bad experiences change that, okay?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99AN5zUobt
I nod. "I promise."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwO6SiEi4B
She smiles. "Get some rest, l'll wake you up when we're told we're close." She says and I nod.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkubvPPeSd8
I put my earphones back in and put on my sleep playlist before getting more comfortable in my seat. Annie gets back to her book and let my self rest.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8qJuypmGf
•••
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO4CR7aJQO
I was woken up by someone gently shaking my shoulder. My eyes adjust to the light and realize that it was the evening, the sun almost setting.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPHOuEd6i7
I pull out my earphones and look at Annie and Craig who are looking out the window.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIPm2BuGsJ
I look as well and see we're on a cliff side, like right on the edge of the cliff. Beside the car are two towering stones with weird symbols on them.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vfID18UzR
I look at Annie and Craig in apprehension and they both have the same scared looks on their faces.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvkg8y6knn
The car was stopped, while we were just the edge of the cliff.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYy5XwOF6Q
Annie speaks up. "Sorry, sir? Is there a reason we're on the edge of a cliff?" She asks, her voice carrying her worry, Craig as well was on the edge of his seat looking absolutely petrified. He always hated heights.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbTW9nDOFW
The fella driving doesn't say anything, he just grumbles incoherently and this makes Annie almost snap.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpuPsmJKYn
Before she could bite the man's head off, Craig's pats her leg and gestures for us to look outside. When we do, the rocks beside the car stars to emit this weird glow.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeECCzYrzV
What. The. Hell.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN9ZekWape
Then the car's engine roars back to life and I started to panic even more when I feel the car start to go forward.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5jqt5ZYL0
This is how I die huh?
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadMp8O7zZ8
Wow, I'm gonna die a technical virgin. I guess Ethan was right.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvMv6SRoXz
I hear Annie let out a shrill scream and I shut my eyes closed and with one hand I grip the bag with Seraphim and with my other I clutch my seat.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ILQRLCoqo
My mind waits for the worst. The sound of the car crushing, the screams of horror coming from my parents and the feeling of my body slamming against the ground below. But it never comes.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwgBgnmPGy
I cautiously open my eyes to the car is driving, but on thin air.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAyPckYA5O
Holy cow!
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC9v92TPiW
I open the window and I stick my head out and look down to the ground below, the gorge at the bottom deep.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxm3K2wDae
I smile as the car drives over the gorge, on the other side, two tall rocks like the ones we just drove past are glowing, the space between them shimmering purple.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOhRl9Vequ
We drive through the rocks and everything...everything is just, so weird. But in the best way possible.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWflhoncy8b
Imagine a vast, endless sky stretching out above you, where stars and planets shimmer in an array of colors I'd never even seen before. The sky itself is a gradient, shifting from deep sapphire blue near the horizon to an ethereal lavender, then melting seamlessly into soft rose pinks and golden yellows near the zenith. Wisps of clouds drift across, catching hints of turquoise and pale peach as they softly glow.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUPT7AyRKC
The stars scattered across the sky are not ant pinpricks of light like back home, they're vibrant and alive with color. Some stars shine in brilliant hues of electric blue, while others glow a warm amber or soft pink, each casting subtle auras that blend into the celestial backdrop.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1MNKy5brZ
The sky is dotted with bright planets too, appearing larger than any star, with their surfaces visible in stunning detail. One planet, a deep cerulean, has faint rings tinged in silver that glisten against the colorful sky. Another glows in shades of coral and gold, like a burning ember hanging in space.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJltRxA2Bp
I look to Annie and Craig who are just as dazed I am. I bring my head back into the car and open my backpack up for Seph and his head sticks out, observing his new surroundings.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i5GEiR3Nm
We continue to drive, this isolated road until we start to drive through a forest, the driver at the front closes the windows for us as we continue through.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIgLkkuRWv
Then we get to this large double gate. The school crest slit on the both gates. At the top in gold 'CONFLUX ARCANA ACADEMY' is written.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPinWcR3bjW
The gates open and we drive through.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRkHOAHFYL
Honestly, this whole...whatever in is just surreal. It's straight out of a story book.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nCjjZLoYz
A castle sits atop a gentle hill, its white walls and dark blue roofs and tall spires reaching up toward the sky. A stone path winds from the base of the hill up to the castle entrance, bordered by by neat hedges dotted with colorful flowers. Some of the hedges are trimmed into shapes of creatures, while others grow freely.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7DVIVSVTS
Along the trail, horses with wings-
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSDrwxgi3K
Wait.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLU36UhY9a
Huh, I'm gonna keep being surprised.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeatjIKlMZ
The horses (with wings) graze peacefully in small meadows, their coats glossy and their wings folded neatly at their sides. One even spreads its wings and takes to the air, gliding gracefully over the trail before landing further up the hill.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0MftI1jSc
As we approach, the castle looms larger. Its white stone walls are smooth and polished, giving it an almost enchanted glow. Rows of tall, narrow windows line the walls, hinting at grand halls and hidden rooms inside. The dark blue roofs contrast against the pale stone, with pointed spires topped by silver weathervanes shaped like stars and moons.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ899X0PSOKc
This place was a whole new world or whatever that princess said.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaaqFXnHwz
The car stops, and we take this as our hint to get out. Seph hops back into my bag before I follow Annie and Craig out of the car.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbAgLAzGGb
The driver gets out of the car and removes the cloth over his face and my eyes widen when I see he has horns.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ130roMQL79
But I smile. "Thank you for driving us sir." I say to him, my tone a little shaky.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdgzCd6r7i
He surprisingly smiles back before heading to the boot. He grumbles again and gestures me over and by the expression on his face I can now determine that he in fact cannot speak properly.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY5TXi9I28
Craig and I go the boot and we start removing all my bags and packages.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjLzK2IWUv
And right as we're about to take them, a cloud of shimmers appears and starts lifting my bags.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERzoiyW5UQ
My eyes are wide and I pat Craig. "You...you can see that too, right?" I ask him in soft horror.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Fp07k43HD
He nods, his eyes stained on my mysteriously floating suit case. "I can see it too bud." He says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBjyiZ2XbD
We've both seen our fair share of weird, I have a pet dragon for crying out loud. But the fact that I'm not the one making this freaky stuff happen is absolutely crazy.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6eRb9MD1E
I look away from my bags to look at Annie and by the time I look back they're gone.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx6jDtnoDh
"What! What happened to my bags?" I ask Craig and he shrugs, looking just as confused.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvwZMoStwE
Right before I could panic anymore the two grand oak doors; with the school emblem are engraved, open up.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlZv89f13l
And out comes a lady, very tall, with her afro slicked back, and wearing a light blue blazer and a very pretty pearl necklace.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskyPX16YwH
She walks over with a smile on her face, when she gets to us she stretches out her hand for me to shake.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMd1AB69uL
I smile at the gesture and meet her hand, she shakes my hand with a firm grip and some enthusiasm.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmS66lEU8c
"You must be Leodonis, I'm Mrs. Ophelia Clint. Principal here at C.A.A." She says, her voice carrying a sense of authority.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt5OQ5Ep0Y
Craig steps in and holds out his hand. "Hi, I'm Leon's dad, we spoke on the phone." He says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyCIsUc66h
"Ah yes, Mr. Miller, a pleasure to finally meet you." She says, Annie then comes over and smiles as well.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNG3OOgChg
"Mrs. Miller, lovely to meet you. I hope you are pleased to know that we are very excited to have your son at our institution." She says and gestures her hand gracefully to the main entrance. "The council awaits to finally meet Leodonis." She says and she starts to lead us up the stairs and into the castle.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXfW3Pby6B
As we step through the grand, arched doors of Conflux Arcana, the age-old stone walls exude an imposing presence, lined with ivy creeping through the cracks. High-vaulted ceilings tower above, with arched beams carved from ancient oak that stretch across the corridors. Faded tapestries, depicting things that seem like historic events I did not understand hang beside more contemporary student-crafted murals.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2aKadYm35
Lockers, though modern, are cleverly designed to blend with the castle's timeless aesthetic. They are forged from iron and adorned with antique bronze handles, each locker engraved with symbols. They're nestled within alcoves along stone walls, casting the illusion of hidden compartments rather than modern storage.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0Cv8u9fwl
I look up to see massive chandeliers hang from the ceiling, swaying gently with candles.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m1n8PoN20
Craig takes my wrist and gently pulls me in the direction we're going. No one is around in these halls at the moment, which makes me feel a little bit better, knowing I've prolonged my inevitable doom to face new people.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiznASvy0V
Mrs. Clint leads us to the main office. There's a receptionist typing away at something on the computer but stops to look at who came in, then her eyes zero in on me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVbPUiYzbK
Jeez, so intense.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxfEpKmODz
Also I'm surprised they have computers here. Like I thought we'd have no cell service or computers and stuff. Thank the lord that's not the case.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUdr3tthO6
We're lead to a door that reads 'Divine Council' on a gold bolted plate.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9SI6koFmu
She opens the door, and we're greeted by a semi circle table full of people. The outskirts of the table were lined with people I could see. There was a bald man with tattoos in his head, and I swear I can see eyeliner. Anyway, there was a lady with pointed ears and sliver hair, with this bright green eyes and her skin was fair. A man, he looked younger than most of them, he had brown hair and glasses and from his position on the table he looked tall. Another man, rich dark brown skin and stark white clothing.?? And lastly there was a man, who from here looked Asian, older man, he already looks like the wise type. Then to at the very center were four, seeming tall people cloaked head to toe, faces unseen.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKSnfftBmc
The more I see what this place has the more I feel insane.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHGTQk05lq
Mrs. Clint raises her hand and three chairs shift on their own, I get the hint and take the chair in the middle with Annie and Craig at my sides, us facing them and I put my backpack with Seph inside on my lap.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9vkVbhzIn
Mrs. Clint takes her seat opposite us and smiles. "Leodonis, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, this is the Divine Council, peace keepers and ethics board of directors here at C.A.A." She starts.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipEyeAfHYg
"Leodonis we have an understanding that you've always displayed some sort of miraculous abilities?" Mrs. Clint asks.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7Xe2TwwMe
I look around a little awkwardly and nod my head.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWgBRJzPmv
She smiles. "And I assume you have a lot of questions?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd52ovLM9NX
I nod my head again. "Uh- a few, yes." I say.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKej1aJ9P5
She nods. "Well Leon, we're here to tell you that all questions will be answered in due time. For now, we just want to understand how we can help you."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdvPKb0Axi
"How are we sure this boy is the one?" One of the members ask, the Asian man, his voice firm and he eyes me up and down.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGasi2V24Y
I feel a little put on the spot and I have no idea what 'the one' means.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKB82mxUwB
"What I believe Professor Tao means is, what makes Leodonis different from other kids?" The bald man asks. Sorry that was rude.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMAD3YSukT
Annie speaks up. "Leon has always been a little...odd to say the least. All of us in our house only speak english but Leon somehow learnt to speak Japanese fluently at two years old." She says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGItJIfFib
"Any child can pick up a language, maybe he heard it on TV, he could just be a fast learner." The lady with the pointed ears says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN1XfRprOn
Craig takes to the stage. "If you allow me, when when he was toddler he would throw tantrums and clouds would gather around our house."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcPsPWoPhL
"Could be micro-weather." Professor Tao says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4kLrfrbSX
"He can hold his breath for twenty minutes under water. We timed him, the boy wasn't even out of breath." Annie says back.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCGwaGs6QI
"Strong lungs." He shrugs.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkZkILr6OD
"He can turn into an animal? What can explain that?" Craig fires.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyTvT2F2dI
Professor Tao strokes his beard as if thinking.
"Touché." He says finally.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKKPNxc7vs
Mrs. Clint looks back to me. "Leodonis, we want to talk about the incident that happened that lead us to finally finding you. Not so much the incident but what abilities you manifested."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5dJjNFVZB
I nod slowly, kinda feeling like my chest is closing in on me. And I know I'm being dramatic because the thing wasn't even that bad.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE19NPJNEfX
"Um...there were these guys at my school. And they really bothered me, they would tease me and kinda push me around, call me names. One day after school they cornered me in an alley behind school and um...they just got too close. And I freaked out." I say softly, playing with the rings on my fingers.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm627mtPmr
I look up and the Mrs. Clint is nodding. "Can you tell us what happened when you 'freaked out'?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4TCoL6Vj0
I look back down to my lap. "I don't really remember what happened, I just saw a really bright flash of light and...next thing I knew, he and his friends had burns all over their body and were screaming."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW4rUCAHu7
I can still hear them. I can still see the blistered and boiled skin.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m0C5CbnIg
And for some reason...that comforts me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UanG6k30r
Annie and Craig don't know the full story.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChqDyAR6l4
I don't think I'll ever tell them the full story, I don't want them to see me that way, and I don't want them to feel like they've failed.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHBJ76uhAp
Annie rubs her hand over my back reassuringly and I smile softly at her.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5Qr4Jeb4O
"Leodonis, may we see your back please." The professor with the tattoos says. "What's on your back is very crucial to know if you're the one we're looking for."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7pFme5AAF
I look to Annie and Craig in slight apprehension but Craig gives me a nod and a soft smile of reassurance.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlMszdzHGt
I stand up and turn around. I then lift my shirt off my back and I hear small gasps and whistles.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzDpQgDNME
"The Ordeiga Seal." One says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllYGzP0I0u
On my back was this large circle with symbols and configurations inside and around it. It was permanently etched onto my skin, almost like someone burned it into me, but it didn't blister my skin, my skin remained smooth as if there wasn't this weird drawing on my back.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pr2uoM7He
I drop my shirt and turn around to see some of their stunned faces, but Mrs. Clint was still sporting that enormous smile.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzkIJbiCss
Why they were shocked? I have no freaking clue.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Oo5dkw6bY
The baldy with the tattoos speaks. Oh my bad, that was rude. Oops. "And do you have a familiar?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l1oTtO1lW
I look at him in slight confusion. "A familiar...?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWrZZKh8P3
"An animal spirit guide, maybe one you've had since birth?" He elaborates and asks.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7npkilGbf6
I look to Annie and Craig again and they nod.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ABTrgaL77
I unzip my backpack and Seraphim, being the show off he is, he flies speedily out of the bag and around room before landing back on my shoulder and releasing a little screech. They all admire Seraphim, and right now he did look better than he usually does, his golden scales were shimmering all sorts of colors.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqhtUc7DMU
"Good Gods, he is the one." Professor Tao says, he looks at me with more...respect than whatever sourness he was giving me earlier.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiUscFdS0N
Mrs. Clint turns her attention back to me. "In most cases, familiars are not allowed in the boarding house. But for you, we'll make an exception," She says and I smile gratefully at that. "But keep him hidden for the time being, we don't want to alarm anyone. And I'll help."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlSeJaV9LQ
She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a little leather sachet and it to me. I take it cautiously before opening it and dropping a necklace with a few crystals attached to it.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWxKtTMlbP
"It's an enchanted glamour charm, it will hide your familiar's Essence and his appearance from everyone but you. You'll learn more about glamour charms and Essence in class." She says and I nod and put it around Seph's neck.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceHUQ2RWnW
Mrs. Clint looks to my parents. "You are leaving your son in great hands Mr. and Mrs. Miller. The car is waiting for you when you're ready."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMQJ0kEmuz
I feel myself dampen at the prospect of them leaving, but I guess it is time.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9eJV6esBs
"Leodonis you may say your goodbyes before you're escorted to your boarding house." She says again, the council all get up and leave the room.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoI8zA0eCp
I look to my parents who are already looking at me with sad eyes. We all stand up and I immediately pull them into a hug.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8VOvM7xPo
"I love you guys." I say tenderly.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfwYNhO2Mu
They hold me for a second before pulling away. Craig's hand coming to the side of my neck.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOlYrtcW3C
"You're gonna kick ass alright. And call us immediately if you wanna get outta this freaky place and come back home. Alright?" He says sternly and I smile at that.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTiKl683XW
"I'll call."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxeQiuH22C
Annie looks to me. "I love you bubba. Make sure you call us at least twice a week okay?" She says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSFQmUq8tA
I nod and smile. "I promise."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcCoIfuRml
They pull me into another hug, and I laugh softly and hug them back just as tight. They pull away and Craig pats Seph on his head.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg0lrSOPzV
"You keep our boy safe." He says to Seph and he lets out a small screech.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85MYl13DZa
"We have to go Leon, call us after school tomorrow okay." Annie says as they start to leave, I nod and wave.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk7WWxUSdl
"I will." I say and they both leave the room.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59eJBJ1XEa
I open my backpack up for Seraphim and he hops back in. I close the zip and put it back on.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVO2F9sZwb
Darn.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wUac7dJ5b
Before I could spiral, Mrs. Clint comes back in with someone behind her. She opens the door wider as she starts to speak.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XPKrWVl46
"This is Michael, head prefect and president of the student body council, any concerns you may have, you can direct them to him." She says with this beautiful man standing in the doorway.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxrNyq0fhC
He was tall, like ways taller than me, this sharp jawline, with a head full of luscious blonde hair and a set of these searing blue eyes, his face firm and almost cold.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTKp13bome
Wow.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI6K947mI0
I've been saying that a lot recently.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6JznVZ6uX
"Michael, please escort Leodonis to his dorm room. And please ensure that Leodonis gets to Professor Eternus' class after lunch." She commands rather than asks, he wordlessly nods and nods his head out of the door, beckoning me to follow.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOar0WdOj0q
Well isn't he such a ball of sunshine.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnbPgcO4R5
Leon don't be rude, he could be like the driver that couldn't speak at all.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdRrhKwbZS
I nod and begin to follow him out.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceAgItY8eA
"Where did you say you were from?" He asks me in an almost annoyed tone, which I'm starting to assume is just might be his regular tone when speaking.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZi0cSqBwM
"Oh, um Seattle." I say as we walk.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQoubnpxNG
"Well Leon, this place is nothing like Seattle. So best advice I can give you is to keep your head down and don't attract too much attention, got it?" Michael says. He doesn't look at me when he speaks, just looks forward as we continue walking through this place.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwf2NPMIim
Like I said, the oldness of the castle didn't really contrast the modern ways of things like the lockers, I snuck peeps into the classrooms that looked like normal classrooms back home, but these ones were even better.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceQUZsEFjm
Michael speaks up again. "School starts at eight thirty a.m until one thirty. Meal times, Monday to Friday are eight for breakfast, lunch is at two and dinner at five. Saturday and Sunday breakfast is at nine, lunch at one and dinner at six. Prep, Monday to Friday starts at six thirty in the evening until eight thirty. Saturday there's morning prep from ten to twelve then you have the rest of the day free unless there's a sports match. Sunday there's morning prep from ten to twelve and then in the evening from six to eight. Monday to Friday there's sports, combat and extra lessons after lunch up until dinner time. A bell will come around our hostel in the morning to wake everyone up and will also ring before meal times. Curfew on the weekends is ten. I'm not strict when it comes to lights out but you have to be in the foyer for roll call before each meal except lunch. Got that?" He says, his words weren't fast but I caught myself drowning in all the information so I just nodded as I tried to recall everything he said in my head.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfJGF5EVkl
We walked past labs where students were exploring different chemicals and chemical reactions. I was a bit surprised about the diversity of the student body, to be honest I thought this would be like Hogwarts with a bunch of white people.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR467951yz
We get to a stairwell that splits into two, one going left and one going right, we take the walk to the left. Between the staircases, mounted on the wall was this huge painting.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVXlhNR1k7
It looks like an old renaissance painting, a person in metal armor, a large sword in hand as he points to the sun with horses and other soldiers on horses behind him.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml8ceq7Ao4
God my head is spinning with questions but I'll save them for now.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7dMN4wQkR
We walk for a little while until we come upon a big wooden double door with the boarding house crest on the door.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dsAsYrSXP
"Epit aperusa." Michael says in a commanding voice and the doors start to open with a dull creak of the hinges.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OCba8QgKM
My eyes widen at that but before I could marvel at this stuff some more, Michael continues walking and I follow.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWdcY2R59r
I was pretty shocked when I saw what looked like a big living room. Despite the whole school having an old castle look, this living room looked pretty modern.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7U1hb7FBF
Wow.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf7ImTKBXF
With a large TV in the far corner, black leather couches lining the walls, a large coffee table in the middle, between the couches and the TV, paintings scattered on the wall, a gaming console on the mantel, to the right of the room were traditional arcade games of all sorts, a pool table, a foosball table, and along the walls were trophies and medals and even a framed sports shirt that looked signed. By who? I have no idea.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLz7shvaPe
Along with all of this were boys indulging themselves in the provided activities. Some were by the TV watching as a few were playing on the console. Others were playing at the foosball table, shouting and screaming at each other in a friendly manner.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjIrZ9VXsy
Some busying themselves with the arcade games, one of the boys had horns, not like sharp and long, but like stubby that were an inch long, one had wings, not the wings you thinking of but like bats wings almost, and then one guy had hooves?
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxsihu8NYw
I don't know, there was a lot going on.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3BFizvo37
When people realized we had walked in, everyone turned to us and quickly stood up. I look at them in confusion.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVRjW1kgNr
"Good afternoon everyone." Michael said in a calm voice, not seeming phased by the way everyone dropped what they were doing to stand up and acknowledge his presence.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3D3iYiv1v
"Afternoon Michael." They all said in unison.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JkCLX93be
I was still pretty confused but ignore me and focus on what this guy is saying.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKyX5mtyuG
"We have a new brother joining us today, I hope all of you do your best to make him feel welcome." He says, his words more of a command rather than a suggestion.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mgiz0uiPe
"Yes Michael." They reply in unison, I stare down at my shoes as I can feel their eyes on me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvZPbKZo4F
Michael starts to walk I follow behind him not lifting my eyes.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6dZFoiC7L
We walk through the common room and through an open door that leads to a passage of doors, before getting to the another flight of stairs at the end of the hallway. We walk up and we get to the second floor of the boarding house.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRXOvqxPZn
"This is the sophomore floor," He says getting to a room with a normal brown door with the plated number 24 on it.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxBHj9ga6h
Michael puts his hand on the knob but didn't turn it. That's when we heard banging coming from the inside. Just like bumps and bangs , almost like someone was tearing the room apart.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BOz4EiAGX
Michael sighs with his hand still on the door. "Raphael, I swear to God, put your dick away!" He shouts to the door which surprises me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6sRtbe1k3
We heard a bit more commotion in the room before it stops and before anything else the door swang open and out stepped a boy with beautiful black curly hair, and tanned complexion, freckles splattered all his face. He was tall, not as tall as Michael but definitely taller than me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKPMvpT99P
He was wearing a different uniform from Michael. Michael was wearing a white blazer with yellow seams and linings, inside the blazer was a sweater vest that was blue and had yellow seams, with gray pants, a blue tie and on the blazer were small magnetic plates. One said 'Head of House' the other 'Head Prefect' and the last 'Head of Student Body.' The crest on the blazer was composed of yellow, blue and white, two Lions on either side of the crest.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblZb82QwJb
Who I'm assuming to be Raphael had a green blazer with yellow lining and a yellow and green sweater vest. And the crease on his was composed of yellow, and green, two dragons on either side of the crest.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY3wF3Pdst
He looked at Michael first then his eyes landed on me in confusion.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOaAsN9eNe
Michael sighed. "Raph, this is your new roommate Leodonis, Leodonis this is your roommate and my dumb brother Raphael." He says my eyebrows knitted together when he said they were brothers.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC83NrHGd44
And by the look on my face they could tell what I was thinking.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08H1WTUHNl
Raphael laughed. "We know we don't look alike but we're brothers,"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKGfTKn2tL
Michael pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Just take care of him please? Don't get him into trouble. And take him to Professor Eternus's class after lunch." He says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSu3mqtLZp
Raphael salutes him. "Aye aye captain." He says with a curt nod.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThi5wXCeo2
Michael sighs again. "Leodonis, Raphael will be your guide on the rules and will help you get to classes until you got the hang of things."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpuXxDnHMf
I look up at him and nod. "Thank you." I say, he gives us a nod before taking his leave down the passage.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ0h08aSFp
I look back to Raphael who was smiling at me. "Come on in roomie." He says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJraCgdnsWj
I smile at him and walk inside the room. It was pretty spacious, two wardrobes on either side of the door, a long desk with two chairs under the window and a single bed on either side of the room pressing along the wall.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYHU2YLPrp
My bags were already here as well, my suitcases perched up against my bed with my packages on the floor.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUucOxpLbhC
"So...Leodonis, what brings you to C.A.A?" He asks sitting down on his bed.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbht9EWiOTq
I turn to him. "Oh uh, I don't know actually I was just told I had to come here, and you don't have to call me Leodonis, just Leon is fine." I say.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknx0cz9lk7
He smiles at that. "Okay, Leon, what's your classification and rank?" He asks.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi26zR7aj1X
I look at him in confusion. "My what and what?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDGtBNSjql
He laughs and stands and walks to my side of the room and takes a look at the ID looking card on my bed. His eyebrows knit together.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XNoFp508R
"Hm, it doesn't say."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFio3BKE5T
I didn't know what to say so I just nodded along awkwardly.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC8Dv4UaNq
He looks to me. "You don't talk much do you?" He asks with a smile tugging his lips.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh6mxhmiQ2
I let out a nervous laugh. "Sorry I'm just nervous. Never been away from home before."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ySYOpuEk3
He smiles and stands up and pats my shoulder. "Don't worry, this place is great, you'll be fine and you know why?" He asks.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19JqjkuXbf
"Why?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1OJChotn4
He gives a very bright smile, one that paints his features so perfectly. "Because I'm your guide." He says confidently.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsV8lGZDVF
I smile at that and give him a nod.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnYYk8Ugr0
He smiles and punches my arm softly. "So right now, we're supposed to head down to lunch then sports, you play any sports?" He asks me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X6LW42uvd
I nod. "Everything except football and ice hockey, that's if you guys even have human sports here."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa7PWyW6kr
Raphael laughs. "Where do you think human sports originated? What? Think we play quidditch?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDa7r5akyo
My lips tug up at the Harry Potter reference.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaKPiFoKDW
"Have you been put into a house yet?"
He asks while he walks to his side of the room and opens his closet.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rnSGH5qVW
I shake my head. "No not yet." I look to the ID on my bed and take it. "Oh sorry, it says Victorum." The ID has my full name, my house, on rank it's left blank, as well as classification, then for Force it says 626.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLzIlTc0fo
He hums. "Suits you." He says simply.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rXgA7nrGj
"So...this place is where exactly?" I ask him.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9OFJF7DwC
He looks at me quizzically. "Wait- you're not from here?"
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsSoZ0GmXV
I shake my head and he starts to unbutton his shirt, I look down for the sake of privacy.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNZxujWHTZ
"No I'm from Earth. This isn't Earth right?" I ask.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fTY5p1F6c
"Technically you're not on Earth, we are in the First Veil, a time pocket between the human world and the spiritual world." He says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXEz5weSqk
"So...we're in another dimension?" I ask in confusion.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX5bHzCmac
"Technically yes, but also no. The First Veil existed before the human and spirit world was created, it was supposed to be a utopia for beings like ourselves. But something called the First Fall happened which is like our version of World War 1. You'll learn tons about it in Devine History and Lit." He says, I look up and see he was already dressed in a green t-shirt with the house crest and in yellow and a pair of navy blue shorts.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPRUpL3avn
I nod at that and wait for anything he has to say. He puts on socks and sports shoes then stands up.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZOSrsP0UG
"Before sports is lunch, so let me direct you to the Cafeteria, I'm sure you're hungry." He says and I nod.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2Ap3RZEHu
"Yeah I didn't have anything to eat on the drive here."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRux8TomiSQ
He opens the door, I put my backpack on my bed, Raphael waits for me to walk out before he closes the door behind him.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePQCgMqI4U
He leads us down the passage to the stairs going back down to the living room.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCA6792Wzk
"This is the common room, where everyone just chills." He says as we exit.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GmVuoK4Ij
We walk down the stairs and I already starting to feel a bit homesick to be honest.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSIQfxDwTJ
I hated being away from home.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPJfd9yYwg
"So is everyone here, like, magical?" I ask him as we walk.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFdRi9hPIZ
He hums, slight skip in his step. "Pretty much. Everyone here has something to do with the arcane."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZZdhs4c2Z
He continues to walk and so I follow suit. We walk until we enter the cafeteria, it was huge, with a high ceiling and multiple circular tables with chairs around them.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIkOnzG9kH
We walked to the line and waited as it moved along.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXxcPZfALq
"Do you have dietary restrictions?" Raphael asked me and as I was about to answer I couldn't help but feel like I was being stared at.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXSMDrJ8JO
And I in-fact was.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDIYEl6a04
By almost everyone.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN9vTgEh5E
I turn to look around me and everyone from the people serving food, all the way to the people at the far end of the cafeteria were looking at me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mGdAppkAL
My eyes widen and I look to Raphael who had noticed my silence and looked around. He sighs.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdnri19CP1
"Ignore 'em, they just haven't seen a new face in a while." He says to me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe632jeA1bA
I look at him and nod, still feeling petrified by all the stares.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN6fCpXmLY
He gently tugs my arm as we move up the line to where we were being served.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1oQxZ6tJh
I took a tray and and placed it on top for serving.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mcvY0nQMg
The food looked okay, not stereotypical boarding school food I've heard about, it looked fine. It was spaghetti and meatballs with salad on the side.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8r8gSq5kW
I took it and waited for Raphael to lead the way. "Thank you." I say, smiling at the ladies. They smile and give me a nod.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNpzUCBDuN
Once he was served he lead the way, through and passed tables where concentrated eyes basically through me.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EF1Q6YaE0
I didn't even realize Raphael stopped walking when he arrived at a table.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhIEba0mEe
At the table was a boy with a dark brown complexion and short black curls, wearing the same house t-shirt as Raphael was. Then there was guy seated next to him with long black hair and large black frames for glasses, he was pretty pale too, he was wearing a black blazer with red lining with what looked two panthers on each side of the crest where 'Bellum' was written.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb4bbBlipQ
I stood there awkwardly as Raphael spoke up.
"Guys this here is Leodonis, but he prefers to be called Leon, he's a sophomore and just arrived." He explained, I give the guys seated a tight lipped smile, the one smiles at me, while the other doesn't even give me a glance as he continues with book he was reading.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jeEUtzDqD
"Leon, the grump with the glasses is Cassius, Rank SSS conjurer and specialist in the dark arts. And this guy-" Before he could finish he was cut off.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GygQRh813
"You don't need to introduce me, I got it." He says with a dreamy smile in my direction.
He sticks out his hand. "The names August." He says, I smile and give him my hand to exchange a shake.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvdQzTSR2u
Raphael rolls his eyes and swats Augusts hand away.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz0g0CJCrB
"Don't mind him but these are my- no, our guys." He says to me before taking a seat and I follow suite and take the seat next to him.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGO2zabtKg
"So where are you from?" August asks me with such an intense gaze.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x5ddvc4vO
"I'm from Seattle," I say.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugAOH6bjFJ
He looks at me in confusion then looks to Raphael. "Is Seattle in Al-Kabbar?" He asks Raphael.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1Fy2KGVq4
Cassius looks up from his books and gives him a bored look. "He means he's from Ka-ela, you idiot." Cassius says to him.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisWU9zW3pW
"Oh no Seattle is in the States, on Earth." I clarify.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoZUd1oPK4
Cassius doesn't look at me. "Ka-ela is Earth." He says simply and I nod feeling a bit embarrassed.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFvxUnRShV
August turns his attention back to me. "No wonder you seem so....different." He says still with that smile plastered on his lips.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJII5za47N7
"Okay ease off August, you'll scare the poor kid away." Raphael says and I start to eat.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZEjgZR3Hl
The food was okay, but nothing beats Craig's pasta, simply god tier.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV47wx0HpO
Raphael and his friends talk and since I don't know jack crap, I kept quiet and didn't say anything and continued to eat, hearing the chatter of people as I ate.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVb4GDftNH
Ha, I ate.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvXlyZkVPN
Sorry.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNhbJr2782
"Leon do you know what force you're in?" Raphael asks me, snapping me out of my head.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpCWz8IHik
"Oh, if I remember correctly it's Force six two six on my ID." I say and he audibly gasps.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq87bvTf29j
"Dude that's the Force I'm in!" He says excitedly, I smile at him.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwuJjOuxB0
"You guys going to the Hades social this Friday?" August asks, I didn't know what he meant so naturally I kept quiet.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8JOdTFBBO
"Of course man," Raphael said then looked at me. "Once a month each hostel throws a social which is like a party for the students," He explains. "And this time around it's Hades' turn to host."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1672DztIQ
I nod at that then Augusts voice got my attention.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmfa3pG91Z
"You much of a partier Leon?" He asks.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAsAVOHvIN
I smile lightly and shake my head. "Been to a few and didn't really enjoy them."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquC7vYqvN9
"That's just because those were Earth parties, parties in the Veil are on a different level." He says smiling.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k9KTJ7aRn
I give him a small smile. "I guess I'll have to find out."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhOoyMwQFb
They keep talking about this social happening, I was just to preoccupied with all things I was thinking about.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS8KFg2kkQ
What's a force? Number one.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ9VCaVg7N
How the hell are we basically in another dimension? Number two.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHvmwrBuIV
What the heck is a glamour and what the freak is this Essence stuff she was talking about?Maybe it's the make up brand? No that can't be it, why would we be learning about makeup here?
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEJijs9b80
Oh lord.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuFQa0SwSu
I look to Raphael, he wasn't speaking anymore just eating away at his food.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPzf16fw2N
"What's a Force?" I ask him.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvWWPHBh1O
He looks to me, slightly confused. "Did they not tell you anything?" He asks, he didn't mean for it to be rude, rather just baffled.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWKhEJWEMi
"Nope."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoHCdeYTho
"A Force is like a study group. We do assignments together, guild challenges, and quests. I know, saying quests sounds very medieval. But Force activities only start next week," He says with a smile on his features.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmMdCpRj5T
I nod, taking in this new information.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxitJE7EWLN
My attention is taken to the sound of a bell ringing, I, as well as everyone else looks to the bell that is floating and ringing it's self.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpTAt4uXOJ
Huh.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlpjC8Besb
"Moment of silence for prayer." A deep booms, loud but not shouting, I look around in confusion because I have no idea where that voice came from.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyQgyAPEB6
I continue to look around to see almost everyone has their eyes closed and the whole place is silent. A few moments later the bell rings again and everyone opens their eyes and starts talking again, some getting up to leave.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1t3aMuq0E
I look to Raphael. "What- what just happened?" I ask in clear distraught.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN48KPylTjJ
He laughs a little at my distress but August speaks. "That's the dinning hall guardian spirit. Laemon." He explains.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACtXJ8cyES
"So...he's a ghost?" I ask.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDY6RgyTEF
August nods, that charming smile slightly dazzles me. "Pretty much."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGmSFAmMtO
I nod, again taking time to digest this information.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOPH3CR53v
Raphael pats my shoulder. "Let's go." He says. "See you guys later." He says to August and Cassius.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDPaID5X8S
"You're not coming to basketball?" August asks.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5HQnueKhc
Raphael shakes his head. "I'll meet you there, I have to take Leon to Professor Eternus." He says.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f4CNbzcZ9
August gives him a thumbs up, Raphael and I walk through the cafeteria where dumping trays were, I scrape my plate and put it with the others and Raphael does the same.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSWzb98lNe
We head out of the cafeteria and back into the main halls.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbJ6bObOQ1
"I know all my questions are probably getting annoying but do you know why I have to go to this Professor Eternal?" I ask him.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpHgEI4ccD
He laughs at that. "It's probably because you arrived late so he's gonna catch you up and give you your books and textbooks and give you a quick crash course on everything you need to know." He says as we walk.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCB6OR4AKO
"And are there rules I should know about?" I ask.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTW5QavmW7
"Oh yeah, okay let me give you a quick rule crash course." He starts. "Firstly, use of magic of Essence in common areas is a big no no, Professor Eternus will speak more to you about what Essence is. Conduits borrowing, stealing or unauthorized use is a huge no no, that could lead to suspension or even Essence dampening. You can only practice Strains that align with your gifts, using more than what you can manage can result in Essence dampening. Absolute silence during Midnight Essence is a huge one too, Prof. Eternus will talk to you about that aswell. Then there's places strictly out of bounds, like the Volt of lost Conduits and the Echoing Halls, and the Waking Wood. Then there's basic ones like no summoning unauthorized or unsupervised entities. Then basic rules like respect for teachers, students and guardian spirits, curfew on the weekend and stuff like that." He explained all in one breath and just like how I was with Michael, I was drowning in information.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5L51pMoDb
I really don't know how I'll get the hang of this school.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAScwx5tD0E
"Also no drugs or smoking or vaping or alcohol, boys aren't allowed in the girls dorm rooms and vise versa. We do have gender neutral bathrooms though, but anyway no skipping class, hand in assignments on time." He says right as we approach a door.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqCthFVVIg
He looks at me. "Well this is your stop Leon, I'll be back before dinner to pick you up." He says. I was about to tell Raphael that he doesn't have to but then I realized I would most definitely get lost.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2oLznmkVr
I give him a smile. "Thanks Raphael."
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7Mtt4rXJM
He pats my shoulder before turning on his heels and leaving.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ6G0rDac6
I take in a deep breath of air before opening the door.
50Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqN5hTN57y
Let's hope some of my questions get answered here.
ns216.73.216.13da2
and then Add to home screen.