RPG Citius Altius Fortius [M-LVS]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1][center]34th of Estembre, 3:25 pm.[/center]

Kristos growled against the air, his mind hazed over with bloodlust. He threw a pannel of ice up that rooted itself firmly into the ground with the moisture in the ground, standing solid. The wind ceased around him, and he threw up an entire wall of ice to stop the wind.

[b]" I wanted to kill him, I could of done this."[/b] Kristos smashed his fist into a section of the wall, a large spire of ice jutting out from his palm, having punched a perfect hole in the wall. [b]"You wouldn't understand any of it. Some wind magic bastard snapped my friend, the nurse Carolyn's back in half. I came here to find someone strong who could help me. Not kill someone. You think I'd kill someone? You think I don't know that two wrongs don't make a right?"[/b] His voice was very calm, but everyone around could hear the strain in his voice to keep tears back.

[b]"You...you all wouldn't understand. I grew up an orphan, damnit! My family was killed for the "government's sake"! I grew up alone, always trying to do the right thing so someone would like me someday, and when someone finally did, I changed. From the "study hard, work well, be nice, keep your tounge in line" to "I can finally be well, i can finally have someone that at least knows my name." And now she's been hurt, probably as revenge for me taking back the stuff that was stolen in the first place."[/b] Kristos punched another hole in the wall of ice, the wind coming through.

He sighed and fashioned two thin pannels of ice into aerodynamic wings, latching them to his arms with ice. He Smashed through the wall, taking off into the air and swooped over the constant geyser of air, landing behind Aizen and shucking off the wings.

[b]"Do what you like with me. It's evident that I can't help, nor would you let me do anything to help her anyway."[/b] Kristos flicked his blue hair off of his eyes, and even as it moved back into place, he leaned against the wally, hiding his face to avoid showing the teardrops that solidified into ice as they fell from his face.[/color][/size]

[TheResplendent]

[font=tahoma][color=darkred]Syrus pulled out his blue magi crystal behind the guard of his broadsword from the air. He remembered the spell he had obtained from Momo earlier and spoke the words. He leaped up through the air and landed on a single current. He went off balance slightly, but it seemed as if he was getting the hang of it. He walked over the wind, as Aizen stopped to watch him. The wind died down as Strom fell slightly forward from the momentum pushing him backwards stopping suddenly. Syrus landed once again on the ground. Aizen clasped her hands and wondered how everyone felt about her interference. She looked back toward Kristos and tried to stop him from walking away but he only slapped her hand away and kept walking. She frowned, but turned to Syrus in hopes that he wouldn't be too mad.

[b]"Syrus...I, i'm sorry but I had to..."[/b]

Syrus interuppted her sentence with a cold and piercing stare. Aizen was surprised at the anger she saw in his eyes, it was unreal. She knew how tough Syrus was but to think even he could look toward her with such cold and violent eyes made her heart sink.

[b]"I don't care who told you to interfere, that bastard was getting what was coming to him! Him and his little sob story! Well, boo fuckin hoo! That dosen't give him the right to walk around acting so self-righteous doing whatever the hell he wants! Next time I see him I won't go easy on him, thats a promise!"[/b] Syrus screamed out, turning his glance away from Aizen. He walked out of the room leaving Aizen almost in tears. She wanted to drop to her knees and just cry but she tried to hold herself up the best she could. She knew she did what was asked of her, and probably what was right as well...but she wanted Syrus as her friend. She was comfortable around him and was thankful that he went out of his way to comfort her yesterday.

She looked up at Syrus in time to catch a glimpse of him before he turned the corner. Momo ran after him, stopping beside Aizen on the way. She looked at her and handed her a hankerchief.

[b]"You really probably shouldn't have stopped him, you know. But try not to get too worked up. He'll cool down eventually, but when he gets going...it's usually a bad idea to interfere. I'd stay away from him...if I were you."[/b] Momo said, hinting a slightly apprehensive tone but ultimatley trying to help Aizen out.

Momo continued running after Syrus to try and calm him down. Aizen held the hankerchief in her hands as she watched her run on. She didn't want to stay away from him...or Kristos...she wanted to run after them both and just apologize endlessly like she usually would. But she realized that it probably was a futile action at this time. She didn't know what to do. It was then Instructor Kaya pt her hand on Aizen's shoulder.

[b]"Aizen, those boys are just angry right now. You did the right thing, I assure you. Please don't feel so bad."[/b] she said, trying to console Aizen as best she could.

[center]* * * * *[/center]

Meanwhile, Strom sighed and placed his Kyndras back in their sheathed positions. He started to walk out but by the time he got to the door, Instructor Shavers stopped him.

[b]"HEY! Where do you think you're going!? I appreciate you trying to step in and stop them Mr. Vanguard but I hope you know you contributed to THESE damages!"[/b] Shavers yelled as he pointed out the training grounds. Walls were cracked and broken, as was the floor. Ice still emblazoned many parts of it, there were burn marks on the floor as well as the giant hole where Syrus's Flame Viper had erupted from. Strom gulped, after actually taking the time to look at all of the damages.

[b]"ALL 3 OF YOU ARE PAYING FOR THIS! Since you're the one still here, i'll start with you! And don't think I won't be telling the Headmaster about this!"[/b] he yelled again walking toward Strom.

[b]"He..hey, wai' a minute!"[/b] Strom said, slowly backing up from Instructor Shaver's advance. Just then Instructor Kaya stepped in between the two, turned her head and motioned for Strom to run the hell out of there while he still could. Strom didn't think twice before he jetted out the door, passing Aizen on the way.

[b]"Guy, please! Calm yourself down, I know you put a lot of your own personal money into this room but maiming the students isn't going to help."[/b] Kaya said, trying to calm the enraged Weapons Training instructor down.

[center]* * * * *[/center]

Syrus kept walking toward the direction he turned to. With no actual destination in mind, he merely tried to blow off steam by keeping in motion.

[b][i]'I can't believe that guy...and then Strom had to show his face up there, how dare he think that I would have needed HIS help! And Aizen...she...argh! forget it!'[/b][/i] he thought to himself, shaking his head free of his thoughts. He passed by the infirmary on his way, realizing this he turned his head slightly so nobody in the room would notice his cuts. He didn't want to waste time there getting treated for wounds that weren't even serious. As he passed though he noticed Alex being confined to a bed. He narrowed his eyes and scoffed at him in his mind.

[b][i]'Damn weakling, what the hell is he doing trying to become a risk breaker anyhow?'[/b][/i] he thought as he continued forward. He lost himself in thought again he didn't realize he walked into the wing that held the firearms training grounds. He sighed and turned and started walking back. It was five minutes later he arrived at the dorms area when he saw Clyne running up to him. He rolled his eyes and figured she had to have heard what happened by now.

[b]"Hey! Syrus!"[/b][/font][/color]

[Tekkaman]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=indigo]Thursday, 34th of Estembre 4:15p[/color][/size][/font][/center]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Strom walked from the Training field back inside, determined to take his mind off of the events that had just happened. A lot of things were troubling him today; all he wanted to do was go to his room and evaluate his behavior and the current events happening, and wonder how he could improve himself for tomorrow. For no particular reason while he was thinking this, Strom's mind immediately jumped to the note that Instructor Sigreis showed him, the room number etched in his mind with a neon highlighter.[/color][/size][/font]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][i]'Room W1'[/i][/color][/size][/font][/center]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"Does Ms. Sigreis like me... as well?"[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Strom's mind skipped the thought, immediately jumping to the binder; he had also begun to think about his feelings for Clyne. Strom wish he could make his feelings for Clyne go away as he continued thinking about her [color=gray](Clyne never paid attention to him despite the compliments he gave her [color=indigo]*[/color] ),[/color] but he had a different feeling for Clyne than he did for his Water Magi Instructor. Whereas Ms. Sigreis was only a 'one-nighter' from Strom's mindset, he thought of Clyne as his equal; he wanted so much more from her than sex.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Nah,"[/color] Strom finally said, now standing by a window 50y from the Training field [color=gray](Strom could still hear Mr. Shavers b*tching about his training field outside)[/color]. [color=indigo]"Clyne'll never like a guy like me."[/color][/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]And while Strom kept looking at the clouds from the window inside the building, as much as he told himself it would never be between Clyne and him, he still thought about her, and the fact that his dreams could come true.[/color][/size][/font]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]--------------------------------------------------[/color][/size][/font][/center]

[font=Century Gothic][color=gray][color=indigo][size=2][color=gray]( [color=indigo]*[/color] )[/color][color=gray] -[/color] [color=gray][color=indigo]Post #10[/color]: When Clyne offered a seat to Strom in the lunchroom.[/color][/size][/color][/color][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo][/color][/color][/size][/font]
[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]OOC:[/color] Okie dokie, I left the scene open for interaction [color=gray](No, Sakura, i'm not talking specifically about you. [ Though, i'm not stopping you if you do interact with Strom either.])[/color] and I thought I use this time to say that the story is coming along quite nicely - I love to read it @ work.[/color][/size][/font]

[Kitty]

[size=1][indent][center][b]Thursday, 34th of Estembre,12:15 PM[/b][/center]

Mo had, like usual during Advanced Sparring, slacked off from the actual fighting part of class, and simply conversed with friends until Instructor Shavers walked by to scold the girls. He dismissed the others to start fighting each other, but held Mo back. She rolled her eyes, knowing full well what he was about to talk to her about.

[b]"Why don't you participate anymore, Mrs. Tyriest?"[/b]

[b]"I don't feel like beating up the minors,"[/b] she lied with a yawn, referring to her younger friends and classmates. The truth was, ever since her dream last night, she hadn't been particularly eager to handle her rapier with the fear of it later ending up through her abdomen. The instructor held his forehead in his palm, the look on his face reflecting his headache.

[b]"You'd rather fail?"[/b]

[b]"You wouldn't fail me, would you Professor?"[/b] she fake-gasped, the sarcasm very apparent in her expression and tone.

[b]"I would, but not happily. Come on, Monique. I know you better than this. You've taken classes with me for nearly five years now. Just because you're an upper classman doesn't mean you don't have to do what everyone else does,"[/b] he said sternly. She stared back at him with a blank face, blinking several times while he was silent. He finally let out a sigh and waved his hand. [b]"Go on, already."[/b]

[b]"Thank you Professor,"[/b] she grinned, running past him. The friends she had been passing the class with were now sparring, leaving her to find someone else to bother. She spotted Syrus and headed over towards him, but saw him facing off against Alex, who she had beaten yesterday. She sat down nearby to get a good view, and watched intently until Instructor Shavers pulled Alex away. When he had gone, she jumped up and ran at Syrus.

[b]"Syr-ee!"[/b] she giggled, wrapping herself around his torso.

[b]"Oh, hi Mo. Slacking again?"[/b] he asked with a smirk.

[b]"You know it,"[/b] she replied, sticking out her tongue. She returned her arms to her sides, leaving the two silent and tense. They hadn't seen each other since the previous night, and both of their faces had become beet red when the silence fell between them. Mo stared at her feet while Syrus looked everywhere but at her.

[b]"Sooo... Where'd that Alex kid go?"[/b]

[b]"Hm? Oh, I don't know."[/b]

[b]"Then lets go find out!"[/b] she grinned, grabbing his hand and pulling him after her. She headed the way she had seen Shavers leave with Alex, and when they caught up with them, Alex was already knocked unconscious. There were some kids around him that had also followed to see why he had been pulled aside by their instructor. Across from the beaten Alex was a boy Mo did not recognize, but Syrus left her side at the sight of him, his hand ready on Aludra's hilt.

[b]"Hey, you okay?"[/b] Mo asked the boy, placing a hand on his forehead to try and get the sweat out of his semi-closed eyes.

[b]"That?s Alex, he?s never okay, what are you talking about? He?s such an idiot,"[/b] one of the students around him blurted out.

[b]"He flunks everything. No wonder he got his ass whooped,"[/b] another added.

[b]"Shut up!"[/b] she growled at them. They had no right to talk about him like that, especially after he had just gone through such an embarrassing ordeal already. When she turned back towards him, she saw his eyes open for a moment.

[b]"Are you okay? Hey, come on, wake up!"[/b] she urged, but it was no use. He was unconscious again in seconds.

[center]~
[b]3:41 PM[/b]
~[/center]

Mo had chased after Syrus once the long, tiresome fight with Kristos had ended. She had known him for quite a while, and she had only seen him that angry on a handful of occasions. The truth was, she was actually more afraid of him than of Kristos while they battled. She was afraid that if she tried to do what Aizen had done, she would've ended up receiving Syrus's frustration and anger. She was actually jealous of Aizen for being brave enough to do the right thing, while she stood by and watched, simply wishing that Syrus wouldn't get hurt too bad.

[b]"Dammit, [i]dammit[/i],"[/b] she cursed at herself, hitting herself on the head several times. While she had been thinking, she had lost sight of him. She sighed before leaning against the wall of the corridor and sliding down onto the floor. [b]"Not like he'd want to talk to me [i]anyway[/i],"[/b] she mumbled. She sat on the floor for a good twenty minutes before she finally decided to stand back up.

[b]"I'll go see if Alex is alright, instead,"[/b] she nodded to herself, running off. As she went, she was slightly startled by the emptiness of the hallways until she passed by Strom. She tried to stop, but ended up stumbling, tripping, and falling onto the ground. He heard the noise and walked over to help her up.

[b]"You okay?"[/b]

[b]"Yeah. No problem here,"[/b] she replied, putting on a fake smile as she brushed herself off. Her face was slightly pink, but she wasn't worried enough to avoid eye contact with Strom. [b]"Do you know where they took that Alex kid?"[/b] she asked him.

[b]"Probably the infirmary. Why?"[/b] he inquired, raising an eyebrow.

[b]"Can't find Syrus, so I figured I go check on him."[/b]

[b]"Don't get caught, then,"[/b] he scoffed. She cocked her head to the left, a confused look on her face. [b]"Nobody thinks very highly of him around here, you know. He may get a bit more sympathy ? though I'm very doubtful about that ? for being Kristos' punching bag, but not much else. If you're seen with him, you'll probably destroy your reputation and lose all your friends,"[/b] he explained.

[b]"Well, I can see why Syrus doesn't like you. You're a jerk."[/b] She turned to walk away, leaving a stunned Strom behind her. Though he didn't know her that well, he would never have imagined Mo saying something like that to anyone. He grabbed her arm and spun her around to make her face him again.

[b]"I wasn't being a jerk. I was being [i]truthful[/i],"[/b] he said, matter-of-factly.

[b]"I didn't ask you to be truthful,"[/b] she spat back, pulling her arm back from him. They glared at each other for quite a while before she went off running again. She tried to push all thoughts of losing her friends out of her mind, repeating to herself that Strom was simply being mean, and that she shouldn't listen to him, but the thoughts remained. She reached the infirmary, was directed to where Alex was being treated, and waited outside of the door. She held her fist an inch from the door, split between her worry of losing her friends and her determination to prove Strom wrong. But she stood still for several minutes before finally sighing and knocking on the door.

[b]"Come in,"[/b] she heard the voice say from within. She opened the door to reveal a bruised Alex sitting up in a small bed reading a book. He looked up to see her and seemed to freeze up.

[b]"A-Are you okay? I don't want to be interrupting you, or anything,"[/b] she stuttered, scratching her head nervously. He didn't look all that happy to see her, but he shook his head and nodded to a chair beside the bed. Mo sat down slowly and turned the chair to face him. [b]"So... I hear you're the man to see if anyone wants to commit social suicide."[/b] Strangely, he laughed rather loudly at the comment, taking Mo by slight surprise.

[b]"I hope that's not why you're here. You're quite the social butterfly from what I've seen of you."[/b]

[b]"Nope. I haven't spiraled into a deep enough depression for that. I just came by to see if you were okay. You seemed to take an awfully bad beating today."[/b] He placed a hand on his bruises as she spoke.

[b]"I'll be fine. They're letting me out in a couple minutes. They can't do anything to get rid of the bruises, but I'm okay for the most part,"[/b] he replied.

[b]"That's good... Oh, I don't know if I've introduced myself yet! So, um.. Hi. I'm Monique. You can call me whatever you want, though,"[/b] she giggled.

[b]"How about gorgeous?"[/b] he chuckled. The sincerity in his voice took her by surprise, and a slight blush popped up in her cheeks. She stuttered for a bit before he chuckled louder and told her he was only kidding. [b]"It's nice to finally know your name, Monique."[/b]

[b]"Well, I'm still in my sparring class clothes, so I'm gonna have to go now. Glad to hear you'll be doing fine, Alex. Bye!"[/b] she waved as she left the room. Outside of the infirmary, she used her spell so she could jump down to the ground level quickly, as the changing room was right underneath it. Back in uniform, she headed off to find Syrus again. She hoped he had cooled down by now, and would be willing to talk with her. She wanted to make sure he was okay, too.[/indent][/size]

[Lazarus]

[center]- 3:46 PM, 34th of Estembre. -[/center]

Another knock startled Alex right back out of his book.

"Yes, Monique?" Alex queried, wondering if the girl had forgotten something.

The door swung open to reveal Lazarus, who soundlessly stepped over the threshold, and closed the portal behind him.

"Glessen. I heard you took a beating today. Kristos put the fear of frost into you." Lazarus said without preamble.

Alex's eyes widened with surprise. This was unexpected. "It's Gleason." Alex mentioned quietly.

Lazarus smirked. "When do you get out of here? We're going to go train."

Alex narrowed his eyes. This was Lazarus. Self-made social flatliner, and one of the more eccentric students the academy hosted during it's tenure.

"Why me?" Alex asked, fighting to keep his insecurity from questioning the situation. Such things would most likely get the offer withdrawn, and earn him the cold shoulder from Lazarus as well. And he'd seen what happened to people who annoyed the black mage.

"Because you want to be more than you are, right? I saw something in you during that encounter the other day. That moment of focused, tight rage in your eyes. You wanted to tear those boys' throats out, to drown yourself in their blood, gorge on their flesh, for daring to take what was yours." Lazarus observed, moving to sit in the chair next to the bed.

"My question to you, Alex, is why didn't you? What held you back? What holds you back [i]right this second[/i] from tearing out [i]my[/i] throat? What keeps you from doing your best to level this school? You crave recognitiion, right? Why not get it through strength? Fear is not hatred, and fear you, people will, should you choose that course of action. It's a lonely existence though, always watching your back. You'd be destined to die aone, with no one who truly understood the real you who you hadn't already killed." Lazarus said, leaning forward and holding eye contact.

"Then, there's the other route. Make yourself a hero. Give selflessly, and be lauded with praise in return. Becoming a hero is hard work, harder ever than commanding respect through fear. You may find at the end of a day as a hero, you won't be able to look yourself in the eyes in a mirror anymore. In time, you'll lose who you really are to the facade of the hero that you present." Lazarus said, sitting back.

"Either way, those are the two routes open to you. This school, this way of life, will allow you to walk both paths in equal measure, and you shall find out if the bittersweet fruits of sacrifice, or the tantalizing fruits of selfishness are more to the liking of your palete. Either path will require strength of mind, body, and character. What say you to my offer?" Lazarus asked finally, arching a delecate eyebrow in silent challenege.

[Doublehex]

[color=royalblue][center]Thursday; The 34th of Estembre; 3:48 PM[/center] The book, [i]An Occurrence at Owl Creek[/i], dropped onto the bed sheet; Alex?s shaking hands unable to hold it for any longer. He stared at the pale man, his long black hair. Alex?s shivering teeth revealing the fear within him. ?What is your decision then, Alex?? ?I?m not weak.? ?What did you say?? ?I said I?m not weak.? ?What are you then? If you are strong, then shouldn?t you have been able to push Kristos off of you? Shouldn?t you have been able to defeat Syrus in a second with your speed and intelligence? If you were strong, those things were more than possible. But here?s the thing Alex; you?re not strong. So I will say it one more time; what do you say to my offer? Do you want to become strong?? Alex didn?t say anything. It wasn?t like he didn?t want to say anything; with all his heart, he wanted to leap to his bed, ignore the pain in his injured arms, and scream at the top of his lungs that he wanted that strength, to say that he wanted to be heard, to be recognized and loved, to have someone know he existed. He didn?t want people to pity him, like they were now. Monique?Lazarus?it was all out of pity. Because he was weak. Because he wasn?t strong. But he couldn?t. His fear kept him away from saying it. ?You [i]are[/i] weak. You can?t even say what you want.? With that, he pulled Alex out of his bed by his collar. ?I will [i]make[/i] you strong, even if I have to break you.? [center]*[/center] Lazarus opened the door to Alex. They both stepped into the chamber. Alex was dressed, albeit horridly and messy, but his bruises were still apparent from even beneath his bandages. ?Where are we?? ?This is the Oedipus Complex. It?s an old, abandoned, and forbidden part of the school. It was considered too dangerous?too many students died in it. Let me just say now I am not referring to just physical deaths.? Alex couldn?t see how a narrow passage way could help him with his training. ?How will this help me?? ?Like this.? He stabbed Alex in the neck, and ran off into the passageways. ?Find me if you can, Alex!? Alex didn?t hear him, however. He had descended to darkness long before he even hit the ground. But it was different from sleep. He was awake?he could still feel the rats crawling near him, their bristles tickling his flesh. He felt a worm as it slipped up his coat. But he didn?t feel like he was awake either. He felt like he was a ghost. [center]*[/center] Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock. ?I see you?re finally awake.? ?Where am I?? ?Judging your surroundings, I would say you are in a comfortable room, sitting on a very relaxing couch, sipping a very satisfying glass of New Berry Wine that was first squeezed fifty years ago.? That doesn?t help me.? ?Oh yes it does. You can relax now; you?re in a safe place.? ?Is there such a thing?? ?Certainly. Isn?t a church safe?? ?I don?t know. I don?t remember ever going to church.? ?Yes you do. You went with your father and mother.? [i]No Not them[/i]. ?I missed you, you know. I always loved to see your smiling face whenever you came in, gripping your mother?s hand. It always brought a smile to my face. But, you don?t smile anymore, do you?? ?No.? ?You feel weak, like you are incompetent. You want to be strong, but you can?t find the strength. Alex, let me tell you something; everyone has a great strength within them. It?s locked away, but it is there. Most people are able to find the key, and open that lock. Others need help finding that key. Some never do, by isolating themselves from others, because they think they are being pitied.? [center]*[/center] Headmaster Enteri stared at the report handed to him by Instructor Shavers. The sparing instructor stood there in front of his desk, his arms crossed behind him. ?This is Alex?? ?Yes sir. He suffered several bruises. He?s fine physically?? ?But mentally the boy is a mess. The Second Generation won?t be happy.? ?Is that our intent to begin with?? ?No?, the headmaster chuckled, ?and God help us with that.? [center]*[/center] ?Why do you seek strength, Alex?? ?So I can be recognized.? ?Why do you want to be recognized?? ?Because I wasn?t loved.? ?Why do you want love?? ?To have an important person.? ?Good. That?s all you need, Alex. You have strong arms. A man should use those arms to protect what is important to him. That?s what a man does; he protects things. Use those hands to become strong, so you can be recognized, so you can be loved, so you have someone important to you. And yet, you already do. She came to visit you today.? ?Monique? Why her?? ?You two are more similar than you think.? The man snapped his fingers, and Alex found himself back in reality. But this time, he wasn?t in the Oedipus Complex. He was in a small arena?like the one Instructor Shavers frequently used. But it was older?almost ancient.? ?I see you finally decided to wake up.? ?What did you do to me?? ?That was the power of the Oedipus Complex; to psychologically test us. That drug activated its powers.? ?So, what now?? ?We fight.? [/color]

[Lazarus]

[center]- 4:06 PM, 34th of Estembre. -[/center]

OOC: Please note the placeholder which held this spot was *NOT* intended to stop anything, I merely wanted the progression of the fight in sequence, since I had the opportunity to do so.

Alex drew his sword, holding it readily.

"No, Alex." Lazarus said, waving a finger mockingly.

"Magic. Fight me with your magic."

Lazarus stomped a foot, and energy swirled around a previously unseen pattern on the floor. It rushed inward on dormant arcane lines of force, and exploded upwards, passing harmlessly through the combatants and forming a translucent dome.

"The suppression field will keep us from killing one another." Lazarus noted. Both boys gazed skyward, and noted the dome above them was a peaceful blue. Lazarus closed his eyes, and his half of the dome promptly turned black.

"Summon your magic, then attack me. When the dome becomes fully one color or the other, we will have decided a victor. Afterwards, we will train with weapons." Lazarus decreed.

Alex closed his eyes and reached for the place inside him that hummed with energy and crackled with power. His half of the dome became consumed with writhing blue-white power. In the same breath, Alex felt his magic fillhis body, rushing upwards to pool in his fingertips, and he hurled a bolt of lightning towards the black mage.

The dome overhead shifted as it responded to the expenditure of power, it's line shifting towards Lazarus slightly.

The mage himself sidesteped, allowing the bolt to crash harmlessly against the shield wall behind him. The dome absorbed it, breaking the lightning into wriggling worms of energy that crackled upwards and joined with the rest of the dome. The line shifted further from Alex.

Lazarus pulled a gloved hand from his left pocket, having tucked it in close to avoid the blast of lightning. The energy had flowed right past him, and he found himself struggling to hold the muscles of that arm in control for a moment. His hand opened, revealing a smooth deep blue orb that he rolled about in his gloved palm, before tossing it up slightly and catching it. The orb darkened, becoming a flawless obsidian color.

"Strengthen yourself, Alex. Hold steady against this attack, or your future, your existence, ends here!"

Lazarus tightened his fist around the orb, and eldritch power leaked from between his clenched fingers. His free hand was outstretched menacingly towards the other boy.

"Drown." Lazarus intoned darkly, and Alex gagged as murky brackish water immediatley flowed out of his nose, and filled his mouth. He spat out the mouthful of water, and coughed up a small amount of the fluid that has slipped down his windpipe.

"What the fuck was that!?!" Alex asked, the heat of battle and his own outrage pushing aside his normal meek behavior. Immediatley, his eyes widened and he slumped down, assuming a small posture as his own words sunk in.

"I didn't mean..." Alex started lamely.

"Yes. Yes you did. Don't shy away from your gut reactions. They're there to keep you alive. That was a low trick of me, and you reacted appropriatley. We both know the rules for these kinds of "encounters" and we hadn't agreed on any variants. Therefore...." Lazarus said, kneeling and withdrawing his curse back into himself fully.

"I yield." Lazarus said, as the dome reacted to the retraction of power and flowed overhead, funneing downward into Alex, racing through him and filling his being with it's energy before dissipating it's excess into the floor.

Alex dropped to his knees and fell forward, bracing himself on his hands, panting heavily as the magical energy ran rampant through his body. When the blinding pain was over, his very body seemed to be bursting with energy. "W--- wha-" Alex tried, but couldn't get the words out. His lungs were burning, it felt like he couldn't get enough air.

Lazarus paced over quickly and knelt down next to Alex, helping him up and slinging an arm around his shoulder. "Take it easy. Breathe deep, and stay conscious." He instructed.

Alex did as he was told, and moments later, felt the power settle into a tight, simmering coil in his chest, not painful, but strong enough to make him aware of it's presence. With every passing second, the intensity diminished.

"That was the secret of this complex. It weeds out the unworthy, and upon the truly worthy, it bestows strength after a show of the same. It's expanded your capacity for magic, although from what I've read and experienced, the aftereffects can be quite...detrimental."

Alex turned his head to look at the mage supporting him. "How?"

"Physical weakness, sudden shortness of breath, unexpected rushes of adrenaline, hightened sensitivity of touch to the point of pain, and a slackening of control over your magic. All but the last have always disappeared over the course of a good night's sleep. The last can persist for up to a week, but usually only lasts two or three days." Lazarus said conversationally.

Alex chuckled, hanging his head as he shuffled forward with Lazarus. "Just like you to be glib when discussing side effects." remarked the platinum blonde. Alex's eyes darkened with concern. "How bad is the slackening of control?"

Lazarus shook his head slghtly. "Not horribly bad. Once you draw on your power, you may find it hard to control with precision, like changing direction while running on ice. Likewise, you will have to be careful to judge your use of it, as it will be quick to respond to a summons, and slow to answer a dismissal."

Lazarus looked up, the large doors to the complex looming over them. Lazarus brought them up short in front of the doors, and slapped a palm against them.

The doors slid open soundlessly, revealing the long hallway that led out of the complex and back into the school proper. Once they'd passed beyond the portal, Lazarus waved a hand at it, and it sealed itself.

Alex cocked an eyebrow. "How'd you seal it without touching it?"

Lazarus smiled, a genuine smile that seemed out of place on his face. "Many secrets of this academy belonged to the black mages of old, and they in turn, belong to their predecessors. Namely, me."

"But, what about Nox?"

Lazarus snorted. "Nox? Like the headmaster would entrust him with the secrets of this school. No, Nox craves power not for it's own sake like I do, but rather for more ...corporeal ends. Now, enough with the questions. Where's your room? I'll drop you off there. I expect to see you again in a week in the complex. The door has been keyed to you, and will allow you passage once."

Alex began to supply directions to his room, and Lazarus followed them without comment. When he reached the boy's room, he removed Alex's arm from around his shoulders. "You should be able to stand." Lazarus said, then simply turned and walked off.

As Lazarus descended a flight of stairs down to his own room, he pondered over the recent events, especially puzzled by his own behavior.

[i]Could it be I want him to be my friend, because, in his own way, he's as damaged as me?[/i] Lazarus pondered as he opened his door and stepped inside his room, closing the door behind him.

[Sandy]

[COLOR=Gray][CENTER][I]~Thursday 34th of Estembre 3:30 PM~[/I][/CENTER]

Circes was getting very frustrated. He had had to spend the whole day chasing after the guy called Kristos Enttausch, just because his sister had suddenly got obsessed in finding him. Carrot had babbled something about an injured nurse...

When the twins had finally found Kristos, he was caught up in a battle with two other students at the Training Center. The battle had gotten so intense that the intructors had to use the help of an Air Magi Student to separate the fighters from each other.

Now the crowd around the fight was dispersing, and one of the fighters was taken to the infirmary. There were people everywhere.

[B]"This is insane, Carr... Cassandra!"[/B] Circes groaned. [B]"We'll never find Kristos from this crowd, and soon he'll be taken away to be interrogated by the instructors!"[/B]

Carrot peered all around, checking all the faces of every passer-by.

[B]"[I]Ha[/I], he's there!"[/B] Carrot cheered victoriously, pointing towards one of the walls of the Training Center. Kristos was all by himself, huddled against the wall.

Circes followed his twin sister as she ran to the lonely student.

[B]"So... The fight didn't go well, huh?"[/B] Circes asked, smiling awkwardly when the twins reached Kristos. Carrot punched his inconsiderate brother hard to the arm.[/COLOR]

[Riku]

[COLOR=DarkGreen][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma][CENTER]Thursday 34th of Estembre 3:36 PM[/CENTER]

Everything was turning back to normal again, everyone walking out of the training center and going back to where they were supposed to go. It seemed as if the normal mood had come again... except of the fact that Aizen had just been yelled at by Syrus for stopping their fight.

She stood in the middle of the Training Center, her hands on her chest and her eyes glued to where Syrus had just stormed out of. It wasn't her fault that she had to stop their fight with her Wind Magi... Instructor Kaya told her to, so she couldn't back down from an order. What else could she have done?

And on the other hand, this whole scene caused Kristos to break down and practically reveal his whole life story to everyone, wether he wanted to or not. She slighty turned her head to her left, her green eyes catching him talking to two other students whom looked as if they were twins.

She caught sight of his helpless expression, causing her to wonder if he, too, was also angry at her for stopping his fight. It was a little funny, though, because when he spoke of his past, it reminded her of her own sorrowful life, losing the people she loved left and right. She hadn't only lost her family, but also the only person whom had loved her for who she was.... the only person who had accepted her for her weakness...

[B]"Rease..."[/B] Aizen whispered to herself, tilting her head back downwards to the floor, her face with a blank expression. Suddenly, she felt someone touch her shoulder softly, causing her to turn around and see Miss Kaya, smiling gently at her.

[B]"I know your friends are probably mad at you right now,"[/B] she replied, trying to reassure Aizen, [B]"but it's only because they don't know what to do with their fists they've so carefully raised... I'm sure they'll come to their senses soon enough."[/B] Miss Kaya slightly nodded and patted her on her shoulders.

[B]"I know... thank you, Miss Kaya,"[/B] Aizen replied, bowing and looking at her with one of her fake smiles, her face still in a sad and blank expression. She nodded to her and walked off, wanting to get out of the hectic room. Kaya watched her with a worried expression, but realized it was probably something she shouldn't meddle in. So, without thinking about it any further, she sighed and turned around, talking to the other Instructors.

Aizen headed towards the door, her saddnes almost taking over and tears starting to form in her eyes. Before she headed out the doors, she turned her heels slightly towards Kristos direction and watched him for a little while. [B]"We're not so different, you know[/B]," she said to herself, nobody hearing her soft voice over the loud roar of the other people, [B]"...you're not the only one who had to go through a miserable life."[/B]

And with that, she slowly opened the door and walked out, not noticing that Kristos had just then lifted his head up and captured a slight glimpse of her walking out the door. He looked at the closing doors for awhile, wondering what that weird feeling he had just felt right then and there.

Aizen quickly walked out of the Training Center and headed towards her Dorm, wanting to get out of their so she wouldn't have to talk to anyone. Her head was full of thoughts: Syrus hated her, Kristos would probably never talk to her again, Alex was badly hurt and Momo acted as if she was superior to her. Why did everything always seems to go wrong? She did what she was told, but yet she had to deal with the consequences.

Suddenly, without even realizing it, she fell to the marble ground on her knees and covered her face with her hands, tears overflowing and sobbing sounds coming from her tiny body. She needed someone to help her through all this, but it felt as if everything was going against her... she just wanted to run away and go to the person that knew what to do.

[B]"Rease, why did you have to go?"[/B] she quietly whispered to herself, wrapping her arms around her shaking body, trying to assure herself. [B]"You don't understand... I still need you... I can't deal with this by myself..."[/B]

She quietly cried to herself in the middle of the hallway, quietly repeating the name Rease over and over in between her sobs.

[CENTER]~*~[/CENTER]
OOC: Omg, here comes one of Aizen's hurtful memories. Rease was her one and only boyfriend, whom had died awhile ago. Just like Kristos, she was an orphan because her family died for the same reasons Rease did, leaving her alone to fend for herself. But alas, I need to send in the picture of him so everyone knows what he looks like.

Holy crap, Kristos... you're not the only orphan, you know! Geez!! XD[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1][center]34th of Estembre, 3:40 pm.[/center]

Kristos's hair hid his brilliant blue eyes, that were still glossy and glazed from his bloodrage and sadness. He turned his head to look at the twins, another icy tear slipping down his cheek and splattering on the floor in a brilliant sprinkle of snowflakes. He turned his head back down.

[b]"The fight...was fine. Some people are too stupid to realize some of the inevitable things going on around here. And they're too dumb to understand human emotion."[/b] His voice was layered with seething anger and the urge to scream. To help with that anger, his hand closed and opened slowly and jerkily.

[b]"Uhh, yeah...-"[/b] Circes began before Cassandra jumped in front of him and started talking.

[b]"We heard about what happened to Carolyn, and we wanted to ask you about it."[/b] Kristos's expression shifted. He leant his head down and nodded softly.

[b]"Yeah, sure. Follow me. You'll have to wait for a while. I've decided...I've decided to take a new lease on life."[/b] He said cryptically, leading them along, up to I1, that he'd been granted as the most potent ice student in the school.

[b]"Go in there. I'll be back in about an hour, okay? There's a mini fridge, music, and TV in there, along with a bed and some games. Knock yourself out. There's several sketchbooks in there, too."[/b] He left them with the key, leaving seemingly calm and without a word. He rounded the corner and dissapeared from sight.

Kristos entered the room of I12, looking around at the artistry propped up around the wall. This was the place that, if you wanted a new appearance, you got it. The student in here was one of Kristos' aquantences. The place was a hair salon and a tatoo parlor in one, along with a few other things, such as a clothing shop. The student in here was authorized to do this, but had to turn over half of the profits to the school.

Kristos sat down in the chair and looked at him.

[b]"What'll it be, boss?"[/b] Sam asked him. Sam referred to him as "Boss", as Kristos was pretty much the head authority besides teachers in the Ice wing.

[b]"I want my hair bleached completely white. And I want a tattoo on the left side of my face. Like this."[/b] He took a piece of paper out of his pocket and sketched something down, showing it to Samael.

[b]"Sure, Kris. Anythin' else?"[/b] He asked as he stood, moving to his sink to grab the bleach and hair treatment products, along with the tattoo needle and the piece of paper with the design.

[b]"Yeah, a black button up shirt, a pair of white slacks and a white scarf."[/b] Kristos told him, wiping the icy remains of his tears off of his face and putting them in another sink to melt away as he lay back on the operating chair. As he pulled out the cash to pay for it, Sam shook his head and smiled.

[b]"Naw, bro, I watched the fight from my window. From the asskickin' you were gonna dish out, you get this for free, bossman."[/b] He grinned and Kristos shook his head.

[b]"Then it's a thanks."[/b] Sam just shook his head and smiled before setting to work.

---
[center]34th of Estembre, 4:40 pm.[/center]

Kristos came back to his room looking quite different. his hair was shorter, Coming down lightly just to his ears and eyes. His eyes were much more prominent, and he wore a black button up shirt with white slacks, that was complimented by a long white scar draped around his neck. A tattoo covered the left side of his face, twisting and twirling intricately. He opened the door.

[b]"What're we talkin' about, then?"[/b] He asked, smiling. He was taking a new lease on life. Today had taught him something after all. He'd washed away the old Kristos, hiding behind his hair and flashy clothing, now showing nothing but the bare him. Though, he wouldn't stop his skirt chasing or asskicking any time soon. He took a seat by Circes and Cassandra[/color][/size]

[b]OOC:[/b] Hope that's okay.

[Lionheart]

[CENTER][B][SIZE=1]34th of Estembre, 5:00 p.m.[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]

[SIZE=1] He sat there, alone in the corner of his room. He hadn't slept in awhile as he skipped a nightmare last night. He didn't care of being tired, though of the awful memories that awaited him. His red eyes stared at the ground as he rest his head against the wall.

Instructor Piro talked to Leon throughout the day of doing another Fire God Techinque, but Leond decline. Even doing the most simplest form of the spell drained alot of magi away from him. He needed alot of rest. Leon shouldn't have done it in the first place.

He kept his stare at the ground, unaware of the door opening. His gazes were always unbreakable until the very last minute. That weakness will eventually kill him one day.

[B] "Mr. Leon? Hello?"[/B] A snapp of the fingers as a young student arose Leon from his stare. The student was young and very pale. He certainly didn't look military material to Leon, but bodies are all that matter here. The kid stared at Leon as if he was trying to read what his eyes were doing.

[B] "....What do you want, kid."[/B] Leon whispered as he got up slowly, his body still badly sore.

[B]"The instructors would like to see you...." [/B] The boy answered as he gave him the message. Leon guessed Piro still couldn't take no for an answer.

[B]"Tell instructor Piro I don't want to talk to him."[/B]

[B]"It's not just Instructor Piro...It's all of them...." [/B] Leon stared at the kid, tyring to undertsnad what was going on. All of them? That doesn't happen unless it's something happen and they surely never include a student. Something was going on.

[B] "Tell them I'll be down there in ten minutes."[/B]

[CENTER]~*~[/CENTER]

Leon entered the small meeting room in his normal clothes. The messanger was right as all of the instructors were there besides the headmaster. Everyone turned and looked at Leon, it seemed tension in the room already.

[B] "Please, take a seat, Leon."[/B] Instructor Garle of the aire elemental said as Leon took what he was given. It was surprising that an aire elemental instructor knew a fire student. The room was at unease until they spoke.

[B]"Alot of thigns have been happening at the school in the past two days...And it's not even that close to the Final Exam...."[/B] They seemed to be given him information that he already knew. He was sure they knew it too.

[B]"Please get to the point Instructors...."[/B]

[B]"These events have been leading to alot of sources but it ends up to three members of this school. They are Kristos, Storm, and Syrus."[/B]

[B]"They did some propery damage also..."[/B] Instructors mumbled into the conversation.

[B]"Then punish them. What do you what me to do about it?" [/B] Leon didn't get what they wanted to say.

[B] "We don't hate them, far from it...It is time though they get some of their own medecine..."[/B] Leon then knew what they wanted.

[B]"...You want me to fight them?"[/B]

[B]"Yes...Your one of the best in the school. Your fire magi is very advance. If they get a beating, then they will settle down on trying to beat the living crab out of people." [/B] Like Kristos did to Alex. He might be one of the best in the school, but so we're they. Each have a certain strength and weakness. And they wanted them to fight all three?

[B]"....Get someone else."[/B] Leon answered back sharply as he got up. He knew he was the lone wolf and he certainly didn't do dirty work for the instructors.

"You want to get rid of your nightmares?" Leon stopped right at the door, unable to fully undertsnad what just happened. How did they know? He turned and stared at them.

[B]"What?"[/B]

"We will get rid of your bad memories that haunt you at night. It is a difficult spell, but the headmaster has given us permission. We will destroy the nightmares if you do this task." He still didn't understand how they knew.

[B]"...But."[/B]

[B]"We watch you carefully and know when a student doesn't get sleep. He know our students." [/B] He stared at the ground as if he was in his room. He wanted to get rid of the nightmares. Of his father.

[B]"...Fiine....I'll fight them."[/B] He whispered to them as of all them smiled.

[B]"When do you want me to fight them."[/B]

"This evening. Around 6. We will get the battle arena set up. Just be there." Leon gave them a half nod and left without a word. He didn't want to fight them, but now it was going to be something on the stakes now. [/SIZE]

OOC: I hope this is okay Engel, BKstyles, and Tekkaman, I don't want get rusty on my fight writing, lol.

[Sandy]

[COLOR=Gray][CENTER]~Thursday 34th of Estembre 4:45 PM~ [/CENTER]

Cassandra stared at Kristos who'd gone through a notable transformation.

[I]He's got some serious issues[/I], Circes' thoughts said to Cassandra.

[B]"So, uh... Kristos"[/B], Cassandra started. [B]"This morning I went to the infirmary for my practical training in Support Magic, and I found the nurse Carolyn there seriously injured. She uttered your name, so I thought you might know something more about it."[/B]

[B]"Huh"[/B], Kristos said thoughtfully. [B]"Nurse Kurozaki already interrogated me. I told her that I happened to find Carolyn like that. I don't know anything else about it."[/B]

[B]"Oh really?"[/B] Cassandra said, with a sly smile spreading to her face. [B]"From the way Carolyn has speaked about you, I think there's more going on between the two of you than you told Kurozaki. You're not talking to an imbecile here, so spill the beans!"[/B]

[I]Cassandra...[/I], her brother's thoughts warned her. [I]Don't agitate the guy![/I]

Cassandra ignored Circes' warning, and confronted Kristos by standing up from her seat and pointing her finger at Kristos.

[B]"Why did you try to kill her?"[/B] Cassandra demanded to know. [B]"Who's your accomplice, the Air Mage? [I]Tell me![/I]"[/B]

Kristos stood up, his eyes narrow with burning rage. Cassandra sensed fear coming from Circes, but she was not afraid. She wanted, no, [I]needed[/I] to solve this case!

At that moment, a message came out of the speaker in Kristos' room: [B]"KRISTOS ENTTAUSCH, PLEASE REPORT TO THE BATTLE ARENA BY SIX HUNDRED HOURS."[/B][/COLOR]

[Sakura]

[SIZE=1][B]OOC:[/B] -Sorry for not posting much, it moves pretty fast and I've been preoccupied the last few days.
-Let me know if this post needs corrections. I've fallen behind with the posts and have so far just lightly skimmed them so I may have missed something.
-Oh, and sorry if Syrus and/or Strom seem OOC. ><;;; Either way, both of you know how to contact me if you want changes.
-Last thing is this post sucks because I'm tired from this week and I need some good sleep.

[COLOR=Navy][SIZE=2][CENTER][B]Thursday 34th of Estembre, 4:20pm[/B][/CENTER][/SIZE]

[B]"Hey! Syrus!"[/B]

Clyne had been walking around during her free period and had over-heard several groups of people talking about some large battle that started off as a sparring match. At first she was going to ignore it, until she heard the names Syrus and Strom involved. She immediately resolved to find either one of them and get a clearer explanation from them. A few minutes later it just so happened that he was walking by.

The other student rolled his eyes as he saw her approach, and for that she hit him on the head. She was feeling rather temperamental, which was most likely due to the events of the previous day, and having been woken up in the middle of the night by a blabbering Momo about a weird dream.

[B]"What do you want, Clyne?"[/B] he sighed, obviously angry.

[B]"Don't be like that to me! I was just worried about you because of what I heard, but it seems like you're fine and not exactly in the mood to talk,"[/B] she said, looking him up and down, [B]"so I'll go get answers from someone else...Seen Strom? I'm guessing he'll be more polite than you."[/B] Clyne huffed.

[B]"Why do you think I know where he is?"[/B]

[B]"Sheesh, I'll let you cool off and find him myself. Why don't you just go find Momo and-"[/B]

[B]"Shut up!"[/B] he interrupted, shouting with his fists clenched.

Clyne was reasonable but she wasn't going to be around someone that obviously didn't want her company. She shot him a glare and walked off in the direction Syrus had come from, persuing her search for Strom.

After five minutes Syrus blinked, realising how he had acted toward Clyne who was always there just trying to help. He headed off at a brisk pace in the way she had gone, hoping to catch up with her and apologise or something along those lines.

Clyne figured she should try the area around the training field since that was the last place that she heard he was. She pushed the latest brief encounter with Syrus into the deep recesses of her mind, along with the previous day, set on her mission of searching out the other male.

She entered the building that led to the training field and spotted Strom staring out one of the windows at the training field. He let out a heavy sigh and tilted his head a little, looking at the clouds. Clyne walked over normally, which was actually very quietly and glanced out at the field. She was surprised at the destruction of the area, only having been out there earlier in the day.

[B]"Geez, what'd you guys do?"[/B] she said.

Strom was shocked into reality and turned to look at Clyne, the very same person he had been thinking about.

[B]"Clyne! What're you doin' here?"[/B] he asked, straightening and turning to face her.

[B]"Looking for you, actually."[/B] she chuckled as she could hear Instructor Shavers complaining just outside the window.

[B]"Looking for me? Why?"[/B] he asked, genuinely surprised and curious.

[B]"I'm thinking about reconsidering hanging around guys like Syrus. And just to talk with you."[/B] she rolled her eyes, leaning against the wall, still facing Strom.

The male student recognised the words he had said to her the day before and smiled slightly. He was also glad that she said she just wanted to talk, which was a good sign, and gave him hope that maybe, just maybe she did like him.

[B]"Do you wanna go somewhere else?"[/B] he asked her, indicating toward their Combat Instructor who was still shouting and cursing at people.

Clyne laughed lightly and nodded, pushing away from the wall and walking beside Strom as they exited the building and headed toward another location. They were walking aimlessly at first before deciding on a location, which ended up being Strom's dorm because she was curious about what his place looked like compared to hers, since males and females had differences, as did the different sections since he lived in W while she was in L.

As they were walking they bumped into Syrus who looked relieved to find Clyne, but then glared angrily at Strom. A shouting match started up between them and Clyne quickly intervened before it got out of hand and turned into something physical since they were both already holding each other by the front of their uniforms.

[B]"Both of you just stop!"[/B] she shouted, lightning sparked around her from frustration as she stepped up to them and pushed them away from each other by the chest, neither were really surprised at the strength she possessed because she worked out a lot. They settled for glaring at each other.

[B]"What do you want, Syrus?"[/B] she sighed. She blinked, surprised that she had used the same words as he had earlier, just without the anger she noted.

[B]"Uh....I just wanted to apologise for earlier. It was uncalled for and I know you were just worried and were acting like a friend. I was just worked up from earlier and there was still a lot of pent up frustration and-"[/B] he rambled.

[B]"Yeah, whatever. Listen, I really don't feel like talking to you right now. Not after everything that's been happening. Let's go, Strom."[/B] she glanced at Syrus briefly before walking forward.

Strom moved to follow her but was stopped by Syrus as he tried to walk past. Syrus glared at him and grabbed the front of his shirt in a silent warning. He just smiled smuggly and pushed his arm away, jogging a little to catch up to her. As they started talking again she laughed at something he had said, the sound taunting Syrus from his position, before he turned and walked away.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1][center]34th of Estembre, 5:00 pm.[/center]

That was the last straw. To ask him questions about this was perfectly fine, but accusing him? They'd gone to a place they wish they hadn't. He closed his eyes and tried to will his rage away. Instead, he had to freeze the entire floor of the room, watching Cassandra slip and fall back into her chair.

[b]"Alright, you don't understand, I knew no one ever would. I've known her ever since I was six and came here. She showed me kindness, symathy, she listed to what I had to say whenever I had a problem, and then she graduated and became a nurse here. Yeah, I'd cripple my best friend. I think your mystery novels have gone to your head."[/b]

Kristos looked extremely pissed. He looked at them with piercing blue eyes, drilling into their soul.

[b]"But you were the last one to see her before the accident!"[/b] Cassandra accused again, trying to find some ground to stand on.

[b]"After the thing in the lunch room, I'd cracked three more ribs, I already had two cracked. I had to go back to the infirmary, and she was the nurse that came out. We talked for a bit, and I asked her to let me be healed with magic. She didn't want me to, for my safety, but when I said something about the finals, she agreed. I got up after giving her a bright smile, that she returned, and dissapeared into the operating room,"[/b] Kristos paused. [b]"You think I don't feel bad enough? If I'd refused the magic treatment, I'd of been able to kick his ass and she'd be fine."[/b]

He looked at them and sighed, rubbing a hand through his white hair to relieve the tension. He made a mental note to go to the battle arena as he quipped at her silently.

[b]"If you two would accuse the guy going on a crusade trying to find whoever did it, I'd say I am talking to imbeciles."[/b][/color][/size]

[Tekkaman]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=indigo]Thursday 34th of Estembre 4:45 PM[/color][/size][/font][/center]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Yeah, whatever. Listen, I really don't feel like talking to you right now. Not after everything that's been happening. Let's go, Strom."[/color] she glanced at Syrus briefly before walking forward.

Strom moved to follow her but was stopped by Syrus as he tried to walk past. Syrus glared at him and grabbed the front of his shirt in a silent warning. He just smiled smuggly and pushed his arm away, jogging a little to catch up to her. As they started talking again she laughed at something he had said, the sound taunting Syrus from his position, before he turned and walked away. Clyne looked behind her one time, noticing an angry Syrus leaving, before she turned her attention to Strom. They walked through the halls from the training center slowly while talking.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"Strom?"[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Hmm?"[/color] Strom said, lost in his own happiness from talking to Clyne; he had completely forgotten about Instuctor Sigreis and her note.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"Tell me - I mean - why do you...and Syrus fight?"[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Strom looked into Clyne's eyes as they walked. No one could have asked Strom a more serious question; Strom pursed his lips slightly, trying to come up with an honest answer.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]" 'Cause...I gues' we - we're too much alike."[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Clyne was taken aback by the answer Strom had given her, wanting to get more answers now that the conversation had started between them.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"What do you mean? You and Syrus have been rivals for as long as I can remember."[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"...Don't get me wrong. I have the deepest respect for Syrus."[/color] Strom then looked behind his shoulder before he spoke to Clyne again. [color=indigo]"I kinda' need him in this school - with me."[/color][/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"But all you two do is fight...and argue."[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"Tru'. But - in my defense - that's becaus' he brings out the best in me - personally. I argue with him because that's all we kno'."[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Clyne couldn't believe it, any of it. Strom was telling her all of this information and he knew that Syrus was her friend (Though, now, she was reconsidering Strom instead based on Syrus' previous attitude); she couldn't understand why he was being so honest to her.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Why are you telling me this - any of it?"[/color] Clyne asked, now standing still by a much further window as she absorbed all the information that he'd told her.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Because..."[/color] Strom hung on 'because' since he didn't know if he should be honest with her this time.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Clyne looked into his ocean-blue eyes as his mouth hung open, trying to find the right words to say.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"...Because..."[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]It hit Clyne then - right then - that Strom wasn't telling her something. She could problably guess-timate the answer, but then if she did - or if he answered her question truthfully - their friendship would be for naught.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"Strom... Do you li - "[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=indigo]"KRISTOS ENTTAUSCH, PLEASE REPORT TO THE BATTLE ARENA BY SIX HUNDRED HOURS."[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]The two, closer than they have ever been, snapped back into reality; they both backed up away from each other, looking awkward at their near collision with each other; both Clyne and Strom tried to find out where the sound had come from. Clyne finally slapped her head with her hand.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Duh... intercom."[/color] Clyne said looking up at the black speaker clashing with the white academy walls and ceiling.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"Clyne... I -"[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"C'mon"[/color] Clyne said, trying to ignore him as she broke into a stride. [color=indigo]"Let's go back to the training arena outside and see what's up."[/color][/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"I...fine. Hey - hold up!!"[/color] Strom said as he dashed off after her.[/color][/size][/font]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]--------------------------------------------------[/color][/size][/font][/center]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]OOC:[/color] Hope that was good, [color=indigo]Sakura[/color]; I enjoy the drama, heh. [color=indigo]Engel[/color], you're up.[/color][/size][/font]

[Sandy]

[COLOR=Gray][CENTER]~Thursday 34th of Estembre 5:05 PM~[/CENTER]

[I]Now look what you did![/I] Circes sent his annoyed thoughts at his twin sister. As smart as she was, Cassandra had real trouble controlling her temper.

[B]"Listen, Kristos..."[/B] Circes started to explain. [B]"Please excuse my sister's words, she didn't mean it like that."[/B]

[I]Yes I did[/I], he heard her sister's thoughts.

[B]"I believe you aren't the culprit, but is there any possibility we could help you find the one responsible? Despite our scrawny bodies, we aren't utterly helpless."[/B]

Circes gave the brooding Kristos his most unarming and honest smile.

[B]"And I [I]promise[/I] to keep my sister here at bay"[/B], he added, getting another murderous glance from Cassandra. [B]"So what do you say? Shall we seek vengeance together? I could take a look of your new clothes in the process, they really look like they could use a little tuning..."[/B]

Cassandra rolled his eyes.[/COLOR]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1][center]34th of Estembre, 5:10 pm.[/center]

Kristos' anger slowly flooded away as he sat back and looked at Cassandra.

[b]"One condition. We'll investigate together, you can tune my clothes, but only if Cassandra keeps her temper and silly accusations under control. She's brilliant, I know that much, but she is a little on the...lacking self control part."[/b] Kristos looked at them and got up before Cassandra could retaliate.

[b]"So, what'll you have to drink, if anything?"[/b] He smiled at them both. Finally, he was getting somewhere. He moved into the kitchen, looking around the pantries. He found several cans of soda, some herbs he could make tea with, coffee, and a few other things.

[b]"Do you have any ginger ale?"[/b] Circes asked him hopefully, obviously relieved that Kristos wasn't angry anymore. Kristos gripped a can of ginger ale and within seconds, it was at a perfectly cold temperature, just right for drinking. He thew it to Circes, who barely caught it as he wasn't paying attention.

[b]"...any tea?"[/b] Cassandra spoke after a few moments, slightly fuming from what Kristos had said.

[b]"Warm or cold?"[/b] He spoke back, and grabbed a few herbs out of his cabinent, putting them into the water and stirring it with a long needle of ice.

[b]"Warm, your quater is really too chilly."[/b] He raised and eyebrow and shrugged, putting the tea on the burner for a few moments. He came back and gave Cassandra her drink, sitting down on his sofa and looking at them.

[b]"All I know that is from the form of the cuts and from the lack of any other wound, it must of been an Air student. That's all I know. I think it might of been Issac's gang. And Circes?"[/b] Circes looked up at him from his drink.

[b]"Whaddya wanna look at or change about my clothes?"[/b] He smiled back at Circes.[/color][/size]

[TheResplendent]

[FONT=Tahoma][color=darkred][center]Thursday, 34th of Estembre 4:46 PM

* * * * *[/center]

Syrus stood in his place after watcing Clyne and Strmo walk off and could think of nothing else to do but punch the wall beside him as hard as he could, leaving a very noticeable crack. He felt alone all of a sudden, like because of who he was seemed to have driven off so many people already. But why? It wasen't his fault...he was just trying to do the right thing...nobody else seemed to think so. They all just saw the battle hungry Syrus that liked a good fight. Well, guess that's somewhat reasonable...if you think about it. Syrus went out of his way to make that kind of reputation for himself. Kristos and Strom had been his toughest opponents in the entire eight years he spent at Argo Arx Acanum. Simply because he wasen't able to defeat them yet. A part of him liked that, the part that craved the competition. Right now though, all he wanted to do was calm himself down...but the thought of Clyne hanging out with Strom angered him even more.

[b][i]'If that bastard tries ANYTHING...i'll break his damn head...'[/b][/i] he thought to himself, feeling protective over his long time friend.

Syrus sighed and realized that he wasen't going to accomplish much just standing around. He decided to look for Momo, if it was comfort he needed he knew he could find it with her. She always brightened him up with her smile and a hug, even if it didn't seem like it did on the outside. The truth is Syrus loved it. He just hoped she wasen't mad at him like everyone else seemed to be.

He walked off, not really knowing where to start. He stopped off by a few students asking them if they had seen Monique, but he either received a bunch of "I dunnos" or "OMG, you kicked ass in that fight Syrus"...neither of which he really wanted to hear about at that moment. After a full run of the whole central part and east wing of the main academy building he groaned out of frustration...until he noticed someone else sitting on a bench beside one of the tunnel entrances to the upper towers. He recognized Aizen, her green hair draped over one shoulder and a sorrowful look on her face, like she had just lost a best friend.

Syrus didn't expect to run into her...but he realized that he probably contributed to the sad look she had on her face. He didn't know why but he felt horrible all of a sudden, probably because he took part in ruining something so beautiful. Like Aizen's radiant smile. He walked over slowly, wanting to apologize to her as well...out of all the people he had to apologize to, she probably deserved it the most.

[b]"Um...hi..."[/b] Syrus said, sratching the back of his head and looking down toward her.

Aizen looked up and became startled only for a brief second. She wasen't sure if she was glad to see Syrus or not...nor did she know if he was still angry at her. Aizen clasped her hands in her lap and put her body in a sort of defensive position and looked away slightly.

[b]"Oh...hello Syrus."[/b] she said, fighting back one last tear.

Syrus watched her face and began to feel crushed, he ran back through his mind how he left the cafeteria just to console her and try to be her friend. Albeit at first it was because he thought she was hot, but after finding out what kind of a girl she really was, it really made an impact on him. She was so fragile and innocent, someone he couldn't imagine wanting to make a career out of being a risk breaker. He felt bad about not doing his duty in a way, he hurt Aizen when what he really wanted to do was protect her.

He clinched his fists out of frustration again and just rushed downward and lifted her up into a big and tight hug. Aizen flew up and felt his arms clasp around her. She didn't know how to feel as her cheek rested against his shoulder. She felt Syrus's head leaned against hers, as if trying to cover up tears...but none came out. She figured Syrus wasen't the type to easily cry. But she was somewhat relieved that he was capable of feeling bad.

[b]"I...i'm, s..sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt your feelings."[/b] Syrus said, holding on to her.

She eased her hands around him to return to hug, but very gently still unsure of how to react. Her reaction would have to come later however, as they were interuppted by someone else.

[b]"Syrus...? What the heck is going on with this!?"[/b] Momo cried, after finally finding him. [/color][/FONT]

[center]* * * * *[/center]

[size=1]ooc: Here yas go Kitty and KW =P. Have at it! lol. Just so things are clear as well, Syrus had no ulterior motives, he simply wanted to apologize to Aizen. [/size]

[Lionheart]

[CENTER][B]Thursday, 34th of Estembre 5:39 PM[/B][/CENTER]

[SIZE=1] Students ran past Leon and off towards the battle arena. They didnt want to miss another fight. They didn't know that Leon would be in it. Leon, as well known as he was, had never been in a big fight at the battle arena. The Lone wolf always kept to himself and didn't want to pick a fight without a meaning to it... Now it did.

He needed to get rid of his nightmares. Hopefully they were telling the truth and will keep their promise. Yes, he was built to be a soldier and fighting was meant he was made to do, yet fighting a student would was weird. They were taught by the same teachers and knew each ability. There elementals were different and so were their hunger to fight.

Leon got to the arena, but was led by another student to the back of the battle sight, where Instructor Shavers was at. He seemed in a bad mood, his arms folded and just staring at the open field. The stands was filling up, it was going to be big.

[B] "This is a battle, not a movie."[/B] He mumbled as he turned to Leon.

[B]"Let your opponent come first. I bet he will be surprised to see who he is going to fight." [/B]

Leon did not reply back, but stood beside him and waited. He heard over the intercom that Kristos was his first opponent, but he was no where in sight. Hopefully he didn't want to fight tonight so Leon could save his strength for the other two. Leon closed his eyes and waited for his chance to relieve himself from his nightmares once and for all.[/SIZE]

[Tekkaman]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=indigo]Thursday, 34th of Estembre 5:15 PM[/color][/size][/font][/center]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray]Clyne and Strom were the first ones in the arena after the announcement; it wasn't very hear for the two to backtrack into the Arena grounds from the hallway. as they arrived, however, Strom had a certain cringe in his stomach to turn around and run the other way after seeing Instructor Shavers [color=indigo]("You again?! Get out of here or pay property damage!")[/color], who was finally calmed down by another teacher whom Strom did not know.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray][color=indigo]"What'd you [u]do[/u], Strom?"[/color] Clyne said to Strom while trying to keep his attention away from Shavers.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray][color=indigo]"He thinks that I destroyed his training center!"[/color] Strom whispered in Clyne's ear forcefully, hoping that the Instructor didn't hear. [color=indigo]"If anything, I cleaned this place up a little."[/color] Strom said, noting the water over the floor where Kristos used to be.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray]Instructor Shaver's finally calmed down to the point where he left Strom alone, folded his arms in the middle of the arena, closest to the north block and waited for the others. Strom and Clyne took a seat in the back of the dome-like arena, closest to the North-hand wing of the school.[/color][/font][/left]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=indigo]Thursday, 34th of Estembre 5:45 PM[/color][/size][/font][/center]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray]Strom and Clyne couldn't really see much as students blinded their vision; more students that didn't have anything else to do came from both the North block and the South block in order to see the fight.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray][color=indigo]"Wow. I think this is a 10th of the school."[/color] Sakura said aloud over the murmuring.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray][color=indigo]"I know. I - hey - is that Leon?"[/color] Strom said, pointing through the swarm of students to point Clyne in the right direction. Clyne nodded in approval telling Strom that it was - in fact - Leon standing by Instructor Shavers himself. Strom waved at the two, but Strom wasn't expecting Shavers to make a hand motion signaling Strom to come and meet him.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray][color=indigo]"Oh - damn."[/color] strom cursed.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray][color=indigo]"What's wrong?"[/color] Clyne said, curious.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=indigo]"Shavers wants me."[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=indigo]"Again? Why? He must really dislike you for his training center being messed up."[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray]Strom fought through the people who was blocking his way to the Instructor; Clyne followed Strom through the masses. As they finally got through the crowd [color=indigo]("Hey jack*ss, you stepped on my boot!!")[/color], they ran to Shavers, who was talking further with Leon. Both Strom and Clyne caught a little of conversation before they interrupted.[/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=indigo]" - mess up my Training center any more than it already is. I can't afford mor - " [color=gray]The weapons Instructor soon stopped upon seeing the two he called run up to him.[/color][/color][/font][/left]

[left][font=Century Gothic][color=gray][color=indigo]"What'cha need Instructor?"[/color] Strom said, running up to Shavers and Leon followed closely by Clyne.[/color][/font][/left]

[Lionheart]

[SIZE=1][B][CENTER] Thursday, 34th of Estembre 6:00 PM[/CENTER][/B]

Leon, with his arms folded, past Strom and Clyne without a word and proceeded to the arena. The large crowd was quiet to see Leon Maxwell walking out onto the battle sight. After seeing Strom, he felt relieve for some reason. Like this wasn't going to be bad after all. Though, the instructors wanted a beating, he was going have to follow up on it. From a distance, he could hear The conversation between them.

[B] "You must pay for the property damages and this will be your punishment!"[/B] He said to Strom as Clyne gave Leon a quick stare.

[B]"...You want me to fight Leon?!"[/B] Strom seemed surprised at first, backing away alittle.

[B]"It's either this or community service around school..."[/B] Strom thought for a minute, then gave Instructor Shavers a eager smile.

[B]"Nah, I'll fight. Why not?"[/B] Instructor Shavers led Clyne her away as Strom stepped forward. The crowd had never expected these two to fight. The crowd was dead quiet as Strom made his way to the opposite of Leon. He stopped, ten feet away from the calmed Leon.

[B]"I never really got to know you as well as I should, Leon."[/B] Strom said as he pulled out his twin sword, the Kyndras.

[B]"You don't need to know me, Strom."[/B] Leon answered back, pulling out his black gunblade.

The two stood like that for awhile, sizing each other up. The crowd seemed dead, as though nobody was watching them. Strom couldn't take the silence anymore as he charged first at Leon. He pulled his twin swords back behind him like wings, using his quick speed to surprise Leon.

Leon acted quickly, jumping back and countering with his gunblade. It was a bad match-up for Leon as he blocked the first sword, but had to react to the second one. The blade sliced it's way through leon's shirt and onto flesh. Strom left his guard down though as Leon, with his free hand, through a powerful punch onto Strom's jaw. Both impacts sent them back to the ten feet mark once again. The crowd erupted into roars of cheer as violence was always welcome to them.

[B]"...You got a nice left hook."[/B] Strom spat blood in front of Leon as he smiled at his foe.

[B]"And Your pretty quick." [/B] Leon looked at his cut across his gut. It was that deep, but it could have been vital. He'll heal himself later on, but he knew this wasn't going to be easy at all.[/SIZE]

[Kitty]

[size=1][indent][center][b]Thursday, 34th of Estembre 4:52 PM[/b][/center]

[b]"Syrus...? What the [i]hell[/i]?!"[/b] Mo shrieked. She had run off to find Syrus, only to find him with his arms draped around the one person she didn't trust him with.

[b]"Mo! There you are--"[/b] he began, unaware at first at what his hugging Aizen might have been mistaken for.

[b]"Shut up! Just shut up! I thought that--... Dammit, I should've known this would happen,"[/b] she growled, a large blush forming on her face.

[b]"What are you talking about? Nothing's happened, I was just--"[/b]

[b]"Just trying to get Aizen to fuck you, too, right?"[/b] Mo interrupted. Syrus's eyes widened, and before he could say anything, the green haired girl had pulled away from him with a look of horror on her face.

[b]"You were [i]what[/i]?"[/b] she asked meekly, tears forming.

[b]"No! I wasn't! Mo, it's not what you think! Just listen to me!"[/b] Syrus begged, horrified at how fast he was alienating all the girls he cared for. He got up from the bench and walked towards her, the look on his face pleading her to believe him, but she was too embarrassed and angry to listen to him now. He reached to cup her face in his hand, but she smacked it away, tears of frustration forming in her eyes.

[b]"Don't touch me! Look, [i]buddy[/i], I'm not interested, so how 'bout you go screw yourself instead?"[/b] she shouted. With that, she turned and ran off, tears streaming down her cheeks as she went. She didn't look back to see if Syrus was chasing after her, and nor did she care. In fact, she would prefer him to drop dead more than anything at that moment. When she was finally out of breath, she wiped her eyes to see the tower she had shown Syrus yesterday. She was silent for a moment before angrily crying out the spell and flying upwards.

Landing awkwardly, she began throwing things around, including the chairs, her notebooks, and even the carpet, while shouting cries and profanities out of frustration. She slumped down to her knees when she had nothing left to throw but the table, which she didn't want to do, as it was mostly glass. She wiped the tears from her eyes as she sat there. She laid on the ground and stared up at the empty sky, weaving her fingers through her hair.

[i]"Dammit,"[/i] she thought to herself, taking one last hit at whatever was around her, but hitting her hand on the base of the table. She winced at the pain in her knuckles, but didn't do anything about it. Several daydreams floated through her head as she lay there, some concerning the various horrendous deaths of Syrus, others involving their reconciliation in a fantastic manner, while the rest were mainly about what she would [i]actually[/i] be doing once she got up from the crumpled pile on the floor she had become for the time being. She figured she'd wait for a couple more minutes before fixing up her hangout spot and returning to her dorm room, where she would do whatever homework she had left for the day, shower, and lay in bed until she fell asleep.

[b]"Sounds good,"[/b] she mumbled aloud to herself at the plan she had formed. Just as she had figured she'd do, five minutes or so later, she got up, fixed the carpet, chairs and other things she had thrown around and jumped off the tower towards her dorm room.[/indent]

[b]ooc ::[/b] homygoodness, DRAMA. OO: Yeah. Momo's all emo now. xD She doesn't hate Aizen, by the way, in case that was unclear. She just doesn't trust Syrus when he's with her. ^_^;;[/size]

[Tekkaman]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=3][color=indigo]Thursday, 34th of Estembre 6:09 PM[/color][/size][/font][/center]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Strom couldn't belive he was fighting Leon Maxwell; he'd been expecting Instructor Shavers to give him detention or do a gazillion push-ups. But, alas, he had to fight someone he didn't even know.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Still, Strom was confused; It wasn't like the teachers to resort to force instead of a legal punishment. It didn't make sense for him to be fighting a student while almost half the school was watching.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Strom looked through the audience. In the front he saw Aaron and Kyo, from yesterday, rooting him on; Next to the two was Syrus, arms crossed, drilling a hole in Strom's head. Strom could most likely figure out what he was thinking.[/color][/size][/font]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][i]You had better not lose to this guy, Strom. Our pride is on the line...[/i][/color][/size][/font][/center]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Strom smiled as he continued looking through the crowd; Syrus was always so strict and rude, but Strom knew that deep down Syrus enjoyed the spats they had; he knew that their fights and spars brung out their best.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Leon looked, growing impatient of Strom's feeble attempt of trying to retrieve help; he believed that Strom was growing scared from the hook to the face. Strom reached in his pockets and pulled out two sapphire rings. He then put both rings on each of his ring fingers.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"What are the rings for?"[/color] Strom never liked the way Leon talked - devoid of his emotions; everything he said being so 'cut-to-the-chase like'.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Oh. These? Well, their my - eh - on second though'... you don't need to know."[/color] Strom said, smiling again.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Humph. Doesn't matter. I'll be rid of my memories when i'm done with you in due time."[/color] Leon retaliated. Strom squinted at Leon's reply; he couldn't figure out what he'd meant by that.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Strom charged again, sapphire rings equipped along with his Kyndras this time. As Strom made it to Leon, he, Leon, attempted a horizontal slice that he expected Strom to parry. However, Strom did a low front roll on the ground that took Leon by surprise; Leon jumped high in the air after seeing him. Strom, taking a glance at Leon during the roll, placed both his hands together inches by the ground. His hands - his rings, in particular - began to glow as water became visable; he soon shot himself into the air using his Water Magi, thus taking Leon under surprise again. [/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]As Strom shot up to eye level with Leon in midair, he, Strom blocked another attack from Leon's gunblade with his Kyndra. Strom, using the block as an oppurtunity to finish the nonsense, blasted Leon in his kneecap with another blast of water. The attack didn't hurt Leon that much, however, it did knock him out of his airborne control as they reached the crest of their jump. As Leon tried to regain control during the fall so that his feet could hit the pavement, Strom shot a constant jet of water at Leon's body preventing him to do so. Leon, desperate, flipped and spun in mid-air like a fish out of water; he struggled to get control.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Leon hit the ground, knees first. An evident crunch could be heard from Leon's body, followed by a deep groan of evident pain; Strom landed on his feet like a cat before turning around and giving a thumbs up to Syrus, who gave only a nod of approval; Aaron and Kyo cheered despite the crowd feeling sick from Leon's knee caps shattering under pressure; Clyne finally breathed a sigh of relief. Strom then turned to face his downed victim.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"If you go to the Infirmary, they'll patch you right up, ya' know. A littl' Support Magi'll fix those bones up in a jiffy."[/color] Strom then looked at Instructor Shavers. Strom figured from his scowl that he had wanted to see Strom get hurt so he could feel better for his training room getting torn up (Which, by the way, wasn't Strom's fault.).[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Sorry to dissapoint you, sir,"[/color] Strom said to his Weapons Instructor, [color=indigo]"but can I go now?"[/color][/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"NO!"[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Instructor Shavers looked around curiously; he had not said anything. Strom looked back to Leon and noticed that he was trying to stand, mustering all of his strength to talk.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"YOU'RE - NOT - LEAVING!!!"[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Right. and what're you gonna do? Stop me?"[/color] Strom said. The stadium roared with laughter; Leon, however, said nothing.[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]"TIME FOR YOU - TO SEE MY TECHNIQUE! FIRE GOD!!!"[/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray][color=indigo]"Don't you dare!"[/color] Shavers and Piro, who'd arrived with the students, said together.[color=indigo] "You'll burn the Academy down!"[/color][/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=indigo]DOESNT MATTER!!! ANYTHING - TO RID MY NIGHTMARES!!![/color][/size][/font]

[font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray]Strom wasn't liking what was happening; heat engulfed all the students as Leon called on his most powerful attack from the arena; the sky above them turned a light crimson.[/color][/size][/font]

[Doublehex]

[color=royalblue][center]Thursday, The 34th of Estembre; 5:01 PM[/center] Alex rolled over on his bed. His body still ached from his ?training? with Lazarus, although he wasn?t even sure if the black mage would define it as training. It seemed more like a torture session to Alex. Of course, [i]everything[/i] seemed like a torture session to him. ?Have you heard?? ?About what?? Alex pulled a pillow over his face to mute out the idle conversation. Two of his room mates ? he couldn?t remember their names for the life of him ? were talking about [i]another[/i] fight. He really wasn?t surprised; this is a military academy. Big brawls came with the territory. ?That big fights that?s going on in the arena.? ?There?s a fight? For once?? ?Come on, there?s always a fight going on. I mean, in the last, what, two days, we had three big fights!? Deciding that he wasn?t going to get any sleep (if not because of it being only five in the afternoon, then it would be because of his room mates), he got dressed, and left his dorm. ?Where was I then?? ?Sleeping, what else?? ?Oh shut up.? He didn?t hear the last of the conversation as he closed the door. He started to walk the halls, almost aimlessly. He didn?t have a preset destination. He just wanted to walk. If he got caught for staying past after hours in certain parts of the school, he couldn?t really care less. He never really cared about anything. He took a turn down a hallway and bumped into a girl. ?Sorry?, he muttered, never even taking the chance to take a look at her face. He took a few steps forward, and took a brief glance back at her. He recognized that hair. And didn?t some girl wear that same outfit?the same one that came to visit him when he was in the infirmary? But something was horrifyingly different from that girl that met him in the infirmary. That girl was so full of happy energy that it just radiated out of her ? her wave goodbye was so going so fast and high that Alex was sure it was going to slice into the wall. But this girl was different?horribly so. She seemed miserable. Her depression just seemed to ooze out of her. She couldn?t be? ?Monique.? She turned. ?What?? So it was her. ?Oh, uh, um?? Alex stammered. He didn?t actually mean to say that out loud. It just came out, unintentionally. ?What is it?? Her tone... was dark?full of hatred and rage. She didn?t even recognize him, did she? ?Nothing?, Alex said, flatly. ?What do you want, Alex?? So she did recognize him. How troublesome. ?I-I nothing. I just didn?t think it was you. I was, well?? ?Whatever.? Okay, Alex knew that he was not the number one expert on girls (he wasn?t even an expert on his own sex), and he certainly was not one to detect emotional trauma. But when Monique said ?okay?, he just knew something was horribly wrong. So he said the first thing that popped into his mind. ?What?s wrong?? And for a moment, time froze. ?Everything.? ?Okay.? ?You don?t care, do you?? ?I guess.? He shrugged. ?I don?t know.? ?Then why did you even ask?? ?I...I?I don?t really know. I guess it was just because you came.? ?Just as payment?? ??I guess.? ?Men are dogs.? ?Hey, what the hell did I do? I was just trying to be help..ful?for once?? ?You didn?t want to help me because I needed it. You wanted to as payback.? ?I said I didn?t know why!? ?You just told me, you good for nothing liar!? ?Since when do I know anything? Jesus!? ?Just stop butting into people?s business.? ?Then why did you butt into mine?? That was when things became far too awkward for Monique?s own good. [/color]

[TheResplendent]

[FONT=Tahoma][color=darkred][center]Thursday, 34th of Estembre 5:15 PM
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Syrus watched as Monique ran off, tears in her eyes and her angrered words ringing in his ears. He stood with his fists balled up, so much anger running through his body as he did nothing but make matters worse. All over a misunderstanding...he wanted to ring someone's neck to get his anger out...but the spike of anger was nearly gone in an instant as instead of reacting violently, Syrus dropped to all 4s on the ground. From an out of context view it looked like the student was being crushed underneathe the weight of his massive broadsword.

Syrus's breath felt as if it left his body. While no tears were drawn, he bashed his fists against the ground repeating the words "Dammit!" to himself over and over. Aizen watched him with a sad look on her face. She remembered the disgust she felt from when Momo claimed Syrus's intentions was to just get Aizen in bed. But as she observed him she realized that it couldn't possibly be true. Syrus, one of the academy's most respected and powerful students was there infront of him on his knees, crushed from the aftermath of an unfortunate circumstance.

Aizen remembered feeling resented by Syrus, but remembered the hug he gave her in an attempt to apologize. It didn't help her situation that she now felt at fault for Monique's harsh words toward him. She slowly approached Syrus and knelt down on the ground beside him. She reached her hand over to his cheek and gently turned his head toward her own. Syrus looked into Aizen's eyes, for some reason expecting her to add insult to injury. Instead Aizen wrapped her arms around his head and hugged him close to her. His eyes widened with surprise, thinking Aizen hated him or might have believed that he really just wanted her for sex.

[b]"Y...you, aren't upset with me?"[/b] Syrus said, slightly muffled by Aizen's arms.

[b]"Syrus...I may not know you very well still, but what Monique said couldn't possibly be true. I think I know you well enough to say that with confidence. I also can't stand to see you so sad. You're so strong, and nice, eventhough you try your best to keep your tears in. Momo is very special to you...I understand that, and I feel that I may be special to you too, though in a different way. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I'm the reason you and Monique grow distant. I promise i'll clear things up with her, it's the absolute least I can do...i wish...i wish I could do so much more for you Syrus."[/b] she said, holding him close. She didn't want to lose Syrus as a friend, and the guilt built up inside her for what just happened was near unbearable.

[b]"No...it isn't your fault. All I wanted to do was apologize...but she, she dosen't trust me?"[/b] Syrus said, feeling instantly crushed at the realization that Monique might not trust him. Aizen put her finger to his mouth before he could say anything else.

[b]"Syrus, let me do this please. I still have to repay you for being so nice to me, and introducing me to the others. It's because of you I have friends I can talk to now. I don't think I can ever repay you, but this may be a good start. So will you let me?"[/b] she said, looking sincerely into Syrus's eyes. Syrus lowered his head and felt defeated. He remembered the announcement as well, he was one of the 3 students whose presence were demanded at the arena. Syrus knew disobeying this would only make things worse then they already were...he didn't know why he was being called there, but if it was a fight...he couldn't garauntee his emotions wouldn't get the best of him in battle.

[b]"T...thank you."[/b] Syrus managed to say. Aizen put a subtle smile on her face and ran off after Monique, hoping that she would atleast listen to her. Chances were she would be in an irate mood, but she had to try. She couldn't stand the thought of being brought into Syrus's life just to be the element that broke him and someone he cared for with all of his heart and soul up.

Syrus stood slowly as Aizen ran off, his knees felt weak but he quickly regained his strength.

[b][i]'So many...Clyne, Monique, Aizen...I'm so lucky to have them in my life, to have them care for me the way they do. But i always find a way to mess things up. Clyne hates me and ran off with Strom because I treated her so badly...I shouted at Aizen back there at the training grounds and now she's helping me...and Momo. Mo, she dosen't even trust me, and she must think so horribly of me now. I really...really fucked things up this time, didn't I?'[/b][/i] he thought to himself. He began walking slowly to the arena, trying to get is mind off of whether or not the 3 of them would ever truly forgive him.

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Syrus entered the Arena to see a large crowd of both instructors and students standing around. He walked around to see Strom and another student in the middle of things.

[b]"Strom...that son of a bitch. What's this all about anyway?"[/b] he asked rhetorically. He looked a little closer and noticed who the opponent was. He recognized him as Leon Maxwell. Another student who studied the fire element. Class was pretty much all he knew him from. He walked around to see if he could get a good view, it was then he noticed Clyne standing near the front watching on. He closed his eyes and just tried to walk by, feeling like she wouldn't want to even see him.

It was Clyne who turned her head thought and noticed Syrus, she had cooled down a little but still felt a little annoyed. She would have just turned her head around again and let him keep walking, but it was the serious look of sorrow in Syrus's eyes that drew her attention further.

[b][i]'Syrus...?'[/b][/i]

Clyne had never seen that look in Syrus's eyes before, not in the seven years they knew each other. She couldn't even imagine what would have caused such a feeling in Syrus. She shook her head free of her ill-thoughts and knew that no matter what she would always be there for him, and always be his friend. It looked like he could use a friend right now...and Clyne didn't want to run the risk of losing the one person she cared about as much as she did.

She shoved some people out of the way and ran over to where Syrus has situated himself. She walked up to him, her hands behind her back and a guilty look on her face for feeling angry at him. Syrus turned and saw her, and began to debate with himself on what to do. Before he could decide on anything though, Clyne wrapped her right arm around his waist and stood side by side with him.

[b]"Syrus...i'm sorry..."[/b]

[b]"No! Please, don't. I'm sorry, Clyne i shouldn't have yelled at you. I just...well you know how I can get, but...but I must have hurt you so much..."[/b]

[b]"Hey hey! It's ok...don't worry about it. Syrus, you know I love you. I don't think i can take much more of seeing that look in your eyes. I want to be there for you...it seems like you could use a friend and friends don't get much better then yours truly!"[/b] Clyne said with a bright smile, trying to alleviate any of the tension between them. Syrus felt relief in himself finding out Clyne didn't hate him. The biggest part of the problem seemed far from unfixable though...he felt like he had just destroyed his relationship with Momo.

A clash of metal interuppted his thoughts, Strom and Leon had been going at it for a bit now. He tried his hardest to take his mind off of everything for now. He didn't want to seem upset infront of everyone, especially infront of Strom. Everytime he watched Strom fight, he expected him to win. It was the way it should be, he and Strom plow through all that stand in the way of their conquest over each other. Syrus was going to be the one to defeat Strom, nobody else.

As time passed in the fight, things started getting pretty heated. A feeling of nervousness came over Syrus as he noticed Strom being given quite a fight, despite getting a few good shots in. He didn't know much about this Leon, but clearly he was skilled.

[b]"YOU'RE - NOT - LEAVING!!!"[/b]

[b]"Right. and what're you gonna do? Stop me?"[/b] Strom said. The stadium roared with laughter; Leon, however, said nothing.

[b]"TIME FOR YOU - TO SEE MY TECHNIQUE! FIRE GOD!!!"[/b]

[b]"Don't you dare!"[/b] Shavers and Piro, who'd arrived with the students, said together. [b]"You'll burn the Academy down!"[/b]

[b]DOESNT MATTER!!! ANYTHING - TO RID MY NIGHTMARES!!![/b]

Strom wasn't liking what was happening; heat engulfed all the students as Leon called on his most powerful attack from the arena; the sky above them turned a light crimson.

[b]"What in the hell is this!?"[/b] Syrus said to himself, as he noticed the signs of Binary Flares (Spheres of fire with mutual orbits around one another, typiclly the source of fire streams) in the sky created by the begginings of this "Fire God" technique. Syrus's eyes lit up as he noticed what the skill probably entailed. He shoved through the few people that were in his way toward the arena floor.

[b]"Syrus! Where are you...argh..."[/b] Clyne said, noticing he was already out of range to hear her.

[b][i]'Dammit you stupid pinhead!'[/b][/i] he thought as he reached the shallow ramp leading to the floor.

[b]"Nothing personal, but what happens from here on out is NOT on my conscience!"[/b] Leon yelled as he commanded multiple streams of fired shooting down from the sky. Strom looked up with a look of shock and uncertainty. Surely it would take a large amount of water, if any amount to put such strong fires out.

[b]"STROM! IF YOU MOVE, YOU DIE! REMEMBER THAT!"[/b] Syrus yelled, as he pressed his hand to the ground. Strom turned around and saw Syrus kneeling down, not entirely sure what he meant but for some reason felt he could trust him.

The ground erupted as Syrus's Flame Viper shot up and promptly wrapped itself around Strom, encircling him one level at a time until an enclosed sphere was formed around the water magi student. The flames from the Fire God technique crashed into the dome and began generating massive amounts of heat. Some students began to run, figuring it wasen't worth it to watch anymore.

[b]"Dammit, this isn't working the way we had hoped."[/b] Instructor Piro yelled over the sound of the clash. Clyne watched on with concern, as sweat began dripping from her head.

[b]"Why are you helping him!? Don't you two hate each other!?"[/b] Leon yelled as Syrus started dodging a few fire sparks that started resulting from the clash.

[b]"You stupid son of a bitch! You think i'd let you defeat him!? I have enough damn problems today, I'll be damned if I let YOU add to them!"[/b] Syrus yelled back. Both students added on the pressure as Strom on the inside began sweating profusely. While the heat was strong, he noticed on the inside of the Flame Viper shield, it's intensity could be controlled. If Syrus wanted to fry somebody inside he probably could. Strom toughed it out for the moment though, knowing in his head for sure Syrus wouldn't.

[b]"Syrus! This is too dangerous!"[/b] Clyne yelled out. She took another step but was beaten back by a stray fire spark as it brushed her cheek, not seriously wounding her but knocking her to the ground. Syrus turned to her, taking his focus off of the viper shield momentarily.

[b]"CLYNE!"[/b] he yelled, finding himself torn on what he should do. He couldn't just let the shield die down, but he was concerned for Clyne.

[b]"STUPID! AND NOW YOU'LL PAY FOR IT!"[/b] Syrus heard Leon yell as a blast from one of the flares was diverted in his direction. Syrus's eyes widened as he found himself with no defense to it. He stared the flare down, thinking to himself that turning away or cowering was not an option. He closed his eyes and waited for the impact.

Seconds later however, he could feel the air around his face rapidly cooling. The sound of another clash was all he heard. He opened his eyes and noticed a giant panel of ice infront of him, blocking off the flare. He looked over to the right and saw Kristos there trying with all of his strength to keep the panel imbued long enough for it to withstand melting completely.

[b][i]'It's him...what the hell is he doing!?'[/b][/i] Syrus thought to himself, not neccesarily upset he was being saved, but more so surprised he was being saved. At this point, the arena looked like a giant fire pit. Students scrambled while Instructors ran to the center to attempt to find a way to stop everything. Clyne was on the floor unconscious from the impact of the spark. Everything seemed like it could combust at any given moment...


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[size=1]OOC: I think it's safe to say more then just instructor Shavers may be upset at the possible result of this, lol. Just to make sure it's clear, when Clyne says she loves Syrus, it is in a close friendly manner. This is recognized between the two, hence why Syrus didn't act all like "Huh?". Anyways, hope this is good with everyone involved.[/size]