While Tyrrin is studying in the library a petite girl with short light brown hair and violet eyes sits down across from her.
"I hear you want to talk about history," she said cheerfully.
The weekend is almost here and students are creating the usual din in the cafeteria as the discuss what they plan to do over the weekend, when the Headmaster's voice comes through over the intercom and cuts through all the noise.
"Attention students of Avalon. I have an announcement to make. Tomorrow morning, a Hunt will begin. It will not be like any previous Hunt. You will be separated into four groups, which shall be referred to as kingdoms from here on out, and must defend said kingdoms with all your might from the other three. Eventually, you will be able to take over the other kindoms. That is the purpose of this Hunt.”
“In case some of you have forgotten, let me remind that the inversion of our world, or the 'sky changing', has opened our world up to ancient enemies. They may have forgotten about us, but the chance they haven't and find us is one I worry about. If we are rediscovered, they will come down on us with as much strength as they believe will be needed to crush us. So this Hunt is a new kind. This Hunt is a War. Most of you have fought before, for whatever reason, but I am sure that those of you who have Professor Relcav as a teacher know that there is a huge difference between being in a fight and being in a war. You will have to use tactics to survive. You will have to use your kingdoms resources wisely. You will have to able to deal with natural disasters, sabotage, and betrayal.”
“Unlike other kingdoms, a single ruler is not an automatic thing. You will have to decide amongst yourselves who will govern the kingdom, and how. Will you have one leader, or a committee? Will everyone get a vote or will only the leader or leaders decide? Choose quickly, because you may not have time for a long selection process before you are attacked, but choose carefully, because a weak leader could be the end of your kingdom before they can be dethroned.”
“You will be divided between the four kingdoms at random and as evenly as possible. The only ways to change kingdoms is to either betray your current one and hope the other accepts you into it's ranks, or for your kingdom to conquered by another kingdom and absorbed. To keep things simple, I will refer to each kingdom by the territory it is in.”
“The first kingdom I shall describe is the Mountain Kingdom, nestled in four connected valleys that are surround by an expansive mountain range. The Mountain Kingdom is known for it's rich supplies of ores, minerals, gemstones, and precious metals, all of which goes to funding the kingdom's upkeep and military power. Rumors has it they have recently unearthed a long forgotten treasure that might tip the scales of battle in their favor. Rock slides, avalanches, and getting lost are things you have to worry about if you attack this kingdom.”
“Next is the Desert Kingdom, located in a massive oasis in the middle of an proportionately massive desert. This kingdom holds power over most water sources in the desert and trains enlarged versions of local wildlife as part of it's defense. Rumor has it they have created a means of doing far more than control these war beasts. Heat, lack of water, mirages, and dangerous wildlife are things you have to worry about if you choose to invade this kingdom.”
“The Island Kingdom is next. Situated on an enormous island that is just shy of being a small continent, they have a near infinite supply of food from the sea that embraces them. Armies in the past have not been known for fighting fair, and the naval strength of this kingdom is something to be feared. They're rumored to access to a large supply of magical items, but what those items are or are even capable of remains a closely guarded secret. Your biggest problem when trying to take over this kingdom is getting to it, for there are storms constant whirlpools that will destroy your ships without mercy. Their own navy may be nearly as difficult to overcome.”
“Finally, the Forest Kingdom. They have the easiest time recovering from attacks because they can rebuild almost any structure quickly with lumber. Do not think this means you can simply burn the entire Kingdom down though, because you may need the lumber as well. Like the Desert Kingdom, they have the local wildlife on their side. Whether they are allied with the other denizens in the forest is unknown, but still a possibility. Wildlife, ambushes, the occasional forest fire are the most common dangers in this kingdom.”
“There are two more things I must tell you before you may continue on with your day. The first is that you must be far more careful in an battles you wage. While the wards will keep you from dying, they will not keep you from experiencing what would have killed you. If you are caught under a burning tree, you feel the crushing weight and burning of your flesh. If you are impaled on a spear, you will feel it going through you.“
“The second is that several students have surprise similar to the one Kamenwati, lead singer of the now disbanded Fly Free, had for us all. Like him, there is more to them than there seems, and they are far from being evil.”
“That is all I have to say, students. Enjoy your day, listen to your teachers, and do all of your work.” With that said, the Headmaster ceases his announcement and let's the school get back to it's business. Moments later however, his voice cuts through the noise again. “My apologies, but there is one more thing I forgot to tell you.”
“Participation is mandatory. That is all.”
::Pregnant students are exceptions, right?:: Krays worriedly asks Ephebe
::No. But Uncle Ryo has been working on the wards for quite some time now to make sure no actual harm will come to me...or Fi either for that matter. And just to be safe Mom has been working on extra protection for both her and I to make sure nothing bad happens to the babies.::
The cafeteria was exceptionally loud even for Avalon as students speculated about the War and what the possible secret was.
Sadie slunk out of the cafeteria, dinner uneaten. She hadn't really been hungry anyways and she wasn't in the mood right now to deal with all of that excitement.
Dennis grinned. "I already know, short stuff. And no, I'm not gonna tell you. You can find out during the game, just like everyone else. Not that I'm worried about you. You'll be cool about it. Unlike some of these other yahoos."
"And sadly I can't take bets on something I already know. It isn't ethical. So I've got Chet doing it instead. With strict orders not to tell me anything about the odds or who's bet what."
"Cause at least one of the students with the surprise mentioned told me about it at some point. In confidence. And you're not gonna tell folks that I know because you want me to teach you so you can take over the betting business after I graduate," Dennis said, chuckling. "Ah, don't feel bad. You can help Chet with the books if you want since you don't know anything either."
Dennis snorted. "Kid, I'm outta here at the end of this term. Jiminy Sunwake has a great job waiting for me as chief financial officer of the factories he's building. You're not gonna knock me off my pedastal before the term is even over."
A War type Hunt. Michael hadn't heard of something like that ever happening in the school before, and he started thinking about the resources each kingdom had. Which would be a strategic advantage if captured first?
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Dennis snorted. "Kid, I'm outta here at the end of this term. Jiminy Sunwake has a great job waiting for me as chief financial officer of the factories he's building. You're not gonna knock me off my pedastal before the term is even over."
"If I didn't know better, I'd think that was a bet. But you don't make bets if you already know the outcome, right?"
Dennis snorted. "Kid, I'm outta here at the end of this term. Jiminy Sunwake has a great job waiting for me as chief financial officer of the factories he's building. You're not gonna knock me off my pedastal before the term is even over.""If I didn't know better, I'd think that was a bet. But you don't make bets if you already know the outcome, right?"
"Exactly. You're a bright kid. And personable. Chet...he's a genius with numbers but crap with people. He needs someone else to run the show. I figure you're the guy. And I won't be far if you need advice....but no getting cocky and thinking you've got it all figured out before you do. You only know a small fraction of what really goes on in this place, short stuff. You still got lots to learn."
"Yeah, I think you can. You're just the kind of trouble I like, short stuff," Dennis says with a wink. "You're no Jiminy Sunwake, mind, but you'll do."
Dennis laughed. "That's what you think, short stuff. Someday. When you find you have something you want to protect. You'll shock yourself with how responsible you can be."
"Back at you...unless of course you'd be willing to defect...or I would," he said with a wink.
During the course of the week, Vai seems to be getting into alot more of the martial aspects of the midday training sessions with Aananda. A combination of her fencing training, her increasing mastery over all of her dragon and half-dragon forms, her desire to impress Fei? Whatever the reason(s), Vai seems to gain proficiency rapidly, and nearing the end the week, she is moving as though she would easily fit into the Advanced PE class. Sometimes she almost seems like she is riding the rockslides her mother conjures up, and she utilizes her teleportation abilities to avoid any threats which cannot be avoided physically. She also seems to be cultivating more awareness of self and her body. Spending time with Fei is helping her refine her movements and perceptions.
Vai notices Sadie slink into the cafeteria, avoiding her. Keeping an eye on her friend and tutor, she notes that Sadie doesn't eat anything before leaving. "Hey," Vai says to the young monk sitting next to her at the dinner table. He had been even more quiet than usual since the Headmaster's announcement. "Did you see Sadie? I think there's something wrong."
The week had been a blur for Tyrrin. After her meeting with Ephebe, she finally understood the gravity of the situation. There were... 5 amethyst dragons left alive, if she had counted correctly. None of them had a hand in Agartha's creation. None of them could be held accountable for the situation they were in. Unsure how to proceed, Tyrrin simply let it lie, choosing instead to focus on her studies of optics.
The library was a fantastic resource for this endeavor, with volumes on the creation of "telescopes", advanced pieces of far-viewing technology, though some of them were ridiculously simple to craft. Tyrrin started with a basic concave mirror design, light and portable. That was the first evening, and even then what she saw in the sky was fascinating.
By thursday evening, she had begun construction of a massive telescope, combining all she had learned, enlisting other interested parties in her project, both to aid in the various enchantments that the telescope would require, but also in the actual labor required. By the time it would be completed, Tyrrin guessed that they would not only be able to see distant nebulae, but even magically pull samples from those places through the telescope for study. The telescope have a 6 foot wide lens, and a length of 20 feet. It's no wonder she had developed a reputation. A bit obsessive, but always practical, pleasant, and almost always right.
Thus far, she had found the classes at Avalon to be pleasant enough, though none of them were very difficult. Her favourite, of course, was History of Agartha. Professor Ryleh, whom Tyrrin knew as one of the Amethyst survivors, was quick-witted and knowledgeable. The Matriarch made it clear that incompetence wasn't something she tolerated, and Tyrrin was glad to oblige in this sense. Often times the pair would engage in heated discussions regarding the historical ramifications of one battle or another. This treaty or that. Sadly, this was to the detriment of some the other students, whom couldn't always keep the thread of the discussions when the pair really got going. Still, Tyrrin was enjoying herself more and more at the school every day she spent there.
The evening of the Headmaster's announcement, Tyrrin was hard at work, polishing one of the mirrors for the telescope when Ryo's voice broke the silence of her work.
...
War games? Was the Headmaster really looking for the ability to defend? Tyrrin had initially suspected that the school might be a training facility for a private army at Ryo's command. With a little more experience of the school now with her, she had discarded this notion. Yet here it was again. Well, at least she could guess at what the secret which would be revealed: The dragons at the school were going to reveal themselves. Simple enough.
Well, if she was going to be forced to participate in this... "War", she would do her best to see that her Kingdom would win. After all, ruling a country was what all of her life thus far had been leading to. Time to put her theories to the test.
The week for Ehos passes slowly. It's difficult to make friends when you cannot speak, and this makes him despondent. Compound that with the fact that his practice seems to go nowhere. The best Ehos can manage is small control over the accuracy of the sound burst, but he gains no control over volume. His sister was engaged in some new project to do with the sky and had clammed up regarding anything else. He knew when Tyrrin was keeping a secret, but he didn't press the matter. With Anthony now the only person he can reliably communicate, Ehos spent alot of time with him. The young man had such optimism, and a very sharp tongue for someone so young, it was always a pleasure. On the evening in question, Ehos was enjoying himself listen in on Anthony discuss with Dennis the finer points of the gambling trade.
Despite the obvious drawbacks of the War, Ehos relished the opportunity to perhaps use his... unique power. He just hoped the Headmaster was right about the wards and the safety of the students. He had already destroyed too many innocent lives.
Khassar spends the week keeping up with his classes and wondering why there was a pool table and jukebox in his room now. Not that he was complaining, both were fascinating in their own way. There was nothing like basking in the neon glow while practicing 9 - ball.
When the war was announced, he put his cue away and made sure Pantasma lóstrego (his khopesh, means Ghost Lightning)was sharpened. He then lays in supplies for poisons. Khassar knows that battles can be won with dirty deeds done dirt cheap(and that one time with a sheep). After all, both Aunty and the temple taught that all was fair in love and war.
Vai notices Sadie slink into the cafeteria, avoiding her. Keeping an eye on her friend and tutor, she notes that Sadie doesn't eat anything before leaving. "Hey," Vai says to the young monk sitting next to her at the dinner table. He had been even more quiet than usual since the Headmaster's announcement. "Did you see Sadie? I think there's something wrong."
"Did you speak with Sadie today about...us?" Fei asks after taking a moment to gather his thoughts. He was still trying to comprehend what good will come out of making the students fight amongst themselves...especially so soon after the events with the lycanthropes.
"I... no. I didn't. I thought that it was something she wouldn't want to hear." Vai says quietly. Sadie had been acting weirdier all week. It's not like the time that Vai spent with Fei was a secret, rumors were going to start. "Do you think I should go talk to her?"
"Then it could be that she has heard about it from someone else, or she has had some other disconcerting news. In either case, you must speak with her - out of respect for the honesty and forthrightness she has shown you, at the very least. And as a friend who is worried about her."
"You should be able to catch up to her if you go now."
"War, huh?" Oniero thinks as he finishes his dinner. "Guess I do need to get more practice if I'm going to get the rest of the books."
"But I don't want to!" Shara tells Tamara, moving out of the way to let the school's newest cook by.
"Honestly, Shara, I think if we let you then you'd just draw all day. You'll be fine! Juco and Maru aren't complaining."
"That's because they don't talk!"
"When was the last time you were listening?" Tamara asks as she sets a mass of pots into the cleaner. "Look at Gareth. He can hold whole conversations with them. Now go get ready for tomorrow, you wouldn't want to be unprepared if Ancalagon sends his Shockers, do you?"
Unable to argue with that, Shara slinks away, defeated.
"Then it could be that she has heard about it from someone else, or she has had some other disconcerting news. In either case, you must speak with her - out of respect for the honesty and forthrightness she has shown you, at the very least. And as a friend who is worried about her."
"You should be able to catch up to her if you go now."
"You're right, I should've been honest with her. I'm gonna go talk with her." Once again leaving a half-eaten plate of food, Vai teleports out into the hallway, spotting Sadie just as she rounded a corner. Vai hurries to catch up, and falls into step beside her friend. "Sadie?" she begins quietly. "You didn't eat anything... are you okay?"
"You're right, I should've been honest with her. I'm gonna go talk with her." Once again leaving a half-eaten plate of food, Vai teleports out into the hallway, spotting Sadie just as she rounded a corner. Vai hurries to catch up, and falls into step beside her friend. "Sadie?" she begins quietly. "You didn't eat anything... are you okay?"
"Vai. Hi. I...no, I'm not okay. I got some bad news today," she said turning her head away but not before Vai saw that Sadie's eyes were red, like she'd been crying. "From home," she clarified. "I, uh, would rather not talk about it in the hallway."
"Let's go somewhere more private... lead the way." Vai wanted to do some thing more for her friend. Hug her... hold her hand. Something. But that wouldn't be fair.
Sadie led the way towards her room, in a daze. "Come on in ," she said half-heartedly.
The room was incredibly neat, nothing left out of place. It would have been austere if it weren't for the colorful pieces of fabric hung on the walls for decoration.
Sadie sat down on the edge of the bed and handed Vai a crumpled letter. "You can read it."
Vai felt a mix of fear, rage and sadness as she read the letter. Fear that her family might end up the same as Sadie's. Rage that she knew these people wouldn't be punished. And sadness for her friend's loss. It was a very confusing mix of emotion, and by the time she had finished reading, there were tears dripping down her face.
Abandoning the idea that a hug would be inappropriate, Vai shoves aside her insecurity and embraces Sadie. "I'm so sorry Sadie. That's so terrible."
Kindness is more than Sadie can handle and tears start rolling down her face again.
"I stayed away to keep them safe," she sniffled. "There were so many times that I wanted to visit, but I didn't. And now I'll never see my mom and dad again."
She couldn't say anymore through the sobs.
Vai's mind raced. There had to be something she could do. What was the point of being a champion if you couldn't prevent this from happening... maybe Krays had a solution. Magic could bring people back to life... maybe... she couldn't bring herself to say anything to Sadie though. And words felt useless now anyway, so Vai just held her friend, fighting the growing claustrophobic feeling.
After a few minutes the sobs stopped, replaced by the occasionaly hiccup.
Sadie pulled away. "It's okay, Vai," she said hoarsely. "I appreciate you comforting me, but I know physical contact is difficult for you. Thanks for being here."
"It's okay Sadie. It doesn't bother me if I'm comforting a friend." Vai's pale face betrays that as a lie. "At least your brother is safe right? We have to try and find the good, even in situations like this."
Sadie nodded. "Yeah. Dara is on his way here. The Headmaster sent a guardian to meet him and bring him the rest of the way safely. He should be here in a couple of days. "
"And you don't have to pretend you don't mind. I know you do. Other than your family you don't let anyone touch you if you can help it and you're really uncomfortable if you have to. Don't think I don't notice how you tense up when I have to correct your stance during lessons," she said with a weak attempt at a smile.
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"Okay... yes you're right. But there are things more important than my insecurities. Like my friends. The only way I'm ever going to get over my fear is by facing it, right? I don't want my friends to have to tiptoe around me... and" Vai stopped to consider for just a moment. Now might not be the best time for her to tell Sadie about Fei. Her parents had just died. It would be insensitive to trivialize their deaths with girl talk. But she should be honest... "For the sake of full disclosure... I should tell you that... the guy I had a crush on... he likes me too. We're dating."
"Yeah, I know. I've known for days. I was pretty hurt that you didn't tell me yourself, but...it kinda doesn't matter anymore. On the scale of things it's...not really that important now. But thanks....better late than never."
"I'm sorry... I just didn't want to hurt you any more than I already did... but I guess that backfired." Vai paused. It really felt insignificant compared to everything else. "Is there anything I can do for you, Sadie?"
So many distracted students, so much food to swipe. Ruji flew around in the rafter looking for the perfect opportunity to dive in and steal a snack...
"I'm sorry... I just didn't want to hurt you any more than I already did... but I guess that backfired." Vai paused. It really felt insignificant compared to everything else. "Is there anything I can do for you, Sadie?"
She shook her head. "But thanks for being here. That means a lot to me."
"Would you like to go flying? It might take your mind off of things." Vai offers, feeling rather useless.
"Would you like to go flying? It might take your mind off of things." Vai offers, feeling rather useless.
"Thanks, but not now. The way I am right now, I'd forget to hang on or something equally stupid. But...maybe when Dara gets here if you wouldn't mind? I bet he'd think it was cool and I think he needs distractions even more than me since he was there when..."
Is it not until breakfast is over that the Headmaster voice cuts through the noise again.
"Students, it is time." He says/ "Be warned, this will not be like any Hunt you have been in before. You have ten minutes to make any preparations you may have put off. At that time the school will disappear and you will be in your randomly determined Kingdom. Good luck."
When the ten minutes are up the school seems to melt away. There is a brief moment of sightless movement for each student as they are swept away to their kingdom....
Aananda tracked down Ephebe and Fieri at breakfast and gave them both belts that were connected to a nanite network that would form a protective shield around their bodies. The network would be tied in to the security system for the game, so if they were hit with an attack that would 'kill' them, they would be removed from play just like anyone else, but they wouldn't feel the pain from it, on the grounds that this would not be good for the babies.
At least she didn't have to make one for Taron, and that [i]had been a shock, finding out that she had eleven grandchildren on the way rather than eight. And that was definitely more than she wanted to explain during what was already bound to be a tense situation.[/i]