Fei quietly sits down and finishes his rather tepid soup. :)
"Just umm....break it to Sima gently, 'kay? She's had a crush on Fei since the first day of school. Not that she's really serious about it. I don't think. Umm....and no, I'm not getting in the middle of this one. you guys are friends and you can work it out. Plus I'm not immune to electricity."
Fei lowers his bowl as he has a sudden...difficulty...finishing the last bit of soup in it.
"Um....what?" (o.O)
"Okay, this one I'm not apologizing for since she did everything but put up a neon sign. Given that she's also flirted with some other guys and that you've always kept a polite, respectful distance I assumed that there was nothing serious there. But yeah, very obvious."
"So, let's move on to the real question. Why should I withhold this information, especially from my Mother?"
"Because the day before the Council of High Seers meet the entire school will know, and the knowledge can spread from there. You can tell your mother then, or let the secret get out too soon and cause a disaster that is like the demonic invasion in scale. The choice is yours."
"Okay, this one I'm not apologizing for since she did everything but put up a neon sign. Given that she's also flirted with some other guys and that you've always kept a polite, respectful distance I assumed that there was nothing serious there. But yeah, very obvious."
The young monk's brow furrows just a bit.
"I do remember the conversation you and I had back on the volcanic island at the beginning of the school term, yes," he replies. "But since Nasima returned from her directed study with Sifu Daiyu, she has evinced no such behavior at all...though her behavior has taken a much sharper turn for the violent since then as well," he adds with some concern.
"Irregardless, she was...'flirting', I believe...with Keme both in the gymnasium and in the Meditation classroom before I came here to eat, so I do not think this is an issue of note anymore."
Krays fights to not spit out his food.
"Violent? We talking about the same Nasima? She gave me a lecture about pacisfism..."
"Just a moment, Miss Denulia."
Sifu Daiyu pads barefoot through the halls of the school to the Headmaster's office. Upon arriving, she knocks six times, firmly but politely, in two groups of three.
Ryo waves and the door opens.
"Sifu." Ryo nods a greeting. "What is it?"
"No, I don't either. She may pitch a hissy fit which is why I thought a warning was in order, but she's just not serious about you, Fei. Which is okay. Actually, in this case, I'd say it's good. And this is why I think it will all work out just fine. Just...be prepared for some fireworks initially is all," she said, content to leave things with that.
Krays fights to not spit out his food.
"Violent? We talking about the same Nasima? She gave me a lecture about pacisfism..."
"Do you not remember the incident in the hallway moving Ephebe's effects when she was using lightning to destroy pieces of wall and security equipment?"
"It will probably take time for Khoda's influence over her to fade and even then we don't know if it will fade completely. What with giving her a piece of Khoda's soul to replace the pieces of hers that he ate."
"Do you not remember the incident in the hallway moving Ephebe's effects when she was using lightning to destroy pieces of wall and security equipment?"Krays fights to not spit out his food.
"Violent? We talking about the same Nasima? She gave me a lecture about pacisfism..."
"Thought that she was out of it when she did that..."
Over the course of the week, Ephebe will work on the plans for the elementary school, completing the initial blueprints. The classrooms will be on the first floor and the dormitories on the second. Instead of separate rooms, there are blocks of rooms. Each block has four bedrooms surrounding a central room. One bedroom for a caretaker and three that can hold up to two children apiece. The central room contains a study area, comfortable seating and a small kitchenette. On the dormitory level there are also play rooms filled with toys where the children can enjoy free time. The facilities on the first floor include a gym, a pool, a library, a cafeteria, and administrative offices. It is very much an entirely separate school though still connected to the main school. The plans only await Ryo's approval before the school brings this wing of Avalon Academy into being.
Ryleh is enjoying herself as she is currently subbing for Professor Relkav who is taking a much-needed vacation. At first the students were excited, until they realized she was just as difficult of a teacher as Vakkler and possibly even more demanding. Some of them are starting to spontaneously cry at the words 'pop quiz'.
Jiminy got an earful from Jax once he finally recovered from overextending himself, but easily settled into his position as student council president and getting plans put into action. The student council is once more of great help to the administration of the school as they take over many of the menial organizational tasks.
He also gets Razzy to make some nutrient supplement for Fieri so she and the babies don't become malnourished while she can't seem to stop eating charcoal.
Kitty spends a lot of time working with Michael on a business plan for their future pet shop as well as pre-emptive revenge plans for her siblings.
Nala spends the week getting the hang of her lycan abilities so that she doesn't have more mishaps when transforming.
Ryuzo spends the week coaching Nala :)
Krays assists Ephebe as she works, acting as the voice of reason for her drive to get this stuff done, making sure she rests, and works for her while she does...
"Just a moment, Miss Denulia."
Sifu Daiyu pads barefoot through the halls of the school to the Headmaster's office. Upon arriving, she knocks six times, firmly but politely, in two groups of three.Ryo waves and the door opens.
"Sifu." Ryo nods a greeting. "What is it?"
Chen bows respectfully and looks askance at the other guest(s) in the Headmaster's office. "I have a...matter to report, headmaster." She uses inflection and body language to make it clear she would like to discuss the matter in private, if at all possible.
Spends the week looking forward to the weekend, as he detests having to take classes again. He also is looking forward to the reveal...
Chen bows respectfully and looks askance at the other guest(s) in the Headmaster's office. "I have a...matter to report, headmaster." She uses inflection and body language to make it clear she would like to discuss the matter in private, if at all possible.
A pale red shield comes into being between Ryp and Tyrrin, cutting her off for a moment from whatever Sifu Chen needs to say.
"She cannot hear us now, Sifu. What matter brings you to my office?"
Michael spends any spare time he has working on Obaa-sama's drake. So much research had to be put into appearance and then creatures in the area to determine diet that Michael was pretty sure he'd have some almost as impressive as Saffire. Almost.
Chen blinks placidly.
"There is a high likelihood the Proctors of the crevice that lies on the Cruel Border between the Plane of Shadow and the Abyss will be coming here. I felt I should warn you. I had Fei come with in an effort to smash a certain...arcane battery that was fueling Khoda, and while in this we succeeded, I underestimated how much power it had stored. The resulting explosion rendered both Fei and I visible to the Spectral Shadowmancers that rule that place. They would be most interested in capturing Fei and utilizing his specific kinetic 'gifts' for their own ends. As you know, the shadow plane is renowned for its ability to break even the purest of souls, the strongest of hearts. Obviously, I will not let them touch my student, but I cannot defend the whole school, especially not against such an invasion force as they would send."
"While I do not know when this would happen, of course, I did destroy one scout already today, which had slightly damaged two of the wards. If there are any additional watches and wards we can put in place that are more specifically attuned to these creatures, it would be advisable. For while I recognize this was my failure and accept full responsibility for it, even I can only be in so many places at once."
The sifu bows. "Thank you for your time, Headmaster. I will not disturb you further." She turns and departs.
The Jegerath refugees enroll in Avalon after the day of watching classes, and Gareth is becoming fast friends with the Antairus kids. While Tamara almost takes over the kitchen staff without anyone knowing it, Shara learns she like drawing. Juco and Maru become a sort of mystery at the school, because no one really learns much about them other that they are always together and never seem to talk.
"I will empower the wards as much as I can, and put even more around the students so that they can make their own choices." Ryo says as Sifu Chen Daiyu departs. He lowers the shield and takes a drink of tea. "Now, I believe I was awaiting your decision, Miss Denulia?"
Dylen spends his week trying his best to fit in and learn his classes. He is a good student, but unfortunately his social skills could use some polishing.
Roland spends the week working hard at his new academics, but he always spares a moment here or there to try and get to know his fellow students a little better.
Jim spends his week tinkering in the lab as usual, and taking over the Basic Mechanics classes he is alloted, dropping classes that are unnecessary to do so, having learned much of the curriculum from textbooks anyway.
Wyrd spends the week learning what it is to go to school, relaxing in the garden, and tinkering in the forge. He has discovered that he has something of a talent for shaping metal, and visitors to the forge will most likely be a little surprised to notice that he does most of his work with no tools and no fire. One molten hand serving to keep the metal hot and one cold hand shaped into a hammer head. During the last half of the week, there are hours when he cannot be found at all. Ananda and Ryo can tell that he is leaving the school grounds through the floors.
Jeran spends the week trying to figure out his homework. He spent so much time earlier in the year trying to sort out the problems with the lycans that he'd neglected his studies. But at least he had a couple of friends now. So that was something at least.
Oniero leaves the school for most of the week without telling anyone and comes back terribly shaken... but with the third book. He mumbles about the idiot who gave the book such strange names occasionally as he reads through them searching for clues.
"So, let's move on to the real question. Why should I withhold this information, especially from my Mother?""Because the day before the Council of High Seers meet the entire school will know, and the knowledge can spread from there. You can tell your mother then, or let the secret get out too soon and cause a disaster that is like the demonic invasion in scale. The choice is yours."
"So... there are dragons at the school then. No surprise there." Tyrrin ignored the interruption as though it had not happened. She did not recognize the woman who came and spoke to the Headmaster. "... Very well. I will hold my tongue, if only for the sake of the innocents. Dragons or no, I've no desire to have innocent blood on my hands."
"If you would like, I could see if one of them would wish to speak with you on the matter of Agartha's creation. They can shed far more insight on the matter than I can, you can trust me on that."
"Ah, it seems a friend of your brother's had an idea on how to get his ability under control. I set up a room he could try it out in. Perhaps you could ask him how it went? He seemed rather eager to try."
"That... would be agreeable. I am glad my brother is making progress, I will speak with him tonight..." Tyrrin sipped her tea. "Headmaster, the... stars? They all have worlds around them, yes? In my readings today, that was mentioned." Tyrrin has, for a brief moment, let her defenses down. She seems genuine and even a little vulnerable for the first time since Ryo met her. "I would very much like to study the new sky. Perhaps a modified spyglass... is there a high point in the school I might use for viewing?"
Ehos grows increasingly frustrated as the night wears on. It seems he is able to control some aspects of his power, but it is erratic. And he is never able to get the volume down. Despite encouragement from Anthony, Ehos eventually decides to turn in for the night, remasking himself. He thanks Anthony via their continued telepathic connection for his idea and help.
For the rest of the evening, Vai and Fei share quiet conversation after dinner, before going to their rooms early. It was a long day after all.
"I would very much like to study the new sky. Perhaps a modified spyglass... is there a high point in the school I might use for viewing?"
"There was a clocktower in one of the courtyards once, but it has since been removed as the owner left the school. I could put another one in for general use. I'm sure you're not the first wanting to get a closer look. It might take a day at the very least. What kind of spyglass did you have in mind?" The Headmaster asks as he relaxes slightly.
Fei spends the week juggling his work and school duties around spending time with Vai and learning the brighter aspects of her past. Thankfully, his rather efficient school and work ethic allows him to do so. (^-^)
He particularly enjoys their first dawn together, and does his best to answer Vai's questions about his faith and his monastic order (without putting her back to sleep). ;P
Fei also honors his promise to Jeran, spending time with the fellow monk and assisting him with catching up on his studies.
Nasima's most recent disappearance after the day's events is a point of concern, but Sifu Daiyu's explanation that she and Percy are performing a task for her ameliorates that.
"Hmm, optics is not exactly my specialty. I might have to do some research before I start construction. Fortunately, it seems the library here contains information from a whole star-spanning Empire. I should be able to find something." Tyrrin's sly smile means she thinks something about that last sentence is funny.
"Alright Headmaster. I'll trust you for now. To whom should I speak about the formation of Agartha? I'll speak with them tomorrow."
He particularly enjoys their first dawn together, and does his best to answer Vai's questions about his faith and his monastic order (without putting her back to sleep). ;P
The morning is very pleasant, and Vai tries to be inquisitive without being distruptive to Fei's usual morning routine. Luckily she had gone to bed early. Nasima hadn't returned to the room last night, which was worrisome, but Fei assured her that he would speak with Sifu Daiyu.
Her first fencing lesson with Sadie goes well, though Vai doesn't tell Sadie about Fei... the less said about that the better. As Vai begins to learn swordplay, it becomes apparent that she has a particular knack for it, and with Sadie`s tutelage, she makes amazing progress.
As the week wears on, Vai seems to settle into a routine. It's difficult to balance studying, sleep, classes, her extracurricular activities (including Harp and Fencing lessons) and spending time with Fei. The initial giddiness fades into a pleasant warmth.
Sadie was not having the best week. As it turned out getting over someone who wasn't what you thought they were was a lot easier than getting over someone who really was that amazing but didn't feel the same about you. Fencing lessons were a particular form of torture. Vai was good at it, and a pleasure to teach. But she second-guessed herself every time she had to correct a grip or posture, afraid of taking advantage of the situation or weirding Vai out even more. School gossip being what it was it didn't take long for her to find out that Vai had a boyfriend now and who it was. It hurt that Vai didn't say anything. She knew that she was probably trying to be considerate, but it wasn't much of a friendship if something that big went unsaid. But she put on a smile and pretended not to notice or care. Because that's what she was supposed to do in this situation.
And then when the week was almost over she got a letter from home. More specifically a letter from the neighbor who had once hidden her from the townspeople when she was running away from an angry mob. Her little brother, Dara, had started to develop powers as well. Fearing the worst, her parents tried to smuggle him out of town, but they were not fast enough. They were able to buy time for Dara to escape, but they were not themselves so lucky. Their parents were dead and Dara was on his way to Avalon and would be there in a few days. She brought the letter to the Headmaster and tried to explain what was going on, but she kept crying so she ended up just having to let him read the letter for himself.
Phaezeriel attends classes, works in the restricted lab, and generally has a normal week. Though the infirmary staff find him healing injured students from time to time. He is less talkative than usual, and initially very wary around Roland and Tyrrin. By the end of the week, however, he seems to have mellowed as the expected smitings and banishings never materialize.
"Alright Headmaster. I'll trust you for now. To whom should I speak about the formation of Agartha? I'll speak with them tomorrow."
"I will ask them and you'll be contacted tomorrow by the person. If that is all, Miss Denulia, then I bid you goodnight."
She brought the letter to the Headmaster and tried to explain what was going on, but she kept crying so she ended up just having to let him read the letter for himself.
The Headmaster comforts her as best he can after he reads the letter, and actually sends a Guardian to escort the boy to Avalon more safely.