(My second BK fanfiction! Yay! Anyway, please review, I like reviews, and they are what keep me updating.)

Elegant Darkness:

Chapter One

Akina briskly walked down the flight of steps, passing a few students on the way. She held her folder under her left arm tightly and reached the elevator, quickly pressing the 'Up' button and entering.

The day had been going smoothly enough at Finnilli Academy. Her morning classes were tolerable and lunch had just passed; it was the students' free period.

Akina brushed a strand of hair out of the way and inspected herself. The black uniform with copper buttons held a few fuzzes, and her navy blue skirt was a tad wrinkled. She had not had the chance to wash her uniform the night before.

Meetings with the headmistress were always very brief, but looking nice was extremely important. Not many students were called to meet with her, and Akina had only ventured to the top floor a few times for different matters.

She sighed and patted the clothing as the elevator halted and the glass door opened. The entire school was visible from the top floor, as it was very small and held very large windows plastered on the main hallway, which lead to the headmistress's office. Two other hallways lead to other departments, but Akina avoided them completely and began to walk through the main hall.

The girl looked pretty much average when compared to her fellow students. She had somewhat long, light brown hair and emerald colored eyes. She was of usual height and was slim.

She cleared her throat and entered the room.

"Ah, I must welcome you Sir Lyude for finding time in your busy schedule to visit our humble academy," spoke Headmistress Nila as the man took a seat across from her desk in front of her. He had shoulder length red hair and eyes, and a slight goutique could be seen.

He wore a dark uniform with a small brass buttons, and his hands were covered with black leather gloves.

He smiled politely and nodded. "Thank you, and I was actually looking forward to visiting this academy; the best in this continent of Anuenue, I hear."

She blushed. "Yes, well, success only goes so far. So, sir, why for the sudden visit? I was only noticed about it yesterday."

He cleared his throat. "Oh, yes, I am sorry for that, but I came to discuss a somewhat important matter with you," he answered.

She was about to respond when there was a faint knock on the wooden door. "Please, come in."

Akina opened the door and stood patiently in the doorway, keeping her eyes locked on the headmistress and her guest.

"Ah, yes, Akina, I'm glad you were able to come on such short notice. Please come in."

The girl nodded and walked inside, closing the door silently behind her.

Nila smiled. "I am sorry for the interruption, Sir. Lyude, and I hope you don't mind." He shook his head while standing up. "Not at all; I can spare as much time as needed." He then turned to the girl and extended his hand.

"You can call me Lyude, Miss." She shook his hand. "Of course, sir; I am Akina Musashi."

Nila cleared her throat. "Akina, the reason I called you here was about the student waiting outside this office. He is new, and I would like to ask you to escort him around the school; a small tour."

The girl nodded. "Of course ma'am."

She then exited the room as Lyude sat down once more. "All right, now, as I was saying…"

"Are you the new student?" Akina asked the boy who sat on the bench outside the office. He looked up at her and nodded. "Come with me the."

The boy was about a year younger than she was; sixteen to be exact. He had short black hair which drooped in front of his eyes, and was wearing a crimson vest over a black shirt. His beige pants were a bit long, falling over most of his boots.

"So, um, what's your name?" he asked as they began to descend down the stairs. "Akina."

"Akina?" He smiled slightly. "That's a pretty name; mine's Levin."

She shrugged. "Well, nice to meet you Levin. It's not very often we see new students coming in late in the semester."

He nodded. "Yeah, well, my mother wanted me to get the best education and guidance in becoming a mage, so I was transferred from the academy in Mira. Since my mom's somewhat bossy, my father didn't have much say in it, but he's much more lenient with me."

"Sounds like you have a nice family," she commented as they stopped. "Yeah, they're pretty great," he replied.

She sighed and glanced at her watch as the bell rung. "I won't have time to give you a full tour right now; what class do you have? I can at least escort you there."

He fished in his pocket and took out a small piece of paper which served as his schedule. "Um, says here I have 'Sword Combat and Defense', with a 'Sir Magnosio'."

Akina smiled slightly. "How convenient, I have that same class as well right now; follow me."

(This was a short chapter, right? Well, if there was some confusion, the story takes place seventeen years after the conclusion of the game, and Lyude's role in the government will be explained later on.)