Standing right on the field, with all the pride she could have muster. The members of Class Vll couldn't believe their eyes at the very person who stopped their match from beginning. Adding in the factor of the people who were with her.
"Instructor Sara?!" They all shouted out, surprised by all times she could have shown up, she had chosen this time to do so. It wasn't a bad thing but to be fair, they were in the middle of something.
"You betcha," She smugly said. "And guess who I managed to grab along with me when I was in Heimdallr a few hours ago! Look it's Laura and Elliot."
"Hey guys," Elliot chuckled weakly.
"Greetings everyone," Laura said proudly without a tingle of nervousness in her voice as typical of the successor of the Arseid School.
What stood out of the new arrivals as they had noted was that their weapons were drawn and ready. No doubt prepared to join in the fight as seen by faces of Instructor Sara and Laura. Although Elliot had a glum look on his face, probably due to Sara not giving him any choice in the matter.
"Pleased to meet you again, Sara Valestein, I assume that the three of you will be joining in this as well?" Le Guin grinned, amused by how things had completely gone out of hand.
"Wait, won't the teams be unbalanced?" Emma asked, counting the number of heads on the field and confirming to herself that there was an odd number of people amongst them.
Sara opened her mouth to speak but when she heard what Emma said. The silence that came afterwards was deafening as she had a dumbfounded look on her face. Rean and the others let out a quiet sigh at how utterly unprepared their Instructor was at times.
"Oh come on guys!" Sara shouted with her signature look whenever she got called out by them. "How was I supposed to know that everyone arrived on time? Normally for you kids, there would be at least one missing or late or something, I don't know."
Juna and the others watched in a dumbfounded manner as the legendary Purple Lightning was acting like an unruly kid and it didn't help defend her reputation when they saw her in action.
"Umm, what's going on?" Looking between the arrivals and the people on the field, it was certainly alright to say that Juna wasn't the only one who was confused on the circumstances.
"I believe that this is perhaps the norm of their bond?" Kurt answered, although his voice was strained when he uttered the words out.
"Man and here I was ready to see some action." Ash shook his head.
Aruelia raised an eyebrow by the scene that was unfolding right in front of her and couldn't help but laugh at the predicament Class Vll had gotten themselves in.
"Wait I got it!" Sara shouted out, making all members of Class Vll cringe as they had an inkling about what was coming. "Since Rean can count as two people, it's only fair that they get Elliot and Laura and myself join Fie's team."
"What? How does that sense?" Elliot asked out of fright.
"That…does seem plausible," Laura commented.
"Instructor please," Hanging her head down low, Emma couldn't believe what she had just heard.
Amongst all the protest, Rean was oddly silent and it was only when Machias tried to ask Rean a question that he broke out of his trance.
"Hey, were you listening Rean?"
"Huh, sorry I was deep in focus, what was the question again?" He asked.
"I ask what you think about this? It's utterly ridiculous that it balances out the teams."
Rean stayed quiet once again but it was because he wasn't sure if Machias was going to like his answer or even the rest of them, except for Sara of course because it meant that he practically agreed with her idea.
"Personally, I'm fine with the additions to the teams."
"What?! That's so not fair for Rean's team!" Alisa stressed out, making her stance on the matter rather clear.
"Yeah, can't we find someone to join us?" Millum asked.
"Then I shall be glad to join in with your class battle," A sweet voice called and literally appeared behind Sara's back.
"Ahhh! Why do you keep doing that?!"
"My apologies, I merely sensed that an interesting occurrence was happening and overheard the slight problem you were all facing," Sharon said, twirling around and pulling out her dagger and steel wires. "Now allow me to help even out the numbers."
"Oh man and here I thought that everything was going to be fine and dainty," Sara hung her head low, all that effort to show off was effectively ruined in a heartbeat.
"Now that you have all that sorted out," Principal Le Guin spoke. "Perhaps we can round up this fight? As I can eagerly see the fighting spirit ignited in some of the newer generations," She pointed out.
Sharon, Sara, Laura and Elliot made their way over to their respectable teams and took their positions; Laura and Sara joined Fie on the frontline while Sharon and Elliot joined Machias and Emma to provide support.
Raising her arm high into the air, Le Guin looked around at the faces of the combatants as they patiently awaited for the signal to begin. Their eyes were full of fire and it pleased her to see such passion for the display that was about to happen.
"Now, show us what the might of Thors Military Alumnis are capable of... Begin!" The speed she brought down her hand was nothing compared to how quick the moment the sounds of blades clashing were.
Laura and Sara charged towards the middle of the field with their weapons ready to strike the air. It wasn't until a second later that Rean appeared with his tachi in the very spot with Jusis coming up from behind him ready to combat Fie.
"Woah!" Freddy exclaimed.
"How did they do that?" Louise asked in amusement.
"That's the might of Thors Alumnus?" Sandy gasped, shocked by the action taking place.
Rean's Tachi was the first to make contact and successfully deflected Laura's Greatsword and Sara's blade. Jusis managed to parry Fie's gunswords while the ranged combatants began their offensive by casting their arts and crafts.
Gaius kept his focus steady as he casted a Nemesis arrow to quell the Firebolt Emma casted, Alisa shot off an arrow and impaled Machias who was readying his aim on Laura. Elliot was casting support arts Impassion and La Crest on Rean and Jusis and Sharon utilised her steel wires to paralyse Fie from helping out.
Back on the frontlines, Rean was having trouble to push past Sara and Laura's combined assault and had to step back, allowing for the two to continue their offensive. He blocked a side swipe from Laura before taking some fire from Sara's gun, Jusis came in to help and swiftly delivered an Arc Thrust to repel Laura.
"We need to find some way to get past these two Rean," Jusis commented, bringing his sword up to shield his body from the arrows Alisa fired.
"Don't worry I got it!" Flying right past the two, Millium appeared and had Lammy smashed down onto the ground to cause a tremble that made both opponents unbalanced. "Here you go guys."
"Thanks for that Millium," Rean nodded, and with great speed that greatly surprised the students as he reappeared right next to Laura. "Helix Strike!"
Unable to defend herself, Laura was forced to take the attack and was thrown back towards Gaius.
"Alisa, quick!" The Nord warrior said, clashing his spear with Rean who pursued right after her.
Wasting no time, Alisa used Heavenly gift, raising both Gaius and the knocked down Laura evasion and healing up some of the damage they took.
Breaking off Rean, Gaius proceeded to thrust his spear out, pushing Rean back a few arges.
"Elliot now!" Emma yelled out, letting go as she unleashed Luminous Ray on Fie and Sara.
"Crystal Edge!" Following it up, Elliot released his art and their opponents stood no chance in stopping their combined art attack.
"Ah crap," Sara muttered as Fie and herself took the brunt of the two art attacks.
"Link up Millium," Jusis shouted out, charging straightforwardly to take advantage of the opportunity granted to them.
"Got it," She replied, making her way over as a blue line connected between Jusis and herself. Letting her feel Jusis and vice versa.
Coming into close contact, Jusis and Millium unleashed a rush attack onto Fie and Sara, as the latter were forced to defend themselves.
"Gahh, come on Fie. Two can play this game, link up!," annoyed Sara said as they slowly recovered from the assault they suffered from.
"Way ahead of you."
Switching to her gun mode, Fie unleashed a volley upon the Jusis and Millium while Sara rushed in and created a vortex, drawing in Jusisi and Millium into the centre of it.
"Take this!" Machias yelled out, rushing to their aid and fired three rounds at Sara, allowing the assault to break off.
Seeing that Machias and Millium had left the two art users alone and that Laura was taking on Rean with help from Alisa. Gaius rushed forward and lept into the air. "Take this, Thunder Fang!" He yelled out, positioning his spear correctly.
Smashing down upon the ground, Gaius smiled as Emma and Elliot took damage from his attack but that moment was short lived as Sharon counterattacked his effort. Leaving Emma and Elliot to slightly recover for a brief moment.
"My apologies Master Gaius but I can not allow you to continue any further," Sharon replied, there a hint of playfulness in amongst the serious tone of her voice.
"The winds shall not let me falter Sharon, so I shall back down " He chuckled, readying his spear in a direct challenge.
[~]
Meanwhile, all the spectors were in awe by not only the quick everything was progressing but how they were going all in for just a mock battle between the two. Randy was blown away by how serious this group was getting and it quietly reminded him of the time during his time with the SSS, Michael watched the performance carefully but his face was telling how he felt about the match as his eyebrows raised at certain parts and Towa was loudly cheering on both teams as they fought to their heart's content.
"The instructor is indeed going all out, isn't he?" Musse commented, keeping her eyes closely on Rean as he moved with ease and went for an under-slash on Laura.
"He is, this is nothing compared to the encounters during our special operations or the times he undergoes his transformation," Kurt said, seeing the display in front of him, really opened up his eyes of the height one can achieve after years of practice.
"It seems like that both teams are equally matching each other's moves, yet I can't determine who will win," Altina stated.
"Yeah, I don't think even anyone of us would be able to keep up if we were pitted against them," Juna shuddered. Despite what she may have thought of her own abilities, nothing could compare to how everyone was skilfully demonstrating their weight in battle.
"Man, take a look at how Valestian was handling Rean. She made it look easy," Ash whistled.
"Yes, in that sense I do have to agree that she certainly deserves to be classified as an A rank bracer."
"Oh, is that jealous I detect in your voice Kurt?" Musse playfully giggled.
"Knock it off Musse. Look!" Turning her head back around, Juna managed to get everyone's attention to an unexpected turn of events.
[~]
Back on the field, amongst all the chaos. Two opponents met face to face, their attention solely on one another as the battle behind them raged on.
He could feel the sweat dripping down on his forehead. The urge to swipe his forehead plagued his mind but with the person in front of him, he couldn't let down his guard for a moment. His arms and legs burnt with exhaustion as he was pushing himself and they called out to recover but he ignored it, they sadly had to endure until the opportunity of rest was granted to them.
Fuchsia eyes met Crismon, both stared down each as the battle raged on behind them. Her bow trained on him, an arrow resting on against the weapon, ready to be fired at a moment's notice. His hands held onto his tachi as it laid in its sheath yet his posture was poised in a position whether where he was ready to close the distance between them or to unleash a strike from his blade.
Time continued to count down as neither seemed eagerly to begin their offensive, the sounds of blades and arts rang in the background.
All eyes were mainly traced on these two as the swordsman had nimbly broken through the ranks and was about to face off against the sole range member of the team.
"Schhhh."
Crimson eyes widened as the steel blade slid out of its sheath and a ray of flames were sent her way. Regaining focus, she quickly let loose the arrow she held onto and duck under the rushing flames.
Watching as the flames narrowly missed her face, she exhaled the breath she was unaware she was holding throughout the small exchange.
Unfortunately for her, before she had the chance to get back onto her feet, she felt the sharp end of the blade resting a rege away from her neck and the voice that followed, told her everything she needed to know.
"I don't think you want to continue? And that arrow of yours just flew short from where I was standing."
Alisa grumbled under her breath by how close she almost had, which prompted Rean to chuckle at the sight of his girlfriend being mad that she had lost.
"I guess that means that others have also wrapped up as well now?" She asked, getting up after Rean gave his hand out for her to hold onto. Right after placing his blade away from her neck of course.
"Yeah, Millium and Jusis were taken out by Sara and Fie but Elliot and Emma took them down using the window of opportunity as Gaius was distracted by Sharon. Laura took down Machias and Emma but not before Sharon took out Gaius in their exchange and swiftly came to the aid of Elliot."
"I saw that happening before you came up out of nowhere and I presume Sharon was taken out by Laura however?"
"Yep but not before Sharon took out Elliot first. Now that just leaves her and myself to settle this once and for," Rean said. Drawing his tachi to his side as he turned around to face the very last opponent that stood in his team's way to victory.
Seeing where everyone else was standing, Alisa walked over and quiet congratulations went around for her effort against Rean, making her blush slightly from the praise she was receiving.
"This has been a spectacular marvel. Schwarzer, Aresid, give it everything you got!" Le Guin shouted, a pleased smile on her face after witnessing a marvelous match was coming to its final phrase.
"Go Rean!" Emma shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth to increase the volume of her voice.
"You can do this Laura!" Sara yelled out. "Kick his ass for me won't you!"
"Instructor?!" Elliot and Machias gasped, Jusis could only silently shake his head while FIe grinned at the exchange between themselves.
"Hahaha, this has been a very worthy match and I'm glad that I didn't miss out on this," Laura said proudly.
"Yeah, I guess we haven't had the chance to cross blades lately. I can't wait to see what you're capable of since we last met Laura," He replied.
A smile greeted him from the blue-hair swordswoman and he couldn't help but chuckle at how nonchalantly Laura was acting in what was the final decider in their team's showdown.
"Then I'm happy to accept your challenge Rean Schwarzer. Now, Radiant Wings!" A yellow glow surrounded the Aresid Warrior as her eyes burnt with determination and passion.
"That's amazing!" Sidney yelled out, amazed by how powerful Thor's Alumnis were.
"I can't believe what I'm seeing," Lousie mumbled.
With a ghost of smile, Rean guided his Tachi above his head, with the blade facing left only to bring it down in front of him as he roared out.
"Spirit Unification!"
Shocked gasps was the typical response he was expecting as his hair turned white and his eyes were replaced with crimson red. The faint emitting purplish glow only added to the mystery of who the Ashen Chevalier truly was.
[~]
"Whais hapenin?!" Pablo exclaimed, he was thankful that he wasn't the only one who was shocked as well. Valerie, her normal ice demeanor was nowhere to be seen and Stark had his mouth wide open as he had no words to say.
"I-Instructor?!" Juna yelled out, she was scared that things were getting out of hand and it was worse as she felt the chilling presence coming from Rean as his aura clashed against Laura's.
Feeling a hand rest upon her shoulder, a calm voice spoke. "Calm down Juna, I'm sure Instructor Rean has everything under control. We need to trust in him and by judging by how the Old Class Vll are reacting," Kurt said, pointing his arm towards the people in question. "Their stance tells me they're ready to spring into action if this gets out of hand."
"But Kurt."
"No Juna, Kurt is right," Wiggling her way into the discussion, Musse continued. "After all the things we've experienced on our special op missions. Instructor Rean has always kept a cool leveled head in the most dire situation and we trusted in him to lead us out of trouble. I don't see why we shouldn't stop now."
"If I may," Altina said, joining as well. "As his former partner, Instructor Rean has experienced many hardships that have gone against the morals that guided his life but yet, he still pushed on despite how far he was straying from the path he wished for. This does emitted a strange feeling in my body but I know that I can trust in Instructor Rean to get out of this unharmed."
Looking around at the concerned faces of her classmates, Juna recalled how she screamed at Rean about the state of Crossbell and how she wanted Erebonia to return things how they were before, yet everything they argued described how Rean just stood there and took the blunt of her outburst without speaking a single word back.
"Okay, but we should be ready as in case our Instructor does something stupid," Juna replied, a half attempt smile was all she could muster but it nevertheless made the three of them nod their heads at her.
"Yo, look at!" Ash laughed, grabbing onto Kurt and turning him around towards the battle.
Confused, Kurt allowed himself to be directed by Ash and as his head turned around. A gust of wind blew right past him as Laura steady herself in front of him.
Holding out her sword diagonally as Rean charged forth with another helix strike. Deflecting the first strike, Laura immediately countered with an overhead slash that forced Rean backwards a few steps.
Leaving him no chance to counter back. Laura moved forward, following up the strike with a thrust of her greatsword. Rean only managed to slide the blade to the side with his tachi and side step away from her, gaining some precious distance from the blue-haired swordswoman.
"That was a splendid hit Rean, well done," She grinned.
Swiping his tachi across his body with the blade facing sidewards, Rean smiled back but everyone could've seen he was still on his guard. "Likewise Laura."
"Rean and Laura are really going all out," Elliot commented. Hearing a mutter coming from Jusis, "Sorry what was that?"
"I have no idea how this is going to end, despite their appearance. One thorough glance should reveal how tiring both combatants are becoming," Jusis reiterated.
"This would mean," Gusis said, only to have Sara confirm it aloud for everyone standing.
"That Rean and Laura are about to end this right about now."
"Well we don't have to wait too long," Fie said, gaining their attention. She pointed her hand onto the field where Rean and Laura were preparing themselves for their final attack.
""What's going on?" Wayne asked no-one in particular as he felt the energy waves roared with ferocity.
"Ahhh!" Tatina squealed, holding onto Jessica for support as the blue-hair girl warrior shielded her away from the danger.
At the same time, Rean and Laura were activating their S-craft. Leading to whoever the first person who landed their hit, would secure victory for their team.
"My mind is clear. My blade, empty."
"Behold, the soul of Arseid."
Simultaneously, both adversaries charged. The speed they took off was unseen by the naked eye and the only glimpse they could make out was the clashing of blades, as the distinct ting sound resounded across the battlefield.
The only time Rean and Laura were visible was when they reached the climax of their move set.
Their positioning resulted in Laura a couple arge away from Rean with her sword burning bright in a mystic blue flame. While Rean had his tachi underneath his left arm, burning an evil red aura. Eyes were glued intently on them as they unleashed the final energy gathered on their blades and directed it towards their opponent.
"Radiant Phoenix Blade!"
"Ashen Slash - Mortal Leaves!"
The students, instructors and the members of old Class Vll had to shield their eyes from the dust cloud gathered up, hindering their vision to figure out who was left standing.
"Couldn't they both tune it down a bit?" Emma coughed as some particles of dust found itself down her throat.
"This is Rean and Laura we're talking about. I would be more surprised if they didn't go all out," Elliot commented, trying to spot Emma as he said that.
"Hang on pupils, the dust is starting to settle down. Let's see which team won. I bet it was our glorious team of course," Sara smirked, irritating Alisa and Jusis as they gave her a disgusted face.
Watching as the dust cleared away. The build up of the trembling excitement was ever so massive that it took every strength in their body to not want to rush in and see up close who the victor was. However, they all resisted the urge and stood patiently as behold, revealing the winner of the bout as Laura Arseid.
Bending on one knee and both hands gripping onto her blade which was stabbed into the ground. Her chest seemingly heaving as she took multiple breaths. Rean was lying prone on the ground, his blade beside him. A clear indication of who won.
"My who could have guessed this outcome. Oh yeah it was me baby!" Sara shouted, making sure she was rubbing it in to the members on Rean's team of course.
"Aww," Millium pouted, more saddened than upset by how close her team was to winning. Feeling a warmth placed on her shoulder, she turned around and was met with Emma smiling down at her.
"It's okay, Millium. At least we got to see how far everyone has improved over the months."
"Yeah!" Bouncing back, Millium gave a bright smile before surprising Emma as she quickly dashed over to the fallen Rean. With Jusis and Machias on her tail once they saw her run off.
"Well fought Rean, it's good that you've gained control of your powers once again," Laura huffed, trying to get back onto her feet but abandoning that idea after her legs collapsed on her.
Unable to give her a vocal response. The best Rean could've mustered, was a still nod while he laid still on the ground. From far away it looked like Rean was dead but upon closer inspection. The rising of his chest and the slow movements of his fingers said otherwise.
"That was quite brilliant," Kurt said. His opinion of Rean's skill was ever increasing the more he saw him in action.
"Yeah and to think he almost won as well," Juna muttered. Equally impressed by how far their Instructor gave it all out.
"Eh big iff," Ash commented. Earning himself a hardy stare from Juna.
"It has seemed that we have a clear victor, congratulations to Class Vll for placing a spectacular display for us all," Principal Le Guin shouted with a smile on her face.
As soon as she had finished, students and instructors all rushed onto the field to offer their praise and as well as help the two onto their feet.
[~]
"Man you had us seriously worried there, Rean," Machias shook his head.
"Yeah, you too Laura. I was so nervous something bad was going to happen," Alisa agreed, her voice projecting from over the wall.
A few hours had passed and all members of Class Vll - including Rean's students, were all relaxing in the baths at the dormitory.
Feeling the effect of the steamy water working on his muscles. Rean let out a sigh of relief as all the strain and tightness slowly melted away as he relaxed in the bath. Looking above at the hole between the wall, he imagined that Laura was feeling the same way as well.
"You seem calm, Rean," Gauis said. "Even though this doesn't compare to the hot springs in Ymir. I'm surprised at how well it resembles that experience."
"Indeed. These baths of yours are wondrous. I can see why you would frequent these a lot during your time here," Jusis nodded.
"Although they don't compare to the real thing, they do serve their function quite nicely so I am a little guilty when it comes to these," Rean chuckled, making everyone else laugh as well.
"Man I thought you guys would be more mature for your age but the way I see it. You're nothing to look up at," Ash said. "Especially you Schwarzer, I feel like - Owww. Hey man!"
Punching Ash on the arm, Kurt shook his head sadly at his classmate. "Ash, you need to learn to restrain yourself. What good would come if you insult everyone right here and now?" He asked.
"It's fine the two of you," Machias spoke, surprising them both at how calmly his tone was. "Even as adults, we do have to let loose from time to time and even though I act all serious and upstanding. It's good to relax at times such as these."
"To think you would actually say something proper for once in your life," Jusis snorted.
"Just hang on a minute you!"
Elliot sighed as the two of them were bickering once again. Rean sent an apologetic glance as he soaked himself in the water.
From the other side of the wall, the girls copied Elliot's action as they heard the back and forth between Machias and Jusis.
"Why can't boys get along?" Alisa asked.
"I agree whole-heartly. Rean, Gauis and Elliot must be at odd ends with those two," Laura said. Rubbing her arms as she felt the wondrous effects working their way on her body.
"Eh, they'll be fine. If anything, it feels nice to hear those two go at. Kinda reminds me of how you guys were under my care," Sara hummed as she was in full on relaxation mode. Her body submerged in the water, her arms on the side of the bath and eyes closed in bliss as the warm water surrounded her body.
"Oh yeah, we were wild back then weren't we?" Millium giggled, splashing the water around, annoying Altina as she found herself next to her sister.
"Can you please stop this behaviour," Altina said, glancing over to her.
"Nope sorry, you got to enjoy yourself more Allie," Millium giggled, splashing even more water onto her.
Juna and Musse watched in amusement as Altina struggled against the over bundling personality of her sister against her own.
"Can I ask you all a question?" Juna started, earning herself the attention of the older girls. "What was Instructor Rean like when he was a student?"
"Oh yes please. The juicer the better," Musse gleamed. Jumping on the bandwagon as prime source material always beat second hand rumors and it gave her an opportunity to share it amongst their peers later.
"Musse," Juna started, sending the mint hair girl an annoyed glance.
"Hmmm, I would say Rean was typical of your average person when we first met. Overall friendly, smart and determined," Laura said, giving it some thought.
"Yeah, although it doesn't seem like at times as he can be quite clueless," Alisa argued.
"Oh are talking about that incident in the Old Schoolhouse?" Fie nipped, a grin on her face as she exactly got the reaction she wanted from the blonde heiress.
"What?! Fie!"
"Now, now. That's all in the past now," Emma quickly spoke, hoping to defuse the flame before it got out of hand.
"Come on tell us! You guys mentioned it before but never told me anything," Millium yelled, splashing water as she jumped over to the girls.
"What's this about Instructor Rean?" Curiously Juna asked as the range of faces spoke of an unseen event between him and Alisa.
"Please enlighten us about this," Musse on the other hand was all for the spill and the eagerness in her eyes was a dead give away.
Embarrassed Alisa opted for silence as she shook her head rapidly to say 'I'm not willing to delve this story'. Unfortunately luck was not on her side and she grew red in the face as Fie explained it for the three of them.
"Basically what happened was we stood on a trapdoor and fell onto the floor for the most of us. Everyone was in a panic and Rean went in to cushion Alisa from the fall. Except for the fact instead it was Alisa that cushioned him and his face 'may' have ended up in her breasts."
Two equally shocked faces greeted her once the tale had ended and Fie looked over; grinning like a Cheshire cat to Alisa who was staring down at herself red in the face.
"W-What?" Shocked for beyond words, Juna stood up and her brain was rattled as she fought over for some plausible response that didn't involve her cursing the foolishness of her Instructor.
"Oh sweet!" Millium said, happy to finally learn the truth of what happened during Class Vll's first time in the Old Schoolhouse. Completely acting as if everything that just happened was typical normal for Class Vll.
"Oh Instructor Rean, how scandalous of you," Musse said with glee. Her eyes shimmer in sparkles as she found exactly what she wanted to share with the other girls later.
"Pecky up Alisa," Sara said. "At least Rean and yourself have moved up along the bases straight away. If only I had such luck with gentlemen."
"Instructor Sara, I don't think you should compare yourself to Alisa as at least she's currently in a relationship while you haven't found anyone yet," Emma spoke bashfully, hiding her head in order to not let Sara see the smile on her face.
"Hey I'm still a spring chicken! Men all over the empire would gladly throw themselves at my feet," Sara shouted, her voice reaching over to the boy's side. Where all the older boys all cringed what they had just heard.
"Not a chance," Machias muttered quietly.
"Agreed, no man would gladly settle down with the likes of her," Jusis nodded.
With Instructor grumbling to herself in the far corner. The rest of the girls indulged themselves in the warm water as they discussed the hottest topic circling around the Empire.
While that was happening, the boys had finished their bath and went their separate ways for the evening. Leaving Rean as he wandered around the dormitory, meeting students along the way and offering pieces of advice as they struggled on their own problems.
"After that battle today, the students should have expected Fie to resume their lesson yet. Not a single one did, it was quite an amusing sight to see after our all out battle."
"Instructor Rean? What are you smiling about?" A young voice asked.
"Huh?" Confused, Rean turned around to see Tita smiling at him. "Oh nothing too serious, I was thinking back to when all of you had quite a sour look as your practical lesson resumed."
Giggling Tita replied. "Well could you blame us? After watching that amazing battle none of us felt we could recreate the amazement we felt while you fought, Instructor."
"It doesn't matter whether you guys try to be epic with your battles. The most important thing to take away from Fie's lesson was how you can improve upon yourself and that teamwork amongst your class can cover each person's weakness," He replied.
"Well I did learn a lot from that lesson and you're right, with everyone by my side, we almost managed to overcome Class Vll," Tita smiled, after listening to him. "Do you want to join us in the dining room? Juna, and myself are making dinner for everyone tonight and everyone is pitching in however way they can."
Thinking on her request didn't take long as it wasn't often that the faculty members are treated to a meal amongst their busy time schedule and it would offer him a chance to interact with the students more. As well as see how they all felt about the new lessons that they are going to experience for the next couple of days.
"Sure, I would love to," Rean answered, smiling at the tinker girl as a happy expression glowed back at him.
"Perfect, come on Instructor this way," She said, walking off with Rean in tow.
[~]
Meanwhile Gaius and Elliot took the chance to stroll out in the night atmosphere as they made their rounds around Leeves to get themselves familiar with the place.
"It's nice that we could get back together once again, it felt like forever since any of us have seen each other, episcally you Gaius."
"Sorry about that, I did want to contact everyone but my duties didn't give me enough time and I was more focused on other things," Gauis replied.
"Oh no, you don't have to feel bad about that. I'm sure you have your reasons for that and I won't try to pry into that. I know that you will tell us all about when you're ready," Elliot said.
Nodding his head in silence, Gaius stared up at the beautiful night sky and felt the breeze brush passed him. The gentle reminder of peace but the sense turmoil that was yet to come inflicting his thoughts.
"Rean's students are amazing people aren't they?" He asked, looking over to the prodigy musician in question.
"They are," Elliot said. "You can see how proud Rean is by being around them, they do look up to him and all. Despite the many quirks they each possess but we can't talk as we were a bit like them a couple years ago."
"And what are you two talking about?"
Turning around in surprise they noticed that Emma and Laura were walking their way over to them.
"Oh nothing too important Laura, just reminiscing about the old days that's all," Elliot answered.
"Indeed, we were all blessed by the winds throughout the trials we had all to endure as students," Gaius nodded.
"It's strange to think that it wasn't so long ago we were just students of Thors Military Academy," Emma said.
"Yet we all managed to prevail against all odds and be here today," Laura said.
"Well not everyone," Elliot whispered quietly, bringing the once bright mood into a somber feel.
An unspoken agreement was said amongst themselves as they all thought of the same person who couldn't be with anymore.
To watch their friend Crow die slowly around them and the revelation that came after his death hurt them even more than ever. Yet he still fought by their side against the Vermillion Apocalypse and as an ally.
His death still weighed deeply on them but the four of them knew that there was someone else that was greatly affected by it more than them. The one who was placed by the government as the supposed hero who they propagated across the empire to strike hope and fear towards their enemy. To continue to be their puppet through the Blood and Iron chancellor's plan to expand the empire further than ever before.
"I know Crow would have loved to see Rean now, he would of course joked around about how being the student council's run around person might have influenced him," Elliot said solemnly.
"I agree but at least he got a proper burial rest with all of us there," Laura spoke.
Emma and Gauis could offer a nod as they both felt words had failed them at that moment. The reminder of their lost companion was surprisingly difficult to talk about and it has been over a year since his death and yet his loss was still felt as of today.
"Shall we talk about this more in the tavern?" Emma muttered silently, glancing at the building across from them.
"Indeed," Gaius answered, taking lead as Laura, Emma and Elliot followed silently behind him.
Despite this all, they all knew they had avoided the topic of who Azure Sigfried really was.
[~]
Back in the dining room, Rean never felt so pressured as he was surrounded by all the students who were asking him all sorts of questions. Some were innocent sweet questions while others were… questionable.
"Instructor, how does that power of yours work? Can you control at will or does it need some trigger?" Jessica asked.
"Do you think you help become stronger on the field," Wayne asked, with Leo, Sidney and Karl nodding him.
"Oh Instructor," Musse said with a teasing tone. "Is it just Alisa that you're in love with or is there more that you're not telling us?"
Rean could feel the sweat dripping down his forehead as questions were tossed around whenever he got the chance to answer and dreaded the feeling of how curious teenagers can be when they find some prey to feast upon.
"Hey! Dinner is ready," Juna shouted, getting their attention as she was mad by how everyone had swarmed their instructor and Musse and Ash were doing nothing to help calm the situation.
Seeing an escape, Rean quickly jumped out of his seat and made his way over to Juna, Tita, Sandy, Louise and Maya. With the latter three smiling as they saw the exhausted expression on Class Vll's instructor as he collected his meal from the students.
Making his way down towards one of the further tables at the other end of the kitchen, Rean sat down and let out a sigh as it felt like a never ending interrogation.
"Mind if your old teach comes down to join you?" Sara asked, sitting down across from him.
"I would love that thank you, at least that gives the students a break before they're at me again," He chuckled.
"Cool then I guess we can too," Fie said, popping right next to him followed by Jusis who took the seat across from her.
"Please, by the way it looked, I'm certainly sure that Rean wouldn't mind at all," The blonde boy said, as he started to eat his meal in front of him.
It had only occurred to Rean that besides Sara. Fie and Jusis were the only two who were eating alongside him.
"So did you two managed to get food first?" He asked, taking a bite full of food after he had spoken.
"Well I managed to sneak past a few and got my food like twenty seconds after you did," Fie answered.
"This a meal that Sharon made and for some reason placed in my hands before running off," Jusis said, patting his mouth with a napkin.
"I do miss when Sharon used to cook for us back when we were students," Rean said.
"Yep, her meals were the best no matter how tired we were," Fie nodded, agreeing with Rean's statement.
"Hey, hey. Speak for yourselves, you lot were being spoiled by her and it's no wonder your cooking was attrious after she left," Sara muttered angrily to herself. Unhappy at the prospect of being in the presence of the super maid once again.
"We can't all be good at everything Instructor," Jusis retorted.
"I know but still," She groaned. "Nevermind that, tell me Rean. How are you enjoying your time as the one planning out lessons and not doing them anymore?" She asked.
Taking another bite and waiting as he swallowed it all. "It's not too bad I'll say, there are similarities between the two but it's essentially the same as when I was a student back at Thors. Wandering the hall, talking to everyone and helping out whenever I can. Both students and residents of Leeves."
"Told you that those errands I sent you to do on the week before your first ever field study would come in handy," Sara grinned.
"I still don't like you kept me in the dark about the whole helping out the student council part," Rean glared back annoyed.
"I know you enjoyed helping them out Rean, don't lie to yourself," Jusis said.
"I did and it did prove to be really helpful I will admit," Rean sheepishly replied.
Sensing the approach of new arrivals, Rean looked up as Towa and Machias made their way over to their table.
"Hey Rean" Towa smiled.
"I see you're enjoying yourselves here," Machias said.
"Indeed we were, I guess you two must've finished up your business already?" Jusis asked.
Nodding his head in order to confirm, Machias took his place beside Jusis and Fie while Towa stood opposite him; between Rean and Sara.
They all chatted for a while longer, even past when all the students had finished their meals for the night and the dishes were being washed and sacked away. Sensing this, Rean, Jusis and Fie returned their plates to the girls at the kitchen and made their way out into the lobby where they met up with the rest of their friends.
Alisa and Sharon were sitting on the couch talking to a couple of members of Class Vlll and Xl, while Elliot's group had just returned from their time in Barnesy's tavern.
"Well seeing how it's pretty late now, I say this is probably a good time to get ready for bed," said Towa, saying her goodbye to the group as she left for the third floor.
Watching as the former student council president disappear along the stairway and students slowly making their way to their level in the dorm. The older members of Class Vll took the opportunity to all gather around the lounges.
"I think I can say that today has turned out quite well in the end." said Rean.
"Yeah, the students were clearly enjoying themselves throughout our various classes," Alisa nodded.
"I'm surprised by how well they seemed interested in the current affairs that plague the empire. Especially with the looming of war on the horizon," said Machias grimly. "The rumours going around seem to support the notion of the potential war between empire and the republic."
"I've had my share of problems as well," Jusis sighed. "With the annexation of North Ambria. The noble families are more worried about what the future holds for their houses. Than their own provinces."
"Well we promise that we would do whatever we can to uncover the hidden plot after departing Thors but I feel like we're still nowhere close to understanding the politics that go underneath the surface." said Emma.
"It all can be traced back to the Ironbloods." Rean said suddenly. "We all know that Chancellor Osborne has plans in motion as we speak. Ever since the infernal castle no-one has the power to stop at the moment and I fear that even as students, we were prawns of his to use as well."
As he spoke. Rean recalled to that day where he watched Crow die in his arms seemingly at peace. His main purpose had been achieved and he even fought by their side once again but when Chancellor Osborne showed up unexpectedly. It felt like everything Crow had done in the past had been for naught and to learn that he was even willing to use his own son as a tool to bring stability to the empire and fear to their enemy, made him miserable.
"I agree with Rean," said Sara. "However we've grown since then and I can see how far you have all improved. We can never hope to pioneer the empire into a new direction but we can at least damn try because this isn't why you fought in the civil war. You fought because you wanted to find a third way to end it that wouldn't involve destroying the lives of the people scattered across the regions."
Taking in what Instructor Sara said. The members of Class Vll quietly reflected on their actions during the civil war and how as students, they were all prepared to protect the lives of the people in the empire without drawing them into destruction amongst the imperial army and provisional forces.
"Well this has been a long day and I think a good night sleep is a good idea for all of us." Laura spoke. Standing up from the couch she shuffled her way past Emma and Alisa. "At least we can continue this discussion another time when we've found an answer for ourselves."
"It's late and we still have a full day ahead of ourselves tomorrow. We shouldn't strain ourselves anymore than we need to." Jusis nodded, as he started to make his way over to the stairs with Elliot and Gaius following suit as well.
"I'm going to stay up a bit more so you guys go on ahead without me," said Rean. Standing still as he watched the others around slowly disperse.
"What are you doing?" Alisa asked.
"I want to talk with Valimar for a bit, don't worry I won't be too long," he reassured her, seeing the worried look on her face.
"Okay but don't take too long. You have some proper responsibilities now Rean."
"Come milady, I shall escort you along the way," Sharon smiled.
Alisa nodded and with one final glance over her shoulder, she disappeared on the stairway as did the rest of Class Vll as they all travelled in one big group.
Standing in silence for a few moments, Rean exited the building and made his way over towards the main campus building unknown that something was quietly watching him from a distance.