Guess who's back? Yep, long hiatus putting it lightly. Honestly, I never wanted to leave for so long but with things like college I never had the time until now and honestly, I was disappointed that I couldn't since I had half of this done for a while. This chapter was also originally going to be longer, like until the fight with the Fate Spinner but I wanted to let any of you who still wanna read this know that I'm coming back asap.

Also, the topic on this being a crossover with other series fairy fencer. I included them to help stand out with other similar stories going on. I had ideas to mix them in so they could fit in this universe and I have plans for how they can interact and change whether it be slightly or majorly events that happen. Once we get to the first major change though, I'll ask you guys whether you want them included, don't or if you don't care either way.

Apex85

Yeah srry lol, I figure if I did one everyone chapter, they wouldn't be as special when they appeared. Plus, I might end up reaching just to get some laughs.

Yeah, my thoughts exactly, not with Vivi but def with the lack of Rean x Emma love which I find surprising.

Yeah, I planned for that to be start which really kicked off one of Emma's biggest regret. And I don't believe I thanked you yet for pointing out how the excuse I gave her didn't really make sense in that flashback. Thank you.

RedBurningDragon

Thank you for letting me know. Man, at times like these I wish I had a beta-reader. I hope it didn't take you too much out of it.

Raiden

Thank you, I was honestly worried people wouldn't be into it at first, so your words are very appreciated lol. I thought of their tension back when I heard Fie's backstory and went "wow, I can't believe they never brought this up. "

Yeah ik, I could really use a good beta reader. And thank you for pointing out that mistake. Honestly… no idea what I was thinking there… I think I was just getting really into the mood XD.

Manu259

Thank you, I really enjoy writing her to and can't wait till I'm able to again. But we'll just have to wait lol.

Blue Dragon

I agree lol but that's what we have fanfiction for. More Vivi for us all.

Anyway, I held you guys up long enough. Please enjoy.

"…" Rean sighed to himself inwardly. How long have I been counting the trees going by?, He thought begrudgingly. The trip so far was just as awkward and tense as he thought it'd be. Not from a lack of trying mind you. Several attempts have been made to try and connect to the petite classmate, but he was only rewarded with unenthusiastic nods and "mhm"'s. Eventually, Fie just turned her head to look outside and ignored his other attempts to communicate with her. Jusis was at first going to take the spot closet to the window but it was quickly taken by Fie. Most likely so she could look out the window easier to ignore Rean.

Emma, who had taken a seat next to Fie, putting her between Fie and Jusis, gave Rean a apologetic look. The class president wanted to help but she didn't have much of a plan. "Er-Erm…?" She fumbled on her words. If she were to be honest with herself, she had no idea what she was going to say. "Sh-shall we review what we know about where we're going?" Perhaps a little late but it's the best she could do.

"Yeah, that sounds like a great idea!" Rean responded almost too hastily. "Would you mind giving us an overview, Jusis? You're from Bareahard City, after all." Rean turned his head to the noble.

"Hmph." The noble's head stilled turned away from his classmates. "If that's what you want, I'll oblige."

Well that's not exactly the response I wanted but it's better than what I thought would-, Rean thoughts were interrupted.

"…But are you sure you wouldn't rather hear from the group's finest intellectual mind instead?"

I really need to stop jinxing myself inside my head…,Rean sighed.

"I'm sure he'd be able to give you a far more critical analysis, without any of the pro-noble bias I'm certain to inject."

Emma watched the blond noble talk with a worried look on her face. She opened her mouth to hopefully defuse the conflict before anything could escalate.

"Grrr…" A slight growl from Machias halted her however. "Are you suggesting that I allow my views to cloud my ability to see things objectively?!"

Jusis turned his head towards him but with his eyes still closed. "Oh, not at all. You were intelligent enough to score second on the entrance exam, after all." His tone came off as if he were mocking him. "…And to have studied so vigorously as well. My, I'd say your nose was practically glued to your textbook. So, saying that you are smart would be a fact… though that doesn't mean you aren't lacking in other aspects."

"Why, you…!" Machias growled as he stood up defensively to the noble.

"L-let's not do this here, please?" Emma begged as she looked around hoping that they weren't attracting any attention.

"…" Rean watched silently at the two. Then he turned his head towards Fie who he had caught staring at him again, but she quickly turned her head to look out the window again.

"You know…" Rean voiced catching everyone's attention. "I think it's pretty easy to see just how both our teams had scored so miserably in our last field study." He could not help but narrow his eyes slightly at how most of them were acting.

"H-huh?" Machias questioned as he faced the raven-haired teen.

"…" Jusis simply turned his head towards him, raising a brow clearly interested.

"R-Rean…?" Emma questioned.

"Last month, Group B got an 'F' on their field study, while Group A recovered an 'E'. If this were a paper exam we would've failed… miserably." His words seemed to cut deep into the other members as they each shifted uncomfortably. "Just look at us." Rean said as he turned his head towards each member of the group. "Sarah put the four of us on this team because we screwed up big time. We're letting our personal issues get in the way of our other classmates. Looking at just how we're acting now, noting that we haven't even started our exam… I'd say even an 'F' is too good for us."

"Rean…" Emma frowned.

"The only person who's trying the hardest would be you Emma." Rean turned to face her.

"M-me?"

"I still wish you didn't have to be on a team with us… the 'weak links of Class VII I'd say right now. But I just wanted to let you now… But I'm also happy that you're here with us and that even though you know how much of a problem we are, you're trying to help us."

Emma's really nice… she just doesn't seem to be that good at communicating with people, Rean thought.

"I don't think… Rean, you guys aren't all weak links." Emma though touched by his words would not allow him to talk frown to himself like that.

Rean smiled at her. I don't know why but she can put me at ease…, He thought.

"…"

"…"

"…"

The rest of the Class VII didn't seem to disagree with his statement.

"Can we…" Rean started. "Just call a truce? Because this is more than just us. We have to stay as a team to make this fair for Emma, not to mention showing Sarah that she's underestimated us!"

Again, attentions were caught.

"I didn't take you for the type to hold a grudge, Rean." Jusis almost chuckled.

"Of course, I can! I care about whether I win or lose as much as the next guy, and I can get frustrated when I other people hold me back! Or even when other people have thing I wish I did!" Emma cocked her head at that last part. "Intellect, people skills… natural talent." His eyes slyly move to Fie without the others noticing.

"And do I even need to mention how we lost to Sarah with as many advantages as we did?"

Machias and Jusis groaned at the memory.

"With her skill I already knew we couldn't defeat her but… I was thinking we could've impressed her enough to show her our determination."

"You would've…" Fie voiced catching everyone off guard. "It's no secret she can fight. If we had better teamwork, we would've impressed her enough that she would've complied with our demand."

"I suppose we didn't perform to the best of our abilities." Jusis begrudgingly admitted.

"Maybe…" Machias said.

"Just what I thought…" Rean nodded. "Group B is a solid team. If we don't work out our short comings, then they'll overtake us in no time."

"Damn it, I get it!" Machias yelled as he quickly returned to his seat. "Fine! If it means showing that instructor a thing or two, I'll go along with this 'yay team' attitude!"

"While I'd prefer not to have to cooperate with this farce…" Jusis crossed his arms. "I'll agree."

Rean turned his head towards Fie who he again he caught staring at him… only this time she did not immediately turn her head away. Looking into his eyes she gave him a nod before turning to look out the window again, seemingly not noticing the shocked expression he had on his face that turned into a slight smile.

Maybe… this could work. It might be time I tried something different. I've been trying to passively to try and make up with Fie and Machias so maybe it's time I try and be more assertive in my approach? Rean thought.

"WHO GETS FOUR BOLTS IN A ROW?!" Machias screamed as the group existed the train. He was complaining on his recent Blade match against Fie, who even though he still won, Fie did not make it fun for him.

"Heh…" The petite girl smiked.

"Lord Jusis!" A voice called to the students who were holding back a laugh from Machias' previous outburst.

"Welcome back to Bareahard!" Four station employees dressed in purple greeted the noble.

Jusis' expression on his face was one of boredom which clashes against the look of respect and determination of the zealous workers.

"A pleasure to see you again!"

"Amazing…" Emma said in awe.

"I can't believe they'd abandon their duties just to come and welcome him." Machias shook his head.

"A real VIP," Fie smirked.

They continued on with praise for the young noble which he continued to try and dismiss. Jusis quickly realized that he couldn't shake away the determined workers who were starting to annoy him. Before he could open his mouth to say more to them another voice called towards them.

"That won't be necessary."

The employees quickly turned to the voice and Jusis calm demeanor fell for an instant.

Walking down the stairs was a man with blond haired tied into a pony-tail and dressed in a green robe uniform. The closer he got towards them the stiffer Rean could sense Jusis becoming. When the older man finally reached them Jusis said. "R-Rufus?!"

"Come again?" Rean said.

"My beloved brother, it's a pleasure to see you again. To think, it's been three months! Where did the time go?" He talked to Jusis in such a cheerful demeanor that none of his classmates ever expect to witness Jusis go through. "I wasn't expecting to reunite with you so soon, but I'm delighted to have the opportunity."

Quickly regaining his composure Jusis replied. "…As am I. You seem well."

"These must be your fellow members of Class VII."

"Yes, that's correct," Emma answered despite the confusing they all felt.

"You know about us?" Rean asked.

"But of course! My brother wrote all about you in his letters." Placing his hand on his hip Rufus said. "But where are my manners? My name is Rufus Albarea. Jusis is my younger brother. …You needn't hide your shock. It would come as no surprise at all to learn that my brother has never once mentioned me. He is quite easily embarrassed, after all."

"N-no," Jusis quickly rejected. "That's not…!"

"He really knows which switches to press," Fie whispered to the group.

Machias shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe my eyes and ears… just where is the arrogant young upstart noble we've come to know and… kind of tolerate?" Despite his words, the rest of Class VII watched as he failed to wipe the smile off his face at the tormented noble.

"But I suppose that is enough teasing on my little brother for now." Rufus laughed into his hand much to his brother's dismay. "I have a surprise for you, Jusis."

Jusis raised a brow. "You have something to give me?

Rufus laughed. "In a way I suppose." He turned and motioned for the group to follow him. "Come with me. He's waiting for you."

"H-he?" Jusis said in a slight panic as he and his classmates followed the older brother out the building.

"This trip might not be as bad as I thought." Machias beamed at the young noble's torment to which Fie nodded with a smirk.

Rufus with a gleeful smile on his face leads the group out the door. Jusis was slightly on guard. His first thoughts were that his father would be there. Likely? Not really, but he also didn't expect to see his brother but Adios seemed to be in a very playful mood right now so maybe his embarrassment is still not over…

Taking a few steps out of the station the group's gaze fell to the fancy black limousine parked in front of them. Each member besides Jusis and Fie stared in slight awe.

"Wow…"

"Impressive."

"Hmph… I-I've seen better…"

"That's pretty sweet." Fie said as she turned her head to the sighing noble.

As the group made an attempt to get closer to the vehicle, the door opened. Jusis' eyes widened at the sight of the man slowly stepping out. "L-Lord Sherman?!" Jusis took a slight step back. The rest of the Group took a closer look at the new nobleman. Why would Jusis be so sensitive to him as well? Another older brother? He looked even more friendly than Rufus however. Short blond hair and a very elegant white outfit.

"Little Lord Jusis." He says in a cheery voice as he bows slightly to him. "It does my heart well to see you now grown up to be such a charming young man." He laughed slightly at the expression of the young man.

A red hue formed on the young noble's cheeks as the embarrassment began to sink in deeper than before but kept a straight face.

"Your words are very true, Lord Sherman." Rufus patted the head of his little brother. "He's also still the shy boy you've known him to be as well. Why, before he left for Thor's, I saw him talking into his mirror. 'My classmates are pumpkins; my classmates are pumpkins…'"

"R-Rufus?!" Jusis shrieked.

"We're pumpkins?" Fie questioned with a sly smirk as she raised a single brow at Jusis. Rean and Emma also held a single fist to their mouths to halt their laughter.

Machias sighed blissfully. "I don't care that this is a city for nobles… I wouldn't miss this for the world!"

…

"I see…" Rean said after a brief explanation from Rufus after they entered the vehicle. "So, the one responsible for choosing our task this time around was…"

"Indeed, I selected them on behalf of my father." Rufus reached into his pocket. "Allow me to present you with this." He pulled out the ever so familiar Field Study Envelope. Rean instinctively reached out take hold of it. This item didn't boast well for the teams last time, but they were determined to prove that they could prove their place in Class VII.

"Thank you." Rean almost forgot to show his respect as his thoughts came back to him.

He became commenting on the strangeness of Jusis being in the same class as the son of Teo Schwarzer as they were old acquaintances. It was a huge honor to Rean to say the least to hear a man as honorable as Rufus seemed to think highly of his father.

The acknowledgements didn't end there as he turned his attention towards Machias. He praised the work of his father, Governor Regnitz. Even going as far as to state that he's been given excellent advice from him. "It must be fate that you, too, would end up in my younger brother's class. I do hope you get along with him."

Oh, if only you knew…, The rest of group A thought.

It wasn't every day they could see Machias, at such a loss of words. Seeing how different Rufus, treated him from his little brother, he wasn't sure how he was going to react at first.

"…I will… consider the possibility with an open mind."

Rufus chuckled. "Delightful." He simply nodded.

Sherman turned towards the girls of group A. "And it would be simply foolish to not address our beautiful ladies." His radiant smile and sincere eyes could only indicate that he knew what he spoke was the truth. "I have no doubt in my mind you two have had to keep him in line."

Emma's cheeks flushed slightly. "Uh no, nothing like that." She quickly dismissed the thought.

"Nothing like that." Fie agreed.

Jusis fought the urge to sigh. "Please, do not make me the main topic… And when you say 'lodgings', you can't possibly be referring to…"

"Need you even ask?" Rufus smiled at his little brother. "Naturally you'll all be staying at the Albarea family mansion."

Jusis looked as if he was about to panic.

"I jest, I jest." Rufus laughed along with Sherman, much to Jusis' continued dismay. "Father's instruction was to do with you as I wish. Jusis, didn't look like he could be happier upon hearing that we would instead be sleeping at a hotel, and while the rest of group A didn't care that much about where they would sleep, they couldn't lie when it came to their curiosity on why Jusis would be so worried about staying in his own home.

"I believe we're at the hotel now." Sherman motioned for everyone to look out the window.

Stepping out of the car, Jusis was disappointed to hear that his brother would be leaving to Heimdallr, soon after he's finished here. Jusis could understand his haste, especially if it was father he had to represent. Although, Rufus made sure to tease his brother about how he'd miss him when he leaves, to which Jusis brushed him off.

"Are you going to see your sister while you're here, Sherman?" Jusis changed the subject as quickly as he could.

"Why yes," He nodded. "It has been years, though I hope my absence hasn't caused her too much dismay."

"Her condition has gotten better." Jusis smiled. "At least from what her letters have told me. She spoke about you frequently while you were gone as well."

Rufus chuckled. "My dear little brother was like a protective mother hen with her. Why, I'm sure if he wasn't up to his noble duties, he'd be with her, reading her a story."

"B-brother…" Jusis gulped.

"Well isn't that adorable?" Fie smirked.

"Heh," Machias crossed his hands. "Maybe you actually do have positive qualities."

Rufus laughed. "May the Goddess' blessing be with you. I pray that your field study activities are fruitful." Rufus was about to walk away until Sherman, tapped his shoulder. "Oh!" He patted his head. "How could I forget?" Group A cocked their heads at him. "Your instructor has left your surprise in the girls' room. The butlers and maids will point you in the right direction."

Oh right, they had almost forgotten. Just what did instructor Sarah have in mind?

Rufus and Sherman bowed before heading to the limousine. "Lord Sherman," Rufus called while opening the door for his friend. "If you would be so kind, I would like to check your proficiency with a blade. I hope you have not gotten too rusty."

"Sherman chuckled upon entering. "I won't disappoint you."

Group A watched in silence as they drove off.

Jusis sighed as he led his classmates into the hotel. Luckily it seemed they were too occupied by the idea of the surprise that neither Fie nor Machias felt the desire to tease him any further.

Exactly as Rufus had said. The butlers and maids that came to greet him ended up pointing them to the room the surprise was currently waiting in. When asked what it was, they answered that Rufus had forbade them from answering them, since he wanted it to not be spoiled.

Slightly aggravated, Group A proceeded up the stairs and currently starred at the door to the girl's room. Just what did that instructor have in mind anyway?

"Knowing her, it's likely some childish prank." Jusis crossed his arms with half lid eyes.

"Or a mountain of booze she wants us to store for her." Machias added.

"Or both." Rean sighed.

"Wouldn't put it past her." Fie nodded.

"W-we shouldn't speak badly of her." Emma chuckled nervously.

Rean was the one to take hold of the doorknob. If it was some sort of prank, he was sure he'd be able to react fast enough. Slowly… he opened the door. His first thoughts were… this room was a lot fancier looking and much more comfortable than his own room back home. His second… was of the milky-blue haired girl, dressed in the same red uniform as them, only she also wore a hood with rabbit ears.

No one in group A could think of what to say, and their guest only continued to stare at them. In fact, Rean was sure she was staring at the door before they even entered the room. Did she sense them outside the door, or had she just been staring at the door since she got here?

She began taking light steps towards Rean. Rean, Fie, and Jusis couldn't help but noticed how slightly her steps were even while she was this close to them. She stopped a few inches in front of the raven-haired teen and said, "Kill…" The rest of group A took a step back. No one sensed any killing intent from her.

She lifted something in Rean's direction. "A… letter?" He tilted his head. Looking back at her face, he could still not read anything from her.

Cautiously, Rean accepted the envelope. Flipping it over, he read what was on the back.

From, Your ever so loving instructor~!

"Prank it is…" Group A sighed.

Rean against his better judgment, opened the envelope up.

Congratulations guys! If you're reading this, then that means you didn't kill each other on the way here. So… how do you like your surprise? You might have some questions so here I go! An old friend of mine asked me if I could enroll his daughter into Thors. Turns out, she has a high affinity for the Arcus unit like you guys, sooooooooo say hello to the newest member of class VII! And I figured you guys could use a new breath of fresh air so she's with you. Her name's Ethel, and yes, she can only say "kill" apparently… man you don't wanna know how awkward the conversation was for us here. Anyway, you're responsible Rean. Make sure you take good care of her, or her pops will take care of you~!

"H…. huh?" Group A looked to Ethel, back to the note, and back to Ethel again.

"…Kill, kill, kill…" She bowed.

"Nice to… meet you to?" Rean scratched his head.

Well… not the worst way to start things off. Rean thought.