3 days until the party.

Team XICR Dorm (Day)

"Let me see if I have this right. You want me to teach you how to hone your magic?" Dominic asked Ivy.

The Maiden nodded. "Yeah. I want to get better than just...this." Ivy summons a ball of green energy in her palm to demonstrate her point. "It just never really happens the way I want it to."

"Fine. But I'm not an expert in this kind of stuff. For all I know, Maiden Magic could just be 'meh' at best. But, I wouldn't be a good leader if I didn't try as hard as I can to assist my teammates." the blonde says, sighing. "Magic is a very finicky thing. I find that it manifests best as a person's strength and weakness. For example:" Fire burst from Dominic's hands and swirled around the room as his left eye glowed crimson. "Fire can represent relentless fury and destructive hot-bloodedness."

"Yeah, I can see that in you. You tried to strangle a guy just because he got the last pretzel at Wetzel's." Ivy blanched, making her teammate cough.

"Anyways...Fire can also be a comforting warmth and a protective light. Both these aspects tell a bit about who I am, and what could be improved." the blonde explained after putting out his flames. "As such, it's likely that your plant manipulation is a reflection of your self."

"I don't follow." Ivy said, confused.

"When Mom told me about the Maidens, she said the Spring Maiden could control electricity and ice. I think you have those abilities as well, you just haven't figured out how to use them yet." Dominic said. "Due to your upbringing outside the Kingdoms, it's likely you managed to unlock your Element sooner than normal. This most likely is the reason you have an easier time using spells that also belong to it."

Ivy blinked at that, seeing a positive spin on her rather bleak childhood for the first time in her life. She began chuckling, confusing Dominic. "So, what aspect of my personality is 'Life' supposed to reflect?" she asked.

"Growth." the blonde answered. "Magic is like a muscle. As you change and mature, so do your powers. Remember the Paladin fight?"

"What about it?" Ivy asked.

"Just before I was put out of commission, I learned something interesting." Dominic said, taking a few pebbles from his jacket pocket. With a strained grunt, the stones began to levitate. However, they only stayed in midair briefly before falling back to his palm.

"I thought you said you belonged to the Fire Element." Ivy said accusingly.

"I am. But it's a bit more nuanced than that." the blonde said, putting the pebbles on his nightstand. "While a person cannot have more than one Elemental Affinity, it does not mean they cannot use other Elements. It just means their primary Element is stronger. As you already said, I have a Fire Affinity. But, it seems I can now use Earth Elemental attacks. Albeit, very weak ones."

"What's your point with all of this?" the Maiden asked.

"Oh, right. Lost track for a while there." Dominic said, trying to remember the reason for this meeting. "Your powers will come to you. Like the plants you control, they need time to grow and evolve. Eventually, you'll have mastered your abilities. Just be patient." Soon after that pep talk, his and Ivy's Scrolls began beeping. "Hm. Looks like there's something happening in Combat Class. Let's move."

Ivy watched the retreating form of her leader with curiosity. She wondered how exactly he and her other teammates were able to perform magic despite not being Maidens. When she asked Gregory, he responded by telling her 'It just awakened one day in the woods.'.

She knew from his tone that there was more he didn't tell her, but she didn't say anything. It seemed like a sensitive topic.

Locker Room (Day)

Sighing, Dominic got ready for a battle. He was giddy and nervous at the same time, though nobody blamed him. Shortly after class began, he'd been randomly selected to spar against Pyrrha. Normally, he would've been eager to fight a worthy opponent. However, Pyrrha was a three-time Champion. Even with magic, he wasn't sure he would win.

'Oh, snap out of it. You've gone toe-to-toe with Adam Taurus for sheep's sake! This fight is entirely in your favor.' 'Pyrrha's stronger than Adam. And I couldn't beat him even with everything I had.' 'You're still young, your powers still haven't reached their limit yet. And beating an angry terrorist is a lot harder than you assume it is. The fact you managed to hold your own speaks volumes of your talent and skill.' 'Thanks. I needed that.' 'Don't mention it. It's just what friends do.'

Combat Class (Day)

"Before we start, can I ask something of you, Pyrrha?" Dominic asked his opponent as they both walked onto the stage. "Please don't hold back. I want to win against the REAL you. Come at me with the absolute best you have, or I'll forfeit."

The redhead was surprised by the declaration. Just by looking at his face, she knew he was completely serious about this. Inwardly, she was glad. She'd seen Dominic fight his brother and knew his strength, even if that match ended in a draw. With a smile, she held out her hand. "It's a deal." she said as the blonde shook her hand.

As soon as the beep that signifies the match sounded, both students rushed at eachother with their weapons in hand. The clanging noise of crystal and metal colliding resounded through the room.

Pyrrha had run towards her adversary with her shield out, protecting her from any of his slashes. With it, she bashed into Dominic, damaging his Aura. While he was stunned, she barraged him with attacks from her own sword. The blonde noticed the black energy surrounding the blade as it crashed into him. 'Polarity.' he deduced. 'Oh, sheep.'

If she were to use her Semblance on him, things would get ugly very quickly. Granted, it wouldn't kill him. But it would still hurt a ton. Knowing he had to win with a long-range strategy, Dominic jumped back and fired off a volley of fireballs. Pyrrha had dodged a few, but most of the flames hit their target. Those that didn't left scorch marks on the floor.

For the first time since coming to Beacon, he'd finally found a reason to get serious.