"That could have gone better," Richard grimaced and shook himself.
"That was a hard test," Robin agreed.
"Hopefully Professor Zaff will be nicer," Richard said wistfully.
"Richie," Robin glanced at him. "He has us meeting him in this big field with our weapons. If that isn't a hint this is going to be hard...I don't know what is."
"Well, I'd rather fight than sit at a desk any day," Richard shrugged.
"Well I can agree with you," Robin shrugged. "Sometimes. Especially when I want to go gliding."
"Not when you want to research the Great Hibernen River," Richard made a face.
"It's a very interesting river," Robin protested.
"Yeah, yeah," Richard winked.
They hurried up to join Onyx and Pewter as they entered the field on the campus. Their eyes widened as they stared at the sight to behold in front of them. A tower, with a wall surrounding it, spiraled up into the sky, taking up the middle of the field. Made completely of wood, it was stronger than it looked with several defensive areas. Professors Zaff, Sterling, and Magenta stood in front of the tower's wall, the students gathering in front of them.
"Good afternoon students," Professor Zaff said courteously. "My fellow professors and I have devised a test that will use both your training in tactics, combat, and semblance at once. As you see, a tower has been constructed. One group of teams will defend the tower and the other group will attack it. Since there are five teams, one team will act as mercenaries and supply runners. You are not allowed to leave until one of the groups win. We will draw team names to determine who is defense, who is offense, and who will be the mercenaries."
Professor Sterling watched the students murmur in surprise. He rolled his eyes as Professor Magenta overexaggerated the drawing of the names.
"On Offense," Professor Magenta said. "Team Opera and...Team Persian!"
Pine Bosn whooped clapping Sorva Quartz on the back. Rose Everwitch smiled shyly at Nickel Gemini and her fellow teammates. Richard nodded enthusiastically, Robin joining in. Onyx and Pewter looked thoughtfully at the wooden structure, that would be as much their opponent as the Defense.
"On Defense," Professor Magenta continued pulling out two slips of paper. "Team Cargo...and Team Jasmine!"
Jazpeer and Sakura nodded at each other, though the former's eyes wandered to the last team who would act as mercenaries. Cally grinned, bouncing up and down, dragging Moegi along with her. Cloud nodded, determined to win this. Certainly very good grades were in store for the winners. Rouge and Ghara exchanged looks, looking forward to a good fight. Rojo patted Rye's head, glad to be fighting more with his trusted pet, even though he was getting closer with his teammates.
"Acting as Mercenaries," Magenta's eyes narrowed slightly. "Team Galena. Now your duties will be to fetch food and water for whichever side you chose."
All of team Galena smiled, nodding to confirm she understood.
Something to read while I work out the particulars :D ENJOY!