Disclaimer: I don't own the Legend of Mana or any other game series.
Stories from Around Fa'Diel: Rachel's School Days (Part 1)
Note: On 1/27/22, I updated Chapter 11 in case anyone missed that. I talked about it in that chapter's author's notes.
Note (4/1/22): I've changed this chapter. I apologize if this trend is annoying, but I care about this story. The changes will be covered in the author's notes.
Day 4: Jinn Day
Rachel stopped screaming midway into the flight, too out of breath to continue. What otherwise would have been a gentle, cooling breeze became a belligerent gale. The wind rustled her clothes and blew her light blue hair into several directions, giving her a terrible case of bedhead.
Rachel made the mistake of looking down as they soared through the clear blue sky. Widened, light green eyes watched hills and rolling plains pass by below, the grass glimmering in the sunlight. The land was completely devoid of any homes or settlements. Intensifying frequency in monster attacks drove more people towards the larger towns with each passing day.
Her heart threatened to leap out of her chest as Rachel took deep calming breaths.
Growing up in Domina under the ever watchful eye of her father barred Rachel from doing many things. One of them was the coming-of-age opportunity to learn the ability of flight. The wings on her back were not simply for decoration. Practicing in secret had allowed Rachel to flutter a few feet off the ground, but the lack of exercise caused her wings to weaken and atrophy.
Rachel glanced over her shoulder at her small, pitiful wings and frowned in remembrance. "Flying is much too dangerous, sweetheart. Daddy wouldn't want you to fall."
She curled her hand into a fist and swallowed thickly, steeling herself and sharpening her gaze at the ground below.
"I'll show him I'm not some delicate little flower," the young woman vowed earnestly. She felt a pang of guilt at leaving her parents behind, but quickly brushed it off. "I'm not some bird to be caged."
Rachel shifted her gaze and saw the city of Geo closing in. "I'll master flight and become a great mage."
Not many details could be made out yet, but it was readily apparent just how vast the city was. It was home to thousands of people.
"I'll show them that I'm a grown woman."
Her sudden air of confidence was shattered when Pelican nosedived towards the city. Rachel immediately started screaming again as the streets approached. In spite of this, she kept her eyes focused on the buildings around her and her new life ahead.
Pelican swooped past the city walls and slowed down just enough to drop Rachel off, albeit away from the Academy.
"Package delivered! Package delivered!" Pelican crowed delightedly. She shot into the great blue yonder once more, ready to take care of more mail.
Passerby barely spared her a glance, their gazes bored and unenthused. Pelican's shenanigans were commonplace in the more populated regions of Fa'Diel barring a few exceptions. Those around her age were too busy looking elsewhere to pay her any mind.
Rachel pulled herself to her feet and fixed her disheveled appearance as best she could. She patted her dress free of dirt and combed her hair down to make herself presentable. A mild blush colored her cheeks out of mortification, but lack of attention to her person made it bearable enough to keep ahold of herself.
She schooled her expression back to her regular, stoic visage. It was a skill she mastered while growing up in Domina, only weakened by her father's overbearing presence or her mother's lack thereof.
"Excuse me, but are you Rachel?"
She turned around and was greeted by a young, elven woman. Yellow eyes sparkled at her from beneath hot pink hair. The student wore a purple and white mage robe that was accentuated by a green sash and cloak.
"Yes," Rachel answered curtly.
"Great! My name is Tao," she said in a friendly manner. "I was sent to guide you around the Academy and help you get settled in."
"…Thanks." She found herself mildly disturbed by Tao's energy.
"Don't mention it. Now, come on. The Academy's this way."
Rachel followed her at a sedate pace while making sure too much distance didn't build up between them.
"Fresh fruit! Get your fresh fruit here!" One merchant called.
"Top quality meat here!"
"Affordable potions for sale!"
The rush of noise startled Rachel and caused her to take stock of her surroundings.
Tao led her into an outdoor mall where traders and vendors of all kinds hawked their wares. Bare-chested men wearing white turbans and open vests sat in sweltering stalls set up on either side of the street. Thick tarp covers shielded their skin against the sun and ice crystals kept their bodies cool.
Women brazenly bore their voluptuous bodies in belly dancer outfits, no doubt netting them greater profit. Bountiful breasts bounced bewitchingly as they danced in place and swayed their hips from side to side. Masculine eyes lingered on their forms hungrily. The translucent veils covering their mouths did nothing but add to the enchantress' mystique, fanning the flames of lust even higher.
Guards stood around the market to keep the peace. Their eyes passed over the thirsty patrons for any signs of trouble. Some were placed there by the city whereas others were hired on by specific sellers.
Members of other races exhibited the same line of thought, particularly a male Bangaa who basked in the sun's heat. His muscular, orange-scaled physique was prominently displayed for all to see. A light coating of oil made his form shimmer brilliantly. The bold fellow winked at the women who met his eyes, making them giggle or snort in amusement. His lower half was covered by baggy white pants to hold a certain level of decorum.
There were many upperclassmen in the area from either gender.
If asked, they'd give the excuse they were keeping the younger students away or simply shopping for supplies. In some cases that was true, but Rachel and Tao could practically see their hormones dancing as they saw the students feasting upon the eye candy. Rachel didn't comment and Tao shook her head at the silliness of her classmates.
A deep growl suddenly rose from Rachel's stomach as a melting pot of aromas assaulted her senses. In her haste, she forgot to eat breakfast that morning.
Archways between the stalls led to a variety of shops and restaurants, specializing in any number of things ranging from weapons to instruments and a veritable mix of Arabic and other cuisine. Cumin and the lemony scent of sumac teased her nose and beat back the heavy, floral perfumes several merchants were selling.
The Arabian influence wasn't limited to dining and dress.
Rising over the rooftops, the spires of a massive palace could be seen. Golden, onion domes crowned the top of each white tower. In the bazaar, a boarded up shop sat near the dead center. The building's design had a giant, pink turban around the entrance. A large blue jewel rested in the center of the headwear.
Tao laughed. "Hungry, huh? We can stop somewhere if you want."
"I'm fine," Rachel responded. The chaos of the marketplace quashed her appetite. "Let's just go to the Academy."
If Tao was upset by her attitude, she didn't show it. The elf guided her up the street to the school and kept her sunny disposition.
Tall statues stood to either side of the Academy's front gate: a blue dragon to the left and an orange Tyrannosaurus Rex-like dinosaur to the right. The dragon was positioned in flight with its mighty wings spread open, ready to fly down and scoop up its prey. Long, sharp teeth poked out of the sides of the dinosaur's mouth, its eyes leering down hungrily.
Beyond this point, healthy green lawns framed the pathway leading up to the entrance building. Water fountains and shady trees provided relaxing spots for students to meet up and study. Square pillars stood on each side of the main entrance doors. Statues of the Black Mage from the Final Fantasy series sat atop them, complete with blue wizard robes and yellow, pointed hats.
The courtyard was entirely empty at the present hour.
"The students are probably in class."
Her suspicions were shortly thereafter confirmed when a bell chimed which signaled the start of the school day.
Rachel and Tao entered the building and stepped up to the front desk where a woman was busy taking notes.
Brown hair framed the face of the older, bespectacled beauty whose hair was done up in a bun atop her head. Longs legs were clothed by a black skirt that traveled down to below her knees. She wore a green formal coat. Part of an orange vest and white, high-collared blouse poked out from beneath her coat and a pin sat over her right breast.
Rachel coughed to get her attention, but wasn't loud enough to drag her from her work. She tried once more, this time a little louder, and yet again, she failed. Rachel's shoulders slumped in exasperation and her expression grew a touch annoyed. Tao giggled good-naturedly.
"Ms. Emilia gets really focused when she's working," Tao stated from experience. She created a bubble in her hand and popped it.
Rachel wondered how long it would take her to learn that as Emilia blinked and noticed the younger girls.
"Oh, hello there," Emilia said warmly.
"Hello, Ms. Emilia," Tao replied with a bright smile. Rachel simply nodded. "I was tasked with leading a new student around."
Rachel handed Emilia a form. "A friend of mine registered me here."
Emilia accepted the sheet and read it over. "Oh yes, Duelle. He had nothing but good things to say about you, Ms. Rachel." The corners of Rachel's mouth curled into a faint smile. "Welcome to the Academy of Magic, pride of Geo!" She spoke animatedly. "Allow me to give you a brief tour."
As Emilia stepped out from behind the front desk, a commotion headed their way from down the hall. Two small, purple-haired children were being escorted off the premises, their shoulders in the firm grip of their upper classmen. Large ears and the same blue eyes made it readily obvious they were twins.
"Hey! Let us go!" Bud fought futilely against the hold on him. His sister, Lisa, remained quiet, her eyes downcast. "We didn't do anything!"
The older student scoffed. "I wouldn't call breaking into Professor Thesenis' office and releasing one of her experiments 'nothing.'" His quirked brow bespoke surprise that they dared to do so. "What did you think would happen?"
"Bud's never been one to think ahead," a 7-year old boy stated derisively. The green-haired student wore the blue school uniform for younger students, opposite of the sage for girls. "Shouldn't you have watched him more closely, Lisa?" He shot her a cruel smirk.
"Shut up, Turmeric!"
"Why aren't you in class?" The senior student asked in annoyance. Though he was assigned to help vacate the twins from the Academy, he harbored no ill-will against them. "Perhaps you'd like to be a test subject. I heard that Professor Kisling is looking for victims—I mean volunteers."
Turmeric paled and rapidly shook his head. "No thanks. I'm going to class now." He ran off lest the older student made good on his threat.
"Is this situation normal?" Rachel inquired, mildly concerned.
"Under these circumstances, I'm afraid so," Emilia replied. The older woman watched the twins disappear out the front doors worriedly. "Such actions can result in permanent expulsion."
"You don't really think they did it do you, Ms. Emilia?" Tao asked.
Emilia shook her head. "No, but it's above my authority. Principal Mephianse has the final say."
Doubt crept into Rachel's heart. This school was meant to be her ticket to freedom, but witnessing two 7-year olds being kicked out, even for a supposedly serious crime, made her rethink things. "I'll have to stay on guard."
Emilia and Tao's disagreement with the headmaster's decision did little to ease her fear of being sent home. "Other members of faculty might feel the same," Rachel thought, endeavoring to learn more about the school. "I'll need to visit the library later."
"Please, follow me," Emilia said.
Rachel and Tao were led down the hallway from which Bud and Lisa appeared. The trio passed by many classrooms on their tour, discussions on subjects ranging from enchanting to alchemy drifting out of doorways. The faint smell of chalk and erasers conjured images of happier times.
"The first two weeks of schooling are orientation," Emilia started. "During this time, you may go anywhere on campus to decide what your major will be. Outside of classes, all students live in the dormitories at the west end of campus."
"Is there not a set curriculum?" Rachel asked.
Emilia handed her a blue binder. "For the younger years, the Academy strives to give them a solid foundation in magic prior to actual spellcasting. This is supplemented by lessons in the core subjects of math, language, history, science, and reading. Other courses, such as music, art, and physical fitness, are also given as requirements."
Emilia's heels click-clacked against the tiled floor as Rachel opened the binder. "Being an older student, you are permitted to visit the different classrooms and speak with the teachers and trainees there to decide your course catalogue."
Her major was something she hadn't given much thought as of yet. She was entirely too focused on escaping. "I've read that the Academy offers more than just magic classes for older students."
"That's correct. Down here on the first floor, we have classes on blacksmithing and appraisal. You can find other subjects across the campus. Up on the second floor, there are available study halls where you can read and speak with fellow students."
Inside of the orientation packet, Rachel found a map of the campus. A list of classes was organized based on subject, grade level, and prerequisites and names of faculty members, teachers, and their office locations were given. There was even a page on general information such as a brief history of the school and how it was founded.
"Do you have any other questions?" Emilia asked kindly. Rachel stayed quiet. "If you think of anything else, then please feel free to look through your binder or see me at the front desk. You may also consult with your fellow classmates. I trust you will become a fine student at our Academy!"
Emilia left to attend to her duties and Rachel walked over to the nearest wall and rested her back against it to avoid future foot traffic. "Maybe I should just go to the dorms. I need to make sure my things are here."
"Know of any classes that interest you yet?" Tao asked politely.
Rachel briefly stared at her before perusing the packet in-depth. Certain classes were already highlighted in yellow.
BCON-101-01: Basic Conjuration: Professor Nunuzac
BOT-101-01: Botany I: Professor Kurosuke
MBIO-101-01: Monster Biology I: Doctor Alphys
MCOOK-101-01: Magic Cooking I: Professor Ivory
HEAL-101-01: First Aid: Professor Aria
MAG-101-01: Introduction to Magic: Professor Nestor
PNT-101-01: Painting I: Professor Gildas
WHIST-101-01: World History: Professor Ava
BTMG-101-01: Battle Magic I: Professor Kathinja
A note was tucked into the binder surreptitiously between two pages. Opening it revealed a message from Duelle. There was even a small drawing of his head next to it.
"I know it might be scary. I was scared myself when I started adventuring all those years ago. But I believe in you, Rachel. You're a smart girl and I know you'll do well out there."
His written words strengthened her spirit. Rachel opened the binder enough for Tao to see the highlighted classes.
"…What do you think of these?" Rachel asked, gauging her response.
Tao looked at the ones she pointed out with a critical eye. "Those are some good choices. How skilled are you at magic?"
"I know a few minor spells such as [Heat] and [Shower] and I can cast [Cure], but I'm not that good at it yet."
"I'd definitely pick Introduction to Magic. Professor Nestor would be a good teacher for you," Tao commented helpfully. She hummed as she looked back over the list. "I'd avoid Battle Magic for now. Everything else sounds good, but it'd be a heavy workload."
"I didn't get the chance to look before I got here," Rachel muttered.
"We can walk around and I'll show you the classes. I know some of those teachers aren't busy right now."
"…Sure. Are any of them somewhere quiet?"
"Professor Kurosuke should be in the gardens now. Follow me," Tao said.
The pair exited the back of the building and a tree-lined path brought them to an expansive courtyard. A three-tiered pool sat at its center, ringed by a circular grass lawn with wooden benches set up for seating. Beyond the grass, there lie a ring made of stones. They were arranged to create a compass rose with the capitalized letters for the four directions placed on the ground in their proper spots.
On the water's surface, blown glass spheres of every color of the rainbow floated on the lower two tiers. None were a solid color and done in different designs with some featuring spots and others having rounded stripes or merging hues. Eight lights flew and swirled about like mischievous fae at the top level. They were representative of the main elements and their forms and colors corresponded directly to them such as a small fireball for Salamander.
They danced around a central point which served to act as a [Nexus of Mana].
Other trees stood tall around the courtyard and various flora such as hydrangeas and roses stood in front of the bordering buildings, making the place seem like less of a school and more a botanical garden.
The buildings were also constructed in an English style with a touch of Gothic. The dark exteriors of certain buildings enhanced the arcane touch of their surroundings.
"You can do it every one! Only 10 more laps!" A masculine voice announced cheerfully. It was immediately followed by a series of audible groans and muffled complaints.
Tao's eyes widened in alarm and she tugged hurriedly on Rachel's sleeve. "Come on," she whispered fearfully. "We have to hide."
Rachel stared at her in silence for but a moment, inwardly cringing at being touched. The boisterous crows of the older man were quick to overcome her displeasure and she allowed herself to be pulled behind one of the nearby trees. They hid themselves just in the nick of time when a rather joyous fellow made his appearance.
He was Kenji, the Physical Education teacher.
A short head of brown hair sat over high cheekbones and a happy smile, refreshed from the exhilaration of exercise. His eyes were closed, yet he could still see like certain other people. He wore a sleeveless, white tank top, green track pants, and sweat bands on his wrists and tennis shoes which had matching colors. A silver whistle hung around his neck.
Behind him, there lie a trail of older students who shambled along like zombies, their clothes utterly soaked in sweat. They walked along sluggishly and prayed this torture would soon end. Others were bent over in exhaustion with their hands on their knees and trying hard to catch their breath. Some even collapsed onto the floor or the nearest bench, too tired to go any farther.
"Coach!" One of the students weakly rasped. "Can we please stop? We can't do anymore."
"Come on! Straighten up!" Kenji replied, seeing his improper posture. Rachel glared at Kenji in familiarity. She found the man's personality too close to her father's and would now actively avoid him.
"W-Water…," Another student croaked desperately.
"Water?" Kenji parroted. "There's no water here! You can have some if you go to the Cafeteria."
"C-café…," Many of the students collectively droned, too tired to speak the full word.
"You lot are pooped already! I've got just the thing to get you in tip-top shape when we get to [Wisp Hall]. We can start by running there. Get your feet moving! Don't fall behind!" Kenji performed a few quick stretches and took off running while the students all cried out in precious alleviation.
Tao tugged on Rachel's sleeve once more. "We should get moving in case he comes back."
Rachel continued to glower in the direction Kenji ran off as Tao practically dragged her across campus to the gardens.
Within the next 10 minutes, the pair arrived at a tall, black steel gate whose sides were swung ajar. A massive building stood beyond it with the words [Dryad's Sanctum] engraved into stone over the entrance. Plants of all kinds dotted the area around the property and small, woodland critters frolicked about without a care in the world.
Entering the Sanctum was like entering a whole new world.
Exotic and dangerous plants of all kinds could be found here. A giant Venus Fly Trap big enough to devour a person waved at them upon entry. Yellow angel's trumpets, a plant whose pollen can induce hallucinations in small doses and death in larger, hung from above away from them. Rachel and Tao's noses wrinkled and they both grimaced when they passed a large red Rafflesia, a plant that stank of rotting meat.
Paths and other safety measures were set up to prevent students and visitors from getting too close to certain plants and hurting themselves. Indeed, the path on which they walked led them through the safer areas of the gardens until they came upon a small clearing where they found Professor Kurosuke pouring himself a cup of tea.
The Lupin was 7 feet tall with black fur and yellow eyes. He wore a combined set of baggy white pants and an open green vest that showed off his defined musculature.
"Well met," Kurosuke said softly. He held a blue teapot in his paw. "Would either of you care for a cup of jasmine tea?"
Tao blushed at his voice, finding it smooth and refined. Rachel simply stood there and took in his form. She had never seen one of his race before and her exposure to boys was nonexistent.
"…Okay," Rachel answered.
Kurosuke poured the sweet-smelling liquid into two other cups beside his own. Rachel drew the conclusion that he was expecting them since no one else was around. She accepted the tea and enjoyed the subtle, floral taste, but maintained her blank façade.
Tao took her own cup self-consciously and slowly drank the tea to hide her face from him.
Kurosuke set the tea pot down and sat in a nearby chair. He gestured to two other seats for them to do the same. Tao took a seat awkwardly and almost spilled some of her tea. Jennifer's etiquette lessons wouldn't permit Rachel to do the same and the 16-year old sat with a poise more commonly seen in arrogant aristocrats.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rachel," he said. "Duelle informed me of your predicament."
"Does everyone here know him?" Rachel inquired in a mildly rude manner.
"No, although a fair few of us are familiar with him. He's given lectures here in the past on how one should handle themselves while out in the field and combat advice," Kurosuke responded, not at all bothered by Rachel's attitude. "It's helped dissuade some of the more foolhardy students from getting themselves killed."
"Is it okay for me to be here?" Tao asked, sensing a potentially personal conversation approaching.
"I don't care," Rachel replied. She shifted her gaze back to the wolf. "How much did Duelle tell you?"
"Nothing too deep, I assure you, but he raised concern about your wings."
"Is there anything that can be done?" She asked hopefully. The name drop awarded her some trust in this stranger.
Kurosuke nodded. "Certainly. We've actually already started your healing regimen." He raised his cup. "This isn't ordinary jasmine tea. I also added a few [Diceberry] leaves and some powdered [Citrisquid] to start the process."
"How long will it take before I can fly?" "You could have told me what was in it first." Rachel was familiar with these pieces of produce and their restorative properties. She'd read about them in secret from books Duelle and Teapo snuck to her.
"It's not an instant effect and your recovery will take time," Kurosuke responded. "You would need to see Professor Aria to assess the full extent of the damage if you're so inclined. Her elvish nature has allowed her more time to master the healing arts."
Tao nodded in agreement. "She's also a nice teacher and the subject of many school crushes."
"She does have a certain grace to her," Kurosuke stated. "But getting back to the heart of the matter, I told Duelle I would watch over you while you're here.
"I don't need a babysitter," Rachel snapped, assuming he'd be hovering over her shoulder every second.
"That's not my intent," he replied calmly. "Duelle simply asked some of us to help ease your transition from home to school life and make sure you're comfortable here." His ear twitched when he heard someone open the door to the gardens and he looked at Tao. "Would you mind going to see who that is?"
"Sure thing, professor," Tao said. She rose to her feet and swiftly downed the rest of her tea. The elf shot Rachel a smirk and looked between her and Kurosuke in amusement. The underlying meaning of her expression flew completely over Rachel's head as she stared at Tao in confusion. "Professor Aria isn't the only one with admirers. Many girls will be jealous if they saw this."
She watched the elf's form disappear beyond the flora and looked at the professor who finished his own cup.
"Are there any classes that interest you yet?"
Rachel opened her orientation binder and hesitantly sat next to Kurosuke. He would go on to give her a greater explanation of each class she pointed to, including what the teachers were like and what comprised the course material. They sat there for over an hour ironing out Rachel's preferences while Tao distracted any visitors from bothering them.
Over the two weeks of orientation, Kurosuke would accompany Rachel to many professor meetings and act as her school guardian. Of course, the girl herself didn't go out of her way to truly befriend anyone, an issue slowly being remedied by her roommates.
Bud and Lisa
"Let it go, Bud," Lisa said. She kept her hand on her father's broom as the two stood outside the Academy next to their few belongings.
"Let it go!" Bud parroted incredulously. "But we didn't do anything! You know how creepy that lady is."
"There's nothing we can do about it. It's Douglas' word against ours."
"That no good, scummy jerk." Bud stomped his foot childishly. "We'll get him back someday."
"I'm worried what's going to happen to us." Lisa touched her jacket pocket where Ms. Emilia's note resided. She'd been told to wait outside for a specific teacher to stop by and to hand the note to that person.
"You two kids doing all right?"
A female Nu Mou walked up to the siblings. Soft purple eyes stared at them in a mellow manner and her easygoing smile and relaxed posture radiated chill vibes. She wore a hooded, red wizard robe, leaving only her head, hands, and large ears exposed. Her attire complemented her light brown fur and purple hair and was fitting for her pleasantly plump figure, a trait not uncommon amongst her species.
"Professor Ivory!" Lisa exclaimed happily. "What are you doing here?"
"Heard you little dudes found yourselves in hot water," she responded. "Thought I'd come check up on you."
Bud had never had Ms. Ivory as a teacher, but she was one of Lisa's favorites. She was the first teacher Lisa was taught by at the Academy after their parent's deaths and her easygoing nature provided comfort to the distressed daughter. Lisa took to her lessons like a duck to water and gained a much more solid control of her magic. She repeated these lessons and shared whatever she learned with Bud, her brother doing the same with his own classes.
"That creep Doug got us thrown out," Bud said. He smacked his mother's magical frying pan into his hand irritably.
"Easy there, little wiz. I know you two didn't break in," Ivory stated. The twins' eyes widened and they looked at her in surprise.
"Really?" Rachel asked in disbelief. No one else seemed to believe their innocence.
"Douglas' magical signature was all over the door. It wasn't that hard to miss."
"Then why are we being kicked out?" Bud asked.
"Mephianse…dude's got issues," Ivory spoke slowly. "Douglas doesn't have the skill to break into a professor's office either."
Neither of the children knew what she was referring to.
"Do you two have anywhere to crash?"
"We're waiting for a ride to Norwich," Lisa answered. "Professor Nunuzac and Doctor Alphys set up temporary housing for us." She reached into her pocket and handed her the note. "Ms. Emilia said to give this to you."
Ivory unfolded the note and read its contents. "I see," she said, her eyes flicking to Bud's shadow. "Did she say anything else?"
"No, ma'am," Lisa replied respectfully.
A scroll and quill suddenly popped into existence from thin air and started writing down a message.
"Cool!" Bud beamed. "How'd you do that?"
"Practice." Ivory smiled softly at his youthful exuberance. She rolled the parchment up and floated it to the pair. "When you arrive in Norwich, seek out a woman named Oulan. She'll help you get settled in." She then handed Bud a tome. "Take this, little dude. It'll help you out in the future."
Bud read the front cover of the black book: "Delving into Darkness" by Clive Rivers.
"Awesome!" He exclaimed. "Thanks a lot, teach." The young boy was immensely grateful for pretty much anything pertaining to magic.
The creaking of a wheel caught the group's attention and a caravan pulled up in front of the school. A large Vanu Vanu, a bird-like race, stepped off the transport and looked down at them. His body was completely covered in feathers and he towered over them like a great colossus.
"Hey, Terry," Ivory said.
"Ms. Ivory." He nodded and shifted his gaze. "Are you two Bud and Lisa?"
The twins nodded in stupefaction. His race was entirely foreign to them.
Without saying a word, the avian bent down and picked up their stuff with zero effort. He loaded the luggage onto the top of the caravan and opened the door for them to step inside.
"You don't need to worry about Terry," Ivory said calmly, seeing their hesitance. "He's a good guy."
The pair looked at her and gave the Academy a final dejected glance before stepping into the wagon. Bud stopped for a moment to admire the green-scaled Kirin that were pulling the caravan and reached his hand out to touch one. Lisa grabbed the back of his robe and yanked hard to prevent him from causing another scene.
Bud shot her an annoyed look, but Lisa simply gestured to the wagon and they both climbed inside as the Kirin snorted. Smoke came out of its nostrils.
"Goodbye, Ms. Ivory!" Lisa waved out the window as the caravan travelled away. Bud's head was buried deep into his new book. Ivory waved back.
"You kids stay safe out there."
She stood there until the wagon disappeared and she turned away to enter the school.
"Should go see what's actually going on."
Elsewhere…
Day 6: Undine Day
Koroku
"I've got you now," the unkempt butcher declared triumphantly. The evil grin on his face and bloodied apron gave him the appearance of a serial killer. He held a meat cleaver in his right hand and raised it slowly as he breathed heavily in anticipation. White teeth shone through his black, scraggly beard as he went to enact his revenge.
Koroku hunkered down at the end of the alleyway and shook fearfully with his paws over his head. There was no escape in sight. Food was difficult to come by for the Shiba Inu and the delicious smell of porterhouse steak was just too tempting to resist.
"You touch one hair on that dog's head and I'll rip yours off."
Author's Notes: Here's the first of the Side Stories. Well, technically it's a side story. I thought about adding more to Rachel's section and have her talk with some of the professors, but it didn't feel right at this time. I'm going to add more chapters like this in the future with different characters. I enjoy seeing viewpoints other than Sean's.
I'm going to try to avoid doing too much. There will be more characters added from different games further down the line, but the stories of their games will not follow them. No main characters such as Cloud Strife or Serge from Chrono Cross will appear in this story. Pretty much all of them will be characters who aren't the focus. Those who may have been given only a few lines of dialogue. I may also incorporate some of their game mechanics.
For those not familiar with the different fandoms, here's a list of where the characters I'm crossing over come from. Anyone not listed here is from the Legend of Mana or an OC.
Final Fantasy 5: Magissa and Forza
Final Fantasy 6: Shadow and Interceptor
Final Fantasy 8: Biggs and Wedge
Undertale: Alphys
Spyro the Dragon: Nestor, Gildas
Okage Shadow King: Gutten Kisling
Suikoden 2: Gengen, Leona, Mazus, Oulan
Suikoden 3: Emily, Juan, Koroku, Fubar, Kathy, Barts, Muto
Animal Crossing: Tara Nook (Genderbent Tom Nook)
Moss: Quill
Feda: The Emblem of Justice: Aria
Horizon Zero Dawn: Nil
Armello: Scarlet, Zosha
Shining Force: Khris, Amon, Balbaroy
Mappy: Stewart Mappy (He won't have a large role.)
Update (4/1/22): The previous sections with Amon and Balbaroy and Nil will still take place in the story, but they'll be moved to a different chapter so that the Side Story can focus more on Rachel. I also added more information to her section and moved the Boyd, Duelle, and Schierke sections to Chapter 12. The Bud and Lisa and Koroku sections stayed pretty much the same. Chapter 12 is going to be out soon.
Please leave a review.