A/N Please forgive any mistakes.
Chapter 2
When Rukia woke up, she immediately headed for the shared bathroom in their apartment. Outside, she could hear Senna banging on the door impatiently. "What's going on?" Rukia called out.
Senna's voice came through the door, exasperated. "Tatsuki's taking forever! We thought it'd be better if you and Orihime shared a bathroom since it's closer to your rooms."
Rukia was taken aback; she had only assumed there was one bathroom. Senna pointed down the hall to a door she hadn't noticed before, across from Rukia and Orihime's room. It was almost as if it had appeared overnight. Curiosity piqued, Rukia walked to the door just as Tatsuki and Senna's arguing reached a crescendo. She could already tell those two would unironically become best friends.
When Rukia entered the bathroom, she almost jumped out of her skin at the sight of Orihime's naked body. She quickly averted her eyes, intending to leave, but Orihime stopped her with a warm, friendly voice.
"Rukia, we're roommates and we're both girls. There's no need to be shy. I'm just stepping out of the shower and I have a towel around me."
Rukia glanced up to see Orihime wrapped in a pretty green towel adorned with flowers. Despite herself, Rukia felt a pang of envy. Orihime's curvy figure and radiant smile, paired with her cascading orange-blonde hair, seemed almost ethereal. Rukia couldn't help but feel self-conscious in comparison.
Orihime hugged Rukia cheerfully. "I'm going to get ready now. See you soon!" She exited the bathroom with a bounce in her step.
Rukia took a deep breath and took in the bathroom's new details. It was a midsize space, clean, and surprisingly vibrant with a blend of blues, purples, greens, and oranges. It felt as though it had been designed just for her and Orihime. She turned on the shower and then hurried back to her room to fetch her toothbrush and towel. As she brushed her teeth and hopped into the shower, she found the water lukewarm. Curiosity got the better of her, and she turned the dial to cold. To her astonishment, icicles began forming in her hands as the water chilled further. Her eyes widened in awe as she watched the ice crystals take shape.
She quickly jumped out of the shower, eager to share her discovery with her sister. Then it hit her—Hisana wasn't with her. She sighed deeply and returned to her room, sitting on her neatly made bed. Not wanting to wallow, she reached for her phone and saw a message from her aunt:
'Hi Rukia, my love. I hope you have a fantastic day in your classes!'
The message brought tears to Rukia's eyes. She missed her aunt terribly and wished she could return to the days when they were just considered "weird people" rather than being burdened with their ice woman and fae heritage. She then checked a text from Hisana:
'Hey sis, me and my roommates are heading to breakfast early. Here's my schedule. Send me yours when you can. Love you, and let's make today great.'
Rukia quickly sent her schedule, hoping they would have some classes together. Her heart sank when she saw that she and Hisana had no classes in common. They were twins, yet they were on completely different schedules. Tears began to stream down her face as she felt the weight of the separation.
Her phone buzzed again with a reply from Hisana:
'Damn, it seems the universe is against us today. Don't worry, we can still have lunch and breakfast together. I love you, Rukia. Have a great day, and don't let this get you down. Be brave.'
Unable to hold back any longer, Rukia let her tears flow freely. Feeling vulnerable and childish in her bath towel, she heard a knock on her door. Not wanting to seem rude, she managed to whisper, "Come in." To her surprise, all three of her roommates walked in, their faces full of concern and curiosity.
Orihime immediately ran to Rukia, her eyes filled with concern. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Rukia shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No, it's just... everything is moving too fast," she explained, her voice breaking.
Tatsuki and Senna quickly moved to the bed, their faces etched with worry. "Is it something we did?" Tatsuki asked gently.
Rukia's sobs grew louder. "No, it's not you. I didn't want you to think it was your fault," she cried. "Yesterday, I found out that my sister and I are icewomen with fae blood. We've never been separated before. And now, I'm suddenly thrown into a magical college with all these different creatures. Just the other day, I thought I was human."
Orihime's eyes widened in realization. "That's why you were so confused yesterday."
Tatsuki sighed, shaking her head. "That's rough. And today, we have to meet with our guardians to do the ritual that binds them to us."
"WHAT!" Rukia exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock.
Senna gently placed a hand on Rukia's shoulder. "It's a lot to take in, and I'm sorry you had to go through this so suddenly. Let's do proper introductions. I'm Senna, a dark fae. I have the ability to manipulate shadows and can blend into the darkness, making me nearly invisible. I can also create illusions to confuse and distract others."
Tatsuki snorted, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm Tatsuki, a fire spirit. I control and manipulate fire. I can create flames out of thin air, shape them into various forms, and even use them to fly for short distances. My body temperature is naturally higher, and I can withstand extreme heat without getting burned."
Orihime clapped her hands excitedly. "I'm Orihime Inoue, a healing nymph. I can make potions and heal different types of injuries. My healing abilities extend to both physical wounds and illnesses. I can also sense the emotional state of others and provide comfort and relief through my touch."
Rukia managed a small smile. "Pleased to meet you all. I'm Rukia Sode no. I just recently found out I'm an icewoman and fae, but I don't really know what I can do or what I truly am yet."
The girls all smiled warmly at Rukia. "Let's get dressed," Orihime suggested. "We only have a few minutes until breakfast is over."
Rukia nodded and quickly grabbed a pair of blue shorts and a cute faded ivory shirt with an ice skater on it. She slipped on some pretty white shoes and let her short raven hair fall naturally. She grabbed her backpack, already packed with notebooks, pens, and pencils, and rushed out to meet her roommates. As they walked together, Rukia noticed how their outfits reflected their magical natures. Tatsuki's fiery red and orange attire, Senna's dark and mysterious ensemble, and Orihime's light and airy dress all made sense now. She felt a sense of belonging, even amidst the chaos.
The girls led Rukia to the dining hall, and to say she was amazed was an understatement. Walking through the main building of Karakura College was like stepping into a different world. The college was an architectural marvel, seamlessly blending ancient and modern elements. Its exterior was made of white stone that glistened in the sunlight, adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from magical history. Tall, arched windows allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and welcoming environment.
The entrance hall was grand, with a high ceiling adorned with chandeliers that sparkled like ice crystals. The floor was made of polished marble, cool and smooth underfoot, and the walls were lined with portraits of notable alumni and magical beings. Rukia couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she took in the grandeur of her new surroundings.
As they entered the dining hall, Rukia's amazement only grew. The hall was a large, open space with long tables and benches made of sturdy oak. The ceiling was enchanted to reflect the sky outside, whether it was a sunny day or a starry night. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, with a variety of dishes catering to different magical beings' dietary needs. There were sections for hot meals, salads, desserts, and beverages, all prepared by skilled chefs who used both magical and traditional cooking methods.
Rukia's eyes widened as she caught the scent of her auntie's snowberry pie. The familiar aroma brought back memories of home, and she felt a pang of nostalgia. The girls giggled and nudged her gently. "Hurry, we only have ten minutes until classes start," Orihime urged.
Rukia nodded and made her way to a section labeled "Ice Foods." She was astonished to see that many of the dishes were identical to what her aunt had made for them over the years. They had no idea their aunt was feeding them magical ice foods all along. Rukia grabbed as much as her plate could handle and then joined her roommates, who had a variety of foods on their plates.
As they sat down and ate, Rukia couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. "So, what is this guardian ritual?" she asked, looking at her friends. "And when does it happen?"
Orihime sighed, "Well it's a simple ritual honestly. My mother told me her male guardian was a golem and they are still friends till this day. My mom also told me the ritual was a simple lunch with the male students. If you hadn't noticed there are no males here right now because they are getting talked to by the professors and how the bond is to happen. At lunch the males will join the names on our schedule, the one that says male guardian well there are going to be numbers that represent our apartment and we will sit there then our guardian will come and introduce himself."
Senna rolled her eyes, "The ritual is a magical pack that we do by simply pricking our fingers and shaking their hand."
"It's super stupid and annoying once the handshake is over your senses will heighten and you'll be connected to your guardian. Then we can eat lunch."
Rukia wanted to ask more questions but a loud bell rang signaling classes were starting. Orihime jumped and grabbed Rukia. They had their healing and restoration class with Professor Seriphina. Rukia said her goodbyes to Senna and Tatsuki and grabbed her mint iced tea and gulped it down. Orihime led her down the grand hallway and stopped in front of a large green door. It had cute magical lights adorning it giving an inviting aura. The doors opened automatically revealing high ceilings and large, arched windows that allow natural light to flood the room. The windows offer stunning views of the surrounding enchanted forest, providing a serene backdrop for learning. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings and magical murals that depict scenes from the history of magical beings, adding a sense of wonder and history to the space. The desks and chairs are made of dark, polished wood, smooth to the touch and sturdy. Each desk is equipped with a small drawer for personal items and a built-in inkwell for traditional writing. The chairs are ergonomically designed, with cushioned seats and backs to ensure comfort during long classes. The layout was traditional facing the blackboard.
Rukia noticed lighting in the classrooms is soft and adjustable, with magical lanterns that float above, providing ambient light. These lanterns can change color and intensity based on the time of day and the needs of the lesson. The air is filled with a subtle, calming scent of lavender and fresh pine, creating a relaxing atmosphere conducive to concentration and learning. Orihime smiled and grabbed Rukia's hand and sat in the middle row. She was excited. Rukia saw everyone coming in and sitting in their selected seats. Rukia blushed a bit when she saw the guys come in; she assumed they were late due to the guardian talk. Rukia was amazed with how beautiful and far from normal these students were. Rukia put her backpack under her desk and took her notebooks out.
Rukia saw a tall, elegant woman with golden hair, violet eyes, and an ethereal beauty. She was wearing a beautiful silver robe that seemed to glow with a soft light. Orihime leaned over to Rukia and whispered in a low tone, "That's Professor Seriphina. She is the most compassionate and nurturing teacher and she focuses on healing magic. Her classes teach students how to mend wounds, cure ailments, and restore balance. She has a soothing presence and is always ready to offer comfort and guidance. She is a Sylphara."
Rukia felt a bit scared, but she instantly calmed once she looked the professor in the eyes. Her smile was soothing, and it relaxed Rukia immensely.
"Good morning, class. I am Professor Seriphina, and I will be your healing and restoration professor. A lot of you may not get the hang of everything at first, but please come to me if you feel as if you need extra help. I am here to help you get ready to protect the realms and heal when needed, even if you are not a healing creature. Now, let's get started."
Rukia's eyes widened when she saw the blackboard. The board responded to the instructor's touch and voice commands, allowing them to easily switch between different teaching modes. It could also project holographic images into the room, providing a three-dimensional learning experience. Rukia was absolutely amazed as the board wrote down what the teacher said throughout the lecture and displayed pictures of magical plants as if they were there in the room. Rukia watched as everyone jotted down notes, while she was just staring in awe, trying to wrap her mind around everything.
As class was winding down, Professor Seriphina gave her best smile. "On Wednesday, we will be looking at plants that are deadly with toxins and how they can be used to make a cure of damaged energy. Please, again, reach out to me if you need anything. I will see you all next Wednesday."
Orihime smiled happily. "I am going to pass this class! If you hadn't noticed, being a healing nymph means this is my element. If you fall behind, let me know. I will help you with anything you need."
Rukia smiled and thanked Orihime. They both jumped a bit as they heard the bell ring. It was incredibly loud. Orihime stood up and asked what class Rukia had next. She looked at her schedule and saw she had Professor Aeliana for magical history. Orihime nodded and walked Rukia to her next class, stating that if you had never toured around the college, it could be overwhelming. She also directed Rukia to her other classes, telling her shortcuts and other much-needed information. Before leaving, Orihime gave Rukia her number, telling her to text her whenever she needed. Rukia couldn't help but hug Orihime. She was so happy to have such an awesome and caring roommate.
Rukia looked at the door and saw it was a midnight blue with silver light sparkling around it, resembling the stars. The door automatically opened, and Rukia gripped her bag, trying to calm herself down as she walked into the classroom. She was stunned by how the classroom was identical to her other class, but the lighting was different. It resembled that of a beautiful midnight, and the room even had a moon shining brightly. It was a bit off since it was only 10 in the morning. Rukia settled in the back of the class and got her notebooks out, this time ready to write down notes.
"Good morning, class."
Rukia was astonished by the graceful woman with silver hair that cascaded down her back, sharp green eyes, and a serene demeanor. She was wearing a midnight black robe that shimmered like the moonlight above them. She had a beautiful smile and looked at the students.
"I am Professor Aeliana, and I will be your professor for magical history. Let's get started, shall we?"
Rukia watched as the professor waved her hand, and a book magically appeared on her desk. It flipped to the first chapter.
"Chapter 1 will be on the different realms. So please let me know if you get lost so I can explain better. Don't be shy; there are no stupid questions. I will be allowing breaks in between my lectures for snacks. I know lunch is right after this, so don't snack too hard."
Some of the students chuckled, including Rukia. She had a feeling she was going to like this class. The class went by way too quickly, and before she knew it, the bell rang. It was exactly noon, so Rukia raced to the dining hall. There, she saw numbers on the tables and found the one labeled with a 7. She sat down, and soon after, her roommates joined her. Tatsuki and Senna had irritated looks on their faces, but Orihime wore her usual cheerful smile. They sat down and began to chat while waiting for the other freshmen to join.
"How are classes going?" Rukia asked.
"Got to love Professor Selene and her Lunar Magic and Astrology class," Tatsuki stated.
"You're lucky. I have her tomorrow. Today, I have Professor Eldric for Potions and Alchemy. I hate it! But hey two more classes to go." Senna exclaimed with a groan.
"I love all my classes so far, but it's too bad I have Combat and Defense after lunch," Orihime whined.
Rukia tilted her head. "We only have four classes today?"
Senna nodded. "Yeah, so after this, we'll only have two classes left. Our last class is Combat and Defense, which is a bummer since Orihime, we'll only catch you leaving. That sucks."
Tatsuki sighed. "Yeah, but on Fridays, we have that training day. The school has us go through different realms and help out with little menial tasks like fighting rogue creatures and stuff like that or show them how we would react in a simulation scenario."
Rukia wanted to ask more about that, but a booming voice interrupted her. Everyone turned to see Headmaster Yamamoto standing with the teachers at the entrance of the dining hall.
"Good morning, girls. I assume you all know how the ritual goes, but if you don't, I will explain it. You and your guardian will make a blood pact," Yamamoto announced.
He looked at a serene woman with long, silver hair, pale blue eyes, and a calm presence. She was wearing a robe that shimmered like the night sky. She was beautiful, but then again, all the teachers, both male and female, were beautiful. The woman lifted her hands, and a simple needle, like one used for threading clothes, appeared in front of them.
"Thank you, Selene. Now, the guys will come in and introduce themselves to you. You can tell each other what creature you are or not—see this as a meet and greet. Once you're ready, grab the needle and prick your finger—any finger will do—and then simply do a handshake. Then you can eat," Yamamoto finished.
Rukia looked around and saw her sister Hisana at another table a few rows down. Hisana was wearing a flowing, ice-blue dress that shimmered like frost in the sunlight. Her long hair, a stark contrast to Rukia's short raven locks, was styled in a beautiful high ponytail, cascading down her back like a waterfall of midnight. Rukia wanted to run to her and hug her; she did not want to do this pact. Hisana saw Rukia and smiled, mouthing, "Be calm, you got this." Rukia calmed herself and turned back to Yamamoto. Behind him were the male students, who bustled in and went to their designated tables. Rukia was beyond scared.
A/N Alrighty chapter 2 is done and I hope these two chapters give you a sense of the direction I am going. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and again comment and review tell me what you like and don't like so far. I created some of the characters and hope I did a good job lol. Ooo tell me if there is a creature you want to see in the story. I hope you enjoyed it. This might be my last post for a while since school starts tomorrow but I wanted to post something