I wrote most of this about two years ago and whil digging though a bunch of stuff I found it and redid some of it and expanded on it. I hope you like.
Here is a glossery of tems to help you so you won't be as confused.
The Tower Corporation – a privately owned corporation. Teaches combat arts including; all forms of hand to hand combat, weapons training, weapon skills, espionage, and tactics. There are thirteen levels of The Tower and each one teaches a new skill.
Level I – Identifying Weapons
Level II – Armor
Level III – Caring & Cleaning Weapons & Armor
Level IV – Conditioning & Simple Hand-to-hand Combat
Level V – Weapon Techniques & Training
Level VI – Specialized Hand-to-hand Combat
Level VII – Specialized Projectile & Automated Weapons
Level VIII – Specialized Staff & Staves
Level IX – Specialized Improvisation & Alternative Weapons
Level X – Specialized Daggers & Short Swords
Level XI – Specialized Swords
Level XII – Espionage, Tactics, & Strategies
Level XIII – Battle Training
Private schools – All schools jointly owned by the Government and The Tower.
The Director – The head of The Tower Corporation a.k.a. Matthias.
Master/Offical- Any person that has fully completed a level before moving up to the next.
Guards/High Official – Any person in The Tower that is level 8 -10.
Guardians/High Official – Any person in The Tower that is level 11 -13.
Co-Director – The Director’s heir (like a monarchy). Unknown to all this position is already filled.
Challenge – To control fights in The Tower, Challenge was started. It takes place June 1st through the 21st. You cannot undergo more than three Challenges, nor can you Challenge someone more then three levels higher or lower than yourself. How you do in Challenge determines how far you level up. You don’t have to win a Challenge to go up a level, but it is preferred.
Craft - What magic is called.
The Craft Guild - A guild that teaches Craft and is jointly owned by The Tower Corp. Uses a system of Jewels to seperate rank inside each Level.
Level I – White, Yellow & Tigers Eye
Level II – Rose, Summer Sky & Purple Dusk
Level III – Opal/Blood Opal
Level IV – Green & Sapphire
Level V – Red, Gray & Ebon-Gray
Level VI – Black & Ebony
The Grandmaster – The strongest and most powerful person in the Craft Guild, also the head of the Craft Guild. This position is held by Matthias.
The Phoenix – An ancient magical being that used to be a sorcereress. When it died it was so powerful it could transcend death, but was too weak to be immortal. To live it undergoes a series of incarnations.
The Tower Chronicles
-
celestereed
Chapter 1
Looking at my blaring alarm clock, its glowing red numbers showing 6:00AM. "Damnit to hell and back! Only two hours of sleep again." I whined. Pulling the covers up to go back to sleep just as my roommate yells,
"Get your ass out of bed Amy or you're going to be late!"
I groaned a reply before she dragged me out of bed "Kim, you know I don't get any sleep."
"It's not my fault you were up 'til all hours of the night."
"Alright I get the point I'm up, I'm up.” Getting out of bed, I got in the shower to finish what the alarm started. I put on my favorite outfit; black pants with a silver studded belt, matching heeled boots, a crimson almost blood-red t-shirt and over it all a calf length black trench coat. After I brushed my teeth and put on my make-up I looked at myself in the mirror; long straight black hair with platinum highlights and matching outfit I thought, I hope this works out it's only my senior year how much could happen.
Gathering my duffel bag and purse I walked downstairs, hmm what car to take... Oh right I have to take Kim as well until her car gets fixed so mustang it is. After putting my duffel bag in the trunk, I went back to the house and stuck my head in the door yelling “Kimberly, if you don't get down here I'm going to leave without you, then who will be late!"
Hearing clomping and shuffling on the stairs then,
"I'm coming, I'm coming. For waking up late you sure do get ready fast."
"I always do, I also drive fast, so lets go." I said impatiently.
"Try not to kill me this time, I would like to get to school in one piece." Kim said paranoidly.
Getting in the car and driving to class on campus downtown was relatively uneventful aside from the speed. After parking we got out and as we were walking, "So what classes do you have this year Amy?"
Pulling out my schedule, "It's different then I thought it would be but I think I'll like my classes."
"Oh right I forgot that you transferred from a normal school, sorry go ahead."
"Yeah as normal as a high school can get anyway; English 4, Government/Economics, AP Chemistry... nice" I said happily, maybe too happily for my sake.
"You better not do any thing in there" Kim said sternly
"Ummm I wonder..." I said underbreath.
"What did you say!?"
"Nothing you're hearing things Kim, lets see what else do I have... Ancient Egyptian Studies, Comp. Tech 2, Weapons Training, and huh..."
"and what Amy?" said Kim wondering.
"I don't know" I replied confused.
"Well let me see if I can figure it out.” handing my schedule over to Kim she then said; "I don't even know what this is; it just says Assistant and Fieldhouse, I don't even know where the field house is."
"Like I do? Well I'll just ask the office or something. So when's lunch?"
"Seniors have C-lunch from 11:50 - 12:50 so we have an hour for lunch."
"Wow that long at least I don't have a zero-hour. So what classes do you have?"
Watching Kim fumble around looking for her schedule waiting, "Aha here it is...I've got Latin 3, Gov/Eco, Design, Comp. Tech, Weapons Training, Espionage, and an off-period. Well at least we have Government/Eco and lunch together. Where is your locker do you know?"
"Yeah it's in E-Hall, where's yours at?"
"Mines in D-Hall nowhere near any of my classes. Well see ya in second period."
"See ya." I said as we walked our separate ways.
Walking to my locker I see a bunch of students right in front of it, "Hey that's my locker could you move please." watching them scramble out of the way. Opening my locker and grabbing my books At least I put my books in here last week when I got my books. Well let’s see I only need to come here after AP Chem. and Comp. tech. GONG! My thoughts were interrupted by the bell ringing to go to class. "Crap that's the bell, oh well it's just upstairs."
Looking at my blaring alarm clock, its glowing red numbers showing 6:00AM. "Damnit to hell and back! Only two hours of sleep again." I whined. Pulling the covers up to go back to sleep just as my roommate yells,
"Get your ass out of bed Amy or you're going to be late!"
I groaned a reply before she dragged me out of bed "Kim, you know I don't get any sleep."
"It's not my fault you were up 'til all hours of the night."
"Alright I get the point I'm up, I'm up.” Getting out of bed, I got in the shower to finish what the alarm started. I put on my favorite outfit; black pants with a silver studded belt, matching heeled boots, a crimson almost blood-red t-shirt and over it all a calf length black trench coat. After I brushed my teeth and put on my make-up I looked at myself in the mirror; long straight black hair with platinum highlights and matching outfit I thought, I hope this works out it's only my senior year how much could happen.
Gathering my duffel bag and purse I walked downstairs, hmm what car to take... Oh right I have to take Kim as well until her car gets fixed so mustang it is. After putting my duffel bag in the trunk, I went back to the house and stuck my head in the door yelling “Kimberly, if you don't get down here I'm going to leave without you, then who will be late!"
Hearing clomping and shuffling on the stairs then,
"I'm coming, I'm coming. For waking up late you sure do get ready fast."
"I always do, I also drive fast, so lets go." I said impatiently.
"Try not to kill me this time, I would like to get to school in one piece." Kim said paranoidly.
Getting in the car and driving to class on campus downtown was relatively uneventful aside from the speed. After parking we got out and as we were walking, "So what classes do you have this year Amy?"
Pulling out my schedule, "It's different then I thought it would be but I think I'll like my classes."
"Oh right I forgot that you transferred from a normal school, sorry go ahead."
"Yeah as normal as a high school can get anyway; English 4, Government/Economics, AP Chemistry... nice" I said happily, maybe too happily for my sake.
"You better not do any thing in there" Kim said sternly
"Ummm I wonder..." I said underbreath.
"What did you say!?"
"Nothing you're hearing things Kim, lets see what else do I have... Ancient Egyptian Studies, Comp. Tech 2, Weapons Training, and huh..."
"and what Amy?" said Kim wondering.
"I don't know" I replied confused.
"Well let me see if I can figure it out.” handing my schedule over to Kim she then said; "I don't even know what this is; it just says Assistant and Fieldhouse, I don't even know where the field house is."
"Like I do? Well I'll just ask the office or something. So when's lunch?"
"Seniors have C-lunch from 11:50 - 12:50 so we have an hour for lunch."
"Wow that long at least I don't have a zero-hour. So what classes do you have?"
Watching Kim fumble around looking for her schedule waiting, "Aha here it is...I've got Latin 3, Gov/Eco, Design, Comp. Tech, Weapons Training, Espionage, and an off-period. Well at least we have Government/Eco and lunch together. Where is your locker do you know?"
"Yeah it's in E-Hall, where's yours at?"
"Mines in D-Hall nowhere near any of my classes. Well see ya in second period."
"See ya." I said as we walked our separate ways.
Walking to my locker I see a bunch of students right in front of it, "Hey that's my locker could you move please." watching them scramble out of the way. Opening my locker and grabbing my books At least I put my books in here last week when I got my books. Well let’s see I only need to come here after AP Chem. and Comp. tech. GONG! My thoughts were interrupted by the bell ringing to go to class. "Crap that's the bell, oh well it's just upstairs."
Last edited by celestereed on Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
Airen
-
celestereed
Here is the second chapter I hope you like it as much as you liked the first, also from here on out the chapters get longer.
Chapter 2
As I walked upstairs I wondered what my classes were going to be like. Getting in class a few minutes early I chose a seat in the back and waited until the bell rang. When the teacher walked in she immediately started talking "I'm Ms. Hamilton and I see that some of you still have backpacks, unless you have a pass starting next week you will leave them in your lockers..." If she thinks I'm leaving this in my locker she's crazy I thought as she continued to rant on her policies and the dress code. "There will be no short skirts, shorts, midriffs, tank tops or any other inappropriate clothing. Weapons are not to be drawn in class or the hallways if you do so you will receive an automatic Saturday detention starting at 8:00 in the morning. Outside of that just do your work, come to class and you will pass. We will be filling out information packets this week," she said as she passed them out, "Here is today’s packet. Take it home and get it signed by you parent or legal guardian and bring it back tomorrow." Oh Great I raised my hand and “Ms. Hamilton."
“Yes?"
"I'm emancipated, I don't live with my parents or guardian, and I’m on my own."
"Alright, what's your name? I'll make a note of it."
"My name's Amelia Reed, but I go by Amy." as I said that it went completely silent and everyone just stared at me. Ms. Hamilton paled and I could almost hear her think as she watched me.
"...Just fill it out and turn it in that's all I can think of."
It only took me twenty minutes to completely fill out the packet. As I turned it in it went quiet once more. As I walked back to my seat an idea popped in my head, I wonder if this is about what happened over the summer or....if that got out... I'm really going to have to talk to Matthias. Damnit if I do that I'll miss lunch oh well I'll just write a note to Kim.
Hey Kim,
So what is going on? How's Latin class? I hope you don't get Ms. Hamilton for English she's really....odd. Let’s change the subject. I think everyone is scared of me, something happened in class when I said my name. I hope it's not about what happened last year. I'm going to try to find out. I'm going to call Matt, so don't try to find me. Sorry I'm going to miss lunch, I'll make it up to you by going off campus for lunch sometime.
Amy
Folding the note and gathering my stuff to wait for the bell to ring. Bored out of my mind the bell rang 15 minutes later.
Walking to my Government class I waited outside for Kim. We sat next t each other in the middle of the room and as we were waiting I handed her the note. While she read it and I'm waiting I looked around. Posters from previous classes and of random things hung all over the walls, I guess this is a pretty cool class and teacher if they have this much stuff. As the bell rang the teacher walked in and introduced herself as Mrs. Hense “I hope you like this class because you need it to graduate. I'm not that strict and I've been called funny on several occasions. I don't care that much about dress code so if you're caught it's not my fault. As long as you stay on task and do your work I don't care. All I have for you is an information packet to fill out and turn in. Also on a separate sheet of paper I would like you to write your name, age, how long you've been in The Tower and what level you are currently at, that's all." she said as she passed out papers. "So what happened in English, Amy?" Kim asked.
“As soon as I said my name everyone went silent as they just stared at me, it was creepy. And Ms. Hamilton’s reaction wasn't any better."
"Whoa, I mean I expected something like murmuring or gossip but what your saying sounds like downright fear." Kim admited.
"Don't Kim its bad enough being here and everyone knowing who I am, now this. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, Kim" I said doubting.
"Now come on, the classes are better and you can't back down. That would be like telling your dad who you are." She said reasuring me.
"Awww heck. No way am I doing that. What do you think I am, suicidal? Let's change the subject ok" I said with a horrified look on my face.
"Alright. I don't mind you missing lunch but where are you going to call Matt. I mean you can't let everyone know that you’re on a first name basis with HIM."
"Yeah, like they don't know who HE is Kim, real smooth. I don't know, if I could get on the roof it wouldn't be too bad, I guess as long as I don't get caught. So how was your first class.?
"Not bad met some new people that I was going to sit with at lunch. Maybe we can all go off campus on Friday."
"Okay, I need to meet new people anyway."
As we talked about random things we filled out the packet and waited for the bell to ring. When it did we gathered our stuff and walked out the door then Kim said, "Don't do anything in Chemistry got it."
" I won't, we're probably not doing anything anyway."
" I know but don't do anything."
" Alright mother."
" AMELIA!"
" What I was joking." I said as I laughed.
Going downstairs to the A.P Chemistry lab, I realized that this would be my hardest class. I grabbed a stool and sat at the lab table closest to the front of the room. Kim would be so proud of me for sitting in the front up close to the teacher so I wouldn't be tempted to do anything, I thought. There weren't that many people in the room only two to three per lab table. When the bell rang there were two people sitting with me.
" Hi, I'm Amy." I said smiling to the other girl.
" I'm Kristen; we have the same Government class. Hey Aaron... don't mind him he's always reading." she said in reference to the guy sitting next to her.
"It's alright I know how it is I like to read as well."
"Oh really." he said as he finally looked up from his book.
" Yes, so what are you reading?"
" Oh, nothing much." As he showed me the cover which had a wizard fighting a dragon to save a village in the background.
While we were talking, the teacher had walked in. “Alright settle down, put all your books and bags under the table and take out paper and a pen."
As we did that we were all curious as to what he was doing.
"I'm Mr. Mechem. I expect that since you are all in an A.P. Chemistry course that you will not misbehave. That means no weapons, horseplay, or fighting of any kind will be tolerated."
As he talked, he went around taking beakers, dishes, substances and several other things, and putting them on the main lab table.
“As a clue this is like homeroom and announcements will be during the last five minutes of class, so you will not have any info sheets in here but you will have them in all your other classes. I will not enforce the dress code on non-lab days. On lab days though you will not wear, baggy clothes, open-toed shoes, long sleeved shirts and if you have long hair you will pull it up or back. I will let you know a week an advance of when we will be having a lab, and we should be doing a lab every two weeks or so. Well that’s all mostly. Now pay attention. I want you to write down what substances I show you and its properties. In addition, what substances I mix or burn and what their reactions are. This is an overview of what we will be doing in this course all year."
The rest of the class was spent taking notes and watching Mr. Mechem. When the bell rang, I got my stuff said bye to Kristen and Aaron.
Chapter 2
As I walked upstairs I wondered what my classes were going to be like. Getting in class a few minutes early I chose a seat in the back and waited until the bell rang. When the teacher walked in she immediately started talking "I'm Ms. Hamilton and I see that some of you still have backpacks, unless you have a pass starting next week you will leave them in your lockers..." If she thinks I'm leaving this in my locker she's crazy I thought as she continued to rant on her policies and the dress code. "There will be no short skirts, shorts, midriffs, tank tops or any other inappropriate clothing. Weapons are not to be drawn in class or the hallways if you do so you will receive an automatic Saturday detention starting at 8:00 in the morning. Outside of that just do your work, come to class and you will pass. We will be filling out information packets this week," she said as she passed them out, "Here is today’s packet. Take it home and get it signed by you parent or legal guardian and bring it back tomorrow." Oh Great I raised my hand and “Ms. Hamilton."
“Yes?"
"I'm emancipated, I don't live with my parents or guardian, and I’m on my own."
"Alright, what's your name? I'll make a note of it."
"My name's Amelia Reed, but I go by Amy." as I said that it went completely silent and everyone just stared at me. Ms. Hamilton paled and I could almost hear her think as she watched me.
"...Just fill it out and turn it in that's all I can think of."
It only took me twenty minutes to completely fill out the packet. As I turned it in it went quiet once more. As I walked back to my seat an idea popped in my head, I wonder if this is about what happened over the summer or....if that got out... I'm really going to have to talk to Matthias. Damnit if I do that I'll miss lunch oh well I'll just write a note to Kim.
Hey Kim,
So what is going on? How's Latin class? I hope you don't get Ms. Hamilton for English she's really....odd. Let’s change the subject. I think everyone is scared of me, something happened in class when I said my name. I hope it's not about what happened last year. I'm going to try to find out. I'm going to call Matt, so don't try to find me. Sorry I'm going to miss lunch, I'll make it up to you by going off campus for lunch sometime.
Amy
Folding the note and gathering my stuff to wait for the bell to ring. Bored out of my mind the bell rang 15 minutes later.
Walking to my Government class I waited outside for Kim. We sat next t each other in the middle of the room and as we were waiting I handed her the note. While she read it and I'm waiting I looked around. Posters from previous classes and of random things hung all over the walls, I guess this is a pretty cool class and teacher if they have this much stuff. As the bell rang the teacher walked in and introduced herself as Mrs. Hense “I hope you like this class because you need it to graduate. I'm not that strict and I've been called funny on several occasions. I don't care that much about dress code so if you're caught it's not my fault. As long as you stay on task and do your work I don't care. All I have for you is an information packet to fill out and turn in. Also on a separate sheet of paper I would like you to write your name, age, how long you've been in The Tower and what level you are currently at, that's all." she said as she passed out papers. "So what happened in English, Amy?" Kim asked.
“As soon as I said my name everyone went silent as they just stared at me, it was creepy. And Ms. Hamilton’s reaction wasn't any better."
"Whoa, I mean I expected something like murmuring or gossip but what your saying sounds like downright fear." Kim admited.
"Don't Kim its bad enough being here and everyone knowing who I am, now this. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, Kim" I said doubting.
"Now come on, the classes are better and you can't back down. That would be like telling your dad who you are." She said reasuring me.
"Awww heck. No way am I doing that. What do you think I am, suicidal? Let's change the subject ok" I said with a horrified look on my face.
"Alright. I don't mind you missing lunch but where are you going to call Matt. I mean you can't let everyone know that you’re on a first name basis with HIM."
"Yeah, like they don't know who HE is Kim, real smooth. I don't know, if I could get on the roof it wouldn't be too bad, I guess as long as I don't get caught. So how was your first class.?
"Not bad met some new people that I was going to sit with at lunch. Maybe we can all go off campus on Friday."
"Okay, I need to meet new people anyway."
As we talked about random things we filled out the packet and waited for the bell to ring. When it did we gathered our stuff and walked out the door then Kim said, "Don't do anything in Chemistry got it."
" I won't, we're probably not doing anything anyway."
" I know but don't do anything."
" Alright mother."
" AMELIA!"
" What I was joking." I said as I laughed.
Going downstairs to the A.P Chemistry lab, I realized that this would be my hardest class. I grabbed a stool and sat at the lab table closest to the front of the room. Kim would be so proud of me for sitting in the front up close to the teacher so I wouldn't be tempted to do anything, I thought. There weren't that many people in the room only two to three per lab table. When the bell rang there were two people sitting with me.
" Hi, I'm Amy." I said smiling to the other girl.
" I'm Kristen; we have the same Government class. Hey Aaron... don't mind him he's always reading." she said in reference to the guy sitting next to her.
"It's alright I know how it is I like to read as well."
"Oh really." he said as he finally looked up from his book.
" Yes, so what are you reading?"
" Oh, nothing much." As he showed me the cover which had a wizard fighting a dragon to save a village in the background.
While we were talking, the teacher had walked in. “Alright settle down, put all your books and bags under the table and take out paper and a pen."
As we did that we were all curious as to what he was doing.
"I'm Mr. Mechem. I expect that since you are all in an A.P. Chemistry course that you will not misbehave. That means no weapons, horseplay, or fighting of any kind will be tolerated."
As he talked, he went around taking beakers, dishes, substances and several other things, and putting them on the main lab table.
“As a clue this is like homeroom and announcements will be during the last five minutes of class, so you will not have any info sheets in here but you will have them in all your other classes. I will not enforce the dress code on non-lab days. On lab days though you will not wear, baggy clothes, open-toed shoes, long sleeved shirts and if you have long hair you will pull it up or back. I will let you know a week an advance of when we will be having a lab, and we should be doing a lab every two weeks or so. Well that’s all mostly. Now pay attention. I want you to write down what substances I show you and its properties. In addition, what substances I mix or burn and what their reactions are. This is an overview of what we will be doing in this course all year."
The rest of the class was spent taking notes and watching Mr. Mechem. When the bell rang, I got my stuff said bye to Kristen and Aaron.
-
celestereed
Ok here is chapter 3, there is a catch though because of the fact that it's so long (Almost 5 pages long in Word), it will be in two or more parts.
so here is part one.
Chapter 3
I walked to my locker and switched my books out for my Ancient Egyptian Studies course. As I walked to class, I thought I actually might know more about this subject then the teacher, well I won't scare her if I do. Just means I have another blow off course. I sat in the back next to the door and waited, looking for my Egyptian spiral as I remembered that I left it in my room. "Damnit to Hell and back!" I whispered, I didn't want to use Craft on the first day, oh well. I thought as I called it in to my binder. Pulling it out I was reviewing it out of boredom.
The teacher, who was sitting behind her desk, began to introduce herself as soon as the bell rang, startling me out of my reverie. "I'm Ms. Evie, for those of you who are wondering, yes that is my first name I prefer it to my last name. I have an information packet the school wants you to fill out and turn in tomorrow. I also have a paper I would like you to fill out for me; I would like to know more about you. If you have traveled if so where to, if you can speak another language and what level you are in The Tower." If I wrote down all the languages I can speak it would be a page long, so I'll be as brief and annoyingly short as possible. After getting the packet and paper I filled out the school one first and finished barely ten minutes later. On the paper I simply wrote my name, that I was a Master level 12 Guardian, had traveled a lot in the U.S. and Greece and Egypt. Also that I spoke several languages including Latin, Greek, Egyptian and Russian. In all it barely made a paragraph and I hope I startled her. Turning in both papers I went back to my desk and started back where I had left off in my spiral.
When the bell rang Ms. Evie asked to see me, "Yes?"
"I'm assuming that you were the one to use Craft at the beginning of the class."
Startled,” Yes, I forgot something at home; I thought I covered that though?"
" You did."
" Then how...?"
" I can detect Craft when it's used. You have the highest level of Craft I've seen in a while, I almost didn't feel it."
" Thank you for the compliment I think."
" I saw that you speak Egyptian?"
“That’s a hobby; I speak several others including Spanish, Italian, German, and Arabic as well. To the unasked question I have a thing for languages and Craft helps too." I told her.
Astonished she asked, “Why are you in this class?"
I thought on that for a moment then I said the simplest thing that came to mind, “I have nothing better to do and I need this class for college."
Speechless Ms. Evie just stared at me. "May I go now?" As she nodded I left.
Going upstairs wandering the halls I found the roof access door. I hope no ones up here. I thought as I picked the lock and went up a short flight of stairs. I cleared a space next to a vent and sat down. Clearing my mind and concentrating on what I had to do. All at once I could hear thousands upon thousands of voices in my mind. Focusing on a single thought I narrowed down the voices. Now instead of hearing mindless babble I heard the thoughts of fear I had before been seeing on the faces of students and teachers alike; and what I heard scared myself. I don't remember this and it was my fight. I was the one to defeat the previous Co-Director! Why don't I remember this!?
Seriously confused I shut down the connection and reached out to contact Matthias telepathically.
'What is it Amy?'
'I have a question, but first let me explain something first.' I told him what had happened and what I had found out.
'Is it true? Did that happen during my Challenge with Kagato; and how come I'm the only one that doesn't remember?'
'I think this is a conversation done better in person, and no don't just pop in here; I don't think you have the time. We can talk this afternoon.'
'Thank you Matthias. I just want to find out what is going on. Thanks for helping me.'
'Why shouldn't I? You are my next Co-Director Amy, even if it isn't official. It's my decision to choose who my second in command is.'
'I know Director. Thank you.'
’You’re welcome, goodbye.' He said ending the conversation.
I hope this isn't too serious I thought worriedly.
Opening my eyes and blinking quickly because of the bright sun, I got up and went back inside locking the door behind me. Looking around, Good no one saw me.
so here is part one.
Chapter 3
I walked to my locker and switched my books out for my Ancient Egyptian Studies course. As I walked to class, I thought I actually might know more about this subject then the teacher, well I won't scare her if I do. Just means I have another blow off course. I sat in the back next to the door and waited, looking for my Egyptian spiral as I remembered that I left it in my room. "Damnit to Hell and back!" I whispered, I didn't want to use Craft on the first day, oh well. I thought as I called it in to my binder. Pulling it out I was reviewing it out of boredom.
The teacher, who was sitting behind her desk, began to introduce herself as soon as the bell rang, startling me out of my reverie. "I'm Ms. Evie, for those of you who are wondering, yes that is my first name I prefer it to my last name. I have an information packet the school wants you to fill out and turn in tomorrow. I also have a paper I would like you to fill out for me; I would like to know more about you. If you have traveled if so where to, if you can speak another language and what level you are in The Tower." If I wrote down all the languages I can speak it would be a page long, so I'll be as brief and annoyingly short as possible. After getting the packet and paper I filled out the school one first and finished barely ten minutes later. On the paper I simply wrote my name, that I was a Master level 12 Guardian, had traveled a lot in the U.S. and Greece and Egypt. Also that I spoke several languages including Latin, Greek, Egyptian and Russian. In all it barely made a paragraph and I hope I startled her. Turning in both papers I went back to my desk and started back where I had left off in my spiral.
When the bell rang Ms. Evie asked to see me, "Yes?"
"I'm assuming that you were the one to use Craft at the beginning of the class."
Startled,” Yes, I forgot something at home; I thought I covered that though?"
" You did."
" Then how...?"
" I can detect Craft when it's used. You have the highest level of Craft I've seen in a while, I almost didn't feel it."
" Thank you for the compliment I think."
" I saw that you speak Egyptian?"
“That’s a hobby; I speak several others including Spanish, Italian, German, and Arabic as well. To the unasked question I have a thing for languages and Craft helps too." I told her.
Astonished she asked, “Why are you in this class?"
I thought on that for a moment then I said the simplest thing that came to mind, “I have nothing better to do and I need this class for college."
Speechless Ms. Evie just stared at me. "May I go now?" As she nodded I left.
Going upstairs wandering the halls I found the roof access door. I hope no ones up here. I thought as I picked the lock and went up a short flight of stairs. I cleared a space next to a vent and sat down. Clearing my mind and concentrating on what I had to do. All at once I could hear thousands upon thousands of voices in my mind. Focusing on a single thought I narrowed down the voices. Now instead of hearing mindless babble I heard the thoughts of fear I had before been seeing on the faces of students and teachers alike; and what I heard scared myself. I don't remember this and it was my fight. I was the one to defeat the previous Co-Director! Why don't I remember this!?
Seriously confused I shut down the connection and reached out to contact Matthias telepathically.
'What is it Amy?'
'I have a question, but first let me explain something first.' I told him what had happened and what I had found out.
'Is it true? Did that happen during my Challenge with Kagato; and how come I'm the only one that doesn't remember?'
'I think this is a conversation done better in person, and no don't just pop in here; I don't think you have the time. We can talk this afternoon.'
'Thank you Matthias. I just want to find out what is going on. Thanks for helping me.'
'Why shouldn't I? You are my next Co-Director Amy, even if it isn't official. It's my decision to choose who my second in command is.'
'I know Director. Thank you.'
’You’re welcome, goodbye.' He said ending the conversation.
I hope this isn't too serious I thought worriedly.
Opening my eyes and blinking quickly because of the bright sun, I got up and went back inside locking the door behind me. Looking around, Good no one saw me.
-
celestereed
And here is part two of chapter 3.
Looking at the clock I saw that I sill had twenty-five minutes of lunch left. Heading downstairs to the cafeteria, I bought my lunch, found Kim and sat down to eat.
"Hey you showed up, guess it didn't take as long as you thought, Amy,” said Kim surprised.
"No it didn't but I have a meeting with Matthias this afternoon otherwise it would have."
“Wow. Alright let me introduce you to my friends from first period." Kim said looking at the other four people at the table.
"This is Kristopher, Nikolas, Sarah and Anthony."
"Hey I'm Amy Kim's best friend."
Kristopher and Nikolas both had fair skin and black hair but where Kris' was short Nikolas' was long, in all they were a type of opposites. Kris wore white while Nikolas wore black; it was creepy because they looked like identical twins. Sarah was tall, had bright blue eyes and long blonde hair, but you could tell she didn't fit the stereotype of blondes. There was an aura around her that said, be careful I can fight. Anthony on the other hand was carefree but still imposing, tall with long red hair and striking green eyes.
“You’re in The Tower right?" Sarah asked.
" Yeah, I thought that was a requirement to go to this school."
" Not really. So what level are you?"
I glanced at Kim who shrugged at me, "I'm a Master level 12 Guardian. I'll move up to level 13 when I turn 18 in February. Why?"
Seeing the stunned looks on all of their faces Kim and I burst out laughing.
"You're not even 18 and you're that high up, that's unheard of." Sarah said.
"If you think that's unheard of wait till you hear the whole story." this from Kim, while I gave her one of my famous 'Death Glares'
"What, there's more?" Nikolas said incredulously.
"Yes. When I was 13 my Craft manifested and I had to join. I had tried to join before but my parents wouldn't let me luckily when that happened I was with my older sister and she snuck me in and signed the forms for me."
Again they all had stunned looks on all their faces.
"What!" they all said at the same time, then Anthony said, "You've been in The Tower five years and you're a Master level 12 Guardian. How did you do that?"
" I passed the entrance exam with flying colors and I started at level four not levels two or three like normal. Then last year my mother found out and helped me get emancipated and I moved out when I was 16. If my father had found out first I would have been disowned, so this way he doesn't know and I'm free."
"Your father would have disowned you for being in The Tower? That's a little harsh." Nikolas said.
"Yeah well that's military punishment for you."
" What?" said Anthony.
"My father worked in the Air Force so he was real strict. Let's change the subject please. Is anyone else in The Tower?"
Sarah replied, “I am; I've been in since I was six years old. Both my parents and my older sister are in The Tower. I'm a Master level 10 Guard."
"Cool, anyone else in, not just us girls is it?" I said smiling.
" No, I'm a Master level 11 Guardian, I've been in since I was nine." said Anthony.
Kristopher then said, " We're not in The Tower but we both have Craft." referring to both him and his brother.
"So what are all of your classes?" Asked Sarah, changing the subject. Everyone pulls out his or her schedules to compare. Looking over I see that I have Computer Tech 2 and Advanced Gym with Sarah and English 4 and Advanced Gym with Anthony.
" Hey Anthony why weren't you in English this morning?"
" Call me Red everyone else does. I had to give my shot record to the nurse before I got my schedule and there was a huge line."
"Oh well I hope you don't mind having an.... odd English teacher with me."
" Odd as in crazy or odd as in mean?"
" I think a little of both."
" Oh great, why do I always get the bad English teachers." he whined.
" You're not the only one." Kim and I said at the same time. I let Kim explain.
" We both had bad English teachers most of high school and we went to different schools until now. So we both know how you feel."
As the bell rang we said our goodbyes and walked our separate ways, at least most of us did.
" Hey Sarah since we have the same class why don't we walk together."
" Ok makes since to me." she said.
" Hey, Amy, Sarah, wait."
Turning towards the voice I replied "What, Red?"
“Could you wait for me after class? We all have Gym together so I'll walk with you, if you want."
" Alright, well see you later Red."
As we're walking off Sarah said, “I think he likes you Amy."
"Oh great." I said sarcastically.
"Why, he's a nice guy, I've had him in a few of my classes before, but whatever."
Walking in class we sat together so we could help each other out. As the bell rang and Mr. Anderson walked in, " So Amy you're here, couldn't get enough of my class at The Tower or what?"
" I'm only here because of boredom, you know that Mr. Anderson. You said the same thing to me of why you keep teaching. “I replied smartly making the entire class laugh. Filling out information sheets and permission forms was all we had to do and Mr. Anderson let us have the rest of the class to ourselves. He came over to me and timed me as I tried to break his record of hacking into the school mainframe.
" Done." I said.
" Three minutes forty-nine seconds, a full twenty-one seconds faster then my record. I'm impressed."
" Wicked, that's the fastest I've done it outside a Tower building."
" You beat your personal best time?"
" Yeah, it's easier then trying to get in from an outside source because you don't have the extra firewalls and encryptions blocking the way. Awww I just realized something, that means they didn't update the system mainframe programs yet. Damnit that means I'll have to do this again when they do, oh well more fun later." I said disappointed.
" How did you do that?! Were you taught or something?" asked another student.
" Yes, I was taught, but so is everyone else in The Tower if you get to the right level."
"Cool, I can't wait until I can do that!" he said.
"Okay, everyone settle down back to your seats and turn off your computer the bell is going to be ringing soon."
Of course right after he says that the bell rings making everyone scramble to turn off the computers and grab their stuff to rush out the door. Turning off the computer in front of me I grabbed my stuff and waited outside the door for Sarah and Anthony.
"So how was your class?” he said walking up to us.
" Not bad. I broke Mr. Anderson's record of hacking into the school system, so nothing much. I hope you don't mind if I stop by my locker to put my books in and grab my duffle bag."
“I don't mind." They both said at the same time laughing.
Sarah asked, “Where is your locker?"
" It's in E-hall next to the band hall."
" Oh wait that's on the other side of school as gym, will we make it on time?"
" We'll be fine we have..." looking at a clock, " eight minutes before we're late."
" Whatever." Sarah said ending the argument.
Looking at the clock I saw that I sill had twenty-five minutes of lunch left. Heading downstairs to the cafeteria, I bought my lunch, found Kim and sat down to eat.
"Hey you showed up, guess it didn't take as long as you thought, Amy,” said Kim surprised.
"No it didn't but I have a meeting with Matthias this afternoon otherwise it would have."
“Wow. Alright let me introduce you to my friends from first period." Kim said looking at the other four people at the table.
"This is Kristopher, Nikolas, Sarah and Anthony."
"Hey I'm Amy Kim's best friend."
Kristopher and Nikolas both had fair skin and black hair but where Kris' was short Nikolas' was long, in all they were a type of opposites. Kris wore white while Nikolas wore black; it was creepy because they looked like identical twins. Sarah was tall, had bright blue eyes and long blonde hair, but you could tell she didn't fit the stereotype of blondes. There was an aura around her that said, be careful I can fight. Anthony on the other hand was carefree but still imposing, tall with long red hair and striking green eyes.
“You’re in The Tower right?" Sarah asked.
" Yeah, I thought that was a requirement to go to this school."
" Not really. So what level are you?"
I glanced at Kim who shrugged at me, "I'm a Master level 12 Guardian. I'll move up to level 13 when I turn 18 in February. Why?"
Seeing the stunned looks on all of their faces Kim and I burst out laughing.
"You're not even 18 and you're that high up, that's unheard of." Sarah said.
"If you think that's unheard of wait till you hear the whole story." this from Kim, while I gave her one of my famous 'Death Glares'
"What, there's more?" Nikolas said incredulously.
"Yes. When I was 13 my Craft manifested and I had to join. I had tried to join before but my parents wouldn't let me luckily when that happened I was with my older sister and she snuck me in and signed the forms for me."
Again they all had stunned looks on all their faces.
"What!" they all said at the same time, then Anthony said, "You've been in The Tower five years and you're a Master level 12 Guardian. How did you do that?"
" I passed the entrance exam with flying colors and I started at level four not levels two or three like normal. Then last year my mother found out and helped me get emancipated and I moved out when I was 16. If my father had found out first I would have been disowned, so this way he doesn't know and I'm free."
"Your father would have disowned you for being in The Tower? That's a little harsh." Nikolas said.
"Yeah well that's military punishment for you."
" What?" said Anthony.
"My father worked in the Air Force so he was real strict. Let's change the subject please. Is anyone else in The Tower?"
Sarah replied, “I am; I've been in since I was six years old. Both my parents and my older sister are in The Tower. I'm a Master level 10 Guard."
"Cool, anyone else in, not just us girls is it?" I said smiling.
" No, I'm a Master level 11 Guardian, I've been in since I was nine." said Anthony.
Kristopher then said, " We're not in The Tower but we both have Craft." referring to both him and his brother.
"So what are all of your classes?" Asked Sarah, changing the subject. Everyone pulls out his or her schedules to compare. Looking over I see that I have Computer Tech 2 and Advanced Gym with Sarah and English 4 and Advanced Gym with Anthony.
" Hey Anthony why weren't you in English this morning?"
" Call me Red everyone else does. I had to give my shot record to the nurse before I got my schedule and there was a huge line."
"Oh well I hope you don't mind having an.... odd English teacher with me."
" Odd as in crazy or odd as in mean?"
" I think a little of both."
" Oh great, why do I always get the bad English teachers." he whined.
" You're not the only one." Kim and I said at the same time. I let Kim explain.
" We both had bad English teachers most of high school and we went to different schools until now. So we both know how you feel."
As the bell rang we said our goodbyes and walked our separate ways, at least most of us did.
" Hey Sarah since we have the same class why don't we walk together."
" Ok makes since to me." she said.
" Hey, Amy, Sarah, wait."
Turning towards the voice I replied "What, Red?"
“Could you wait for me after class? We all have Gym together so I'll walk with you, if you want."
" Alright, well see you later Red."
As we're walking off Sarah said, “I think he likes you Amy."
"Oh great." I said sarcastically.
"Why, he's a nice guy, I've had him in a few of my classes before, but whatever."
Walking in class we sat together so we could help each other out. As the bell rang and Mr. Anderson walked in, " So Amy you're here, couldn't get enough of my class at The Tower or what?"
" I'm only here because of boredom, you know that Mr. Anderson. You said the same thing to me of why you keep teaching. “I replied smartly making the entire class laugh. Filling out information sheets and permission forms was all we had to do and Mr. Anderson let us have the rest of the class to ourselves. He came over to me and timed me as I tried to break his record of hacking into the school mainframe.
" Done." I said.
" Three minutes forty-nine seconds, a full twenty-one seconds faster then my record. I'm impressed."
" Wicked, that's the fastest I've done it outside a Tower building."
" You beat your personal best time?"
" Yeah, it's easier then trying to get in from an outside source because you don't have the extra firewalls and encryptions blocking the way. Awww I just realized something, that means they didn't update the system mainframe programs yet. Damnit that means I'll have to do this again when they do, oh well more fun later." I said disappointed.
" How did you do that?! Were you taught or something?" asked another student.
" Yes, I was taught, but so is everyone else in The Tower if you get to the right level."
"Cool, I can't wait until I can do that!" he said.
"Okay, everyone settle down back to your seats and turn off your computer the bell is going to be ringing soon."
Of course right after he says that the bell rings making everyone scramble to turn off the computers and grab their stuff to rush out the door. Turning off the computer in front of me I grabbed my stuff and waited outside the door for Sarah and Anthony.
"So how was your class?” he said walking up to us.
" Not bad. I broke Mr. Anderson's record of hacking into the school system, so nothing much. I hope you don't mind if I stop by my locker to put my books in and grab my duffle bag."
“I don't mind." They both said at the same time laughing.
Sarah asked, “Where is your locker?"
" It's in E-hall next to the band hall."
" Oh wait that's on the other side of school as gym, will we make it on time?"
" We'll be fine we have..." looking at a clock, " eight minutes before we're late."
" Whatever." Sarah said ending the argument.
-
celestereed
Sorry it took me a while I had to re-edit it. Again I have to put it in two parts.
Chapter 4 part 1
Opening my locker I put my books in, grabbed my duffle bag and slammed it shut turning the lock. "Ok let's go." I said walking out the back entrance by the band hall. "See this is quicker because you don't have to fight students or hallways to get to class on time."
"Cool, I forgot about this." said Sarah.
"Since I'm new here, when I got my schedule and books, I wandered around trying to find my classes and I found some good shortcuts."
"Nice. So what's in the duffle bag?" Sarah asked.
"Here, hold it." I said smiling.
Taking it she almost dropped it, "What the.... What's in this thing? And how can you carry it so easily?"
"I'm used to carrying it so to me it's not heavy anymore. As to what's in it, just my weapons and training stuff I keep with me at all times. This way I don't have to call stuff in from The Tower."
As we walked in the Gym and sat on the bleachers with everyone else, Anthony asked, "So what kind of weapons do you keep in there?"
Opening it up, "Let's see... I have my three piece staff, both of my gauntlets, a pair of stilettos, some daggers, a couple of swords, and my scimitar... that's all." I said closing the bag back up.
"THAT'S ALL!" they both said at the same time. "You carry around an arsenal in a bag and you say 'that's all'!" Anthony finished.
"Considering that I have three more bags like this at home and entire arsenal at The Tower, this is nothing so yeah that's all." I said to their stunned faces and grinned back at them. When the teacher walked in I saw that it was Jason, a Master level 11 Guardian. "Alright settle down. Okay I have two aides in here, let's see..." he said looking at a roll sheet, "Sarah Moore and Anthony Keese would you please come here you are my new aides." Staring jealously at them, " You... all you have to do is show up and you pass you little..."
"Sorry we didn't know so it's not our fault." said Anthony as they went down to Jason.
"I'm the Advanced Gym teacher, but this class is also called Advanced Weapons Training. You can call me Coach or Jason so take your pick. The only reason you are in this class is because you are in or over level nine, if there is a mistake and you are not supposed to be here see me after class. I need you to fill out a few forms and get them signed and returned as soon as possible so we can start class." Giving a stack to each Sarah and Anthony to pass out while he checked roll. Then he took two students to his office and came right back.
"Amelia Reed, could you come here I would like your help with a demonstration." he said while walking towards us.
Oh great here we go again, I thought as I grabbed my duffle bag and walked down the bleachers to the stunned looks of everyone including Sarah and Anthony, so they didn't figure out who I was, this will be fun.
"So Jason, what weapon; staff, daggers, or swords?"
"Why not combat?"
"This is an advanced 'Weapons' class, Jason."
"Right, well do you have your katana?"
"Do I leave home without it?" I replied smartly.
"No; we'll use those then." he said.
As he got his katana I took off my coat and pulled my hair into a bun so that it wouldn't get in the way. Thinking of something I asked Jason, "So just weapons or can we use Craft as well?"
"No Craft, that's a different class."
"Ok, I hope you don't need me for a demonstration in there 'cause I don't have an off period and I'm not skipping class the first week."
"You don't have to; I have Rick in that class." he replied.
"Oh I feel sorry for you and whoever he gets paired up with."
Ignoring my comment he spoke to the class, "Alright I'm going to give you a demonstration on what you should be able to do at the end of the year, so pay attention."
Speaking telepathically to me he said, 'Amy go easy on me, I still have to teach tomorrow.' I replied the same way reassuring him.
' I know I'll treat this as a sparring match and we'll guard our blades so we don't accidentally do something.'
'Good idea.', then he said out loud, "Let's get started."
I stood near the corner facing Jason calmly. As he drew his sword I took my stance; one hand one the hilt of my sword the other on the scabbard and stood at an angle watching him, waiting for the sign that he would strike. There.
His legs tensed and he flew at me, drawing my sword in a blink of an eye, I swung. There was a sharp metallic sound as our swords met and there was a collective gasp form the class as it happened. Breaking apart he tried to go for my left leg, jumping aside I tried for his sword arm, again ending up in the classic X parry. This time he shoved me back and as I recovered he aimed a slash at my chest; a blow that since our swords were guarded would have knocked me out, had it hit. Swinging my sword in a backwards grip I managed to not only block but push him off balance as well.
"Stop fooling around Amy. We might as well unguard our swords it just jars us instead of being a smooth strike."
"Alright but I'm warning you, so you asked for it."
Unguarding our swords we again took our stances this time with my sword drawn. Circling each other we struck at the same time, and continued as such for around ten minutes. Breaking off we instantly attacked again, me at his torso and he at my sword arm. I blocked and twisted my blade causing him to lose his grip on it and tried to strike again. He dodged and grabbed his sword in one fluid movement to swing at my legs, while he was still on the ground. I flipped out of the way and we both took a breath to consider our next move. I want to end this quickly if I don't we could be at this until class ends. I hope he doesn't mind, I have to. Stepping back I took the stance that would end it, seeing this Jason took a defensive stance. Resheathing my sword as I faced him I took a deep breath and drew.
When it was over I was behind with my sword at my side and Jason's was broken in two.
"I thought this wasn't a real fight Amy, only a demonstration."
"It was Jason. And I warned you when you said 'stop fooling around' remember. Here let me help you. I didn't hurt you with that last move did I?"
"No. That's a hard maneuver to control how... I'm not going to ask. I don't want to know do I?"
"Nope, but that is my signature move and it was luck to show it here."
" Well wait for me in my office I have to talk to you."
"Ok, do you want me to fix your sword while I wait or not."
"Why not you did break it."
Grabbing my stuff and his sword I walked to his office.
Chapter 4 part 1
Opening my locker I put my books in, grabbed my duffle bag and slammed it shut turning the lock. "Ok let's go." I said walking out the back entrance by the band hall. "See this is quicker because you don't have to fight students or hallways to get to class on time."
"Cool, I forgot about this." said Sarah.
"Since I'm new here, when I got my schedule and books, I wandered around trying to find my classes and I found some good shortcuts."
"Nice. So what's in the duffle bag?" Sarah asked.
"Here, hold it." I said smiling.
Taking it she almost dropped it, "What the.... What's in this thing? And how can you carry it so easily?"
"I'm used to carrying it so to me it's not heavy anymore. As to what's in it, just my weapons and training stuff I keep with me at all times. This way I don't have to call stuff in from The Tower."
As we walked in the Gym and sat on the bleachers with everyone else, Anthony asked, "So what kind of weapons do you keep in there?"
Opening it up, "Let's see... I have my three piece staff, both of my gauntlets, a pair of stilettos, some daggers, a couple of swords, and my scimitar... that's all." I said closing the bag back up.
"THAT'S ALL!" they both said at the same time. "You carry around an arsenal in a bag and you say 'that's all'!" Anthony finished.
"Considering that I have three more bags like this at home and entire arsenal at The Tower, this is nothing so yeah that's all." I said to their stunned faces and grinned back at them. When the teacher walked in I saw that it was Jason, a Master level 11 Guardian. "Alright settle down. Okay I have two aides in here, let's see..." he said looking at a roll sheet, "Sarah Moore and Anthony Keese would you please come here you are my new aides." Staring jealously at them, " You... all you have to do is show up and you pass you little..."
"Sorry we didn't know so it's not our fault." said Anthony as they went down to Jason.
"I'm the Advanced Gym teacher, but this class is also called Advanced Weapons Training. You can call me Coach or Jason so take your pick. The only reason you are in this class is because you are in or over level nine, if there is a mistake and you are not supposed to be here see me after class. I need you to fill out a few forms and get them signed and returned as soon as possible so we can start class." Giving a stack to each Sarah and Anthony to pass out while he checked roll. Then he took two students to his office and came right back.
"Amelia Reed, could you come here I would like your help with a demonstration." he said while walking towards us.
Oh great here we go again, I thought as I grabbed my duffle bag and walked down the bleachers to the stunned looks of everyone including Sarah and Anthony, so they didn't figure out who I was, this will be fun.
"So Jason, what weapon; staff, daggers, or swords?"
"Why not combat?"
"This is an advanced 'Weapons' class, Jason."
"Right, well do you have your katana?"
"Do I leave home without it?" I replied smartly.
"No; we'll use those then." he said.
As he got his katana I took off my coat and pulled my hair into a bun so that it wouldn't get in the way. Thinking of something I asked Jason, "So just weapons or can we use Craft as well?"
"No Craft, that's a different class."
"Ok, I hope you don't need me for a demonstration in there 'cause I don't have an off period and I'm not skipping class the first week."
"You don't have to; I have Rick in that class." he replied.
"Oh I feel sorry for you and whoever he gets paired up with."
Ignoring my comment he spoke to the class, "Alright I'm going to give you a demonstration on what you should be able to do at the end of the year, so pay attention."
Speaking telepathically to me he said, 'Amy go easy on me, I still have to teach tomorrow.' I replied the same way reassuring him.
' I know I'll treat this as a sparring match and we'll guard our blades so we don't accidentally do something.'
'Good idea.', then he said out loud, "Let's get started."
I stood near the corner facing Jason calmly. As he drew his sword I took my stance; one hand one the hilt of my sword the other on the scabbard and stood at an angle watching him, waiting for the sign that he would strike. There.
His legs tensed and he flew at me, drawing my sword in a blink of an eye, I swung. There was a sharp metallic sound as our swords met and there was a collective gasp form the class as it happened. Breaking apart he tried to go for my left leg, jumping aside I tried for his sword arm, again ending up in the classic X parry. This time he shoved me back and as I recovered he aimed a slash at my chest; a blow that since our swords were guarded would have knocked me out, had it hit. Swinging my sword in a backwards grip I managed to not only block but push him off balance as well.
"Stop fooling around Amy. We might as well unguard our swords it just jars us instead of being a smooth strike."
"Alright but I'm warning you, so you asked for it."
Unguarding our swords we again took our stances this time with my sword drawn. Circling each other we struck at the same time, and continued as such for around ten minutes. Breaking off we instantly attacked again, me at his torso and he at my sword arm. I blocked and twisted my blade causing him to lose his grip on it and tried to strike again. He dodged and grabbed his sword in one fluid movement to swing at my legs, while he was still on the ground. I flipped out of the way and we both took a breath to consider our next move. I want to end this quickly if I don't we could be at this until class ends. I hope he doesn't mind, I have to. Stepping back I took the stance that would end it, seeing this Jason took a defensive stance. Resheathing my sword as I faced him I took a deep breath and drew.
When it was over I was behind with my sword at my side and Jason's was broken in two.
"I thought this wasn't a real fight Amy, only a demonstration."
"It was Jason. And I warned you when you said 'stop fooling around' remember. Here let me help you. I didn't hurt you with that last move did I?"
"No. That's a hard maneuver to control how... I'm not going to ask. I don't want to know do I?"
"Nope, but that is my signature move and it was luck to show it here."
" Well wait for me in my office I have to talk to you."
"Ok, do you want me to fix your sword while I wait or not."
"Why not you did break it."
Grabbing my stuff and his sword I walked to his office.
-
celestereed
Chapter 4 part 2
Putting my stuff down, I put his sword on the table in the center of the room. Placing my hands on the break, I closed my eyes and concentrated. As my hands glowed white-hot the blade fused back together flawlessly, another moment and the blade was cool again. Not a mark of what I had done showed on the table.
"Whoa how did you do that!"
Startled I looked up and saw two students, a boy and a girl, sitting down by the far wall. I remembered the same two students that Jason sent in here before the fight but before I could answer Jason walked in.
"I fixed your sword, it shouldn't break again, if it does I'll fix it again." I said handing him the sword.
"I see, but that is not the reason you are here. I got a memo from,"
"From Matthias I'm guessing." I said interrupting him.
"Yes the reason is these two," referring to the other students in the room, "have a strong potential in both Craft and The Tower. We don't have anyone we can spare to train them, so we thought you would be a good choice for them."
"I don't know why. The only time I have to train them would be this class, I have no other free time." I replied.
"That's all we're asking for Amy. So I'll leave you to it."
"Wait where will I be training them?"
"The room next door is open just"
"put up the shields." We finished at the same time.
"I know Jason. I'm not a novice in either Craft or The Tower. Now go on get out of here already." I said shooing him out of the door.
Taking a breath to figure things out, now that I am responsible for them I explained.
"Ok you understand that I will be training you. You can call me Amy or whatever you prefer, I don't mind. I'm kind of new at this teaching thing so you'll have to be patient with me. Also please help me out whenever you can by helping each other out if you don't understand something. I don't have the time to tutor you one on one or outside of class, I'm not saying I can't help you just that I may not be able to all the time. So tell me about yourselves."
The girl spoke up first,” I’m Keri, I'm 15 and a Master level 8 and I have level four Sapphire Jewels in the Craft Guild."
Then the boy and I'm guessing Keri's twin brother said, "I'm Tori, also 15, I'm a level 9 and I have level four Red Jewels in the Craft Guild."
When they finished I told them about myself, "I'm Amy, I'm 17 a Master level 12 Guardian and have level six Black Jewels in the Craft Guild, but you already knew that, didn't you?"
Looking at each other then back at me Tori said, "Yes, the Director said he was considering you for our teacher over the summer when he was teaching us. I noticed that you called him by name, I thought that only the Co-Director could do that."
Crap, How am I going to get out of this one? Oh well he was their teacher so I hope he doesn't mind.
"Unofficially since I defeated the old Co-Director, by the old code I get his status. The Director, Matthias, agrees with this so he appointed me Co-Director, even though The Council doesn't like it." I explained.
"That makes sense, I don't see why oh bother it's the Council they make trouble with everything." Tori said making me smile.
"Ok come with me I want to show you something." Walking down the hall I stopped at the third door on the left, "Before we go in I want to show you how to get here without going through the Training Arena."
When I was done showing them and they understood how do get back here again we went in. After I activated the shields, "There are locker rooms through those doors, if you want to bring clothes to change into for this class you can. I want to get to know you before I train you and I want to make sure you are comfortable with me as your teacher. If ever you don't want me as your teacher just say so. Ok, lets see... How about on Mondays through Thursdays we meet in here, and Mondays and Wednesdays are Craft days and Tuesdays and Thursdays are Combat days. Does that sound alright?"
"Sounds great." they both said at the same time. Creepy, anyway, "Also if for any reason I'm not here call Matthias or Jessica to see if they can fill in. If you don’t know Jessica I'll see if she can come in to get to know you."
"Thank you for helping us so much." said Keri.
"No problem."
"You're not as bad as they say you are." said Tori.
"Well I can be but only if I'm protecting someone or I get pissed off, which doesn't happen very much." I said in my defense.
Well that shouldn't be a problem with us,” said Tori.
A moment later the bell rang and they ran off.
Going out into the hall looking for Jason, I spotted him by his office; "Hey Jason I've got a question for you."
"What problems with the twins already?"
"No. Do you know where the Fieldhouse is?"
"Why?"
"That's where my next class is."
"Yeah follow me. I thought they stopped using the Fieldhouse for classes."
"Evidently not since I have a class there."
Going behind the stadium and across the parking lot was a small building.
"Here you are. Well maybe I can get a rematch later Amy."
"In your dreams maybe Jason, Thanks for showing me here."
As he walked off I wondered what this was and why my class was way out here, At least this is my last class of the day.
Putting my stuff down, I put his sword on the table in the center of the room. Placing my hands on the break, I closed my eyes and concentrated. As my hands glowed white-hot the blade fused back together flawlessly, another moment and the blade was cool again. Not a mark of what I had done showed on the table.
"Whoa how did you do that!"
Startled I looked up and saw two students, a boy and a girl, sitting down by the far wall. I remembered the same two students that Jason sent in here before the fight but before I could answer Jason walked in.
"I fixed your sword, it shouldn't break again, if it does I'll fix it again." I said handing him the sword.
"I see, but that is not the reason you are here. I got a memo from,"
"From Matthias I'm guessing." I said interrupting him.
"Yes the reason is these two," referring to the other students in the room, "have a strong potential in both Craft and The Tower. We don't have anyone we can spare to train them, so we thought you would be a good choice for them."
"I don't know why. The only time I have to train them would be this class, I have no other free time." I replied.
"That's all we're asking for Amy. So I'll leave you to it."
"Wait where will I be training them?"
"The room next door is open just"
"put up the shields." We finished at the same time.
"I know Jason. I'm not a novice in either Craft or The Tower. Now go on get out of here already." I said shooing him out of the door.
Taking a breath to figure things out, now that I am responsible for them I explained.
"Ok you understand that I will be training you. You can call me Amy or whatever you prefer, I don't mind. I'm kind of new at this teaching thing so you'll have to be patient with me. Also please help me out whenever you can by helping each other out if you don't understand something. I don't have the time to tutor you one on one or outside of class, I'm not saying I can't help you just that I may not be able to all the time. So tell me about yourselves."
The girl spoke up first,” I’m Keri, I'm 15 and a Master level 8 and I have level four Sapphire Jewels in the Craft Guild."
Then the boy and I'm guessing Keri's twin brother said, "I'm Tori, also 15, I'm a level 9 and I have level four Red Jewels in the Craft Guild."
When they finished I told them about myself, "I'm Amy, I'm 17 a Master level 12 Guardian and have level six Black Jewels in the Craft Guild, but you already knew that, didn't you?"
Looking at each other then back at me Tori said, "Yes, the Director said he was considering you for our teacher over the summer when he was teaching us. I noticed that you called him by name, I thought that only the Co-Director could do that."
Crap, How am I going to get out of this one? Oh well he was their teacher so I hope he doesn't mind.
"Unofficially since I defeated the old Co-Director, by the old code I get his status. The Director, Matthias, agrees with this so he appointed me Co-Director, even though The Council doesn't like it." I explained.
"That makes sense, I don't see why oh bother it's the Council they make trouble with everything." Tori said making me smile.
"Ok come with me I want to show you something." Walking down the hall I stopped at the third door on the left, "Before we go in I want to show you how to get here without going through the Training Arena."
When I was done showing them and they understood how do get back here again we went in. After I activated the shields, "There are locker rooms through those doors, if you want to bring clothes to change into for this class you can. I want to get to know you before I train you and I want to make sure you are comfortable with me as your teacher. If ever you don't want me as your teacher just say so. Ok, lets see... How about on Mondays through Thursdays we meet in here, and Mondays and Wednesdays are Craft days and Tuesdays and Thursdays are Combat days. Does that sound alright?"
"Sounds great." they both said at the same time. Creepy, anyway, "Also if for any reason I'm not here call Matthias or Jessica to see if they can fill in. If you don’t know Jessica I'll see if she can come in to get to know you."
"Thank you for helping us so much." said Keri.
"No problem."
"You're not as bad as they say you are." said Tori.
"Well I can be but only if I'm protecting someone or I get pissed off, which doesn't happen very much." I said in my defense.
Well that shouldn't be a problem with us,” said Tori.
A moment later the bell rang and they ran off.
Going out into the hall looking for Jason, I spotted him by his office; "Hey Jason I've got a question for you."
"What problems with the twins already?"
"No. Do you know where the Fieldhouse is?"
"Why?"
"That's where my next class is."
"Yeah follow me. I thought they stopped using the Fieldhouse for classes."
"Evidently not since I have a class there."
Going behind the stadium and across the parking lot was a small building.
"Here you are. Well maybe I can get a rematch later Amy."
"In your dreams maybe Jason, Thanks for showing me here."
As he walked off I wondered what this was and why my class was way out here, At least this is my last class of the day.
-
celestereed
Chapter 5
Opening the door I walked in. There was a lone man facing the window with his back to me. Wondering if this was the right place I looked around, there was almost nothing in the entire building that I could see. Hearing a noise I looked back at the man, who had turned around and I saw that it was the Director.
“Matthias what are you doing here?” I said confused. Why is he here at my school?
“I’m your teacher for this class Amy; you have to learn how to be Co-Director somehow without anyone finding out. What better way then at the school where no one thinks I would be.” He said as if that would explain everything; it did some and introduced new questions to be asked.
Stunned I replied, “How did you…I’m not going to bother asking; I probably don’t want to know.” I said shaking my head. Then all of a sudden I remembered what he had said earlier. “This is what you meant by ‘We can talk later this afternoon.’ Isn’t it?” I said exasperated.
“Yes, but before we get started I would like to hear your point of view on what happened during Challenge. Before you ask yes it does have relevancy to what we have to talk about.”
Why does he have to be so damned cryptic, it’s annoying, and please don’t tell me it comes with the job description. I paused to think before I told my part in Challenge. Why does everything seem to start there? I really don’t want to relive this but if it explains things to me then I might as well.
“A month before Challenge I received a challenge in both The Tower and the Craft Guild. In The Tower it was from a level 11 Guardian, at the time I was a level 10 Guard. In the Craft Guild the challenge was from a level 5 Ebon-Grey, I was a level 4 Red. It was only a level up in both challenges for me, so I wasn’t that worried. It didn’t hurt that I had never lost a Challenge or fight for that matter. By believing that I could win and training hard I was confidant that I would win.”
Breaking from my tale I said, “I never realized how stupid, egotistical and overconfident I was until I came so close to losing so much.” Pausing again to gather my thoughts I restarted my story.
“Afterwards I had level 11 Guardian status in The Tower and level 5 Ebon-Grey in the Craft Guild, I wondered slightly why I hadn’t done better in my Tower challenge but not for long. Three days later I got an invitation for a meeting with Aoshi, the Master Guardian and third rank in The Tower.
When I got there it wasn’t Aoshi who was there it was Kagato, the Co-Director (second rank) who was waiting for me. Stunned and slightly worried I waited for him to explain things to me. Later I found out he felt threatened by me and how fast I had moved up in ranks in so little time. He challenged me and I left to prepare. There was only four days left before my Challenge and I had a lot to do, I don’t think I stopped moving for three days straight then on the day before all I did was relax so I didn’t panic or collapse during the fight. On the day of the fight I got ready arranged my weapons and other stuff and went down to the Challenge Arena.”
I took a breath to find the right words when Matthias interrupted me to ask. “How come you never told me this before?”
“You never asked and I never told you. I don’t like talking about Challenge especially this one.” Closing my eyes to focus I could see what happened next as I continued to tell Matthias what happened.
*Flashback*
When I got to the Arena I put my hair in a bun with two stilettos to keep it secured, and called in my scimitar then strapped it to my back. Making sure my daggers were in place and I could reach them easily before I put my long sword at my side. While I waited I focused on what I could do and wondered if I could win, maybe not but I’ll give it the best I’ve got. He wants a Challenge I’ll give him one. Then he walked in and I just lost it, there is no way I can win he’s the Co-Director what the hell was I thinking when I accepted his Challenge. Then he asked if we wanted to use Craft or just Tower skills.
Knowing that I might have an advantage if we both used Craft even if he is a level 6 Black second only to the Grandmaster himself (The Director has this role). As we walked into the Arena we agreed no below the belt attacks and no dirty tricks mostly stabbing each other from behind. Concentrating on what I was doing I put up my shields and waited. I almost never strike first because it keeps me calm, cool and under control. I didn’t know that he was an earth element so I was caught off guard as he sent rocks and boulders flying at me. Luckily I had my shields up and I’m an air element, I thought as I moved them aside and shoved him back at the same time. As he’s trying to figure out how to get to me I threw a dagger at him only to have it frozen solid inside a block of ice. As it hit the ground the whole thing including my dagger shattered, I thought I’m not doing that again and losing another dagger. Changing tactics he threw icicles at me, rolling my eyes I used my fire element to evaporate them and send a heat wave at him doubling him over as if to say ice won’t work with fire. Discouraged he drew his broad sword and attacked, drawing my sword I blocked then attacked. Mixing Craft and combat to confuse and hopefully distract each other we continued to fight for twenty to thirty minutes before I got fed up with it. Stepping back I switched my sword to my scimitar and reinforced my shields.
* End Flashback*
Matthias interrupted me to say, “When you drew your scimitar I was thinking, what has he gotten himself into this time. I know what that sword is capable of doing in combination with an air element, even I am wary of fighting you when you have that sword.”
“I just wish he had known what that sword could do but if he did I might not be in this situation. But as much as that sword means to me and as much as you’re afraid of it I don’t like to use it. It’s like playing a deity in a realm of mortals when I have that sword.”
When I said that Matthias snapped alert and looked at me out of the corner or his eyes. Trying to focus once more because he kept on interrupting me.
*Flashback*
When I drew my sword he drew his other broadsword so now I have my scimitar and Kagato has two broadswords. I took off my long sword and put it aside so it wouldn’t get it my way. We took our stances and circled each other waiting for the other to strike. Not waiting we struck at the same time, me blocking one sword with my scimitar and the other with my gauntleted hand surprising him. I surprised him even more when I grabbed his blade in my gauntleted hand and shoved it aside. While he was open I grabbed one of my daggers and swung, I’m hoping that since I’m in close range he couldn’t freeze it. It struck but he had a close range shield in place so it glanced off without a scratch. Ignoring that tactic, I didn’t let him recover to grab his discarded blade while continuing to fight him for several minutes before I lost my balance Crap I forgot that the Arena floor is uneven. After I recovered I realized that I’m beginning to get worn out, but I didn’t care, I just want this to be over, I don’t care if I win or lose. If I do that I won’t be able to recover in time if it doesn’t work so I have to put everything in this one attack. Jumping back we both took our stances again then I closed my eyes and focused gathering my energy, I could tell that he was about to charge me, I need just one more moment.
My eyes flew open and I swung using a combination air attack just as he was attacking me even though he was still out of range it was focused on him. His sword shattered and he collapsed with a narrow gash from is left shoulder to his right hip.
After I saw that I couldn’t think I just went completely blank then I collapsed and woke up in the infirmary a day later.
*End Flashback*
Opening the door I walked in. There was a lone man facing the window with his back to me. Wondering if this was the right place I looked around, there was almost nothing in the entire building that I could see. Hearing a noise I looked back at the man, who had turned around and I saw that it was the Director.
“Matthias what are you doing here?” I said confused. Why is he here at my school?
“I’m your teacher for this class Amy; you have to learn how to be Co-Director somehow without anyone finding out. What better way then at the school where no one thinks I would be.” He said as if that would explain everything; it did some and introduced new questions to be asked.
Stunned I replied, “How did you…I’m not going to bother asking; I probably don’t want to know.” I said shaking my head. Then all of a sudden I remembered what he had said earlier. “This is what you meant by ‘We can talk later this afternoon.’ Isn’t it?” I said exasperated.
“Yes, but before we get started I would like to hear your point of view on what happened during Challenge. Before you ask yes it does have relevancy to what we have to talk about.”
Why does he have to be so damned cryptic, it’s annoying, and please don’t tell me it comes with the job description. I paused to think before I told my part in Challenge. Why does everything seem to start there? I really don’t want to relive this but if it explains things to me then I might as well.
“A month before Challenge I received a challenge in both The Tower and the Craft Guild. In The Tower it was from a level 11 Guardian, at the time I was a level 10 Guard. In the Craft Guild the challenge was from a level 5 Ebon-Grey, I was a level 4 Red. It was only a level up in both challenges for me, so I wasn’t that worried. It didn’t hurt that I had never lost a Challenge or fight for that matter. By believing that I could win and training hard I was confidant that I would win.”
Breaking from my tale I said, “I never realized how stupid, egotistical and overconfident I was until I came so close to losing so much.” Pausing again to gather my thoughts I restarted my story.
“Afterwards I had level 11 Guardian status in The Tower and level 5 Ebon-Grey in the Craft Guild, I wondered slightly why I hadn’t done better in my Tower challenge but not for long. Three days later I got an invitation for a meeting with Aoshi, the Master Guardian and third rank in The Tower.
When I got there it wasn’t Aoshi who was there it was Kagato, the Co-Director (second rank) who was waiting for me. Stunned and slightly worried I waited for him to explain things to me. Later I found out he felt threatened by me and how fast I had moved up in ranks in so little time. He challenged me and I left to prepare. There was only four days left before my Challenge and I had a lot to do, I don’t think I stopped moving for three days straight then on the day before all I did was relax so I didn’t panic or collapse during the fight. On the day of the fight I got ready arranged my weapons and other stuff and went down to the Challenge Arena.”
I took a breath to find the right words when Matthias interrupted me to ask. “How come you never told me this before?”
“You never asked and I never told you. I don’t like talking about Challenge especially this one.” Closing my eyes to focus I could see what happened next as I continued to tell Matthias what happened.
*Flashback*
When I got to the Arena I put my hair in a bun with two stilettos to keep it secured, and called in my scimitar then strapped it to my back. Making sure my daggers were in place and I could reach them easily before I put my long sword at my side. While I waited I focused on what I could do and wondered if I could win, maybe not but I’ll give it the best I’ve got. He wants a Challenge I’ll give him one. Then he walked in and I just lost it, there is no way I can win he’s the Co-Director what the hell was I thinking when I accepted his Challenge. Then he asked if we wanted to use Craft or just Tower skills.
Knowing that I might have an advantage if we both used Craft even if he is a level 6 Black second only to the Grandmaster himself (The Director has this role). As we walked into the Arena we agreed no below the belt attacks and no dirty tricks mostly stabbing each other from behind. Concentrating on what I was doing I put up my shields and waited. I almost never strike first because it keeps me calm, cool and under control. I didn’t know that he was an earth element so I was caught off guard as he sent rocks and boulders flying at me. Luckily I had my shields up and I’m an air element, I thought as I moved them aside and shoved him back at the same time. As he’s trying to figure out how to get to me I threw a dagger at him only to have it frozen solid inside a block of ice. As it hit the ground the whole thing including my dagger shattered, I thought I’m not doing that again and losing another dagger. Changing tactics he threw icicles at me, rolling my eyes I used my fire element to evaporate them and send a heat wave at him doubling him over as if to say ice won’t work with fire. Discouraged he drew his broad sword and attacked, drawing my sword I blocked then attacked. Mixing Craft and combat to confuse and hopefully distract each other we continued to fight for twenty to thirty minutes before I got fed up with it. Stepping back I switched my sword to my scimitar and reinforced my shields.
* End Flashback*
Matthias interrupted me to say, “When you drew your scimitar I was thinking, what has he gotten himself into this time. I know what that sword is capable of doing in combination with an air element, even I am wary of fighting you when you have that sword.”
“I just wish he had known what that sword could do but if he did I might not be in this situation. But as much as that sword means to me and as much as you’re afraid of it I don’t like to use it. It’s like playing a deity in a realm of mortals when I have that sword.”
When I said that Matthias snapped alert and looked at me out of the corner or his eyes. Trying to focus once more because he kept on interrupting me.
*Flashback*
When I drew my sword he drew his other broadsword so now I have my scimitar and Kagato has two broadswords. I took off my long sword and put it aside so it wouldn’t get it my way. We took our stances and circled each other waiting for the other to strike. Not waiting we struck at the same time, me blocking one sword with my scimitar and the other with my gauntleted hand surprising him. I surprised him even more when I grabbed his blade in my gauntleted hand and shoved it aside. While he was open I grabbed one of my daggers and swung, I’m hoping that since I’m in close range he couldn’t freeze it. It struck but he had a close range shield in place so it glanced off without a scratch. Ignoring that tactic, I didn’t let him recover to grab his discarded blade while continuing to fight him for several minutes before I lost my balance Crap I forgot that the Arena floor is uneven. After I recovered I realized that I’m beginning to get worn out, but I didn’t care, I just want this to be over, I don’t care if I win or lose. If I do that I won’t be able to recover in time if it doesn’t work so I have to put everything in this one attack. Jumping back we both took our stances again then I closed my eyes and focused gathering my energy, I could tell that he was about to charge me, I need just one more moment.
My eyes flew open and I swung using a combination air attack just as he was attacking me even though he was still out of range it was focused on him. His sword shattered and he collapsed with a narrow gash from is left shoulder to his right hip.
After I saw that I couldn’t think I just went completely blank then I collapsed and woke up in the infirmary a day later.
*End Flashback*
-
celestereed
Chapter 5 part 2
“I barely remember that though it was like watching it though a fog I thought it was because I overexerted myself.”
Again Matthias glanced at me when I said that, but didn’t say anything; he had a pensive thoughtful look on his face before he got up and started pacing around. After about five minutes of waiting and watching him pace I just came out and said,
“What’s going on already, your pacing is driving me crazy, just tell me; is it true or not?” I said exasperated.
Sighing Matthias looked at me with a resigned look and sighed again before saying,
“You described that last attack as though you were seeing it through a fog, right?
I nodded, “But what does that have to do with anything?”
“Everything. First do you remember everything that has happened to you since you joined The Tower?”
Thinking back I realized that I didn’t and that there were several other gaps in my memory. Completely confused I looked at him “No and there are other points in my memory that I don’t remember but…” I trailed off trying to think of why that would happen. After a moment I figured out what he was talking about and what it meant.
Matthias saw the look of dawning understanding then watched as I recoiled in horror and started shaking.
“She didn’t just show up at your Challenge she is you.” He said to me.
“NONONONO this can’t be happening. How, I should know this since she would be a part of me.” I continued to ramble and deny this completely for several moments before going silent in complete shock.
“M M Mathias what’s going on explain it please I don’t understand why me?” I said after I collected my scattered mind but still panicked.
“You know the story of the Phoenix right?” asked Matthias.
“Only part of it.” I replied
Matthias took a breath and began to tell me the story of the Phoenix.
“The Phoenix was a young sorceress whose main elements were: air, fire and darkness. Because of her powers she was seen as evil and cast out of society. As she grew up and mastered her powers she became a strong sorceress; one of the most powerful even to this day. To prove that she wasn’t evil she set out to protect the area that she grew up in even though they wanted nothing to do with her. After saving them countless time they villagers saw her as the ultimate force of good and forgave themselves and helped her. Several years later she faced her greatest threat; a shape-shifting wizard who was determined to kill her and steal her powers for himself. The fight lasted several days and she finally won but at a terrible cost. During the fight she received a mortal wound. The villagers did their best to save her to no avail. When she died it wasn’t a true death, although her body died her spirit survived. So now the only way she can live is through a series of incarnations. She hasn’t been seen for over three hundred years.”
“I understand that but what I don’t understand is why she chose me.”
“You have most of the same elements and powers not to mention you were around the same age as when she developed her powers you also seem to have some of the same abilities. Now that she has manifested she will have left a mark…”
“A mark! Like what?” I said madly.
“Calm down; it would look like a tattoo of a phoenix and it would be on your shoulder.”
“I don’t have anything like that, so does that mean I’m not her?”
“No. She could be hiding it until you find out.”
“But wouldn’t that be now?” I said refraining from looking at my shoulder.
“Not necessarily but most likely in the next twenty four hours.” He assured me before continuing, “Some people already assume that I’m going to appoint you my next Co-Director, we have to keep this under control without suspicion.”
“And how are we going to do that?” I asked smartly.
“We keep quiet about it and you try not to do anything that would scare anyone. You’re a nice person Amy, give it time and people will forget about it and ignore you.”
“How about when you announce the candidates for Co-Director and I’m in there. It will be this all over again, Matthias it will never stop. There will always be someone that doesn’t like me as your Co-Director, or is scared of me, always. I can understand waiting to announce it but we can still make it official. Aoshi knows and he’ll help, everyone thinks you will choose him to be Co-Director, he is after all Master Guardian.”
I had a point and Matthias knew it, but it didn’t help or solve any problems. Then at that time the bell chose to ring, looking relieved I tried to escape unnoticed.
“I don’t think so Amy, come back here for a moment.” Matthias said before I got to the door.
Crestfallen I shuffled back to face him.
“I will be here everyday to teach and train you how to be Co-Director, and now that you know about her I’ll help you out with that as well. I look forward to our fight when I test you, Amelia.”
Oh crap I forgot about that, I am so screwed. “Umm… Alright I’ll see you later Matthias.”
I walked out the door and back to my locker before going to my car. Driving home I wondered about all different things and how I was going to survive rest of the year and gave up on it. Getting inside I put my bags down and started getting ready for work at the library downtown. Before I left I got a call from Kim asking if we wanted to go out as group on Friday to celebrate surviving the first week of class, I agreed. After I hung up and rushed out the door to get to my job on time.
“I barely remember that though it was like watching it though a fog I thought it was because I overexerted myself.”
Again Matthias glanced at me when I said that, but didn’t say anything; he had a pensive thoughtful look on his face before he got up and started pacing around. After about five minutes of waiting and watching him pace I just came out and said,
“What’s going on already, your pacing is driving me crazy, just tell me; is it true or not?” I said exasperated.
Sighing Matthias looked at me with a resigned look and sighed again before saying,
“You described that last attack as though you were seeing it through a fog, right?
I nodded, “But what does that have to do with anything?”
“Everything. First do you remember everything that has happened to you since you joined The Tower?”
Thinking back I realized that I didn’t and that there were several other gaps in my memory. Completely confused I looked at him “No and there are other points in my memory that I don’t remember but…” I trailed off trying to think of why that would happen. After a moment I figured out what he was talking about and what it meant.
Matthias saw the look of dawning understanding then watched as I recoiled in horror and started shaking.
“She didn’t just show up at your Challenge she is you.” He said to me.
“NONONONO this can’t be happening. How, I should know this since she would be a part of me.” I continued to ramble and deny this completely for several moments before going silent in complete shock.
“M M Mathias what’s going on explain it please I don’t understand why me?” I said after I collected my scattered mind but still panicked.
“You know the story of the Phoenix right?” asked Matthias.
“Only part of it.” I replied
Matthias took a breath and began to tell me the story of the Phoenix.
“The Phoenix was a young sorceress whose main elements were: air, fire and darkness. Because of her powers she was seen as evil and cast out of society. As she grew up and mastered her powers she became a strong sorceress; one of the most powerful even to this day. To prove that she wasn’t evil she set out to protect the area that she grew up in even though they wanted nothing to do with her. After saving them countless time they villagers saw her as the ultimate force of good and forgave themselves and helped her. Several years later she faced her greatest threat; a shape-shifting wizard who was determined to kill her and steal her powers for himself. The fight lasted several days and she finally won but at a terrible cost. During the fight she received a mortal wound. The villagers did their best to save her to no avail. When she died it wasn’t a true death, although her body died her spirit survived. So now the only way she can live is through a series of incarnations. She hasn’t been seen for over three hundred years.”
“I understand that but what I don’t understand is why she chose me.”
“You have most of the same elements and powers not to mention you were around the same age as when she developed her powers you also seem to have some of the same abilities. Now that she has manifested she will have left a mark…”
“A mark! Like what?” I said madly.
“Calm down; it would look like a tattoo of a phoenix and it would be on your shoulder.”
“I don’t have anything like that, so does that mean I’m not her?”
“No. She could be hiding it until you find out.”
“But wouldn’t that be now?” I said refraining from looking at my shoulder.
“Not necessarily but most likely in the next twenty four hours.” He assured me before continuing, “Some people already assume that I’m going to appoint you my next Co-Director, we have to keep this under control without suspicion.”
“And how are we going to do that?” I asked smartly.
“We keep quiet about it and you try not to do anything that would scare anyone. You’re a nice person Amy, give it time and people will forget about it and ignore you.”
“How about when you announce the candidates for Co-Director and I’m in there. It will be this all over again, Matthias it will never stop. There will always be someone that doesn’t like me as your Co-Director, or is scared of me, always. I can understand waiting to announce it but we can still make it official. Aoshi knows and he’ll help, everyone thinks you will choose him to be Co-Director, he is after all Master Guardian.”
I had a point and Matthias knew it, but it didn’t help or solve any problems. Then at that time the bell chose to ring, looking relieved I tried to escape unnoticed.
“I don’t think so Amy, come back here for a moment.” Matthias said before I got to the door.
Crestfallen I shuffled back to face him.
“I will be here everyday to teach and train you how to be Co-Director, and now that you know about her I’ll help you out with that as well. I look forward to our fight when I test you, Amelia.”
Oh crap I forgot about that, I am so screwed. “Umm… Alright I’ll see you later Matthias.”
I walked out the door and back to my locker before going to my car. Driving home I wondered about all different things and how I was going to survive rest of the year and gave up on it. Getting inside I put my bags down and started getting ready for work at the library downtown. Before I left I got a call from Kim asking if we wanted to go out as group on Friday to celebrate surviving the first week of class, I agreed. After I hung up and rushed out the door to get to my job on time.
-
celestereed
hapter 6 part 1
Traffic wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and I got to work with ten minutes to spare. Work was uneventful until I began to unpack the shipment of new books to be categorized and shelved. Among them was the newest book by my favorite author. Unfortunately because of the library’s policy employees have to wait a month to check out new books to allow the patrons’ time to read it, saying otherwise it’s unfair to the patrons or something like that.
Soon after I finished I left work a bit early, and drove to The Tower to get in some practice before I went home. I changed my clothes and grabbed my glaive; one of my favorite weapons, hoping that Alethia was there. When I got downstairs to the third floor, which was the practice area I saw Sarah and Anthony practicing. Sarah was using dual daggers and Red was using a staff, I watched not wanting to interrupt and to see how good they were. Near the end I could tell that Sarah had the upper hand, and then Red swung the staff to block and knocked one of the daggers aside. I noticed that the dagger stuck to the edge of the staff throwing it off balance. As he swung again the extra weight propelled it. Grabbing one of my daggers that I always had on me, I threw it, hitting the top of the staff knocking it out of his hands before it could hit Sarah.
Astonished they both looked around looking for who threw the dragger. I walked up to them and as they saw me they realized that I was the one who threw the dagger. Before they could ask I explained,
“Anthony when you blocked Sarah’s last attack one of the daggers was lodged on the edge of the staff throwing it off balance. When you retaliated the balance and extra weight accelerated it, if it had hit it could have broken bone or knocked her out. I was watching and stopped it from happening.”
I reached down retrieved my dagger and put it back where I had it on my lower back.
I could see that they were dumbfounded, and then I saw Sarah just give up, shake her head and walk off. Anthony watched her leave then turned to me before asking, “How are you always around when people least expect it?”
Smirking I replied, “It comes with the job description.” cryptically.
Puzzled he asked, “What job?”
Again I smirked, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I said.
Then I walked off spotting Alethia going towards a private arena, calling out just before she got there to get her attention she turned to me. Waiting for me to catch up and explain.
“Hey, haven’t seen you in a while. I was wondering if you wanted to practice.” I said when I reached her, not acknowledging Anthony, who had followed me over here. Nodding then turning to him Alethia said, “Sure I don’t mind but why don’t you join us Aubry?”
Glaring at her as if to say what was that for I then turned to him and said, “So your Tower name is Aubry, not bad.”
He simply looked at me and asked “So what is your Tower name?”
Smirking yet again I replied, “I go by my Tower name everywhere, Amelia Celeste Reed. Why surprised?”
Before he could answer, “Don’t go scaring him Amy. I have a hard enough time finding students without you running them off.” Alethia said, startling me.
Raising my brow at her, “He’s one of your students?”
This time it was me who was surprised. “This day just keeps getting better and better.” I said to myself sarcastically. First Tower school, then the whole teaching thing, and not to mention the Phoenix, now this, I give up.
Walking into the arena I waited for them to follow. After they walked in I set up the shields overlapping it with one of my own, better safe then sorry.
“So are we going to do this?” I asked.
Alethia thought for a moment then said, “Well there are a few ways. We could tag team, or two on one with it being either you or me being the one. So what do you say?”
Thinking on that for a minute and not liking the lack of sound. “So what is your take on this, Red?”
Looking at me he answered, “Well I’ve managed to beat Alethia several times so why don’t we two on one with you.”
Surprised I looked at Alethia raising my brows questioning, as if to say, he beat you.
“Well he has. Mind you the only one to do so since you were my student.” She responded.
Looking back at Aubry, “Well beating her one on one is good, but she excels at two on one, so care to give it a try. I wouldn’t even be asking if you hadn’t already beaten her before. Depending on the partner I still haven’t managed to come close to beating her two on one.”
Looking at me surprised I could tell that he was speechless so I glared at him with a look that said; well are you going to do something or stand there looking dumb. Snapping back to focus he agreed, then moved to call in his glaive which appeared in his hand a moment later. Looking at it for a moment to admire the craftsmanship of the design I called in my own, earning an equal if not envious look in return from both Aubry and Alethia.
“You got a new one.” She stated referring to my glaive.
“I had to after what you did to the last one. I just crafted this one myself like I did with my swords.” I said in response.
Shocked she responded, “Exactly like your swords or not?” while looking like she had seen a ghost and Aubry simply looked confused. Catching on to her meaning I quickly responded, “I meant that I’d made them myself, not used my technique to craft them. Though I do have one glaive like that did you want me to use that instead I could if you wanted me to, I could even let Aubry here use my other one that I crafted as backup.”
Seeing her horrified look was priceless so I didn’t even bother to comment.
Looking at Aubry I wondered how he fought, I hope that it’s like his staff fight with Sarah that way I at least know what to expect. That way we could double up on her, she can’t block the exact same move from both sides. We closed up and touched glaives to start and took our stances a perfect mirror of each other. Alethia glanced at each of us in turn with a slightly worried look on her face, and then took her stance. Calling in her glaive I marveled at the craftsmanship and design then I noticed the blade on the end.
Well that’s new I’ll have to watch that. As I glanced at Aubry he shifted his eyes to Alethias right then left and back again both of us knowing that she knew; it meant left, right, left. I went to my right then left and lastly right again, while Aubry went left then right then left again; we did this very fast. While she blocked she left her center unprotected, we noticed and at the same time in perfect sync swung at her weak point. Aubry swung from the bottom and I swung from the top; if she hadn’t had a solid metal core to her glaive it would have been in cut in two.
I felt a light brush on my mental shields following the thread it led me to Aubry, opening my shield he said Thank you, I have an idea. Thinking that this has worked out so far Well what is it? I asked. He replied, If I take her one on one for a moment to let you get back you can use long range attacks, sound good. I thought that this was a good idea and that it might work I quickly replied and agreed. All the while we had been ‘talking’ we had been blocking all of Alethias attacks. I began to gradually step back out of the fight while Aubry took more of the attacks. I could see that he understood her style and was not only holding his own but managing to get through her defenses. As Alethia fought more with Aubry she began to focus on him as I saw that I pulled back my glaive with one hand near the end and lunged forward practically throwing my glaive forward. It struck her glaive near the bladed end and sheered off the edge, getting me a very surprised glance from both of them; apparently they both forgot about me. I gave Aubry a look saying my turn you take back stage, which got me a No way appalled look in return. This time I touched his metal shields; There is no way that I am going long range, was his instant reply. Why not I did the same for you? I responded slightly mad, I don’t do very well with long range attacks. He admitted, puzzled I responded, how did you beat her she is weak against long range attacks?
Before he could reply Alethia swept him off his feet and attempted to knock my glaive up out of my hands with one motion; resulting in us off guard and in defense mode. As he glanced at me I got an image of how he had beaten her.
You’re crazy! I responded. Hey it worked though. Care to double up on her? I paused which resulted in me almost getting sliced by Alethia’s glaive. That then and there made up my mind, I nodded my head and stepped back a few feet. As he recovered he slipped his glaive under Alethias’ glaive then I lunged. As Alethia brought her glaive around to block, it caught on Aubrys’ glaive and stopped allowing me to snap mine up and around, flipping her glaive over her head behind her. The resulting motion tripped her and we both pointed our glaives at her throat while stepping on her forearms, keeping her from moving.
“I yield.” She said surrendering to us.
Traffic wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and I got to work with ten minutes to spare. Work was uneventful until I began to unpack the shipment of new books to be categorized and shelved. Among them was the newest book by my favorite author. Unfortunately because of the library’s policy employees have to wait a month to check out new books to allow the patrons’ time to read it, saying otherwise it’s unfair to the patrons or something like that.
Soon after I finished I left work a bit early, and drove to The Tower to get in some practice before I went home. I changed my clothes and grabbed my glaive; one of my favorite weapons, hoping that Alethia was there. When I got downstairs to the third floor, which was the practice area I saw Sarah and Anthony practicing. Sarah was using dual daggers and Red was using a staff, I watched not wanting to interrupt and to see how good they were. Near the end I could tell that Sarah had the upper hand, and then Red swung the staff to block and knocked one of the daggers aside. I noticed that the dagger stuck to the edge of the staff throwing it off balance. As he swung again the extra weight propelled it. Grabbing one of my daggers that I always had on me, I threw it, hitting the top of the staff knocking it out of his hands before it could hit Sarah.
Astonished they both looked around looking for who threw the dragger. I walked up to them and as they saw me they realized that I was the one who threw the dagger. Before they could ask I explained,
“Anthony when you blocked Sarah’s last attack one of the daggers was lodged on the edge of the staff throwing it off balance. When you retaliated the balance and extra weight accelerated it, if it had hit it could have broken bone or knocked her out. I was watching and stopped it from happening.”
I reached down retrieved my dagger and put it back where I had it on my lower back.
I could see that they were dumbfounded, and then I saw Sarah just give up, shake her head and walk off. Anthony watched her leave then turned to me before asking, “How are you always around when people least expect it?”
Smirking I replied, “It comes with the job description.” cryptically.
Puzzled he asked, “What job?”
Again I smirked, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I said.
Then I walked off spotting Alethia going towards a private arena, calling out just before she got there to get her attention she turned to me. Waiting for me to catch up and explain.
“Hey, haven’t seen you in a while. I was wondering if you wanted to practice.” I said when I reached her, not acknowledging Anthony, who had followed me over here. Nodding then turning to him Alethia said, “Sure I don’t mind but why don’t you join us Aubry?”
Glaring at her as if to say what was that for I then turned to him and said, “So your Tower name is Aubry, not bad.”
He simply looked at me and asked “So what is your Tower name?”
Smirking yet again I replied, “I go by my Tower name everywhere, Amelia Celeste Reed. Why surprised?”
Before he could answer, “Don’t go scaring him Amy. I have a hard enough time finding students without you running them off.” Alethia said, startling me.
Raising my brow at her, “He’s one of your students?”
This time it was me who was surprised. “This day just keeps getting better and better.” I said to myself sarcastically. First Tower school, then the whole teaching thing, and not to mention the Phoenix, now this, I give up.
Walking into the arena I waited for them to follow. After they walked in I set up the shields overlapping it with one of my own, better safe then sorry.
“So are we going to do this?” I asked.
Alethia thought for a moment then said, “Well there are a few ways. We could tag team, or two on one with it being either you or me being the one. So what do you say?”
Thinking on that for a minute and not liking the lack of sound. “So what is your take on this, Red?”
Looking at me he answered, “Well I’ve managed to beat Alethia several times so why don’t we two on one with you.”
Surprised I looked at Alethia raising my brows questioning, as if to say, he beat you.
“Well he has. Mind you the only one to do so since you were my student.” She responded.
Looking back at Aubry, “Well beating her one on one is good, but she excels at two on one, so care to give it a try. I wouldn’t even be asking if you hadn’t already beaten her before. Depending on the partner I still haven’t managed to come close to beating her two on one.”
Looking at me surprised I could tell that he was speechless so I glared at him with a look that said; well are you going to do something or stand there looking dumb. Snapping back to focus he agreed, then moved to call in his glaive which appeared in his hand a moment later. Looking at it for a moment to admire the craftsmanship of the design I called in my own, earning an equal if not envious look in return from both Aubry and Alethia.
“You got a new one.” She stated referring to my glaive.
“I had to after what you did to the last one. I just crafted this one myself like I did with my swords.” I said in response.
Shocked she responded, “Exactly like your swords or not?” while looking like she had seen a ghost and Aubry simply looked confused. Catching on to her meaning I quickly responded, “I meant that I’d made them myself, not used my technique to craft them. Though I do have one glaive like that did you want me to use that instead I could if you wanted me to, I could even let Aubry here use my other one that I crafted as backup.”
Seeing her horrified look was priceless so I didn’t even bother to comment.
Looking at Aubry I wondered how he fought, I hope that it’s like his staff fight with Sarah that way I at least know what to expect. That way we could double up on her, she can’t block the exact same move from both sides. We closed up and touched glaives to start and took our stances a perfect mirror of each other. Alethia glanced at each of us in turn with a slightly worried look on her face, and then took her stance. Calling in her glaive I marveled at the craftsmanship and design then I noticed the blade on the end.
Well that’s new I’ll have to watch that. As I glanced at Aubry he shifted his eyes to Alethias right then left and back again both of us knowing that she knew; it meant left, right, left. I went to my right then left and lastly right again, while Aubry went left then right then left again; we did this very fast. While she blocked she left her center unprotected, we noticed and at the same time in perfect sync swung at her weak point. Aubry swung from the bottom and I swung from the top; if she hadn’t had a solid metal core to her glaive it would have been in cut in two.
I felt a light brush on my mental shields following the thread it led me to Aubry, opening my shield he said Thank you, I have an idea. Thinking that this has worked out so far Well what is it? I asked. He replied, If I take her one on one for a moment to let you get back you can use long range attacks, sound good. I thought that this was a good idea and that it might work I quickly replied and agreed. All the while we had been ‘talking’ we had been blocking all of Alethias attacks. I began to gradually step back out of the fight while Aubry took more of the attacks. I could see that he understood her style and was not only holding his own but managing to get through her defenses. As Alethia fought more with Aubry she began to focus on him as I saw that I pulled back my glaive with one hand near the end and lunged forward practically throwing my glaive forward. It struck her glaive near the bladed end and sheered off the edge, getting me a very surprised glance from both of them; apparently they both forgot about me. I gave Aubry a look saying my turn you take back stage, which got me a No way appalled look in return. This time I touched his metal shields; There is no way that I am going long range, was his instant reply. Why not I did the same for you? I responded slightly mad, I don’t do very well with long range attacks. He admitted, puzzled I responded, how did you beat her she is weak against long range attacks?
Before he could reply Alethia swept him off his feet and attempted to knock my glaive up out of my hands with one motion; resulting in us off guard and in defense mode. As he glanced at me I got an image of how he had beaten her.
You’re crazy! I responded. Hey it worked though. Care to double up on her? I paused which resulted in me almost getting sliced by Alethia’s glaive. That then and there made up my mind, I nodded my head and stepped back a few feet. As he recovered he slipped his glaive under Alethias’ glaive then I lunged. As Alethia brought her glaive around to block, it caught on Aubrys’ glaive and stopped allowing me to snap mine up and around, flipping her glaive over her head behind her. The resulting motion tripped her and we both pointed our glaives at her throat while stepping on her forearms, keeping her from moving.
“I yield.” She said surrendering to us.
-
celestereed
hapter 6 part 2
Glancing at each other we stepped back and had to refrain from cheering. I vanished my glaive and turned to help Alethia up.
“Thanks, I didn’t know if you would beat me but, I also knew you wouldn’t lose. You both work really well together, it’s a shame you’ve never worked or fought together.”
Glancing at each other Aubry and I both then turned and looked at her before I replied, “If that had happened we probably would have beaten you sooner.” smirking at her. Shuddering she said, “I forgot about that. Not only would you two have beaten me but every other tag team out there.”
Without even glancing at each other we both responded, “Yes, that sounds about right, and it wouldn’t just be tag teams but any teams.”
Shaking her head to rid herself on the shivers that just ran down her spine she said, “Please don’t do that it is really creepy and I hate to think that you two think alike to say the same thing at the same time.”
Looking at each other we burst out laughing, “So not only did we beat you but we scared you too, that’s just too funny.” Aubry said.
Just then I looked at the clock and saw that it was close to eleven, knowing that it would take me about an hour to clean up and get home, I knew that I wouldn’t get to sleep ‘til around one in the morning. “s**t, I gotta go. See you Alethia, Aubry.” As I walked out the door I sensed Matthias coming, I wondered if I had enough time to get out or if I should just wait. Knowing that if I ran he would just come after me I waited and hoped that Aubry stayed in the room for a little bit. As with the rest of my day I had no such luck, for just as Matthias stepped in sight Aubry and Alethia walked out.
“Hey I thought you had to go?” asked Aubry.
“I did.” I replied curtly.
“Then why…”
His reply was cut short as Matthias walked up, seeing Aubry and Alethia behind me he raised his eyebrow questioning me. Taking a deep breath to collect myself for the madness that was coming, I said, “I came for practice with Alethia and met up with her student as well.”
As Aubry was about to say something Alethia elbowed him in the ribs effectively shutting him up.
Continuing, “I ended up partnering up with him and tag teaming against Alethia, we won, beating her in two on one combat with glaives.”
Smiling Matthias said, “So you finally found a partner to go up against Alethia and win; congratulations, and her student none the less. You must be proud Alethia.”
Surprised at being addressed, she replied, “Yes I am, Director. He is the best student I have taught since Amelia was my student. In truth I believe that if she trained him he would be a run for her.”
Glancing at me Matthias said, “Is this true?”
Thinking for a moment I said as truthfully as I could, “I believe that with a more ridged training and a bit of an attitude adjustment he could. I don’t know though if I am the one for the job, I have the twins to train and also my own training to keep up. As well as the fact that I have my own attitude to adjust, you know that Director.”
Laughing he then said, “Well I see that, but whom then would you recommend training him?”
Thinking for a moment I thought I had the perfect answer I just hoped that he went along with it. “How about Aoshi; he has the discipline, training and the patience to do so, also he wears Black Jewels so he could train him in that form as well. The only problem I see with Aoshi training him is that it would take time away from his duties as Master Guardian.”
“What do you think Alethia, is Aoshi a good choice for him or should I hand the twins to someone else and have her train Aubry?”
Before I had a chance to say anything I could tell that Alethia was going to respond.
“Well I would like it if Amelia could train him seeing as they go to school together and are close to the same age, meaning they understand each other and would exploit the different degrees of training to further challenge themselves. Seeing that it would take time away from both of their duties though I would suggest that we find another trainer, but have one of them oversee and monitor his progress.”
As she finished I was astonished that she would say anything like that and judging from Aubry and Matthias looks they were thinking the same thing.
“That is actually a great idea, it wouldn’t take too much time out of either of their schedules and they would be an active part of the training. Amelia I want you to test him, find his limits in both combat and Craft, then determine who would be best suited to train him. Could you do that this weekend, that way if you hurry he might be ready for next Challenge.”
Well there goes my Sunday. “Alright, I’m busy Saturday but I’m free Sunday so I hope that works. Also if it is alright with you I would like to personally train him in Craft.”
At that comment both Matthias and Alethia turned to me with sharp looks. Then Matthias turned and looked straight at Aubry and focused on him for the first time, “I see, well I expect the best from both of you in that aspect, understood.”
We both nodded our heads and said yes. Before Matthias turned to go he said, “Amelia I need to talk to you, meet me in my office.” Not bothering to wait for a reply he walked back the way he came. Oh well there goes my thought of going home tonight. As I turned to follow Aubry said, “What was that?! I mean I know that was the Director but…”
I cut him off, “He came down here because of the Black shield I put up in the training room. I only do that if I am fighting against certain people or if I don’t know how far a fight will go. As to why he came down, I am fourth rank, the Master Guardians Second. The reason that he almost completely ignored you was a test for your patience, more or less you passed. Also know this everything we said was true, you have the ability to pass almost everyone up you just need to be trained better. That’s all I’m going to say, I have to go up and talk to him.”
As I turned and walked away I heard Alethia explaining everything to him but knew that I would be questioned in the morning.
Glancing at each other we stepped back and had to refrain from cheering. I vanished my glaive and turned to help Alethia up.
“Thanks, I didn’t know if you would beat me but, I also knew you wouldn’t lose. You both work really well together, it’s a shame you’ve never worked or fought together.”
Glancing at each other Aubry and I both then turned and looked at her before I replied, “If that had happened we probably would have beaten you sooner.” smirking at her. Shuddering she said, “I forgot about that. Not only would you two have beaten me but every other tag team out there.”
Without even glancing at each other we both responded, “Yes, that sounds about right, and it wouldn’t just be tag teams but any teams.”
Shaking her head to rid herself on the shivers that just ran down her spine she said, “Please don’t do that it is really creepy and I hate to think that you two think alike to say the same thing at the same time.”
Looking at each other we burst out laughing, “So not only did we beat you but we scared you too, that’s just too funny.” Aubry said.
Just then I looked at the clock and saw that it was close to eleven, knowing that it would take me about an hour to clean up and get home, I knew that I wouldn’t get to sleep ‘til around one in the morning. “s**t, I gotta go. See you Alethia, Aubry.” As I walked out the door I sensed Matthias coming, I wondered if I had enough time to get out or if I should just wait. Knowing that if I ran he would just come after me I waited and hoped that Aubry stayed in the room for a little bit. As with the rest of my day I had no such luck, for just as Matthias stepped in sight Aubry and Alethia walked out.
“Hey I thought you had to go?” asked Aubry.
“I did.” I replied curtly.
“Then why…”
His reply was cut short as Matthias walked up, seeing Aubry and Alethia behind me he raised his eyebrow questioning me. Taking a deep breath to collect myself for the madness that was coming, I said, “I came for practice with Alethia and met up with her student as well.”
As Aubry was about to say something Alethia elbowed him in the ribs effectively shutting him up.
Continuing, “I ended up partnering up with him and tag teaming against Alethia, we won, beating her in two on one combat with glaives.”
Smiling Matthias said, “So you finally found a partner to go up against Alethia and win; congratulations, and her student none the less. You must be proud Alethia.”
Surprised at being addressed, she replied, “Yes I am, Director. He is the best student I have taught since Amelia was my student. In truth I believe that if she trained him he would be a run for her.”
Glancing at me Matthias said, “Is this true?”
Thinking for a moment I said as truthfully as I could, “I believe that with a more ridged training and a bit of an attitude adjustment he could. I don’t know though if I am the one for the job, I have the twins to train and also my own training to keep up. As well as the fact that I have my own attitude to adjust, you know that Director.”
Laughing he then said, “Well I see that, but whom then would you recommend training him?”
Thinking for a moment I thought I had the perfect answer I just hoped that he went along with it. “How about Aoshi; he has the discipline, training and the patience to do so, also he wears Black Jewels so he could train him in that form as well. The only problem I see with Aoshi training him is that it would take time away from his duties as Master Guardian.”
“What do you think Alethia, is Aoshi a good choice for him or should I hand the twins to someone else and have her train Aubry?”
Before I had a chance to say anything I could tell that Alethia was going to respond.
“Well I would like it if Amelia could train him seeing as they go to school together and are close to the same age, meaning they understand each other and would exploit the different degrees of training to further challenge themselves. Seeing that it would take time away from both of their duties though I would suggest that we find another trainer, but have one of them oversee and monitor his progress.”
As she finished I was astonished that she would say anything like that and judging from Aubry and Matthias looks they were thinking the same thing.
“That is actually a great idea, it wouldn’t take too much time out of either of their schedules and they would be an active part of the training. Amelia I want you to test him, find his limits in both combat and Craft, then determine who would be best suited to train him. Could you do that this weekend, that way if you hurry he might be ready for next Challenge.”
Well there goes my Sunday. “Alright, I’m busy Saturday but I’m free Sunday so I hope that works. Also if it is alright with you I would like to personally train him in Craft.”
At that comment both Matthias and Alethia turned to me with sharp looks. Then Matthias turned and looked straight at Aubry and focused on him for the first time, “I see, well I expect the best from both of you in that aspect, understood.”
We both nodded our heads and said yes. Before Matthias turned to go he said, “Amelia I need to talk to you, meet me in my office.” Not bothering to wait for a reply he walked back the way he came. Oh well there goes my thought of going home tonight. As I turned to follow Aubry said, “What was that?! I mean I know that was the Director but…”
I cut him off, “He came down here because of the Black shield I put up in the training room. I only do that if I am fighting against certain people or if I don’t know how far a fight will go. As to why he came down, I am fourth rank, the Master Guardians Second. The reason that he almost completely ignored you was a test for your patience, more or less you passed. Also know this everything we said was true, you have the ability to pass almost everyone up you just need to be trained better. That’s all I’m going to say, I have to go up and talk to him.”
As I turned and walked away I heard Alethia explaining everything to him but knew that I would be questioned in the morning.