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She felt a dress being pulled over her.
Ugh, frills, thought Sasha, with her eyes still closed. Once Eos said for her to open her eyes, Sasha complied, peeking out with one eye, and then the other.
She gasped. Sasha didn't look like how she did during the fake Prom, like she was forced to wear the itchy outfit, she...she looked like...A girl.
"Wow..."
JD smiled a bit too brightly at Silver. He challenged with his words as his fingers interlaced through her dark tresses and kept her close to his body. Those lips met her neck and he kissed downwards. “Because I want to know every part of you Silver, and wouldn’t feel like I’m violating.” It was then he looked her in the eyes as he pressed his lips against hers one last time. “You are mine- right?”
Aleister had lead Enzo down into the school's old dungeon system. The whole place was just winding floors going as far as 10 stories underground. The place was surprisingly well lit by torches lined up perfectly spaced apart from one another. Each of those fire looked exactly like Enzo's flame. "It have been a long time since I came down here. This used to be a training ground for a special order of students a long time back. I was part of that order too. Each room here was made specially for training each and every one of us. Now this place is where we'll perfect and control your power." They kept passing by cells after cells, each with name plates molded on top of them. One of them belonged to Aleister. Another had Boone's name on it.
Aleister had walked all the way down till they reached to cell at the very bottom. "This will be yours." Aleister lifted his hand and waved across the top of the arch. The stone molded itself so that it spelt out Enzo Ferrari in English inscription. "You see Enzo, this place is filled from top to bottom with very special mana. Mana that goes into the mind of all who steps in." Aleister lead him to the very centre at the bottom. "Show me the power of your flame Enzo. I want you to strike me with an X-Burner."
Enzo kept silent, but he was amazed at how much larger Sorcerers really was. The cells had a prison vibe to it, but the Sky-lit torches made it feel.. at ease. He had been silent all the way up to when Aleister asked him for an insane request.
"An X-burner?! But...!" Enzo had to admit, there was a part of him that wanted to blast Aleister away with an X-burner. This was the same man that turned people like Ling into the monster he had become at Battle Royal.
Then, the other side, his more soft side, didn't want to harm him. He saw the good in Aleister, or, rather fell for his illusion. He nodded, finally agreeing to show him his power. Though Aleister might be caught off guard with the addition of his Sky ring. He took out the contacts and put them on, which, surprisingly, didn't take 4 arcs to do so.
He ignited his flames, blowing back the air and dust around him. His orange eyes and flame glowed as bright as the torches. He flew up into the air, deciding to try an X-burner in mid-air. Last time he tried it, the unbalanced arms of his snapped under the attack's sheer force. The contacts changed with his vision, giving him information on both of his flame outputs. Amazing.. He thought. He prepared for his X-burner, placing a hand behind himself, while he charged up his free hand.
According to the contacts Spanner made, his arms were balanced, his flames were maxed. He was ready to fire.
Spoiler
He fired, unleashing a larger, fiercer beam of fire barraging straight for Aleister.
Silver's heart kept beating, making itself well known throughout her body. She was mentally telling it to shut up, but it wouldn't listen. She cleared her throat. "I- Um.. I guess so..." It wasn't that she was unsure, but more distracted by him and his lips.
As the beam of flame was concentrated towards Aleister, he was indeed caught off guard by the power level of the flame. The shock wave from the cast created a burst of wind towards him before the flame had indeed reach. The dust around him almost collided with his suit and his perfect white suit became a bit dirty. "Your power is amazing Enzo. But it is simply not at the level yet. Not enough to surpass the previous generation." He then lifted his right hand to block the flame as it started to glow and just like that a burst of flame expelled out similar to Enzo as it simply absorbed the blast then was redirected towards Enzo in a much more concentrated blast missing him entirely as it blasted towards his right side. This was an exact copy of Enzo's absorption technique. "If I was a bit more careless, that blast might have made a scratch on me surprisingly." The flame that Aleister had absorbed was still lingering on his right hand.
Enzo's eyes widened as the blast was redirected, barely missing him. "A-...Aleister..." He stuttered. He lowered back down to the ground, not just feeling defeated, but feeling outdone. Who was this suited man? He was determined to find out. "What are you?"
Silver's lack of reluctance lead JD to further favor the girl. "So you are my girlfriend right? Before I spend the evening with you I want to be sure. " JD asked sweetly which was against his common nature.
Aleister just smiled. "I am just a man by the name of Aleister Crowly. That is all you need to know Enzo. Why I have the same power as you is not important. But what I just showed you was the extent of your strength." Aleister brushed off the dust and dirt off his suit as he walked over to Enzo. "There is so much more you can learn with that power." He then started to show his flame and the whole room illuminated brighter as the sky flames reacted to Aleister's. "Our flames is created from our inner desire to protect ourselves and our loved ones. But there are so much more you can do with them than the X-Burner and Flame Absorption." Aleister took a deep breath as the orange flame started to waver and grew larger. The fiery wisp was moving more crazily and the colour of the flame became darker and darker. The sky flames in the room even reacted to Aleister's and the whole room became darker and more sinister glow with a black and green flame. "This is the Minus Fire. Fire that is much more powerful than the dying will. A technique I have spent years on researching and perfecting. You have the potential to surpass your forefathers and conjure up the Minus Fire."
Eos giggled at Sasha's reaction. "You know... this was pretty fun." She grinned, looking toward the door. "But here comes your first assignment!" She put her hands on her hips. "I want you to make a trip round the school - in that outfit!" Cracking the door open a little she surveyed the area, "And honestly, this is pretty easy considering it's so late."
Looking back at her she crossed her arms over her chest, raising an eyebrow. "You have to combine your skill - which will keep you hidden, your charm - which will get you out of any trouble, and your confidence - which will help you face any peers you may cross with a simple smile. No freak outs. No punching anybody. Just a jaunt around the halls."
Putting out her hand to shake on the deal she spoke once again, "If you can manage to pass this test I will know you've got the nerve and I'll continue to teach you everything I know."
Silver took a deep breath before grinning a bit and looking up at him. She looked around briefly before answering. "Well, I guess so," she mumbled as she bit her lip.
Enzo watched in awe as Aleister ignited a flame identical to his. He saw how he easily changed it from the Sky flame to a flame he was unfamiliar with. Minus Fire. He could feel the flame's energy push back his own, like strong gusts of wind. "I can... obtain this?"
He stopped suddenly. "I thought there were only 7 flames..." He muttered. "How did you.. get this... flame?"
Aleister clasped his hand as it dissipate and disappeared. The torches reverted back to the sky flame original colour and the whole dungeon got brighter. "Then I guess it is time for a small history lesson. Let us be at the comfort of the office."
He placed a cup full of tea in front of Enzo. "Where to begin? The seven flames is a heredity magic that have been passed on by various families of a prestigious magic community in South Italy. The place was peaceful and beautiful. Magic users and humans coexisting peacefully. The whole community was lead by a man name Primo Sky. I can still remember the scene and face of that man. I forgot to mention that this is around over 200 years ago." He drank his tea calmly and continued on. "The seven flames all originally belonged to Primo. He used each of his ability to perform various chores for the community. However, all that power was too much for him. He ended up exerting all of his strength and grew weaker as the years went by. Thus he decided on himself to choose seven disciples, each mastering their own flame and passing on those power to their future generation. Your family were the one chosen for the sky flame, the flame of leadership and protection, Primo's favourite one."
She hesitated. Sasha was always known as the tomboy, and if someone saw her...what would happen next? Would they laugh? Sasha shook her head, determined to do this.
She nodded, "I...I guess I could try that, yeah...Let's go."
Enzo had long reverted back to his normal self. He took the tea and sipped it, listening to the story Aleister told him. "Leadership..." Enzo looked at his ring, wondering about it's true meaning. Primo... Destruction... Are they.. two different people, or.. are they the same? Either way, It seemed Enzo had some kind of tie-in to them. This was something to ask Enki about, he was sure. "Well, Aleister.. While all this may be true.." He looked back up to meet his gaze. "It still doesn't tell me what you want with me, exactly."
Aleister just let out a soft chuckle. "You are very impatient Enzo. You'll learn more in due time, as we continue on with our lessons. It is very late and getting enough time to rest for tomorrows lesson would be a good thing. You are now pardon Enzo." Aleister got out of his seat. "This is just the introduction. The more we continue, the stronger you can become Enzo. To fully use the power of the Sky Flame and Minus Fire. I suggest you do not tell anyone about what we discuss during our lessons. Only because we do not want any interference from people like Ivan or Kenji." He placed a finger on his lip to signal secret and then walked out of the room. Joanne followed Aleister while Ling walked into the room. "Master is an amazing person isn't he. Well I'm just glad that you accepted his teachings. Welcome to the team Enzo-buddy." Ling left with the two and they simply disappeared at the first corner.
It was then JD smiled brightly. “Well wonderful,” with that he unlaced himself from Silver and pecked her forehead softly. All that build up and he was so quick to disengage, but he got a glance at the time and considering his new status he would hate to get caught in the girl’s dorm now and the authority be suspicious all the while. “I should probably leave though- I would hate to get you in trouble and it is getting fairly late. But I’m sure I shall see you tomorrow.” JD offered smiled. “Good night Silver.”
With that he slid out of her room and attempted to leave the girl’s dorm in a stealthy manner, and make it back to the boy’s one.
"You'll be fine." She gave a reassuring pat on her back while moving her through the doorway. "And like I said, no punching!" It was then that she saw JD come slinking out of Silvers room. It was a surprise, and Eos would indeed remember what she saw in case he were to give her any guff about Volitaire anytime soon.
Either way, this was a perfect opportunity to test how Sasha could handle things - especially with JD being the biggest loud mouth here.
The rift opened up in front of the courtyard of a large grey manor. The night brought out the lights shining from within. With the disclosed location it was very quiet, not another soul was around. You could hear the chirp of crickets and wind blowing the grass and trees. A strait path leading to the door was lined up with iron lamp posts, making only the stone path and the grass outside it visible. The manor, was hard to see in the dark but made a castle looking outline. The place was big. Way too big for just one man to live in. "This is it, huh...Venciersio's manor?" Montesque nodded. "Yes, this is where I live also. My library is located inside also. Before we go, tell me...what do you aim to do?" "Make him answer for everything. Why he killed off my family, and why he had Silver's parents abandon her. When I get my answers, then he's going to pay for them." "Volitaire, Venciersio is a very powerful man with many connections to other dangerous magicians. I wouldn't try to engage him in his own home..." "I'm sorry Montesque, but he has to pay for his actions one way or another...before he torments someone else." "Volitaire, you shou- ...if you wish. I guess I can't stop you. But I will help you. You are right that he has to pay for what he's done to people." Volitarie began walking down the path to the manor, Montesque followed after him. "My whole life has been building to this moment...I cannot fail. Not when I have others waiting for me."
Enzo nodded at Ling. It felt nice to be apart of something bigger, but there was still no way he'd harm an innocent. They disappeared in no time, and his sudden isolation reminded him that it was late; around 12AM, now. He walked out of the office and made his way back to the dorm building.
Sasha was pushed through the door, chuckling a little, "Alright alright, no punching."
Her cheery tone ended when she saw JD exit out of Silver's room.
Of all people...it had to be him...
Sasha clenched her fist, automatically assuming her offensive stance, then remembered what Eos has told her to keep in mind, and tried to appear less threatening, feet shifting a little.
With a great deal of caution, Eos opened the door enough to peer her vision through it and watch if Sasha would succeed or fail.
That's it... go on, strut on by like you've got so much confidence you don't even notice he's there... A grin spread across her face when JD clearly noticed, but for once was without words or a snarky comment.
Montesque opens the large door. It opens with a faint creek as they enter the main hall. It wasn't the most decorated place of over extravagance. The walls had paintings of Magician family crests across the walls and a large crests of the Viravichi family up top a wall that stands over a platform that splits into two staircases. Volitaire ended up looking around as all the paintings of the crests. "Were these the families he killed..or took control over?" There were countless paintings, a scary amount. If Venciersio manage to overtake all these families just for the sake of his own goals, whatever they were, this man was a insane monster. Volitaire shuddered at the thought of what he's done. "He's awake..his manna is active." Volitaire's thoughts were cut off by Montesque's warning. "Then where is he?" Montesque pointed up a balcony that hung above the two staircases. "His office room is up there. I'll take you to them. But please, keep a collected head." Volitaire was already trotting up the steps. Montesque kept quiet and followed him until they reached the top, then taking the lead. The walked outside Venciersio's door. It was a large red double door with what looked like Gothic lanterns on the outside. Thought the fire was blue. Montesque looked to Volitaire, and Volitaire to Montesque. Montesque then nodded and opened the door. The room was large and the most noticeable feature was the single large window. Same as one you could see out on the front. There were shelves filled with tomes, stuffed animals, skeletal models of mythical creatures, opened scrolls written with old time mythos, and a single desk with a large chair...where he sat, staring at his visitors. "Montesque...who is this boy you've allowed inside? Is he some orphan beggar?" Montesque looked to Volitaire, he could tell Volitaire was enfuriated seeing Venciersio before him. His hair covered his face and he kept to the ground. "You remember the Lucath family?" "Yes, the living library that has exhausted their use long ago. Why? ..." Venciersio stood up and eyed Volitaire. "Show me your face, boy." Volitaire looked up, his faced looked like he was going to murder what he saw. "You..you look like Artimayeus Lucath..behind the malicious, balled up face. I'm guessing you're his child." Volitaire kept quiet and walked over to the desk slowly. "You have a lot to answer for, Venciersio!" His voice was rasp and shook. Once he made his way to Venciersio's desk he slammed his fist against it, snapping some of the wood. "TELL ME WHY YOU DID IT!? WHY DID YOU HAVE THEM ALL KILLED!? ANSWER ME OR SO HELP ME I'LL DRAG YOU TO HELL MYSELF!" Venciersio narrowed his eyes, not looking threatened at all. "Mr. Lucath, I appreciate you coming to me for answers instead of tossing fireballs in my face hoping you end my life. I had hope you would be more collected till I saw how angry you looked. I guess you're here for your 'selfless' vengeance, hmm? Gaining closure and avenging your lost family? Well, I'll tell you why I did." He threw out his hand, a ripple wave formed around it and made a loud vibrating noise. Volitaire was tossed to the door and frozen in place. Venciersio vanished in a distorted split in the air and reappeared in front of Volitaire. "Power...simply, power. Your family was well known for their large collection of archaic tomes and scrolls. Unfortunately, I couldn't obtain that legendary library they have hidden away. They did a good job of hiding it and locking it away, I must admit. But, I knew they would at once point turn to attack me once they learned Montesque's place there. So, I took the initiative and eliminated them before they could jump on the chance. Or even know they were done being used. I'm not sure why or how you're alive, but that was a grave mistake!" His other and expanded a black ball that stretched forward like a beam and blew the doors apart, along with Volitaire off the balcony and down into the main hall. Montesque halted time around Venciersio before he could harm Volitaire further. Space began to split and shift in odd directions, and Venciersio was free of the timeless grasp. He turned to Montesque with a plain face. "You know your Temporal magic has no effect on me. And you are a ballsy one to attack me, or even try me." Montesque summoned a seal that sprouted clock hands that spun around him. "Venciersio...I'm the reason he's alive...I'm tired of your genocidal ambitions, I'm tired of being your fall boy, you're going to atone for your crimes against the society of magic as a whole." Venciersio chuckled. "An interesting development. A fight after 12 midnight, with a angry goth and a traitor to his own family and successor. I've been meaning to challenge you, Monte."
Silver stood there. Did he really just-
Did I just-
"Oh my god."
She locked her door and quickly changed into some pajamas, before hopping into bed. She stared at her ceiling for a moment, thinking about what just happened, as well as worrying about Voltaire. She had a lot of feelings running through her right now.
She continued to stare at the ceiling until she finally fell asleep.
Sasha smirked a little, walking past JD and further into the hall. She was beginning to get the hang of things, and seemed to be enjoying it a little, though at times the girl was still a little awkward. Sasha silently thanked Eos, and swore to herself that she'd make it up to her later.
By the time he got into the warm lobby of the dorm building, he was half asleep. All that information, and the cold air combined, did a number on his fatigue. The lobby was quiet, and empty. Enzo hugged himself in order to stay warm. It was then that he realized he had not seen anyone else for a while.
Upon the realization, he had remembered JD's slick joke. Was he really that weak that he'd give up all manhood in a relationship? That was surely something that'd eat away at him in the future, if not now. It wasn't like he was trying to avoid a relationship, it's just that he had never been in one before, and he was honestly trying to break his 'No-good Idiot streak' he had going all of his life.
She reached the stairs that led down to the lobby. Sasha took a breath of air, and began to walk down them, trying to keep her back straightened, and her body poised as Eos had instructed her to do. Her arms felt useless, when they weren't stuck in her pockets, they were usually either: a-connecting with someone's face, b- gesturing while ranting, c- giving someone the middle finger.
She reached the bottom of the stairs, and immediately noticed Enzo, her mind going blank as she frozen in place, trying not to attract his attention.
Unfortunately for Sasha, the lobby was empty, and quiet. Enzo heard footsteps coming over from that direction. Maybe it was someone he knew? He swung his eyes over to her, and they open wide at what he sees. What was Sasha doing in an outfit like that? Enzo's brain was too tired to try and figure it out, instead, he smiled at her, and waved. "Oi, Sasha.." He said in his sleep-deprived tone. "I like your costume."
"C-c- costume?!" Sasha stuttered angrily, "Th-this is...normal clothing for girls...right?" She blushed, looking off to the side a little bit, and tugged on her hair.
" I-I just wanted to try it out because I was curious, alright?" Sasha felt a bit embarrassed to have been seen like this.
Enzo had woken himself up on the inside. He realized this was a situation he couldn't slack on. "It.. looks nice on you, really." He said, standing up properly. He smiled at her. The tigerette Sasha actually looked like she wasn't going to punch your lights out.
"What are you doing out here, though? It's pretty cold outside."