We woke up early. It was the downside of having actual jobs. Spent the extra time going through a to-do list.
" .. we going to have some breakfast then head to the opening ceremony..
Rimel was kind enough to make a list, which I honestly found helpful in keeping things in order.
" .. I assume we're going to meet our class after that. I wonder when these two will arrive? " He looked at the two empty beds.
" I honestly hope they will get lost getting here.. " Pelit crossed his fingers.
Felt the same.
Had nothing against meeting new people. After all, school was THE place for that.
But living with them?
I don't know. Turned to my friends.
I had problems getting used to these two..
" Why are you looking at us like that? " asked Rim.
I quickly changed my sour expression. " Nothing.."
After a messy shower situation where we couldn't decide who goes first, we were out of the halls heading towards the dining hall.
The bulk of the students were just arriving this morning, putting their stuff away and greeting old friends and enemies alike.
Since magic was unrestricted unless its harmful, we regularly saw students practising, having fun, or flexing their spells in front of others.
The atmosphere was admittedly great. Lots of excited kids having fun created a small but pleasant feeling in my own cynical stomach as well.
I saw Rim twisting his neck as if looking for someone in the crowd. He obviously wanted to spot a certain girl.
" .. can't you control yourself? We will probably meet her at breakfast. " I nudged him.
" You think so? " He asked hopefully.
I never saw him that .. fidgety. Give him an encouraging nod.
" Yeah.. what do you think, P..
I turned to my left to ask Pelit, but he was nowhere to be found.
After a short search, we did find him .. he was standing further back, leaning against the wall holding up two girls.
" .. I mean .. " Rimel pointed dead eyed.
" I know.. " I sighed.
We walked back reluctantly and stopped a few feet from them where we could hear the conversation.
" .. they wanted to promote me. THE youngest captain of the BC.. "
" BC? " asked one of them.
" Border Control.. " he reached inside his robe and pulled out a few badges. " .. Look. Don't be shy. "
He handed over one of each to the girls basking in looks other passerby give him.
Rimel leaned closer and whispered. " You gave back yours yourself, right? "
I shook my head slowly.
" Gave it to Icky over there. " I nodded towards our friend back. " .. he'll take care of it, he said. You? "
I could tell by his eyes Pelit played the same trick, acquiring both our badges .. and kept them!
" Wow .. this says something on the bottom. " one of them showed the motto underneath. " What does it mean? "
" Oh, that? .. it's Latin. Meaning the swords and shields of innocent. No biggies.." He smiled proudly.
We exchanged a derisive look, fully knowing the motto said .. In aliorum tutelam.
Meaning - In protection of others.
After another 2 minutes of silly flirting, we had enough. Without a word exchanged, we casually walked to the group. Tapped his shoulder.
" Oh, hello.. We couldn't help but overhear you. " I smiled. " Sounded fascinating, isn't it? "
I looked at Rim, who nodded gracefully.
" Absolutely.. sounds dangerous and exotic. Tell us more .. "
Pelit looked like a child getting caught eating too many cookies , and after a big sigh, he turned to the girls.
" T-these two ladies are busy.. I don't wanna take their time ..
" No, please.. it does sound awesome. " The blonde girl immediately reached out. " I'm Morgan, and that's Nazli. "
Luckily, one of them were actually interested and introduced both of them.
An awkward silence fell on our small group while we smiled at our sweating friend.
Then things turned worse..
" Ferith! G'morning .. and you guys. "
Lor Orlean spotted us and strode across the hall, followed by her friends. Irina waived while Leyla looked lost and aloof as ever.
I saw Pelit taking a few steps away from the girls trying to look like an innocent bystander in front of his crush.
I nodded to them as a form of greeting, and Rim almost tripped himself, trying to get closer. Thankfully, my instincts were on point, and I gently pushed him for stabilisation.
" Morning Irina.. hey. "
He awkwardly smiled at the girl he liked and gave a sideways greeting to the rest.
Leyla walked closer to Pelit, and from my point of view, it looked like a predator cornering a defenceless animal. I couldn't hear their conversation because my robe was pulled.
" Can we talk in private? .. please? "
I agreed to Lor's request, and I let myself lead inside an empty room used for storage, filled with old furniture and broken equipment.
She put her heavy looking backpack down.. maybe we should have those as well, huh? .. and started pacing in front of me.
I amused myself for a few seconds, admiring the near perfect straight line she walked side to side, but eventually, it lost its novelty.
" .. Yes? " I initiated.
She bit her lips and pulled out her wand.
" Attack me.. "
I closed my eyes and quietly prayed for strength to handle this girl and also for her to have a good enough reason other than curiosity.
" .. Why? " I asked.
I heard her stomping the floor to regain my attention.
" ..Please? " She asked sincerely.
" Weren't you the one who told us not to dual because it's silly.. or something? I think it was just yesterday? "
" It's not an official dual. According to school rules, duals can only be initiated if both parties possess a wand from Merleau..
There she goes again.. I mean .. I would rather bet my money on aliens than some deity handing those wands to them, but whatever.
" .. therefore, it's nothing but a test. " She made a circle in the air, making shields. " ... look, I'm well protected. Ready? "
She still didn't give a legitimate reason .. she's just curious, I guess.
I sighed and pulled my right hand back behind my head as my fireball started spinning rapidly. When it reached the size of an apple, I was ready to launch at her ..
" W-wait! Wait .. wait .. " Her wand made a few complicated moves while murmured something to herself. " Better to be safe than sorry.. I'm ready!! "
Her determination was admirable..
I threw my fireball aimed at her centre.
( HISS.. BANG!! )
The spinning ball of fire made a sound travelling through the air and destroyed her shields with ease. When she saw there was no other choice, Lor ducked with a little shriek.
As the fireball disappeared before it hit the wall, I gave her points for quick reaction as I walked closer, helping her up.
" Satisfied? Or do you want other elements? " I asked.
She got sweaty like she ran a few miles and had to do some self-cleaning but shook her head anyway.
" No need .. I just wanted to see. You, for sure .. are his nephews, expect he does this with a wand.. like we all do. How come no one heard of this? About you? " She asked.
I contemplated telling her something sarcastic and walking away, but .. she's been sincere since we had that incident yesterday.
" My parents.. they did what they could to hide it. Had me carry a fake wand around and pretend.. they weren't ashamed of me or anything..
" I know .. those born without a wand usually cast aside and made to live with the 'humans .. " She nodded, understanding.
The humans she said .. like just because we call ourselves magicans would somehow exclude us from their race.
" .. anyway. My uncle, however, put me through extensive training .. which were basically just experiments, I just didn't know .. he made sure I could hold my own in the process.. "
I looked at my hand .. that's when I discovered that feeling of euphoria when using my magic, it was addictive.. and dangerous. Lor words bought me back from my thoughts.
" He succeeded. I tell you .. my shields are somewhat special as in ..
" Hate to interrupt, but shouldn't we join the others.. breakfast .. school etc etc.. " I pointed at the door.
She looked a little disappointed, but as an elite student my uncle personally brought with him, her inner geek won out, and we left.
~~~
" .. as another year began. Let us remember all those who couldn't rejoin us with a moment of silence. "
In the endless rows of black seats, ours was the furthest from the stage where all the teaching staff sat behind a podium.
As the others lowered their head in respect, I cheked on the lady giving the welcome speech.
Her name was Neslihan Bakirgi. She thought magical history and also the headteacher for the third years meaning me as well.
She lifted her head almost in a synchronised manner with the students and continued.
" This year like before, as Lyceeys students, you are expected to carry yourself with an appropriate grace befitting the status it afford. Dualing outside of school premises will be punished according to the regime approved..
As she droned on about policies, I didn't care .. I saw my uncle yawning in the background he managed to summarise the students' collective feelings.
" .. lastly. We have a trio of specialists joining us as students starting at 3rd year..
I felt my elbow hit and Pelit grinning after I turned. I gave him a thumbs up.. yes, buddy, they talk about us.
" .. their circumstances are special and hopefully never repeated..
She gave a quick look to my uncle, who replied with a light smile. I bet she likes many, many here .. sees our arrival as a sort of nepotism.
I felt the students' eyes on us, being at the last row.. it was hard to miss.
" .. let us all welcome them and offer help and guidance when needed. And as always, let us stay safe during our time here. Dismissed. "
~~~
" That was inspiring.. "
I appreciated Rimel's boundless optimism, but I didn't share it. It wasn't inspiring but dreadful.
" Ah-huh .. "
We managed to get free of the crowd of students whispering and pointing at us. Rimel and Pelit wanted the girls to join us, but seeing my unenthusiastic response, they let go of the idea.
Our first class wasn't until an hour from now.. so we took a load off at the gazebo.
" You okay? Did Lor say something that made you mad? " asked Pelit, seeing my mood unchanged.
" I'm okay .. brand new. " I answered, trying to gather myself. " No, she said nothing .. just wanted me to attack her. "
After a few seconds of them staring, I explained ..
" .. I bet she was surprised. I remember I was. " Pelit remarked.
" Tell me about it .. it's a shock for sure. Using magic without a wand is unreal. " Rim admitted it.
He pulled out his own wand. It was long .. 15 inch, I would say.. and put on the table.
" I suppose your uncle made you try using one of them? " He asked.
I nodded without a word.
" Nothing, huh? " asked Pelit.
Felt uncomfortable talking about such things for some reason. Like .. looking at old painful photos. Beautiful memories once, now forever tainted by the madness of war ..
" Hey guys! "
I looked up, seeing the trio of girls and Milan heading towards us.
" Irina.. " Rim stood up, smiling awkwardly. " .. Please take my seat here. "
" That's fine .. we were wondering where you guys disappeared, too. " She shook her head.
They ended up leaning against the side as I spotted a few wayward students watching us from a far, hiding behind the yellow rose bushes.
Lor noticed my look and, after a peak, shrugged her shoulders.
" After the announcement, this is normal. You can expect a lot of unwanted questions and look like that. " She gave a sympathetic smile.
" You hate it? "
Leyla snuck behind me, and her creepy way of delivery made jump a little.
After a few calming breaths and I stood up. " I honestly don't care .. I'm going. See you at class. "
I still had time, so I might as well look in on my Uncle Marcus and clear all these questions.
" W-wait! .. do you even know where the class is!? .. Hello!!? " Lor screamed at me.
" I find a way .. " I said it over my shoulder.
I was in a weird mood .. needed to clear that up.