Students began dispersing, some heading to training facilities for last-minute practice, others toward dormitories for recovery and preparation.
I moved through the crowd with purposeful direction, avoiding the various groups trying to engage in tournament discussion or social networking. My destination was clear - the mansion, where Changing Star waited and where I could train privately without observation.
The skateboard carried me through the city streets as daylight faded into evening. Academy grounds disappeared behind me, replaced by urban architecture and eventually the familiar elegant white structure of my personal residence.
I entered through the secured entrance, immediately sensing Changing Star's presence through our bond. She was awake and active, having grown noticeably larger even in just the past week.
Kojiro stood in the main hall, clearly having been maintaining security during my absence.
