Taking care of incompetent... (Open)

[Gabriel]

In one of many corridors of Arcane Academy a big commotion was taking place. Students gathered around in a circle watched as a conflict between two students was about to turn into an all out fight. Well to tell the truth it was more like one sided argument that was mostly used only as a reason to start a fight. It seemed that some rather small student has just said something about someone that other student knows. Ironically the other student was a rather powerful fighter skilled in fire element. And the bunch of brainless students were now watching as the smaller student tried to explain that he was not guilty of what he was accused of. Yet he failed miserably and was pushed on the ground by the bigger stronger and far more skilled fighter with an evil grin on his face. He was here to make himself look cool in front of his not so intelligent friends who were now laughing the poor student’s misfortune. But no matter what the bigger bully was planning to do today was a rather bad day to do it.

Maybe because of his lack of luck or maybe just because of random coincidence a simple, not very known student named Gabriel choose the same hallway to get to his next class. Of course even without knowing anyone around here the commotion in the hallway surely got his attention and turning slightly on his heels with a cane in his hand and old-fashioned looking student walked a bit closer to the crowd to see what was happening. Being tall enough he did got a glimpse of the action and though his calm face never changed its expression Gabriel was rather irritated. He hated these kind of people. Those who looked down on the others thinking that they are stronger. He himself was no saint so to say but he never attacked weaker ones. Actually it was the strong ones that attracted his attention. They were someone worth his time and effort to defeat. And this pathetic bully was not one of them. Although Gabriel did not like to waist his valuable time on everyone he could not leave this be.

So standing in the crowd and trying not to be any different from any of other students Gabriel focused. He will make this bastard regret he ever even thought about harming weaker ones. Taking a cane into his right hand Gabriel gathered enough mana to perform one of his spells. Since he did not believe that there was anyone else who practiced the same art as he did he should remain unnoticed. Without moving his eyes from the bully Gabriel tapped the ground once with his cane. It was a soft and barely audible sound that only those who stood close to him could hear and yet they were to busy with the confrontation to listen. The moment he did the bully suddenly stopped. A strong feeling that something was out of place suddenly caught him. He turned around to look if there was someone coming to the little sissy’s help only to found that the hall and everyone in it has disappeared. He was now standing alone and everything around him was black. He could not see nor hear anything. At first he did not understand anything but before he could ask anything a small buzzing caught his ears. It went louder and louder with every passing second until suddenly out of the darkness came a single arrow, a simple one but still a weapon. Only his training allowed him to leap aside and not get hurt.

But just before he could do anything else more buzzing came. This time faster and now there was more of it. He only had time to look up and see the entire crowd of arrows approaching him with magnificent speed. He was simply caught off guard as the unknown amount of the said arrows started to fall on and around him. First one got him in the leg and the pain was incredible. He never got hit with something lethal before so the shock combined with pain did not allow him to prepare for the rain of these projectiles.

The crowd that was assembled watched not understanding what was happening as the bully suddenly jumped to the side with expression of shock on his face and the looked up with fear before falling on one knee screaming in pain. It lasted a couple of moments before he has suddenly began to move his upper body as if he was being hit repeatedly by bullets or something like that followed by his inhuman scream of untamed pain and agony. A second later he cocked his head back as if he was hit in the head and the screaming stopped followed by the sound of the falling body as the previously cool guy fell on the ground expression of pain still in his features. At that moment the crowd began to panic and some ran away while others began to move in order to see what was wrong with him while some just stood there shocked. And only one student with calm expression on his face threw a second glance at the one on the ground and began to slowly walk towards his class. Gabriel knew that he’ll be all right. He has just fainted from the pain. Usually people took at least three of his arrows in the head while brain can’t take it anymore. This only proved to him that this pathetic excuse for a fighter was defiantly not worth his time and mana that he used performing ‘Advanced illusion’ curse. Since most people did not know this sort of art exists no one will be able to tell what exactly happened to him. So as calm as ever Gabriel walked slowly down the panicking hallway with his cane touching the ground from time to time.

[Phae]

Phae walked down the halls. Her black pleated skirt swaying to and fro with her steps the loose belt hung over her hips a sword dangling from it making no noise as the red head walked through the halls of Arcane. She tugged on the white button down collared shirt that clung to her body like a glove. She was toned and feminine working out constantly she was beautiful with her pale skin and bright and vibrant blue eyes.

She turned a corner and heard the commotion. Her eyes almost rolled. It seemed with the sudden influx of new students there was a lot more commotion in the halls. She still loved it here because it was filled with magic. Beautiful magic. Every magic type she loved to learn and see in action because everyone seemed to have something so very unique. It seemed that magic found ways to be more creative each generation.

She stayed to the back of the crowd but she could still see. It really wasn't like she had much of a choice anyway as they were blocking the entire hallway. Yet her eyebrow rose when the boy began screaming in pain and nothing at all was happening to him. She had never seen anything of the like. So when the crowd began to freak out she stayed watching.

One lone person. A student no less, yet one she had yet to meet seemed much calmer than the rest. A smile crossed the girl's face as she pushed herself off the wall and began walking after the new student. Matching pace with him she smiled over at him.

"Nice magic. That's so neat. How does it work, if you don't mind my asking?" she said her eyes bright with wonder and excitement as the perky girl looked up at him excited to learn about some new magic. It wasn't like she could learn his magic or anything yet magic for her.. always held such interest.

[Gabriel]

With all his effort to try to stay out of sight for most people it seemed that Gabriel failed miserably. This and most other thought crossed his mind as someone caught up to him and began talking with such excitement that it made Gabriel almost scared. Also the sword that she carried did not help the matters but Still walking Gabriel turned his head his calm face slightly covered by dark brown hair looking at the excited girl. He made a quick analysis of her and though she did have a not too friendly looking sword he figured that she was not dangerous or ready to give him in. But even so Gabriel was no fool. He of all people knew that appearance can be misleading. Plus he also knew that whoever she was she did not know for sure that he has done something. She only believed that he did probably based on some crazy detail that she noticed. She was of course right but Gabriel was no fool to fall for something this primitive.

“I am very sorry for my rudeness miss. But I am not sure I know what you are talking about. Would you care to elaborate?” He said turning his head forward once more. His eyes already scanned her and he already had a first impression. It was rather good to say the least. His voice was rather soft and not very loud. And as many would notice besides his accent he still had an old fashioned manner of speaking. After all his clothes were there for some reason. So walking slowly and calmly Gabriel waited for the answer. He a couple of teachers went past him hurrying towards the place where the bully was lying. Gabriel did not even turn his head. He did not have to. No one could suspect a student as calm as him even with not-so-calm companion by his side. And once more over his life Gabriel thought just how exactly he got into these kind of situations. Why on earth he did not mind his own business. After all he was a bit sadistic, twisted guy who only seeks gain for himself and cared only for himself. So why on earth he has to involve himself in other peoples business? Maybe it was not his day after all…

((Beware the evil virus of shortness))

[Phae]

Her eyes widened slightly as he tried to play off the fact that he had not been the one to cast the magic back there. She giggled. One of those cute happy giggles that tended to come with the wrinkling of the nose. As hers did just now. She tucked her waist length red hair behind her ears and smiled at him.

"Well, you were the only one back there that remained calm in the midst of it all. So that to me that you would have been the one to cast it. Just seems likely is all. Forgive me if I'm wrong it's just my opinion after all." she said with a shrug.

Her hand ran over the hilt of her blade as if to make sure it was still there. It was and she let her hand fall to her side once more. The boy next to her definatly seemed interesting and his form of English was very classic. Her own english had a slight German accent to it only hinting to her place of birth.

(never a thing wrong if your posts aren't the length of a novel)

[Gabriel]

Gabriel was pretty confused, although he did not show it a thought that he did not understand women… even more than most males at least crashed down on his mind. His companion who was pretty much forcing him to admit that he did something wrong but Gabriel would never ever do something like that now would he? Well ok he would but if he knew that it was not necessary for everyone else to know that too. So as the girl spoke Gabriel’s cold mind worked on how he would get himself out of the situation like this. Her arguments seemed to only based on his appearance. And that was never a fact solid enough to be trusted completely. So without any sort of change in his calm collected and a bit proud appearance Gabriel spoke again while choosing carefully what was being said.

“One’s opinion is a very good thing but you must not forget that appearance is often deceptive. There was no point in my interference for I do not know him nor I wish to. And I have no point in other peoples business. So you may want to reconsider and try looking for someone who actually cares about other people.” Gabriel said his voice being as silent and as calm as before. He was actually interested in what she would say to that. Also he did take notice in her touching the weapon that was quite frankly looking too dangerous for comfort. But yet without any sort of change his body language Gabriel walked forward in a slow calm pace.

((Yes it is!!!! ))

[Phae]

Ahh so the boy wasn't going to admit to it. Well that really wasn't a big deal. She would have introduced herself to him anyway because that's just who Phae was. She was the meet and greet em girl by her own decision. She loved meeting new people and having a lot of friends. She shrugged.

"Well, you don't have to admit anything and you're right appearances are often decieving. I can tell you're new here mostly because I haven't seen ya around and so another reason I came up, despite hoping you had actually committed that snazzy bit of magic back there, to introduce myself and hopefully get to know a bit about you." she said with a smile.

She looked over at the man next to her and smiled again. She was a very happy girl and it was normal for a smile to be on her face.

"I'm Phae, by the way." she said extending her calloused right hand to shake. "Nice to meet you.."

[Gabriel]

As Gabriel walked down the Hallway with a way too hyper companion by his side it seemed to him that even his deception and lies were completely useless against the pure stubbornness of this girl. Even though he would be telling the truth it was doubtful that she will believe him. But he did not care about that actually. She had no proof that he did it anyway and now it seemed that she has changed her approach. Instead of drilling him for info she was now introducing herself. Gabriel’s expression never changed though. Still remaining expressionless his eyes turned towards the girl or Phae how she introduced herself. With the same voice that held nor excitement nor anything else he spoke after stopping his slow and calm walk. His eyes calmly looking at Phae.

“I am…” He spoke silently but loud enough for her to hear him. At the same time he took her extended hand while holding his cane in the other one. With one simple move he turned it sideways and bending down slightly he kissed it. It may seem a very nice move except for the fact that his eyes or expression never changed. “…Gabriel.” He finished finally before letting go of her hand and with the same expression on his face he began to walk once more. He was not for the whole making friends thing but it was better to be nice anyway. You might never know when you will need a favor or two. So listening to his surroundings Gabriel listened if there was something that she would say.

[Phae]

When he took her hand and kissed the back of it she had to admit the timeless action did indeed make her smile. It didn't send her heart a flutter or anything like some girls no but it was a sweet guesture and she smiled at him as they resumed their walk.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. What kind of magic do you do then? I mean, it's great here. Everyone has a different style of magic. I don't think I've met anyone that had the same magic as anyone else. It's really interesting how that works you know." she said with a smile as she looked over at him.

"I'm a sword mage." she said tapping the pommel of her blade gently as she smiled at him once more.

[Gabriel]

Most would find it strange but a smile never graced Gabriel’s face. His rather cold and a little dark exterior mixed with air of dignity and the way he held himself. So as he walked in the hallway with a cane in his right hand his companion named Phae still walking next to him. Although her company was neither good not bad Gabriel said nothing. A rather interesting and maybe slightly cunning person she was. Gabriel did make sure of that just now. After all she wanted to make him admit that he did something and know what kind of magic was it that he did. But since he told her that he did nothing she introduced herself and tried to soften his defenses by that. But Gabriel was far better than that. The sword that she had looked a bit intimidating Gabriel said nothing about that. He did realize that if he wanted to get her off his case about that punk he will be forced to say the truth. Almost…

“It is rather interesting here indeed. But I think I will have to disappoint you. My magic is rather common. I am an alchemist.” He said simply still looking forward. Deciding to prove his words Gabriel raised his cane a bit so that its metal bubble on the end would be in the level of his waist. Since his left pal had a very complex transmutation circle drawn on it he will need no other thing. Focusing his power he moved his hand over the metal bubble. Doing this without actually touching the object was rather difficult but with years of practice he managed to pull this off. And once his hand was over the orb he moved it slowly to the side and watched as the bubble started to bloom like a rose. It never changed the matter it was made of or the color. But the action himself was made. A couple of seconds later it bloomed fully and then melted back into the bubble.

“So I believe that you should reconsider and look for someone whose area of expertise is rather different than mine.” Gabriel said with the same calm voice while placing his cane into the same position as before. And then suddenly something that she said caught his attention. And though he showed none of this Gabriel was interested in what exactly she was able to do. So without any other reaction he just asked. “And what you can do?” He asked in the same calm voice looking forward. Technically everything that he said now was true. But as they say even truth had to be told right…

[Phae]

She watched in wonder as he used alchemy. Her 'big brother' was an alchemist and he was right it wasn't a terribly unique magic yet the way it was used was always unique so she thought. She watched and her eyes lit up as a rose formed at the end of his cane.

"Great! I love alchemy. And you're wrong I'm not disappointed. Sure I know another alchemist but it doesn't make your magic any less special. I mean, geez, if I could change one thing into something else.. well I'd probably end up using it all the time which is why I don't have that power." she said with a laugh.

He then asked about her own magic and she smiled. She had not seen anyone else that had a magic quite like hers. She stopped him with a gentle touch on his shoulder. She stepped back and unsheated her sword with one fell swoop. She held it out in her right hand yet away from him as she didn't want him to think she was challenging him.

"This is my style.." she said with a smile. She thought about the spell she wanted and her mana flowed as it always did straight into her arm and down through her sword erupting the sword in flames that licked at the metal.

"I'm a sword mage. I can add attributes and elements to my blade." she said with a smile. She let the spell go and resheathed her blade in a obviously practiced move.

[Gabriel]

As the sword was removed from the sheath Gabriel raised an eyebrow slightly. Of course it was logical that she would need a sword for what she did as her title suggested. But then his all worries were forgotten as she activated the spell and explained what it did. As Gabriel watched it his mind went into overdrive. ‘Elements are matter…. Matter can be manipulated…. Alchemy manipulates matter….’ This and other thoughts flew through his mind as different alchemic symbols and concepts were collected from all dark parts of his memory. In the end of her show his eyes became unfocussed as if he was thinking hard on something although no more moves were made to justify this. His brain slowly but surely gathered all the necessary information His circle was not exactly fit for it but maybe with a little illusion he might pull it off. So once more focusing to his companion Gabriel clapped a couple of times to show that it was a truly magnificent power. And yet his expression stayed the same.

“Fascinating. Your talent is very, very unique.” He said calmly lowering his hands and the cane back to his sides. “But you might not be aware that Alchemy is not a talent. It is a subject, a science so to speak. And like every subject it can be learned with a little will and hard work.” Gabriel said with calm voice. “You might want to ask that friend of yours about it. Maybe he can even teach it to you.” Gabriel said adjusting his left glove with his right hand while his cane was pressed between upper right arm and his body. He actually wanted to get himself somewhere and practice a little bit. After al not every day you get this kind of genius idea.

[Phae]

Phae stood in the hall still with the boy that she had only met a few minutes ago. He had seem truly impressed by her art yet his face showed no emotion. She was used to dealing with people that showed no emotion on their faces. Her best friend was the exact type. You had to read them.

"Well thank you." she answered his comment with a smile. But her smile fell and her brow furrowed slightly as he finished talking of alchemy.

"I disagree. I think alchemy is a talent. Whether you agree or not is moot. But truthfully, the way one handles such skill and power is where in lies the true talent. How one uses this skill and how one learns and grows with it. This is also part of having a talent." she stated with a nod. She smiled over at him.

"So changing the subject, what do you do when you aren't practicing alchemy and watching fights with the other students?" she asked.

[Gabriel]

Gabriel listened calmly but before he could answer the bell rang across the academy indicating that the period was about to begin. And now Gabriel was left without any practice and it was actually very, very impolite to leave in the middle of a conversation. But it seemed that the education was calling and the etiquette was not one of the important things around here. So taking the cane into his right hand Gabriel began to speak. Keeping his calm exterior he spoke in a calm manor yet with visible grace and simplicity. “It seems that our meeting is being cut short. Yet I hope that we will be able to meet again. It was …….a pleasure” He said after a second of hesitation and made a slight bow placing his left hand slightly over his stomach. Then he had one hell of an idea. After all everyone has to have fun sometimes. With one simple move he turned around and began to walk away. With a couple of steps he would extend his hand up and snap his fingers activating the illusion.

A Phae will only see a single silver arrow flying over her shoulder the wind that would follow it would go through her hair. But if she would look back trying to see it she would find nothing there as if it never existed. It will be Gabriel’s diversion and he will be gone by then. But what everyone would miss would be the little smile on Gabriel’s face as he would walk through the hall.