Multiple Settings &nbsp; Anima Studies

Tiguidi · Dec 26, 2023

COBALT ULAR
Location: Classroom

"Haha, me too! I just woke up with powers one day a week ago like, what the heck?!”

Cobalt perked up at Valerie’s words, eyeing her with a slightly surprised look. “You’ve only got your powers for a week? Must be quite a sudden shift.”, he commented with a dry chuckle. “I’ve had my Soul Flames for a small while but I just got the letter of admittance to come here. Speaking of which, do any of you know who exactly gave you the letter?”, he asked the general vicinity, scratching his chin. “Uh, just asking ‘cause I have no idea who gave me mine.”

“... That’s actually something I should ask the teacher.”, he spoke up with a sigh after a few awkward moments. He turned to glance at Mr. Jaquie, hoping to get a clear answer from him.

“I’m sorry…”

Turning his attention back to Mariana, Cobalt waved at her, trying to force a smile. “Oh, uh, it’s fine -ah, okay…” His voice trailed off when the purple-eyed girl seemingly ignored him and others to leave the classroom. “Uhh, you forgot your things? No? Huh…” His shoulders slumped down, figuring he'd tried enough doomed socializing for one day.

Interactions with

Verite ,

Solirus ,

Verite · Dec 26, 2023

Valerie Vu - Classroom -> Corridor
Interactions:

Tiguidi

Spoiled Bread

"Oh, you have no idea!" Valerie exclaimed in response to Cobalt, speaking of their shared experience in their obliviousness to the magnitude of their situation. "Funny enough, only like a day after my powers awakened, that was when a demon attacked me for the very first time too, like pretty much the same size as what Teach just unleashed on us. I wonder if they're like, attracted to magic energy or something," she mused idly, before her eyes widened in mild shock. "Wait, oh god. Are we like, marked for death now? 'Cause I never saw a demon or anything in my life before a week ago, and now I've bumped into them twice and got scouted for this place, I guess. Oh man, I bet that's something they can do, track magic and stuff. Imagine!" She went on, though her train of idle thoughts was derailed as Mariana unceremoniously helped herself up and lumbered out of the classroom, leaving in such a rush that she'd forgotten her bags inside.

"... Huh," Valerie only vocalized idly, still maintaining a carefree looking smile, though her eyes would look more focused now, to the observant gaze. "Hope she's alright, but I guess I get it. Really, for all intents and purposes, we should probably be freaking out too with all that's been piling on top of us, between the magic and the demons," she breathed. For her part, Valerie seemed to be the type who let nothing get to her if she simply chose not to let it, and it was perhaps easy for her to do when her mind was always filled with runaway thoughts that she could easily afford to think about something else over the crushing existential dread of life.

Still, once she'd observed that Mariana had forgotten her bag and saw the look on Cobalt's face, the girl pursed her lips before also shooting up to her feet. "Well, come on! We gotta give this back to her, right? And she still looked like she was worse for wear!" Val exclaimed, taking the initiative and taking a hold of Mariana's bag, only to hastily stuff it in the young man's arms. With that, gesturing at her and Leander to follow, the girl skipped out of the classroom and into the corridor after Mariana.

Once outside however, she was quickly greeted by the sight of one of the other girls from class, the one who identified herself as Sophia during the introductions, already having latched onto Mariana. "Oh! Hey there," she waved toward the blonde girl, easily giving a friendly smile as she always did. "You two planning on heading to the kitchen? I wanted to give Jessie some time before helping myself to whatever he had cooking up. Smells like he's done though!" Val exclaimed with an exaggerated sniff, not bringing up Mariana's apparent state of disorientation for her comfort, assuming she could even understand what was being said, and not bringing up her forgotten bag so that the boys could bring it back to her themselves. They seemed to need the help in currying favor, but you didn't hear that from her.

Clasping her gloved hands together in delight, Valerie grinned. "So, we on for some tea and cookies?"

November Witch · Dec 27, 2023

Mariana Mirror

Status: Flustered, embarrassed, curious, uninjured.

Mariana was so caught up in the mental torrent and gales within her mind she barely recognized the figure shaped thing she passed as she made her way down the halls. The female had no destination in mind, and her body was on autopilot as her focus remained inwards. It moved around the girl named Sophia and continued on down the hall. Her hands were at her sides, and her head was tilted down. She looked at the floor, her eyes and body navigating the halls without rhyme or reason.

Just stop and take a damn breath. I can feel those emotions too, and I hate them.

There was that voice again. Despite its attempt to calm her, she only got more anxious. What was this voice? Where did it come from? Is it why she was here? Was she going crazy? Maybe this whole place was just a dream. Perhaps she really died with her parents and these past few months were some sort of purgatory?

Mariana had so many questions that had no logical answers. She started to actually consider the more illogical and supernatural explanations. But not fully. She stopped and shook her head, as if to clear it. Whatever this voice was, it was at least right. Mariana took a breath, and started to feel calmer…

Or, at least she would have, had she not felt something grab her. Immediately, her mind went to the worst case scenario and she envisioned a bigger creature from earlier attempting to drag her away to some corner of the school and do nothing good to her. She was too caught off guard to even register the voice to begin with. She attempted to pull away, and simultaneously turned to see what was attempting to entrap her. Only to see a girl from the class earlier. Then to trip over her own feet. Turns out attempting to run, and turn around at the same time wasn’t something Mariana’s body could do on autopilot.

She felt the arms wrap around her temporarily hold, but then they followed her down. It seemed Sophia was caught off guard too. Or maybe just not strong enough to catch a falling girl. Either way, Mariana was weightless, as was the girl holding her. She closed her eyes, waiting for the impact. Thankfully, it wasn’t exactly a far fall, and Mariana kept her head from hitting the ground. After the ground ‘caught’ her, she opened her eyes, only to see Sophia atop her, her hands on either side of Mariana’s head.

Golden locks of hair clouded the peripherals of Mariana’s vision, making Sophia’s face the focal point of the image before her. Her breath caught in her throat, and her cheeks flushed red. Mariana attempted, and failed, to get any words at all out. Her thoughts were racing once more, but with completely new ones replacing the others from earlier. She found her eyes on Sophia’s Ocean blue orbs.

What happened? Did she do this on purpose? Did my clumsiness cause this? Why is this pretty girl on top of me for so long? What’s her name? Why is this happening so fast? Why is she just watching me and not moving?

Of course, it had only been roughly a single second, but it felt waaaaaay too long for Mariana. In fact, she wished this hadn’t happened at all! Well, at least no one had seen them!

Then she heard the pink haired girl’s voice and her whole face turned red. People were going to get the wrong idea! But Mariana was pinned, and couldn’t exactly move with the other girl atop her. It was at this point she felt her lungs burning and realized she had kinda forgotten to continue breathing after her breath had caught in her throat. Her hands were at her side, playing with the hem of her skirt, a nervous habit, as she waited for the situation to play out.

The side of her that wasn’t shy though, was geeking out. It was like the beginning of a visual novel! Were the protagonist would meet one of their first romantic interests! Did this mean the blonde girl was one of hers? Who would be the next? Perhaps Mariana wasn’t even the main character. Maybe the blonde girl was! Mariana couldn’t help but see similarities in the situation between the hundreds of hours she’d put into visual novels and anime. While she knew this wasn’t anything like those, at the moment, it sure felt like it!

Valerie would be the only one to see unfortunate two fall onto one another. Anyone else exiting the classroom wouldn’t have that context, however…

jmann · Dec 28, 2023

Rook
Juju Solirus seasonedcat

Rook was surprised at Marianne's humility. In most rich people they'd met, there was an aura unacknowledged privilege and nepotism, but they hadn't accounted that Marianne was old money, the type that survived revolutions by keeping their head down and mistreating any empathy out of their children. But then they joked, and it took Rook by surprise. Or they thought it was a joke, surely Marianne knew what a study group was, but something about the steel poker face and Annamarie's cold stare made it hard to be certain.

Rook leaned into the joke just in case. If it was real hopefully their answer would be interpreted as honest and not as sarcastic as it sounded to Rook.
"Oh you know, a group where you study? Like a study group."
Nevertheless, Marianne agreed to the idea with Annamarie invited by extension.
"Perfect!" Rook clasped their hands together in the same tone as before.
After that, Rook watched on in quiet disbelief, fading into the background as events unfolded. Another student arrived late enough the class was over, not that it was long enough to call a class anyway. Rook gave them a nod and went to speak before Jaquis cut them off.
Rook froze when addressed by the prof. They weren't aware he was listening. Fortunately before the scalding was too severe a new figure entered the classroom. Terrance, Rook presumed, was an affable if quiet fellow. He dapped Jaquis, the two were obviously good friends and it was no fun to watch the stiff teacher fall back to an actual human being.

The others were socialising already. Rook preferred to hang to the sidelines, just like the newer guy. Rook held their hand out to Marianne for a fistbump before moving around to Aries. The kid's hand was twitching slightly ever since Marianne left. Something to note for later. Rook leaned against one of the desks beside Aries.
"Hey, Jitters," Rook held out for a fistbump, "seems origin stories are the talk of the room, what's yours, man?"

Juju · Dec 28, 2023

Autumn Leaf
━ ◦ ※ ◦━

Marianne had several expectations as to how Professor Lawphel would respond to Rook’s bold criticism, but none of them mirrored the casual way in which he brushed the words away. Did he simply not care for slander or was he holding ire close to his chest, ready to lash out later? She eyed him warily and tensed up when a finger was pointed her way. Instead of friendly encouragement for the impromptu 'study group’, Marianne took his suggestion as an order.

“Yes, of course Professor Lawphel, sir.” she said swiftly and gave a stiff nod of her head.

Her mind was quick to race, organizing the scrappy concept of what she considered a ‘study group'. How many people was the minimum for a study group? Would they need some sort of room? Would a registration be in order? Who would she speak to? With all the fuss, she might have missed Lawphel’s supernatural movements had it not been for the telltale spark of anima. Marianne was back in reality, her eyes locked onto the scene before her. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t at least a bit satisfied at the demon being cowed, but she was equally as daunted.

If she still had any doubt concerning his origins, it was dashed with Lawphel’s display. Even so, questions still lingered, questions shared by a good portion of her family and a great deal of others. Marianne considered Lawphel’s invitation for further questions, but remained silent. It was not the proper place or time for such matters. Perhaps in the future.

Marianne nearly jumped when Rook extended a fist in her direction, but she managed to cover up her unease with a look of confusion. She glanced down at the fist held in the air, blinked, then returned the gesture with a quizzical look. What on earth were they doing? Fortunately for both parties, it was not long before Rook moved on to speak with Aries, relieving them both of the awkward situation. Marianne simply watched them go, then cleared her throat. It was about time she spoke with the possessed host.

While the other students scurried about, rushing to aid Mariana or give her some comfort, Marianne calmly made her way to the back of the class. Annamarie followed behind, hand still held in her twin’s. The two had just caught up with the others when Mariana made her jittery escape.

“About time the possession became inactive,” Marianne clicked her tongue in annoyance, quick to note the forgotten bag languishing beside Mariana’s empty desk. Her eyes flicked to Leander and Cobalt and she let out a small sigh, “If either of you are lost in the current situation I believe I can assist with an explanation. Mind you, I would prefer it over a cup of tea.”

Letting go of Annamarie’s hand for a moment, Marianne leaned down to pick up the abandoned bag. She shrugged it over her shoulder, layering it over her own purse, then grasped Annamarie’s cold hand yet again. Reunited, she continued onwards.

“What a proper mess,” Marianne primly scoffed as she made her way past Terrance, careful not to let Annamarie anywhere close to the supposed ‘recklessly strong’ man. Once she was at the doorway she glanced back at Leander and Cobalt, “Well then, there’s no sense mucking about. Unless you fancy cold tea I’d suggest you get a move on. It’s rude to keep a host waiting.”

Marianne made her way out into the hallway, which unlike the rows between desks, was wide enough for her to stand shoulder to shoulder with Annamarie. She felt joy in this simple pleasure, but didn’t have much time to savour it before she was face to face with an outrageous sight.

“Good gracious!” she clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide as she witnessed the suspicious posture of Sophia and Mariana. When the shock faded, the scolding began. “What’s this about? A school hallway is no place for snogging! If you would kindly find somewhere more private next time!”

With cheeks puffed out angrily and her face a lovely shade of pink, Annamarie stalked her way past the two and quickly dropped Mariana’s bag beside her. “And mind your things! You left this in class.”

Her questions for Mariana would certainly have to wait for another time, because this certainly was not the right one!

Awkwardly more than furiously, Mari scurried away with Annamarie in tow. She was quick to turn her back on the two by walking past them, her steps a little too quick as she practically fled the scene. Her fingers were tightly grasped around the doll’s as she stalked down the hallway, following the signs to the living quarters.

After gaining enough distance to regain composure, Mari let out a sigh and squeezed her twin’s hand, “Come now Annamarie, let’s find where the White Rabbit went off to.”

The smell was enough for her to find her way, but Marianne was careful to watch the signs nonetheless. Afterall, they had shown to have a habit of switching themselves around. Sure enough she found the door and pushed it open.

She wasn’t quite sure what to expect on the other side, but she was pleasantly surprised to say the interior surpassed her expectations. Everything was neat and orderly, with a sterile, yet modern design. Although she had always been partial to the antique, the quarters would be more than adequate. If anything, it truly made her feel away from home.

Marianne wandered through the entrance and into the roomy lounge, noting the television and a peculiar bell wreathed in anima. Drawn to both of these curiosities, Mari approached the table, but was ultimately drawn away by the gentle sound of cutlery and ceramics. It was nostalgic, with the light streaming in and a fine aroma in the air. Someone was brewing up a feast of delicacies. She had found the White Rabbit's tea party.

Ignoring the oddities for now, The Montgomery Twins made their way towards the kitchen. There, Mari could see Jessie through the entranceway, though she noted he seemed more than a little preoccupied. Mari couldn’t help but overhear him mutter something about an Eleanore. A friend or family member perhaps? Curiosity burned in Marianne’s mind, but she had some measure of self restraint.

To let him know of their arrival, Marianne knocked on the door frame of the kitchen, “Excuse me, Jessie? Pardon the interruption, but I came to ask if you took requests? My grandmother is quite fond of London Fog… some sort of inside joke, or what have you. If it's not too much of a bother, could you make a cup for me please?”

While she asked this, Marianne took a peek at the pastries at work. While the smell of sugar and flour was more than enough to make anyone's mouth water, a sense of deep relief filled Mari when she discovered a neat and tidy work space. Hardly a stray spattering of batter to be found. While she might have been on edge in the classroom, the orderly sight had put her right at ease. Perhaps her classmates were not as hopeless as she had been led to believe.

Autumn Leaf · Dec 29, 2023

Mentions:

Juju

"Ah!"

The man nearly bumped his head on the roof of the oven when the more bold of the Montgomery twins spoke. As soft as they looked, he didn't quite fancy meeting face first with the piping hot croissants on the steaming baking tray. The sound of the bubbling tea pots had covered the sound of her polite knocking. Though momentarily flustered, Jessie made his best attempt to not show it. The pallid man laid the hot plate on the nearby prep table as he spoke, unfastening the oven mitten on a hook.

"Why, what a pleasure! Taking a peek before the main event?" Jessie mused.

While speaking casually, his eyes never left the array of fresh snacks and eateries. An unbreaking focus that persisted this whole time of silent laboring. There were at least two dozen pieces of assorted hand-rolled breads and pastries baked to a crispy gold. Not waiting for them to cool, Jessie picked one of the hot rolls up and carefully dipped it in a bowl of frosted cream. His arm movement was quick and clearly trained, flicking his wrist in a certain way as to get a pleasing curl of the cream on top. So precise was the motion that each bun would result with the exact same fluffy lick. It wasn't his most proud work, considering he would've opted for more of a more enticing and alluring display. Perhaps with an assortment of fruit fillings, jams, and clotted cream. Still, given the time constraints, he prioritized savoriness over variety.

“Excuse me, Jessie? Pardon the interruption, but I came to ask if you took requests? My grandmother is quite fond of London Fog… some sort of inside joke, or what have you. If it's not too much of a bother, could you make a cup for me please?”

The man made a knowing smile, "Hm! A sweet tooth, have we? I would've never guessed." chuckling a bit, "It is quite the joke, isn't it? London Fog... the beverage does not originate from England. Merely a dour reference to it. Though I have to say, from first hand experience. The name is fitting."

"Canadian. It would explain your accent. It's quite charming. Reminds me of home." he said, now sprinkling a dash of cinnamon over a scone. "I'll add it to the list of requests."

With a satisfied sigh, he placed the last touches to a large sprinkled cupcake, centering it gently upon a tiny porcelain serving plate. He then moved from the empty tray down the line at the other finished accompaniments laid out at one corner of the kitchen. From stacks of tea sandwiches, diced fruit wedges, and colorful sweets, all the necessary items for afternoon tea were all there. Each plate was lined in a circular pattern in traditional tea stands. With now, a new delectable plate to the arrangement. He moved with deliberation, ensuring each one suited his keen eye. Even leaning close to the table as if inspecting every single speck of sugar and grain.
As Jessie did this, he made sure to bring the flames of the stoves to a mild simmer when passing them down the aisle. To keep the tea from boiling over and ruining their flavor. There were other drinks prepared as well, organized onto several serving trays. Mostly plain coffees, and some squeezed fruit juices. As the designated barista, it would be his duty to listen in, and alter generic recipes to specific ones. To placate the tastes of the incoming guests.

"As for your sister, Annamarie? What does she wish to drink?" he was now standing straight, wiping the counter clean for further work. He then reached for one of the thin cutting knives in his neat, organized checkerboard of utensils. Then for a bowl of uncut apples.
Though the pallid chef smiled politely, making himself appear busy, Jessie secretly watched for her reaction from the reflection of the metal.

...

Spoiled Bread · Dec 29, 2023

Sophia Hughes
Location: Corridor

Sophia was a bit too enthusiastic with her hugging that she kind of forgot this physical concept called gravity. She wasn't prepared to hold their fall as she let out a brief yelp and tumbled down with Mariana onto the floor. Fortunately, both her and Mariana were at least know how to fall properly as neither of them got squashed against the floor. Sophia managed to props both her arms on the floor, preventing her body to slam directly onto Mariana and putting herself right above the other girl in an... unexpected position.

Sophia's eyes locked directly with Mariana. She expected to see a pair of fierce angry eyes looking back at her since last time she saw Mariana she was violently bashing demon with a chair, and yes she's ready to take the consequence of hugging such individual, but instead she just found much softer eyes. Sophia's hand swiped away the few strand of hair from Mariana's face to get a clearer look at her.

"I see you have returned. Welcome back." Sophia let out a relieved smile as she realized that Mariana had reverted back to her initial self.

“Good gracious! What’s this about? A school hallway is no place for snogging! If you would kindly find somewhere more private next time!”

Sophia turned her head around and saw a few students approaching them. The Maria twin and Valerie. At first she wasn't sure why Marianne was yelling like that. Snogging? Who? Then her attention shifted back towards Mariana below her and seeing her flustered face made Sophia realized of how close their faces were.

"S-sorryyyyy...!!" She immediately stood up and took a step back. Her face was also red from the embarrassment. Her instinct screamed at her to turn her back and run away while covering her face, freeze and run, like she usually did. But... she didn't want to, running away would mean letting Mariana be embarrassed alone here. She must steel herself and take responsibility.

"Are you hurt? I can carry you to the nurse office." Sophia kneeled next to Mariana. Her arms were extended wide forward, ready to scoop her up and carry her to the infirmary if needed.

Verite

Solirus · Dec 29, 2023

Departing

"I was wondering when someone would ask that" Jaquie, responded to Cobalt's broad question, "I can't dump everything on you, but I'll try to get the basics out of the way. You and everyone in this room is an arcanist, an arcanist is someone that can use their anima to perform supernatural feats varying from person to person. Arcanists use these supernatural abilities to kill demons which are created from the collective emotions of other people. You are here in this school named Anima Studies to learn to become an arcanist and kill demons across the globe, there is also a secret society of arcanists which-" Jaquie's continuous response was interrupted by his ringing phone, "one second" Jaquie raised his finger before answering the phone.

"What."

"What do you mean you need help, I thought you-"

"Oh it's an ocean one, ok yeah great, I always have to clean up the ocean one's"

"It's convenient how no one else is available."

"You have no doors? Great great great that's fantastic" Jaquie paced around annoyed to no end before letting out a sigh, "Just send me the damn coordinates and I'll be there in a couple minutes" Jaquie angrily hung up his phone before looking back at Cobalt, "I won't be able to fully answer your question, but you'll learn the rest soon enough." With umbrella tightly held, Jaquie leapt through the window shattering it and safely landing outside. Terrance the janitor didn't react in the slightest remaining as still as a statue.

Jaquie, completely unharmed, checked his phone one last time before putting it away and raising his umbrella, pointing it at a seemingly invisible target. Jaquie maintained eye contact with the direction, slowly lowering his umbrella and crouching down. Across the entire campus, a sudden and abrupt surge of anima could be felt before suddenly vanishing. Without a sound Jaquie appeared to simply vanish, the glass shards beneath him unperturbed.
A Note

Upon entering the library, Nikklaüs was met with an odd room even from what fantastical elements he was expecting. The room was enveloped by mist, obscuring the rest of the inside except for a podium before him with a note stuck to it.

Welcome to the library, if this is your first time here, please read the rest of the note. You will have noticed the mist shrouding the entire room, this is intended, in order to navigate the library, enter the mist and state where you wish to travel, you have to be very specific with how you word it as if not you will remain stuck. The exact words you must use to traverse the mist are: "I wish to be brought before..." then you simply say what type of books you are looking for or other areas of the library such as the study area, the exit, etc. An example of how to properly use the mist is: "I wish to be brought before the books about navigation" thus once you walk out of the mist you will be brought to books about navigation. Below you a small little notebook with all the previously stated information should have appeared, be sure to keep it close, if you ever get stuck in the library, simply tear apart the notebook and you will be forced out of the library (note you will feel extremely dizzy afterwards). Finally, when you leave the library with a book, it will be considered checked out and it must be returned in at most two weeks, if not returned by two weeks the book will be forcefully returned and you will not be allowed into the library for a month. Enjoy your stay at the library.

Just as the note said, Nikklaüs could spot small journal beneath him that was previously not present.
Distracted

Shortly after Marianne had entered the lounge, Isaac followed close by, even when he had previously been following Jessie, it seems he might've become distracted on the way. Without uttering a word and avoiding eye contact, Isaac too a seat on one of the sofas and pulled out his phone so he could have something to stare at.

November Witch · Dec 29, 2023

Mariana Mirror

Status: Hungry, embarrassed, uninjured.

Mariana would feel like she was actually about to faint as the others exited the classroom, saw the scenario the two had ended up in, and came to the wrong conclusion. The girl with the black twin tails seemed to take the situation especially bad and in the wrong way. Mariana wanted to just disappear. She wanted to become small enough no one could see her. She wanted to be invisible. Anything at all to get out of this scenario. Everyone was getting the wrong idea! Mariana wasn’t like this! She wasn’t the kind to just… do this with someone!

But her mouth remained shut, as the moments seemed to drag on for years until the girl with blonde hair actually reached down and moved some strands of hair out of Mariana’s face. What was she doing? Why was she not getting up? Mariana didn’t know what to expect at this point. The girl atop her really was acting like this was a visual novel. Seemingly showing no shame. And what did she mean Mariana had returned? Why was she welcoming her back? Mariana was so confused and her heart was racing.

However, after what seemed like an eternity, the girl pinning Mariana down got up and seemed to finally come to her senses, apologizing. Mariana silently sat up, and hugged her bag to her chest. She buried her face in it, as if that would hide her from the others. If she couldn't see them, maybe they couldn’t see her?

“No, I’m fine.”

Mariana replied to the blonde woman as she offered to take her to the nurse. She mumbled it into her bag so it came out muffled. This was, quite possibly, the worst first day in a school environment she’d ever had. Taking her bag and purse that the others had brought out to her, she would speed walk away, now looking at the signs posted around her, before finding her way to the living quarters. She didn’t look at anyone, trying to simply keep her head down and get away from everyone. No more trouble could come to her if she just got away from everyone, right?

She’d find the doors to the dorms, find hers, and knock softly on the door. Assuming there was no answer, she’d make her way inside. Mariana would fall face first down on the bed to the left side of the room. Alone, finally, a sigh of relief would escape her lips. Now, she could finally get to work. Mariana would fish the laptop out of her backpack and open it. Except she needed a Wi-Fi password. She’d need to go ask a staff member.

That thought drained her, just thinking about something else happening to her when she leaves the safety of her room. Nevermind. No Wi-Fi was fine, the girl decided. Though her stomach rumbled, and she realized she hadn’t exactly eaten yet that day. She couldn’t exactly just not eat, as much as Mariana wanted to.

Mariana would open the door and join those in the living area/lounge. She’d sit down away from everyone else and stay as quiet as usual. She just stared down at her lap, and hoped Marianne wouldn’t bring up anything from earlier. Mariana didn’t even want to think about it.

Tiguidi · Dec 31, 2023

Illustration 26 twoo Finished Transparent.png

COBALT ULAR
Location: Classroom -> Corridor -> Student Lounge

Cobalt attentively listened to Mr. Jaquie’s answer -well, the part he was able to answer before getting interrupted by a call, at least. It was with a deadpan expression that the young man watched the teacher blatantly jump through the window, using that as a shortcut instead of using a door like a normal person. “... Y’know, I can’t help but feel that things here are going to get weird real fast.”

“Whoa, first hand experience after only a day, huh?”, Cobalt responded at Valerie revealing her prior experience in dealing with demons, however small it was. “Uh, I guess I didn’t let it show too much earlier but I never fought any demons before. Everything I know about my pow -about my anima, I learned on my own, though it’s difficult to burn things and practice with fire that, well, doesn’t burn matter…” He brought a hand to his chin. “Honestly, it just makes sense that they’re able to sense energy, or anima, whatever. Wait, isn’t our class tomorrow about sensing anima? Is that what Mr. Jaquie said…?”

Before he could add anything else, the peppy girl had already left the classroom in her search for Mariana. He glanced over at Leander, who also has been ‘recruited’ by Valerie, snorting in amusement. “Well, let’s not keep her waiting, I guess.”

“If either of you are lost in the current situation I believe I can assist with an explanation. Mind you, I would prefer it over a cup of tea.”, he heard Marianne say to him and Leander. Marianne, Annamarie, Mariana… This would get confusing, wouldn’t it? “Unless you fancy cold tea I’d suggest you get a move on. It’s rude to keep a host waiting.”

“Well, if we’re talking about what just happened, I assume we’re dealing with demon possession shenanigans.”, Cobalt replied with a shrug. “But it’d be great to hear more from someone with actual experience, so thanks.”, he added with a small, grateful smile. “And to be fair, I do prefer iced tea, though I guess it’s not the same as cold tea…” He mumbled that last part to himself, following everyone else out of the room.

The ponytailed boy froze for a moment when he left the classroom. “Uhhh…” He wasn’t too sure what to respond at the current target -Mariana, being quite literally under Sophia in a way that would make a romantic’s heart flutter. He sincerely doubted this situation was anything other than an accident, but the sight wasn’t any less surprising. Mariana herself was obviously as surprised as everybody else and hurriedly got back on her feet before walking away in embarrassment. As someone who preferred to stay in the background most of the time, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor girl; some people, like Marianne, definitely got the wrong idea from this whole ordeal.

“Um, okay, now that that’s done, how about we head to the lounge?”, Cobalt suggested, turning around to make his way toward the tea party. By now, Jessie should be ready to welcome everyone -Cobalt’ll need to remember to properly thank him for doing this for everyone!

Yakov011001 · Jan 1, 2024

Nikklaüs took the notebook into his hands, the mist threatening to wrap him up fully. He could hardly read the damn not from not being able to see dick past his own face. Squinting to re-read the note, he was kind of annoyed at the check out policy. If the library has an automatic return system for overdue books, why punish someone for holding on to it as long as they can? Seems kinda stupid. Then again, it read very specifically as 'forcefully', as far as he knew the library had a covert arcanist group to jump whatever student had the audacity to keep a book any longer. Aye, you're on a tangent, boy. Refocusing himself, Nikklaüs quoted some of the text aloud.

"I wish to be brought before—uhh—" He mused on what specifically would be the best wording, not wanting to trap himself in this monkey's paw of a library. This place need better QA, this shit is fuckin' jank. "—books about learning Arcanist script."

Nothing seemed to change immediately, and for a short second Nikklaüs thought this place was bust. Still, it's a magic library, so he just needed to play to its finicky rules. Pulling the notebook under his arm, he brought it tight against his side before stepping into the mist. It took a short few steps, but he saw out of the corner of his eye a small bookshelf emerge from the mist. Deciphering Sigils Vol. I. Oh cool, we've got a full collection. I guess I'll just grab the first two volumes for now? Nikklaüs noticed that they weren't particularly thick, being maybe three hundred pages each. So he decided maybe he could save a trip, surely he'd be able to plow through these before they're overdue. As the books slipped from the shelf, they let out a puff of dust that was immediately lost to the mist. Did no one read these books? Maybe it was because most students already knew how to read it. It made Nikklaüs a bit self-conscious, that he didn't already. Get out of your head, and just do what you need to. He reassured himself. Everyone starts from the beginning. You are no different. That, though made him think on the concept of beginnings, he ought to learn about Arcanists and their origins. He wasn't thrilled about history, infamously his weakest subject. Still, though. Best he read up on everything he can.

"I wish to be brought before books on Anima and Arcanist history."

What he didn't expect was the sudden burst of energy behind him, like a wave of pressure that pushed against him. A gust of wind pushing the mist into the bookshelf in front of him, the bookshelf vanishing with it. Turning to its source, he found five podiums equidistant from each other, positioned in an arc. They seemed to be generating the wind, actively pushing the mist away. This was unmistakably anima being exuded from the books topping each podium, only made slightly terrifying when Nikklaüs noted that each one was chained and locked up. He could only imagine what energy they'd release when opened. Approaching the center podium, he checked the spine and noted that between the links of chain, the titles for each book was in sigils. Fuck, well, it's not like I could read them now even if I knew how. So, the history books were bust, and it disappointed him the the only thing he'd be coming out with was study material...

Unless.

"I wish to be brought before books from your fiction collection, if y'all got one."

The mist rushed in and created a light clap over the podiums, throwing the mist upwards and they were gone. After a moment though, Nikklaüs couldn't feel anything coming. Nothing? It was just him and the endless whiteout.

"Damn, thought I'd try." Nikklaüs took a step forward.

At that moment though, like a speeding bullet train, an infinitely long bookshelf flew by right in front of his face. "Kuso!" He let out instinctively as he back up, only to be cut off by a second bookshelf flying by behind. The sheer speed kicking up his cardigan off his shoulders and onto the floor before they came to a halt. Nikklaüs stayed frozen in place for a moment, braced for a third bookshelf but it never came. Thank fuck. Yeah, that shit was scary. He agreed with himself, scooping his cardigan back off the floor. Coming up from it though, his eyes were drawn to a particular book.

"Ni figa sibie." He raised his eyebrows in surprise.

It was a Russian translation of Nikklaüs' favorite book Styxx, by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It was suspiciously like the library knew him. As he continued to read spines, he noticed that there were books of several languages but somehow only ones he knew. English, Russian, Japanese, Spanish, even one or two in Braille from when he learned it for volunteer work some years back. In the end, he settled on a Japanese translation of The Cay by Theodore Taylor. Call him weird for only grabbing things he's read before, he called it comfort reading. Maybe he just needed something familiar to keep him sane in this unfamiliar world.

"Thanks, bruv," He thanked the library, even if it didn't make much sense. "I wish to be brought before the exit." He asked satisfied with his haul. The bookshelves sinking into the mist that washed over the floor until they vanished, revealing the exit that had been situated behind one of them. Taking the doorknob into his hand, Nikklaüs stopped himself for a moment. What if...

Fuck it, for science.

He took the notebook he'd been given at the start and opened it up, taking a half into each hand and lining his thumbs up with the spine. He was too curious to pass this up on his first visit. He tore through the notebook in one swift motion, and it exploded into a mist that overcame him in a fraction of a second. Nikklaüs immediately spilled out onto the floor of the hall outside the library, his brain throbbing and feeling dizzy from being shunted out so violently. "Jesus fuckin'—holy shit." He clutched his head. Nikklaüs only ever did learn the hard way. Hoisting himself up, he grabbed his books and shuffled down the hall, holding the wall to keep himself from falling out again.

Following signs for the dorm rooms, he found himself in the living quarters. The trek having turned into a bit of a blur, he skimmed over each door looking for his. Sophia, no. Cobalt, no. Mari—no. Isa—no. Nikklaüs! Perfect. He stumbled into his room, ready to relax after what was a long half-day. It really was only about noon or some shit, huh?

Solirus

Juju · Jan 2, 2024

Autumn Leaf
━ ◦ ※ ◦━

“Canadian is it?” Marianne muttered, a finger thoughtfully under her chin and a frown over her brow.

Could the tea's unusual origins be the punchline of the joke? Her grandmother wasn't Canadian as far as she knew, although she did have an odd accent from her time as an international arcanist. Perhaps it was a reference to one of her trips, or maybe a friend? Marianne considered this for the time being.

Jessie's comment on her accent was a bit of a surprise to her, though it was not the first time her dialect was misinterpreted. It was a side effect of her family's mixed heritage and isolation. Most often she was asked if she was from Eastern, or sometimes Northern Europe, but most didn't assume Canada. Then again, these people probably had never been across the Atlantic Ocean in the first place.

It dawned on her that perhaps her grandmother's accent was rubbing off on her after all the time spent at her residence.

“Right, thank you, Jessie.” Marianne said graciously, albeit a little self-consciously, “But actually I'm not from Canada. I lived in London at my family estate, although my mother is a Parisian and several of my relatives are German, Scottish and Dutch. Of course, you're not the first to misplace the accent. I've been told on numerous occasions how odd it is.”

With that sorted, the next matter of concern was Annamarie's beverage of choice. Up until now, the doll had quietly listened to the conversation, staring at Jessie with large red eyes. When he inquired about her preference, Annamarie shook her head.

Jessie had already turned his attention back to his culinary work, so Marianne was unsure if he had seen her twin's silent response. She looked at Annamarie, then back at Jessie.

The conversations about Annamarie's eating habits were always a headache for new introductions. If people had not already commented on her unnatural habits, it would no doubt come up at the supper table.

“Annamarie isn’t fond of tea, or hot beverages for that matter, thank you.”

Marianne's eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle shift from neutrality to defence. By now this was an old and tired dance, one she could weather with practised composure. All that was left was to see how Jessie would respond in kind. He had been swift to detect Mariana's possession, so it was only a matter of time before he untangled her Anima with that of Annamarie's signature.

As he measured her, so did Marianne measure him. Was he already suspicious of her twin, or was this question innocent? Jessie had shown himself capable of sweet manners, even after malicious intentions. Mari knew a wolf dressed in finery when she saw one, just as she knew Jessie was anything but stupid.

While she waited, Marianne lovingly tucked a stray lock of white hair behind Annamarie's ear. If they were going to have a tea party, then they should look presentable.

Autumn Leaf · Jan 2, 2024

Mentions:

Solirus

The pallid chef stood there for a second too long, wielding the knife under the clutch of his stilled shadow. The eyes lingered on the reflection of the knife, viewing the expression of Marianne as she narrowed her eyes in response. A sign of discomfort.

But then, with a quick fancy flip of the handle, Jessie began to chop the apple. One swift cut through the center, then three more splitting it evenly in chunky sixes.

He glanced back around his shoulder with a slight frown, before smiling again.
"Ah. My deepest apologies. It was presumptuous of me to assume your place of origin. But as they say, friendship is not won. But fought for. My, and hailing from a family estate? Quite the illustrious background, it would seem. I must know more!" he then scooped another apple for cutting. "Well. I will not push the matter. It's just not proper for a host to fail to accommodate one of their guests. However. So long as Annamarie is content with it. I am happy."

Several cuts produced little rivets into the red skin, leaving a decorative flaps resembling little pointed ears on each slice. With a single motion, his pale thumb slid below the long slender fingers. With this technique, the sweet-smelling apple slices fanned out atop a tiny ruffled plate. Jessie quickly wiped the knife clean with a swab and walked the dish over, adding the fruit cuts to one of the already impressively endowed food towers. His eyes scanned over the selection. Then, suddenly, he snapped back and clapped both his hands together. He spun around to face Marianne, bearing with him a remorseful expression. His lips were turned downward, in shame.

As if he was about to make an unreasonable request.
"Oh! Right. If you would be so kind, could both of you help me set the table with plates and utensils?" motioning to the stack of plates and cloth-wrapped metal implements over nearby where the twins stood, "I would be ever grateful."

"I'll handle carrying out the snacks and tea."
With a slight huff, he placed his palm underneath the lowest metal plate and began lifting the spindley ornate display by the top loop with a measured degree of grace and care. Jessie then began to move to the exit for the lounge. From the portholes at the door, it would appear some people were already out there waiting.

Ensuring his most finest smile, the man pushed out with an outspokenness.

"Apologies for the wait! There were some steps I could've shortened." he called out, coming up to one of the longer dining tables in the living quarters, placing the tower at the center for easy access. With a slight adjustment, he smiled and nodded the others already present. Though it was just Isaac, and another. The pale eyes met now with Miss Mirror. But as if seeing her shy disposition as genuine, there was no pause or hesitancy in his movement.
"Come, come! Join in. Don't be strangers. I've prepared all sorts of treats. Enjoy to your hearts content. As they say. A good cake tastes ever sweeter only with good company."

He motioned to the table, presuming that Marianne was there setting it with plates with a cheery laugh, "And extend some thanks to my wonderful assistant! Now, if you will excuse me. I must fetch that final tower and the rest of the tea kettles..."

With another polite smile, the man disappeared into the kitchen to fetch the rest of the lunch menu. Outside of immediate eyesight, Jessie's amiable expression immediately dissolved. Like salt in water. He looked down at the hairs standing upright on his arm. With his head turning slightly to view through the porthole via peripheral. The round glasses shimmered in the sunlight. The pale eyes peered intently at Annamarie.

Only for a second, before he returned to work.

...

Verite · Jan 3, 2024

Valerie Vu - Corridor -> Student Lounge
Interactions:

Autumn Leaf

"Oh."

Valerie's smile froze as she bore witness to Mariana ended up falling down from the sudden pressure of Sophia. And then in another moment, Marianne and, ahem, Annamarie appeared to bear witness to the unfortunate scene, followed by Cobalt. Before she could even think to clarify the situation, Marianne had already leapt to the worst conclusion with her remark on snogging, but the exaggerated manner in how she spoke, along with her willingness to return Mariana's bag regardless, Valerie couldn't help but just giggle at the whole ordeal, now that it was shaping up to be not so serious.

As Sophia managed to brush off the little accident and Mariana hastily beat a retreat elsewhere, Valerie maintained her smile -- now a mixture of amused and strained -- as she scratched the back of her head sheepishly. "Aw, I guess she's pretty shy. I hope she knows it wasn't such a big deal though," she spoke in a jocular manner of Mariana. One might have assumed such an outgoing girl as Val would have moved to chase after the shy girl, but she had enough emotional intelligence to know when someone needed their space, physically and mentally. Heck, she fancied herself as one who used to also tackle and hug everyone around her back in elementary school, though she had stopped by the time she became an adult and had to be admonished a few times about the concept of personal space.

With that all over with now, Valerie nodded at Cobalt's suggestion to get a move on toward the lounge now. Even from the corridor, Valerie could smell the enticing scent of sweet treats that Jessie had no doubt managed to whip up. "Sounds good to me!" She exclaimed without missing a beat, and with that, began to make her way toward the lounge with a skip in her step. As she got a move on, she looked back a few times at Cobalt to continue their conversation from earlier.

"Oh yeah? That was your first time in a fight? You might be a natural at it!" Val let out a soft laugh as she bantered with Cobalt. "Never considered myself much of a rumble and tumble girl either, but I guess we're about to see way more of that kind of life soon. Kinda scary to be honest, like they're recruiting us to go to war, but on the other hand, it's kinda exciting too!" She said, before idly scratching her cheek with a finger. "Besides, I'm uh... pretty broke, so it isn't like I'd have anything else to do back home. Free food and free bedding, that's definitely what I miss about student life. It's just as well. This way, Daddy doesn't have to know I dropped out," the young woman went on with her runaway thoughts. One could almost see her head go airhead in real time the longer she spoke, before she blinked and snapped back to reality. "Wait, we do have rooms here, right? I mean, I guess if we can come and go as easily as that, but that'd be nice..." She idly mumbled.

As they continued through the corridors and made their way into a large rectangular room, Valerie tilted her head curiously as she saw the many doors at each side labeled with the students' names, answering her earlier thoughts with precise timing. Clasping her hands together excitedly, Valerie's eyes sparkled. "Oh, there we go! We even have roommates, huh? I wonder who mine is," she idly said as she skipped past each door looking for one that had her name on it, only catching the door labeled with Mariana and Marian's names on them before catching her own name right next to that door. "Oh, there I am! I'm roomies with..." She trailed off, before pausing where she stood as she saw Isaac's name next to her own.

Huh?

She was roommates with a boy? Valerie's brow furrowed for a moment as she seemed to grimace. It wasn't like she particularly disliked him; she had only just met everyone after all, but the thought of sharing a room with a guy... Oof. Well, fine. It's fine. She was an adult after all. They both were. Surely, by this point, she could trust him to not get any funny ideas, right?

Her step became more grounded as she let out a breath and moved forward once more, sauntering into the room labeled Student Lounge from there, pushing open the doors and letting herself inside. Valerie caught sight of Marianne and Mariana who reached the Lounge ahead of her, and flashed a smile and a wave to them, but choosing not to bring up their past awkward exchange. She also saw Isaac, but only pursed her lips, instinctively wrapping her arms around herself for a second, before her gaze moved to Jessie.

"Heya! Here's Val!" She announced herself, before rubbing her hands together in delight. "So, what's on the menu, chief? I was wondering what that sweet smell was!"

_Yua Watanabe_ · Jan 3, 2024

Lola lingered near the entrance of the classroom, an aura of nervusness trailed behind her.. sorta like a shadow. Her eyes twitched and shifted nervously from one face to another, searching for a friendly invitation into the new conversations that had already started. However, the exciting energy of the room only enhanced her feeling of awkwardness

Leander's presence didn't go unnoticed by Lola. She offered a shy smile and slowly scooted her way towards him. her voice was barely audible as she suddenly began to speak. "U-uh..sor--ry for earlier. I-i probably looked crazy didnt i? Thanks.. for the uh. Help." She mumbled, as she looked at the ground. The memory of her emotional breakdown made her feel embarrassed to even be speaking with him.

As the students chatted and formed connections, Lola found herself standing slightly apart, unsure of where to direct her attention. Jessie's culinary skills, and overal attitude raised a skeptical eyebrow from her and the dubious expression on her face showed she had a clear reluctance to eat whatever he decided to serve. Who knows? Could of been poisoned..

Sophie and Mariana's hallway issue drew a surprised gasp from Lola. While an urge to help tugged at her, the fear of further social awkwardness held her back. She chose to remain where she was. Eventually, the group dynamics settled into place. The desire to contribute made her wary, honestly she was suprised no one was giving her weird looks, considering how skittish she was acting. Soon enough though she decided to just wait it out, a second chance at introductions may be better for her.. with just a few polite nods and small smiles she may look a little more sane to others.

A sudden realization that the dorms awaited exploration prompted Lola to take her leave. She glanced around, spotting Valerie heading in the same direction. The thought of navigating the unfamiliar grounds alone spurred her into action, and she quietly trailed behind Valerie, her steps were nearly silent as she pursued her. Making it obvious she might have expierence with sneaking around

Upon reaching the dorms, Lola discovered that the earth had an unexpected surprise in store. The sign displaying the names said Leander was her roommate.

In the privacy of the dorm room, Lola's skitish demeanor began to loosen. The tension went away as she settled into the shared area, her belongings finding a place.

Mention:

Verite

Juju · Jan 3, 2024

_Yua Watanabe_
━ ◦ ※ ◦━

“Oh, that’s quite alright. No need for apologies.” Marianne said casually, unfazed by how impressed Jessie sounded at the mention of her family estate.

It wasn’t that she was ignorant to how uncommon her family’s lifestyle was compared to the general population, but rather she didn’t think it was anything someone should be overly proud of. At least, to an inheritor. Only the founder, the architects and the old property itself should deserve any measure of admiration. In the end, she was thankful he decided against further questions. One way or another, it always flowed back to inquires about her heritage and immediate family.

“You’ll find Annamarie to be quite unfussy,” Marianne withdrew her hand from behind the doll’s ear, a friendly smile on her face. “Isn’t that right, Annamarie?”

Annamarie nodded her head, eyes never straying from Jessie and his carving knife. They slowly followed Jessie as he moved about the kitchen to place fanciful fruit upon an equally opulent plate. She remained still and expressionless, even after Jessie whipped around abruptly. Marianne, on the other hand, seemed a little confused.

Why did he seem upset? That winning smile of his was now downturned. Was he seriously disheartened by Annamarie’s rejection of his tea offering? Was this a confrontation about Annamarie?

Marianne blinked back surprise when the concern was revealed to be nothing more than a request to help set the dishes, serviettes and cutlery. Although she still held a wariness towards Jessie, Marianne couldn’t help but smirk in lukewarm amusement.

“Hmph, of course we can. It’s only fair, considering how much time and effort you’ve put into all this. We should be the ones showing some gratitude,” Marianne had already turned away to size up the stack of plates and cutlery, arms crossed in front of her, “Right then. Come along, Annamarie, just like we practised.”

With a new order, Annamarie finally looked away from Jessie and dutifully began to collect the wrapped utensils as instructed. As for the stack of plates, Marianne took it upon herself to lift them up and out of the kitchen. Together, they followed Jessie out into the living quarters.

While she had little opportunity to show it, Marianne was actually quite fond of the domestic art of table setting. There was something about the strict rules and symmetry, the act of putting dishes and utensil into a predictable order. It was easy to scoff at, or perhaps neglect in favour of speed or practicality, but Marianne took it quite seriously. Her eyes were focused as she placed each plate in its rightful place, though all throughout the process she couldn’t hide a subtle, satisfied smile.

Each plate was followed by the bundles of serviette-wrapped cutlery, which Annamarie placed with mechanical precision. One by one, they lined the table until all the plates and utensils had found their places. Once it was done, Marianne clasped her hands together and proudly surveyed the perfectly symmetrical table. The only thing missing were the guests.

Speaking of which, Valerie had just made her appearance and asked for the menu. Seeing as Jessie had already left for the kitchen, Marianne took it upon herself to give a brief overview. Despite the dishes being laid out on the table for all to see, Mari didn’t seem the slightest bit annoyed. In fact, she seemed surprisingly eager.

“Well, here we have all sorts of pudding and biscuits, oh and fairy-cakes too,” she said with a gesture towards the pastries, and strangely not to the actual bowls of pudding elsewhere, “and if you don’t fancy sweets with your tea, Jessie made some sandwiches.”

Perhaps also realizing how excited she was, Marianne cleared her throat and flattened down the shirt of her dress. A more serious tone followed, along with a straightened composure, “Go on then, have a seat. It would be a right shame to let it all go to waste.”

In almost total sync, The Montgomery Twins motioned towards the tea table. Once Val had been ushered in, Marianne glanced around to the stragglers who were pretending they were part of the furniture, as if it could save them from social interaction. As if it could hide them from her. Heels clicked across the marble floor as Marianne locked her sights on Isaac, Mariana and Lola. A small scowl was already on Mari’s face by the time she stopped in front of her three less social classmates.

“Come now, you three. If you keep skulking about, your tea will get all cold and stodgy. Jessie put in a considerable amount of effort, so at the very least give it a nibble. You all survived a demonic encounter, so I'd dare say a spot of teatime chit-chat is well within your powers.” Marianne made a shooing motion with her hands, making sure to rip Isaac’s attention from his phone, “Go on, off you go!”

Her eyes naturally flicked over to Mariana, recalling both the awkward incident in the hallways and the demonic possession in equal measure. Before the unfortunate events, she had planned to speak with the Host, though everyone knew how that had turned out. However, the tea-party presented itself as a new opportunity. Surely things could not get as chaotic over tea, right? She did tell Cobalt and Leo she would explain things. Perhaps she could kill two birds with one stone?

Satisfied with her efforts to herd the introverts to the table, Marianne made her way back and took a seat. Annamarie pulled out a chair beside her and sat uninterested in the food, her plate empty. Meanwhile, Marianne picked up a chocolate Éclair with a nearby set of tongs and lowered it onto her plate.

November Witch · Jan 4, 2024

Mariana Mirror

Status: Unnerved, weary, hungry.

Mariana scarcely noticed as the others trickled into the room. She continued to sit in an uncomfortable silence, staring down at her hands in her lap. She had managed to finally push down her feelings of embarrassment for the moment and was reflecting on what the teacher had said. Surely she couldn’t be hunting those things! She had no skills in fighting! In fact, she had fainted in the classroom! Those should have been proof enough! What could she possibly do? How did she fit in at this school?

Mariana felt even more alone as no one really seemed to be questioning it. Everyone else was just going along with it. They must be familiar with it and know what's going on. She didn’t belong here. How could she catch up to their knowledge and their skill? They had obviously killed the demons in the room. All Mariana had done was cower in fear in the corner and faint!

‘Please just stop that already. Your worrying and sadness is making me sick.’

The voice in her head said. Mariana was confused still as it spoke, but figured it was correct. Worrying wouldn’t be good for her. She just needed answers. Mariana looked up to see who she might be able to ask, only to catch Marianne saying something about chatting and powers. Then Marianne looked at her, and Mariana averted her gaze. Surely Marianne was thinking of what happened earlier and was internally judging Mariana!

‘Could you stop jumping to conclusions for once? She’s not judging you; she’s observing you, probably wanting to speak with you. About me most likely.’

“You mean me?”

‘No, I mean me. Have you not realized it yet? I’m not you or a part of you, human. You really should get someone to explain, because I'm not doing it.’

Mariana blinked in confusion. She had just assumed this was the voice in her head. You know, the one everyone has. Then she realized she spoke aloud, and it likely seemed like she was speaking to Marianne. She looked over to where Marianne was at before looking at her lap again.

“I-I mean… Uhm…”

Mariana stuttered, trying to make up for the ensuing miscommunication.

“What did you say?”

She asked Marianne sheepishly… Only to look back up and see she had walked off. Thankfully, it seemed like Marianne hadn't heard Mariana talk to herself... Or if she had, she showed no sign of it.

‘You should also be careful of her and Jessie. They would probably love to get rid of me. But, by extension, that would be you.’

Mariana was even more confused. How could those two know she had a disembodied voice in her head? What was this voice? What was this school, or demons, or any of this? She had to be in a dream, right? That was the only explanation to explain all these weird and supernatural happenings around her. It had to be the case. Mariana pitched herself, attempting to wake up. Slowly getting harder and harder until she stopped, leaving a small mark on her arm, but not enough to break the skin. She gritted her teeth and breathed in sharply as she felt the pain. That obviously wasn't working. Maybe if she went to sleep, she would wake up in her own bed?

Mariana got up, intent to get something to eat. She moved towards the food but was stopped by the voice once more.

‘Seriously, I wouldn’t put it past him to poison you. Be especially careful of him, I mean it.’

Mariana’s blood ran cold. Were the people here really like this? Surely not, right? Mariana had no idea what to do at this point. The food was the only reason she was out here right now… But if he was that dangerous… Maybe there was a vending machine or cafeteria somewhere in the school, right? Surely, it was a staple of any school! She would just have to find it. Even if she only found a vending machine, Mariana was used to eating nothing of real substance. Working from home and eating whatever she wanted would do that to someone.

She turned and kept her head down, looking like she was ready to leave the room, trying to be as quiet and inconspicuous as possible. She just wanted to sneak out unnoticed to avoid being seen as rude.

Solirus · Jan 4, 2024

Isaac

Isaac stared blankly into his phone, he wasn't particularly looking at anything, instead he merely used it as an excuse to avoid interaction. He was deep in thought, why wasn't he interacting with the others, didn't he accept the tea party invitation to become more social? He hardly knew these people, but that's what social situations were for, right? People met each other in these scenarios, if two people shared interests or enjoyed each other's company then they can become friends right? But how could he start a conversation? Should he be the one to wait until someone approaches him? Maybe he could be the one to approach someone, but then what, what is he supposed to say? Ask about the weather, what people do for a living, how the potentially dangerous and world flipping events just happened not even an hour ago?

Marianne was the one to interrupt his spiraling thoughts, it felt embarrassing being forced into the actual tea party, and Marianne's hand movements felt especially patronizing. But Isaac deserved such embarrassment, right? He was the one avoiding people when he'd agreed to come here, wasn't he being the rude one in this situation? Would people hate him for it?

The thoughts remained racing within his mind as he awkwardly took a seat. He wasn't even hungry, why was he even here, had Jessie forced the invitation upon him? No, he didn't, he was the one who accepted the invitation…shouldn't he just leave? If he left, then he couldn't mess anything up, but leaving might just cause everyone to hate him. Maybe they'd think that he thought himself as better than everyone else and that all of this was a waste of his time?

At this point, Isaac was now blankly staring at the pastries, not a single bit of craving in his eyes. Once again lost in a storm of thoughts.

Silent Child · Jan 4, 2024

Leander smiled warmly at Lola's gratitude, his hand gesturing towards the lounge in a friendly invitation. "No need to apologize, really. We all have our moments. I'm glad I could help." His gaze lingered on the door to the lounge, contemplating the unfolding events and the mysterious world of anima.

Leander entered the room labeled Student Lounge not long after the others, the vibrant atmosphere brought a sense of ease, though Leander couldn't shake off the underlying uncertainty of his place in this group. Nevertheless, the people seemed friendly, and the camaraderie was a reassuring sight. Valerie's energetic entrance, her eyes sparkling with excitement, caught his attention, prompting him to follow her lead.

He glanced over just in time to see Marianne getting the quieter people to rise to the table rather than hide in the comfy looking furniture. He swiftly went towards the rooms with name labels on them, searching for his own. "Sophia... Cobalt... Rory... Mariana... Isaac... Valerie... Nikklaus, Marianne- Oh there I am with. Lola." His face blanked for a moment as Lola sped past him into the room for sanctuary. He shrugged, content at the fact that he has a more... tame roommate and makes his way to the others again. Moving towards a seat, he noticed Mariana's troubled expression and Isaac's visible distress, prompting him to take the initiative, Leander approached Isaac with a friendly smile. "Hey, Isaac, right? Mind if I join you? Not sure if you remember- I'm Leander... This whole demon-hunting school thing is... uh... quite the experience, huh?" He attempted to engage in small talk, recognizing the need to ease the tension surrounding the quiet boy.

As he settled into the seat beside Isaac, Leander continued the conversation. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything. It's like stepping into a whole new world. Have you encountered anything like this before?" He observed Isaac's expression, hoping to establish a connection and provide a space for open conversation since the boy was a mystery.

The atmosphere in the lounge buzzed with animated discussions and laughter. Leander, while not entirely used to such social scenarios, felt a growing sense of comfort with these people already. He glanced around, noticing Marianne being the main one engaged in conversation with others. The peculiar events of the day lingered in his thoughts, fueling his curiosity about anima and the hidden layers of the world he had stepped into.

Valerie's infectious enthusiasm drew his attention, her eyes sparkling at the sight of the delicious treats on the table. Leander couldn't help but smile, appreciating the genuine joy in her expression. "Quite a variety- Do you have a favorite?" He asked this, referring to the sweets, but it could be taken either way. It was an attempt to steer the conversation toward lighter topics.

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Autumn Leaf · Jan 4, 2024

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Solirus

Verite

Jessie came out if the kitchen bearing in his arms the other food tower, stacked full with light lunch sandwiches, fluffy golden pancakes, cream-filled scones, and other more savory items. His smile uplifted as more students seemed to be arriving from their external activities for the main event. Quickly, he moved around the conversation between Marianne, Valerie, and Leandor, gently placing the layered metal platform of plates alongside its other companion. He merely acknowledged it with a short, polite nod.

"A pleasure to have you all. Please, enjoy. I have assured there is enough for all, for any tastes. I will answer all questions regarding the menu... but first."

The pallid man then turned around abruptly. The soles of the leather oxfords almost stomped against the wood board. As if a sudden strike with a hammer. The pale eyes were locked on Mariana who had buried her head like a turtle. As if she thought hiding behind the neckband would obscure her somehow from seeking eyes. The man seemed to ignore everyone else around now, as he spoke next.

Though a polite smile wore on his lips, there was a sharp tone in his voice. A silent shadow drifting under the calm current of a sun-bleached ocean.
"Miss Mirror. Would you care to join us? You, of all people, should be attending this event. After all, you have much to explain. Not only to me, but everyone else as well." He then glances over the stack of plates and bowls bearing articles of fresh food, "If you do not wish to eat. You do not have to. A wasteful shame, but one I can tolerate. However, I will not tolerate a wolf posing in sheeps fleece, threatening our good lives. You cannot leave here without answering first."

Jessie turned back, for once the pale eyes did not shift around avoidantly. They looked directly into someone else's. Deep into her own.
"Do I make myself clear, Miss Mirror? Or am I speaking to the demon, right now?"

He practically spit the last words. The ordinary composure and calmness almost cracking under the thing only Mariana had clear view of. Perhaps the reason the man hides them away from others. Inside those glaring white eyes was anything but a polite visage. A clouded, murky swirling presence of ever-smoldering vengeance.

Verite · Jan 4, 2024

Valerie Vu - Lounge
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