It was before dawn, and Ivy was already up and training in the courtyard. It has been a daily routine for Ivy to wake up before dawn, get into her training clothes before heading onto the courtyard, and honing her skills. Some of the guards even taught Ivy a few interesting skills with weapons she wasn't used too. Soon, Neo decided to join in with the excuse of "wanting to get better," and Ruby helped the two at times.
Usually, after training, Ivy takes a quick shower before changing into some casual clothing. Ruby has been helping Ivy a lot with outfits and understanding how to live as a citizen. Ivy found it funny since the citizen in the kingdom exiled her in a way.
Today was slightly different than usual; around 1200, Ivy would be out in the courtyard again, but this time meditating and controlling the Mana around her. Ruby decided to join Ivy for meditating as she also wanted to know how to control the Mana around her. Ivy made a clear warning about knowing her limit, and Ruby nodded with affirmation.
The two sat down across from each other since Ruby wanted to analyze Ivy's posture and breathing. She knew she wouldn't be able to copy it, but Ruby hoped she would be close to Ivy's level. Taking a deep breath, Ruby closed her eyes and cleared her mind. It wasn't Ruby's first time meditating, but she wasn't the best at being still.
After about two hours, Ruby felt something shaking her shoulder. Apparently, Ivy was already done with her training. However, Ruby didn't see a single trace of Mana. She frowned a bit before hearing Ivy's words, "It isn't common for people to be able to control or condense Mana on their first try. In fact, it tends to take a few months, may a few years."
Ruby nodded her head, she shouldn't be too upset about not being able to use Mana on her first time. She felt herself being pulled as Ivy helped her up and straighten her. Ruby blushed a little bit before seeing the bags underneath Ivy's eyes.
Ruby reached out, but Ivy swatted her hand away. Ruby sighed before pulling on Ivy and examining her eyes. They were a bit red, and there was definitely a lack of sleep for the past couple of days. She was impressed at first, but then sighed and said to Ivy, "It's amazing you're still standing without proper sleep for...god I don't even though."
Ivy pulled her head away before rubbing her redden cheeks from Ruby's grip. She shooked her head and walked away. Even her walking was a bit swayed before Ivy felt her body being controlled and lifted off the ground like she was hovering. Ivy looked down at first then looked at Ruby to see she was using her Semblance. She didn't understand why Ruby was so overprotective. Ivy only missed a few nights of sleeping and the occasional time where she would blank out.
"Rub--"
Before Ivy could say anything to Ruby, she interrupted her and said, "I don't care what you are gonna tell me, but you need sleep. At the very least, a day or two of rest."
Ivy sighed as she couldn't argue against Ruby's claims, she let her body being lifted. At the same time, Ruby told her about the importance of sleeping and rest. Ruby didn't deny that training was beneficial to the growth and future development. Still, there is always a limit to a person's body.
When they arrived at Ruby's room, Ruby glided Ivy onto the bed, holding her hands over her knees. She exerted a bit more energy than she wanted to. Ivy was already getting off the bed to help Ruby but was flung back onto the bed.
"I'm...*puff* fine...!" Ruby said as she walked over and fell onto the bed. She closed her eyes and scooted closer to the pillows. Once Ruby had a bit of energy left, she opened her mouth for a quick chat. "Did I mention that group you're gonna be in?"
Ivy nodded her head as she was already under the covers and moved closer to Ruby. Although she was looking up, Ivy's real attention was at Ruby. Of course, Ruby could tell that Ivy was paying attention to her words. Ivy closed her eyes and asked, "What special about this group? Are these like superhumans?"
Ruby giggled at Ivy's words before saying, "No, they're very trained professionals with unique backgrounds, and I think they'll accept you. Each one is powerful in their own domain. You just have to graduate Soar High."
"And why do I have to attend school? I know most things at combat and knowing most of the monsters in this world. So what do I need to know more about?" Ivy complained a bit. Although she never been to an actual school, Ivy couldn't put her finger on why it was so important for people.
Ruby turned to her side and stared at Ivy. "It's because of what you said makes it very vital for you to go to school. If you're able to pass almost every test with flying colors, you'll graduate much earlier than most people. Besides, I would much rather see you as a teacher than a student."
"A teacher? Really?" Ivy said in a mocking tone.
"What? It's an excellent opportunity to get close to some of the potential students. And plus, you can help those who are struggling. Besides, I think it would be kind of cute to have a catgirl as my secretary-- I mean teachers!" Ruby hid her face with the pillow in her arms as she had a fierce blush on her face.
Ivy didn't miss Ruby's words. However, she didn't comment on them as she simply turned to face Ruby. She let her mind fall asleep as she also started to enter the dreamland.
Hearing Ivy's sudden stable breath, Ruby peeked over her pillow before scooting close to Ivy. She couldn't tell if Ivy was completely asleep, but at the very least, Ruby could take a bit of advantage and make Ivy warmer. Ruby closed her eyes and also started to fall asleep, though it wasn't as immediate as Ivy's. She still exerted herself today, so Ruby needed to rest up for a bit.
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After about a three hour nap, Ruby finally woke up with Ivy clinging to her body. At first, Ruby was a bit startled and turned a bit red, but then she mustered up the courage and held Ivy closer. Although Ruby knew Ivy was beyond normal, she felt like she sensed or felt Ivy's presence before. A very faint familiarity presence that Ruby often forgot. Ruby reached over Ivy's body to grab her phone, it was slightly dark out, so the brightness temporarily blinded Ruby.
Reading through her messages and email, Ruby noticed a very strange one from Akagi. When she opened up the text, she was stunned at the amount of research the girl could do in just one day. When Ruby and Akagi were in the bathroom alone, Akagi brought up the point about Ivy's presence and how it was too abnormal for one to have such an aura. Ruby tried to counter her claim by mentioning her father. Even then, her father took years to accumulate his reputation and aura along with the grueling training he dealt with.
Akagi simply said that she would do some research on some incidents and tragedies that happen in the last couple of years. As much as Ruby could have asked Ivy her past, something tells her that wouldn't be the case. Akagi assured that she wouldn't do any harm, only looking into some background.
Ruby took a bit of time to skim through the text before deciding to check it again once she was in her study room. There were so many links and articles that she couldn't comprehend. Though Ruby was thoroughly impressed by Akagi's research skills. Maybe that's why Ruby included her into the staff.
Ivy started to stir a bit before she began to breathe heavily. Ruby put away her phone and gently comforted the girl. It wasn' often that Ivy had these nightmares, but lately, they have been getting worse and worse.
"I-It's hurts...g-get it out!...I...I don't w-want a demon!" Ruby never thought that Ivy would be so terrified by a nightmare. She held Ivy close only to hear Ivy starting to cry.
"G-Get it out! I-I don't want this! I never wanted this!"
Ruby suffered a heartbreaking blow as she tried to wake Ivy up. She tried shaking her, causing pain, but nothing was working. It was like something that was trapping Ivy in the nightmare. Ruby traces her finger along Ivy's back before finding the base of her tail and gently teased it. Still nothing.
Ruby sighed as she tried to comfort Ivy as much as possible. She decided to look at those files and articles once she got the chance to. Ruby had a strange feeling that Akagi's research would be very accurate to what Ivy might be or her origins. Sighing once again, Ruby gave Ivy a kiss on the forehead once she calmed down.
It was already 1930. Neo was probably finishing a project in the forging room, along with her father being extremely busy this week. Ruby did think that she could invite the other professors but went against it as they were probably preparing for the academy year. Ruby got out of her bed once she knew that Ivy was done with her nightmare. She took a quick shower and changed into different clothing. Ruby glance over at Ivy before leaving the room, she should be able to make it to dinner if she ran.