"Just this way, Fleming," Ms. Florence spoke, as Allen followed behind her.
"Right," Allen said with a slight nod.
After Ms. Florence's unexpected explanation yesterday regarding her past involving William and Ellen, in addition to her real thoughts that he was completely unaware of until now, Allen now followed her to Walter Garet's office, the other and now only vice director of the academy.
Ms. Florence described it as a "small resistance" formed in order to "fight back" against Ellen and her ways she's begun to impose as the new head director, with the resistance currently consisting of only Ms. Florence herself, and Walter Garet.
After Allen had informed her that he may be interested in joining, Ms. Florence explained that she would take him to Walter's office, where they would talk further. They have a few others in mind to add to their "group", but at the moment it is only the two of them, plus Allen if he does choose to join.
"One word of advice, Fleming," Ms. Florence stopped for a moment, and turned back to him.
"Yes?"
"While Walter's office may be a little away from Ellen's now office, I would assume you would know to exercise caution regardless," she gave him a short glare, to help emphasize how important it was.
"I understand," Allen agreed. After all, even Allen could understand the repercussions if Ellen had found out about them.
"Good," she gave him a slight nod, before they continued.
Without much interruptions, they managed to make it to Mr. Garet's office. It happened to be really close to once Ms Clark's office, but sadly she's not here anymore.
Ms. Florence knocked on the door a few times, in what seemed to be a sort of code. After a few moments, they heard a voice from within, after clearing their throat.
"Come in"
Ms. Florence quickly opened the door, almost pushing Allen inside, and then locking the door behind them. Finally adjusting to his surroundings, Allen noticed there wasn't really much remarkable about Mr. Garet's office.
Other than Mr. Garet's desk and a few chairs within the room, Allen could have almost mistook his room for a large closet. In fact, it was about as remarkable as Ms. Florence's office, minus the dust.
"Take a seat," Mr. Garet advised them, as he was leaned back into his chair, arms crossed and eyes closed. If he hadn't spoken, Allen almost would have thought he was sleeping in his chair.
Allen took a chair from the side of the room, and placed it somewhat close to Mr. Garet's desk.
"I'll stand," Ms. Florence said without expression, choosing to stand close to Allen.
"Suit yourself," Mr. Garet said, as he finally opened his eyes. He gave Allen a quick glance, before turning to the stacks of paper on his desk, which happened to be neatly organized, unlike a certain someone Allen knows of.
After a few moments of silence, Allen was the first to speak up.
"So uh, when exactly are we talking about this?," he asked, a bit confused. After all, weren't they here to discuss about their 'small resistance' that Ms. Florence called it?
"We're just waiting on one other," Ms. Florence advised him, with a small sigh.
"A rather carefree and airheaded that one is," Mr. Garet shook his head. "But nonetheless, they will be able to provide us necessary support if they join"
"May I ask who you invited?," Allen asked, rather curious. After all, it would help if he knew exactly who he would be working with. He already had mixed feelings about Mr. Garet.
Mr. Garet looked like he was about to answer him, but Ms. Florence stopped him with the small motion of her hand.
"I think let's leave it as a surprise for him," she suggested, with a small smirk tugging the corner of her mouth.
"Huh? Ah, very well," Mr. Garet waved her off with his hand, before turning back to his paperwork.
"While we wait for this individual to arrive, a few things for you to understand, Fleming," Ms. Florence turned to look at him.
"What is it?"
"You may be rather curious that why of all people I am involved with Mr. Garet, aside from him being one of our vice directors. Am I correct in assuming that?"
"You are," Allen shrugged. "I mean, I pretty much took you for the silent and could care less, type"
Ms. Florence glared at him for a moment before continuing. "Walter Garet's and my family's are somewhat related, you could say. As you may have noticed, the mage community and its families tend to mingle with each other. After all, most of the other prominent families were formed many years ago, from the children of the three great elemental families"
"So, you mean generations ago, the children of the families of Windblade, Terrastone, and Rivertide?," Allen asked, for clarification.
"Correct," Ms. Florence offered a small nod. "Sometimes those who do not end up becoming head of the family may go on to create families of their own, or now in the present day may go on to marry into other families. The Garet and Florence families are such families that originally deviated from the Terrastone family"
"Huh, interesting," Allen said out loud, as he gave it some thought.
"Regardless, Walter and I don't really talk or work with each other unless it is important. You could say in this case, it definitely was"
"And of course I would agree with her. In addition, she and I have very… similar views on elemental magic," Mr Garet added, as he was finishing up something. "However aside from that, it would seem our other guest has finally arrived"
Other than the loud footsteps that followed from outside, it was pretty evident that they were here with the quick knock at the door. Mr. Garet and Ms. Florence had said nothing at first, which confused Allen for a moment. Then, after it seemed like the person on the other side took a moment, they finally did the same knock that Ms. Florence did when she and Allen first arrived.
"Come in"
With the door opening almost as fast as Rose would, the other guest had finally shown themselves. To say that Allen was both surprised and slightly afraid was an understatement.
"Hello everyone! I am so glad to see you all!," she spoke, with a large smile on her face.
"Sarah?!," Allen asked, almost falling out of his chair.
"Oh my, you brought my Allen here too?," Sarah asked, her eyes almost turning into a predator. "I knew coming here was not a mistake!"
Allen was offered almost no time before Sarah immediately clung to him. He tried to pry her off of him like usual, but this time she seemed to have a harder grip than usual. Mr. Garet only offered a small disappointed sigh, as he turned back to his work.
"I would assume you know Sarah Childe already, considering she was in your… training club," Ms. Florence spoke up. "She's the other individual that we intend to join with you"
"Wait, Sarah?," Allen asked, as he continued to try to get her off of him. "Why Sarah? Not… that I have an issue with her"
"We are aware of her… other personality," Mr. Garet explained, after he cleared his throat. "Other than her being a potential target of Ellen if found out, she can provide us some assistance using the popularity she has gained, with her outgoing and carefree nature"
"Not all of the students of the academy are exactly opening up to Ellen, so Sarah could be an asset to us turning everyone else to our side," Ms. Florence added.
"Ah okay, I think I understand," Allen said, getting the gist of it. "Other than Sarah, anyone else?"
"Not at the moment, but we do have at least one other in mind," Ms. Florence explained. "But regardless, everyone is here. Walter, I believe it's your turn. I've done my part"
"Ah, very well," he sighed, as he finally turned his attention to them. "But before we begin, I believe Fleming here has a few… words he wishes to say to me. Don't you, Fleming?"
His eyes turned from a bored expression to a more refined and serious look, as he seemed to be examining Allen once again.
"In fact I do," Allen agreed. "I would say they are questions more than anything"
"Expected, but nonetheless, you have the floor once Childe here can keep her hands to herself," he sighed as he once again leaned back into his chair, crossing his arms.
"What?," Sarah gave him a playful grin, pretending she didn't know what he was talking about.
Once Ms. Florence and Allen could finally get Sarah to calm down and relax in her own chair, Allen could finally get on to the current topic at hand.
"Several months ago, I had dueled an individual by the name of Nathaniel Rivertide. A second year, C rank, and possessing the element of water. In addition, being the older brother to Charles Rivertide. Does this sound familiar to you?," Allen asked, laying the groundwork for his questions that would follow.
"Indeed I do," Mr. Garet only offered him a small nod, as he seemed to still be trying to read Allen with his eyes. "Made quite the gossip that circled around the academy, even reaching my own office. But… continue"
"Were you the one who allowed Ms. Lynde, Nathaniel's own teacher, to be the referee for our own duel, that was considered official, giving Nathaniel a somewhat of an edge over me?," Allen asked, leaning a little forward in his seat.
Mr. Garet remained quiet for a moment as he closed his eyes. He seemed to be looking for the best answer to give him.
Well, let's see what he says, Allen thought to himself, as he eagerly awaited his answer.
After all, the duel against Nathaniel would be one of the major things that has happened to him throughout the course of his first year at this academy. Many things had happened during that duel that were off, including Ms. Lynde as the referee, and Nathaniel seeming to possess a sort of 'prototype' magical artifact, giving him two extra benefits to a duel that already wasn't in Allen's favor.
Luckily the prototype was cleared up by "the Demon of Finance", Reynold Windblade, when he himself requested to speak to Allen about a month ago. However, there was still the matter of Ms. Lynde, who William had suspected Mr. Garet's own involvement in.
After all, by all rules and regulations, a student's own teacher cannot be the referee to their official duel, at least not without a director's write off. William certainly didn't do it, and Ms. Clark did not either. Which left just one individual - Walter Garet, the earth vice director.
"Hmph, I knew you would ask me this eventually, and I expected this to be the first thing you'd ask me after coming through my office's doors," he had a small grin on his face, as he almost seemed to chuckle for a moment.
"This isn't a joke," Allen advised him, getting serious. "I need to know this before I consider joining your resistance that Ms. Florence called it. Are you really against me, or are you just working with me only given the circumstances? Or are you-"
"Let him speak, Fleming," Ms. Florence advised him. "He'll explain, and you'd better listen to this too"
"Yes, Ms. Florence," Allen calmed down.
"Hmph, where should I start?," Mr. Garet asked himself, as he stroked his facial hair. "Ah perfect, let's start with the entrance exams, shall we?"
"Entrance exams?," Allen asked, confused. "How does that have to do with-"
"Enough, Fleming," Ms. Florence quieted him down again. "Just listen, and you'll get your answer"
"Alright, alright"
"Hmph," Mr. Garet adjusted his suit before continuing once more.
"Starting with your strange appearance with the entrance exams, I first noticed your strange yet intriguing capabilities and unique skills with your first duel against Charles Rivertide," Mr. Garet began to explain. "While your lack of talent and abilities to use your own air magic was relevant with each attempt you made during the other tests, your dedication and hard work became very prevalent during the duel. For that, you have my respect"
While Allen was still confused why he started with this, he still had a question regarding it. "If you did, then why deny me at first? Why vote against my entrance into the academy if you respected my hard work and other capabilities?"
"An expected question, but nonetheless I of course will answer you," Mr. Garet cleared his throat before continuing. "Two distinct reasons. Firstly, even if I did vote yes and you passed normally, I had a sneaking suspicion the Triumvirate would have eventually taken notice, and would have you removed you from our academy regardless"
"But-"
"And secondly, I had another sneaking suspicion William would impose those conditions on you, as he did. His curiosity and attention on mostly and almost solely you during the course of the entrance exams was so prevalent, I'm surprised he didn't just accept you the moment you walked in"
Wait, William was watching me almost the entire time?, Allen thought to himself, as he learned something new. I mean, I suppose that makes sense, but really?
"These conditions you received would be crucial to your remained attendance to our academy, as they continue to be even now," Mr. Garet continued. "Especially with Ellen's unexpected direct involvement now, with the backing of the Triumvirate themselves. Danet has already informed me of the actions that she has already taken upon you, as well as your… friends"
"Wait, you knew William would do that?," Allen asked, confused. Just how could he think so far ahead? "And how are my conditions more important than a normal acceptance?"
Truth be told, Allen already knew half the answer to this question. He has already discussed with William about the conditions he placed on him. While they may have been very harsh, if Allen can follow them before the end of the academy year, surely no one can say he still does not belong here?
"Hah, that's the fun part," Mr. Garet chuckled for a moment. "Although it is true that the Triumvirate owns our academy, and has final say in most, if not all academy related matters, there is a bit of, let's call it a loophole that we have"
"A loophole?," Allen asked for clarification. "You mean, a way to bypass the rules without breaking them?"
"Exactly," Mr. Garet nodded, a grin forming on his face. "You see, back when the Triumvirate was originally the Council of Magic, they wanted to allow an equal balance between the Head Director of the academy as well as the council, when they first put major funds into this academy, back when it was nothing more than another fellow group of mages looking to teach others what they've learned. The thing is, the head director may impose their own rules on the academy. As long as they do not break the rules the council, or now the Triumvirate imposes, it remains and cannot be affected by the Triumvirate by any means. Now, tell me Fleming, what do you think this has to do with you?"
"Wait, you're referring to my conditions placed by William himself, are you not?," Allen asked, starting to get the point. "Because it was issued by himself, it remains, and Ellen cannot override it?"
"Exactly," Mr. Garet nodded again. "They cannot expel you, simply put, because you are already set for expulsion if you do not pass the conditions already placed on you"
"But wait," Allen spoke up, noticing another issue. "If Ellen is now the head director, couldn't she just then change that, since William is no longer the head director?"
"A good point, but no she cannot," Mr. Garet answered. "While she may be the head director now, she is still a temporary head director. They cannot fully remove William unless they have a good reason"
"Which is why they are holding a trial for him, right?," Allen asked, connecting the dots further. "If they can find evidence of any sort involvement, even if minimal, with the fire mage attack, they have a good reason to remove him"
"Indeed. Rather underhanded in my opinion, but regardless even I cannot override that move," Mr. Garet grunted in frustration.
"Okay, I think I understand now. But then, why would you go out of your way to place the odds further in Nathaniel's favor if you had at least any slightest good opinions of me?" Allen asked, still confused. "It just does not add up for me"
"Yes, you could say I have some good opinions of you, even perhaps a slight glimmer of interest. Which is why I needed to further test your abilities. Allowing Ms. Lynde, the rather snake she can be, as your referee for the duel would indeed put the stakes further in Nathaniel's favor. I wanted to simply put, see how you would fare against those odds. Maybe call it an old man's selfishness and gamble, but in the end I wondered whether you would give in and call it quits, or would you rise to the challenge, and perhaps win against all odds?"
"But I didn't win," Allen pointed out. "I may have gotten close, but in the end as much as I hate to admit it, I do have to admit Nathaniel is still a better mage than me"
"No, you did not win. But quite honestly, I was expecting that outcome," Mr. Garet shrugged.
"But, then why-"
"You gained something else from that duel, did you not?," Mr. Garet asked as he seemed to lean in a little.
"Gain something?," Allen asked, getting a little frustrated. "For what could I gain out of an underhanded duel such as-"
"Many things," Mr. Garet interrupted, a small smirk on his face. "Firstly, attention. Other students began to notice you and your capabilities. Secondly, knowledge from losing. After all, we as mages learn more from failure than success. And thirdly, and most importantly in my opinion, the rise to your future successes"
"My future successes? You mean-"
"Your victory against Stephen Windblade. Your involvement with Rose Marion, the Student Council president. Your formation as the president of your 'Training Club'. Your involvement with August Lionheart, the First Prince of England. And as well as many others, including Sarah Childe, a rather strange individual, who has taken a rather strange interest in you, and you alone…"
All their eyes were then turned to Sarah, as she had a clueless expression on her face, as if she was not paying attention almost the entire time.
"Huh, me?," she leaned her head, almost what her other personality Alice would do, but had a playful grin on her face.
"As annoying as you are, you wouldn't direct your attention to an almost nameless F ranked student Allen just because, would you?," Mr. Garet sighed, while making his point. "You would have your reasons, whether small or insignificant?"
"That's a secret!," she replied, her playful grin turning larger as she put her finger to her lips.
"Hmph. At the end of the day Fleming, and I am sure Danet pointed this out to you as well, that you are no ordinary mage. You are neither an individual from a prominent family, with guaranteed talent and success, nor an individual who will remain at the bottom, clinging to whatever achievements you can make. No, you are an individual starting from zero, nothing expected of you, no one knowing your name until you make your important mark, perhaps bringing change for the better, or perhaps for the worse"
"Wait-"
"You are simply put, an outlier. An unexpected variable. A piece on the chessboard that could change the once expected outcome of the game. It's no wonder that William himself took a special interest in you, and no surprise to me once I had found out the past you have with him," Mr. Garet continued, a small grin forming.
Allen was left speechless. He didn't know what to say, nor could he say anything at all. With all of the events leading up today, he didn't know what to think anymore. This whole time, Walter Garet and Danet Florence, his vice director and teacher respectively, have thought of him this way? He couldn't decide if it was a good thing, or a bad thing. Was he truly the outlier that Mr. Garet saw him as?
"There has been only one other individual similar to you, yet different in many ways that attended this academy," Mr. Garet leaned his head on his hand. "Her brilliance and immense talent was of no shock to anyone, but what she did with it was what mattered. While your two's capabilities, expectations placed on you by others, and influence may have been different, in the end your paths end up becoming the same - to make your mark, whether in the end labeled as good or bad"
As much as Allen almost wanted to disagree with him, he couldn't. After all, this whole time Allen has been training and working his hardest, to prove to others he is not the weakest that others see him as, and to prove that he is worthy to attend this academy and become a proud magical knight, just like anyone else at this academy can.
"You seem conflicted. Good. An intelligent mage is one who constantly thinks, questions, and observes his surroundings. Never take anything at face value, for only a fool believes everything that is hand fed to him"
Mr. Garet once again leaned back into his chair, crossing his arms. He closed his eyes for a moment, and began to slowly swivel his chair back and forth, almost as if he was resting for a moment.
"Thanks for your speech oh great one, but I believe it's time to really get to the matter at hand, before Childe here falls asleep with you?," Ms. Florence brought up, as she shook Sarah's chair.
"I- wha-," Sarah shook her entire body, as if she was coming back to reality. "I was definitely paying attention! One hundred percent!"
Ms. Florence sighed before continuing. "Yes, yes assuming you were paying attention-"
"As I was, of course!"
"- it's time we get down to business, don't you think Walter?"
"Yes, yes. Don't worry, I did not forget. Thank you, Fleming, for indulging an old man's occasional desire for a conversation, I shall get back on track," Mr. Garet spoke as he leaned back forward in his chair, as he began to sort out a few documents on his desk.
"As I am sure you are aware, as pointed out by Danet here, our main goal from all of this is to return William Windblade, our former head director, back to his rightful position. With his return would also bring back Martha Clark, as our other Vice Director. We have been keeping into contact with Martha here and there, as we can"
"But in order to act against Ellen with the backing of the Triumvirate, we're going to need some help from a few of the students of our academy. This is where you two come into play"
"Allen and I of course!," Sarah grinned, as she wrapped her arm around his neck, which prompted Allen to once again try to get her off of him.
Mr. Garet cleared his throat again as he rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Danet and I cannot make direct acts against Ellen without getting caught, and actions taken against us. Therefore, we will need students such as yourselves to act directly as we work with you"
"But, what can we do? How can I even do anything remotely helpful to get William back?," Allen asked, frustrated with his lack of ability to do anything when William was first removed.
"The Annual Magical Knights Tournament," Mr. Garet spoke, as if the name itself was a point of its own. "Held every year, contributing to its name. A very important tournament at that, with many across England coming to watch, including those without the ability to use elemental magic. As you would expect, members of the Triumvirate also attend"
"The tournament? What does the tournament have to do with-"
"Think about it Fleming," Mr. Garet stared at him, as if he expected Allen to get it already. "So many across England will be there, watching, as the future mages of England make their mark. What do you think will happen, if you, the outlier you are, makes such an impression that they have no other choice but to acknowledge your abilities?"
"Okay, so assuming I do well, what does acknowledgement have anything to do with William returning?"
"Hmph, a fair question, I suppose," Mr. Garet stopped for a moment, perhaps thinking of a good way to get his point across. "If you, the outlier you are, the very existence that Ellen Marion is completely against, goes and does something that she declares as impossible, if you manage to turn the tides to her thinking and methods, don't you think the Triumvirate will have to at least question her methods, even if just a little bit?"
He has a point, Allen thought, as it frustrated him.
"I do not expect you to win. In fact, I would be quite surprised if you did pass your harsh conditions," Mr. Garet crossed his arms. "But if you, the outlier, manage to go against the odds, and prove them wrong, to go above and beyond expected of you, I am sure they would have no choice but to rethink their methods, even if a little at best"
Everything that Walter Garet has mentioned, all of the points he has been trying to make, were suddenly coming back to Allen. The dots were beginning to connect.
Walter Garet needed Allen Fleming, the outlier he claimed he was, to accomplish what he cannot. And in return, Allen would then be able to further accomplish his goals. While he may not have outright said it, in the end all of this came down to one thing - a mutual agreement.
"What say you, Allen Fleming? Will you continue to allow or ignore the actions Ellen takes against you and your fellow students? Or will you stand up, preferably with us, and resist against those that would deem you worthless?"
Allen closed his eyes for a moment in thought. While Mr. Garet still frustrates and annoys him, he cannot disagree completely against him. In the end, if he had to choose between Ellen and Walter, the choice was obvious.
"Alright. I will join your small resistance of yours"
"Hmph, I don't really like the name of it, but it is what it is," Mr. Garet sighed, but the smile forming at the corner of his lips said otherwise. "Well Sarah, you've been quiet almost this entire time. Are you in?"
"If Allen's joining, then so will I!," she declared, grabbing unto Allen again.
"I- Sarah-"
"Very well. As of this moment, Danet Florence, Allen Fleming, Sarah Childe, and I, Walter Garet will form the resistance against Ellen Marion and her false ways," Mr. Garet declared, as he wrote down their names on a piece of paper in front of them.
And so begins the small resistance against Ellen Marion, the current head director, in an effort to return William Windblade, their former head director, back to his rightful position, with the events that would soon follow.