"It's so adorable." Ashleigh leaned over the threshold.
'Why do I get an uneasy feeling from its eyes.' Crowley shuddered.
"Whats the species again?" Crowley investigated.
"How big does it get?" Tanya asked.
"It's a phoenix, but one never documented before. He was large enough to cover the sky with his wings." Aida addressed the children.
Zack was walking closer for the children to see. He was curious about all the people, but one person caught his attention the most. It fluttered onto the window seal in front of Helena. The chick turned its head sideways as it examined her closely.
"Put your hand out," Tanya suggested.
Helena barely opened her palm when it jumped over to get a closer look. Once the chick was familiar with Helena his wings stretched towards the others before bowing.
"It accepted them faster than me." Aida crossed her arms.
Zack wrapped his arm around Aida.
"He was too tired the first time. When you look at it that way he acknowledged you immediately." Zack reassured her.
Most of the kids got their chance to say hello and began playing in the garden. Crowley felt uncomfortable when the chick would land near him so he flew off to resume training. Ashleigh and Tanya stayed at Helena's side in the nest.
Nothing could pry Helena's eyes off the chick till Elizabeth landed by the school. She approached while rubbing her arm trying to find a way to get Zack's affection. Missing his homecoming wasn't something Elizabeth wanted to do, but it was a necessity.
'Lixue didn't return with the others, and it's not something I can pass up.'
Elizabeth was prepared to step forward when Zack disappeared from the nest. She turned around in time to see Zack manifesting. He was reaching for Elizabeth's hip, but she embraced him first. Zack lifted her chin with a smirk on his face.
"Not many people could pull that off." Zack praised.
"You should know by now that I'm special." Elizabeth boasted with flushed cheeks.
"I'm well aware." He kissed her tenderly.
"How are things back home?" Zack asked.
"Better than I thought, but my visit came just in time. Things would crumble without me." Elizabeth replied.
"Then should you really come back?" Octavia teased.
"The defense force needs someone capable when Haruna is absent," Elizabeth smirked.
They walked up to each other as Elizabeth looked down with a serious look in her eyes. Octavia gripped the hilt of her blade and held her ground regardless of the overbearing aura. They smiled and seized each other's forearm.
"We could've used you in the badlands," Octavia stated.
"I had some matters to tend to, but I'll be there next time." Elizabeth declared.
The phoenix jumped down from Helena's hand and began to explore the surrounding area. Helena used this opportunity to welcome Elizabeth back home. They were discussing Helena's progression in her absence.
"Nice to see everyone getting along." Lilith approached Zack.
"I'm surprised you're not stirring the pot," Zack replied.
"I'm hurt you would think that." Lilith embraced Zack looking up into his eyes.
'There's no point in doing that till the harem is settled again. Don't wanna lose new candidates.' Lilith smirked.
Zack caressed Lilith's cheek knowing she was up to her usual scheming. Life with Lilith was always interesting, and if the cost was a couple of shenanigans it was worth it. Zack held her in his arms as they watched their companions mingle, and the children play. Amy landed near Zack with an eager look in her eyes.
"Can we play?" Amy requested.
Not long after she asked Yu appeared at Amy's side.
"I thought you had to go?" Yu asked.
"I did promise to meet with Tamiko today," Zack stated.
Amy seemed a little down, and Lilith stepped away to give Zack a chance to make it right. Lilith embraced Yu from behind as she kissed Lilith's cheek. Zack wasn't the only in the group missing Lilith's presence. While they were catching up Zack approached Amy.
"I still have an hour till my meeting," Zack told Amy.
"I don't wanna be a bother," Amy replied.
"Spending time with the people I love will never be a bother." Zack smiled.
"I'll go tell the others." Yu overheard them and ran off eagerly.
"Have fun." Lilith waved.
A strong gust of wind pushed Lilith into Zack.
"You're not sitting this one out." Zack discreetly grabbed Lilith's ass.
"Is that an order your majesty?" Lilith teased.
"Yes, it is," Zack smirked.
It didn't take long for the news to reach the instructors. They gathered with Zack's companions and led them to the training grounds. As they debated what game they were playing he retrieved a pile of vests. They were made of mithril with magic crystals embedded into the shoulders. It was used by the guild to allow sparring in a safe manner.
"We will play a special version of tag today," Zack announced.
"What makes it special?" Tanya asked.
"Cause you can use your powers." Vanessa approached Zack's side.
"The vest will protect you from the damage, and after a certain amount is dealt one of these will light up." Vanessa gestured at the crystals along the shoulders.
"These will help those still learning," Zack gestured his hand by the vest.
Appearing next to them was a stack of mithril scepters with two buttons along the handle.
"One tap from these will fully ignite one crystal. The buttons can only be used by the children, and are there to even things out."
These tools were meant for beginners struggling to channel their magic. This would typically be a lesson in control, and restraint gave the drain with each use, but that was the guild's version. Everything on the ground was crafted by Rolen to ensure the children could use them safely.
Now that the rules were explained everyone put on a vest and began to team up with the adults. A few of Zack's companions decided to sit on the sidelines to watch the student's progress and keep the pregnant woman company. The participants entered the arena together, and the children looked around with awe.
'I didn't expect to see these halls so soon, but it's a golden opportunity to show my progress. It's time to start paying them back for everything they did for us.' Crowley looked eagerly to the exit.