The Previous Day At the front of the academy.
STEP STEP STEP
The light from the sun dims as twilight shortly arrives.
The five student council members leave the academy.
"Faith" Luna calls.
"Yes?"
"How do you feel about Valerus being a twelve-star?" she asks. "I say the more the merrier but-"
"It's more of a risk," Axel says with a concerned look. Bringing himself into the conversation Axel stops the group from continuing walking right as they reach the academy entrance.
"I was happy for him at the moment. The amount of power and newfound strength in finally getting mana. Although now thinking about the long run it could be a danger for Aiz and Oriana in general" Issac says.
"The dangers that now await us in the future have now increased," Luna says with a sad look as she looks at Faith.
"I haven't been getting any future sights since that day. They haven't been -" Ceaser says.
COUGH COUGH
"You okay Ceaser?" Issac checks up on him putting his hand patting on it.
"Yes, I talked too much" in a raspy voice as he pulled out his special drink.
"With that being said we must be on high alert especially you Faith. That fact that now we have 4 Twelve Stars within this region who knows what may happen." Axel says firmly "Not knowing what event will transpire in this critical time is daunting.
The five council members show concern on their faces looking down and thinking about all possible outcomes.
"What bothers me is why the Headmaster didn't order for the Magus Exam to be postponed or better yet canceled," Luna says.
"That I am not sure of. I would love to know myself"
The five look back at the Headmasters room wondering what can happen next.
-------------------------------------------
Federation Squad 5 Barracks
CREAK
A door opens.
STEP STEP
A giant room made pitch black with little to no light. With little bits of light here and there. Officers wear visor-like headgear monitoring planets within the solar system. With all black coats.
Percival Caldwell walks in and speaks to the officer closest to him who is sitting next to the door. "I wish to speak with Captain Aibara ."
Eyes meet him, from above, down, left, and right light fishes swimming in the ocean as his officers float. There is no gravity.
"Of course Captain Caldwell Cap-"
ZIP
"Captain Caldwell welcome to my barracks. Come let's walk or float" Captain Kaneda Aibara motions with his hands as they walk a path more in-depth in his room.
With a conflicted look on his face, the Dragonclad Captain has no choice but to follow the carefree Squad 5 captain.
STEP STEP
"Dont you get confused in here?"
"Hmm no. I pretty much built this room and made it the way I am due to my magic. Am surprised you're not reacting Captain Caldwell" Kaneda materializes a black orb.
"Am used to having my senses messed up due to all the fighting and fighting that I do " The two float across the room touching the ceiling Percival watches Kaneda gracefully spin in the room.
"Any abnormalities?"
"No, but now that Piscies has been discovered the Stars are now there" They then gracefully touch the ground and look up "GRAVITY OFF"
Gravity then shuts off as the officers get sent to the ground level removing the gravity within the room. The two then approach multiple constellations forming the Twelve Stars. Its constellations stretch far and wide almost taking up the entire half of the room.
"You think THAT time is coming?"
"Yeah, more than ever. The Phantom ORder will without a doubt make their moves somehow"
"We best be on the lookout."
"Yes"
CREAK
VOOSH
"Hello, fellow captains" Captain Jarvis Landres enters the barracks.
"Jarvis long time no see"
"Aha even though we just met a couple of minutes ago. I get it. That humor of yours"
Kaneda shrugs got makes some laughs in these serious times.
"Update on the situation as well it seems that the Twelve Stars from Falos are also arriving for the third stage?" Jarvis says.
"Huh, why were we not told of this from the Headcaptain?"
"Maybe he doesn't know himself"
"For the Headcaptain not to know hmm But how do you know? The central transportation station in Oriana says a train from Falos is heading here."
"It does add up cause I did overhear at the Academy while I was observing that the Twelve Stars from Falos will be viewing the 3rd stage"
"Haa It's about to be pretty crazy in these next few days" Kaneda stretches as he shows no worry about what may come.
"Is Captain Tenmu going to be attending"
"Am not too sure but I will give her this" Jarvin shows the two captains.
"A teleportation stone all I gotta do is throw it with the intent of bringing the mage whose mana is infused with it"
"That's a great idea," Kaneda says as he slaps Jarvis in the back.
"Oof thank you," says with an irritated expression.
"Speaking of Headcaptain has been in and out of his barracks this whole week almost"
"Headcaptain Allistar Honorson has his own life as well"
-------------------------------------
The next morning
The morning sun once again woke me up.
Yesterday was something I thought. I slowly sit up from my bed as I wonder what is my plan for today. Rest, train?"
Knock knock.
A knock comes on my door.
"Hey Val you up?"
Eri I said softly. "Yeah just got up" With my hair ruffled and sleeping clothes still on I slowly but surely walked to the door.
"Woah morning sleepy head"
"Yawn morning"
"I had an idea. How about we go out and go shopping?"
A "go out" is the only two word that functioned in my brain "going out?" I quickly thought to myself "Ah it's one of those date scenes where the main protagonist, goes on a date with a love interest. I have the perfect response"
"So a date"
Eriko eyes widden.
"This is the part where she gets embarrassed and says it for something else as she puts her two pointer fingers together and-"
"Yeah, I guess so" as she smiles at me.
BADUMP
"Oof wasn't expecting that," I said to myself as I felt my heart skip a beat.
"Alright I'll meet you downstairs in a bit"
"Okay"
------------------------
"Rose you look great," Azalea says.
Rose wears 2 Piece Outfit a white Crew Neck Short Sleeve Crop Top Printed Wide Leg Long beige pants.
"The outfit is supposed to make your hair and face stand out," Bella says nodding her head.
"Very simple but effective am sure it'll make Albeck go" Sunnets points to the 2 piece outfit.
"And for the final touches a little bag" Lily hands her a little tote bag.
"I appreciate you girls dressing me up but where are you guys going?"
Rose asks the rest of the girls as if they were going out on a date as well.
"Oh, nothing this is just, "Azalea says.
"See I told you we should've changed after and not with her," Bella says.
"Sorry didn't think she would notice" Lily follows up.
"To be honest Rose we just wanna see how you do that's all"
"Ha sometimes you girls are a little too much" Rose shakes her head as she puts her face to her palms.
Rose arrives to meet Albeck.
"Hi Albeck, sorry I was a little late thank you for showing up"
"Hi, Rose it's alright " Albeck looks past Rose as something catches his eyes and looks back at her. "Shall we go on?" he asks.
"Yes"
Rose walks side by side as the two begin to explore the Capitol city of Oriana's shopping district. With a smile on her face, "These girls make it so obvious"
Sunneta, Lily, Bella, and Azalea follow the two very discreetly.
"They're not even tryna to hide their presence," Albeck says to himself with an expressionless face. Walking on the cobblestone road about to hit vendors selling items. The two continue to walk past vendors selling little ornaments, pendants, crystals, and bracelets. Rose picks up a bracelet that has a rose in it. "You think this is nice?" She asks Albeck.
"Yeah it suits you"
Rose surprised by this answer smiles. As she turns to her right there is a mirror something can be seen for a quick second.
"What was that? That looked like"
"Maam would like to purchase that one"
"Oh no no just browsing for now"
In an alleyway.
"Huff huff almost got caught" Jericho hides in an alleyway almost being caught by Rose.
"Good thing I taught him how to speak and respond yesterday. Hmm"
Jericho looks out to the crowd of people spotting the hair colors of 4 certain girls he couldn't miss.
"Wait are they following the date too interesting? Maybe I should watch from above so I can't be spotted"
Albeck and Rose then fall upon a crepe food vendor.
"Would you want something to eat?" Albeck asks.
"Sure but I'll pay for it," Rose says.
Rose reaches into her bag to pay for it with Quill.
"Wait what is she doing?!" Sunneta says.
"Is she going to pay for it?" Lily says.
"What kind of guy makes the girl pay for the first date" Bella says.
"Let them be let's just watch," Azalea says.
Watching overheard on top of some apartments nearby the shopping district "Albeck what are you doing? You fool" Jericho scratches his head and gets frustrated in what kind of choice Albeck is making.
"Dammit," Jericho reaches for his pocket and throws a Quill coin at Albeck.
VOOSH the coin goes Albeck quickly catches it.
"Where did that"
"Here is your dessert crepe for this afternoon" Albeck hands Rose her dessert.
"You guys saw that?" Bella asks the others.
"Someone is watching them?" Lily shows concern as she looks up at the top of the apartments.
"An enemy?" Sunneta says.
"I sense no harm," Azalea says with her arms up warning the rest of them with her soft voice.
"Sunneta you are our best bet"
"Got it"
"We dont know what their intentions are"
"But there's no-"
"There no time to track them"
"That was a close call"
"Almost got caught again"
WHIRL WHIRL
"That sound"
The sun-shaped circular discs come honing in like missiles.
HIT HIT
"What the hell?"
"There someone on top of that rooftop"
"Cmon let's get this enemy"
Jericho runs across the rooftops as he tries to evade the attacks.
------------------------------------------
"Were heading out Mom"
"Oh, you two are up early where are you guys heading?"
"Shopping district of Oriana" I respond.
"We're going on a date," Eriko says playfully tilting her head wearing a black and white Strapless Tie Waist cotton Jumpsuit. While I on the other hand am wearing a white short sleeve shirt with a beige button up and matching beige shorts, and some slides.
"Oh, you are now. That sounds nice"
"Hey," I said aloud thinking to myself "Am I the one getting embarrassed here"
"Alright have fun you two and stay safe"
We arrive at Oriana's shopping district. Shaped like a circle. With teleportation spots to send you directly to one of the stops. There are 4 rows. A row of shops lined up with clothes with one row being strictly for males, one row for females, the third row being a mix of both, and the next row vendors that sell food and other accessories. We decided to look through the shop's first window shopping.
"This is a nice change up"
"Yeah it is finally got some downtime from this busy week"
"That's why I thought that we could relax and enjoy some time off looking around and not focusing on fighting or the final stage of the Magus Exam tomorrow"
"Of course"
"I forgot to ask you how was Bianca the other day?"
"Fine we helped each other out keep each other safe"
"Helped each other out hmm"
"Yeah of course cause we were partners we didn't"
"Haha am just joking Val lighten up"
"aha, r-right. Since you asked me that question how was yours"
"Me. I guess me and Rose have a better understanding with one another"
"I see"
"Within that forest, I was shown Rose's past" She stops and looks at me.
"It was the same same night Sir Marko died. My father was there as well. The attack on you had a chained effect"
"Really" I couldn't believe it Rose's history aligns with ours.
"Anyways-"
"My friend Valerus!" A voice calls from behind me. Footsteps approaching faster.
OOF
BUMP
Ezekiel comes rushing into me from outta nowhere.
"Ezekiel?!" Eriko says surprisingly.
"Hey what up Eriko"
Ughh
"You gotta stop doing that man"
"Sorry I thought you would dodge it but I guess you're still trying to adapt to your mana since you got it"
"Or you just wanted to tackle me"
"That as well"
"What are you doing here?"
"Well was about to get some lunch until I smelt and heard a familiar scent and voice."
"I see"
"I almost smelt Albeck and Rose's as well. Wanna go surprise them?"
"Sure that'll be cool"
"Hmph" Eriko pouts. "Huh" "Nevermind"
SNIFF SNIFF
"Weird am picking up the 4 Other signatures with them in between the third and fourth row"
"Let's check it out"
"Alright"
"Huh"
"What is it?"
"Three manas similar no almost connected to ours."
"Twelve stars?" Eriko wonders.
"Faith is the only one here"
"It could be trouble lets make it there"
---------------------------------------
"Crap these discs dont stop I saw them from afar doing damage on that beast but still. Ah"
HIT HIT BANG BOOM
"Hey there heading to an alleyway lets make a detour so they dont see us right/
The four girls begin chasing down the person as they lead them to a separate alleyway from where Albeck and Rose ventured.
"Here it ends"
They corner the pursuer.
"End of the line- Huh you"
Jericho turns around "Hey"
"Jericho?" Azalea says.
"Ah this guy"
"Our fearless leader in the fight"
Three mages with Platinum hair pass by them.
"Seriously why are you following them?"
"Why are you you four following her"
"Am his wingman"
"Hope about we calm down"
"You stalking Rose aren't you"
"What I saw in the forest wasn't on purpose"
They walk past the group arguing.
"This feeling" Jericho stares at the three that just passed him. "They similar to Valerus and Ezekiel guys"
----------------------------------
The three run toward Albeck and Roses's position.
"Where do we go"
"There in this alleyway," Ezekiel says.
"The trio catches up to them"
"You guys alright?" I ask.
Valerus, Eriko, and Ezekiel what are you guys doing here?
"Do you guys see anyone suspicious?"
"No not that we know of"
"Then-"
ZTT
"There close"
"This sensation"
"They're coming. Fast. Turning the corner now!" Ezekiel says.
The three turn around. They are met with two females and one male.
"You three are you Twelve Stars as well?" Valerus asks.
"Yes, we are" the male mage platinum hair, short sides, a wavy top, yellow eyes, Light Gray One Shoulder Cape with a hood answers.
"We are from the Falos region" the female mage with long platinum hair that braids to the left side of her body, big blue eyes.
"We're here to look at and observe our opponents" bob-cut platinum hair, green eyes, and shorter than the other girl with long hair.
"Well, you're looking at them," Ezekiel says.
"What are your names?" Samus asks.
"Valerus Marina The Remarkable Twelve Star Mage"
"Eriko Agnello The Maiden Virgo The Sixth Star mage pleased to meet you"
"Ezekiel Agnes The Roar Leo the Fifth Star Mage are you guys strong?"
"And you are"
"Xi Yu Hang The Strength Aries the First Star pleasure all mine"
"Rowen Dupree The Arrow Sagittarius the Ninth Star nice to make your acquaintance"
"Ai Katsuki The Blast Capricorn the Tenth Star ,were pretty strong."
"It's nice to finally meet the other fellow Twelve Stars," Valerus says.
"Pleasure is ours it's nice to see that you guys are our age"
STEP STEP STEP
A girl and a young male walk past the 6 young mages.
"Sorry excuse us"
They continue to walk away. As they head towards the 2nd row of the shopping district.
"So those are the Twelve Stars"
"Yes Ms Le Flore"
"Hmph, haha this will be fun"