Welcome to Cephiead Academy

Year: 2,734 s.a. Month: Harvestmoon. Day: 16th Moonday. Time: morning.

Location: Cephiead Academy, Highs school auditorium

- Urgh too early. – Sha'andris yawned as she trudged into the hall.

Sha'andris was not a morning person and was hating it to have been woken up at the crack of dawn to attend one speech at 8 o'clock in the morning and then have the rest of the day free. Traditions were not always pleasant.

Indeed this was the first day of term and as was tradition that all students new and returning be physically present on campus even though classes would not start until two weeks later. On the first day the Dean would give several welcome speeches. One would be aimed to new arrivals, the academy had a weird policy that regardless unless you were already a student at Cephiead you had to start as a 1st year student, even for the transfer students. So 8'00 was reserved to the high-school division all suits included. As it was 7:50 the late comers amongst the new students could be seen rushing into the auditorium.

8 o'clock came and Dean Feirin Lansiti, one of the few Arch Magus of the Empire, strode on stage. The students present quieted and focused on the figure whose words would begin their journey at Cephiead Academy.

- Ladies, gentlemen, I am please to welcome each and everyone of you at the Academy of Cephiead. Let me congratulate you for securing a place at Cephiead. –

The Dean stopped and clapped at the students who all cheered at that.

- Yes, yes, congratulations, you have passed your first test of the many to come, the easiest of them all. –

This doused the assembled students in cold water. Sha'andris' eyes widened as she thought back to her entrance test. Easy was not the word she would have used it to describe it. A furtive glance at her neighbours showed that they thought the same. She looked back to the front as the Dean had continued to speak without care of the effects his words were having on his students.

- Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Today is the first day amongst many where you will be in charge of writing the words on this chapter and subsequent chapters of your life. Before Cephiead, your life was always decided for by others, parents, guardians, siblings, regents. You never had a choice, maybe you standing here was not your choice for some of you. –

Sha'andris, and many others, nodded along, she hadn't wanted to come but was oath bound to do her best and attend Cephiead.

- This stops right now. – he boomed out. – from this moment onward you are the principal authors of your life. Why shouldn't you be it is yours after all. This will be as daunting as it will be exciting as it will be be challenging as it will be empowering. Cephiead will give you the opportunity to learn new things, acquire new knowledge, develop new skills, hone your attributes in an unprecedented depth. At the same time you will make new friends, allies, acquaintances, connections and even enemies. – The Dean laughed at softly at his last words and the students with him.

- We of Cephiead are unlike any other academy we do not guarantee that you will live to see another day let alone your subsequent graduation. Each year we have an average of 5,000 new students for the high-school division alone. Only of 65% will successfully advance to their next year. –

The warm atmosphere that had been building was shattered. An outcry was heard amongst the students. On a terrace a white haired girl smirked as she sipped her drink, her dark haired companion raised a single eyebrow. A flame haired boy lowered the book over his face to look at the screen above of him. In the auditorium Sha'andris straightened her posture.

- Ability is All. This is the motto, of our Academy. -

The Dean's voiced boomed over the noice, refocusing the students' attention on him. Once he was sure he had the students attention back on him, the Dean continued speaking.

- With that in mind let me give you three pieces of advice. Firstly take responsibility for your education. No teacher will run after you if you fail to show up to class! Fail to turn in your work or fail to show up as the exams. It will be up to you and you alone to make sure that you keep up with your studies, that you meet with your teachers when encountering difficulties. You will be expected to become self reliant but help will always be given to those who ask of it, you are not alone. – he paused and took a drink from the glass on the podium. – Secondly, make the most of your time. Cephiead provides not just theoretical learning but also practical learning do not just pursue one option. This is the time try new things. Finally, embrace difference. Cephiead is only the way it is as totally different from anything you have seen before and accepts that it is different. Difference can show you different methods to accomplishing a task. Take the different options out there and make them your own. Do not let the difference separate you. You will need all the help you can get on this road. Do not take thse words lightly. Cephiead boasts its reputation on graduating nothing but the best of the best. The Elites amongst the Elites. Cephiead will continuously challenge not only your skills and intellect but your will to survive, your thirst to learn and your determination to evolve. A great many of you will not be able to raise up to the challenge that is Cephiead. Bu to the remaining percentage you will be Cephiead's Elites and are guaranteed money, fame and glory. And of this small percent you shall be amongst them. –

As the Dean spoke his last words he pointed straight ahead. Indicating anyone could enter this fabled hall of fame. Earlier's angry whispering had turned into excited chatter. Murmurs and whispers started cropping up from various places.

- alright I can do this. – And similar sentences we being heard across the auditoriums.

- That is one motivational speech. – The white haired girl told her companion who simply shrugged and continued eating without a care in the world.

A hushed silenced descended back in the auditorium when the student announcer re-appeared and said.

- We now welcome the High-school Student Council President Alte'ea Fairchild.-

The screen switched to show a young woman with long slightly curly chocolate hair. She had a slight smile on her face that made her cerulean eye sparkle. High-school President Fairchild was dressed in the typical white uniform that denotes being a member of the Student Council. The golden lining instead of silver indicated that she was a member of the ruling council or the Senate. The crown shaped badge with the embossed P showed her rank as council president.

- Thank you Dean Lansiti for these words. In this upcoming week, you will learn what is expected of you during your stay at Cephiead Academy. There is but one major rule that you need to remember as you begin your stay. All student affairs must be handled with by students.The teaching staff, unless they are students, are prohibited for interfering with our affairs. Cephiead was created for students by students, as such we the students are expected to maintain and upkeep the lifestyle of Cephiead. Any issues or problems are to be solved amongst us by us. During the next two weeks the "selections" will happen. During that time duels are forbidden. Take this official time given to settle in. Remember Cephiead will only accommodate you for the first week, barring extenuating circumstances, you will be expected to find your own lodging and means to pay for it in that time. You will also be expected to officially finalize the selection of your Suit, faculty and course and classes. This is important as only once you have finalized your selection will you be given you Deck Card and allowed to buy your uniform. I would recommend you that you do this first as only when your Deck Card will you be able to your access the stipend available to all attending student of the Academy. If you have any questions The Student Council and it's members will be available to help you. You can differentiate them out from other attending students by the white uniform they wear. Finally I wish you the best of luck to both our new and returning students. Thank you for your time. –

President Fairchild's face was replace with the student announcer.

- This now concludes the opening ceremony, please calmly and orderly make your towards the exit. –

Once again excited murmurs was heard. The chatter grew in noise as the students started to leave. Sha'andris made her way to her designated meeting area. She deftly dodged the mass of students and headed back to the gardens of the main building.

- What did you think of the opening ceremony?-

A male voice called out to her. She turned and met with a member of the student council. Slightly taller than her 1,75 with pale pink hair and stands of blond was Ash'vley Speraid'o. She'd recognize him from anywhere due to, in her opinion, unique hair color and with his dark blue eyes flecked with red and silver.

- …interesting, not that I am that surprised. Cephiead lives up to its reputation of producing only the best of the best. And the competitiveness – She answered as she headed towards Ash'vley. The last part was murmured. She thoughtfully eyed the council member that was her mentor.

- What year did you say you where in again?-

Ash'vley simply chuckled at the obvious information fishing and held the car door open for Sha'andris.

- Usually one would head to the Vesper Tower, it is the main administrative building of the academy. It is that tall tower we see all over campus. You cannot not miss it. – the last part was said in jest at Sha'andris.

- Hey we agreed not to mentioned it. - She nudged him her face red.

- You said, I never agreed. – he smiled at her.

- So about Vesper? – she said changing the subject.

- Ah yes it is there anyone would pick up and drop any and all documents they need it is also there they would drop them. Luckily for you I already have all the documents needed. Here, let's take a break here. You can fill them in. And you can also ask me any more questions you probably have. I shall endeavor to answer them. –

They stopped in front of Hannah. Sha'andris winced, she grabbed Ash'vley's arm before he stepped out the car.

- Can we head to Monochrome instead? –

The senate member raised an eyebrow at Sha'andris. She just returned the same expression. He just sighed and got back in the car and signaled to the driver to head to Monochrome. He also quickly made a call to Vyncent.

- Alright, we are lucky there is still some space left. We'll need to finalize your enrollment. So I am going to give you some background on the workings of your enrollment. Once you pass the entrance exam you have a guaranteed place at Cephiead. You then have the option of differing your enrollment. You can differ up to a maximum of 5 years. Once that time has pst you will have to attend, if not you'll have to restart the selection process and retake an entrance exam. On successful exam, you will however not have the option of differing. –

- Why 5 years? Usually it is 6 months or a year.

Ash'vley stifled a laugh.

- I know you already had this told to you and it will continue to be told to you . This is Cephiead it doesn't follow the logic of other schools and academies. –

Sha'andris gave him a deadpan look. He snorted but answered the original question anyways.

- It is to accommodate all sorts of people and circumstances. Not only that but in addition to differing you choose to attend either as a full time or part time student. –

She nodded hesitantly.

- What's the difference between the two? – she questioned

- Not much really. It all comes down to the attendance requirements. A full time student needs to have a 80% attendance record at the minimum. A part time student has a 50% attendance requirement. Even that can be altered on a case by case basis. -

- Elitist academy. – She mumbled, Ash'vley gently laughed at her.

- It's Cephiead. -

- Alright, alright. No to differing and yes attending as full time student.-

He nodded and wrote down her answer.

- Now you'll need too pick a Suit. So after our initial talk have you thought about with Suit you'll pick? Remember the Minor Arkanna you'll pick, your uniform will reflect that choice. -

- Yeah I have chosen, but I have one question? Why is your uniform white? There is only Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst and Sapphire. There is no Diamond or Opal Minor Arkanna anywhere!– she near to shouted.

- Young master? We have arrived. – the driver called out.

- Thank you Alsa'f. You can head back, i'll let you know if we need you to pick us up.-

- Thank you, have a good afternoon young master, miss Folnier. –

They stepped out and headed inside Monochrome. Ash'vley studiously ignored the hole that Sha'andris was drilling. He turned and smiled beautifully at her.

- Shall we?-

This just made Sha'andris fume even more. She stomped past him and grabbed a menu from Vyncent. Vyn turned to Ash'vley and cocked ahis head on the side.

- Do I want to know?- he asked?

Ash'vley laughed and grabbed the other menu and followed after Sha'andris. Vyncent just shook his head at Ash's antiques. He closed the doors and went after the most interesting thing that happened since the arrival of Sha'andris. On the rooftop gazebo Sha'andris had a seat and raised the menu to cover her face. Ash'vley took a seat and turned to Vyncent.

- I'll have my usual and for her. Surprise us. – he turned to Sha'andris and used the menu to bop her on the head. – so continuing what I was saying in the car

Your deck Card will act as your ID and bank card it will also reflect your deck rank. It is not just that it will give you access to the Academy but once you graduate it will also give you access to the rest of the Empire. - he took out a series of documents, pamphlets, booklets and other papers from his personal spacial inventory. He handed over a partially filled in admission sheet.

- If you put down the menu and take a look and see if the filled information is correct and and fill in anything else we might have missed. –

Sha'andris grudgingly placed the menu down to look at the files in front of her. The document contained her personal information which was mostly correct. Only her place of birth was wrong.

- I am going to eat my wight in cheesecake and you'll pay for my new addiction. – she then refocused on the papers. - Ash it says here I was born in Merberath but I wasn't. I was born in the Human Republic of Karniome, Lusien the orchard city.-

- Sure if you don't mind putting on weight, forget what I just said. – he said and immediately backpedalled and the glare. "How odd, she has draconiem blood?" were his thoughts, as Sha'andris' pupils momentarily slitted like all of the dragon race and blood. - This is strange this information was giving to us by your legal guardian. – he said out loud for Sha'andris' benefit.

- My father? –

- That is what I would have thought but the dates here don't match. Here let me show you. – Ash'vley pointed at the dates the document. – These where signed before your entrance exam and your father as I understand was already hospitalized . There was no name to your other legal guardian just that Mr. Folnier had named him or her your protector in case anything happened to him and you were considered underaged. They had all the appropriate documents with the signatures and seals both magicks and non magicks one. –

- What the hell! – she abruptly stood up

- I agree even though I wouldn't have said it that way. It is odd that you require a protector as fro a human you are considered to be of age, you are 19 aren't you?

Ash'vley questioned Sha'andris.

- No I am 22! - She shouted still standing standing up. Before seating back down and repeating her answer on a lower tone at Ash'vley's look.

- Yes. I turned 22 five months ago and my application to Cephiead was done 2 months ago. –

- The maybe is it possible that you are not fully human? Have you considered that? Do you know what race your mother was from? –

Sha'andris shook her head whilst looking over the documents Ash'vley was presenting and all had her father's signature and seal for approval. And further surprised was she could not read the name of her guardian or even see seal as to start her search as each seal was unique to each family and individual. Worse was that the magicks where familiar as if she had encountered the person so often her magicks had deemed theirs to be non harmful.

- Ash can you tell me the name of my guardian I can feel the magicks bit not see the seal or name. –

Ash'vley was intrigued too and looked at the documents. One then another and another. After having looked through all he admitted to Sha'andris

- I also cannot see their name and seal. –

Sha'andris shifted through the papers and eventually returned to the seal. The prana was familiar. On impulse she touched it and added her prana to it. It glowed.

- What are you doing? – Alarmed, Ash'vley tried to stop her.

No one messes with magicks seals unless they know they are keyed to the seals. If not things usually got messy. At his shout Sha'andris dropped the papers. Nothing happened for a while. They shared an uneasy look and Sha'andris picked up the papers eventually. Not much had changed. Her name had previously read Sha'andris Folnier now said Sha'andris mi L. M. Folnier. Her place of birth changed from Lusin City of Orchards, Republic of Karniome to Merberath, Eternal Empire of Leivathien. The surprising changes were her lineage. She'd thought. Herself to be fully human but on the paper her status had changed to dragonoid. Dragonoid the term used to describe offsprings of humans and full blooded draconiems. "Well at least that explains why I am still considered underaged" she thought ruefully.

The last change was that her dad was now her mother or matera and her father was still blank.

"Looks like dad never lied when he said he was my mom" she thought, thinking about all the times she'd asked about her mother and her whereabouts. She pinched the bridge of her nose. "shit just got complicated"she thought ruefully. Sha'andris was also quite annoyed at her father? Mother? Parent! This wouldn't be happening is he'd just told her the truth. The full truth and not the one subject to a lot of interpretation. She handed the papers to Ash'vley.

- So what do you think? –

He took the papers and read through them.

- You are lucky nothing happened to you or the documents. Everything is still in order. –

Taking in Sha'andris' slacked jaw Ash'vley hazarded a guess.

- I suppose a few things where meant to change?

Sha'andris quickly pulled herself together.

- Yeah my status as a human changed to dragonoid. –

She left out the rest. She wouldn't have said anything but she'd given to much away already. The situation was getting even more complex with each passing moment no need to have any one else look to her more than was necessary. Well at least not until she'd analyzed the situation first.

- Why? – She asked, more to herself that her mentor. He answered anyways.

- Why not just tell you were half draconiem and half human? –

Sha'andris nodded to Ash'vley's question.

- It's probably due to the fact that you lived in Karniome. While they are more accepting of other races, discrimination still happens and slavery is still common practice. Your father probably thought it was best not to shed light on his half blooded daughter. –

- Slavery is strictly regulated though. There are laws that buyers and sellers have to respect of be fined. Laws to protect slav… — Sha'andris was vehemently saying to defend her country.

His look made her stop. She'd never really agreed with slavery and as such her family never owned a slave. But she was in agreement with Ash'vley. After-all if you were going to make it so hard to acquire a slave why not just ban it? "Slavery must really be a lucrative business." Was her random thought on the matter before she refocused on the matter at hand.

- you know what, never mind, so what were originally talking about? – She stopped mid sentence and looked incredulous.

- You know I just thought of something. The Dean made it seem like none would graduate. Fame and glory he was simply talking about those who graduate at the top 10% wasn't he. Oh sneaky fellow he's already weeding out this years crop. Damn, now that I think about it I am even more certain that those who don't graduate as the top 10% are still rich and famous. Cephiead produces Elites and Elites amongst the Elites.

If Ash'vley was lost at the sudden change in topic he didn't show it.

- Hey Ash is there a number of tries one has to graduate before the academy recommends them do another? –

- No, anyone can try for as long as they like. The Academy only recommends another if you've broken cardinal tenets. Why do you ask? – Sha'andris burst out laughing.

- The Dean is good, he had me worried for a moment. So this is what he meant by the challenges. Shock and awe tactic, damn this academy is brutal. Thanks Ash I just figured out a few things. – Still chuckling she went about filling in the Sapphire cups entry form.

Ash'vley on the other hand was impressed. Not many students quickly realized that they had any number of tries until the end of their first year 3rd cycle. This year was going to be interesting, he finally had a mentee worth the effort. It wasn't the first time he became a mentor but the first a mentee caught his interest. Ash'vley looked out the window to see the sun set. Several hours had passed since they had arrived. He pulled out his screen and sent a quick message. A soft chime was heard shortly after. Ash'vley read the message smiled softly and dismissed his screen to focus back on Sha'andris. She was finishing her selection and a very interesting selection at that. Aside of the compulsory courses, math, science, history, magicks theory and application, she had opted for swordsmanship for magicks 101 for beginners, politics, accountancy, investing for beginners, theology and agriculture sub division farming, orchard. Quite a tangent from the others. The most surprising was the etiquette and culture class Ash'vley did not comment but he was impressed with her choices. In fact he bemoaned that not many took the class. Outsiders rarely took the time to learn the etiquette and culture of the Empire this lead to many clashes and he could think of one person who could have benefitted from said class. Finally the documents were signed and dated. Ash'vley pressed the bell to call Vynicent back.

- How can I help?-

- The bill please and have this sent to the administration office. –

Ash'vley handed over a folder containing all of Sha'andris' relevant admission documents.

- Of course. –

Vyncent took the envelop with one hand and with the other produced a slim tablet.

- That will be 7 silver and 65 bronze Lei. –

Ash'vley took his badge and placed it on the tablet. Once the payment complete Vyncent handed back the badge. Ash'vley then looked to Sha'andris.

- It is time to go, it has become quite late. –

Sha'andris looked out the window and realized night had fallen. Vynicent pulled out her chair and gave her a hand with her coat before handing Ash'vley his coat. He lead them back downstairs, using a different route. Which Sha'andris noticed and commented on.

- Why are we headed this way? It isn't the way we came. –

- Yes we are going to the parking area not the front of the store. –

Sha'andris looked over to Ash'vley and mouthed 'parking?'

- Yes don't worry I asked someone to come pick us up. I realized that with the late hour you probably would be tired. –

When they reached the parking a car was waiting as was a another person.

- Master Ash, Miss Folnier, Master Striwuss. –

At each name the man did a short bow.

- Master? –

Vyncent chuckled at Sha'andris flabbergasted look.

- Another way to say milord or young Lord. –

Sha'andris whistled.

- Never thought I'd see the day when a noble do menial work.

- Well it's because you never met me.- Vyncent said rather conspiringly.

- Yes, yes, well we need to go. –

Ash'vley stopped any more conversation by gently herding Sha'andris to the car. Letting her enter first and haring a brief look with Vyncent. He gave a short nod of acknowledgement and watched them go.

- Was that her? – a voice called out from the shadows.

- Yes. –

- Good continue as instructed. –

Vyncent sighed and looked to the empty area where the voice had come and back to the direction the car had headed too.

- This year is going to be very interesting. –

He headed back inside to close the store. He turned back to survey the parking lot having sensed someone watching. Not seeing anything amiss he turned back into the store after having locked the door and lowered the blinds, missing the hooded figure that was perched on the street light. They looked in Vyncent's direction before jumping to follow the car. Settling on the building next to Sperado's penthouse. From their position they had a direct line of sight to Sha'andris' room. The figure waited watched the inhabitants settle in for the night. Once they were sure the household was asleep they turned to and opened a portal. Before stepping through they cast one last look towards Sha'andris room.

- You have no idea how. -