Aura X Meridian: A Tale of Wake Souls (The Shazul-Verse)

Intro: What is a Wake Soul? Some say they are exceptionally powerful beings, gifted in the Magical Arts and destined for greatness. Others say that they are special souls, fated to change the course of history. However, to know what a "Wake Soul" is, is to know the essence of the soul itself. That is why here, in this galaxy, in this universe, we follow the tale of these exceptional souls, in a time where the course of history could take any turn. A tale of wonder, of magic, of pain, of loss, of joy, and of regret. This is the newest chapter, from the minds of Shadow Fantasy and Zazul. We give you, Aura X Meridian! -Zazul


~The Hyperion Axis space, Frostgard~

*on the icy, harsh planet of Frostgard, a lone campsite sits on the outskirts of the dominantly-Fenrir city of Bludfang's Hold. Sitting on a large, oaken stool outside of the stone and wood hut that was built halfway into the earth for warmth and insolation was a large male Fenrir appearing in his late 50s, with long, gray, matted fur and a large, wide body that was covered by an orange-fur poncho. His head was covered by the hood of the poncho, which was decorated with a row of seven large, bright phoneix feathers that made a mane. The wolf-man was holding a strange, silver square that was projecting a hologram screen. On the screen appeared to be a letter addressed to him. As he read the words, mumbling them to himself, the sounds of fireballs exploding in the distance echoes out. Finally, after the fifth explosion, he looks up and rises to his feet. He trudges through the snow towards the source, a large cane with a curling top, much like a sage's staff in his hand. Finally, he comes upon the source, a boy that looked to be about 19 with silver skin and hair wearing a similar poncho to Ordo's, only his hood being adorned with two feathers instead of seven. The boy held a Shaman's cane in his hand, adorned with rune-like carvings and talismans of stone hanging from a leather-like material string. The boy was standing in front of a vast boulder of grey, burnt stone, scorch marks from the flame spells that had been thrown at it over the countless years decorating its surface. He was panting heavily, a feminine frame of fire and metal floating next to him as the wolf smirked at the site*

Ordo: *the Fenrir's voice was gruff and deep, with a snarl-like growl to it but a warmth containing fatherly love* Noah! Come here, boy! We need to talk!

Ignis: *fire suddenly surges up from the cane the Fenrir was holding. From it, a male frame with strips of metal forming the skeleton and fire forming the flesh-like outside appears next to Ordo* Did you receive word from Neir, Ordo?

Ordo: *he nods to his flaming companion* Aye. The new semester is beginning, and Noah's application has been accepted. He is going to go try out for the College...

Noah: *the boy finally makes it up the snow bank to Ordo, panting heavily as he looks to his foster father* Yes, Father? I was just practicing with Phiera! We were able to replicate your Flame Effigy spell four times in a row this time!

Ordo: *he grins, chuckling as he pats Noah on the shoulder* Excellent work, my boy! I'm proud of you. You have taken the Shaman Arts of the Ash-Claw tribe and have mastered them with great skill and efficiency! I can hardly believe its been 19 years since you were brought to me, a newborn Half-Celestian, Half-Human boy without a family...and now, you are my pride and joy, my son! *he smile fades as he speaks, his voice still proud, but somber* That is why...I will miss you terribly when you go off to the College of Avalon for your studies. *he holds the silver box out, making the holo-screen appear again for Noah to read*

Noah: *he studies it closely, reading it aloud* "To my old colleague and friend Ordo, we have reviewed the application sent in by yourself and your foster-son, Noah, and have deemed him worthy of testing for enrollment within the College of Avalon. Should he succeed, he may also be selected to join an Aura Wake team, and be given the honor and duty of safeguarding Hyperion from all threats of Mystic nature. We look forward to your audition in 4 days time at the College of Avalon during our enrollment ceremony. Warmest regards, Savanos Narn, Dean of Staff at the College of Avalon"! AURA WAKE?! Father, this is amazing!

Ordo: *he smiles, nodding to Noah proudly* Yes, it is. I am so proud of you, Noah. I know you will have a bright future with the College. Go, study your magic further, and become the best Mage you can be. Just remember...though we may not be bound by blood, we are bound by a bond and love just as strong. You will always be my son...and you will always have a home here.

Noah: *he smiles, embracing Ordo in a hug* Thank you, Father.

Ordo: *he returns the hug, then pats Noah on the back* Now, go get your things ready. We leave for the spaceport tomorrow morning!



~The Hyperion Axis space, Dis~

*on the blackened, Infernal fire-scorched world of Dis, the great black city of Law's Chokehold stands as the capital of the planet, as well as the mecca of Warlock arts, the art of conjuring powers from the demonic realm of Inferno. It is here that the Law Warlock clan reigns supreme as the leaders in the research and practice of the demonic arts. A lone, black ship leaves the spaceport docks of the city, flying up through the atmosphere until it finally broke free, bound for open space. Sitting at the helm is a rather perturbed-looking young man who appeared in his early twenties, with salt-and-pepper style black and white hair that rests shaggily under a wide-brimmed black warlock's hat, the classic mark of a Law Warlock. A full-body black Law Clan cloak adorned his body, the neckband covering his mouth as he scowled out at the open blackness. Floating next to him was what appeared to be a book, the cover being what appeared to be a poorly drawn, child's rendition of a horned demon with sharp teeth and black eyes.*

Lovecraft: *the book floats patiently next to the Law Warlock, finally breaking the silence* Soooo...Blackwald, eh? Guess Quintus really wants you to learn more about being ruthless or something...

Mercer: *the Warlock spits, his voice rough and scratchy but filled with youthful defiance* Fuck that noise. I'm not going to Blackwald, that's for damn sure!

Lovecraft: *the book appears more annoyed than surprised, as if it was used to Mercer doing these kinds of things, but the boldness of this move being particularly shocking* Are you off your nut or what, man?! Trust me when I say Quintus will skin you alive if you skip out!

Mercer: *he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a silver rectangle, a holo screen projecting out* This is a referral from Quintus Law, Grand Patriarch of the Law Warlock clan. It details my strength and statistics, and is meant for Worm Lord Grom Reaver to act as my application for entry into Blackwald. However, it should suffice for entry into another school....like the College of Avalon.

Lovecraft: *his eyes widen now* Okay, yeah. You are officially crazy. Quintus HATES the College and you know why!

Mercer: *he nods, looking to Lovecraft* Yep...a particular Warlock teaches there. And that is precisely why I wanna go. I want to learn from her...and then I want to use that power to do what I always dreamed of doing...I'm gonna knock that old goat off his throne, and become the new Patriarch of the Law Clan!

Lovecraft: *he goes back to appearing annoyed, now with a single water mark comically adding to his dread* You really have a death wish...but, as your familiar, I gotta see this through to the end, as long as I'm bound to this book. But Mercer...you sure that person will take you in, considering who you are and what I am?...

Mercer: *he smirks, punching in the coordinates for the College of Avalon's city, the city of Amphetrion's Cradle on the planet Avalon, capital planet of the Hyperion Axis* I don't know, but I won't know until I try! And if I gotta keep beating down the doors till they clap my ass in irons, then so be it! *he enters the last key, the engines of the ship igniting as it takes off into hyper space*

~Amphetrion’s Cradle, Near the College of Avalon~

*in the spaceport of the city, a sleek, black starship smoothly cruises into the loading bay and docks there. When the doors open up, a young human boy with shaggy, dark brown hair, a skinny but muscular frame and sparkling turquoise eyes steps out. He is wearing tan slacks, a black shirt and an unzipped leather jacket, the sides of which flap in the wind as he turns around and thanks the pilot of the starship for taking him to the spaceport. When he turns around to hop down from the docking bay, he looks into the crowd around him, smiling at the sight of the new arrivals. Slung around his shoulder is a backpack that seemed to be filled to the brim with all manners of different scrolls, books and even some traveling gear. He stretches as he walks through the crowd yawning a little bit as he does so*

???: Man, that pilot was great! I gotta give him a good rating when I get the chance. *he says to himself, trying to complete a thought. Walking through the crowd into a marketplace, the young man spots a vendor selling apples and grins. He spots his favorite kind, a sour, green colored one, and tossed the salesmen a silver coin before waving to him and picking up an apple for himself. A few bites later and he was in front of his destination; a large, traditionally styled hotel*

Receptionist: *a young woman with blonde hair greets the young man as he walks inside* Hello! Are you here to stay tonight?

???: *the young man nods to the receptionist, smiling* Yeah actually! I have a four night reservation under Toxarine?

Receptionist: *the woman nearly falls out of her chair as she hears the name* YOU’RE Toxarine?! The Poison Fox Demon?! The one that saved that village in Hyperion space three weeks ago?!

Toxarine: *he laughs* Yeah that’s my nickname alright. Though I still have no idea how it came about. You can just call me Tox if you want. Most do.

Receptionist: *the lady nods quickly and fumbles around behind her for his room keycard* I wish you would have sent word ahead that you’d be arriving! I would’ve had your room set up and waiting for you! *she finally hands him the keycard and smiles* Here you are! Sorry about the wait.

Toxarine: *he nods and takes the keycard from her, smiling politely to her* Thanks. I’ll take care of setting up my room though. I have some kind of....particular needs. *he waves off the woman, hearing an excited squeal behind him as he heads off to find his room. Finding it and heading inside, he closes the door behind him and locks it before setting his backpack down on the floor. With a yawn he takes out the small silver box that had his college of Avalon invitation inside of it, smiling longingly at it. He had been training for so many years to get into this place. And finally it was not only within his grasp, but he was being told that he might even get into the famous Aura Wake group! Laying down onto the bed, he holds the box above him and lets the holo-message appear on the screen, reading it for what had to be the fifteenth time since he’d gotten it. He still couldn’t believe it; all of his hard work was finally about to pay off! Then he could finally develop his own brand of magic and become a powerful mage just like the Arch Magi that kept the peace within the Axis. Such was his dream after all!*

~~A town close to the College of Avalon~~

Peering through the eye hole of the half skull she wore over her fave, Sek'Kuar read over the letter in her hands. As a roaming witchdoctor, it was almost impossible to get into contact with her. Whenever someone was able to, it was for incredibly important reasons. Everything she did, she spent years teaching herself; the Chaos Clan had long since died out, leaving Sek'Kuar alone. She didn't mind, as she worked best alone.

She sighs quietly and looks off in the distance at the College. Sek checks herself over, making sure she has everything. With a nod, she sets off, cutting through the spaceport to save a bit of time.

Spoiler:

~The College of Avalon gates, four days later~

*the College itself was a vast, white stone building with floating towers that seemed connected to base-like structures via a strange, blue energy. This cluster of five towers seemed to form the body of the school itself, surrounded by a vast, white stone wall decorated with a stained-glass mural of vast magic seals. Outside the wall, at the gates itself, was a vast courtyard of stone meant for gatherings and special events. In the center of it stood a giant, white marble statue of a Frostgardian Satyr with long, curved horns that reached back to the small of his back and a long, braided chin beard. His face was old, but kind and wise. He wore long, flowing robes, and was holding a glowing, gem-like orb in one hand and a large, stone staff in the other. This statue was to commemorate Arch Mage Amphetrion, the founder of the College and the first Arch Mage. A large crowd has gathered at the statues base, eagerly chattering as the ceremony for the opening of this year's enrollment tryouts was about to be under way. Standing at a podium, on top of a large staircase surrounding the base of the statue was a group of Hyperion Axis delegates from all different planets. As they finished talking about the final bits of information they were presented with, the hour for the commencement ceremonies finally arrived.*

Silvian Delegate: *the Delegate that spoke was a Silvian. He possessed a masculine, robotic frame with a single, glowing blue eye in the center of his head. His body was a sleek, flesh-like metal mesh material that was colored like fresh forged steel. As he spoke, his voice was accompanied by a cybernetic tinge as well as multiple whirls and clicks* Ladies and Gentlemen, good citizens of the Hyperion Axis, it is my pleasure to give you, the Prime Minister of the Hyperion Axis, Prometheus Phage!

Prometheus: *the crowd erupts in thunderous cheers of admiration as a tall, well-built male Celestian with dark, burgundy skin and long, red, velvety hair that hung to his shoulder blades walks out. He is dressed in a fashionable black suit with a white tie, held in place by a ruby broach pin. He clears his throat, his blue eyes scanning the audience* Thank you, my fellow citizens. Today, we gather here to celebrate yet another semester beginning here, at the Capital of the Hyperion Axis' own College of Avalon. While I do not play favorites, I will admit, that while the other schools will always be tremendous sources of pride for the Axis as a whole, the College will always hold a special place in my heart. After all, my brother, Atlas, and I spent the best years of our lives learning in its halls! Without further adieu, I give you the man responsible with shaping the minds of the next generation of Mages, Arch Mage Neir Desudari!~ *the crowd erupts into cheers again, this time even more wild than before, with some chanting "Neir! Neir! Neir!"*

Neir: *Arch Mage Neir is leaning against the stone foot of Amphetrion, watching as Prometheus walks down from the podium and strides casual over to him. Neir was a tall, muscular Celestian male with forest-green and black skin patterned like black branches amidst a leafy background. His eyes shimmered like green orbs of light and his hair glowed bright green, like a rolling neon field that hung long and shaggy down to the small of his back. He wore a simple, dark green turtle neck sweater underneath a brown, suede leather suit jacket with matching brown pants and loafers, his posture being calm and relaxed.* A man of the people as always, Prometheus. Honestly, I don't know how you do it...Crowds just do not appeal to me.

Prometheus: *his cheek bones rise, as if to smile at Neir* If you had your way, you would never leave that library of yours. You always were a bookworm, Arch Mage.

Neir: *he shrugs, his left cheek bone rising as if to smirk* We all have our vices.~ Well done, Prime Minister. Now, I shall take it from here!~

Prometheus: *he steps aside and gestures to the podium* After you, old friend.~

Neir: *he steps up to the podium, clearing his throat before speaking into the microphone.* Thank you, one and all. I welcome you yet again to our College of Avalon! Before we begin the ceremony, I would like to reflect on the importance of this ceremony. Not only to we select new students to learn and grow here, but we will also be selecting new members for Aura Wake, the team used by the College as an effort to help maintain peace, order, and stability within the Hyperion Axis as well as protect the system itself from threats of a magical nature. This year, the applicants will be showcasing their powers and mastery of magic through tests administered by our talented staff! Those who have received approval for your applications, make your way past the statue to the College Gates! We will be setting up the exam stages there. As for the rest of the audience, please, enjoy this festival, as we celebrate the beginning of yet another bountiful year! FOR AVALON! AND FOR THE HYPERION AXIS! *the crowd cheers wildly, their chants growing louder as Neir steps down from the podium.*

Noah: *in the crowd, Noah takes a deep breath as he watches intensely. His backpack, containing everything he needed for his tenure at the College, was slung around his right shoulder as he smiled up at Arch Mage Neir* So that was him...one of the three Saint Wizards who lead the Magic Schools...Arch Mage Neir! They say he's the strongest Arch Magi yet!~

Phiera: *a small, red-eyed fireball suddenly appears next to Noah's head. When it speaks, a calm woman's voice echoes out* Stay focused, Noah...We need to successfully impress the teachers here at the College if we want to get in. Lets head over to where the other applicants are gathering for now.

Noah: *he nods to the fireball, smiling with zeal and excitement as he made his way past the statue through the crowd. The other applicants had already gathered in a large, circular section of sand and gravel. Standing before the gates, like a defensive line, were 8 of the College's teachers. One of them, a tall Talaran Kong with short, spikey hair and red fur like an orangutan smiles to the crowd. He is wearing a dark-green Shaman's poncho with camo cargo pants with no shoes, his hand-like feet exposed. With a loud hoot, he jumps forward and slams his fists to the ground. The earth rumbles as suddenly walls of earth shoot up, forming a box of 9 cell-like blocks large enough for two people to fight freely without anyone being able to interfere*

Hue: *the Kong clears his throat before yelling out to the applicants* WHEN YOUR NAME GETS CALLED, REPORT TO ONE OF THE CELLS, 1 THROUGH 9! YOUR TEST IS SIMPLE...IMPRESS ONE OF US! USE ANYTHING YOU GOT IN YOUR ARSENAL, AND DO YOUR BEST! THE ONES WHO SUCCEED, GAIN ENTRY! THOSE THAT FAIL...BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR! DON'T CALL US, WE'LL CALL YOU!

Neir: *the Arch Mage walks up to the teachers, moving to speak to the one who seemed to be leading them. He was a Celestian of average height and build, with straight, neon blue hair tied back in a tight ponytail. He wore a blue tunic with simple, brown pants and shoes, looking almost like a common mage* Savanos, are preparations complete?

Savanos: *the blue Celestian nods, bowing to Neir* Yes, Arch Mage. Professor Hue has set up the stages, and the rest of us are ready to test the student. I understand you wanted a 9th cell this year, though...why, if I may ask?

Neir: Simple...I will be testing this year's Aura Wake candidates myself.

Savanos: *all of the teachers look surprised to hear Neir say this, as if it was not a normal thing* Are you sure, Arch Mage? No other Arch Magi has ever done that before...

Neir: *he nods, smiling* I am not like my predecessors, Savanos. You know that better than anyone. Now, let us begin!~

*as the names are called, the crowd of applicants churns restlessly, growing smaller and smaller as candidates enter their cells to be tested*

College Adept: *the ones calling names were Adepts, students at the College who had been their for many, many years* Noah Ash-Claw, Cell 9!

Noah: *he looks around, hearing his name called* That's me! *he runs off, heading for his cell* I wonder who will be testing me this year?...*when he arrives, he finds the cell door closed with nobody else in line* ....huh? Is this where I was supposed to go?

Adept 2: *one of the adepts in front of the door nods to him* You're Noah Ash-Claw? Wait here. Other applicants are going to be called soon...

Adept 3: *one of the adepts in the crowd yells out another name* Sek'Kuar of the Chaos Clan, Cell 9!

Adept 4: Toxarine! Cell 9!

Adept 5: Mercer LAW! Cell 9!

Mercer: *he was sitting on the ground, impatiently crossing his arms as he waited* About damn time! I was gonna fall asleep out here if they didn't call my name soon! If my ass cheeks fell asleep on this stone floor, I was gonna start cracking skulls!

Lovecraft: *the book is floating next to him, its drawn face looking irked by Mercer's language.* Tactful as always, Mercer...

~College Gates~

Toxarine: *he smiles lightly as his name is called, walking up to the adept in front of the door. As he does so, murmurs ripple through the crowd from the mention of his name*

Female Mage: Toxarine? As in Toxarine the Poison Fox Demon?

Male Human: I thought he would be so much older than he is....

Celestian Bystander: I heard he single handedly saved a village on a Hyperion planet from a huge pack of bandits!

Frostguardian Female: He’s kinda cute though....

Male Mage: I heard he was a prodigy with his own unique magical style!

Toxarine: *he scratches the back of his head as he sees the others approaching* Sheesh....Word spreads fast about me huh? *he turns and smiles at Noah as he reaches for his clawed steel gauntlets with his off hand* Heya! Nice to meet you guys. I’m Toxarine. You can all call me Tox though. What’re ya’ll here for? *he asks casually as he starts to put his clawed gauntlets on, smiling and nodding to everyone else as they came within earshot*

The cell door opens and closes as Sek'Kuar is let in. She adjusts her skull and scans the room, before setting her bag on the floor and rummaging through it. She pulls out a small handful of colored capsules, as well as a staff that was way too large to normally fit in a bag like that.

"So you three are the start of my path... Very well. I am Sek'Kuar, the last member of the Shaman Chaos Clan." She turn to Toxarine. "I'm here to improve myself... perhaps someday be able to pass my knowledge unto others."

The pale green jewel on the tip of her staff glows softly, before a pair of small, bright yellow eyes blink open on it as the little nature elemental spirit awakens.

Noah: *he nervously accepts Toxarine's hand, knowing full well who he was* Toxarine the Poison Fox Demon. I've heard of your exploits on the news! You stopped a Fortesian raiding party that slipped in and attacked that asteroid mining village. Its an honor to meet you! I'm Noah Ash-Claw, from Frostguard! *he then looks to Sek'Kuar. Her garb, mannerism, and staff, as well as her elemental all pointed to one thing that Noah couldn't help uttering* ....Witchkin. *his eyes fill with wonder* The Chaos Clan is well known on Frostguard! Before the Great Witch Hunt, which drove the Witchkin, Vampires, Angelkin and Daemonkin to near-extinction, they were regarded as some of the strongest witch doctors on Frostguard!

Phiera: *she looks to her nature elemental, blinking at it* I wonder...You do not seem like a Primal Fire Elemental. Pray tell, what are you?

Noah: *he chuckles* Seems like Phiera is just as curious as me! Tell me, judging from your staff, are you part Fenrir? My foster father is a Fenrir!~ He raised me and taught me Primal Fire shamanism! I came to the College hoping to further my knowledge of the Fire element, and maybe one day become the most powerful Fire Mage in all of Hyperion! By the way, you said three...you mean...?

Mercer: She means me, Firefly. *he walks into the cell, his hat covering his eyes slightly as he smirks at the group* Seems like the four of us were the only ones called here...I wonder why? Guess we each got something the other people don't. I'm Mercer. Mercer Law, from Dis. Nice to meet you guys. *he steps forward, addressing Toxarine* I hear you got some kind of unique element to your magic, one that nobody has ever been able to replicate. That true? Not to sound like a douche or anything, but you don't look like the kind of guy to pull out anything unexpected. To put it bluntly, you're about the most unassuming guy I've ever seen.

Toxarine: *he nods to Noah’s comment* It was nothing really. I just did the right thing at the right time. If you ask me, those Fortesisn’s all need a good kick to their arses anyways.. *he looks over at Mercer when he asks his question about his magic, smirking at him* I dunno about unique but it sure as heck isn’t normal. I practice a type of magic that I discovered an aptitude for when I was living with the Catien royal family a while back. I call it Poison Magic. Beyond that, you’re probably right. *he grins, looking at Sek’ Kuar* Witchkin huh? Sounds cool.

The elemental dropped to the ground, taking the form of a small creature; what looked to be a cross between a deer and a fox. "Mink!!! I'm Mink! A nature elemental, bound to Lady!" He giggles and looks up at Sek'Kuar, who smiles.

"Yes, I am a witchkin; half fenrir also being correct." She nods to Noah. "You say primal fire... could you perhaps mean Ordo? His name was known among my clan."

Noah: *he seems surprised* You've heard of my dad? Yeah, that's my foster father!~

Mercer: *he looks around at the three of them* Well, I hope we're able to pass whatever entrance exam is gonna be thrown our way...

*suddenly, on the far side of the room, a tree begins sprouting from the earth, its vines twisting and warping as it forms what appears to be a large, elephant-like humanoid made from living tree bark and branch, with leaves and foliage forming at the top of its body and back. The being roars, growing four arms and standing at least seven feet tall, towering above the four mages*

Neir: *the Arch Mage's voice echoes out from golem, its eyes flashing green with energy* Your task is simple...work together and defeat the Golem! Pass, and all four of you will be allowed to enter the College. Fail...and you all will be denied entry this year. This Nature Golem is equipped with powerful enhancements and wards....best of luck to you all.

Nature Golem: *the Golem roars, letting out a wave of aura-like energy that shakes the entire room*

Noah: *he leaps back, startled as fire starts to swirl around him* WHAT IN THE HELL IS THAT?!

Mercer: *he snarls, seeming more annoyed than anything as he steps forward* Right...so we just gotta beat the shit out of this thing? No sweat...I got the front line. Oi! Lovecraft! *he whistles, his book floating up next to his head and sneering* 

Lovecraft: Teamwork?! This really isn't your strong suit, Mercer! You don't play well with others! *the book flips open, a green, demonic spell seal appearing as Mercer reaches into it and draws a large, black metal great machete with a blade that covered the hilt like a guard, a wicked, glowing, green, serrated edge, and a notch on the top of the blade for the wielder to hold. Mercer takes the weapon in hand, holding it like a vast guillotine blade as infernal fire begins to wreath around his body*  

Mercer: Yo, Toxarine...mind if I call you Tox? I'll hold its attention, you back me up. You Shamans, hit this thing with any long range spells you got, and if you have any enhancement spells, use them on each other as well as me and Tox. Keep mobile, avoid getting hit, leave the close contact work to us!

Noah: *he nods, Phiera floating next to his head* Not the most polite way to put it, but he makes a good point...*he looks to Sek'Kuar and smiles, nodding to her* Lets burn this big bush down and push our way into the College!

Sek'Kuar spins her staff about, a bright green seal opening beneath her. She silently encants something; her lips moving, but no sound coming out. Mink climbs up onto her shoulder covering the two in a soft glow. The shamaness's eye that is shadowed by the skull turns a bright pink. She points her staff at Toxarine, turning her glow blue, and surrounding him with green. "Saba Barash!" (Speed up!)

"I can take care of attribution, Gel Sarak!" (Magic Flux) She glances at Noah and her pink eye flashes. His hands glow a bright yellow. "Your next attack will deal some extra damage... make it count! ...Now..." She turns her sights to Mercer. "The fight calls to you... So it is decided." A faint white flow of energy connects Her and Mercer. "Pvrax Sjash!" (Damage Share)

~The examination room~

Toxarine: *he snacks his gauntlets together with a loud clanging sound and grins* A tree golem huh? Perfect! *he gives a half-wave to Sek’Kuar as he feels her spell start to take effect* Thanks for the boost! *his gauntlets glow a bright yellow as a purple spell seal appears in the air briefly, depicting a large cloud of gas* Hey Noah! You bring the fire to this thing and I’ll make sure it goes up in flames! *he looks at Mercer* If it’s still standing after Noah and I hit it, you finish it off! And yeah, Tox is fine man! Let’s kick this thing’s butt! *he slams his palms on the ground and cracks start to form underneath the golem’s feet as if the very earth beneath it was about to swallow it up. However, unlike a normal earth spell, the earth doesn’t open up beyond those very large cracks. A sickly purple and black gas begins to seep out of the cracks in the ground as Toxarine’s eyes start to glow yellow laced with an odd, ominous black coloration like corruption was threatening to overtake his eyes* Toxic Geyser! *all at once, there is a loud cracking sound followed by an even louder hissing sound as the sickly purple and black gas starts to erupt from the ground beneath the golem. The poison in this gas was not unlike that of volcanic ash and sulphur, something that was not only highly toxic to plant and animal life, but in this concentration was highly flammable!* Now Noah! Give it your best shot!

Nature Golem: *the golem surges forward through the gas, groaning as its limbs die and break off, but seem to regrow instantly, as if life energy itself was surging through the golem's very being. However, the mixture clings to the golem like a thick fog as it bears down at the group of Mages*

Mercer: *he steps in, his machete raised as he roars back at the golem and meets it head-on, holding it in a brutal deadlock*

Noah: *he hesitates slightly* Mercer! Out of the way!

Mercer: *he looks back and grins slightly* Let it fly, Noah! I'll be fine! I'm a Law Warlock, our cloaks are enchanted to resist damage!

Noah: *he nods and points his cane at the golem, flames surging forth around his body* Phiera! *the flame elemental forms behind Noah, her full figure burning as she wraps her arms around Noah's shoulders and floats behind him, melding into his cloak and forming a flaming mist that radiates off his poncho. With the powers of both Phiera's presence and Sek'Kuar's enhancement spell, Noah creates a ball of fire that begins to swirl and condense in front of his cane. More and more fire feeds into the orb as it suddenly swells to the size of a watermelon* Flame Effigy! *he fires the fireball at the golem, the result being a massive explosion that sends the golem flying into the back wall. Noah immediately starts coughing as smoke and ash fills the room.* Mercer! Tox! Sek'Kuar!? Everyone okay!?

Mercer: *he is standing at the end of a vast skid mark, his body smoking as he holds his machete up defensively, having successfully stopped the explosion's force from hitting his teammates with a large, glowing, infernal seal that radiated off his machete like a shield* Demon Shell! Leave the defensive work to me!

Nature Golem: *the golem suddenly stands up, its entire body burning as it roars one final time and charges forward*

Noah: THAT THING'S STILL KICKING!

Mercer: On it! *he charges forward, his machete in both hands as he leaps up and roars, diving into the golem and landing feet-first into its chest, forcing it to the ground as he surges green, infernal fire through his blade and roar, bringing it down like a guillotine on the golem and cleaving its burning head, shoulders, and upper set of arms from its body in one cut. The golem goes lifeless, its limbs falling to the ground in two burning lumps. Mercer stands up, walking out of the fire and back to the group* Looks like we got us some bonfires!~ Who brought marshmallows?

Noah: *he looks blankly, as if the joke went over his head as he reaches into his pack, rummaging through it and pulling out a large bag of jumbo marshmallows* They're my favorite late night snack.~

Mercer: ....*he whistles, moving his hand over his head as if to mimic something flying right over it* You must have lived a rather sheltered life, my dude...*he walks over and wraps an arm around Noah* Stick with me, kid. I'm not gonna steer you wrong. There are a lot of jerks that would take advantage of a hapless cinnamon roll such as yourself.~

Neir: *his voice suddenly echoes out from below the group, as if he was right beneath them* Actually, I think the four of you should all stick together!~ *a small, green bud suddenly starts growing from the ground. It sprouts, growing into a small sapling that begins twisting, warping, turning, creaking, and bending until it finally takes the shape of Arch Mage Neir* My apologies for not showing myself sooner. However, I needed to be sure that the four of you were as good as your applications said. *first, he looks to Sek'Kuar* Sek'Kuar, the Witchdoctor. Your healing and elemental skills are well known to the Hyperion Axis. They have been monitoring you for some time, as they did not know if you would remain sane, or go down a darker path. I am glad that you have instead chosen to keep your people's culture alive. That is why I wanted you, the last and only Chaos Clan Witchdoctor in all of Hyperion, here at the College. *he then addresses Toxarine* Toxarine, the Poison Fox Demon. Even though you have no prior formal magical education, you have become a veritable hero in your own right! You have discovered a new element of magic, and are currently its only practitioner. To not have you here, studying this new and beautiful art, would be a tragic waste. *he then addresses Noah* Noah Ash-Claw. Your foster father is a close, personal friend of mine. He is an old comrade in arms and a dear, dear friend, and he has spoken highly of your potential and talent in the field of Primal Fire magic. I wish to see you blossom as a truly grand Fire Mage! *and lastly, he addresses Mercer* You, however...we did not send an invitation to. Apparently, you stormed right up to registration, showed my Dean a confidential letter between the Worm Lord and Quintus Law, and then stated that you "wanted to really piss that old geezer off, so you came here instead of Blackwald"?

Mercer: *he looks around before shrugging and nodding* Yep, word for word!

Neir: ....You are not the most tactful individual, are you?

Mercer: Never claimed to be in the first place.

Neir: Either way, a Law Warlock would be an excellent addition to our school. We have another Warlock teaching here already, and to have another blossoming right under our noses is truly a spectacular concept! But, more importantly...the four of you demonstrated an uncannily extraordinary level of teamwork, despite not knowing each other at all before the test began. This is why...I would like to extend to the four of you, a grand offer. Would you be interested in joining Aura Wake, our elite organization? You will be given special instructors, specialized schedules and courses, private dorms in the Aura Wake Dorm Hall, and will be made part of one of our Wake Teams, who make up Aura Wake. However, this will also mean that you will be tasked with the defense of the Hyperion Axis from all threats, magical or foreign. *he holds his hands out, as if to welcome them* Well, what do you all say? Consider it the scholarship of a lifetime!~

Toxarine: *he smacks his gauntlets together a couple of times and gives a loud hoot* Woohoo!! That was great! Let’s go again! *he looks and sees Arch Mage Neir’s form appear in front of them, crossing his arms in front of him as he listens to what he has to say. After hearing his question, he laughs and starts to put his gauntlets away* I don’t see an issue with that. It’s what I was here for anyways! I’m in Arch Mage Neir! I can’t wait to get started! *it was obvious that he was extremely excited but from what everyone else could guess it was probably just leftover excitement from the fight just then*

Sek simply nods, agreeing. "I'm in as well. I know as much as myself could learn on my own, so I believe that it is time that I attempted to settle in one spot for a bit and learned from someone else."

"Mink wanna stay too!! Can mink stay with The Lady???"

Mercer: *a sly smirk forms on his face* Turning back now would defeat the whole purpose of defying that old fossil!~ Count me in!

Noah: My dream is to become the most accomplished Fire Mage in all of Hyperion...To that end, I'll take any risk! I'm your man, Arch Mage!

Neir: *the Arch Mage claps his hands together, a green seal appearing on the wall behind him. The earth cracks and breaks as roots dig through it and part the wall, creating an opening to the shining College campus, the light of the sun shining through the stained glass of the walls surrounding the inner grounds* Then I welcome all of you, to the College of Avalon!

Noah: *he steps forward, amazed by the sight of the grand institute of magical learning. All around the inner grounds, students of all walks of life, races and species, all moved busily about their day of learning the mystic arts. He couldn't help but gape, nodding at the impressiveness of the College of Avalon* Wow...

Mercer: *he smirks* A little bright and cheery for my taste, but its got a nice feel I guess.~

Neir: If the four of you would make your way across the campus to the third tower, enter the fourth hall in the grand entrance chamber. The stained glass window at the end of the hall is the portal to Aura Wake's dormitory. It is a co-ed dormitory, as we trust our students to make responsible decisions and accept any consequences that may stem from those decisions. However, there is a Dorm parent there to see to your safety, ensure your general well-being, and to relay any messages from myself or the other teachers. Now then, when you get in, you will be asked "what do you see on the horizon of the Mystic Dawn?". I want the four of you to answer "I see a Flame Meridian.". Flame Meridian is the name of the Aura Wake group you will be joining. They have four vacant spots, and needed a new four-person team for this year's Mage's Games. Their captain, Arthur, is a strong and trustworthy man. The other members, Monika and Cortez, are both kind of heart and good of nature, though Cortez can be a bit....eccentric. However, they are a strong and warm team. Once you have introduced yourselves, no doubt you will meet Eli, your Dorm Parent. He will assign your rooms, and lay out his guidelines. I will warn you, he can be a bit strict....best not draw his ire. Elijah is a powerful Mage, despite his appearance. Best of luck to all of you! *The Arch mage walks off, heading towards the center tower with a casual yet brisk pace*

Toxarine: *he picks up his backpack that was stuffed full of his things and starts to jog ahead of the group, turning around with a hop step and grinning at the others* The heck are you guys waiting for?! I still got some leftover pep in my step and I’m itching to burn it off! Last one to the dorm’s a Talaran Stink bug! *he taunts them, speeding off towards the designated location that the Arch Mage has pointed out. When he arrives there, he stares at the stained glass wall for a brief moment before trying to touch it with his bare hands to attempt to go through the portal to his new home; Aura Wake’s Dormitory*

~Inside the Flame Meridian Dormitory~

???: *a beautiful Angelkin woman with short white hair laced with silver highlights is seen chasing a small cat around the Dormitory, a grooming brush in her hand. She had a slender but well-built body and wore a light colored pair of blue jeans with several faded marks from various bits of wear and tear over the years with a white top that has a large light grey vertical stripe going down the middle of it. Her sparkling blue eyes and innocent appearance only caused her large white feathered wings to stick out from her appearance, the light brown feathers that lined the bottoms of her wings only serving to brighten her appearance* Eli come back here! If you’re going to be in cat form I need to groom you so you don’t get fur all over our beds! Specifically mine! *she calls after it, trying her best to chase the cat and catch it*

Sek'Kuar's grip tightens on her staff as Mink returns to his slumber at the tip. She picks up her bag, double checks the contents, and silently follows Toxarine to the dorms. As she walks, she looks about constantly, admiring everything from the colors of the glass, to the architecture of the College. 

The witchdoctor was not known to spend a lot of time in one location; it made her feel vulnerable. Surely they wouldn't mind if she wandered outside the grounds every once in a while, just to get rid of this feeling, and perhaps help those who may need it as well.

She also wanted to talk to Noah a bit more. She couldn't remember the last time she met up with another shaman...

Noah: *he and Mercer follow Toxarine, winding through the halls of the College and finally reaching the stained glass window that would lead them to their dorms. Upon being touched by Toxarine, the glass suddenly shifts, the shards of color swirling like a whirlpool before forming a vast, human-like face. The face grows out and looks to the four of them* Woah...

Door: *it lets out a grumbling sound before speaking in a thunderous, deep voice* What do you see, on the horizon of the Mystic Dawn?

Noah: *he takes a deep breath, stepping forward and answering for the group* We see a Flame Meridian!

Door: *the door blinks slowly before pulling back and looking down, closing its eyes as the shards suddenly part, flying to either side of the window frame until a watery, glowing portal leading to what looked like a simple sitting area is revealed* Enter...Wake Souls of Flame Meridian...

Mercer: *he raises an eyebrow* Wake Souls?

Noah: *the group finally enters the portal, emerging from the other side in a small, yet comfortably furnished sitting area. There was a roaring fire in the fireplace, multiple chairs, a comfortable couch, and above the fireplace, a wall-mounted Holoscreen for entertainment. The walls were lined with dozens of different books, as well as paintings of various, powerful Mages. Upon entering, they come across the Angelkin girl in her search for what could only be a missing cat* Um...are we in the right place?

???: Yes, you are, desu-nyan. *The voice that spoke was deep, soothing, wise, and seemed to be coming from the far corner of the room. Sitting on top of one of the bookshelves was a fat, round, orange tabby cat with a brimless, crooked-pointed, blue, star-speckled wizard's hat. The cat's eyes seemed to always be closed, and it was smiling pleasantly yet lazily from his perch.* Greetings, you must be our four newest arrivals. I am your Dorm Parent, Elijah Weyerbacher. You may call me Eli, desu-nyan.

Noah: *he seems pleasantly surprised by Eli's initial introduction* T-Thank you! I'm Noah Ash-Claw! A pleasure to meet you!

Mercer: *he raises an eyebrow and flicks his hat up so he can have a better look at Eli* I'm Mercer Law...and you're...a talking cat?

Eli: *he purrs lightly* A Polymorphing Felinoid, from the Lucifer Asteroid cluster on the outer rim of Axis space, Desu-nyan. But yes, I am, for all intents and purposes, a talking cat. I also happen to be a Mage, desu-nyan. *he turns his attention back to the girl, curling up further so she can't reach him on the shelf* Monika, nya-I told you...I hate it when you brush me. It puts me in that trance and I get all sleepy, desu-nyan. Please refra-*as he speaks, a small, blue, wormhole suddenly opens next to Eli, but out of his line of sight. A hand reaches through, a brush grasped in it like a pen as it suddenly starts brushing Eli's head. The cat's eyes suddenly open and wide, before a long, relaxed grin forms on his face. The cat practically melts into a blob of purring fur as the brush strokes along his back gently.*

????: *standing in the corner of the room is a young male Celestian, around his mid-twenties, with long hair patterned like an entire cosmos, kept braided back in a colonial-style ponytail held back by a black ribbon. He wore a black trenchcoat with a hood, the hood kept down, as well as a white dress shirt, red vest, and a galaxy-patterned ascot held in place by a diamond pin. The Celestian's eyes were bright silver, his skin was pitch black, and he had a single, cosmos-patterned soul patch on his chin. He was leaning against a bookshelf and watching Eli, an amused and slightly off look in his eyes as his right hand is shown shoved right into a portal similar to the one near Eli, indicating it was his hand that was brushing the cat* Brushie brushie brushie!~ I bet that feels positively MAGNIFICENT!~

Mercer: *he stares, wide-eyed at the Celestian, as if he was weirding Mercer out. He then slowly leans over to Toxarine, whispering to him out the corner of his mouth* I smell a bozooooo.....

Toxarine: *he waves Mercer off* Ah I don’t think they’re that strange. I grew up around all sorts of creatures. Although.... *he stares straight at Monika with a smile* Never quite something as gorgeous or rare as her!

Monika: *she puts her hands on her hips as she watches Eli finally calm down and lets the brush comb the excess fur from him* And I’ve told you I don’t know how many times, I don’t like your fur getting shed into my down feathers! It’s incredibly uncomfortable and I don’t like spending hours out of the morning just grooming your fur out of my wings! *she sighs and suddenly lets out a high pitch, but cute, yelp as she feels Toxarine’s fingers feeling the feathers of her wings*

Toxarine: *he smiles at Monika* I can’t say that I blame him! Your wings are incredibly soft! You must be an Angelkin! *he exclaims as he let’s go of Monika’s feathers*

Monika: *she’s blushing madly as she folds her wings tightly to her back out of embarassment* Please try to warn or ask me before you do that....Those are sensitive.... *she clears her throat as she tries to compose herself* Sorry about the nature of our intoductions. My name is Monika. I’m an Angelkin that specializes in light and healing arts. I’m kind of like our group’s nurse so if you ever feel sick or in some kind of pain just let me know. I’d be happy to help. *she says, smiling with a flit of her wings*

Toxarine: *he grins* My name’s Toxarine! I’m new here but I hope to be able to practice and fully develop my own brand of magic here while I’m at the college!

"I am Sek'Kuar." As she goes around examining everything in the room. "Here to further my skills for the betterment if everyone's lives." I do hope none if you mind, but being in one place make me rather uneasy. If I'm not here, then you may probably find me wandering the college or nearby town. 

She stops her examination and looks up at the top shelf to where Eli was getting his brush on. "It is a pleasure to meet you, and you, Monika." She glances at the Celestian. "We don't have your name, and I would rather not refer to you as 'bozo'." She quotes Mercer, smirking ever so slightly.

????: *the Celestian bows deeply, his eyes showing that he was smiling warmly, and didn't even seem to mind the "Bozo" comment by Mercer and Sek'kuar* Think nothing of it, dear friends!~ The good people of Hyperion know me simply as...The Magnificent Cortez! But, you may call me Cortez. I am a member of Flame Meridian's S-Rank team, alongside the lovely Monika, as well as our Captain and resident vagabond!~

Noah: ...Vagabond?

Eli: Nya-he is referring to Morpheus, another member of the team. He's become a bit of a wanderer and lone wolf since their team reached S-Rank, but he, the two who are present now, and our captain, Arthur Rothbart, were Flame Meridian's original four-man squad. However, since they have risen in rank, they can no longer compete in the Mage's Games as a unit, and now must undertake solo assignments as well as team ones, desu-nyan.

Mercer: You said our captain's name is Rothbart....As in the Dissian Rothbart clan?

Eli: *his eyes flash a bit under his fur* I can-nyan already tell from your apparel that you are a Law Warlock. Yes, I am referring to them, desu-nyan. His mother and father are both teachers here. They are private instructors for Aura Wake, desu-nyan. You will meet them later on when your lessons begin, desu-nyan. Nyow then...*he looks right at Cortez, his fuzzy form glowing blue*

Cortez: *without warning, he retracts his arm and begins staggering. In moments, he is swallowed by a cloud of blue smoke that emanates from a spell seal that forms under his feet. After a brief second in the smoke, accompanied by a comical mix of stretching, squeezing, and popping sounds, the smoke dissipates. Where Cortez once stood, a potted Ficus in full bloom is now sitting. The plant begins shaking violently, however, it seems strangely content*

Eli: Nyormally, I use polymorphing as a form of punishment, but to Cortez and his strange mind, he is probably having the time of his life right now, desu-nyan. A gift, for the excellent brushing, desu-nyan. *he hops off his perch and lands with a cute grunt as he takes a few fast steps before slowing down and waddling down one of the winding halls* Nya-I will show you all to your dorms. Then, once you are all settled, Arthur will no doubt call a meeting. You will meet him and most likely Morpheus there, desu-nyan. Be careful, though. Morpheus is a powerful Illusionist, nyand his magic can be a bit....unstable. For lack of a better way of putting it...nya-it leaks, desu-nyan.

Toxarine: *he looks at Sek’Kuar as they’re shown to their rooms, his hands behind his head lazily as they walk* You’re a wanderer huh? I get that. *he gestures to the backpack he has on his back* Everything I own is on my back. I haven’t had a bed of my own or even a normal place to sleep until recently. That hotel I stayed at in the city was the closest thing I’ve had to a home in years. Actually....The last home I had was with the Catien Royal Family....

Monika: *she looks at Toxarine in surprise* I heard about what had happened to them. You lived with the royal family on Talarus? That must have been a one of a kind experience.

Toxarine: *he smiles awkwardly* Actually, they adopted me when they found me homeless on the streets on a planet in Hyperion space. I forget what it was called though.

Monika: *her eyes widen in surprise* You were adopted by them? I thought Catien’s hated humans?

Toxarine: *he shakes his head* One of the Royal family’s daughters took a liking to me. Their oldest, Catia Linefelt. She felt bad for me living on the streets and knew that I was a good person under unfortunate circumstances. She talked her parents into letting me go home with them one day and I became their adopted brother. *he laughs* Her little sister, Kiria, used to call me Big Brother over my real name.

Monika: *her eyes grow sad, her smile vanishing* You must really miss them....

Toxarine: *sadness flashes in his eyes, suddenly turning to contained anger as he replied* Yeah....Something like that.... *anyone could feel the sudden murderous change in the air around them, something that changed very quickly back to a happy air once more* But that’s the past! All I can do now is focus on my future right?

"I suppose that's a term for it, yes." Sek nods. "Though I always end up in a place I'm needed, as I spend my travels tending to the sick and accursed." 

"Now... how exactly is rooming going to work?" She asks as she examines Cortez the ficus. "Truly incredible..." She mutters, checking the health, growth, and lifespan of the plant as if it was here for many years.

Mercer: *as the group continues on down the hall, Mercer couldn't help but notice something odd about the wave of murderous intent coming off Toxarine. He looks directly at him, not speaking but not showing that the wave had affected him at all. Lovecraft, however, was floating next to Mercer and was practically trembling* Calm down, Lovecraft...whats gotten into you?

Lovecraft: *the book shivers before answering, its whole binding quivering as if an icy wind shot through its very soul* That feeling coming off your new friend there...Its familiar, but I can't quite place a name to it...

Mercer: *he looks to Lovecraft out of the corner of his eye* Familiar how?...

Lovecraft: Call me crazy...but he felt almost like an Infernal Demon for a second there...

Mercer: *he looks back to Toxarine,smirking as his eyes start glowing slightly with green, Infernal fire* So, I'm not the only one who was thinking that...we should keep on our toes, Crafty. Things are only gonna get more interesting from here on out...

Noah: *as he looked with wonder at the paintings on the hallway walls as they walked, he couldn't help but think of how he wished his foster father could see him now, standing in the dorm of Aura Wake, one of the three organizations tasked with protecting Hyperion. He probably looked foolish, gaping at the different portraits of powerful Mages, but he didn't care. All of this was so new to him, and he was so excited just to be here!*

Eli: To nyanswer your question, Sek'Kuar, you each will be getting your own, unique room. Above each assigned dorm room is a small crystal. This crystal reads the emotions and preferences of the occupant, and transforms accordingly to suit their tastes and needs. Its a form of Spacial Magic, or Cosmagic for short, developed by two former Aura Wake Members years ago, desu-nyan. Nyow, before we begin sorting out your rooms, nya-I must make you all aware of the rules. *he holds up one fuzzy, chubby paw, its round, pink paw pads exposed* Nya-I have only one rule here in this dorm; Nyou must keep your actions platonic. Dating is fine, but inappropriate conduct in the dorms are STRICTLY prohibited. If you are caught, I will turn nyou into a shrub, or perhaps nya-an insect. Continue to break the rule, and your punishments will only increase in duration....and in humiliation, desu-nyan. Without tooting my own horn, Nya-I am considered one of the most powerful Transfiguration Mages in the galaxy....nyand I can get VERY creative with what I turn things...*his eyes suddenly flash* or PEOPLE...*his eyes return to normal and his smile resumes* into, desu-nyan. Am I clear?

Mercer: Oh you're clear, alright...*he mutters under his breath* clearly a closet serial killer....

Eli: *he ignores the comment* Excellet, desu-nyan! Right this way! *finally, the group comes to the end of the hall, with two doors lining either side of the hall.* These will be your rooms, desu-nyan. Each of you, pick one and make yourselves at home. Since it is the first day, there will be no classes, so you may use the time until Arthur's meeting is called to make yourselves comfortable. If nyou should need anything, do not hesitate to ask, desu-nyan.

Mercer: *he walks over to the one at the very corner, eyeballing the door* Sooo...hows the ventilation in these rooms?

Eli: The air flow is magically powered, so it is always clear of impurities, desu-nyan. Why?

Mercer: Just curious...

Lovecraft: *he rolls his eyes* You and your hookah...

Eli: Hookah, desu-nyan?

Mercer: ....Its Dissian Ash Herb. Its commonly smoked by warlocks and helps to increase our aura pools over long periods of time, as well as boosts our affinity for the Fire element, which Infernal Magic is very similar to. Its like a vitamin, but it can't be eaten, only inhaled.

Eli: Ah, I know of that. Professor Rothbart uses the same substance, desu-nyan. Very well. 

Noah: *he steps forward and claims the room next to Mercer's* I guess I'll take this one, then! I've never had my own room before! This is gonna be great!~