Three Jewels of the Cross

With the festivities and celebrations in full swing, the Captain of Class 1F sent them all on their way, asking that they take some time off to relax with the other students. At Ketsu's request, Tersia dragged Vaceris away to take a break while Torren watched over him. 

Stephen was summoned by him to handle another task, an ask that based on his response, would be something that he would have tried to pass on to someone else the moment Ketsu placed it upon him, a rare exchange since Stephen generally respects Ketsu's wishes.

Only after the promise that he would not hold any class meetings at his family's restaurant, was he somewhat willing to do his duty:

"Hmph. Dammit now I have to go babysit."

"Haha. You? Who's the unlucky child, no, actually, who's the insane parent that decided to hire you?" Torren teased him as he passed Erai's bed, glancing over him as if he wanted to leave the young Daumier with some words of relief.

"The child in question happens to be the Third Princess, Sujin. It would seem she has summoned me"

"...Wait what–"

Stephen stepped out with a speedy exit, cutting off Torren, who stopped chewing after hearing what he had said, the very thought of Stephen interacting with Princess Charlotte caused him to drop his snacks on the floor.

"Wait, did he just…"

"A matter for another time, Torren. Make sure to watch over our young hero" Still stumped by what he just heard while Ketsu left alongside Sergei to speak with someone important. 

Hoping that by turning to the ones left in the room he might get a clue to solving the puzzling statement he had been left with, instead being met by a waving Tersia who was already in the hallway, only her hand back in view while the rest of her faded into the hallway managing to drag the despondent Vaceris along.

Alone…confused and worse…still hungry, Torren let out a mild whimper before cleaning up his mess, and pulling out the bedside chair, and plopping down. Sitting faced towards the still open door, his eyes catch the familiar sight of silver-shimmering hair passing through the halls, with a reaction almost bringing him to his feet.

Vaceris and Tersia walked past the classrooms and down the stairs on their way to the Arena. Their passage brought them to Stephen who was hiding behind a corner near one of the open courtyard, around which they could see Charlotte scolding Vauntuss from escaping his time spent alongside Heimrill. 

But he pleaded with the princess to understand, having no desire to encourage his friend's fanatical betting habits that seemed too infectious. Whether that was the result of his charm or ability to make the art of gambling appealing, the ladies that had joined them were completely enthralled by him.

"So how long do you plan on keeping her waiting?" Vaceris asked, questioning Stephen's strange behavior. 

Responding with his finger raised to his lips in total silence, only annoying her even further.

"It's alright. Stephen here is far too nervous to approach the Princess on his own. Your little scowl doesn't fool me" Tersia teased him as they continued past him, into the courtyard surrounded by the second educational building's classrooms, marked by a statue of one of the daughters of the Vorpal Winds, Princess Zephelli.

The Academy's main layout, features eight school buildings of four floors each, arranged into two squares. At the center of these square's are the student's courtyards, where most of them will be found enjoying their recess.

The Educational Squares as they are known, are connected to each other using bridges on the fourth and second floors, with the Northern Square being connected to the Academia Halls and Guardian Halls while the Southern Square is connected to the Western and Eastern Wings of the Medical Wards using bridges as well. 

Further south from the Educational Buildings is the Main Auditorium, and west of that are the Arenas.

Leaving Stephen to the rowdy pair. Tersia giving the Third Princess a bow. 

Charlotte greeted her friend with a warm smile and a hug, expressing her joy in the fact that she came back to celebrate with her. Though the air seemed tense between Vaceris and Vauntuss. 

While he would have wanted to leave he still had his duty as the Princess' personal knight, so he just braced himself for whatever she would want to say, when…

"Stephen, I think you can come out now" Tersia announced, surprising the group by the comment she made. Though she seemed unbothered, looking back at the path that had taken to meet them, she called to him again, until he reluctantly stepped out, with a scowl that would have been quite vulgar were its intent spoken.

"I believe you requested his presence, your Highness"

"I did. Thank you for finding him for me…As for you, are you aware just how you kept me waiting?"

"Ugggg…this is going to be my whole day isn't it?" Stephen murmured, exhaustedly.

"Pardon? You will have to speak up"

"Wouldn't you prefer I talk down to you? You know, since you're so short–" Before he could get the last word out, the princess stomped on his foot. Stephen let out a sheepish cry only to be blinded by the Princess' light magic as he reached for her.

"Do you need a cane, so you know, you are blind with a stubbed toe–" Her teasing ended abruptly after being doused with a sudden globe of freezing water.

While the two of them continued to squabble, Vauntuss watched in confusion while Tersia sneaked past him:

"You know sometimes just saying something, anything, is better than staying silent" Watching him look back with a cold expression in his eyes.

"You presume too much…shouldn't you be with the rest of your class?"

"Oh…excuse me?"

"I am quite certain you heard me. Whatever my transgressions are, I certainly am not so incapable that I would take instruction from the very same class I defeated" His eyes now began to shine with a deep azure glow.

"Vauntuss…that's a bit much don't you think?" Vaceris spoke up, wanting to calm him down.

"Why, I have only stated the truth–" The moment he turned away to answer Vaceris, Vauntuss felt a hard and stiff feeling in his gut before he was lifted off his feet into one of the many garden sculptures, splintering it into fragments that littered the space.

"Tersia! Was that really necessary?" Vaceris scolded her, before rushing over to her friend to check on him.

Shaking of the dust and flecks of stone covering his jacket, as he sat up. Vaceris reached him, trying to clear the debris from him. 

"Are you all right, Vauntuss?"

"Yes, I am all right" Pulling up his jacket to reveal a layer of frost that cracked before crumbling away.

"I'm glad…" Her eyes darted away from him.

"Vaceris…I want you to know that I hold no animosity for you or your class. And that I understand if you may be upset with me?"

"I see, but I hope you know that I am not. If anything I was worried about the both of you"

"..."

"I'm proud to have seen you do so well. I'm certain that Lord and Lady Strum will be proud of you, not to mention Validus" Her words brought a momentary relief to his stern face, catching Tersia off guard, as Vaceris offered him a hand and helped him to his feet. 

Walking back to where they were, Vaceris made sure to stay between them to stop them from going at each other again. While using her Wind Magic to blast Stephen and Charlotte apart from each other. Now realizing that she would have to be in charge of ensuring that all the children play nice, she gave them all a stern warning. 

A wrathful side to her that they were all familiar with got them in line and behaving. 

While willing to play nice, Charlotte suggested that they go and experience the festival. All murmurs and desires to refuse were crushed by Vaceris' piercing glare, which quickly ushered on their way. 

Led by Tersia through the various stalls of unique powdered pastries and treats, Vaceris slowly began to enjoy her time with Charlotte and Vauntuss, getting the chance to smile with some ease. 

Traveling with her classmate meant that they would first stop by the Asimov's Magi-Marionette, a show performed by autonomous puppets doing everything from teasing and taming Venom Aggressors to daring displays of acrobatics. 

After they're third showing, Vaceris had to drag her away if they were still planning on enjoying the other events. This time Charlotte led the way to the next activity. In a tent set up behind the Arena that was used during the Cross Garden's Tournament, the sound of weary pants and heavy thuds could be heard mixing with heated cheers and sharp insults. 

Despite the rowdy nature of the tent, Charlotte kept on going, paying for a beautifully sewn shawl after passing a stall sharing items and clothing from Amber Faltarien. 

Using the fabric to cover her blonde hair, she turns to the group with smile and a puffed chest, asking for the opinion:

"What am I looking at right now?" Stephen expressed with dulled interest.

"I'm talking about my disguise" She spun around to give them another look.

"Princess Charlotte, why do you need to hide your identity?" Vauntuss asked with a concerned expression.

"Well lets just say that this is the last place I'd want to be caught in. if someone was to tell mother…"

"Well if that's it, you're going to need a better disguise. You may not notice but you sort of stick out like a sore thumb, Princess." said Stephen.

"If you're only going to criticize then you can shut up" Walking off into the tent, before the rest soon followed. Upon entering the space, the source of the strange noises became clear. Through the cheering spectators waving fistfuls of money, they spotted a circled ring, small enough to allow a few people to move around, was now playing host to an all-out brawl.

An unregulated clash where the only thing that mattered was the strength of one's fists. By following her distinct trace of magical energy, Vauntuss managed to carve a path all the way to the Princess, who was hanging off the rails to hoist herself above the shifting masses blocking her view.

Once they reached her, Tersia, Stephen and Vaceris found him in a desperate struggle to pull her off, only for her gaze to remain fixed and her grip unyielding.

"Can't you just freeze her and carry her out" Stephen thought aloud, only to be nudged in his side by Tersia for the comment.

"If she's insistent on watching, we may as well get comfortable" Tersia remarked as she used her SoulArm to summon her automaton, Talos, who lifted the Princess before placing her on his shoulder, granting her a better view while remaining in safe hands.

Vaceris, Vauntuss and Stephen exchanged awkward glances until they simply gave in and with heavy sighs they all gathered around Talos and tried to watch the fight. While Vauntuss remained vigilant, Tersia continued to him:

"You know you could try and enjoy yourself, I'm sure there is something for everyone here. Like at you precious Princess"

"I do not need to stoop so low to for entertainment" A comment that raised a curious eyebrow. Stephen moved closer to the pair, wishing to push the subject further.

"Do you think less of them because it is what they do?" He wondered.

"No, I simply have no interest in conflict for entertainment's sake. I am a knight, which means I only fight for the royal family, for my house and for my duty."

"And money…well that is if you lived in the real world you would, you would do anything"

"And you. Stephen. You know as well as I about your family's past. Would you consign yourself to fighting for money?" Tersia now began to feel the fires of flaring tempers spark between them.

"I think people are willing to do anything the may deem necessary if they're desperate enough"

"Is that something you truly believe? Would your grandfather, would your father say the same?"

"Hmm…I can't say, I tell you what I believe"

Suddenly jumping off of Talos and landing between them, Charlotte quickly presented shared her thought with surprising excitement:

"How about we put that to the test. Duty vs Desperation?"

"What…" said Stephen in confusion.

"What do you mean 'what'. What I said is we're going to put it to the test. You vs Vauntuss, an exchange of blows to defend your ideals . I can sign you up and–-"

"Absolutely not. What's going with that bloodthirsty head of yours" Stephen began pinching her cheek as he scolds her for her suggestion. 

"I see, then shall we begin?" Vauntuss said.

"Huh" Stephen stopped scolding her as he turned to him, watching Vauntuss take off his jacket and his SoulArm before detaching his Notebook and rolling up his sleeves.

Vauntuss' physique was nothing short of impressive, with Stephen's genuine surprise at the sight considering how much he was known for using his magic, with such a build it would be sheer madness to challenge him. 

But when Charlotte hurled the word "coward" at him, Stephen instantly shed his reservations and also prepared himself. 

The mere sight of him disrobing left Charlotte stunned, a momentary spell that only a firm shake from Vaceris could break. Gathering her wits, she dashed to find the organizer overseeing the brawls to introduce the two new fighters.

Vaceris and Tersia shared a light laugh at the entire situation, wondering how such a capable class could also be so troublesome before Tersia called on her to join them. However, in the midst of the commotion, an unfamiliar figure inadvertently collided with Vaceris. 

At first, Vaceris didn't even register the person's identity, but when she turned around, their eyes locked with an unspoken understanding passed between them, and Vaceris politely excused herself, feeling a peculiar connection.

"Well if it isn't the noble lady of the Astembridge House. Say, was the bloodshed you witnessed today not enough, is that why you're here?"

"You…of all the places you could be, I would find you here"

Soon, Vaceris found herself entangled in a conversation with Patrulea, who seemed to take amusement in toying with her emotions. 

"Calm down. I have no interest in following you. The only one that has my eye is Shynerai, poor Shynerai.I'm sure that he must still be in bed, recovering after that fight" Showing an odd sense of concern as she spoke.

"Should you not be worried about your own classmates, or if he matters that much then should you not pay him a visit?"

"Perhaps I should. After all, every time I leave him in your care, he's always at death's door" She pressed Vaceris, linking Erai's fate to her poor choices and scolding her for her seeming indifference while her dearest was confined to the Medical Ward. 

"After all, there's nothing a woman's touch can't cure, that is if you know what you're doing" She said, while down at Vaceris.

Vaceris couldn't fathom why Patrulea held such an obsession with Erai, and this prompted Charlotte to call her out, cornering her with more probing questions.

Though Vaceris initially attempted to maintain her composure, her confusion soon gave way to a simmering anger. The tipping point came when Patrulea emphasized Erai's need for her presence once he awoke. A sudden gust of wind ripped through the tent, tearing a hole open between them, effortlessly erasing the path in front of Patrulea, leaving her startled as her cheek was cut open.

"You will stay away from him…"

She firmly instructed Patrulea to stay away from her class and summoned gale force blades that swirled around her until Tersia intervened, diffusing the confrontation with a song from her Belladona Automaton that created a barrier to protect all the onlookers.

Vaceris apologized for worrying them, she focused her frustration once more on Patrulea, but found that she was already gone. Having disappeared under the veil of her fearsome winds, Vaceris didn't waste a moment before giving chase. 

Charlotte eventually returned to meet Vauntuss, Tersia and Stephen who were surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. Once she met them, she wondered what had happened to Vaceris, only for the group to turn back and see that she too was gone.

The Three Jewels of Trinity Cross Academy is the unofficial title given to the "most popular and beautiful" figures on the campus. 

A title only the first years usually take seriously, since it's a sentiment expressed by their second year upperclassmen. For it was between them that a group of girls established a name for themselves with their influence and allure. 

With illustrious backgrounds to propel them towards their desired positions, they leverage their advantages to earn themselves the status that they now possess. All of whom are nobles from families with great self-esteem and worth in the Kingdom.

The Rhaight Family.

For generations, the Rhaight Family has been the cornerstone of Aria's industrial might, steering the colossal Rhaight Ironworks. The city's skyline is punctuated by the towering architecture of steel and glass, inspired by the musical artistry that permeates the region to help design and create both Deep and High city in the image of the instruments from the Old World. 

At the helm of the family, stands Lady Isolde Rhaight, a visionary leader with a heart forged in molten determination. Her brother, Seraphin Rhaight, is a legendary metallurgist whose artistry has transformed raw ore into exquisite masterpieces that adorn kings' chambers. 

A whisper among the cogs and gears of the Ironworks' foundries tells of their ancestor, Olver Rhaight, who reputedly discovered the secret to smelting the enigmatic "V-Type Ore" as well as discovering some of the earliest techniques for creating "N-Type Alloys" which were rumored to be capable of creating weapons that could pierce the thickest armours or hides.

The Fue'ney Family

Navigating the vast waterways and connecting the distant corners of the Glass Sea, the Fue'ney Family's Spirit Ferries are more than just shipping vessels; they are lifelines of delivery and trade binding much of the Western and Central continents. Led by matriarch Captain Elara Fue'ney, whose eyes hold the secrets of every route etched in their depths, the family exudes a kinship with the sea, ensuring that their ships were never lost at sea. 

Elara's enigmatic daughter, Sylara Fue'ney, is whispered to have the power to speak with the Halcyons that guide her ships, ensuring safe passage for the fleet through storms that would daunt even the bravest sailors. Their ancestor, Captain Corvin Fue'ney, is remembered for fending off the Leviathans of the Western Glass Sea on his voyage from Whitewater Port to , an act that inspired the family's enduring motto: "Against the Tides, We Stand United."

The Roecrhul-Diant Family

In the shadowed corridors of Aria's apothecaries and hospitals, the Roecrhul-Diant Family's legacy flourishes like the rarest herbs in an enchanted garden. Their extensive holdings in reagent repositories have healed countless lives, thanks to the expertise of matriarch Alarica Roecrhul-Diant. Alarica's son, Valerian Roecrhul-Diant, was an alchemical prodigy, rumored to have been one of two alchemists whose research crafted the very Mithridates elixir, capable of curing any ailment, and arguably one of the Guardians greatest resources.

Legends speak of the ancestral healer, Seraphina Roecrhul-Diant, whose tears were said to possess miraculous properties, a blessing she received after she was touched by one's of the Holy Church's incarnates: gifted individuals capable of summoning the hallowed might of angels. With their talents, it's said that they had discovered the cure for the King's Poisoning Plague, a sickness that was responsible for the collapse of the nation that came before Aria. 

For it was thanks to her use of a single crystalline droplet, that the remaining citizens were saved, so that the Crossbane Family could begin to rebuild, becoming the new monarchs. The family's motto, "From Earth and Ether, Harmony," resonates through their enduring dedication to restoring balance and health to the realm.

Today, the descendants of those great families enrolled into Trinity Cross Academy. Kassandra Rhaight, Kyoni Fue'ney and Katherine Roecrhul-Diant are all students of Class 2B who were it not for their less than impressive scores during the Entrance Exams, might have entered the ranks of Class 1A.

First meeting Shynerai after the final battle of the Cross Carnival Tournament, wishing like everyone else to see the final competitors who were recovering in the Medical Ward. 

While Vauntuss was receiving treatment he was awake and could interact with his class, even being able to leave quite early while Shynerai spent a few hours out of it, coming when only his class was there.

"...Hmmm?"

"So how was it" finding a grinning Torren who was helping himself to the competitor basket filled with compliments for Shynerai.

"It was…" he mumbled as he rubbed his eyes. Noticing the door open up to let in a few people.

"You two better hurry up and get your autograph" one of them pushed their nervous companions forward.

"Hi…Hi. You're Shynerai right. We saw you match with Vauntuss and it was..."

"Oh I totally understand, but as you can see my friend over there is still a little out of it. But I can certainly help you" Torren took one of their markers and opened a page in their Notebook:

"Who should I make this for?" He said winking at the shyest one among them.

"Kyoni...." the annoyed voice growled.

"Cool" Scribbling his signature before handing it over to her only to see the fury of that same one as she grabbed the book.

"Katherine. Please. Sorry, she can be quite protective at times" the one closest to Shynerai calmed her furious friend. 

Before turning to him.

While he was coming out of his sleep, he was still aware enough to notice how striking the figures were.

'Katherine huh' being caught by her impressive figure and even more so was how her skin seemed to glow in the afternoon light.

'Kyoni' Finding her presence to be as gentle and soothing as her voice, almost finding her as an embodiment of the moon. He wondered, finding himself unable to look at her without feeling flush.

And finally, 'She must be Kassandra' finding the way that she drew his attention was a feature he had only seen once before, the most vivid violet eyes...ones that carried an unforgettable hue, made her near-angelic features something that certainly was a first for him.

"I'm very sorry about us disturbing your rest. I'm almost ashamed to say that we simply wanted to meet the both of you. Vauntuss had already indulged us"

"Hmm...not a problem" he tried resting back in his bed…

"Except that it is." Vaceris entered, stepping between Torren and a surprised Katherine.

"You all witnessed the battle, I'm sure you understand that he needs his rest." looking at Kassandra as she spoke.

"Oh dear me. Lady Astembridge, you aren't entirely wrong. Apologies, Shynerai. Hopefully we shall be able to speak when you are feeling better" grabbing a hold of his hand.

"...mmm...That sounds fine." he nodded with a gentle smile.

Setting off the trio with an air of vigor, with Vaceris never losing sight of them as they walked out.

"You're...scaring them" Erai pointed out her 'royal glare' looming over them during their stay.

"And her you are dancing in the spotlight...when you should be getting better" tended to him with a fury that confused Torren enough to not bother getting involved, as he continued to indulge himself.

So where's everyone else, he wondered.

"Ketsu and Sergei had to take care of something...I think he mentioned a prize. And Tersia went home after Torren said he would check up on you"

"Oh that makes sense, but if that's the case then it's surprising that you stayed too?"

"Did you plan on enjoying your fame with your lovely visitors" questioning him as she was now sitting on his bed.

"...not really. I was planning on celebrating with you guys once I won...but that didn't go according to plan" pointing at the bandage around his gut. Vaceris turned away as he answered with her flushed cheeks.

"Thanks man. But don't worry too muff. Second plash ish shtill pwetty guud. All you do ish resht for now" Torren comforted his friend before swallowing a mouthful of treats. His words must have rang true as Erai sat back up with a smile.

"Aghh, I'm starving. How about we get something to eat first."

"Cafeteria is closed." Torren said before wiping his mouth clean with a napkin.

"Well then pass me some of that."

"Sorry buddy. I'll make sure to visit you tomorrow though. Vaceris could probably make you something" Stepping out of the room just as she threw the empty basket.

"Hmm...he must have still held it against us that we sent him against Vauntuss" Erai said as he got up and began putting on his charred jacket.

"Torren and Stephen are getting quite liberal with their attitude" She thought she was speaking with him only to see him stumble on his way. "Hey..."

"I'll see you guys on...Monday, thank you for checking up on me" he waves to her while descending the stairs on his way to the tram station. Arriving to find a tram already parked, he got in before letting out a heavy sigh...

When the sudden appearance of a breeze alerted him to the entrance of another passenger. Sitting beside him with nought but a word. Seeing her there all he did was smile as they sat through the journey.

Entering the residency building, Erai finally felt brave enough to ask her:

"The girls' dorm is on the other side of the residency..."

"I know," she said as they stopped by the door.

"So..."

"I'm coming in"

"No you're not, I'm alright..."

"Yes I am, now hand over your Notebook" he stared at her but she was unshaking. 

'Sigh' Handing it over as she let herself into the room.

'Dammit Torren...' he raged quietly before joining her as she called for him.

She helped make something for him, and presented with it, they sat awkwardly as she waited for his opinion.

Seeing him almost turn a different shade from the taste of the meal, she was maddened but held her tongue after watching him continue to eat, finishing the meal.

"What do you expect, I've never had to cook before"

"You certainly looked like you knew what you were doing. Guess looks can be deceiving."

"..."

"Are you mad?"

"..."

"Do you want to try again?"

".."

"You want me to help you"

"..." He remained silent watching her twirling the ends of her locks are her fingers

"Yes…Yes please"

Drawing in his Atash in order to cure himself of the toxins he consumed. He stood up, offering his hand, she took it while still pouting. They made their way to the kitchen, and with his instruction where he tried to make a meal.

"Okay, let's start you off with something simple." He assured her as he tried to roll up his sleeves with her stepping up to help him, her face turned away to avoid his gaze with her flushed expression.