The Red Haired Terror, Book 1: Deucalion Mairon Options

[Nerva al'Thor]

[Repost]

Book 1: Deucalion Mairon

They all say the same thing about this boy. They say he is the best of the best, probably the brightest child Geffen, city of Magic, has ever seen. I want to meet this boy personally. All my colleagues have been his mentor in different subjects already, but I will be his teacher in Ancient Runes, but we would not meet until Thursday.

I have seen the boy. He's tall, red-haired with the yellow eyes of a hawk. I suspected him of not being Geffenese, because his body's too lean to be compared to that of our children's. My suspicions were correct.

From what my colleagues said, this boy is from Izlude. Now when this piece of information struck my fancy, I was amazed. An Izludian in Geffenese soil? Now this was something that rarely came our way. Nearly all Izludians turn out to be Swordsmen and Knights, but this one was actually a Magician---and studying special classes with extra subjects.

Days passed. When Thursday loomed near I was excited to meet my students. Especially that red-haired Izludian they call "Nerva". I have been warned by my Wizard colleagues though. This Nerva had actually made 3 Magicians and 2 Wizards quit teaching in the Magic Academy because he pointed out their mistakes. I was shocked.

Ah, but he is just a Magician, newly promoted into the job class. How could he possibly stand against me, a Wizard? We shall about this student, this defiant Izludian, and I will bet that today he will be the one to go home from classes crying. Heh.

"Good morning class."

"Good morning, Master Deucalion."

I look around and spotted the culprit at once. He was there, sitting at the very back of the classroom. Although the Magician's uniform suited him, he looked strange because of the fact that half of his face was covered with bandages and left arm was actually in a sling. How did he get those injuries? Surely Porings cannot inflict that much...I wonder...

"Okay, young boys and girls, our topic for today would be about the Practical Uses of the Fire Element in Combat. Take out your notebooks, write this down."

I gave a slight wave of my staff and their notes appeared on the board. I sat down and watch the students copy faithfully. And then my gaze stopped at this Nerva, who remained staring at the notes but not copying them. A frown appeared on my face.

"Young man, haven't I told this class to copy the notes?"

He looked at me. He blinked his sharp yellow eyes and spoke what was probably the greatest insult I had taken all my magical life.

"Your lessons are wrong."

"Excuse me?" I said, standing up. My temper was flaring up, but I tried my best to control it. "And what makes you, a Magician, say that my lessons are wrong?"

Nerva remained in his seat, calmly looking at me as if I were some object in a store that had caught his attention. He stood up and started to limp toward the blackboard---his right leg was broken, good lord, what things have this boy been doing---. He conjured a piece of chalk and pointed to the part of the lecture that summed up which monsters were especially weak with the fire element.

"Earth type monsters, master." Nerva told me. "Earth types such as the Hode and the Desert Wolf are no doubt defenseless against fire, but Ice Element does more damage to them. Fire element, when used in combat, is much more effective with Brute Type creatures such as the Savage, Yoyo and Coco. Now this one here, master, the damage caculation, is inaccurate by 30 decimal places. The right calculation must 500 torquins of energy and 56 metrons of pure Valhalla damage spite."

I was dumbfounded. Where the hell did this Nerva learn all of that? All around me, his classmates started whispering in awe. I felt the back of my neck prickle. My cheeks started to burn. I met his gaze, this indolent know-it-all, and there was something behind those yellow eyes that made me shudder.

But what was it?

"It is just my opinion, master." Nerva blinked at me. "Though of course you are---wiser, because you are a Wizard, and I am still a Magician. You will forgive me if I do not wish to write this down, because I know it all. I have finished the book."

He limped back to his seat and kept his gaze at his gloved hands. His classmates were still staring at him in an awestruck manner. I jerked myself free from my trance and looked at the things he scribbled on the board. I was dumbfounded.

Good gracious, he had written the whole Merlin Theorem and showed the damage calculation with such pinpoint accuracy that even the Elders of Geffen would surely have failed to match. His runes were perfect, his calculations incomparable. I couldn't speak as I studied right then and there.

My class passed with utter silence. I was incapacitated right before my students by a fifteen-year-old Mage. And I was thirty years old! I left the classroom dazedly. I went back to the Arcane Tower with stars floating in my eyes. I was welcomed by Maria, a voluptous but dangerous Ice Wizard.

"So you have met him, the special child Nerva al'Thor." She said as she sat me down on a chair. "You could do with a massage. Did he make your head ache?"

"You have no idea." I groaned as I drank some Red Potions to pacify my headache. "Is that child human after all? Why is he here? And did you say his surname is Thor? The House of Thor, the rulers of Izlude? What is he doing here?"

Maria leaned on the wall, arms folded across her chest. She looked woeful. "That boy has some story, Deucalion. If you want to hear it---"

"Yes, please tell me!" I said. "I am very much intrigued by this Nerva!"

She told me. All the while my shock increased some more.

I was in silence again when Maria finished her story. So I hadn't been imagining it when I pictured Nerva's build to be perfect for a Swordsman. He had really been groomed to be one---his family, the House of Thor, were rulers of Izlude and produced legendary warriors for Rune-Midgard.

He was the first-born son of Sir Tiberius Thor, the current ruler of Izlude and guildmaster of The Covenant, a powerful all-Knight guild. Nerva had been training to be a Swordsman---and he even mastered the technique Increase HP Recovery as a matter of fact. But it turned out what he really wanted to be was to become a Magician; a child of the mysteries.

Nerva was supposed to be inaugurated as a Swordsman, Maria told me, when he finally had the courage to tell his father. Results were the injuries he had (broken arm, broken leg and bruised face) and he being disowned by his father. Maria also told me the child went here all by himself and on foot.

I felt my earlier emotions being washed away by pity. A fifteen-year-old boy kicked out of his home because of wanting to realize his dream?! But then, I can never understand how Knights and Swordsmen think---they have always been murderous barbarians in the Geffenese point of view. We never liked them, nor did they like us.

"What a poor boy..." I muttered.

"Yes, life can be harsh." Maria agreed. "But his Izludian blood will make things even harder for him. Not many of us Wizards can tolerate this difference. Many of our elders who know the most powerful arcane arts look down upon Izludian and consider them as trash."

I nodded silently. Maria opened her mouth to talk when yet another Wizard, Foucoult, a Soul and Ice specialist, burst in on us, insane tears flowing down his cheeks. I stood up and so did Maria. Foucoult went to me and grabbed my collar.

"THAT KID! THAT KID HAD THE COURAGE TO TELL ME MY SPELL WAS WRONG!" Foucoult cried as he shook me like a doll. "HE TOLD ME THAT I WAS DOING SOUL STRIKE WRONG! I DARED HIM TO DO THE SPELL, DEUCALION! HE'S SUMMONED FIVE SPIRITS RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES! I CAN ONLY SUMMON THREE, DEUCALION, THREE! AND HE SUMMONED FIVE!"

"Calm down, Foucoult!" I said, tugging myself free. "Calm down, man!"

"HOW CAN I CALM DOWN!" Foucoult screamed. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THAT BOY! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF HIM ACTING AS A KNOW-IT-ALL! THAT'S IT! I'M GOING TO CHALLENGE HIM TO A MAGICAL DUEL RIGHT NOW!"

"Are you crazy?!?" Maria burst out. "Nerva is still learning the basics! You cannot challenge him to a duel, your levels are very far from each other! For god's sakes, he's only level 20, Foucoult! Calm down!"

But Foucoult would not listen to us. He broke free of Maria's grip and dashed out to the streets, screaming for Nerva to come duel with him to death. I paled. I nodded to Maria. She went upstairs to the Elders and beg them to stop Foucoult while I ran after him, hoping to stop him from doing this folly.

"FOUCOULT, COME BACK HERE RIGHT NOW! STOP THIS STUPIDITY!" I yelled as I ran after him. "YOU CANNOT CHALLENGE A NEWBIE TO A DUEL! COME BACK!"

But he wouldn't listen to me. We rounded a corner and found Nerva beside the Kafra. He was reading his tattered books, and the Kafra was asking him about the symbols on the pages. He explained them to her patiently, telling her they were runes. Even the Tool Dealer was joining their chat.

"**** LITTLE DOLT!" Foucoult shrieked, whipping out his staff and pointing it toward Nerva. "COME DUEL WITH ME, WHY DON'T YOU?!?"

The people around us stopped dead and stared with apprehension. My eyes darted to Nerva and back to Foucoult's staff. "Stop this folly, Foucoult. If any kind of harm befalls the boy you might lose your Wizardhood----!"

Nerva staggered as he stood up, because the poor boy was supporting himself with a crutch. He stepped forward to meet us. The Kafra girl tried to pull him back, but he gently pushed away her hand.

"What is it, master? What have I done wrong to anger you like this?" Nerva asked calmly.

"DUEL WITH ME AND I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S THE TEACHER AND STUDENT HERE!" Foucoult yelled. He was obviously losing his mind. "I'LL SHOW YOU----I'LL SHOW YOU!"

Nerva blinked in his calm demeanor again. "Ah, it is about the Soul Strike spell. Master, I only pointed out your error. You were doing the spell wrong, and you knew it."

"SHUT UP! FIREBOLT!" Foucoult attacked, summoning ten fiery spears from the sky and directing them toward Nerva.

"AVOID IT, NERVA!" I screamed. I was too far and too tired to counter Foucoult's spell. "AVOID IT!"

The fiery spears crashed to the ground. People started running hysterically, fleeing from the scene.

"NERVA!" I wailed.

"HA! I GOT THE ARROGANT BRAT!" Foucoult cheered. "HA!"

There was a slight rustle, and the next thing I saw was Foucoult being blasted off his feet. He knocked into my legs and we both fell as heaps on the ground. I blinked and looked up. Nerva was standing before us, his staff pointing toward Foucoult.

"Master, if your attitude is like this, you are unfit to teach." He said. "If you cannot bear a student pointing out mistakes to you, and if you cannot teach what is right, you have no right to teach."

"****!" said Foucoult, standing up to attack. "SOUL---"

"SOUL STRIKE!" Nerva yelled, summoning five ancient spirits in the blink of an eye.

Foucoult was blasted off again. I followed his progress through the air and saw him land before Master Lothair, the High Elder of Geffen. My heart seemed to stop beating in fear.

Master Lothair looked at us with accusing eyes. I quickly threw myself at his feet, bowing with my head to the ground. The people of Geffen around us did the same, except for Nerva. Nervous, I stared up at him, giving him warning looks that he should bow or else.

Nerva stared at Master Lothair as if challenging him. I grew afraid. And then---to my enormous relief, Nerva pushed himself down, although with great difficulty because of his broken leg. He knelt, but he didn't bow. He kept his gaze at Master Lothair's face. I was amazed at his courage.

"Did you cause this mess, young Magician?" Master Lothair demanded.

"I did not." Nerva replied in a firm voice. He nodded toward Foucoult. "He did."

I saw Foucoult's face redden. He straightened up. "It is that Izludian's fault, Master! He insulted me!"

"I did not insult you." Nerva answered defiantly. "It was your fault. Had you not taught falsely, you wouldn't have been offended!"

Foucoult made a move as if to attack Nerva, but I quickly shielded my student from view. I caught his eyes. I swear he smiled at me and whispered, "Thank you."

Master Lothair rolled his eyes. "Foucoult, you are to come with us to be inquired. Let us go to the Arcane Tower, and leave this young Magician alone. I have heard his side of the story, and now I want to hear yours."

"Heard his story?!?" Foucoult repeated. "He hasn't even spoken!"

"Maria has told me. And I can see his mind as well." Master Lothair said in a dangerous voice. "Come."

They went away. Somehow I was relieved. I turned to speak to Nerva, but I found him already limping away with his books. I followed him at a run.

"Nerva, wait!" I called.

He turned to me. "Master..."

"That was very brave of you, young man." I smiled. "I think that is the first time I have seen Foucoult on his knees. Not many can master the Soul Strike spell in so short a time, how did you do it?"

"The difference between doing what you want and doing something casually is that you urge yourself to do it in the most perfect way." Nerva replied. "I am doing something I want to do, master, so it works well for me."

He sat down on a nearby bench. I sat beside him. I was observing his injuries.

"Are you sure you are all right? I have heard from Maria, and---" I couldn't continue.

He didn't answer.

"It must be hard for you. You only have yourself now." I said.

"I can bear anything." He answered. "I will not let my family stand in my way."

This Nerva was shocking me with each passing second. His words would make you think he was someone over sixty years old. But somehow I knew, that behind that regal and aloft demeanor, there was a young boy who is alone and lonely...

"Would you like to walk with me?" I asked. Let's just say I wanted to know this "red-haired terror" better.

He looked up at me and gently shook his head.

"I can't master. I have to study for tomorrow---and----" he hesitated.

"And?"

"I still have to find a place to sleep for the night."

It had been three months now since I have met Nerva. And during those three months he had progressed greatly. He knew more curses than the graduating class combined and ventured far and wide, reaching even the desert sands of Morroc alone and come back alive.

Though it hurts me to admit it, he has gone beyond my reach. I cannot teach him things anymore, because his level is far too advanced. Master Lothair had taken a liking to him and took him as a personal student, teaching him real Wizard spells. I remember one day, he came to me smiling, telling me that he can now conjure ten-feet thick Ice Walls.

Somehow, deep inside me, I felt insignificant when I am beside him. Still, even though Maria and I like him and so did some of our colleagues, there are some of us who didn't want him here in Geffen. His teachers in Divination, Alchemy and Water-Divining particularly wanted to kick him out and return him to Izlude.

"I don't mind them, master." Nerva told me one day. "As long as I am not doing anything, they cannot kick me out."

I was stunned. I have never met anyone as brave as he, not caring to defy even the most powerful elders and mentors of Geffen. Sometimes I imagined what he could be like when he turns into a Wizard. It made me shudder...

Nerva was a bright child, but he lacked the support any student needed: his family's love. I discovered that he hadn't written or visited Izlude ever since he graduated from Midgard Academy, when he was still eleven years old. I knew he hated that place; some of his classmates told me.


It is rainy today, Friday. But the clouds will not hamper me from taking my students to their much-awaited hands-on practice with spells. I wore my travelling cloak as I entered the classroom, and discovered that all my students were also ready. Many were wearing Munak Hats, mufflers and travelling gears of the sort. Only Nerva had nothing besides his uniform.

"We are going to Morroc today." I told the young men and women. "It is time for you to try and fight one of the well-known Earth monsters, the Hode. Now stand up, do not forget your books and staff, and let us go."

The students were all excited as we walked under the rain. Only Nerva was bored. But somehow I surmised that he couldn't have faced a Hode before---it was much too strong for him. He knew all the theories, yes, but he couldn't have been good at fighting the Hode at once.

Or so I thought.

My students were glad to have left Geffen for the first time. We arrived at Morroc late that day, about three in the afternoon. We were lucky to have come across a wandering Priest in the mountains, and he warped us to the great Sograt Desert for 900 zeny a person.

I warned my students to never stray too far from me. Many of them were new ones to the outside world. As we walked about buying the necessities for the upcoming fight, the children were busy looking around at the mud brick houses built by the Morrocans.

"Honestly, how do they live with all this heat?" Pyrrha, female student of mine, inquired. She tugged at my cape. "Master, where do they get water and food from?"

At this, it was Nerva who answered her question. "Morroc is alive because of the underground irrigation system built for it by king Osiris I. As for the food, Morroc relies on barter trade with Prontera for much-needed grain. The Morrocans live mainly on trade---they hold the biggest monopoly in Midgard by being the only city-state to have three trading rights with Prontera, Payon and Alberta."

I think Nerva satisfied Pyrrha's inquisitiveness, because she did not ask another question after that.

After loading ourselves with healing items, we began the long walk to the southern tip of the great Sograt. My students were nervous; many of them were fidgeting with their staffs and things.

"Can anyone tell me what kind of creatures Hodes are?" I asked.

Nerva promptly raised his hand. "Non-aggressive, earth type."

"Very good." I nodded as we walked on. "Now listen closely. I shall be the first to attack the Hode with my Frost Diver spell. Afterward, when the Hode is frozen, I want you all to focus and attack it with your Fire Bolt spell. Understand?"

"Yes, master Deucalion." they answered altogether.

We passed the cliffs and entered the famous Hode Valley. At once, my students gasped. The first thing they saw was an Assassin taking on a gigantic popping Hode all by himself. Some of the girls shrieked in fright as the Hode crashed into the ground, making a minor earthquake as it went. I herded them together and summoned my staff.

"Follow me and don't leave the group! Come on!" I ordered amid the shrieking and crashing.

We circled around the valley and climbed up the Hode Plateau. It was here that I froze the first free Hode we could find. My students gathered around the huge spire of ice and cast their spells, the red pentagram illuminating the sands. There was a huge explosion as their spells combined and obliterated the giant worm.

"Very good!" I shouted. "Now gather round, come on----we'll kill some more!"

I was stopped when Pyrrha again tugged at my sleeve. "Master!"

She sounded fearful. I peered at her from beneath my Wizard's hat. "What is it?!"

"Master, Nerva is missing!" Pyrrha cried out.

I felt oxygen take leave of my lungs. I looked around at the young men and women I had with me. No red-haired and yellow-eyed kid among them. My mind raced.

"NERVA! NERVA, WHERE ARE YOU?!?" I screamed as I broke into a frantic dash. "NERVA!"

I dashed to the edge of the plateau. I looked far and wide.

"MASTER, LOOK! OVER THERE!"

My head turned automatically. There, some five hundred feet away, was Nerva with his staff out. A Hode was fast crashing toward him, great slimy bulk ready to squash him to pulp.

I jumped off the cliff. I know it was the most idiotic thing to do, but I had to reach Nerva no matter what. As I slid down the sands, I heard my other students screaming. But I didn't care----I had to reach Nerva, save him, rescue him---!

The Hode crashed to the ground with a tremendous quake. My eyes widened as I saw Nerva soaring through the air like an eagle, his face screwed in concentration. He landed upon the Hode's head and raised his staff above his head.

"FROST DIVER!" he screamed.

At once, like a magical dream, the Hode froze from where Nerva's staff went through its skull. I landed upon the ground, my jaws dropped open. Nerva hopped off from his kill and pointed his staff at it. The familiar red pentagram appeared beneath the icy spire.

"COLD BOLT!"

The skies darkened at once, answering the gleaming of his staff's main gemstone. Then, from the heavens, five spears of solid ice rained down upon the frozen enemy, piercing and slicing mercilessly. There was another loud crash as the remnants of the Hode collapsed to the ground.

Nerva skidded to a halt some fifty feet away from where I was. I stared at him. Jesus, a beginner like him took on a Hode all by himself and survived with nothing but a scratch on the cheek!

I stood up and went to him. "Nerva! Nerva, are you all right?!?"

He blinked and looked at me, as if he had just realized I was there. "What is it, master?"

"You are asking what is it?" I yelled. "I'll tell you what! Didn't I tell the class that no one will separate from the group? What were you thinking, taking on that Hode by yourself?! You could have died, Nerva----!!!"

He looked at me as if I were mad. "But master, I am alive. There is nothing more to worry about and I am no longer a kid who needs your watch."

I felt my temper rise. Sometimes, Nerva was going way too far. I grabbed his wrist and twisted it slightly. He looked up at me malevolently.

"I am still the master here, young man, don't you forget that!" I hissed. "You shall listen to me and stay in the group! UNDERSTAND?!?"

Nerva snatched back his arm and did not answer. Throughout the day and the day next he did not separate from the group, but he did not fight either. He just watched as his classmates struggled with the Hode, but never casting a spell to help. He stopped speaking to me as well.

After four days in Morroc we returned to Geffen. I gave them a written test about their experiences in the brief stay in the desert. As expected, Nerva got the highest marks.

It was time to start another lesson. Today we were going to tackle the Lightning Element, and I was going to teach the children two new spells, Lightning Bolt and Thunderstorm.

"Now, who can tell me what Wizard spell is associated with the Lightning Bolt and Thunderstorm?" I asked for this day's start.

Nobody answered. And then Nerva raised his hand.

"Yes?" I nodded.

"Lord of Vermilion." He said in a soft voice. "One of the three spells used to summon Apocalypse."

I don't know if it's just me or what. After reciting in class that day, Nerva became more distant than ever. His classmates and other teachers tried their best to get him to tell what was the problem, but he wouldn't talk. He only answered questions relating to the subject matter, and when the topic steered away from that, he wouldn't utter a word no matter what. Somehow the name of the Mightiest Spell, Apocalypse, seemed to have stirred something within him.

My studens progressed as a year passed. We left the classrooms more often now, travelling to Morroc and even Payon, which was famed for her haunted woodlands and caves. By now they have encountered a wide variety of Undead such as the Zombie, Munak, Bongun and even Sohee.

And all the while, Nerva was not with us.

Why so?

Before their first year ended, Nerva had talked to the elders to allow him a suitable time for absence. Master Lothair granted him this, provided that he will come back alive after one year. After that Geffen's brightest and best disappeared as if he had never existed...



This time around, my students and I are on the way to Glast Heim, the Undead infested city-state. Even thought I have given my students appropriate advices and warnings, I was still nervous. The Undead in Glast Heim were by far the most powerful in Rune-Midgard, and many a Wizard have fallen in their gruesome hands.

Everyone was nervous, as you may already know. Even my heart beat frantically.

Then we started the long and perilous hike through the slopes of Mjoinir. The journey would take us one week, provided that we encounter some of the mountain's aggresive monsters. My students have learned enought to gear themselves against Kobold Archers, Petits and other creatures of the sort.

After the long and tiresome journey in the mountains, we have finally arrived in Glast Heim. My students were in absolute silence as we walked down the deserted and ever-dangerous streets.

It was dark here in Glast Heim. The sun never penetrates the thick, fumed clouds that the Undead made by their horrible breath. We had to use the spell of Sight to illuminate our way as we passed fallen arches, houses and shops. I prayed that we do not meet anything yet, not until we were in the clutches of St. Abbey's church.

Suddenly everyone stopped. I felt five pairs of hands tug at my cape.

"Look there! Somebody's there!" Pyrrha said, pointing somewhere in the darkness.

"A Ghoul!" shrieked somebody else. "Run for your lives!"

"Oh shut up, you coward!" snapped another.

I squinted to see beyond the thick shadows. Yes, there was somebody not far from us, sitting down on a fallen pillar. I swallowed and stepped closer, my students drawing collective breaths from behind.

I extended my hand, the one with the fireball in it. "Who are you?!?"

The feeble light of my fire shone on bright red hair, sharp yellow eyes and the soiled uniform of a Magician. Gasps erupted from behind me yet again.

"Nerva!" I moaned. "What are you doing here?"

Nerva stood up and blinked at me as if what I was asking was stupid.

"Training here, master." He replied. "What else?"

"What?" I said. "You've been here all this time, and all by yourself?!?"

Nerva smiled at me, but that smile was a sad one. "I visited Izlude because my mother and brother died. I was with them throughout the funeral ceremony. But my father sent me away. So I risked a journey here to Glast Heim to train. I have been here for six months now."

I felt great sadness swept through me. For the first time I knew what lingered behind Nerva's eyes----it was deep pain and sadness. His mother and brother died and his father kicked him out instead of comforting him. It was too much for anyone to bear, but here is he, having even the guts to smile as if it was no big deal.

"Come with us." I said, beckoning to him. "We shall need your abilities, I am afraid, as some of your classmates still have trouble with the Soul Strike spell."

Nerva went with us to St. Abbey's church. On the way we were attacked by Jokers and Dark Frames, but I saw with my own eyes what those six months did to Nerva. He could obliterate a Joker with just one shot of his Soul Strike, kill off fifteen Ghouls with two doses of Thunderstorm and fend off three Skel Prisoners without breaking a sweat.

He was a complete terror. I was afraid of him. All that magical power and talent, locked into a single body with the yellow eyes of a hawk. It was terrifying and at the same time wondrous to behold.

I found myself praying for Nerva's future. I could not bring myself to think what would happen if ever he will turn into Dark Magic. I see in him enough power to obliterate Midgard if he wished. It was very, very scary.

I shall not elaborate on our stay in Glast Heim, but let me impress upon you that it was not an easy one. Danger surrounded us at all sides, and we had been unfortunate to have lost a student there. His name was Ixus, and his death was to be blamed solely to his inability to weild the proper spells at the right time. We didn't manage to help him.

Nerva returned with us to Geffen, but he no longer attended the classes. I discovered that he was already taking lessons with Master Lothair's Wizard students, who found it extremely uncomfortable to be studying with a Mage that knew more spells than them. But occasionally Nerva would just appear in the doorway, ask politely if he might join, and I gladly nodded him to his empty seat.

Years and seasons passed. Before I knew it, my students were now the graduating batch of the Magic Academy of Geffen. Many improved and many also failed. I was readying myself to let them go---after their graduation they can now journey far and wide and discover what it is store for them.

I also knew that there was a very slim chance of me seeing Nerva again. So before I lost my chance, I called my class to a special recreational Field Trip.

Was it my way of saying farewell? Maybe yes, maybe no. I was never sure myself.













Conclusion

===

I chose the tropical paradise of Comodo for my students' field trip. It was the perfect place and time for us to discard our robes and cloaks, and don those swimming trunks, two-pieces and bathing suits.

Everyone except myself and four more students were enjoying the sea. I was busy sitting down and watching them, while the other three were just chattering away. Nerva was the only one who could withstand the call of the sea effectively, and he even brought a book with him so he could read his lessons.

The day passed without so much stir. When the night came I gathered my students around a blazing blue bonfire. I wanted to play a game. I was going to spin a bottle, and whoever the bottle stops at would have to tell the story of his or her life.

It was perfect.

Hours passed. Many have already been moved to tears by the activity. I couldn't help myself as well; I sniffed too. And then when Pyrrha spun the bottle after sharing her story, it stopped to the person whom I was (and everyone else no doubt) was waiting for---- Nerva.

There was absolute silence as they stared at him. His eyes were misty as he stared into the fire. He told his story that way---without looking at anyone of us. Before we knew it, all of us were crying, even Nerva himself.

His shoulders trembled as he spoke, his voice breaking. I think what hurt most was when he reached the part where he was kicked out of home. It was at this moment when some of his classmates started to hug him and cry with him.

"We're with you..."

"We understand..."

"It must have hurt so much..."

"Can we cry with you?"

Perhaps this was Nerva's wish. To have someone to talk to----to tell of his untold suffering so early in life. I swear that after that day, Nerva, who was so distant and aloof, learned to smile and laugh again.

And then, when he is much older, he shall recall that simple event by the bonfire, where he unleashed all his pain inside----to make way for his smile once again.

This post has been edited by Nerva al'Thor: Aug 25 2006, 04:28 PM

[redkinoko]

Hahaha, I'm at the office right now and supposedly working. But when I saw this, I found the urge to read everything. Now my supervisor is staring at me wondering why I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing. But it's well worth it. Your stories are still a cut above the rest, Mistress Nerva. More power.

[Flare]

T's a good story cant wait for the next one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[liureiyi]

"The difference between doing what you want and doing something casually is that you urge yourself to do it in the most perfect way." Nerva replied. "I am doing something I want to do, master, so it works well for me."

~ aww,.. ~

parang one-shot eh,.. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

sobrang galing,.. wala akong masabi,... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)


*drops dead*

This post has been edited by liureiyi: Aug 25 2006, 05:10 PM

[Baphoring]

~ aww,.. ~

parang one-shot eh,.. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

sobrang galing,.. wala akong masabi,... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif)
*drops dead*

This? A One-Shot?

Hah, Just wait and See. It's by far longer than ANY RO Fan Fiction I've ever read.

(well, maybe not longer than Tom V's)

[allos]

Wow, I almost cried reading this, very touching. I can pretty much relate to it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Nazgul]

Ahaha... TEH MISTRESS STRIKES AGAIN! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Nice one to shock the "new readers"

[Nerva al'Thor]

Ahh, I'll post more when I have the time. Midterms season, and I'm loaded. Just standby, peeps. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Thank you for your time.

[liureiyi]

Ahaha... TEH MISTRESS STRIKES AGAIN! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Nice one to shock the "new readers"

i was more than shocked,.. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)



weee,.. excited na me sa update,.. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Nexus Heirwind]

*bump*

[Nerva al'Thor]

Book 2: Cleis Marina

===

A Wizard was sleeping on the street. No? Impossible? Nah-uh, I'm not kidding. I saw him early this day, just before the first rays of true sunrise broke through the horizon. He was there, just beside the main road, asleep with his back leaning on a post.

I couldn't see his face, because it was hidden beneath the shade of his Sakkat. But I was sure he had red hair. It was really odd----many passerby stared at him on the way, but he just slept on, comfortably, as if he had been lying on a real bed. He also had a bulging mountain pack and an abandoned Bone Wand beside him.

Who was he, anyway?

Maybe he was one of those nutters who were too intelligent they went insane. Poor man, I wish he'd go away now before the younger Wizards and Magicians make fun of him...

My thoughts were still on that weird Wizard until I went to class. Oh, before I forget, my name is Cleis Marina, a Magician-in-training, second year, at the Magic Academy of Geffen. I am sixteen years old, and has two more years to go before going out to the wild world of Rune-Midgard to partake of any adventures we might encounter.

The classroom was noisy as I entered it and sat on my seat by the window. Our class had never been the peaceful type----many of my classmates were arrogant because they have the Geffenese magical bloodlines in them. Some even considered themselves as being even brighter than our teachers.

Duh...

No, honestly, that's just an empty boast. Feed some of those potty mouths with an unexpected exam and they go poof. What a pity...I think many of us won't reach Wizardhood...already five teachers have been in our class and left. Apparently, they found my classmates too unbearable...

And then the doors opened. A young wizard, who couldn't have been more than twenty, entered the classroom. In an instant I recognized him as the Wizard who slept in the street. I recognized his sakkat and his Bone Wand.

Axel, one of the class' biggest problems, piped up. "Who are you?"

The Wizard stopped, but did not answer. He just tipped his book and Bone Wand onto the teacher's table and sat down, surveying all of us with sharp yellow eyes as he rested his chin on his gloved hands. Then he reached up and removed his sakkat.

After ten minutes of utter silence, he stood up and conjured a chalk. He turned his back on us and started writing his name on the board.

Nerva al'Thor...

"I am Nerva. You can call me Nervy if you wish." He said in a deep but clipped voice. "I will be in charge of this class from now on. I am Premier Wizard----"

"Wait!" Axel said, raising his hand. I blinked. Axel never raised his had before if he wished to interrupt the teacher. "How old are you,----uh----master?"

Nerva smiled at us and blinked his sharp eyes. "Oh, me? I am twenty years old."

A loud murmur swept through us. I straightened in my seat.

A Premier Wizard at twenty years old???

Who was this Nerva?


~


Premier Wizard at twenty years old...DANG! Hell, the youngest Premier Wizard I knew was about---fifty eight years old! I stared up at our new teacher with glazed eyes of wonder. There was no denying his title of Premier Wizard---he bore the mark on his Bone Wand and on his cloak. Good lord, he must have been the youngest in---in five centuries hence?!?

Nerva smiled at us again. "I am a simple man, and when I mean simple I am quite easy to please and get along with. Like any other teacher I like complete homeworks, accurate notes and high grades. And also, like any other teacher, I hate students who are not paying attention, much like what Miss Flambeaux is doing right now."

Nina Flambeux, the most popular and prettiest Mage who sat three seats to my left, straightened up and blushed with shame. Her gloved hands shot under her desk, as if she had been electrified. Master Nerva stood up and went to her.

"Can I have that, please?" he asked politely, gently.

"Have what?" said Nina. "I'm not doing anything!"

"Give it to me, Nina, or else get the hell out of my class." Master Nerva said pleasantly. "The door is just waiting."

Nina was defenseless. We all watched as she handed a pink envelope to Nerva's waiting hands. He didn't read the love letter, though, he just slipped it into his cloak and returned to his desk. Everyone in our class was dumbfounded. No teacher before has made Nina succumb to them or even make her blush with shame. Now this was a first, and it was saying something.

"From what your previous teacher has explained to me, this class has a very great deal on the theories of spells, runes and damage calculation." Nerva spoke. "Nobody has yet taken you to your practical lesson, and that for me is a big waste of time. As early as your first year, you should have gone out a bit and fought some nice monsters outside Geffen."

He stood up and fetched something from the depths of his cloak. It was a blackened and dried twig. Whispers broke out behind me again. What was he playing at???

"Can anyone tell me what this is?" Nerva asked.

I wasn't sure, but I raised my hand all the same.

"Yes darling, you are raising your hand?" he smiled at me. I blushed.

"Dead branch." I answered shortly.

"And what does the Dead Branch do?" Nerva asked, his voice getting dangerously childish. "Come now, it is easy..."

Axel spoke. "It's used to summon monsters. That's right! It's used to summon monsters!"

"Very good!" said Nerva, taking hold of both ends of the branch. "Now watch---!"

He snapped the branch in half. From where the pieces dropped to the floor, a wild Desert Wolf appeared and leaped at us, fangs ready to kill.

Shouts echoed in the classroom.


~


I dived under my desk and felt the Desert Wolf's tail brush against my leg. I shuddered with fear. All around me, my classmates were screaming. I saw ten pairs of legs shoot toward the door, but then Master Nerva's voice rang through the air.

"Oh no you don't! Finish off the Desert Wolf!" He said. I heard the door slam tight.

I heard barks and growls, and the grinding of canine against canine it was horrible. And to think this was our first day with him! Cries arose. There were loud crashes as desks tumbled and chairs cracked.

"Oh damn, this class really does lack firsthand experience." I heard Master Nerva sigh with disappointment. "Frost Diver!"

There was a loud crunch. The growls and yelps from the gigantic wolf came to a stop. Gently and slowly, as if watching out for a full-scale war to erupt before me, I looked up. A moan escaped my lips.

The Desert Wolf was locked in a single block of solid ice, frozen stiff. Master Nerva waved his Bone Wand at it.

"Lightning Bolt!" he said lazily.

A pure bolt of lightning shot from his wand's skull tip and smashed into the ice, obliterating it and the one it held inside. One by one, me and my classmates emerged. Nearly all of us had stupefied and terrified faces. Master Nerva looked around us with something close to disgust.

"Anyway, I did that to test you." He explained. "Now you tell me. We have a long way to go before you lot are strong enough to journey outside Geffen on your own."

He faced the blackboard and started writing the description of the Ice Element. His hands moved around the blackboard in a blur----my god, he must have memorized the whole book already!

"Don't wait for me to pick you up off the floor." He said. "Fix yourselves! Now!"

There was a commotion as we straightened up our fallen desks and chairs. We sat back down as if nothing happened, but I was still shaking, and I could have sworn Axel's knees were still buckling.

I couldn't help myself. I raised my hand. "M-master?"

He faced me. I blushed again----damn, what is happening to me?!?

"Yes, darling? You wanted to ask something?"

"What is a Premier Wizard like you doing here?" I asked. "Aren't Wizards of your rank and title are busy outside Geffen, doing adventures with your guild and party? I just wanted to know----"

There was a great murmur of assent with my question. Axel looked all ears, and Nina looked up expectantly. Master Nerva scratched his nose and sat down on the teacher's desk.

"Yes, you are right, Cleis." He answered, winking at me. "I was with my guild and party until the heads of the Magic Academy requested me to teach. So here am I."

"Then we're honored!" Jin, our best classmate, roared. "We have a Premier Wizard for a master!"

Master Nerva smiled mysteriously. "Ah, well...we shall see about that."

He returned to the board. "Homework, kindly read and understand this one---copy it please----and hand me an essay about the Ice Element tomorrow. Include a basic damage calculation with it. Good-bye."

He picked up his things and went away, closing the door gently behind him. I turned in my seat and faced Jin and Axel----and everyone else.

"Finally!" said Jin. "This class has a serious teacher at last!"

I smiled. And so did everyone else.


~


"Just what kind of Damage Calculation does Master Nerva want?" I moaned as I stared down at the book I was reading. "There are 150 kinds of them---are we supposed to do them all?!?"

"I guess we have no choice." Jin said happily. He stretched his arms and smiled at us. "Well, better get working then----this might take all night..."

"Jin, we can't believe you!" I said. "150 kinds of Calculations! Are you going to do that all?!?"

Jin looked at me as if I were mad. "Why, if you haven't realized it yet, Master Nerva is in charge of us now."

I rolled my eyes. Looks like we really had no choice...


"I see you all completed the 150 calculations I asked for." Master Nerva said smugly as he read Axel's paper last infront of the class the next day. "Very good. You bunch have really mastered the theories. Now, I wanted to ask, what kind of monsters have you faced before in a practical lesson?"

Nobody answered, because we were all sleepy. I was up until 1 o'clock myself.

"Okay, I shall take that for a no." Master Nerva scratched his chin thoughtfully. He stood up. "Stand up everyone and stretch yourselves. Go back to your houses and get everything you will need for a week's camp. I shall give you-----thirty minutes to do this, and afterward I shall meet you all before the Arcane Tower. Understand?"

This statement shook us awake. A week's camp? Where?

I wanted to ask where we were going, but Master Nerva had already disappeared with a swish of his cloak.


~


I didn't bother to ask for permission. Not that my parents cared about me, but it would just extend to a long tirade. What's more, I'd like to be with Master Nerva sooner. Let's just say I'm excited.

I gathered some hasty clothes and preserved fruit jellies then set out to rejoin my master and classmates by the Arcane Tower. I stopped running some ten meters away from the tower, my eyes fixing on my mentor.

I blushed yet again, butterflies fluttering somewhere behind my navel. I shook the feeling away and rejoined the others, puffing as I skidded to a halt before them.

Master Nerva looked around. "Is everyone here now?"

The class answered an echoey yes. He summoned his staff and started to lead the way out of the city. He was whistling a familiar tune, but from where I heard it I cannot remember at this time.

"Master, where are we going?" Jin asked excitedly, bounding behind Master Nerva.

"I am going to take you to the Pyramid, tomb to the legendary king Osiris of Morroc." He replied, smiling. "We shall stay there for two days."

Excited chatter broke at once.

"Ooh, Morroc! I've never been there!"

"All right!"

"Wow! I'd better get some nice souvenir!!!"

"I'm really excited!!!"

I stole a glance at Master Nerva. The look I saw on his face was something I didn't like. His smile was ominous. I swallowed nervously.

Just what exactly were we bound to face there???


~


Morroc, the Frontier, the city of mud brick houses amid the eternal sands of the great Sograt. We arrived at Morroc after an hour leaving Geffen. We were lucky to have come across a party of twelve Acolytes in the mountains, and they warped us for 2500 zeny.

If truth be told I was nervous. I have never been this far away from Geffen, like all of my classmates. I know that behind those excited grins they are all wishing to return to the safety of our stone houses there in the mountains. But Master Nerva had taken us very far from there now, and there was no turning back.

The Pyramids were crowded with all sorts of people, ranging from all ages. We had to stay close to each other to avoid getting lost in the crowd. But as I walked, my fear and nervousness increased with each step that took me nearer the Pyramid.

"Master Nerva, just where exactly will you train us there?" I inquired.

Master Nerva did not answer. I swallowed. Irina, another classmate, tapped me on the shoulder. I spun around to face her, and I was surprised to see a horrible scowl on her face.

"What's wrong, Irina?" I asked, frankly bewildered.

"Don't think about it, Marina, because I won't let you!" she whispered savagely, eyes blazing as they stared. "Don't you even think about it."

"Think about what?!?" I repeated.

Irina grabbed my arm in a steely grip. I cried in pain, but the others did not hear.

"If you think you can steal Master Nerva away from me, you're wrong!" she said in a deadly voice.

And I felt cold numbness sweep through my body.


~


Our stay in Morroc was horrible. It turned out that we had to face the demi-human Isis. Master Nerva did nothing except to cast Ice Walls while we scurried around trying to kill the monster with our meager spells. It was infuriating.

I was more miserable than anyone else, because my secret was now known to Irina. I knew I was no match for her; she was beautiful and rich, being the niece of Master Lothair, our ruler. She could have Master Nerva anytime she wished. I was in a peculiar position. I couldn't ask questions now, not with her glaring at me.

After that horrendous two-day stay in Morroc we went to the Undead-infested caves of Payon, where we faced the ghost of Sohee and the flame creature, Horong. It was horrible too, many of us had injuries, but Master Nerva was uninterested, maintaining that nobody died, right, so what was there to fuss about??

But I could swear to you all that we have improved. Our magical levels increased by ten points, while some of my classmates, Jin especially, regained twenty percent increase in both Magical defense and damage. We've all progressed.

We went round Glast Heim next for another two days. All I can say to you lot is that it was probably the scariest place I've visited all my life. Only Master Nerva had the guts to actually laugh really hard while thwacking two Nightmares and three Wraiths without breaking a sweat.

Argh. I wish I were like him...

When we returned to Geffen, Master Nerva was gone for five days. Many of us were anxious about this---we kept asking other teachers. Master Deucalion, one of Master Nerva's mentors when he was still a Magician.

Master Deucalion told us he got summoned by his guild in Al de Baran.

At those times I felt a dull ache in my heart. I wished I could see him, teach us new things and well----I guess it would be idiotic not to admit to you guys. Yes, I like him. I've never felt like this before...but what is he going to see in me? I'm just his student. I'll never have a chance with rivals like Irina and that white-haired Huntress who picked him up the other day.

I'm in a depressed state right now, and the only one who can cheer me up was my one and only beloved...

I was busy doing my homework that day. I needed to be prepared for his return. Should he summon another monster infront of us I was ready. I knew basic spells now, and I can proudly say that I can summon four spirits for the Soul Strike spell. That's better than nothing at all, right?

And then Jin came bounding into the library, face positively flushed.

"HE'S COME BACK! HE'S HERE!" he announced loudly, much to the disapproval of the toothy librarian.

I got up and ran to meet him. I was very excited, I didn't care if Irina chose to shoot me with a spell when she would. All I knew was that I was very, very happy.

My other classmates were already clustering around him when we arrived. He was smiling too, handing out Santa Hats for everyone. Apparently he exhanged his Sakkat for a Wizard's hat. It suited him better, made him more handsome...

"MASTER!"

I ran and hugged him really tight. "I missed you master..." I whispered passionately.

My heart went haywire again when he answered, his voice very low and seductive...

"And I missed you too..."


~


The classroom was full of chatter as I entered it. Jin bounded up to me, bringing with him his new book which summed up the uses of the Water Element in both life and combat. I was also greeted by Irina's malevolent stare that warned me sooner or later, if I ever I hugged Master Nerva again, I was going to be kicked out from the Magic Academy.

But forget about her. I don't care.

I took out my notes as I sat down and started to read. I was not alone in doing so. Ever since we've returned all of us had taken a knack to review past lessons and do advanced readings because, well, Master Nerva is so unpredictable. We could never know what he was going to throw at us next.

Soon enough his footsteps echoed in the hall, and he entered the room. We stood up immediately and greeted him with a lively, "Good morning Master Nerva!"

He removed his Wizard's Hat and nodded to us. We sat down. My eyes darted around the classroom. Many of my classmates (including myself) had their staffs out and secretly gripping it tightly. Master Nerva laughed.

"Preparing now, aren't we?" he smiled. "Don't worry, I have no Dead Branches with me today. You can take those away now."

There were sighs of relief as we stowed away our wands and staffs. Master Nerva started pacing around the classroom, looking at us. There was something afoot, I can sense it.

Suddenly Master Nerva whipped around and pointed at Irina, who stood up so suddenly she could have passed for someone who had been shot with ten bolts of Lightning. She blinked really fast.

"Tell me, how many metrons of energy does a level 10 Frost Diver need?" Master Nerva asked. "You have five seconds to answer before I give you zero in this day's recitation!"

Cries and murmurs broke out. Irina was paralyzed. I laughed secretly. What can you expect from a dopehead like her? She only knows how to keep herself beautiful, I can never know how she became a Magician.

"T-two hundred?!" Irina stammered.

"That is correct." Master Nerva beamed. "Sit down!"

He turned around again and pointed at Jin, who stood up ready for a fight.

"If I was attacked by a Whisper, what spell would I use?" he asked.

"SOUL STRIKE!" Jin screamed, pumping his fist in the air.

"Very good." Master Nerva smiled. He turned to me. My body stiffened. "What will you do if you are facing a Savage? What level of spell and what spell will you use?"

I stood up, my mind racing. I tried to think, but nothing came out. My five seconds ran out. Master Nerva frowned at me.

"Oh dear, since Marina was unable to answer," he said, rounding to the class. "You shall all have extra homework----and a suprise test for today!"

He waved his Bone Wand and three-page test papers appeared on our desks. My knees were shaking as I sat down. I could hear their spiteful murmurs and snide remarks. I saw Irina flash a patronizing smile in my direction.

I would have died from shame, if it was possible at the moment. My cheeks were burning very badly, and when I took up my quill to start answering, I found myself blank of all the things I had studied.

Oh my god...


~


I strained myself to think. But I couldn't remember anything. My hear pumped wildly, and I could hear the blood thundering around the veins and capillaries in my eardrums.

I looked around. All my classmates were busy answering----Jin and Irina were in the second page already. I stared back at my paper. The only thing I have written so far was my name: Cleis Marina.

Oh god, oh god....

"Ten minutes more to finish..." Master Nerva announced.

There was a great rustling as my classmates doubled their speed. Suddenly, my hand became numb. I couldn't move a finger.

Before I knew it, Master Nerva started collecting the papers. I shut my eyes as he got mine. He didn't move from my seat. Nervously, I opened my eyes and found that he was looking straight at me in that gaze that was enough to make me faint...

"It seems to me," he said. "That we have someone here in this class who doesn't know where she lies."

I felt my cheeks burn. Irina laughed malevolently in her seat, making faces at me. Jin and Axel stared. I was one of the class's best students, just next in line after Jin himself. And now...

"Tell me, Cleis Marina," Master Nerva asked. "What is the greatest responsibility of a Magician?"

"To study, sir." I answered weakly. I wished I could die right then and there.

"It seems to me, that you are forgetting that responsibility." He told me. "Now please, get out of my class and come back when you realize that responsibility's necessity. The door is open."

Tears started to well in my eyes as I stormed out of the room, Irina's jeers following me as I slammed the door shut. I was crying by the time I ran out of the academy and outside the city.

I sat down on the grass, hugging my knees. I sobbed. I felt bad not because of his insult, but because of how he looked at me. I didn't want him to hate me. I wanted only his smile. It hurt so much.

I stayed there until the sun set. I had to study and regain my confidence infront of my love. I had to make it up to him. I had to.

Little did I know...that the biggest pain of all was just to come...


~


It had been six months. Six months that was supposedly aiming to improve my grades, but the exact opposite of this aim happened. My grades went a downright crescendo. I was replaced by Elijah Blanchard for the 2nd best in our class. My parents weren't happy. Daddy alone spent two whole days on lecturing me.

Kei, Axel, Elijah, Jin and Miravelle, all classmates of mine, tried to help by trying to tutor me. They all said the same thing:

Your problem is when Master Nerva approaches, you get too nervous and your brain deletes what it's supposed to be holding!

What was I to do? The final exams were coming, and if I didn't make it there somehow, I was facing expulsion from the academy and selection of another Job Class.

Then one day, he held me back from class.

"Marina, stay for awhile, I want to talk to you---alone."

I doubled back, my blood pressure and pulse increasing drastically. Irina shoved me out of her way, never failing to shoot me her malevolent looks. Elijah tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Come on, just be calm for the love of God!"

I swallowed and went to the desk where Master Nerva was sitting, my test papers in his hand. He looked up at me. I blushed.

"Your grades." He said. "You have to do something about them, for they are already out of my control. I have tried pulling you up through your recitation and practical tests, but they too, have dropped. What are you going to do? The Finals are coming."

"Is something wrong, Cleis?" he asked, his voice softening. "Tell me. If I may help you---"

I couldn't tell him. I couldn't tell him that I was failing because of him. I couldn't talk...

I was electrified when his hands found mine.

"Tell me, Cleis." He said. "I want all of you to pass---or else my stay here would be---a complete failure."

Though I was reluctant, I pulled away my hand. "I promise I'll improve sir. I promise you."

He looked at me for some time before he stood up. "All right then. I shall trust you."

He spun around and started to walk away. I was glad he didn't hear me say---

"I love you..."



~


My heart ached every time I saw him. I tried to force myself to study, but every time I read my books his face would always surface in my mind.

I hate you, Nerva a'Thor!

I hate you!

I HATE YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING MY HEART ACHE!

Damn...I love him...I love him with all my soul!! I love him it hurt so much....I love him very, very much...

Somehow I made it. My grades have improved, but I could never defeat Elijah and Jin anymore. But I was contented to be in 3rd best---at least I kept my promise to him.

That day he came to class. It was only one week now before the summer vacation. As usual he sat down on the table.

"I am very proud of you all." He told us. "I can say that my stay here had not been in vain. Your new teacher next year----"

We all gave a start. But I was the one who stood up.

"WHAT, YOU AREN'T STAYING?!?" I burst out.

Master Nerva looked at me. "Yes. I was only requested to teach here and see if I could heighten up your class's standard. I am Premier Wizard, after all. Wizards of our kind are not supposed to be teaching. I am leaving, at the end of this year and continue my quest with my party, Swastika."

I felt my head spin. My heart started to ache. Tears welled in my eyes.

"You---you can't leave us!" I sobbed, my voice breaking. "You can't!"

Elijah Blanchard stood up too. "YOU CAN'T LEAVE US, SIR!"

"You can't!"

"You're lying, sir!"

"Tell us it isn't true!!!"

"Sir please!!!"

"I am not lying." Master Nerva said simply. "I am leaving after giving your grades. I want to thank you all for a wonderful time, and I would like to apologize if I had been harsh---too harsh maybe---on you lot sometime."

Kei stood up. "Sir, we'll talk to Master Lothair if we have to, just remain here with us!"

"She's right!" Elijah and Jin shrieked. "You can't!"

Master Nerva shook his head lightly. "I am afraid you cannot do something about it. It is my decision to leave. I won't teach you today, you shall have all the time to yourself. Good day."

He left the classroom. Murmurs burst out.

"We can't let him leave!"

"We must stop him!"

"We must do something!"

"WE MUST DO SOMETHING!" Elijah yelled.

I fell back to my chair. My head was buzzing. I couldn't feel my heart anymore.



~


We had planned a drastic move to be done the next day. There was no way Master Nerva was leaving us; there was no such way. We would all gather, the whole class, and protest before the Arcane Tower if we had to. Such was our great need and love for our teacher and master.

However, when we were discussing the final touches to our plan as we waited for him to arrive, a female Wizard entered our classroom. She was tall, dark and beautiful. Elijah straightened up, frowning at her.

"Who are you?" he asked rather rudely. "Nerva al'Thor's in charge of here, not you."

The Wizard smiled at him. "Yes, indeed, but I am your new teacher. Nerva-sama has left; he just submitted a resignation letter a while ago."

A stony silence hung in the class.

We all exchanged meaningful looks, and without further ado, swept our bags with us and started leaving the classroom in droves. We broke into frantic dashes right after we left the door. Our teacher was shocked.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!? "she shrieked. "COME BACK HERE!"

She intended to run after us, but Kei and Jin had already used their Frost Diver spells to ram the door with solid ice and keep her inside. Jin was in the lead as we escaped from the Magic Academy, shouting instructions.

"GO AROUND THE CITY! GROUP A WILL PROCEED TO THE ARCANE TOWER AS PLANNED! HURRY UP!" Jin ordered like a true commander of a war.

The tight knot in my chest tightened as we entered the streets of our hometown. I was in Group C, in charge of the eastern gates that led to Prontera. But what if Master Nerva had already warped...?

Oh, great Eye, please let me see him! Oh, great eye, please do not take away my love from me!!!

"We can't find him anymore! He's gone!" Elijah wailed as he sat down on the ground, burying his face in his hands.

"We have to continue! Come on!" Jin protested.

The argument started. I wasted no time at all. I dashed back to our house, snatched some clothes, money and food, and left Geffen in a hurry. I was unstoppable. Surely he was in Prontera. I will follow him and make him come back.

I cannot lose him. I love him. I will not tolerate this...


~


Conclusion:

It had been a week since I have left Geffen. I was currently in the great Sograt Desert, hoping to go to Morroc and find him there. I came from Prontera, but I was met with ill luck there. He was nowhere to be found. I was hoping in Morroc, putting my heart and trust to the Frontier.

I have received magical letters from my parents, begging me to come back. Jin and the others wrote to me to tell me that they were following me shortly. I didn't answer these letters. I had to concentrate.

The heat was intolerable, but I had to continue. I will not----stop----

I reached Morroc at last, but I was dead-tired. After resting for a bit and eating my fill of Peco peco steak, I went around the city again. I searched every nook and cranny, every tight street and corner, hoping he would be there.

Nighttime fell. I was sitting by the caliph's palace, crying softly to myself.

There was no way I could find him now...

No way...

I lost him...

"Ah, quit it, Isidore, that is NOT funny..."

"Is it? And I wasn't making you laugh, Kiara...."

"SHUT UP!"

"Nyahahahahaha!!!! For a Blacksmith, you have a remarkably short patience!"

"Shut up, you dunderhead priest!"

I looked up at the sound of these voices. I stood up. Maybe they can help me!
I stood up and ran to them. The blue-haired Blacksmith and the extremely handsome Priest were surprised. But it was the Priest who saw the distress in my eyes and quickly approached me.

"What is it, child? You need Heal? Cure? What is it that ails you?" he asked me kindly.

I cried and cried as I grabbed his black robes. "Please...help me..."

"What is it?" the Blacksmith asked. "Come on, tell us!"

"Do you know----where Nerva al'Thor is?" I asked. "I have to see him, please! I have to tell him something!!!"

The Priest and the Blacksmith exchanged thoroughly shocked looks. The Priest then returned his eyes to me, his lips curled to a smile.

"Oh yes...come with us and we'll take you to him!"

I felt my spirit soar. "Thank you!"

I saw him again. There he was, looking shocked as I burst in the pub and into his arms, crying my heart out on his chest.

"Master...oh, master!" I sobbed as I hugged him, never wanting to let him go again. "Please come back, master, I----we need you!"

Master Nerva placed a hand on my head and lifted my chin. There was a sad smile on his face.

"I can't change my decision, Cleis." He spoke gently. "I can't come back...you understand that, don't you? My time there as your teacher is over. I am just a Wizard now..."

I trembled. I had to tell him, if that would make him come back...

"But---but I---I love you...." I said. "Please come back..."

"I know." he said.

I looked up. "You know---? How could you possibly---?"

He kissed me, cutting off my sentence in the middle. My eyes closed. I kissed him back, kissed him back with all that I am. He drew away, placing a hand on my cheeks. He wiped my tears.

"I knew ever since you had started to falter with yourself." He said. "But we cannot do this, Cleis. There is a very great gap between us, and I am afraid I cannot cross it. If only you were born earlier..."

And then, somehow, I understood. I understood completely now. He stood up and helped me stand.

"Go back to Geffen, Cleis." He told me. "Your time there is just starting."

I returned to Geffen the next day. I told the others what he'd told me. We had to accept things....

I studied on...to third year and to our fourth and final year as trainees. And in that span of time I never saw him again.

But I knew...that in my heart, he would still hold the biggest place there. He will remain with me, wherever he is.

I love you...

[TiaraX-44]

Woohooo!! The story returns!! ^__^

[ardyey]

timeless.


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif)

[chowdown]

wala na po ba tong kasunod?

[chowdown]

guys...i found the site for nerva... http://nerva4.tripod.com/Heaven_blade/int.html