Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Practise can come in many ways - just sticking with us in Otherearth will probably do the trick!" Alexis put a thumb up and a smile. To her comments about the weapons however Alexis seemed to look in a state of weighing pros and cons, she really didn't want to let Halle down, she wouldn't ever normally turn down the offer but she felt comfortable with her staff. "Seriously, I would have once let you take this thing off my hands at first chance to upgrade it - but I'll have to say no, sorry! Laxion though-"
"I see no reason for you not too" he replied softly, giving her a small smile and tilting his head, "My weapon is pretty basic beside the unbreakable chain inside, and the fact it shrinks. What sort of thing would you have in mind?" he asked curiously, he's never spoken to a weapon specialist face-to-face, so getting to see what thought goes into it intrigued him, as a soldier it was even more interesting.

Then the three of them turned into the food hall, it was huge. From end to end there were long wooden tables laid out, scattered along them were different elaborate plates of food and since everyone was out it wasn't busy. Along the tall windows were curtains with the school's emblem on it, an intricate crystal formation of green purple and black.

"I think it's good for a woman to have a weapon! It's like an extension of the owner." Alexis smiled back with a tilt of her head as she twisted and faced the hall. Laxion slipped a small smile to Halle's ramblings about what she could modify on his weapon, so many of those sounded like good additions, even the thought to clean it up a bit. "It sounds like I barely need any convincing to trust your skill" he said with a small exhale.

Alexis led the way and chose a spot to sit, right in the centre of the hall she found what looked like the best platter of food to take from. She took a seat beside Laxion and opposite Halle and took in the smell of everything before her like a hungry animal. "Mmm" she let out, "they really go all out here". Laxion looked over everything too and couldn't deny that his mouth was watering, he saw roast chicken, glazed in seasoning and surrounded in honey roasted vegatables. On other plates were glorious salads or pies, these were only the things that caught his eye amongst several other sharers. "Where are the plates?" he asked, looked between the girls. "Oo!" Alexis gasped, "I know, Lottie told me what to do!", she clapped twice in front of her and waited, then not a moment too late came a plate hovering over their heads and quietly placing itself before her with cutlery wrapped in a napkin upon it.

It wasn't long until they were enjoying their meals. "So" Alexis said, attempting to swallow her food before speaking any further, "have you guys done much research on what's on the other side of this trip?". Laxion shook his head, he could only think about the time he had spent with Nyru the last few days in preparation for them being too busy for each other's company. "I did hear that the uhm... Aether, are at a stale-mate kind of war with the Verdant?" he said taking a bite of food. Alexis nodded and corrected him, "the Vardant, yes". Laxion only spared her a short "hm" to reply. She turned to face Halle and pulled out her mobile, though it was more of a small transparent tablet of superior Arcaz technology. "The Aether describe them as an eldritch tainted swarm of nature, somewhat mindless but can organise themselves into packs and make elaborate hunting systems. Here's some intel from our base in North Orizon" she put the device flat on the table then pulled on the corners. It stretched as if it had no solid shape or form to make a bigger screen. It depicted several different images of monsters green in colour, it was difficult to distinguish between the bark of a tree on their skin or a leathery texture. Some had more than a single pair of eyes and some had extra limbs, but these were but only a few images. Laxion looked up, and asked Halle "make my spear destroy one of those things and I'll be happy" with a grin.

The sudden bounce of excitement didn't come as much of a surprise this time, Laxion was able to prepare himself and give back a smile instead of acting all baffled. Alexis was grinning and playfully punched him ont he shoulder, "now you'll be able to make a dramatic exit like me!". He cheaply exhaled, "It'll be a while till i've got your kind of style Alexis".

Towards the back of the hall there was another lady looking over the mountains of food on one of the bigger tables. She had long wavy black hair flowing half way down her back, a black dress on that flowed outwards from her waist, each side was covered by a giant bat-like wing that reached to the floor and curved behind her. Hanging on her side was a similarly black book with something orange printed on it. She seemed to be talking to herself, "What?! Nooooo, I've had too much cake already", she suddenly guffawed, as if hearing something funny. "Fine, just for you."
"Is she... talking to herself?" Laxion mentioned, leaning forwards to keep his voice between himself, Halle and Alexis. He gestured with a nod of his head towards the woman. She had her back against them and was only just close enough for them to hear her. Alexis tilted her head and took a sneaky look. She was now holding up a small cupcake to her shoulder, "no, it's not pumpkin spiced! Who do you take me for?", Alexis looked back at them with a baffled expression. "uh.... She sounds too old to be a student..."

After everything that happened in Otherearth Micha'el almost felt excited to be heading home. Almost - a part of them felt like it was left behind as they boarded the zeppelin back. Team Sun bonded here. As Micha'el looked back over at the city of Evermoon he could remember all the things they had done. They met the Star Elves, they took on the Vardent, Aurelius, even met King Sol. But Tsuna also lost her father. Micha'el almost lost hope, but him and Tsuna connected on that fateful night. They almost lost Tsuna too... but everything they went through came down to this. They were Team Sun, and always will be - even Aoi. She had to board the zeppelin back to Entei, so this was their final goodbye until another time that they hoped to meet up. Her sister was a close work colleague of Lucas Purevelion, though, and since he organised most events with neighbouring guilds it was likely they'd be together soon.

When they got back to Hope, they had some initial time off from school. Micha'el had gone back home to see his mother, and Lottie went home to see her sister and uncles. Tsuna, whilst invited to everyone's was picked up by an unexpected Lumina La Estrella. You could say she mothered the orphan like she was her own child from birth. Lumina's void of a child in her life meant that she gave all her love to Tsuna, even if she didn't want it to start with. But she made sure not to smother the girl... too much.

A dance was later organised shrotly after the students all returned to Hope, with special guests of family. Lottie couldn't have been more excited, and Micha'el almost felt indifferent but felt compelled to join in anyway. Lottie's uncles couldn't find enough time to dress her up properly, they were extremely specific about fashion. As for Micha'el, he was mostly dealing with his clothes himself. His mum was a great help too.

It was finally time. Micha'el stepped up to the academy's courtyard, to get there you had to cross a great bridge that stretched over the school's lake on it's more flat side. Anything around or beyond that was surrounded by tall spiny mountains and more towers and halls of the academy. The courtyard was circular and surrounded by dark green, tall and narrow shrubs along it's edges. In the middle there was a small water feature. Micha'el was the first of his team to arrive with his mother at his side. Micha'el wore a white shirt with the usual blue cross of fabric under his collar. His jacket was black jacket that was longer at the back and split down the middle below his spine. His bockets and collar were made of dark blue fabric that matched his eyes. To finish his attire, he had a short golden coloured scarf hanging from his shoulders. Purely for formal occasions, it wouldn't keep anyone warm, not even in the slightest. His mother stood beside him, her dark brown, slightly curled hair pinned up with just her bangs loose, longer on one side. She wore a not-too-flashy dress of cream that hugged her frame and exposed her back to a 'V'.

It wasn't long until Lottie arrived, coming over the bridge with her two uncles in tow behind her. By her side, her sister, Lilly. Lottie's dress was half red, half cream. The torso section had long cream sleeves that hung a little lower than her wrists at a point and glistened like thousands of tiny stars were stitched into it. This cream fabric completely covered her front, up to her collar where a red hood hung delicately over her shoulders. Her back was exposed, where the fabric was cut toa simple V. At her waist, the fabric became blood red, just like her hood, and puffed out smoothly to her ankles. Lilly, an honored but definitely tag-along guest, wore a long blue dress. "Micha'el!" Lottie shouted, picking up her pace and rushing over to her partner. Micha'el turned and with a smile, greeted her. "Lottie, you look great" Lottie returned the smile and waved to his mother, "hey Miss M!"
"Hello, Lottie. Long time no see!" Micha'el mother smiled and tilted her head before Lilly and her uncles arrived. They conversed for a little longer until suddenly Micha'el felt a tap on his shoulder. "...Woh..." Micha'el said, his lips parted. Lottie meanwhile took a few fast steps on the spot, "ah! Tsuna!" she let out a great squeal as she took in her partners fabulous dress. Luckily by now Lottie' family and Micha'els mother were conversing just a few steps back, letting the trio have a short breather. "Tsuna" Micha'el breathed, "you look... great!"
"Tch, more like amazing. You should wear dresses more often! This guy too" she elbowed Micha'el, "well, not dresses but look at him."
"Lottie..." Micha'el let out, bashfully, he even had white gloves.

"Really?" Micha'el blurted out, suddenly raising his brows as he picture Ivan and Lumina looking for clothes. "It was definitely Lumina" Lottie added, giving off a great smile which quickly subsided as Tsuna corrected her. Lottie stood straight, grimacing, "w-who would've thought Ivan would get it right..." Whilst Lottie stood perplexed, Tsuna pushed the conversation onward, suggesting they introduce her to their families. Micha'el happily obliged, turning on his heel and inspecting the adults as they conversed. They appeared to be getting along well, which was expected, they all knew each other somewhat from previous school events. Even Ivan and Lumina appeared to be conversing quite well.

"Excuse me" Micha'el interjected, holding up his hand "we would like to introduce you to our teammate, Tsuna. Lumina stopped speaking, tilting her head with an adoring smile on her face. Micha'el's mother also turned, standing beside Lottie's sister and uncles. "Tsuna, this is my mother, Akira." Akira smiled, she gave off an overwhelming feel of calm and tenderness. Her expressions were all soft and innocent, yet poised. "Micha'el's told me a lot about you" she said before Lottie swiftly moved on. "This is my sis, Lilly!" Lottie threw an arm up, gesturing towards the blonde, "but like, you probably know that. She's the lead singer of Maximum Beat."
"I'll get you tickets to our next concert in the Hypersphere." Lilly spoke of the stadium just off the coast of Entei, the gigantic, floating construction that could seat thousands of guests and the stage hovered over a pit, made from a circular waterfall. "And these are my uncles. Uncle Karasu" she stepped beside and leaned against the one with brushed back black hair, a few strands were loose however, giving him a slightly rugged feel. "I suppose you'll be coming to visit too, now"
"And this is Uncle Yumoto" she leaned the other way against the one with blond hair, which was a bit longer than Karasu's, but was brushed back neatly and parted on one side. "He's actually glad. It's great to meet you, Tsuna." he said, elbowing Karasu, who grinned.

The sound of music could be heard coming from the hall, signalling the official start of the ball. That was when Lumina perked up. "Oh, oh! We can't miss the opening! Hurry, inside."
"Hurry, or she'll throw you over there" came another voice as Lil' Pumpkemon appeared on Lumina's shoulder. "Oh, i'll throw you without hesitation." Lumina sneered back as the small glowing pumpkin grinned.

They all arrived in, finding themselves a space together in the centre of the room. Before them was a stage, a raised area that often the tutors would use during feasts. The headmaster walked out with a cane, his long green scarf wrapped around his neck and draped over one shoulder. "Welcome, everyone, to this particularly outstanding evening. Here we celebrate the unequivocal success of the Otherearth Expedition. The event took much longer than initially planned, and as you can probably agree... became quiet dire in the first two weeks. However, as I'm sure you're all aware - students and guardians - the young people in this academy, and in Entei and Ravencrest, all have a great duty ahead of them. Im sure you will join me in congratulating them on completing their missions and uniting Occulas with its new sister, Otherearth." The hall was suddenly a cacophony of cheering and applause. "This is why this ball is underway, a celebration of all the students of Hope that held victory over their inner demons... and reaped the rewards. Before I continue with my next subject, I would like to read a short message from Lucas Purevelion, the Heir of the Injustira Syndicate and organiser of the Otherearth Expedition.

'Welcome, esteemed guests, and honorary students. I, Lucas Purevelion, regret to say that I cannot be with you in celebrating this tremendous occasion. However, I would like to make clear that you all have my greatest gratitude. Your actions will be remembered, written, and passed on for years to come. My expedition still continues, with Team Elixer in South Otherearth, and your expeditions do not end here. Many of you have formed new teams, something that our world relies on greatly. Whilst it is true that not all great bonds remain strong over time, do not let that get between you. All great bonds can grow weak, but they can always grow stronger. You are our future... and whilst the mistakes of the older generations may cause your path to be uncertain, do not lose hope. For Hope, after all, is where many great stories start. Otherearth was but the first chapter.

Never lose hope. And beyond all else, never lose heart.'"

The headmaster's voice seemed to trail off towards the last line, as if he was thinking intensely about the content in the written message. After a few moments of silence, there was a second bout of excitement. Finally, the headmaster raised his cane asking for a pause, "finally! I would like to make my last announcement. Until now, I have had to keep one mission from the expedition quite secret. This mission has paved new opportunities for many people. Could you all put your hands together to welcome Kotaro and Kaito Onsen!" Suddenly Micha'el felt his jaw drop almost to the ground. In shock he saw the Onsen Twins walk into the stage, wearing white suits that gleamed like moonlight, with golden buttons and navy hems. Kotaro had a flamboyant off-white bow-tie that had a flurry of left-over cloth tucked into his jacket to conceal his tuxedo shirt, and Kaito has a normal off-white tie, holding the collar of his suit-shirt tight. Each one stopped on either side of the headmaster, giving everyone a wave. They stood poised. "Kotaro and Kaito both conducted their own mission in Sunspire, working in close proximity with Team Sun" he nodded down towards the team, "and whilst Team Sun managed to defeat a great evil, the Onsen Brothers managed to find and destroy the sauce that causes one of my students to fall to dark powers of rage and evil. Lucky for them, it just so happened to be Vardent?" The headmaster clasped his hands together, looking around the room with a raised brow. Micha'el then elbowed Lottie, "wasn't that Ruby?" he then looked to Tsuna, who was probably more than pissed. "As a reward, and special suggestion from Lucas Purevelion, I would like to announce their placement as the new School Council Presidents."

The sudden drop that the headmaster placed made Micha'el gawk, as if much younger than he was. He couldn't believe it, surely the headmaster knew better than that, right? He then caught sight of Tsuna, letting out her anger on a nearby, marble pillar that cracked like a fine spiders web against her knuckle. As some small pieces of stone scattered to the floor the others turned to watch her as she stormed out towards the balcony. Lottie looked back up at the stage, where the Onsen Twins were waving courteously to the crowd that was a mixture of clapping and murmuring, but no cheering. Lumina couldn't help but extend a hand out to Tsuna as she passed, but Ivan forced her not to follow, instead Lil' PK tagged along, jumping onto her shoulder.

"I'm sure you will all join me in welcoming them to our ancient and prestigious Academy. And... warn them if they stray one room too far." The headmaster finished as if nodding towards all of his students whilst the twins wondered what on earth he meant by the ominous last sentence of his. One thing came to mind, though. Micha'el recalled the headmaster often using that phrase when talking about the dangerous sections of the academy. Was that a nod to them? To everyone? Or a warning to the twins? He might never know.. and it irked him.

Lil' PK ruffled forward through Tsuna's bright orange hair and let out an audible 'huff,' "D'you know how long that pillar's been there without a scratch?" he paused for a moment, but before she could respond he said "much longer than I've bothered to care. Perhaps Lumina will like it, she paints webs when thinking keeps her up at night."
"Tsuna." Lottie said, walking out onto the balcony. Lottie was a short little girl, right now an adorned little red riding hood. And her gaze was looking across the balcony towards her best friend. She felt compelled to reach out to Tsuna, who had already been through so much. Her voice, whilst sometimes annoying, was innocent and sweet. "Tsuna... I don't know why the headmaster agreed to bring those two here, but this is our turf. So please don't let it get to you." Lottie then placed her two index fingers together and prodded them several times as she muttered "... and this was totally meant to be our first term together, we were gonna have sleep overs and cookies and stuff..."
"Tsuna-" Micha'el said, just as he stepped besides Lottie, when he realised she was muttering about food and sleepovers. "Again?"
"Can't you see she's sulking!" Lil' PK shouted before turning back to Tsuna on her shoulder, "okay, and what exactly makes you pumped up about these guys? Just smash 'em, dice 'em. Hey, i'll convince Lumina to throw me at 'em. I get pretty big yanno."

Lil P seemed to inflate slightly as he huffed, "eh? That's no fun, honestly." Lil P remarked, crossing his tiny little vine arms in a knot in front of him. Lottie then let out a small "yes!" with a balled fist, looking slightly up towards Micha'el who rolled his eyes. "We just had one" he muttered back, but then Lottie added "but not with Tsuna! So, we're going to head back in there just like Tsuna said and enjoy ourselves." Lottie crossed her arms and stared back at him, almost scowling. "Eh, no fun" Lil' P replied, finally hopping off Tsuna's shoulder and rolling across the floor back towards Lumina. Micha'el looked over to Tsuna, staring as if waiting for her to respond somehow, waiting to see what she did, even though she already said they should go inside. But he waited for her to move, even after Lottie decided to usher them in.

"Baby! It's time to make up your mind. I think, that tonight is where the stars align! Honey, it's time to leave it all behind. Take my hand cus you and I are gonna shine!" blasted the music from the stage ahead, where the popular school band got together and began their pop playlist. The main singer had long, vibrant red hair. Not like Tsuna's but the colour of a poppy in blood. She was accompanied by a young man with messy blond hair, another male with long black hair, and another girl with short ginger hair. "Hey!" Lilly said, nudging Lottie as she attempted to pass her older sister with her teammates. "They're pretty good. And that's coming from me" Lilly grinned, and Lottie agreed. "That's Thyia and her team from Otherearth," she then put out her hands before her as if trying to picture something to her older artist sister, "together, they're Agave... Ironically Team Agave too, as they managed to secure a mission that took them to the Agave Azuli fields in Morningsong Forest." Lottie almost rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but start enjoying the beat of the music.

By now the twins were gone, and hopefully Team Sun could begin enjoying the party. "Lottie!!!!!" some girls began to scream, a cacophony of of high pitch squeals and waves in the air, accompanied by the sound of flapping hands and scuttling feet. "Ah! You look amazing!"
"Yours has a hood!
"Nice job in Otherearth!"
"We barely even saw you!" Lottie turned and squealed back, suddenly being joined by all her friends that she hadn't really been able to keep in contact with properly in Otherearth, even though they had missions there too. "Oh my god!" Lottie then turned to Tsuna and Micha'el apologetically and courtsied, "I'm really really really sorry but my friends are here now i mean not you guys but like other friends they're not partners like you you guys are the best but now they're here and Agave is performing so i gotta go okay bye cya see you soon!!!!" and with that the girl joined the group of girls and vanished from existence somewhere amongst the groups nearer the stage at the front of the hall. In the small breeze of air left behind Micha'el couldn't help but shake his head to resettle his hair and turn to Tsuna. "I... uh..." he then shrugged nervously, "she has a habit of doing that, I'm used to it now. She'll come back when she's bored."