ϟ ₪ Raeka

[Elyessi]

[ϟ ₪ S ₪ ϟ] So You'd Like To Join The Academy [ϟ ₪ S ₪ ϟ]
[ Class Affinity Solo ]

[- 1,956 words -]
[- Valmon -]

In a world full of dreamers, Raeka dared to be something beyond her path. She started off as many on the island of Balrea, a dedicated patron to the pursuit of technology. Everyone followed the Academy faithfully, looking up to the scholars of their time and trusting their judgement with utmost dedication. Raeka's parents were no different, dutiful soldiers, so-to-speak, who tended to their sector positions with love and commitment. Both were skilled, but so were so many others, and in a mass of skilled workers they faded into stagnancy. It took a special individual to shine bright enough for the Academy to notice, and unfortunately their shine faded before it even had a chance.

Raeka loved her parents, of course, but she saw how their job was both a blessing and a curse. Like all on the island, they yearned to be the top of their sector, but inevitably settled to be a cog in greater machine.

Her mother was part of the sector of resource, one of the more demanding sectors that worked to not only make their life easier, but provide for the other establishments. She worked more as an overseer, working to get coal efficiency around the island and working with the sector of transportation. They needed to establish and maintain the transportation of the resource, and as a result she worked closely with the Lightning Earthlings who were part of that process.

And of course, in her efforts to learn more and become a prominent leader, she met Raeka's father, and they settled for marriage and family instead.

Love trumped knowledge.

Raeka knew her parents were satisfied and happy with their life. They loved her, and often would encourage her to dream big and reach for higher goals and expectations. They supported her, and were a driving factor for her to push toward becoming something in the world. Of course, there also was a little thing called 'perfect timing' and 'opportunity', and Raeka was able to take just that. It all began when the Academy announced that they were working on a new project.

Oh, the project sounded amazing. Raeka could recall the day she found out, from one of her father's companions. She wasn't very skilled, and was still young, but she studied coal transportation from both her mother and her father. They still had a ways to go for ground transport, but the Academy had ambitions and wanted to reach the skies so they could travel over the sea.

Nothing was confirmed, but there were rumors of other islands having been spotted, and that they believed there might be others across the sea. Unknown people, like them, who survived and thrived alone. Such a discovery would be amazing. To meet others, to help them or learn from them, it was something everyone wanted to accomplish.

So, there was a call to arms. Raeka, with the permission and encouragement from her parents, applied as an external assistant and moved to the capital. She worked outside of the academy on the device, not seeing any blueprint and not doing much more than fetching food, tools, and supplies. It was busy work, work that was low on the totem pole, but she made it a point to watch and listen whenever she could. After all, she had ambitions, and she would learn however way was presented to her.

When they announced the maiden voyage of the first two sky ships, it was quite a celebration. Raeka at this point was wise enough to participate in the final tests, making suggestions and pointing out things she noticed on the ships. Sure, she didn't know the final design, but she knew the engine like the back of her hand. That knowledge gave her the confidence she needed, and the attention from both her higher-ups and the visiting academy members who were overseeing the project.

When the day came, where the ships were ready to fly, Raeka was part of the final check crew. She had a strange feeling, initially she thought it was nerves. Nerves for the first flight, nerves for the crowd, nerves for her showing her skills in front of the academy members. They were all here, the leaders and the crew. They all wanted to see and celebrate the feat, the first flight.

Yet, as the day continued to move, Raeka's feeling shifted from excitement to trepidation. Things weren't ready. Despite her trying to explain that her superiors waved her off. There was never a perfect solution, they claimed, and they could keep worrying and delaying. The trials worked, the tests worked, everything seemed to work.

Still, she felt sick.

Was this some sort of premonition? Raeka was anxious and fidgeted as she stood with the Academy members, watching as the zeppelins were boarded, the engine started, and the ships began to float. It worked! The crowd cheered as the ships moved higher before heading out to the sea, and she felt a bit of relief while she watched. It took some time for them to fly toward the horizon, and eventually the crowd began to disperse as the day faded away.

It was somewhat of a good thing, the exhaustion of the crowd, for as they finally moved away, the disaster began.

The first sign was the dip of the first ship, and then the second. It only was a few seconds, which meant the sharpest of eyes were the ones who were able to shout a warning. However, once the explosion began, everyone who was there became aware of what was occurring. They had failed.

Many rushed to gather what ships they could, pushing out to sea to find survivors. As the night faded in, it was difficult to even find the ship, and it was too late to locate those who were there and identify the problem. By the next week, the search was called off and the Academy was distraught with their failure. They took a month to mourn the loss of life and evaluate the procedures, before calling for new minds to assist with the rebuilding and correction of their project. Raeka, having already established herself externally, applied and was accepted as an official assistant, and was permitted to join the Academy member's in charge of the project in a fully supportive role.

For years, she dove head first into her work, partially blaming herself for her inability to prevent the previous disaster. With all of her focus, extra hours, and dedication, the academy members she worked with took notice, and slowly gave her more work to address and pick through. They watched as she blossomed, taking risks and speaking up with a vibrancy and acceptance of criticism and suggestions. Little did she know that they were often communicating back to the leaders of the sector, and soon enough she even had their eyes on her work and progress.

It had turned from an effort of support to a final test, one she didn't even know she was participating in.

It was pretty typical of the Academy, Raeka would later find out, to watch from afar and let people prove themselves. They didn't recruit anyone, but instead kept eyes and ears for those making changes in the world. In their mind, if someone was worthy of the Academy, they would make enough noise for anyone to notice. It seemed Raeka's progress and dedication, as well as inevitable lead of the creation of the new ships, was enough to gather notice from most of the Academy.

Days before the newest trip was set to begin, the workshop was full of anxiety and stress. Everyone was rushing around, testing and testing until tears came to their eyes. Eventually, some of the workers were sent home on an extended leave, as they were beginning to find problems that didn't even exist. Raeka, taking a note from watching her peers be rushed off, stepped back and took the suggested breaks her upper leaders encouraged.

It was during one of these breaks, that she was approached outside the academy by someone in the tell tale garb. The academy member had a long jacket, dark brown in color but with a bright symbol that represented the sector of transportation. Raeka paused a moment, surprised to see someone so unfamiliar. The one overseer they had was still back working on the assignments, which meant this member sought her out on his own.

"Raeka..." He questioned, eyeing her hair and her crystals that shone against her dark skin, "You are the one working on the airship upgrade, yes?"

She swallowed, so this man was looking her out intentionally, "Yes, I am ...am I needed back on site? I was under the impression that breaks were mandatory this close to launch." She shifted awkwardly, surprisingly shy in front of someone so influential in their life. To be in the presence of one in such an intimate and secluded manner was a major blessing, and she soon found herself tongue tied like a shy girl with a crush.

Come on Raeka, she thought, get yourself together.

"How long have you been part of this project?" He asked casually, scratching his jaw as if bored.

"Years....it's hard to keep track..."

"Years..." He echoed, glancing from the corner of his eye, "Long enough to be noticed for your contribution, naturally."

Noticed? Watched? Dare she hope this means what she thinks it might mean. Was this actually happening?

"There's no point in dancing around this. Raeka, you've got a lot of skill and your contributions to this project are noteworthy." He pulled out a sealed letter, with the symbol of transportation stamped into cool wax, "Consider this an official invitation to join the Academy, if you so choose to. Why you wouldn't, I'm not quite sure, but it has happened in the past. If you choose to join us, we will fetch you once your current project is complete and will officially begin the transition into the Academy."

Raeka's eyes were wide. It was rare to have a half-blood be welcomed into the Academy, as they were often split between sectors. To be noticed, and receive the invitation, was such an honor that she had no words.

"Think about it...but don't take too long."

With that, he turned away, leaving Raeka clutching the letter with shaking fingers. The Academy, the true dream, because of her skill and noticed. To become an Academy member, to have the tools, was such an honor. Sure, she wanted to continue to explore using the tools of the Lightning class, to use pistols to not only tinker but allow her the ability to travel and work as far as she could fly. But this changed everything.

She would join the Academy, continue her research and take on the jacket that would set her above nearly everyone in their world. She would accept this honor and work to improve their land, travel the world as needed and protect her island both with knowledge and with the magical guns that most utilized.

Really, it only made sense to have magical guns on her travels. It was a technology that would befit any travels she made, especially if the island housed any dangerous creatures. She hated the thought of such drama, but knew it was an inevitability. Plus, she really did enjoy seeing all the magical strikes everyone made with the weapons. She was quite happy with the idea, and already eyed her own pair of guns whenever she wandered into the main market of the city.

Really, after All she needed to do was complete her project, fly to the mainland, and her true mission would finally begin.

It was time to get back to work.  

[Elyessi]

[ϟ ₪ S ₪ ϟ] We're Going Down! [ϟ ₪ S ₪ ϟ]

[- 1,091 words -]
[- Sauti -]
[- Early Evening -]

"Oh shoot."

It was really all Raeka could say in response to the sudden lurch the steam engine made. It was if it was a response to the earlier shout of land in sight, an exhausted sputter after a long travel. The excitement of the potential success turned into systematic focus as everyone turned away from the land and to the problem at hand.

Raeka turned to look out across the night sky, ignoring the blinding sunset from the land as she tried to determine if any other ship was failing as well. A shout using one of their simple megahorn devices confirmed the others were fine and she responded that they get in landing formation with additional safety room. Just in case. As the other ships shifted farther away, Raeka turned back to where she needed to focus, the engine.

This was always a possibility. The idea that they could have a critical failure. Over the sea, they might have had a chance landing, using emergency wings to drift down if they could. However it wasn't really tested, and most theories showed that it would be catastrophic. If the ship survived, they would need to deal with the stormy seas and little to no hope of a rescue. As soon as they passed the horizon, they were on their own.

Raeka pushed back her hair and pulled on her goggles, having dropped the protective outfit for ease and comfort. But anyone who knew her knew that she was committed, she was the best, and she was one who worked as hard as she could even if it appeared otherwise. That was why she was the chief engineer on this ship, because they trusted her word and followed it no matter what was happening. And that was why she needed to keep a level head and bark out orders. If she gave them something to focus on, they would make it through.

"Alright everyone. This is it. Land is right ahead, and all we need to do is make it there in one piece. Let's focus on the task at hand. Contain the problem, maintain the flight, and fix it later so we can get back home. Give me a status."

One of her subordinates rushed forward to explain that the engine had overheated, and it seemed as if the gears were falling apart. Well that was tough to deal with, but not impossible.

"Get the water stores, we need to cool this down so we don't continue to have decomposition."

The man rushed off, and another moved forward, "We are burning too much fuel..."

"Well then, if we can manage to cool it off, we need to find a way to reduce the fuel. Even if we have to throw it overboard, I'm sure we have enough to glide in. We can find more when we land."

As others sought her guidance, she noticed the general atmosphere shifted. Determination. They were determined to land. Determined to learn. Determined to return home. This was a mission that would change their world, and everyone was determined to make it.

Suddenly, a cry was heard and everyone scattered. The engine let out another groan and snap, before it seemed to explode.

"Get water on that NOW!" Raeka shouted, moving away, "And don't you dare fan that heat. We need to contain, not expand."

Turning, she marched to their captain, providing him a somber report as they began to lose altitude.

"I think we might make it..." The captain responded slowly, looking out and measuring their distance from the others. It seemed they were controlled, and those manning their wings worked hard to hold them tight and steady, "If we can glide in, I believe there's flat land for us to sustain little damage..."

It was a theory. A hypothesis. A guess. Raeka could tell based on the uncertain posture of their leader. Taking a breath, she nodded slowly, "I'll make sure my team doesn't let anything spread...we might be able to get the heat up in the sails...I'll try and find a way."

There was no time to test. No time for theory. She rushed back and shared her plan, letting others chime in for about a minute before picking the best solution. They would bang on the bolt at the top until they ripped it off. One of her team members, a blacksmith by nature, appeared with long gloves to protect his arms. She nodded and they grabbed a long pole, before he started to bang hard. Eventually, after what felt like hours, the top ripped off and steam raised high from the heat. They felt their ride lurch up as if on a ride, before continuing to descend at a controlled rate.

Land was in sight. People were in sight.

"BRACE!"

The captain shouted as they grew closer, and everyone ran for a secure location to get low and protect their bodies. This was something they practiced, and had hope it would save them. As the land grew closer, Raeka felt herself pray to an unknown. She prayed for success, because the science didn't favor them.

Silence fell on the group, her ears ringing.

The seconds felt like hours, everyone waiting for a strike they couldn't see. It was the hammering of her heart that let her knew that time was moving, before suddenly it happened. Her body shook and she fell hard against the wall, hitting the side of her head as her eyes seemed to spin. A few more lurches, a loud groaning and crashing, before they stopped. It was quick, and no one seemed to be hurt in her immediate area.

The captain was the first up, shouting for everyone to rally and checking to make sure all were accounted for.

Most didn't get up initially, but soon they all stood. The other ships had landed smoothly, and a group from each one ran to help everyone out and examine the damage. Raeka took a moment to relax, leaning on the Geian who came to help her off the ship and to steady ground.

However, she didn't have time to look at the people who amassed around her. To worry about any danger. Instead, as soon as her brain was no longer cloudy, she patted the Geian to let them know she was ready, and stood on her own. It was time to get back to work. They made it, but there was still the need to get home. She could recover once the initial assessment was complete.  

[Elyessi]

[ϟ ₪ RP ₪ ϟ] Tell Me More [ϟ ₪ RP ₪ ϟ]

[- Roleplay Posted Here -]
[- --- posts -]
[- Raeka x Amarone -]
[- Sauti -]

 

[Elyessi]

[ϟ ₪ RP ₪ ϟ] It Needs Work [ϟ ₪ RP ₪ ϟ]

[- Roleplay Posted Here -]
[- --- posts -]
[- Raeka x Limbree -]
[- Sauti -]

 

[Elyessi]

[ϟ ₪ RP ₪ ϟ] Taste of Tendaji [ϟ ₪ RP ₪ ϟ]

[- Roleplay Posted Here -]
[- --- posts -]
[- Raeka x Cassia -]
[- Sauti -]

 

[Elyessi]

[ϟ ₪ Q ₪ ϟ] Welcome To The Academy [ϟ ₪ Q ₪ ϟ]

[ After arriving home from the voyage across the sea, Raeka accepts the invitation to the Academy, and has journeyed to receive her jacket and begin her new life-long journey. I want to do a little reflection of where she has come from, and the transition to where she will go from here... ]

Her fingers quivered lightly as she stood with a small group of people, most pure-blooded earthlings of Geian and Lightning decent. There was maybe one other hybrid, of some sort, but she wasn't certain as they were farther off in the group. Instead, she felt herself melt in a small sea of faces that looked up toward the towering Academy of Steam.

They were all there for a specific reason. They were the newest class of acceptees, filling the lines and ready to begin their journey. Normally, as she recalled, the newcomer ceremony was for a small handful, maybe a single member from each sector. The reason this group was so large was because the delay for the trip to the mainland. Many of the people around her were part of the team that helped make that trip a reality. Most of them had been noticed during their work, hand-picked to be part of the team. Succeeding had passed that 'test' that proved they were ready.

Ready to become Academy Members.

Raeka's wrists began to shake, and she quickly pulled her hands behind her to hold them steady. The thought was always a dream, something every youngling in Belrea wanted to be. It was either continue their family work, or join the Academy, but everyone at one point wished to be the top tier leaders of their community. To be here, invited to partake in such a thing, was a dream.

At one moment, as she prepared for this day, she wondered if it was actually a dream. Maybe she hadn't survived the fall on the mainland, and this was some sort of last moment her brain was creating before it finally would all go away.

But no, she pinched herself more than one, and had a feeling that it was indeed real. She was accomplishing her dream, partaking in a new adventure, and helping change the world around her.

Her thoughts cut off as 8 Academy Members walked out of the entrance, elders and leaders. Raeka recognized the leader of the Sector of Transportation, mainly from their many lectures she attended while she was still learning her skill. It was amazing, to be in the presence of one of the masterminds behind the flying technology. And around them stood leaders in many other fields: inventors and do-gooders. All of them stood there silently looking down on the new class of scholars, watching and waiting.

"Welcome, acceptees." The leader from the Sector of Innovations finally spoke up, "You have been selected for your outstanding knowledge and potential. Some of you showed your talents with your strategies, others with your theories, but all have showed us you are needed in our Academy walls."

It seemed as if the entire group didn't breath as they looked up at the most important members of their world.

"Each of you will be given your own jacket. This is the symbol of your accomplishments, and it represents not only your Sector, but the Academy in general. Take it and make it your own, but always remember you not only represent yourself."

Each member was handed a simple black jacket. Then, they each were called up by Sector. Raeka moved forward, trying to breathe and not trip, to where the leader of the Sector of Transportation stood. They pulled out a pin, eight points and in the color of her group, and pinned it to the collar of her jacket.

"No matter what you decide to do, remember that you passion shines bright atop your heart, and the potential rests always on your shoulders."

The pin on her heart, the symbol on her back. It represented more than a title. It represented a responsibility, and drive.

"We welcome you to our halls, and look forward to the great changes you bring to our world."

Then, they slowly walked back inside, and the group was left looking up once more at the future they had accepted.

With the ceremony over, it felt like a strange loss to Raeka. The excitement was over, and now she was a bit lost. Did she need to enter the Academy, go to her sector, or maybe go and get her stuff for the move? It wasn't quite clear, and she stood there in a jacket that needed tailoring wondering where she needed to go.

It was when some younger members rushed out, calling for each sector to follow them around the building. She didn't have too far of a walk, and was alone. The member before her explained that many of the previous class was Transportation, so they didn't see a need to recruit new members just yet. It tended to go in waves, in order to ensure that they continued to get new generations with new knowledge. They walked up the stairs, and entered a side room off of the public lecture hall of the Transportation sector.

There, the same leader sat waiting.

"Before you can fully move in, we need to discuss where you will go from here. Please, Raeka, have a seat."

Raeka sat down, glad to not be shaking as much as she finally had it all sit in.

"Raeka...we like to ensure our Academy Members have the proper guidance as soon as they enter. To do this, we ask what their life work will be. I understand this is a bit of a stretch, but I'd like to understand where you wish to go while under our roof."

What did she want to do? All Raeka could think about the airships. The last few years of her life had focused on accomplishing this goal. It was really all she knew.

"I think, I would like to continue to perfect flight. I know there is a desire to make this a more common trip, and maybe in my lifetime I can help make this a local reality. It will take time, but if I can help create a more compact, commercial ship before I leave this world, I would feel like I've accomplished something."

The leader took a long moment to think, before nodding slowly, "We will meet again soon. For now, go find your room and get some rest. There's still plenty you need to learn before you can get started with your studies."

Raeka nodded, uncertain if she had the right answer, but ready to get some rest. They still needed to show her more of this world, but she was ready. Ready to make a change. Ready to help a bigger picture. Ready to begin.