Welcome to Gaia! ::

It had been a few weeks since Tsuna had returned to Hope Academy. Finally, Team Sun was together again, complete, and most importantly... ready for classes! Although Tsuna, as usual, still did not quite enjoy the vibe of studying, she certainly fit right back into sparring. The last few weeks had been great for Team Sun. They'd learned to fight together better than before, they had hung out in town, even visited Café Truesvale a few times. The own there was a wonderful gentleman who kept offering student discount. During that time, Headmaster Hope had officially announced the pairing of Hope and Merlin academy for the Christmas Ball. It created a buzz with the students of Hope, creating rumours that were whispered to each other in the corridors. In class, teachers were often giving micro-lectures on etiquette. Sparring matches had become more passionate among the established teams, who knew that soon they would have the chance to fight against other teams who specialised in science and magic. For Micha'el, Lottie and Tsuna however the most exciting part of all of this, was that they would get to see their old friend Aoi Celeste again. She had told them all that her team would also be joining her.

Today was the official start of the winter festivities. All students had been called to the main courtyard to listen to Professor Solomon Hope (Headmaster, sorry i forgot this was the cannon name i gave him a while ago) give a speech. The headmaster was the only professor to be referred to by his first name due to the fact that there had been countless Headmasters with the same surname before him. Lumina had slipped to Tsuna, who had obviously told her team, that a portal was also going to be opened today that would link the two schools together for the coming weeks. The area was crowded with students all huddled in their groups or teams, sporting their uniforms and Hope crests. On the stone platform before them the sun beat down to illuminate the area as Professor Solomon took centre stage. He was a tall character, fairly built and in somewhere between the age of 30 and 45 maybe. The students often tried to guess his age but it was difficult to really know. He had longer hair, around shoulder hair that was brushed back as if by his own hands. It fell effortlessly behind him and over his ears, giving a neat and intended look. His dark brown hair matched his brown beard, trimmed short. His face was chiselled, but on the narrower side. Masculine yet not wide or overly developed. He wore a fanciful green and gold tail-coat jacket, with a black waistcoat and trousers. He was well known for the emerald green colours he wore, and today seemed like a special occasion. The crowd suddenly fell silent as he raised a single hand. It appeared he held a powerful sway over his students. He was well known for being studious and little mysterious. "Welcome, students, to the official beginning of our winter festivities at Hope Academy. As you are all aware I have agreed with the Arch Magus Truesvale to create a joint union between our academy, and Merlin." During his speech, Ivan and Lumina could be seen standing not too far behind him alongside a couple of our professors. Lil P' could also be seen perched silently on her shoulder. "For centuries, our school had stood as a testament of unity, courage and peace. Hope Academy has continuously been a source of hope itself. Today we extend this hope to others, as always. And I expect each and every one of you to greet who I imagine to be old friends back into our walls. Today... for the very first time, a portal will be opened and maintained in this very courtyard to allow safe passage between our schools." There was an audible gasp across the courtyard. Micha'el looked to his teammates, shocked himself. "How're they gonna power that" he heard someone whisper near him, among other things. The headmaster seemed to ignore the commotion, unbothered. "Lumina... if you will. Thank you"

Professor Solomon stood to the side as Lumina took centre stage, in her hand was a palm sized arcane crystal. It glowed a first blue against her skin, almost beating with energy. Micha'el recognised this as a gift from Entei. All arcane crystals were made there, and it was rare to have them anywhere outside the Blue Guild's reach. Lumina held the crystal up to the light for a moment, and for anyone looking closely enough would noticed how two specks of blue-white light could be seen within it. It was a trait all true arcane crystals had, as if they stared back at you. Lil P' then hopped off Lumina's shoulder, rolling down across the floor before turning to face Lumina. "Time to shine, let's see what blue looks like on you" she said sweetly to her best friend. Lil P' jumped on the spot. "You got it, boss" he said. Lumina then let the crystal hover in her hand as she lowered it down towards Lil P'. She focused, peering deep within herself to try and harness the power of the arcane crystal. This was not magic she was particularly familiar with, but she had an understanding of it. Enough to know what to do. As she held it above Lil P', blue sparks reached across his body. At the same time, Lil P' opened his mouth wide in an attempt to reach up and reach it with his mouth. At that moment, an arc of blue magic reached within him and changed his flame from a warm, comforting orange, to a chilling, electric blue. There was a hum of magic in the air as the two worked together to channel the magic, and Lil P' began to grow in size. Larger and larger, bluer and brighter until Lumina was now standing, and he was matching her height. His body had stretched like a cartoon to an oval shape, his mouth open from floor to above Lumina, where her hand still channelled the crystal just outside of Lil' P's reach.

He had become a doorway, an arch of blue light. Within him darkness stirred. Lumina was using Lil' P to help channel and control the magic, using his form to contain it and give it structure. After all... Arcane Magic was meant to be controlled and calculated. Lumina then took in a breath and her expression became focused and confident. "Pumpkin" she began, her voice ethereal and deep - "Pum-Pumpkin Portal.... Open" Without another word a light flashed within Lil' P and he let out a mighty roar as the sound of reality being torn open could be heard. He pulled back as the magic came to life. His body quickly shrunk back down to size as he rolled away and the blue portal spiralled open between them. The crystal had taken its spot at the top of the portal's arch as the base connected to the floor, securing it in place. The crown fell silent in awe, this kind of magic was rare, and was not easily done. Micha'el suspected that both Lumina and Lil' P would be tired for the rest of the day. But his attention was quickly taken away from Tsuna's guardian when a familiar figure appeared through the portal. It was a tall blonde woman, adorned in sapphire and silver regalia. Alexis Truesvale. She effortlessly stepped out, shortly followed by 2 other wizards in similar attire, they were guards. She looked over the crown, smiled softly, and turned to face Lumina. She gave her a respectful bow. Micha'el couldn't help but notice that she looked tired, that her smile seemed forced. Work must be busy he thought. Alexis then tapped the base of her staff onto the floor, and with immediate effect the portal behind her fashioned a stone arch way from the platform's stone floor. The two guards behind her quickly began to work on fixing magical runes to the stonework to keep it stable.

Micha'el adjusted his glasses as if to get a better look at the runes on the arch around the portal. Lottie played with her own thumbs whilst exchanging an impatient glance at Tsuna. She then also glanced at Micha'el, noticing his stare but realising quickly that he was waiting for the same thing that they were... the students. "Thank you" Alexis' voice cut through the mumuring. Her voice was young... as if barely older than themselves and yet so in control. Micha'el noted there was a slight ache to her tone. But she was very, very good at hiding it. Alexis turned to Professor Solomon and they shook hands with a smile. "It is my pleasure to bring the magic of Merlin Academy to this prestigious school. Myself and my students look forward to spending time with you all and honing our skills together to better protect the world in the future."
"Yes" the headmaster replied, "now, everyone. please clear one side of the courtyard to make way for our guests. Whilst main events and festivities shall be held here, some of the Merlin students will be allowed passage to and from Entei as they wish outside of curriculum. Some teams of students will take up residents with yourselves, but alas, we cannot house everyone. Under absolutely no circumstances will any Hope students be allowed passage through the portal. Whilst powerful, and impressive" he nodded towards Alexis, "it's power is finite. It will not be wasted."

Micha'el waited eagerly, now was the time, he could see figures appearing through the portal and when the first group of students stepped through he was disappointed not to see Aoi. Several more groups appeared through the portal and it felt like a lifetime until suddenly - the moment they wanted. Outstepped Aoi Celeste, short, cute, adorned in Merlin uniform and topped with her beautiful ivory hair. At first she looked around, taking in her surroundings but quickly changing her view down towards the students. She was searching. Lottie enthusiastically waved an arm above her as she screamed "Aoi!!!!" much to the surprise of both Alexis and Solomon, who seemed unbothered, and almost grinned. Aoi quickly noticed the team and turned around, patting the rest of her team on the back to point towards Team Sun as the group began to descend some steps and make their way to their side of the courtyard. Micha'el itched to move over to them but knew that right now they had to remain on their own sides of the space. Soon, he thought.

There was suddenly a gasp across some of the students as some more students appeared from the portal. This time it was 3 in particular. The Onsen twins... followed by someone else Team Sun hadn't seen before. The twins emerged in their matching uniform. One of them with his signature pouldron on one shoulder, the other with his signature navy-style shoulder padding. They waved to the other students, recognising their fame as top students. Close behind them was JayBird, a recent addition to their team of which Team Sun had no prior knowledge. The twins seemed to pay him little attention. "Who's that?" Lottie said to Tsuna, nudging her on the arm. "He looks a little... in awe of them? MAN, what is wrong with these people and their fascination with those two". Tsuna couldn't help but let out a grumble as she crossed her arms angrily.

It hadn't occured to Lottie that the Onsen twins might have a new teammate, but Tsuna had to be correct going off first impressions. "He looks so nervous..." Lottie pondered for a short moment before turning her attention back towards Aoi's team. This will be the first time they get to meet each other, a prospect that was tantalising her greatly.

Kotaro's blue eyes looked out into the crowd before him as the 3 of them descended the steps towards the empty space in the courtyard. He forced a smile as he waved at some of the Hope academy students waving towards his direction. "I forgot how basic the students here can be..." Kotaro said quietly enough so only his team could hear. Kaito's red eyes looked over at his brother, and then to JayBird hiding behind them as he said "well at least they appreciate true talent. We shall have to uphold Merlin's great prestige whilst here."
"Don't make us look weak in the sparring matches, JayBird" Kotaro said over his shoulder towards their teammate, blue eyes staring him down.

It had seemed like all the students had finished coming through the portal. The stage was clear of anyone except the Hope teachers, Alexis and her two guards, as well as a couple of other Merlin teachers. Micha'el could see Alexis and Solomon speaking to each other about something, with some stern looks behind exchanged. "Guys, look" Lottie then said to her team, she gestured up towards the portal as another figure appeared behind its veil. It was feminine, and surrounded by a golden hue, as if sunrise surrounded her. When she stepped through and out into the stage Micha'el noted this was an elf-lady... no, half-elf. She had auburn hair and pale skin. She wore elegant attire consisting of emerald green, blood red and cream. Micha'el noted a riding crop hanging from her belt. Over her chest was a very beautiful, cyan crystal shaped into a flower.

Solomon cleared his throat to get the attention of the students once more, with Alexis moving back to meet the other teachers as the newcomer politely stood beside Solomon. "Everyone, I would like to introduce a guest tutor for sparring matches during the next few weeks. Please welcome Maverly Asche, of the Asche Agricultural Estate in Shard. Her practical fighting ability and prowess in her own unique magic will be of great help during training."

After a few more formalities and a unifying speech by Professor Solomon, the announcements were finally finished and the students were allowed to mingle among themselves. The very moment Solomon turned his back and made his way to the other tutors the courtyard became abuzz. Energy zapped across the large open space, the light breeze rushing through became warm, as though winter were no longer here. Tsuna let out a little squeal as she began to make way towards Aoi and her team. Micha'el and Tsuna shortly followed whilst Aoi mirrored them. At long last, the two teams united in the centre of the courtyard, ignoring the chatter of other students around them now mixing together in a slurry of colours.

"AOI!" Lottie shouted, launching herself at the blonde, taking her into a tight embrace which was quickly returned. Lottie relaxed into Aoi's shoulder easier, and it seemed Aoi loosed her guard completely too. Micha'el came to a stop beside her and Tsuna. He made eye contact with Aoi's team. Feeling slightly awkward, Micha'el pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with his finger without thinking. He then gave a small wave and a smile, catching the eye of a girl with silver hair and eyes the colour of daffodils. "Carmelia" she said, holding out her hand to him. She wore a carmine red coat and a pale lilac turtleneck, matched with a double belt around her black trousers. She gave off a distinct 'French' vibe. Micha'el extended his hand to her and held firmly. "Micha'el" he said, smiling again. The other two boys in Aoi's team looked between each other and at Tsuna. One had long black hair in a ponytail, with eyes the colour of sunset. He wore a black tunic with white trousers. He seemed to fidget on the spot whilst the other gentleman took a step forwards. He had medium-short, messy coral hair with confident yet tired looking brown eyes. He was the most casually dressed of the team, wearing a pale blue shirt under an open black waistcoat, paired with blue jeans. "Hey, Tsuna, right? I'm Sagiso, and this" he gestured with his thumb over his shoulder, "is Kuroyori". Kuroyori gave a small wave and Sagiso offered his hand to shake Tsuna's hand.

"It's so good to finally meet your team!" Lottie said, pulling away from Aoi as the two grinned widely. "I'm sorry it's taken so long! But the festival is the perfect time!" Carmelia tapped the small girl on the back, "she's been going on about it for weeks as if she owes this meeting to everyone." Carmelia nodded to Tsuna, then looked across Team Sun, "she's an overthinker."
"Carmelia!" Aoi protested, followed by a laugh from her team. The boys then greeted each other, exchanging names as they had done with Tsuna just before.

"Nice hammer you got there" Sagiso began, stepping closer to inspect Tsuna's weapon. "Wow, this thing must pack a punch?" he said, leaning closer towards it to gain a better look at the details. "You should see her swing it" Aoi chimed in, stepping beside Tsuna, "just don't make her mad or nothing is safe" Aoi said as matter-of-fact. Even Micha'el couldn't tell if she was joking or if that was a legitimate warning to Aoi's team. "I'm more interested in this" Carmelia said, gesturing down to Micha'el's book that hung neatly at his side. Whilst Aoi, Tsuna, and Sagiso admired Tsuna's weapon, she and Micha'el began their own discussion. "I've heard a lot from Aoi about your magic... it's nothing like the arcane magic we study at Merlin, is it?"
"N-no" he said, taken aback slightly. "It's... closer to the inert magic of the Divine. It's seraphic in nature, I think."
"You're not sure?" Carmelia replied with an inquisitively raised brow. Micha'el lifted the heavy book, the heavy book that felt so light in his hands. The winter light reflected off it's silver edged pages, and gleamed across its white leather cover. "It's called the Aria" Micha'el waved a hand over the book as it's pages opened, letting some golden light escape as it swirled into a ball of pure white light. "You command it almost like our magi"
"I studied arcane magic when I was a kid... before" Micha'el decided to stop there, not wanting to explain he had to move cities thanks to his now non-existent brother.

"Lumina, Ivan" Professor Solomon said, walking towards the two of them at the back of the stage. Maverly followed behind as he said "please let me introduce Maverly Asche. As you can tell... she is of no real relation to Miss Truesvale's institution."
"Though I am more than magically inclined" Maverly interjected. The half-elf offered a hand to both Ivan and Lumina one at a time. Her eyes seemed to glance over Lil' P, but she paid him no attention. Alexis then joined the group and simply nodded to them with respect. "Why do I sense there is more going on here than meets the eye?" Lumina asked, placing a hand on her hip. "Please" Solomon began, "follow me to my tower and we five can discuss some matters."

"Your glaive reeks over the long dead" Kyuroyuri quietly muttered as he appeared behind Lottie. She turned to face him, squinting. "That is a cruel thing to say" Lottie pulled out her glaive, balancing it between her two hands. "Where are you weapons anyway. None of you are holding any" Lottie asked politely. "Carmelia has them, magically sealed and safe."