*25*

I woke up on my own the next morning. It was well before sunrise, but something forced me awake. A nightmare. I held my arms close to me as I fought for air. I was drenched in sweat and my throat felt tight.

I gulped down a deep breath before turning and lighting my oil lamp. More sweat fell down my neck. I have to check my arm, but I'm scared.

Slowly, I looked down and a wave of relief fell over me. The brand and scar looked exactly the same. It wasn't real; nothing happened.

Though, I don't want to go back to sleep and experience that again. I changed clothes, slipped on my cloak and shoes, then headed out to walk around for a little while, grabbing the blanket Fenin had given me. I need to clear my head.

I walked with my head down and my arms wrapped around me for comfort. The nightmare flashed into my head, making me flinch.

Crae was half way shifted into his Demon form and was saying he needed my blood and that he craved it. I had tried to get away, but he held my branded arm tightly. Next thing I knew, he was sinking his teeth into me and sucking me dry.

Is that my fear, or will it actually happen? I shivered and gripped the blanket tighter. Whichever one it is, I don't want it.

"Kyrene?" I jumped at the voice. "What are you doing up so early, child? It's still an hour before sunrise."

"I'm sorry, Professor." I walked closer to Rodnik. "I had a nightmare and didn't want to fall back asleep."

He waved his hand for me to follow him, his other holding a small flame for light. "Walk with me, then. I'll keep you company until the dining room opens."

"Thank you," I stuck close to him, liking the company.

"Would you like to talk about the nightmare?" Rodnik asked after a while of silence.

I shook my head. "It's too scary."

"I've read that for some trained Orelie, a dream or nightmare can actually be a vision." He said as I hung my head. "We both already know you're exceptionally gifted."

I sighed. "Crae was halfway shifted into his Demon form and was demanding for my blood. He then proceeded to drain all of my blood from my body. Professor, I felt every bit of it. I felt the pain. All the other times I was asleep, but one night I actually went after him and he fed from me in the forest. I felt that pain again in my dream!"

"Calm down, it's alright," he said softly. "From what I'm understanding, it's just a simple nightmare conjured up from past trauma and what you had gone through. There's nothing to worry about."

"Are you sure?" My voice cracked from unshed tears.

"I'm positive that you have nothing to worry about," he assured me with a smile. "How about we get a glass of water, yeah? I know how to get in early." He winked and led us to the dining room.

At the doors, he knocked four times, pausing between the second and third knock. The door opened and we were let in.

"Good morning, Professor Rodnik. You're up early. Would you like some coffee?"

"No, thank you," he waved his hand at the offer. "Just two waters, please."

"Of course." The person walked off as Rodnik and I claimed a seat.

"So, why are you up so early?" I asked.

"It's my turn to make the rotations." He explained. "The other professors and I go around and make sure nothing is out of place, and to make sure the students are in bed. I usually take the timeframe between three and six in the morning."

I nodded slowly as two glasses of water were placed before us. I took a swig of mine before speaking. "I guess that makes sense. Don't want students pulling pranks, or... something sneaking in."

"Nothing can get in that I don't want," he assured me. "We have the most secure system in place to keep out the strongest of Demons. You, and everyone else, are perfectly safe."

I smiled softly. "That's good to hear." We sat in silence for a while as I let the nightmare be forgotten.

Rodnik spoke again as the dining room doors were opened. "So, your first lesson for today should be for earth. After we're done here, I'd like you to report to the training ground A. There will be signs posted so you know which one to go to."

"And then what?" I asked as a couple students entered and took seats.

"At around nine or ten, I'd like you to find the healing room," he said as he sipped from his water. "Stay there and learn everything you can until the lunch break. Afterwards, head to training ground C for water."

"Is that all?"

"For now," he nodded. "We can't have you using too much of your magic. You may have your staff, but you can still run low and get tired. I'll tell you what your training will be for tomorrow at dinner tonight."

I have a firm nod. "Understood. If you'll excuse me, I need to head to my room and get my staff." I gave him a small bow of my head before heading out.

Once I had my staff in hand and the blanket back on the bed, I headed for training ground A. A couple other students were already there waiting for the lesson to start. I stood a little ways away from them and leaned on my staff. Aside from my fight with that Dwarf and Drake a while back, I haven't practiced earth magic as much as I would have wanted to.

"Hey," I looked over to see a girl walking over to me. "You're new, aren't you? I haven't seen you around before."

I gave her a smile. "Yeah, I'm new. I arrived a couple days ago, but was given time to settle in. This is my first day training."

"Awesome! You're gonna love Professor Ryner! She's really awesome and she makes it easy to understand the magic! So, what kind of Earth Druid are you?"

"You know," I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly and looked away a bit. "Just all around. Dirt, sand, plants..."

"Ah, a rounded Earth Druid. Me too!" I grinned at her enthusiasm. "We can pair up and practice together. I'm Myla."

"Kyrene." We shook hands and waited with the other students for the professor to arrive. I felt a little more at ease knowing I had someone to practice with. And she knows the same Earth magic as me.

A while later, there were about twenty students waiting for the class to start. As they all chatted, I glanced up to see an Elf stride in confidently. She held vibrant youth, yet looked wise for her age.

"Alright, students! I know I said we were going to take things up a notch, but we've got a new student." She stood before us. "I want to see where she is magic wise, then we'll continue." She lifted her hands.

A small rock spire appeared before all of us. "I know we haven't done this in a while, but you shouldn't have forgotten! Basic magic, people! Turn the rock to sand." I watched as she brushed her hand over the rock. Particles of sand cascaded down to the ground.

I nodded. Looks simple enough. I copied her exact movements and gripped my staff tighter. On the first sweep, a big chunk of the rock turned to sand.

"Wow! You're really good!" Myla grinned beside me. Her rock was almost completely turned to sand.

"Thanks," I returned the smile and focused back to my rock.

"Well, you're catching on quick." Professor Ryner leaned over my shoulder a bit. "You sure you haven't been trained before?"

I shook my head. "Not intensively. Just small things." And nearly breaking myself. No big deal.

"Well, I think you're ready to jump ahead a few lessons and join the others." She gave my shoulder a pat and walked back to the front of the class. "Alright, everyone! Return your sand back to the ground! We're gonna jump right in!" She clenched her fist and the sand disappeared. We followed her movements and waited for the real thing.

"As promised, we will be turning things up and practicing on each other." She rubbed her hands together. "Looks like we'll be able to do pairs while I observe. Pair up and await instructions!"

Myla took my hand and pulled me aside. "I'm so excited! She's been preparing us for this lesson all week! I'll have you go first, okay?"

"Okay," I nodded and faced Professor Ryner.

"Alright!" She clapped her hands together. "This one in one of my personal favorites! It's called 'Liquify.' I'll show you what I mean." She held her hand up in front of her, palm facing her. Her hand clenched and she suddenly sunk down to her hips. The students gasped at this.

I grinned. I actually know how to do this. "And, go!"

I turned to face Myla. "What's with that look? Ah!" She yelped and sunk down to her waist. "Hey! You've already done this one, haven't you?!" She yelled as a couple other students cried out in shock.

I leaned on my staff and faked innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about. Yikes!" Sand came up to my knees.

"Not bad, girls." Professor Ryner complimented us. "Myla, try spreading your legs out a bit more. You'll want to stay grounded and balanced, pun intended."

I chuckled and tried to free myself. Professor Ryner helped us out and told us to keep practicing for a few more minutes. It soon got to the point where we could slowly lower each other into the sand instead of a sudden drop.

"Alright, that's enough." All at once, we were brought up from the sand and put back on solid ground. "Some of you were asking how this spell works. Basically, you're disrupting the particles at a high velocity that you're in a sense 'turning the ground into a liquid.' Does that help?" A few nodded.

"Good." She held her arms out. Large walls formed on the outer edge of the training ground, surrounding us.

Our professor sat up on the wall. "The last person standing wins! Use what you've learned! Just no fissures! Go!"

What ensued was mass chaos. We split up and began trying to sink each other into the ground. My main focus was just to avoid everyone. Those who didn't have a handle on Liquify made rocks raise from the ground to slow people down.

I suddenly felt myself starting to sink. Thinking fast, I made a rock shoot up from under me to keep me stable.

"Nice thinking!" Professor Ryner called down to me. I glanced up to see the students who were out sitting on the wall with her. Half the class was out.

The rock started to shake under me. "But what will you do now?" I looked down to see Myla dissolving the rock from under me. I raised another rock and jumped to it. Others started catching on. Soon, it became a battle on our rock platforms. Rocks were flying through the air, knocking each other off. When they'd land, they'd sink into the sand.

By now, it was just Myla, a Dwarf, and I. We stared intently at each other, waiting for the other to move. I held my staff tightly and swung it behind me. I have to think of something. I have to find a way to shake them off.

Wait, that's it! I took a deep breath and shut my eyes. I sunk myself into the rock a little bit as the ground began to shake. Myla and the Dwarf gave startled cries as they tried to steady themselves. All it took was a simple rock throw, and they were down.

"Nice thinking, newbie!" The shaking stopped and the field was returned to normal. Professor Ryner walked up to me. "What's your name?"

"Kyrene," I replied.

She held my hand up. "Your champ, Kyrene! During next weeks training game, you'll have to take her down! Now, you may all stay and get extra lessons, or you may leave. Those who need to continue their nature portion of Earth magic may leave as well."

"Come on," Myla took my hand and we left with about four other students. "The next class is just inside the forest."

"Ah, there you are!" We were greeted by a human, though he was shorter than me by about a foot. "I felt that earthquake from here. You should be glad it didn't ruin your projects!"

"Sorry..." I whispered.

"Oh, a new comer?" He walked up to me. "You used that spell? Be careful next time!"

"Sorry..." I said again.

"Now, follow me, then take a seat." He ignored me and led us a little ways into the forest. There were some tree saplings spread out a little ways from each other. When everyone sat down, I was brought to an empty plot a small distance from the others.

"I'll get your sapling in a moment. I need to look after the others." He walked off to help the others. While I waited, I ran my hand over the smooth dirt. I cleared away some rocks so there wouldn't be any when I have to plant my sapling.

"Alright, make a hole for your tree," I looked up when the professor returned. I was about to ask how deep, but stopped myself. It was as if the dirt told me itself.

I used my magic to create the hole. "That's too shallow."

"Not for that tree." I met his gaze. "If I go too deep, the tree can't get the water it needs."

He glanced over the tree before giving it to me. "Fine, here. But if it doesn't grow right, don't come to me asking for another tree." I took it and he walked off.

What did I do to deserve this hostility? I shrugged it off and planted my tree. Just as I was patting down the last of the dirt, our attention was called to the front.

"Okay, now that everyone is situated, let's get started." He sat down before his own sapling. "We're going to administer some magic to the tree to help the nutrients flow through it. Normally we let it do itself, but if there's a food shortage, we can get the tree fully grown and ready to flower within a couple months."

Seems simple enough. I did this with... I shook the thought from my mind and massaged my magic into the leaves and trunk.

"What are you doing?" I looked up. The professor was standing over me.

"I'm... helping my tree grow." I said hesitantly. "Am I doing it wrong?"

"You don't need your staff for this. It's simple magic!" He frowned down at me.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" He crossed his arms. "You don't need your staff for such simple magic! Put it down and try again!"

I glanced around to see the class looking at me. I bit my lip, then back to the Professor.

"I need my staff. It's to help with my magic fluxes." I explained.

"It's a simple magic!" He huffed. "Just set it aside and do as I instruct!"

I sighed. "Alright, but I hope you have a wet rag ready." I set my staff down and held out a finger towards my tree. "This is a very low magic spell."

"What do you mean wet- holy hell!" The entire field exploded with flowers and high grass. My tree, the class trees, and all the trees around us grew and bloomed instantly.

"What is the meaning of- oh." He caught sight of my blood running down my nose at a rapid rate. "Get the school healer! Quickly!" He pointed at a student, who then rushed off.

They returned a few moments later with the healer. She sat before me and turned my head. "She's okay. She just has a lot of magic coursing through her body. The bleeding already stopped." She grabbed a rag and covered it in water from a vial. Once my face was cleaned, she met my gaze.

"What happened?"

"I was working on my project that I just started." I explained. "I was told I didn't need my staff, but I need it to help channel my magic, since I have so much of it. I barely touched the leaf, and then this all happened." I motioned to the new trees and flowers around us. The professor looked guilty.

"Do you know why you have so much magic?" The healer brought me to my feet while someone grabbed my staff for me.

I nodded. "I'm originally from Earth. I was brought here about three months ago. I haven't been working with magic for very long. Because of that, I have seventeen years of untapped magic that hasn't been used."

The healer faced the professor. "We've had cases like this before. Why didn't you let her use her staff? You had the same problems when you were younger. Why did you treat her differently?!"

The professor grimaced. "Class dismissed. I need to speak with our healer in private." We left the forest as the healer continued to yell at our professor.

Myla was at my side in an instant. "Are you sure you're okay? Are you dizzy?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm alright. I promise. It's not the first time my magic has done something like this. Before I had my staff, my master would hold my hand and use his magic to stabilize mine." My heart ached talking about him.

"I'm really sorry about him," Myla sighed. "I don't know why he acted like that. He's usually a sweet guy! Maybe he was just worried about the trees."

"Maybe now he'll let me use my staff." I held it out a bit. "Sorry about making your tree bloom too early."

"Nah, it's fine." She assured me. "I think I was giving it too much magic. Professor Liden is probably going to clear those trees and the field and we'll start over."

"So," I glanced over to Myla as she changed the subject. "What are we gonna do now? We still have a few hours until lunch."

"I actually have to be somewhere at ten," I said. "That's not for another hour and a half, though."

"Oh! We can go visit a friend of mine!" She grinned and changed directions. "The other professors normally don't mind if we watch our friends in other classes."

We reached a classroom a few moments later and stepped in. "Good morning, Professor Hilen!"

He looked up from a glowing table. "Ah, good morning Myla, and guest. He's in the back, like always." I followed his hand and held back a groan.

"Hey, Striker!" Myla sat beside him as he worked over his table. "Whatcha up to?"

I stared at the symbol on his table as it gave a faint glow. A colorful plant sat in the middle. "I discovered this plant while on a walk the other day. When consumed, its toxins kill instantly. It's too closely similar to another plant that isn't toxic at all. That one has healing properties. I'm trying to see if I can extract the toxins and make them one in the same."

"Why's that?" Myla asked.

"The 'good flower' is endangered, while these ones are abundant and grow like weeds." He explained as he took notes. "If I can just discover how to do this, it'll be a medical miracle."

He looked up and our gazes met. "Well, hello again!"

I looked away. "Hey,"

"What did Madam Knola say?"

"Nothing." I shot him down. "It's none of your business."

"Wait, you know each other?" Myla pointed to the two of us.

"We met yesterday in town," Striker grinned and leaned back. "She was looking at things for her staff and I took her to Madam Knola. We talked and I saw Kyrene had a scar and-"

"Do you not stop talking?" I snapped, surprising myself at my outburst. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so harsh."

"Nah, it's fine," Striker waved me off. "My mouth gets me in trouble a lot. Ain't that right, Professor!"

"Just get to work," was his response.

"See?" I rolled my eyes at him. "Anyway, what brings you lovely ladies here?"

Myla blushed. "There was an incident during our training and we got let out early."

"What incident?" He grew serious for the first time since I met him.

"Kyrene has a lot of magic stored inside her," Myla explained as he turned to me. "So she needs her staff. Our professor said she didn't need it and had her work over her project without it. Well, just by barely touching a leaf, the entire clearing bloomed with high grass and flowers, and our trees fully matured in seconds."

He scratched his chin and leaned in for a closer look. "Interesting. Did she tell you why she has so much magic?"

"I'm from Earth." I replied. "I only started working on my magic a couple months ago after I was brought here."

"How long has it been stored?" He asked.

"About seventeen years."

His eyes narrowed a bit. "So you don't even know if your magic has a limit, huh? It's not rare, but it is uncommon. You'll grow into your magic in due time."

Doesn't help that I'm an Orelie... "I hope so. I love my staff, but it limits what I can carry, and I can only use one hand at a time for things."

"Why were you on Earth?"

I held back a sigh at his questions. "I really don't know. I don't remember who my parents were, and I was passed around to caregivers. My last caregiver-" I cut myself off, holding my perfectly healed cheek.

I swallowed and looked down. "Just before I was brought here, she started abusing me. I didn't find out until later that she was possessed by a Witch. I was saved by the one who brought me here."

"Oh, Kyrene," a sad look crossed Myla's eyes. "I'm so sorry. You're okay now, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I promise." I gave them a reassuring smile. I stayed with them until I had to get to my next class. Despite how annoying Striker is, I'm just glad I have a couple friends.