Chapter Text
Aurelia
The Principal’s office at Thors Military Academy’s Branch Campus had a sublime view of the surrounding environs - Leeves sat like a jewel amidst the shrubbery. Aurelia had always risen with the dawn, ever since Master Vander had beat it into her head to appreciate the natural beauties of the world. Today…today was orientation. In roughly six hours her meager handfuls of students would arrive, along with a few of her teachers. Herschel, Orlando, Irving, and Schmidt were already on the premises - Herschel had arrived a week ago to help set up campus, Orlando had gotten to school a few days past that, and Irving practically had to drag Schmidt into his lab two days before. Osborne was due to arrive in a few hours as well…she wondered how he would react to Schmidt.
Still, Rean Osborne. Class VII. She had never faced them directly during the Civil War, but she had interacted with them during the Northern War. Of course, she knew a few things, now - supporting Lady Mildine meant learning things about the world. Aurelia was nothing if not open-minded. Still, Lady Mildine was soon to be Musse once more, and had already sent her detailed information on the New Class VII. Rufus and the Imperial Government had already briefed her on Class VII: Special Operations and what they would do, but Aurelia trusted Musse’s predictions more.
Juna Crawford. A Crossbell Police Academy dropout with interesting potential. SSS captain and fugitive Lloyd Bannings had noted her as a potential successor, and one didn’t discount a god-slayer’s words off-the-cuff.
Kurt Vander. One of Master Vander’s sons, one who specialized in the dual-wielding technique. Aurelia had always considered it flimsy compared to the standard broadsword, but supposedly this Vander was Prince Cedric’s ex-bodyguard. He probably chose the branch campus to protect his pride.
Altina Orion. Oh, the Intelligence Division could blot out her details all they wanted, but Aurelia could smell a spy in her sleep. Probably a spy for the Chancellor, but her orbal doll was not to be trifled with.
Ash Carbide. He wouldn’t be in Class VII at first, but he’d end up there. Musse had predicted that he would also be a spy for Lechter, likely finding out the secrets to his past. Still, if he could hold off both sides of the Civil War as a teenager, he must have some skill.
Musse Egret. The lady Mildine Juzelith De Cayenne. Still in hiding as Lamarre scrambled for stability, she was an adept with her arts rifle and orbment. Still, Aurelia had known her since she was a little girl - she got caught in her head a bit too much.
And finally…their instructor. Rean Osborne. A new master of the Eight Leaves One Blade Style, B-Level bracer, Awakener to the Ashen Knight. Armbrust had spoken of him during the Civil War, in equal tones of admiration and envy.
But their school then…was a trash bin. Oh, the facility was brand-new and freshly constructed, but this was a place for rejects and cast-offs. This was Aurelia’s reward for performing in the Northern War. Osborne was here because the bracers had no more work to do. Schmidt deigned to join them because he didn’t want to be thrown in jail. Irving was a plant for the RMP. And Herschel…very well, Herschel was the exception since she had a good heart. She was probably there to look after Osborne and Armbrust, if he ever visited. Orlando was also definitely a spy for Crossbell’s resistance, though Hyarms’ backing didn’t help. Why Rufus put Patrick T. Hyarms in charge of Crossbell Aurelia would never know. But then again, she wasn’t paid to ask questions at this point, was she?
A gentle breeze flowed over Leeves and the Branch Campus from Heimdallr. Spring was always a good time for beginnings. So Aurelia would bide her time and wait for her moment. The Golden Rakshasa always appreciated it when a plan came together, but there was a small part of her that was always excited when things went off the rails.
And if the Civil War and Northern War had taught her anything was that Class VII had a knack for grinding destiny beneath their heels.