Work Text:
A few months after Edward failed to become Magia Vander
“Rise and shine, Edward!” Workner announced as he threw open the door to Edward’s rooms.
Edward groaned, then opened an eye to observe the chipper mage in his rooms. Workner was alone, for once, and Edward was grateful. Serah had insisted on visiting every time Workner did, and Edward found her presence grating at times. Yes, they had been the inseparable trio; but before that, they had been Norgram and Serfence and Edward missed the quiet coexistence some days.
“Are you up yet?” Workner asked, throwing open Ed’s bedroom curtains. Edward sat up and glared.
“Good!” The spectacled mage grinned.
“Is there a reason for this visit, Workner?” Edward growled. He’d been planning on sleeping in, now that he was forced to wait for his injuries to heal. Workner tutted.
“Do I need a reason to visit my dearest friend? You wound me,” Workner said with a mock pout. Edward glared.
Workner sighed, and took a seat at Edward’s desk.
“There’s an opening at Regarden for professors. They need someone to teach Spellwork, especially the more advanced forms, and keep the students in line. I told Cauldron I’d ask you.”
Edward wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly. “You want me to teach?” He asked, stunned. Workner nodded.
“Yes.”
Edward stifled his first reaction to hex the white-haired mage through the wall and laugh. Him? The Dark Viper Mage, Ascendent of the Tower? Teach students at Regarden Academy?
Then, he took a look at Workner. The man was dead serious. Edward paused.
“What, under the False Sky, made you think of me?” He asked curiously. Workner smiled.
“Because you’re the Dark Viper Mage, and you’re a High Mage Ascendent of the Tower. These kids are just like we were, Ed, and they need someone to show them what they need to become in order to reach the top. They need an example of something to aspire to. In essence: They need you.”
Edward stared. Workner stared back. Minutes ticked by.
What did Edward really have to lose? Workner was right, damn it: The students had no idea what it would take to reach the top. They didn’t have a prayer, if no one showed them. Edward knew, deep in his bones, that he could do this. He could prepare the future to fight, and become mages worthy of the tower. To avoid his same mistakes.
Workner just waited, patiently. Finally, Edward nodded firmly. “Tell Cauldron, I’ll do it,” he told his friend. Workner smiled so widely it crinkled his eyes.
“Excellent!” Workner exclaimed. He rose to his feet, and gave Edward a wave.
“Looking forward to working with you, Professor Edward.”