A Crow's Nest (closed, Lazira)

Michael nodded nonchalantly to her answer to her scar and gave her the groceries, then his hand moved gently up to her head as he messed up her hair a bit, he moved closer and pressed his forehead against hers which felt suprisingly cool against her skin. His mouth had opened a little, his razor sharp teeth shone for a second Your putting that life behind you now, remember that you are never alone in mage academy, many of the students have suffered similiar fates as you have, however most often than not are their scars invisible to the naked eye He said this while keeping his eyes narrowed to slits, with a small soft smile the first one he showed her even though she could not see it.

Michael pulled away, placing the helmet atop of his head, he pulled the motorcycle out on the pier, from the locket of the motorcycle he pulled out some goggles, after that he closed the gate to the warehouse locking it. He took a seat on the drivers seat, he attached a plastic pipe to his wrist which instantly latched into it. This seemed to be a part of the motorcycle as the pipe was connected to the fuel storage, soon the motorcycle roared to life, the entire length of the pier stood in front of it like an runaway for a plane, the engine growled impatiently as Michael went trough the progress list for flight off.

Surprised at the cool feeling of his forehead on hers, Lasira blinked a couple times to comprehend what had just occurred. Once it sunk in her face turned the shade of her hair and she ducked her head. "A-Ahh, yeah...r-right." She stuttered from her surprise.

To hide her blushing face she rushed to put the helmet on herself and then wrapped her arms around her middle, letting out a tiny huff of air. It was the first contact she'd had with a person in months and it certainly shocked her to the core; more so because it was a man.

There was a feeling in his chest, it was nearly thirty years ago when he had felt so, so horrible, like he was the worst person alive, he felt like there was a knot in his chest, he was angry that he let his urges get the better off him, he was angry because he knew he was better than this! But nothing of this showed on the outside even if he had`t been wearing his helmet. He just sat there fuming about what almost had happened, slowly he started to calm down.

This was not like him, was it because she looked like her? Michael shook his head, he took a deep breath before he finished checking the check list. Everything seemed in order, he push the switch that said "Jet" he waited a moment for the engine to come into full swing before he pushed in the gas pedal, they immidietly shot forward like a rocket rolling against the pier, they flew off from the ground creating shockwaves at mach 6 breaking the sound wall.

Lasira held the groceries close to her as she felt the 'motorcycle' rocket into the sky. This wasn't what motorcycles should do! It was unnatural! Wait.....what was natural for her anymore? She couldn't see! She rolled her eyes and closed them, letting her head fall backward. It didn't matter they were in the air for her, she was just glad they were able to get farther away from her old home. Sooner they got to Mage Academy, the sooner she could really start her new life, something she hadn't thought possible.

She couldn't help but bite her lip in confusion, still lost on what had happened before settling herself into the side car of the bike. Why had this man done that to her? Why hadn't she pulled away? She scoffed quietly and started fiddling with her nails, picking at them in anxiety. Over-analyzing things was certainly her specialty nowadays it seemed. Between wondering if there was someone coming after her while she slept, to her trying her best to garden without her sight, to even Michael beside her, her mind just couldn't keep up or comprehend anything. Hopefully when they arrive at the academy she could get answers...or help with ignoring it.

Flying over the clouds was certainly a sight to see, the sun was going down at the horizon, the day was drawing to an end. It was going to be a long night. But he had forgotten that he had installed the boosters that used magic to fuel the engine, before this the motorcycle would have taken two days to get there but with this engine they could get in half a day.

He was against the idea of picking her up in the first place, but he could just not say no to the headmaster, soon they started to lower altitude, as they descended lower in the atmosphere they could start seeing an island in the distance.

Lasira scooted towards the end of her seat in surprise, she could sense vegetation around them; practically feel it on her skin as they got closer to a black blob in the middle of the ocean. Even though she couldn't see it, she could tell it must be beautiful....and GIGANTIC. She tilted her head to the side in confusion when she felt the change in temperature around them. It was probably getting darker, that was it...surely. She sighed softly and smiled to herself, of course the island would be big, it had to inhabit a lot of people. Then again she had no clue the academy was on a island in the first place!

She rolled her eyes at the thought and flopped her head back as if she was looking up at the sky. "Hopefully I can fix this...I want to see again." She whispered up into the sky, quiet against the rumble of the motorcycle. She closed her eyes as if she were praying and felt only one tear slip through, both her eyelid and her facade of being apathetic.

The sun finally started to rise in the horizon as they landed on the docks slowing down the motorcycle significantly, shortly after that the motorcycle came to a halt and Michael shifted his weight around a bit more as he relaxed his muscles a bit after a long journey, they where safe and sound, he was back finally everything seemed like usual.

He slipped down from the bike and offered one hand to Lazira to graciously step down from the bike, he had to do it, it was the last thing he ever had to do to her, that is if she wanted to. He hoped the girl did not get the wrong idea of his earlier "mistakes" a woman was standing not far from where they where, her features where anything but ordinary. Martel looked on as the motorcycle landed as it stopped she started walking towards them then bowed as she stood about three feet away from them. "Welcome to Mage Academy Lazira Angel, we where not expecting you so soon, seeing as you came with the metallic stallion im guessing not everything went as planned?"

Scanning the features of the girl Martel concluded that the girl was blind.

At being helped down from the motorcycle Lasira looked towards her feet quickly to hide her embarrassment. "Thank you for everything on the trip..." She said quietly to him, reverting back to her old, timid self around strangers.

She was about to head on her way when she heard a voice talking to her, welcoming her to the academy. In her surprise she stumbled a step and opened her mouth a couple times, looking like a fish, before stepping back slightly and almost hiding behind Michael. "Th-thank you...ummmm." She couldn't help but squeak out in her surprise.

Micheal didn`t say anything he merely bowed for Martel, as he straightened up, seemingly quite disconnected with worldly matters. Martel watched Lazira`s reaction for a second before she giggled heartily. Well are you not the shy one? Not to worry i won`t bite you i promise Michael`s eyes narrowed to slits as he bit his lip.

Martel blinked slightly, looking at both Micheal and Lazira Did i say something odd? No its quite alright, now if you excuse me i will have to attend to the headmaster... He said sounding quite serious as his expression changed to a callous one as before. He started to walk away.

Lasira rested back on one of her legs and bit her lip. "Wh-What about the groceries?" She called out to him, just loud enough for both to hear her. She knew how far away he was yet didn't want to talk that loud. Her old self was rearing its head, even though she tried fighting it off. Her social anxiety was just too strong sometimes.

She then looked in the direction of the lady and grimaced towards her. "I'm sorry, I'm not particularly fond of strangers...most of them don't seem to warm up to me well." She responded to her with a bow of her head. Lasira just hoped there wouldn't be a throng of people to greet her at once; she wasn't sure how to handle it. Just one new person was enough to send her into a nervous fit, and now that Michael wasn't there to be her shield, there was no way for her to 'protect herself'.

Michael stopped in his tracks as Lazira called out to him Lazira... He said with a dry tone in his voice, not facing her or Martel You should forget about me, im no good His voice sounded more serious than before. He was not any good with goodbyes. Truth to be told was he had shopped everything for her in case she got hungry, that lunch box with bento and a juice box.

Martel looked a bit worried between the two. She faced Lazira once more when she spoke to her, she shook her head. Don`t be sorry, its perfectly normal to feel nervous when you come to a new school She said with a cheerful voice. I know quite a few students that would like to meet you, but as you don`t seem too thrilled about meeting new people we can take it slow, don`t worry about Michael he will come around Behind Martel came two maids, they looked exactly identical to one another, and they bowed to Martel. Excuse us They instantly started to move the motorbike away withouth giving Lazira so much as a glance.

Michael took a step forward again not looking back at all and soon enough he was gone.

She frowned as the words Michael spoke sunk in. The first person to hold a normal conversation with her, without running away in fear walked away from her. She didn't even react appropriately when she 'saw' the lady in front of her look between the two slightly. Instead she wrapped her right arm around her middle while her left hand tightly held onto the groceries. She then moved out of the way of the two who walked around her towards the motorcycle. She noticed they didn't even bother giving her a second look; this both surprised and comforted her in knowing there were more like Michael out there who didn't mind her scar, or the fact she was blind. "I had no idea students kn-knew I was coming. Ummm how-how many are there?" She couldn't help but stutter, just thinking about meeting all the students at some point was sending her mind into overcharge, making it hard for her to breathe normally.

1, 2, 3......in. She took in a breath and bit her bottom lip, practicing the exercise her mother taught her about dealing with hyperventilation. 1, 2, 3.....out. She closed her eyes and shook her head, hoping the physical movement would help her forget what was being seen in her mind. 1, 2, 3.....in. She stood up straighter and released her bottom lip, opening her eyes. 1, 2, 3.....out. She then looked towards the lady again and gave a slightly relaxed smile, though it turned into more of a grimace. "Ignore that question. I'll figure that out when the time comes. Now I think I should visit the headmaster to get myself situated. I'm ready.." She said in a suddenly different voice. This one was a bit stronger, full of determination. She wouldn't let her anxiety get to her anymore if she had any say in it.

Martel giggled and lowered herself to her height No its not like that, i think you misuderstood my words, we have new students join the academy every year at around this time of the year, your the first one yet, the others will be arriving in the next few days She said with as collected and serene voice she could muster Introducing you to all the students at the school would take too long, so if you get to know your class, that should suffice for the coming week, and before i forget... Here is the key to your room She picked up a small key from her pocket with a gem engraved into the key, the key was very special custom built for those who suffered from blindness, as the gem pulsated with specific tune and did pulsate faster the closer one was to the door that they fitted into. However once she would enter the room the key would grow quiet until one left it again.

The key also pulsated with such a specific tone only those who where blind could hear it. She handed the key to her. She watched her as she was breathing in and out in deep breaths ..... are you all right? She glanced her way mostly at her failed smile that turned more into a grimace.

The headmaster is quite busy at the moment, no doubt in preparation for all the new students that are going to enter the academy shortly. It was probably a good idea not to tell her how many students attended the academy at the moment, as they numbered in the hundreds. She was afraid that if she did the girl could pass out. But seeing as you came all the way here i don`t see why she could not spare a few moments with you... plus she might be able to break a truce with Micheal.

Lasira held onto her new key tight, hearing and feeling the pulsing from the object distantly. She was far away from her room, but that was fine. They really knew how to take care of people with all sorts or problems didn't they? In her thoughts of the key and her problem seeing she didn't entirely hear what the lady was saying until she heard something about meeting the headmaster for a few minutes. If she had ears and a tail anyone would've seen her ears perk up and her tail start wagging in her excitement. "Really! Then let's goooo!" She couldn't help squealing, momentarily forgetting where it was they were at.

Martel had a feeling that the girl was not listening to her word fully but perhaps such was the best for her mental health, she seemed less frightened by her presence than before, she gave her a cheerful smile as she stood up to her full length, she nodded, from here on out things could only go uphill right?

She started to move forward, turning around to make sure that the girl was following her at times. Right then let`s go

Lasira stuffed her hands in her pockets and started following after, tongue clicking every once in a while to make sure she was following in the direction. Everything was okay....right? God she hoped nothing was wrong at the school.

She looked at the figure moving in front of her. Ugh if only she could actually see!

She was sure her eyes sight could be fixed in time if she wanted to, had the wound been fresh however then she could have healed it on the spot, now however her wound needed time, affection, knowledge and herbs to heal Watch out for those steps. She said as they left the dock area. She turned around to check on her again. After that they walked a long path with benches on each side, this led directly to the main building, like the library and classrooms and off course headmasters office.

Lasira listened to the footsteps in front of her and counted steps when she heard an extra step the lady took, or if there was something different in the way she stepped. There were times when she couldn't figure out how to walk, and there were other times when she did it so naturally, it was as if she had been blind her whole life. Sira rolled her eyed wryly at the thought before letting out a puff of air. "Steps? Wait what step-ooof!" She stumbled a bit in surprise and squeaked when she landed on her hands, having stubbed her foot on the step she wasn't anticipating. There went the thought she had of being such a natural with walking while blind.

She stood up quickly and brushed off her hands and knees before catching up to the lady, embarrassment flooding into her features. Her hands went back into her pockets quickly to hide the scratches and she whistled innocently as if nothing had just happened. She kept a fake smile on her face, pretending she was fine when she felt the tiniest of stinging sensations in her hands and knees; it was a surprise fall and she didn't have any extra time to catch or brace herself for impact.

Martel was about to introduce Lasira to the gardens when she heard light squeak,  "Steps? Wait what step-ooof!" "?" Her eyes wandered her character for a few second as she waited for her to catch up to her. Are you all right? She asked again before she continued to walk beside her.

Can i see your hands? She asked in the kindest way she could think of.

Lasira rushed back towards the lady in front of her and blinked innocently. "M-my hands? Oh no I'm fine, really. This is nothing." She exclaimed quickly, waving a hand in front of her face and moving her bangs over slightly to show the prominent scar there.

She then let the hair fall back to its original position and glanced around the place, sniffing the air slightly. She smelt the flowers and her eyes widened. "Flowers..." She breathed, stepping closer to some of the scents lingering in her nose. She had a smile on her face as she stood in the middle of the garden around her, eyes closed ass he remembered times with her mother.

Martel sighed, as she stopped in her tracks and faced her fully There is no shame in admitting that you made a mistake, these things happen everyday, i know we just met but can you trust me? i can understand that it is hard to trust strangers, but here in mage academy even the slightest slip up could make the difference between life and death, for example if we leave those wounds alone they could get infected, you would not want that would you? She was meaning no ill will her intentions where as good as they came, and she continued to speak to her in a kind soothing voice that she had. I cannot force you to- no rather i won`t force you to comply, if you don`t want to She had seen her scar but that changed nothing, it meant only that she was all the more serious about healing her wounds than ever before.

Tears started to build in her eyes as she looked at her I can make a promise if you wish, i can fix your eyes so that you can see better than ever before, i won´t say that it won`t take a long time to do, but those pretty hands i could fix right here right now will you let me? Her voice shook a bit, since she wanted to help her from the bottom of her heart, but if she did not want to there was nothing she could do to help her.

She sighed softly to herself and tilted her head back to look up at the sky. She knew the lady was right. And she didn't like admitting someone else was right, especially a stranger. But as she promised, she was gonna start differently and gave a slow nod of her head, inching towards the lady again with her hands outstretched slightly. "You're right...I'm sorry. Ummm, thank you...for helping me." She muttered softly, looking down at the ground with her bottom lip in between her teeth.

Feeling like she had finally reached the girl she was overjoyed and embraced her in a tight squeeze, after that she wiped off the tears from her eyes Thank you, im glad you agreed! She said in cheerful voice, she then proceeded to put her arms above hers and heal her arms, as well as her legs in an enchanting green light that emanated from her hands, her wounds healed in mere moments, quite visibly before her very eyes.

There was a warmth to her healing technique that spread from her hands to whatever she decided to heal, in this case into lasira`s body, there accompanied by it was a feeling of affeaction, joy and among other positive feelings, truth was while healing a part of her feelings transferred to the one being healed which translated to being understood. Perhaps one day i can teach you this ability as well She said while finishing up her wounds. Just then she heard a loud crashing noise coming from the direction of the academy, she wondered what that voice was and glanced in that direction, some dust was flying about and she wondered if that old man gerard had blown something up again.

I wonder what`s going on... never mind that im sure its nothing, say do you like flowers? I have an entire green house here where i grow my friends She could not shake that uneasy feeling she was getting. She concentraited her magical power and summoned another clone of herself from the dirt not far from herself. The clone nodded and sank back into the dirt heading towards the direction of the crash. To be honest it did not sound like one of gerard alchemy creations going haywire.

Lasira winced slightly at the sudden attack of a hug and tensed up completely until she was released, giving a small grimace of a smile in response. She was hesitant on the lady's intent until she felt the positive feelings flowing through her from the healing magic. She was nearly overwhelmed with all the positive emotion and practically keeled over when it was all done. So much positivity fighting against her negative feelings of mistrust and paranoia sent the girl in a minor anxiety attack. She gripped at her head slightly and shook it a couple times. "Whoa....You can teach me to heal like that? Sign me up for the next class!" She cried out happily, feeling the negative feelings slowly creep out of her being bit by bit.

She let a bright smile dance across her face a moment before completely blanking at the word flowers. "D-Did you say flowers? I love flowers!" She gasped and clapped her hands together, only taking a small second to realize her hands weren't hurting anymore. "I love flowers! They're one of the only things that-uh...what kind of flowers?!" She ranted, ignoring the stammer she so obviously had in her sentence that she used to cover up her nearly letting something slip of her past.

Oh where are my manners gosh, My name is Martel nice to meet you!

She gave a generous smile, her eyes narrowed slightly, thank you Michael for taking so good care of this girl, i can alredy see great promise in her, she gave a soft giggle. I expect great things from you yet Lasira She admired her smile, even that of one which was covered by a scar.

She listened to her talk how much she loved flowers Well to be completly honest, its not just flowers, but herbs, vegetables and fruits too She whistled and as she did little birds gathered around her, she gave them seeds and explained how to treat birds, how to feed them, they where not scared at all and she talked with them and explained that she could talk with all kinds of animals, some birds landed on Lasira as well and Martel gave her seeds to feed them with, even if she could not see them she could hear them chatter.

Beatiful flowers, Roses, Daisies, Tulips, Celandine, Beggartick Blossoms, Arenarias, Ginatia Petals, Mandrake roots, White myrtle and Wolfbane to name a few She said as the birds flew off. Herbs and flowers are then used to make alchemy elixirs, sword oils and such, that`s how we fight against evil, that and magic off course! She said stretching out her hand with a soft smile on her face. Let`s go then to meet the headmaster!

Lasira gave a small bow at receiving the lady's name. Then.when she felt the birds gently land in her, and the bird food be pressed into her hand she realized just how much she missed her home; her mother. She didn't let this bother her however as she felt bird feathers brush across her nose. She sneezed softly, earning startled flutterings and chirps from the birds along her arms. She blinked at Martel with a wide smile, a rare occurrence since the fire. "I can make medicinal recipes with those kinds of herbs as well!" She exclaimed happily, knowing her herbology and cooking just make come to use at the academy.