[Cyrus/Taigakai] Gone Fishin'

[Taigakai Shikotsu-Kriita'al]

[smear:#75DAFf]“...Yes sir. Understood sir.”[/smear:#824dff:0] Taigakai walked out of the Headmaster’s office, closing the door and turning around to lean against it with a sigh. Typically students that were failing classes with low grades or skipping them altogether usually had a fair reason and that was usually stress or familial pressure. That was something he understood well, at least with a specific fragment of his family. He needed to find the self proclaimed speed demon of the century and that alone was hard.

Taigakai pushed himself off the door and started to walk down the hall. He’s met many students at the academy. All sorts of personalities. If he needed to hunt a student down, he needed to at least know what they looked like. Thankfully, there was an orb he carried around that catalogued students’ profiles in a directory. Another plus was that this student was easily recognizable. It was just a matter of finding the guy. [smear:#75daff]“Ahh, where do I start…”[/smear:#824dff:0], he wondered aloud, brushing the strands of hair covering his face back only for them to fall back in place.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    With the sun high in the sky and birds flitting about the air, many people would consider this the start of a good day. Gentle summer breeze, and soft, green grass. Perfect weather to just lay about under a big ol' oak tree and watch the world go by. While the park in the middle of the academy was small, it was a nice place to take a break. As the young man relaxed with a grin on his face, the grand fountain at his side bubbled. A few floral mages were busy tending to their own practice gardens, studying their spells diligently. 

    Cyrus himself had fairly ok grades. Nothing spectacular, but he was passing so that's all that mattered to him. For what it was worth, he was happy that he managed to get into this academy. Could he be doing better? Sure, but as long as he passed, he didn't care about running himself ragged. There were more fun things to be doing. New ramps to throw himself off of, or lakes to dive into. A small sigh settled itself out from between the boy's parted lips. On days like this, it was nice to just lay back... relax... and take a- oh gods he's going to be late to his next class.

    The sight of a man springing up and blasting into a full sprint in less than a second would leave the flora mages startled, confused, and a little upset that they now had to fix up the ruined patch of grass Cyrus left tattered. It seemed like he was forgetting more and more about his classes lately. While he managed to pass without too much effort, tardiness was already getting on the nerves of teachers. Not only that, but many of his fellow classmates had begun talking in hushed tones about him. How funny it was that the speed demon was always late. Then again, hearing people snicker at him wasn't abnormal for Cyrus. 

    Many of those same students watched as the speedster barreled his way down the hall, eyes glowing almost ferociously a he raced to make it on time. A few people laughed, but the sound was only there for a moment and then gone. Lost to the background. Truth was, somewhere in the back of the boy's mind, he was certain some of them were trying to bully him. Which was actually more than a little funny to him. At first, some of those comments hurt. But then he realized that college was just simply full of gossip. More people genuinely didn't care about him than those that did. To the everyday student, shit was just a funny story to chat about over a pizza with their buddies. 

    So why was he thinking about this today? Actually, Cyrus didn't know. Actually that was a good question. You know, it would be nice to have a little internal debate with himself over that when he was done running over that guy right in front of him. Wait what? Blinking in surprise, realization dawned upon the would-be adrenaline junky. Oh. Shit. Was all that entered his head as he slammed full force into the poor, unsuspecting Taigakai. Turns out the reason was simple: His brain was running slower than his legs. 

    Whoops. 

[Taigakai Shikotsu-Kriita'al]

Taigakai wandered down the hall, only looking to the side out the windows that opened up to the world outside the building. Sunlight peeked through the stained glass windows, their rainbowed mosaics showcasing the oldest of stories and the greatest plights of any hero. It was peaceful, though most silence hovered like an invisible fog around the headmaster’s office. Students passed by chattering amongst each other. It seemed that today was going to be normal.

Of course, it was normal up until Taigakai was suddenly hit with such a sudden force that took him off his feet. After a bit of a slide from the impact and registering what just happened, he felt a weight on top of him. It felt like another person, so it wasn’t someone trying to lob something absurdly large at him, unless the absurdly large thing was another person. That didn’t typically happen here unless they were throwing themselves.

Though, despite all the ‘many’ possibilities of what hit him, he figured it was just the person he was looking for. Cyrus wasn’t a large body and he was one of very few that could send someone flying by ramming into them at a high speed. [smear:#75daff]“Ah, Cyrus. Just the student I was just looking for.”[/smear:#824dff:0] Taigakai managed to at least prop himself on his elbows while Cyrus was still on his back. [smear:#75daff]“Could you please get off me first?[/smear:#824dff:0]”

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Laughter erupted from some of the surrounding students, of which there were only a few. Thank the gods for that one. Yet another story for the pizza parlor. Cyrus thought as he rolled himself off of Taigakai. A moment passed as Cyrus stood, measuring the distance they had slid. The two had actually gone quite a ways. "Huh. Surprisingly slippery... neat." Muttered the young hit-and-run culprit. While on that topic, the first thing that should come out of anyone's mouth after running someone else over should not be the word 'neat.' 

    That realization came after a short pause. 

    "Oh shit, sorry, that's totally my bad there!" Cyrus swung around towards his poor victim, nearly throwing himself off balance from doing so. Holding out his hand, the student's face was one of calm concern. Another moment of pause later, and the young man quickly shifted around so that the two were more properly facing one another. One thing was already apparent about this fine young fellow; His mind moved far slower than he did. Perfectly exemplified by the time it took for Taigakai's words to run their route in his brain. "Wait why were you looking for me?" 

    Now, one could attribute Cyrus's absent mind to many different things. Excessive brain damage from running into too many solid objects was the more generally accepted idea, but it wasn't as though anyone had ever actually asked. The young man clearly didn't mind. With the full situation caught up in his brain, the new course being run was based around the topic of why Captain Slip'n'Slide wanted to see him. Did I run into him before? No, no, I would remember that sorta distance. Hm, maybe he wants to fight? Not really a good choice in that department buddy, my rank isn't super high. Wait could he be an assistant or something...? Cool ear piercings, wonder where he got them done. Shit could those be used as weapons...?

    That's pretty sick actually... wait, fuck!
    
    Politely clearing his throat, Cyrus did his best to help the white haired man to his feet, speaking in a sheepish, but urgent tone. "Actually, whatever it is, could you make it quick? I have a class starting soon and I really don't want to be late. Wait what time is it shouldn't the bell be ringing soon?" The light of Cyrus's ResLink matched that of his hair. Surprisingly, after all his crashes, it was still well maintained. His expression went through a few changes as he looked at the time and date. It moved from sheer horror to puzzled, then to quizzical, then blank. "Oh... wait... it's the weekend isn't it?" 

    To call the poor boy's final expression 'defeated' would be putting it lightly, as his hollow eyes and empty smile. If his lips parted any wider, one could probably see his soul leaving his body. A couple students that had stuck around to watch the show cheered and applauded Cyrus's final conclusion before meandering away to enjoy their day off. 

    Movements stiff, and heart bursting with embarrassment, the glowing speedster nervously turned back towards Taigakai. Smile pained, eyes dead, voice hoarse, the only thing the poor boy could mutter out was a weak. "...Sorry about that..."

[Taigakai Shikotsu-Kriita'al]

Taigakai waited patiently andthen got up the moment Cyrus got off him, taking the boy’s hand and getting to his feet with a huff. He dusted himself off as Cyrus was having a time figuring his bearings, making sure his clothes weren’t wrinkled and that his hair was in place. Appearances somewhat mattered for him, it was more just looking pristine and graceful but that also only really applies to Taigakai himself. Everyone did have their own style, after all.

Taigakai gave a sharp look at the other students that seemed to linger for any more drama, a rare glimpse of him not looking laid back, making them jump and scurry off somewhere so the two were alone together. [smear:#75daff]“You seem to be some type of popular with the students here.”[/smear:#824dff:0] He wasn’t a celebrity in the school or anything. Taigakai was a fairly quiet entity, but most would recognise him for a relaxed person. A sharp glance over would spook enough away after knowing the bare minimum of him. The only other things that made him stand out was his lineage’s ability and his sense of fashion. Who else walked around the school dressed in sequins and pierced in several spots on the ears with metal spikes?

[smear:#75daff]“Headmaster’s noticed you’ve been late or skipping courses. He wanted me to check up on you, see if everything is alright.”[/smear:#824dff:0], he said the moment Cyrus was able to settle. Taigakai placed a hand on his hip. [smear:#75daff]“It’s fine. No harm done.”[/smear:#824dff:0] Though he wouldn’t want to get run over again by any means. [smear:#75daff]“So, what’s going on that’s making you late or skipping classes?”[/smear:#824dff:0]

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    A flat expression crossed over the young mage's face. Mixed somewhere in the realm of critical and confused. The young man had no idea if the other was serious or not. "Popular? Uhh, no, I don't think so?" Cyrus pondered a moment, nipping at his thumb with pointed teeth. "Hmm... uuuhh-" the boy clicked his tongue "-nope, yeah don't think so. I mean, I make people laugh, so it's a pretty innocuous lil' reputation. Far as I'm concerned, if someone has any real issues with me then; One, that's their problem. And two, they're the outliers." The speedster shrugged

    Certainly, Taigakai's attire was one of the more interesting outfits, but almost everyone had some sort of 'interesting' outfit. Some guy with giant metal lightning gauntlets, a mage wandering with a blindfold designed with a gilded golden eye, a dude that wore chains on his person all the time. So on. While those that attended Vyridel were definitely limited by the uniform, personal expression was allowed here and there. Certainly when combat courses were running, everyone scrambled to wear what made them comfortable. Otherwise, that sort of thing was reserved for when they hit the town or were part of staff.

    Wait, part of staff...?

    Oh shit, part of staff.

    When the realization hit, it hit hard. Moments before Taigakai hit him with why he'd been looking for Cyrus in the first place. For what it was worth, the boy's face was really expressive. This time mixed somewhere in the realm of 'Oh shit' and 'Oh fuck' as he struggled to maintain a panicked, nervous smile. He didn't really think it'd gotten that bad. He surely didn't intend for it. Of course, Taigakai was probably just trying to keep his statements objectively neutral, probably to fish out the truth. But the implication that Cyrus was actively trying to ditch class stung just a bit. Is that what they think of me? Was the recurring question that came to mind. 

    "Eheh... eh... well, I'm really not trying to be late. and I'm definitely not trying to skip!" Cyrus searched his memories, trying to remember if he'd missed any full classes lately. Tardy, sure, but skipping? The boy's brows furrowed, deep in thought. Shaking his head, the young mage straightened up. "I mean, I'm still keeping my grades at a passing level, I'm doing all the work! I just... sometimes loose track of time and forget my schedule. The days just tend to blurr together, you know?" 

     Cyrus knew a large part of this likely came from his thrill seeking. Getting distracted by wandering around or looking for excitement in stupid places. Time management sucked, and he just wanted to try to have fun. Everything that came out of the adrenaline junkies mouth, though genuine, felt weak. He didn't really know the reasons behind it. Just that his focus wandered elsewhere when he didn't want it to. A confrontation only seemed to intensify that feeling of pressure, and only filled Cyrus with concern that... maybe he was about to be told to beat it. 

[Taigakai Shikotsu-Kriita'al]

[smear:#75daff]“Mmm..”[/smear:#824dff:0] Taigakai folded his arms over each other. [smear:#75daff]“If losing track of time is your problem, maybe it might be an idea to get something that could remind you. I believe the Res-Link has some kind of clock alarm feature, so it’s just a matter of paying attention to those.”[/smear:#824dff:0] Of course if that didn’t work for him, there were many kinds of trinkets and gadgets, magic or not, that also did the trick.

Taigakai’s expressions in contrast to Cyrus seemed to be more spaced out. His expressions didn’t seem to be as loud, but much more subtle. Of course, he didn’t have much to react to at the moment for any kind of expression to really make itself known. [smear:#75daff]“There are some professors that do alter your grades by attendance. I’d make sure to show on time if possible.”[/smear:#824dff:0], he said. It was almost impossible to not get one of those teachers too, there were a number of them in the mix to the point where you had at least one, and having one was considered lucky for most students.

[smear:#75daff]“Iiiiiif there’s anything that you need to like get out there though, there’s always been a special exception if you’re tagging along in a group bounty. Of course it requires an approval from the Headmaster and you’re typically in a group because you guys are students after all.”[/smear:#824dff:0] And there was always a security in numbers.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Cyrus let out a hefty sigh. Taigakai was right. There were multiple ways the young man could schedule alarms, set them on the right days, so forth. Even if he slept through one, then he could have just set multiple. It sucked that he had to basically make himself a set list of reminders so that he could actually function. The whole thing felt like way more effort than he ever wanted to put in. Sure, the young mage would have probably done this when he first came to the school, but that was way back in the past. He was used to Vyridel now, and it just exhausted him mentally. Not the work, but the students. 

    Even though no one bothered him directly, watching everyone be so petty and elitist towards one another was a different kind of shit show. It felt a lot more tame and peaceful when the speedster lived life more innocuously. Keeping his head down, so to speak.

    Well. At least in the ways that actually mattered. 

    That never reached his lips, replaced instead by a second shrug. "I understand, sir. I'll do my best." Feeling dejected, Cyrus exhaled. Maaaaan, even when I'm trying not to get in trouble, I still get in trouble. The young man perked slightly when Taigakai continued, blue eyes studying the other. Going out on bounties? Like, out beyond the wall? Beyond the wall where there's new places to bolt around? Cyrus's interest certainly seemed to perk a bit at that suggestion. The issue came in with the group implication. It made sense, but the idea of making an ass out of himself during a bounty infront of an entire group spoiled it's luster quite a bit. 

    "Eh. I think I'll consider it." Headmaster probably won't approve it anyways, if he's sending people to scold me for my attendance. His hands worked at the back of his neck, eyes darted to the side. Taigakai was a weird dude to try to get a read on. It was hard to tell if he was trying to be hard on Cyrus because it was his job to do so, or if he didn't actually care. Gave out a lot of mixed vibes that confused the adrenaline junky to no end. But, if that was all the dude came to talk about then the conversation was probably over, right? "Well... uh... if that's all you needed from me, then am I free to go?" 

[Taigakai Shikotsu-Kriita'al]

Taigakai waved his hand. [smear:#75daff]“No need for formalities, you can just call me Taigakai.”[/smear:#824dff:0] At least that was the easiest part of his name to say. His hand returned to resting on his other arm, crossed over in place. The boy’s pale eyes went up as he tried to think of anything else. [smear:#75daff]“I suppose that was all I needed to talk to you about, at least formally as staff.”[/smear:#824dff:0] He gave a shrug. Cyrus looked like he had somewhere to go, places to be and people to see. Though, knowing the literal track record Cyrus had, it seemed to be more that he had a knack for exploration than what the school had to offer. The poor guy was just a hamster stuck in a maze looking for something fresh.

Taigakai for the most part seemed to keep an incredibly aloof air around him. Very few moments seemed to peek out from that fog where a kind of emotion could be read. A few students passing by exchanged whispers looking at Cyrus, a soft giggle quickly cut when Taigakai snapped over to look at them. It seemed the glance was harsh enough to make them stop and hurry off a little bit more to wherever they were going.

[smear:#75daff]“If you want to hang out, I shouldn’t be hard to miss. I’ll be sifting around near the training chambers.”[/smear:#824dff:0], he said while turning towards another hall. Of course, Cyrus also wouldn’t be hard to miss. It was up to Cyrus to tag along at this point. Not many people left a trail of light behind them when on the move.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Well, at least that heart attack was pleasantly over. With Taigakai leaving, now the young man could go back to whatever he was doing. Wait what was he doing? Oh, right. Lounging in the school park. Lounging in the school park and doing absolutely nothing. Nothing but enjoying the weather, napping, and doing butt-fuck-all. It's a totally valid and great way to enjoy the day. Really. There's nothing wrong with just lazily sitting in the grass and watching the sky above. Maybe take a bit of a snooze to pass the empty time. Totally... not... boring...

    Cyrus turned and chased after Taigakai. 

    "Hey wait up!" Even walking, it didn't take much effort for Cyrus to catch up to the other man. Dude was a glowing streak even when he wasn't trying to throw himself into walls. "So, hey, anyways. Tell me more about like. Bounties and shit. Actually hey why are you going to the training section? Aren't you like? Off the clock or whatever? Wait, that's a stupid question, ignore that. Those are some fuckin whack piercings you got man. Must have hurt like a bitch to get them put in. Wait I should probably watch my language around you, shouldn't I? Should I? Hmm..." Were teacher's assistants supposed to be treated like a teacher, a student, or just some random dude? Cyrus could never figure it out. 

    It seemed like it wasn't just his feet that ran a mile a minute. His mouth was quicker than his mind, perfectly exemplified by the number of times he asked a question, only to realize he already knew the answer. The young man did his best to keep pace with Taigakai, trying hard to match his speed. That on it's own was a difficult task. Routinely, Cyrus either under estimated and lagged behind, or overestimated and overtook the other man. It certainly didn't help that the shark boy easily got distracted by others waving and saying hello to him in the halls. At least that showed his school life wasn't all just giggles and rumors. Sure, people got a bit tiring, but otherwise Cyrus appeared to have decent social standing. 

    Unlike some unlucky students, the gossip surrounding the boy was less malicious. He wasn't being bullied, some people were just dicks. The young war mage took it in stride, with a sharp toothed grin and seemingly endless well of positivity. It definitely helped that he could make others laugh with his antics. Though he didn't have his own group of friends to center himself around, Cyrus felt fall from alone. 

    "So hey how are you so slippery?" Finally matching Taigakai's speed, the boy leaned down and looked up towards him. "Is that by design? Or are you just really slimy or some weird shit like that?" There've been weirder happenings. Who knew, maybe Taigakai had some sea-slug heritage in there. For a moment, the shark boy seemed to want to poke the other and test the theory. He thankfully resisted the urge and instead straightened up in his posture. "Also like, you're a TA? Does that mean you've actually like... been out and about out there? Shit, dude, how big of a name are you? Holy shit, do you know Rorsche? You gotta tell me some stories at some point. I bet you've scared some bandits shitless with those eyes of yours." Emphasizing the comment, Cyrus used his fingers to ply open his own. 

    Taigakai, with is flat expression and chilling gaze, probably could have frozen someone to death with his looks alone. At least that was the working theory going around Cyrus's head right now. Completely inappropriate to think about someone. Totally not ok. But also holy shit that would be so cool.

[Taigakai Shikotsu-Kriita'al]

It didn’t seem to take much to convince Cyrus to tag along. Then again, it didn’t seem like he was too terribly occupied. Though the lounging about he’s done is something Taigakai enjoys doing himself. He kept a relatively normal pace, it wasn’t like Taigakai was in a hurry or anything.

Cyrus seemed to be so ever full of questions, Taigakai couldn’t help but smile a little. [smear:#75daff]“It depends on the assistant, but I don’t mind a bit of language.”[/smear:#824dff:0] He reached up to pull one of the spikes out of his ear. [smear:#75daff]“These don’t really hurt to put in as long as they remain sharp.”[/smear:#824dff:0], he said, handing the spike to Cyrus to examine. The needle itself was incredibly sharp and absolutely frigid to the touch, though Taigakai seemed completely unbothered by the cold. It couldn’t be based on his clothes. The fabric was thin and sparkly, looking more of an aesthetic choice instead of functional. It would likely catch Cyrus’ eye but there seemed to be a white wisp snaking through the hole where the needle was and compacting to solidify into a new needle. [smear:#75daff]“As for slime, ah, no I don’t produce that. If I did, it would likely have frozen over.”[/smear:#824dff:0] The thought was funny though. [smear:#75daff]“I’ve met Rorsche, he’s an interesting type. I understand some people see him unsavory with his antics, but he typically means well.”[/smear:#824dff:0]

[smear:#75daff]“As for bounties, I do take some of them on, yes. Sometimes I take them on my own to kill time, though I’m not sure it’s my looks that are what strikes fear. Sometimes I do it to assess mages on ability and teamwork.”[/smear:#824dff:0] He held the door open for the shark. [smear:#75daff]“Sometimes it’s a necessary exercise for those that don’t work well with others or for those who can get a little overconfident. Though, some of these bounties are also mock-ups to ensure their safety and strain on something they’re lacking.”[/smear:#824dff:0] Taigakai could acknowledge when someone works well alone, but always wanted to reinforce the point that sometimes help is necessary for a few reasons.

[smear:#75daff]“As for the training room, I like to watch spars and see how the students are doing in their practices. Even if it’s not in the top ten, progress is progress. Sometimes I come here to make sure that my own skills remain sharp.”[/smear:#824dff:0] He walked over to a vacant space and tapped on the panels to set a scenery down for the two. [smear:#75daff]“Any conditions you prefer?”[/smear:#824dff:0], he asked.

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    Ok good, swearing was alright. Good, good. He didn't just make an ass out of himself by dropping a few curses there. Cyrus winced when Taigakai pulled one of the needles out, but was quickly overtaken with awe. Watching a new needle grow and reform in it's place only filled the boy with more curiosity. It was as though the needles were a part of him. Like the dude was just born with pierced ears that could regrow at will. Of course, Cyrus knew well enough that it was probably some sort of latent magics, but still. Shit was fucking dope. 

    Careful not to prick himself, the young man inspected the razor-sharp needle. It was almost like a dart. Probably was used in that manner too. And by the gods was it cold. He had to keep it moving or else he was sure his palms would freeze. Like an ice cube that absolutely refused to melt. Taigakai's natural frigidity definitely explained away why the guy could get some distance on a slide. Was he half penguin? Guy did have a total white-black theme going. Though that could probably also fit for an orca as well. Wait but orca's didn't slide. Yeah, back to penguins on this one. Penguikai. Pengkai. Taiguin?

    Wait shit he actually knew Rorsche? [Un]lucky bastard. "You really know that guy? Holy shit how have you not stroked out by now? Or gotten blown up!?" Cyrus bounced on his feet as he spoke, eyes sparkling with awe. "Is it true that he can blow someone up with a flick of his finger? Or that he can summon a literal second sun? Holy shit are you one of his apprentices? How are you still alive after that? Dude, everyone says he's a fucking psychopath. I dunno about that, though. Then again, Professor Kannis also says he's the king of fools." The boy leaned closer, half-whispering as though afraid his words would summon the beast. "Which is probably fancy speak for a giant moron" Then back to normal level.

    "Dunno though, I doubt the head master would let a guy like that on campus and make him a teacher. Supposedly, there's rumors that he's scouting around for other students to take on. Apparently that wild Green-Haired chick that Zappy Dude hangs around piqued his interest. Makes you wonder what the criteria is to be picked for that sorta thing, huh?" Cyrus wandered into the training room after Taigakai, still lost in his rambling. "That Damien dude's a total dick though. Unpopular opinion, I don't really think he's all that. Oh no preference towards any settings. Anyways, as I was saying. I know he's an honors student but-"

    Cyrus stopped in his tracks. Something was processing in his head. The loading bar could practically be seen ticking away in his skull, and the silence that followed lingered until Taigakai finished dialing in the conditions. "Waitaminute." The loading bar ticked to done. It looked like the young mage finally realized where they were. Glancing around, the boy tossed the gaze back to the teacher's assistant. "Uhhh, what're we doing again?"

[Taigakai Shikotsu-Kriita'al]

Taigakai looked up from the panel to glance at Cyrus. [smear:#75daff]“I know Rorsche has a bit of an explosive temper, but if you keep level around him and tolerate him, he’s not as likely to send a nuclear explosion your way.”[/smear:#824dff:0] His attention went back to the panels.[smear:#75daff] “His element opposes mine, and his method of magic doesn’t really suit me. I know him by association with staff. His history is largely unknown but there’s something that feels like he knows more than he lets on. Just a hunch I have though.”[/smear:#824dff:0], he replied with a shrug.[smear:#75daff] “They say sanity reduces with age, so he might be a lot older than anyone thinks.”[/smear:#824dff:0] That wasn’t really Taigakai’s business and he didn’t really care to dig.

[smear:#75daff]“Rorsche isn’t the only teacher here with a strange reputation. He is certainly more outgoing enough to get noticed though.”[/smear:#824dff:0] Taigakai paused to think of what students Cyrus may be referring to. [smear:#75daff]“Heianu I think her name was? She’s certainly an interesting character, so I suppose that makes sense. Her element’s in fire, but the way she uses it isn’t typical of fire mages. Maybe that’s why he’s got an eye out on her. That’s pretty normal for apprenticeships in general. Bonus if it’s an element they can help hone in on.”[/smear:#824dff:0] And using fire was like breathing for Rorsche, so helping another fire mage would be easy as long as they can tolerate his shenanigans.

Taigakai walked onto the field as it began to materialise with its conditions, all while Cyrus was processing what was happening. The parameter lined with trees, the ceiling of the academy grounds hidden under a dark grey cloud cover. Rain fell with a soft splattering on the ground and the trees. Taigakai closed his eyes and tilted his head back, feeling the rain on his face and letting out a slow breath of frost. Even if it was environmental magic, it still felt nice. When it seemed to click for Cyrus, Taigakai was looking directly at the shark. [smear:#75daff]“You were curious about what my magic is, yes?”[/smear:#824dff:0] Cyrus seemed to be a hands on learner more than anything.[smear:#75daff] “This is a simple spar, nothing really pertaining to winning or losing unless you want to add those conditions.”[/smear:#824dff:0]

[Sparky]

[Refs]

    All the stuff about Rorsche definitely lined up with the rumors Cyrus heard about the man. But wait, if he was older than he let on, did that make him some sorta boomer? Oh the man would most definitely incinerate the shark boy if that was said to his face. Or, if all the stories about his mischief was true, then maybe they would get along just fine. Mutual respect out of idiocy. Probably for the best that he hadn't run into the man just yet. For as much of a presence the teacher had, he also seemed to be pretty elusive. Elusive, or maybe Cyrus was just way too cool for him to bother. No, wait, that's stupid. Of course he was cool, he had glowing hair!

    He was fuckin' awesome. 

    Wait what was the topic again? Oh right, sparring. 

    Cyrus watched as the field took shape. Rain felt good on his skin. Soothing. He just wanted to sit and bask in it forever. Probably the actual shark part of him that wished for that. Taigakai's voice snapped him out of his daydream and back into the moment. Right. Sparring. Wait, sparring? With a TA? Weird. Hold on, what would the rules be? Confused, the young man looked at the man with a strange gaze. Was the guy always this way? Must make relationships hard. Poor guy must be so lonely. Or absolutely fuckin killing it with the ladies. Or guys, Cyrus didn't judge. Was Taigakai a bottom or a top? Cyrus was going to guess... bottom. 

    Still off topic, real it in kid. Come on. "Uhhh, I mean like... if you're just doing a demonstration then it doesn't really have to be a spar right? Just do a little swoosh, swish- bam!" With each... sound... effect... Cyrus struck different combat poses and thrust forth playful punches. No real need for the sounds, but here we are. "You know what I'm sayin? I mean, cus like. I can't exactly, like, hold back..." Physics were not on the boy's side. There was only so much you could pull a punch when going as fast as a bullet. At some point, you might as well just not fight at all. Besides, it was raining and this dude had ice powers. Which was probably not a good mix.

    What do you mean that'll probably happen once he starts doing bounties? That's not the point! He's not doing bounties right now, he's doing a sparring match! Weren't you listening? Was he even listening? Was anyone? The young war mage blinked a couple times and scratched the side of his chin. "Like... at that point, it's either all or nothing, isn't it? I could probably not run? But that's my whole thing, you know? Plus you'd be using magic while I wouldn't be, which is a pretty uneven match up too." It just felt a bit extravagant for a demonstration. Wait was Taigakai just trying to get Cyrus back for using his face like a sled? "Wait are you just trying to get me back for using your face like a sled?" 

[Taigakai Shikotsu-Kriita'al]

[smear:#75daff]
“Having a target is a bit more fun.” [/smear:#824dff:0]Taigakai said, flicking some strands of hair back. Their hair had some weight to it now from the rain. The area around grew colder, more so than normal on a rainy day. But that appeared to be one of Taigakai’s specialties as around him, the wet ground seemed to slowly freeze over.[smear:#75daff] “I don’t expect students to hold back unless it’s an act of mercy in a final blow.”[/smear:#824dff:0], he said. [smear:#75daff]“I think this may also serve as something helpful for you regarding wet and frozen terrain too.”[/smear:#824dff:0] How well could Cyrus fair when he lost traction?

Taigakai waited for Cyrus but answered his question. [smear:#75daff]“Rorsche has put me through more than using me for a sled. Don’t worry about it. Besides, this will double to serve as an assessment of your control and skill.”[/smear:#824dff:0] And if he couldn’t handle his own traction, it would give him something to work on. Unlike Cyrus, Taigakai appeared to be incredibly slow, well not cripplingly, but more in the sense that he seemed to take things at a slower pace than the lightspeed shark. Taigakai was a bit curious on Cyrus’ fighting style. With War affinity, it meant his things allowed him to bolster his attacks, so that way he could slam as hard as he liked.