Luminary Institute

127: Surprise Visitors

Nyssa skated around in the public cafeteria, dodging the gazes and classmates who tried to stop her to chat. Ever since the assassination attempt, somehow, everyone knew both her identity and her face. People chased her down the halls, shouting “hey! I just want to have a talk!” or they chased her while she hung out with the rest of Class Zero, asking “Mind if I just ask some questions for some guidance?” or they chased her through the cafeteria, shouting: 

“Wanna just get a meal?” “Hey, can we sit down together and chat over some food?” “What are you having today? Oh! I’m having the same thing! What do you think of it all?” 

Ignoring it all, she weaved through the crowd and slipped back next to Celeste before they ascended the stairs and left the cafeteria to eat in a secluded area. Slumped, Nyssa couldn’t help but let a long sigh slip through her lips as she held a takeout box in her hands. 

“You could just transform your appearance, that’s always an option you have, one that the rest of us didn’t,” Celeste rubbed Nyssa’s back in small circles. “They’ll cool off eventually though, so it might be worth it to just push through it.” 

“Mhm, I don't want to keep coming up with new transformations for the next four years while I’m here,” Nyssa sighed, slowing her steps as some fatigue slipped into her legs. “So, I’ll wait for them to just get over it, then I can go back to my peaceful campus life.” 

“Good luck then,” Celeste smiled as they came to a secluded table in the shade under a tree. Sunbeams flooded through gaps between the leaves, blanketing the table in a gentle shower of golden light. Clearing the long bench seat on one side, she slid into the center before patting the area beside her for Nyssa. 

Taking her up on her offer, Nyssa followed suit, putting her food on the table and sliding over to sit beside Celeste. Leaning her head on Celeste’s shoulder, she once again paused, closing her eyes and letting out another sigh. 

“Don’t let your food get cold,” Celeste whispered, interlacing her hand with Nyssa’s under the table. 

“Let me... just close my eyes for a second,” Nyssa murmured, squeezing Celeste’s hand under the table. “I got cold food anyway, there’s no risk of it cooling down too much.” 

By the time she replied with a “got it” though, Celeste noticed Nyssa’s breathing steady out as her girlfriend once again slipped away to the land of dreams. After tilting her head as worry danced through her eyes, Celeste turned away as wind tickled the back of her neck and swayed the branches of the tree above them. 

--- 

Over the course of Nyssa’s nap, Celeste lowered her head from her shoulder to her lap. Laying her flat on the bench, she brushed Nyssa’s hair back with gentle brushes. Her fingers danced like quiet ballet dancers across Nyssa’s scalp. Warming her hands, she smiled when Nyssa smiled in her sleep and relaxed her eyebrows. 

Eating her own lunch while playing with Nyssa’s hair, Celeste stared off into space, enjoying the silence as she watched students from other classes walk from class to class. 

How much longer will this last? We’re probably going to get summoned away for a long term mission soon, at least that’s what Kaiser said... Why can’t it be like last year? Where we stayed on campus for most of the year. What's with this secret organization?

--- 

Several hours later, well into the afternoon, Class Zero began sparring once more. Kaiser stood off to the side, observing, as each student fought their own pair of practice automata. With his arms behind his back, he took mental notes on each student before beginning a slow walk through the battlefield. 

Each time he neared a student, he paused the automata and waved the student down. He gave some quick notes, an encouraging pat on the shoulder, and continued on his way. 

Today though, as a special occasion, Roxanne and Angelica sat off to the side. They had coordinated with Kaiser and snuck in, prepared to reveal themselves once the sparring session for the day came to an end. Angelica, still in a wheelchair, with bandages wrapped over her eyes and shoulder blades. Roxanne, just keeping her company as a temporary guardian. 

“I can imagine the scenes, even if I can’t see it,” Angelica murmured, tapping her fingers against the wheelchair’s armrest. “Also, is this wheelchair really necessary? Won’t it just make the students more concerned?” 

“It’s necessary because you still can’t walk for very long,” Roxanne pinched Angelica’s arm. “As much as I’d love to hoist you in a princess carry all the way back to our apartment, I don’t think that’s particularly appropriate in front of the students.” 

“... True, that would be a little awkward,” Angelica relented, propping her chin up with one hand. “Thanks for coming to accompany me, love.” 

“I’d do it any day, as long as it's for you,” Roxanne pat Angelica’s thigh. Before she could ask Angelica some more questions though, Kaiser walked over, having finished his round of advice-giving. Looking up and greeting her father with a brilliant smile, Roxanne stood up to greet him, only to get urged back into her seat. 

“It’s a pleasure to see you two again, as always,” Kaiser greeted, crouching down in front of the two women. “The students will probably be done in around twenty minutes, so is there anything I can help you two with in the meantime?” 

“Don’t worry about us at all,” Angelica answered as a faint smile danced across her lips. “I’m already satisfied enough just hearing my students again. “Your idea of letting us break the news of their next mission though was quite a good one. They’ll take it more seriously since I’m hurt...” 

“I know you’re thinking of how to incorporate this into your curriculum, but I’m just going to tell you that if you do this to yourself again, your new bed is going to be the couch,” Roxanne shut Angelica down with a firm pat on the shoulder. “And don’t try to fake it either, there’s no point in just lying to the students.” 

“... Fine,” Angelica stuck out her tongue, a rare moment of playfulness slipping through her usual impervious wall of maturity. “Kaiser, no need to worry about me though, your daughter is already wonderful enough company, so feel free to return to the students.” 

Catching the hint with a wry smile, Kaiser smiled and patted both women on the shoulder before heading back off. “Got it, got it, have fun you two.” 

“He’s a good teacher, fills a more fatherly place in the students’ hearts than I ever could though,” Angelica commented in a quiet voice once he left earshot. “There’s still a lot I could improve on I think...” 

“Don’t be so harsh on yourself, but fight on,” Roxanne murmured while staring at Nyssa across the room. “Training’s certainly changed over the years for sure though.”