***Hyperion Empire***

***Imperial Academy***

“I see. Thank you for admitting to your actions. You may be seated. Unfortunately, that is not the only thing being reviewed today.” The man in glasses replied, gesturing for Samwise to return to his seat.

“Use of any form of magic outside of staff purview is also considered a break under the Academy Student Code of Conduct…” He then turned to Max and Arthur.

“Before I divulge the results of the investigation I would like to mention that if any student here decides to admit to their rule breaking then they are prone to receive a more lenient judgement.” The man observed the two younger boys looking for any sign of weakness or nervousness, and received no such visual cues.

Max shrugged. “I did nothing wrong.”

Arthur peeked at his friend but remained silent.

The man stacked the papers in front of him and fixed his glasses. “Very well. Then I will read aloud the report given by Guard Captain Prentis.” He cleared his throat. “Arriving late to the scene, Captain Prentis collected the evidence and notes taken by a Sergeant Lockenfell and his men as they were the responders. Captain Prentis made another note stating how he was disappointed in the lack of information collected by the Sergeant’s men.”

“If I may.” Arthur interrupted.

“Yes?” The board member replied, raising his spectacles back towards the boy.

Arthur stood up and moved in front of the large table seating the three Academy staff. Reaching into his jacket and pulling out a notebook with a brown bookmark sticking out, he smoothly stretched to hand it to the nearest reviewer. “This notebook has an exact recording of the events and conversations taking place when Sergeant Lockenfell arrived, taken by a student witness of the name Elizabeth Kaeton. I would like to mention that the Sergeant initially wished to dismiss the investigation altogether until the Captain appeared. Inside the notebook, you will find the Sergeant’s exacts words and his attempts in intimidation so every student involved wouldn’t face the current review today.” The young Satele then glanced at the annoyed face of Samwise.

The three Academy staff turned to the page bookmarked and scanned its contents. They all shared similar looks of disapproval and just a bit surprise. “This Elizabeth Kaeton…” the man in the middle started.

“I will openly admit she is Satele nobility, so while not entirely objective has been a rule abiding student for three years and is a member of an honorable marquis’ family. In my personal opinion, her words should at least bring about some assortment of speculation. I also understand that this is a review for myself, Max Soltain, and the eight boys over there.” Arthur tilted his head ever so slightly in the eight’s direction. “So I just wanted to interject while we were still on the topic of Sergeant Lockenfell.” He then lightly bowed and returned to his seat.

The tall man in glasses handed the notebook to his colleague to be read with more attention and returned back to the Captain’s investigation report. “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We take any matters of conduct violation very seriously and will have it further examined, but you are correct, this is a review for you students.”

He shifted the papers in his hand and continued his original reading. “Captain Prentis discovered evidence of an altercation based on the spots of blood covering the ground. On sight, we found one student admitting to starting the fight, Mr. Julien Balesmith…” He changed pages again and fixed his glasses. “Though when you other seven students were initially questioned in the infirmary you claimed you were attacked by Mr. Maximus Soltain. You all had some rather brutal injuries, and it took our healers quite some time to bring you back to full health. Now you have all changed tune, and are following Mr. Balesmith’s thought that you attacked Mr. Satele and Mr. Soltain first.”

Samwise’s foot was tapping the ground at a constant pace as he spoke for the group. “At first, we were planning on all using the same story that the Soltain attacked us to reduce our punishment.” He then flashed the blank Julien a look. “But my friend convinced us that we should just tell the truth and receive a fair judgement.”

“Mr. Balesmith, is this true?” The man asked.

The buzzed out teen got a nudge from a boy behind him and nodded. “Yes.”

The reviewers all wrote on their own papers and the one wearing glasses moved to another set of papers. “The altercation began with eight older students attacking two younger students without provocation and the two younger students defended themselves, resulting in severe injuries with seven out of the eight sent to the medical building. Is that how you two would describe the situation? You were defending yourselves?”

Max answered. “Sounds about right.” The foot tapping coming from Samwise increased for a few seconds at the young Soltain’s response.

The older Academy reviewer knew there were gaps to be filled, but wasn’t getting very much from either sides. If he had to guess, he would assume one of the House’s had somehow bribed, persuaded, or threatened the families of the eight commoner students into submission so the two could get off scot-free. It wouldn’t be unheard of. Even so, there was little evidence of coercion from the two heirs side and there was no possible way the letters sent to their families about the review had reached their destinations yet.

“Very well. We will take into account your prior admittance to starting the fight but I will say now that unsanctioned physical altercations between students usually result in very harsh penalties, including expulsion.” The man in glasses stated, looking at each of the eight faces on his left.

A couple of the boys eyes widened and Max shifted into a more comfortable position in his wooden chair. In his mind, this was taking a while.

“Before we get to judgement, there is something else that must be brought to light. Mr. Satele, am I correct in assuming you have your family's bloodline ability?”

Arthur frowned. “I do.”

“Two of the students inside the infirmary originally claimed you had ‘glowing green eyes’.” Said two visibly flinched and Max looked at them with a raised eyebrow.

“Mr. Wallace and Mr. Lutess, is it true you saw Mr. Satele with quoted ‘glowing green eyes’?”

The eight students save Julien shifted in one way or another and the two teens paled. The taller one stood up quickly, knocking over his seat. “Another white lie sir! We were thinking irrationally but came to our senses.”

“Mr. Lutess?”

“What Alexander said. We were so mad at the time we just wanted to get them in trouble.” The other boy supplied, picking up his friend’s seat and refusing to meet anyone’s eyes.

The older man shared a look with his colleagues and sighed. “Very well. Then that concludes our review. We will move on to judgement.”

The entire room sat in silence as the three reviewers quietly talked amongst themselves. Arthur soothingly scratched the snake around his neck while Max continued to stare at the faces of the eight other students in a trance. He was curious, why were they taking the fall for everything? It was very unlikely for Max and Arthur to get more than suspended considering their House status and requirements, but they were all commoners.

The older man eventually cleared his throat. He felt pity for the eight boys that somehow got themselves mixed up with two House families yet there was little that could be done. He could at least save them from expulsion in the possibility a few might still graduate. “One semester. You eight are suspended from all Academy activities until the next semester come spring. You will be asked to evict from campus within the week.”

Samwise stood up in shock. “An entire semester!? How will we pass spring Trials?”

The man began writing on one of his papers. “Considering your prior admittance this judgement is as lenient as possible. You will have a chance to pass the Trials if you talk to your teachers and fellow students in hopes they can point you in the right direction. There isn’t much else we can do for you in this situation. Missives will be sent to your families so you can make proper arrangements and we will allow you to keep items in your rooms if you pass into next semester. You are dismissed.”

Max thought Samwise was going to explode. But in the end it was his own fault for thinking he could get away with everything. If Max had his way, he would never have to see the racist ever again. In his mind, whether he was expelled or dead would have both been better options.

The eight teens got up together and exited the room in shared melancholy. As they filed out, the three reviewers looked at the two heirs with stern expressions. “With our investigation and testimonies from both sides we can only conclude that you two were defending yourselves from harm and thus broke no Academy guidelines. You two are free to return to class starting tomorrow and we will also have missives sent to your families with the results of the review.” His spectacled gaze then turned hard. “I am sure they will be pleased, but let me remind you, there is only so much one can do to avoid their just punishments. You are also dismissed.”

Max and Arthur were startled. What was he implying?

Max was angry. He did the right thing in his mind and if he told his family the whole story, they would agree. This man was insinuating that he had not done what was right and he was at fault. He had no idea why those eight boys had changed on their side, but he wasn’t going to fess up to breaking the rules when he didn’t need too.

Arthur grabbed his shoulder and lightly shook his head. Max then took a deep breath and released it. He shouldn’t care what this man thought, as long as his friends and family believed in him then that should be enough. Arthur understood, so that was plenty.

“I will remind you of the importance of Sergeant Lockenfell’s actions, you may have something bigger than students conflict on your hands.” Arthur said with his back turned as he followed Max out of the room.

--------------------------------------------

Kana and Kathryn sat on the edge of the main fountain in front of the Administration Building. Both remained in companionable silence as Kathryn read a book and Kana observed Adrios, who had fallen into the fountain, struggle to get out. The griffin wasn’t drowning or anything, he just obviously did not want to be in the water. He was still too young to use his wings, so Adrios was forced to resort to clawing with his talons as a means in scaling the stone wall of the fountain.

Needless to say, it was not working.

Both girls glanced up at the sound of the large frontal double doors opening. The eight boys who Kana knew to be the ones Max had beaten were all grouped up and mumbling to each other. They payed no attention to either girl as the tallest one slammed his foot into the ground and stormed off. The others either followed, or split off into their own groups and dispersed entirely.

Kana thought about talking to one of them and stood up. She wanted to know about her friends now, and had waited long enough. Ignoring Kathryn’s prior advice that the teens were discriminatory against non humans, she picked a target. Moving with the utmost grace, Kana appeared in front of the smallest one, separate from the rest of his companions and originally heading in a different direction.

The teen was shocked he had not noticed her approach, but quickly covered that with a snarl. “What do you want?”

“Hi I’m Kana. My friends names are Arthur and Max. Do you know of them?” Kana asked politely.

The boy attempted to shove by the smaller girl. He wanted nothing more to do with the two heirs as they had already ruined more than enough for him. Yet, as his shoulder collided with Kana’s he felt an excruciating pain erupt in him on contact. In less than a second, his entire shoulder and arm felt like they were being roasted from the inside.

He jumped back and yelped, shooting his arm back and covering it with his other in a feeble attempt to mask the phantom pain. His gaze went back to the golden-eyed girl and sweat trailed down his brow. The pain was gone, and his arm looked no worse for wear. The fox girl still had the same genuine smile on her face, and was acting like nothing had occurred.

His eyes then fixed on the red and white fox insignia on her shoulder. Kumio didn’t have nobles, save the House itself. He shuddered, how could this day get any worse?

“The board dismissed us first, there probably still in there.” He replied quickly, cautiously observing the smaller girl who 'unknowingly' caused him so much pain.

“So there almost done?” Kana questioned.

“Y-yes.” He answered nervously. The Society had taught that beastkin were far more beast than they appeared. They were monsters on the inside, and this girl had only further cemented that fact by how much her white smile was unnerving the older teen.

“Oh that’s great!” She exclaimed with an even brighter and sweeter smile. “Thank you for letting me know. I was getting very worried for them.” She then turned back to the fountain and skipped off, dismissing the teen who had quelched her curiosity.

Kathryn observed the scene with mild amusement as she pet the wet Adrios who was sitting beside herself. “That was mean.”

“Mean?” Kana asked as if completely oblivious to her actions.

“He was shaking, and look now.” She pointed towards the teen. “I’ve never seen a faster walk in my life.”

Kana originally planned to sit on the other side of Adrios but hesitated. He did not smell very good. So she chose to sit right next to Kathryn using the elf girl as a shield from the wet griffin’s stench. “He must have class soon or something.” The young Kumio replied, biting her bottom lip.

Kathryn eyed the girl for a few seconds and smirked. “If you say so.”

As they returned to their original companionable silence, Arthur and Max exited the building and moved directly to the girls. Kana stood up and grabbed the damp Adrios with outstretched arms. Settling in front of Max and practically shoving the griffin in his arms she grinned and said, “I got you a present.”

Max took one sniff and handed the griffin to Arthur before he could react. “Two is always better than one.”

Kathryn shut her book with a thud and moved some hair behind her ear. “How was the review?”

Max opened his arms in a dramatic fashion. “Not guilty! We’re completely innocent!”

The two girls smiled yet Kathryn was still curious. “You two sent almost all of them to the infirmary, and didn't you attack them first Max? You’re going to need to explain.”

Arthur set the smelly griffin lightly on the ground and answered. “The opposing party during the review admitted to starting the fight at the beginning, supporting the notion that Max and I were only defending ourselves.”

“Why would they do that?” Kana asked.

Arthur glanced behind the girls and scratched the snake around his neck. “I am sure we are about to find out.”

A tall and very slim student approached the group of four flanked by two other senior students. Behind that trio was another large group of students filled with mostly freshman, Zane Ryzalon taking the lead. Max immediately recognized the teen to be James Charmont, the president of the Humane Society who summoned them at the Club Gala.

“Lords Satele and Soltain, its a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am James Charmont, son of Bishop Charmant of the Humane Theocracy.” The taller teen outstretched his hand in an effort to express cordiality.

Max peeked at Arthur and Kana, giving an ever familiar ‘follow my lead’ look. “Do you have no shame? You have not only interrupted a conversation between four students above your station, but you have blatantly ignored two of them. Do they not teach social etiquette for commoners at the Imperial Academy? Try again.” Max was semi-impressed with himself, his former shade of arrogance reappeared as if it had only been hiding. He mentally pat himself on the back for his acting.

Arthur covered a chuckle with a cough and Kana rolled her eyes. Kathryn instinctively took a step back from getting further involved in an undesirable situation she would much prefer to avoid. The two students behind James glowered at the young Soltain but remained silent.

James peered at the elven and fox girls and swallowed his initial animosity. Not only were they both nobles, the fox girl was a Kumio herself. A beastkin ruling family, the exact opposite of what the Theocracy believed should exist. If he were to refer either girl as Lady and openly accept that they were in fact above his station then his followers would be dissuaded in all his teachings as of yet. Even so, the obviously arrogant Soltain was a human heir of a powerful province with no official religion of any sort. He seemed to be of the sort that if James just continued to compliment and assist he would eventually have the heir in his Society. James was in a conundrum, the Satele and Soltain heirs would be the ultimate prize in the situation if he could just figure it out.

Zane Ryzalon, one of the brand new members of the Humane Society, interjected himself into the conversation. He personally quite liked James and it was astonishing how many personal interests they shared. If a House student was giving him trouble he had no issues moving in to assist. “Max no need to fret, I am sure James here just forgot. James this is Lady Kana of House Kumio and…” Zane realized he hadn’t known the elf girl’s name. “Ah Lady?”

Kathryn spoke from a comfortable position slightly behind and between Max and Arthur, from here she could react to almost any surprise or at least knew the boys could. She also held Adrios between her arms after somehow acquiring the griffin from the ground. “Kathryn Holt, daughter of Baron Holt of the Thanatos Province.” She answered softly.

James simply nodded in response and hurried to change the topic. “Right. Well I was pleased to hear that you two were not punished for the situation with some of my subordinates. I would also like to apologize for their actions personally.”

Max considered pressing the older boy to show respect to Kana and Kathryn, but he could see the elven girl was uncomfortable enough to begin with. “We found them bullying students younger than them and lesser in number. I can’t help but think this stems from a lack of proper leadership. They need to be disciplined, they act and fight like infants, barely capable of moving their bodies. We are in the Hyperion Empire, this is not your backwater island of the Theocracy.”

The bishop’s son was really struggling to take all of these insults. Not only was the Soltain slandering him, but he was slandering everything he stood for. Zane turned to James and frowned. “You told me this club was the most superior of all. Where is the honor in bullying students using greater size, age, and numbers?”

Kathryn took a mental note of the Ryzalon’s heirs comment. The boy appeared to have some semblance of a code of honor, though also prioritized a showing of superiority. No doubt a product of what he was taught back at home.

James bowed in Max’s direction and hastily diffused the accusations. “You are most correct. That is why I ordered them to admit to their faults and take their just punishment for their actions. As a means of apology, I told them to do their utmost to ensure you two received a positive judgement.”

“A smart decision.” Arthur stated.

Kana walked right in front of the Charmont. “That was very thoughtful of you James. Thank you for helping my friends.”

Max observed as James fought on how to address Kana, yet he was already getting tired of the conversation and wished to leave. “We were suspended for an entire day because of your subordinates actions. It only makes sense that you apologize and fix the problem as their leader. If that is all… then we will be leaving.”

Max turned around and Kathryn immediately followed him. Arthur started to move as well when James politely stepped around Kana.

“Lords, if I may... I came in good faith. I feel that we got off on the wrong foot previously and only want to absolve past grievances. I would be honored if you attended the Society induction ceremony tonight and enjoy the festivities.”

Max stopped walking and chuckled. “An induction ceremony? Like a party?” He asked, not completely facing James.

“Correct milord. There will be entertainment and fine food around.”

Max glanced at his arranged betrothed. “O Kana, Kathryn, what do you think? Do you want to go the party?”

Kathryn withered. She definitely did not want to go. Fortunately, she did not have to answer when Kana wrapped herself around Max’s arm and shook her tail excitedly. “I absolutely love parties. What is the dress?”

James grimaced. There was no possible way he could allow a beastkin or elf into his induction ceremony amongst all of the Society’s members.

“Lords, I am afraid the invitation was only for you two.” James words caused Max to flinch in ‘surprise’ and Arthur to raise an eyebrow.

“What do you mean Mr. Charmont?” Arthur asked for clarification.

James stood true. He had no idea of the relationships between the heirs of Satele, Kumio, and Soltain but he was sure that the boys couldn’t be more than new friends of the fox girl. “Ms. Kumio and Ms. Holt are not invited, this is a very exclusive club and we chose to invite you two for your status and actions to discipline my unruly subordinates. We have no desire in allowing either of the girls to attend.”

Blatant disregard of Kana and Kathryn’s stations and honor was made by the bishop’s son. Max spat on the ground. He was going to beat James into a pulp.

Both Kana and Arthur recognized their Soltain’s temper and moved in unison.

Kana channeled a bit of mana into her arms and legs and pulled, spinning Max around in a hurried motion. Kathryn noticed Max’s resistance and grabbed his other arm, putting Adrios on his head and helping Kana move him away. The griffin's small talons dug into his companion's hair as the group left in the opposite direction. Max was confused and annoyed, James had insulted his friends right in front of him. He needed to suffer.

“Mr. Charmont, perhaps it is your parents who are to blame, but all of your actions thus far have only proven on how you are an asinine individual incapable capable of showing respect to your betters. You have not only insulted a future Baron of the Empire but a future House Leader no less, not once yet on multiple occasions. I recommend you think on who you are and where you are. This is the seat of the Empire, not the Theocracy. You are no prince, you are a commoner. You are not our equal, you are our inferior. I would suggest you avoid us in the future, as it will only cause far more strife.” Arthur then turned and followed his friends.

Zane Ryzalon watched the entire scene with interest and couldn’t help but agree with the Satele’s finishing statement. James Charmont had insulted nobles, and in his province that would be punishable by death. He didn’t particularly care for the three other heirs, but he acknowledged they were of blood, and should be respected.

James stood in shock on how terribly that had went. He had angered at least two House heirs, the same heirs he hoped would join his club after all other possible candidates refused. He then turned to the red-eyed boy standing next to him and cleared his throat. The majority of the Ryzalon Province all worshipped the Phoenix Titan, he would have one year to convince this boy otherwise. One year to convince this boy that Humana was the way of the world.

“I apologize Lord Ryzalon for the interruption, perhaps we should continue the tour.”

Zane fixed his jacket cuffs and nodded. “I will allow you to call me by my given name, Zane.”