The Saga of Ignis

Ignis POV

As I look out the window of the spaceship, many thoughts flood my mind... I'm worried, anxious, and a little nervous. Not because I'm worried about going to the academy or how I'll perform in class or combat trials. Not at all! After all, I had one of the strongest fighters in the universe as my mentor! She's also my mom! So that's not why I'm nervous... No, I know exactly why... I've never had an easy time making friends... I've never really fit in with anyone... It didn't help that Mom had me constantly moving around between planets when I was a kid... I mean when you're only on a planet for around six months before you move to another, how are you supposed to make friends? I don't think I'm socially awkward or anything, I've just never really had any friends...

I also wish I could've seen Mom more growing up... But I guess that's what happens when you're the Deputy Headmistress of a Sentinel Academy. You don't get to spend much time away... Mom constantly had me traveling all over the universe to stay with her friends, or "associates" as she called them... When I did see her we mostly just trained... and the people she always left me with trained me too... Since I could walk I've been trained to fight.. I guess that means I shouldn't have any problems in training...but Mom did stress not to be cocky once I get to the Academy... She said that the people I'll be training with from now on, or rather I guess my future classmates, have also been training their entire lives. Thing is though, they didn't have her, or her powerful friends, overseeing their training! But I know I have to be cautious, going in with a headstrong attitude thinking that I'm better than everyone will only accomplish me getting my face kicked in! So my plan at first is to just kind of hang back, keep a low profile, and observe... I mean, of course I want to make friends! I have to! Sentinels operate in teams after all, and I don't really want to be paired with people that I don't know or trust! I'm just not really sure how to make friends... Mom always just says to be yourself, so I guess I'll try that...

-Pilot: Hey kid, we're gonna be slowing down from light-speed soon, you're gonna need to take a seat.

-Ignis: Oh, yeah no problem!

I do as instructed and take a seat as I wait for us to exit light-speed. Soon enough we do and I can see the planet Viribus, home to the Viribus Sentinel Academy! So this is where Sentinels, the guardians of peace, are made huh?

Despite the more negative emotions, I'm also pretty excited! I know being a Sentinel is dangerous work.. I mean, obviously... Fighting monsters, demons, and powerful criminals from Deep Space isn't exactly what I call safe! But being born with enhanced abilities, having this opportunity, how could I not be excited!? This isn't something everyone gets the chance to do!

Finally, we touch down on the surface of Planet Viribus. Just glancing out the window of the ship I can see parts of the academy... There's a large sprawling courtyard lined with hedgerow upon hedgerow. The academy buildings themselves gleam under the planet's sun and it almost looks like a huge palace complex rather than an academy! The ramp to ship drops and I step out with my luggage... I see my mother, Minori, waiting for me with a blonde girl whom I assume is a student... My mother is a rather...well-endowed women with a slim figure... Her arms and legs are definitely toned, but not what you'd call big. If you just glanced at her you wouldn't think she's one of the strongest Sentinels in the universe, but you'd be sadly mistaken! She has magenta hair and eyes, but I didn't inherit either of those. She keeps her hair back in a messy ponytail with bangs that fall towards the right side of her head. She has a very gentle face, not the face of a warrior... The girl standing next to her has blonde hair that falls below her shoulders and is kept off her face with a blue headband. She's also wearing big glasses that look a little dopey, but honestly add a level of cuteness to her! This girl has a very innocent face and the biggest, bluest eyes I've ever seen! Neither of them is dressed in any official Viribus Academy clothing, I guess because classes haven't started yet. I step off the ramp and down in front of them...

-Minori: Hello son, it's been a while!

-Ignis: Oh hey Mom, it's good to see you.

I can't keep up this front! I haven't seen her in over a year, and as the only person I'm really close to, of course I'm happy to see her! Without saying another word I drop my bags and run straight into the biggest hug! She giggles at this...

-Minori: Well it's nice to see you've missed your mother! I've missed you too son, I wish I could have been there for you more, but I think now that you're gonna be around me every day, you may get tired of me...

-Ignis: I'd never get tired of you Mom!

My words come out muffled as she has my face smothered into her chest. Finally we separate from the hug and I look at the blonde girl. She has this look on her face like she's just seen the most heartwarming scene. She almost looks ready to tear up...

-Blonde Girl: Oh my, that was beautiful! Such a touching reunion! And Miss Minori, you didn't mention that your son was such a cutie!

I can't help but blush at this... I guess I'm pretty attractive... Is that a little narcissistic? I don't think so... I'm about six feet tall and around 185 pounds. I have jet black hair and eyes that are somewhere between dark blue and purple...

-Minori: Oh Krista, please don't say things like that! The last thing Ignis needs is to get the idea that he's a ladies man! He needs to focus on training, not getting his-

-Ignis: OKAY! Enough of that Mom! So your name is Krista, it's a pleasure to meet you!

I stick out my right hand and Krista extends here's as well. I take her hand, bring it to my mouth, and place a gentle kiss on it... She can't help but blush at this and mom just rolls her eyes...

-Minori: Krista here is the Student Council President and is starting her third year.

Swell, so here I was trying to get cozy with the Student Council President... However, this would explain why she's with mom. I'm sure as Deputy Headmistress, she has all sorts of dealings and interactions with the Student Council. Krista giggles and then speaks up again...

-Krista: Ignis please don't let my position intimidate you! I look forward to training with you this school year, and please if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask! Your mother has made my time as this academy wonderful, and now getting to work with her as Student Council President is like a dream come true! I would like to extend some of that kindness she has shown me back to her son!

I'm not quite sure how to react to this. I'm sure they give some sort of speech to all incoming students about "oh it's so nice to meet you!" and "let's work really hard this year together", and "please come to me if you need anything!" But how often when people say things like that do they actually mean it? The cynic in me wants to doubt her, but hearing Krista's words, they feel genuine...

-Minori: Anyway, let's not lollygag here! Let's head to my office you two. Ignis, there's some forms you need to sign and there's something I want to show you.

And with that the three of us head off towards the massive, main building of Viribus Sentinel Academy, and thus begins my journey towards becoming a Sentinel!

END CHAPTER 1

Thanks so much for reading!!

Ignis POV

Mom, the blonde girl named Krista, and I all arrive at my mom's office. It's pretty big office, and it seems pretty nice too. I suppose as Deputy Headmistress she has some perks... Mom sits at the chair behind her desk while Krista and I sit in the two chairs on the opposite side, facing her...

-Minori: Now Ignis, just because you're my son I hope you won't expect any special treatment. I intend to treat you just like any other student, and I expect you to work just as hard!

-Ignis: Of course, Mom, I wouldn't want you to coddle me. You did mention several times before I came here that I couldn't just walk in and expect to be the strongest. I came here with the expectation that I'd have to work just as hard, if not harder than anyone else!

-Minori: Yes, I remember telling you that, but just because you say you understand it doesn't mean you truly do! When you get the chance to fight some of your peers, you'll very quickly find out just how much room you have to grow!

-Ignis: I'm looking forward to it, and then I can show you just how strong I've gotten! After all, you and I haven't been able to personally train together in almost a year!

-Minori: Oh, you won't have to wait until then to prove it to me. There's still three days left until class starts remember? Starting tomorrow you and I will be training until class begins!

-Krista: You're so lucky!! The opportunity to train one on one with Miss Minori!

-Ignis: Don't forget she's overseen my training ever since I was child! Even when she wasn't there to personally train me, she left with her friends who were more than capable!

-Krista: Oh yes, I've heard! You've trained with legendary Sentinels such as General Gandor, the Great Sage Merlin, and even the King of Lakonia!

I shudder at the mention of the King of Lakonia, not because of the King himself, but because I have some not so great memories from Lakonia... Memories I would like to forget...

-Minori: Anyway Ignis, we didn't come in here to make small talk. We need to go over some forms. Mostly small things, just you confirming that you're enrolling in this academy by choice, and that you do indeed wish to train to become a Sentinel.

Mom pulls out the aforementioned forms and I quickly glance over them. Of course, the pages are lined with legal jargon that I don't understand, nor do I want to. I sign the forms where required and she places them back into a stack she has on the desk...

-Minori: Very good, now I wanted to show you your profile.

-Ignis: My what?

-Minori: You're profile. It has all of your physical characteristics and lists all of your special abilities and any other enhanced attributes or abilities! It also rates your physical attributes on a scale of one to 10!

-Ignis: Wait hold on, how could the academy have all this information already? I mean I've literally been here for 10 minutes!

-Minori: Well I provided the baseline information, and the rest I got from the people who have been training you. Normally new students would go through an assessment before they're even admitted into the academy, but in your case that wasn't necessary.

-Ignis: Makes sense, I guess...

She then turns her computer screen towards me and shows me the profile...

-Minori: Just verify that your basic information is correct.

The profile displays the following information:

Name: Ignis

Age: 18

Height: 6'0

Weight: 185 lbs.

Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Purple

-Ignis: Well all of that seems to be correct, but show me the good stuff! I want to see what everyone reported to you! I want to see what they thought of my progression through my training!

She rolls her eyes and does a few clicks on the mouse and keyboard and a new screen pops up. My name remained at the top of the page but the information that followed was different...

Physical Strength: 4/10

Durability: 5/10

Speed: 6/10

Magical Power: Has the ability to create, control, and manipulate fire. The temperature of flames correlates to the amount of magical power used...

-Ignis: Wha-What! You mean all that training, all that hard work, all those days of waking up and barely being able to move and my physical strength is only a four! My durability is only a five!

-Krista: Don't be so hard on yourself Ignis, your speed is a six...

I know that Krista is trying to be nice, but I can't help but glare at her...

-Minori: Krista is right though Ignis. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. A speed measurement of six is above the average of what students normally have when they're first admitted. Another thing you have to take into consideration is that you also have magical power. Not everyone has that. Generally, those who start with a strength measurement of six or greater don't have any magical power to speak of. There are also two things that these measurements aren't taking into consideration. The first is your battle IQ. You can have all the strength in the world but if you don't know what you're doing in a fight then you may as well be powerless! These measurements are also not taking into consideration your growth potential!

-Ignis: What do you mean?

-Krista: What she means is that just because measurements say this now, it doesn't mean that they will at the end of your third year before you graduate! When I first got here all my ratings were threes or fours, now they're all sevens or eights, and I still have my final year to go!

I think about what Krista says. It makes sense that these numbers will change over time. After all I did come here to learn, train, and get better. Mom seems to notice the change in my expression...

-Minori: The other thing that both of you need to remember is that you're still young. Ignis you're 18 and Krista you're 20! You both still have many years to go until you hit your limits!

Of course, 18 is still young, way too young to have had my power peak already! I stand up and make my way to the door still somewhat disappointed in the numbers but feeling a little reassured following our conversation...

-Ignis: Thanks Mom, thanks Krista! I think I'll go explore the campus a little now!

-Krista: Oh, I'm sorry! I would show you around, but I have student council work to take care of!

-Ignis: Please, don't worry I'm used to being by myself.

Mom frowns a little at that comment. I didn't mean that as a jab towards her or anyone else. I literally meant I'm used to being alone and that it doesn't bother me...

-Minori: Do try not to get lost or get into trouble Ignis. Also, the dorms won't be ready until later this afternoon, so I'll keep your luggage in here for now.

-Ignis: Thanks! Well, I'm off then!

I depart her office and begin my expedition of the Viribus Academy Grounds. It will be impossible to explore the entire campus today, so I decide to just focus on the area surrounding the main building, which is where Mom's office is located...

I head down to the courtyard and take a look around. There are dozens of buildings that I can see from where I'm standing. There are dozens more that dot the landscape that I saw on the way in, but are obstructed now. There are a few students walking around but not as many as I thought. Mom did mention there's still three days until classes start, so I'm sure in the coming days it will get really crowded around here... I start to walk around the back of the main building and see a massive pond off to one side of the walkway, on the other side there's almost what looks like a graveyard, but I quickly realize that it's a yard filled with memorial stones. I can only assume the names written on them are the names of fallen Sentinels who graduated from the academy... The walkway that splits these two features continues back as far as I can see with even more buildings lining the walkway on either side. I decide that I might as well walk down this path and see what's there...

As I approach one of the buildings along the path, I begin to hear voices. The people seem to be talking in hushed tones, so it piques my interest and I decide to investigate... As I get closer, I hear giggling and realize that these are the voices of girls! I notice an open window on the side of one of the buildings and make my way over to it... No way! This is the girls' changing room!! I shouldn't be here!! I start to slowly walk away when a stick cracks under my foot!! Suddenly, all the voices go quiet...

-Ignis: Aw man...that can't be good...

I slowly turn back towards the window and see all the girls have gathered and are glaring at me with murderous intent!

-Ignis: Now ladies, I know what you're thinking, and as cliché as this may sound, this is DEFINITELY a misunderstanding!!

-Girls: GET THE PERVERT!!!!!

Yep, kinda saw this one coming... But why was the window to the changing room open?! Why is it on the first floor?! Why does it even have a window?! As I stand there thinking, the girls have started filtering out of the room, and begin making attempts to apprehend me. Using my superior speed, I'm easily able to dodge them...

-Ignis: Well ladies its been fun, perhaps we should do this again sometime!

I try to make a witty remark as I begin running for my life ! I quickly learn that the girls aren't amused by this as I look behind me and see them chasing me! They're also much faster than I thought! I start to try and weave in and out of buildings to see if I can lose them but no dice! Every time I think I've lost one of them another one spots me and the pack reforms! Well I can't say this is how I thought my academy life would begin... I haven't even been here an hour and I'm already the enemy of women everywhere, nice going Ignis...

As our little game of chase continues, I make a beeline for one of the hedgerows and decide I'm going to have to make a leap of faith to get over it! As I get closer I see the silhouette of someone standing directly in my path!

-Ignis: Hey! Get out of the way!!

It's too late! I can't change directions now! I leap over the hedgerow and come crashing down onto the person that was standing there!

-Ignis: Ugh...sorry about that, are you okay?

I look down at the person I landed on, and staring back up at me with the most embarrassed look on her face is a blonde elf girl! Her blonde hair is pulled back into a ponytail with bangs that approach her eyes and fall to the sides of her face as well. Her hairstyle is actually very similar to my Mom's... She has a very gentle and cute face with beautiful green eyes.. I'm sure she's a nice girl, but now's not the time to be thinking about such things! After all, I'm still on the run! I then realize, I'm still laying on top of her! First, I stumble upon the girls changing room and provoke a herd of strong, angry women to chase me, and now here I am basically assaulting an elf! Way to go Ignis, two for two...

-Ignis: Now please, don't cry, please don't report me as an offender! This was a complete accident! I promise, please don't hate me and I'll make it up to you!

I scream all of this as the group of girls notices me and gets even angrier upon witnessing this scene! I decide its best not to linger and begin running again leaving the elf girl behind!

Trying to think fast I'm able to make it back to the memorial yard and quickly dive behind the largest stone I can find! As I land on the ground, I notice a startled girl sitting there next to me. She has very pale blonde hair, which is pulled back into a ponytail, which gets sort of spiky at the back. Her hair also has a fringe which comes down the left side of her face... Like the elf girl, she's cute, but without the innocence that the elf girl has... She also has pale eyes with slitted pupils. Can't say that I've ever seen something like that before... This girl looks like she's ready to scream as I seem to have startled her pretty badly... She opens her mouth, I notice her canine teeth look more like fangs than actual teeth! I very quickly place my hand over her mouth...

-Ignis: Please! Don't scream! If you do, you'll give me away!

This girl begins to struggle, and I can tell she's getting flustered and begins to tear up in frustration, and probably horror.. I mean a total stranger just came flying in out of nowhere and is now covering her mouth and telling her not to scream! Well done Ignis, three for three... I decide that remaining here is not in my best interest and as I emerge from behind the memorial stone the girls notice me once again and the chase continues, only this time fang girl seems to be in on it!

I continue running and I make it back around to the front side of the main building from where I originally exited. I take a look behind me and confirm that I am, in fact, still being chased! However, as I'm looking behind me, I run smack into something! It was hard too! It felt just like a metal wall...but, there was no wall in front of me a second ago! As I'm sitting on the ground I look up and see a person standing there! I'm not really able to see their face as its obstructed by the glare of the sun, but I think it's another girl... Alright Ignis can we go four for four here? But something seems different about this girl... She seems to take notice of me finally, as if she didn't even know I ran into her! She looks at me for a few seconds and then leans in and I can finally get a view of her. She has a slender but definitely toned build. I can tell that much even though she's wearing a long sleeve shirt. Her face has a very stern and serious look, but she's definitely cute, that much is also certain... This girl has long light-brown hair that she's wearing in a side ponytail draping over her right shoulder. Her eyes are red, dark red, almost the same color as blood... She really looks like someone I used to know... Finally, this new girl speaks...

Brown Haired Girl: Ignis?!? Is that you?!?! I hardly recognized you after all these years!

Okay she knows my name, which is strange... Is she someone I know? I'm not quite sure... She does look familiar... The herd of girls from the changing room and fang girl catch up and come to a stop. They yell in our direction and start to approach but this new girl gives them a glare and they all stop dead in their tracks! Okay, definitely don't want to piss this one off!

-Ignis: Um, I'm sorry, do I know you?

This seems to upset her, and she begins to pout....

-Brown Haired Girl: You mean after all these years, we finally see each other again and you don't even remember me?!? You're so cruel!!

I'm not sure what this girl wants from me! I mean, she looks familiar, but...no.. it can't be...certainly not... Just then she has a look on her face that suggests she has an idea... She leans forward towards me and pulls her bangs up, revealing a green headband going across her forehead...

-Brown Haired Girl: This should do it! Remember me now?!?

It only takes a second for it all to click...

-Ignis: Oh...Shit...

Memories of torment and feelings of dread now flood my mind... She notices the look on my face and this sadistic smile spreads across her's... There was no doubt anymore, this is the girl who made my time on Lakonia a living hell! She is the reason I shuddered when Krista mentioned the King earlier... This girl right here is a demon incarnate... I had done my best to try and forget all of my bad memories from Lakonia but seeing her here now made all that effort pointless...

-Ignis: I-it's good to see you, M-M-Minerva!

Minerva: Ah good, you remember!

END CHAPTER 2

Thanks for reading!

Minori POV

In front of me sits the Princess of Lakonia herself, Minerva. I haven't seen her since she was a girl, but now here she is all grown up. She has this intense look on her face, but I don't think it's because she's angry, I think that's just what her face looks like... Her light-brown hair is a nice contrast, but her dark red eyes only seem to further fuel her intense image... She's also wearing this green headband, although its mostly lost behind her bangs, so I'm not really even sure why she's wearing it...

The reason for Minerva's visit was well, because she had enrolled in Viribus Sentinel Academy! Her admission circumstances were a little special, like Ignis'. She was let in at the request of her father, she didn't go through the standard application, interview, and selection process. I mean her father is the king of an entire planet, it may seem like nepotism, but there was no way she wasn't getting in! Besides I know very well just how strong Minerva is! Her father had been my teammate and one of the strongest Sentinels before he was forced to retire and succeed his father as the King of Lakonia. She had trained under her father's guidance and supervision her entire life for this! Not to mention, Lakonians are naturally one of the strongest races physically speaking. So, when one of them is born with enhanced abilities, their strength is something to behold...

I go over the same forms with Minerva that I had gone over with Ignis earlier in the day. Minerva also views her profile to verify the basic information, as she does so, I check over it again myself...

Name: Minerva

Age: 18

Height: 5'4"

Weight: 120 lbs.

Everything appears to be in order... I didn't mention the attribute measurements to Minerva like I had with Ignis. The reason I showed Ignis his was because I thought it would motivate him to work harder... As I look over Minverva's measurements... I don't think she'll need that...

Strength: 8/10

Durability: 8/10

Speed: 5/10

Magical Power: None

These are some of the highest ratings I've seen for an incoming first year! Even without magical power, a strength and durability rating of 8!? Of course Minerva hadn't undergone the official assessment and selection process normal students did, but I know that her father wouldn't lie to raise his daughter's measurements! No, if anything he would estimate lower than they really are! With that I file away Minerva's forms and close out of her profile...

-Minori: Well Minerva, welcome to Viribus Sentinel Academy! I look forward to teaching you and seeing you grow throughout the next three years! I know this next part goes without saying, but I'm required to tell you anyway. Just because you come from a royal family, please don't expect any special treatment! You will be treated the same as the students who come from the poorest villages on the poorest planets. You're all Sentinels in training!

-Minerva: Of course Minori. My father always spoke very highly of you. I look forward to learning under you and continuing to grow into my powers. And of course I wouldn't want any special treatment. I plan to work just as hard, no harder than anyone else!

-Minori: Hah, that's a very similar response to what Ignis gave me-

-Minerva: IGNIS IS HERE?!?!?

Minerva had jumped out of her chair and was now leaning over the desk, her face just inches away from mine... Her eyes had lit up and the intense look on her face had morphed into one more excited...

-Minori: Um yes, he's out exploring the campus grounds at the moment... He left not that long ago, he couldn't have gotten very far, I'm sure if you head down you may find him close by...

Before I could even finish my sentence Minerva had darted out of my office, no doubt to go look for my son. I smile knowing that Ignis will have a friend here after all, someone he's familiar with! But then I remember something... Ignis had mentioned as he was walking out that he was used to being alone... I had also noticed that when Krista mentioned Lakonia to Ignis, there was a touch of fear in his expression... It was just for a second, but it was there... I can't help but wonder if I've said something I shouldn't have... It's probably nothing...

About 10 minutes pass and I can't quite get this out of my head... I decide I should go look for Minerva and or Ignis. I'm not quite sure what I'll do once I find one of them, but I'll figure it out...

I make my way outside of the main academy building and it appears I'm too late! Sitting on the ground with the biggest look of sheer terror on his face is my son Ignis, and standing over him with the biggest look of excitement on her face is Minerva! The smile on her face looks like she's having the best day of her life, but he looks like he's been sentenced to death! Also standing several yards away with angry, yet puzzled, expressions on their faces is a group of around 10-11 girls... Just what has Ignis gotten himself into?

Ignis: I-it's good to see you, M-M-Minerva!

Minerva: Ah good, you remember!

Ignis POV

Words cannot describe the dread I'm feeling... Seeing this she-devil again after all these years and remembering all of the abuse and torment I had faced at her hands when we were kids... That sadistic smile on her face tells me everything I need to know! She isn't satisfied with just having ruined my life when we were kids. No, she wants to pick right up where she left off and ruin my adult life! Minerva extends her hand out to me... No doubt she wants me to take it thinking she's going to help me up, but I know better! If I take her hand she'll pull me up only to knock me right back down or possibly even throw me across the courtyard!

Ignis: Uh-uh oh gods, I have to get out of here!!

Out of the corner of my eye I notice Mom standing several yards away looking on at this situation...

Ignis: Mom! Get me off of this planet RIGHT NOW-

Before I can finish getting the words out, Minerva scoops me up into a hug and lifts me off the ground! She squeezes so hard I think my spine is on the verge of snapping in half! I need to get this woman toput me down before she literally cracks me in half!!

Ignis: L-L-Let me go you fiend!

At first I struggle to get the words out, but I'm finally able to get my message across... Minerva loosens her grip and puts me down on my feet... Once I regain my composure, what I see leaves me absolutely dumbfounded... Minerva's entire face has turned red and the sadistic smile and the intense expression are replaced with the softest and most girly look I've ever seen...

-Minerva: Ignis, what's that all about? I was just so excited to see you and you're acting like I'm a criminal! I mean we haven't seen each other in almost seven years, I was just so happy-uh it's so embarrassing don't make me say anymore!

This has to be a joke right? A clever ploy to suck me in? Never once in my life have I seen this expression from this girl. Her, embarrassed? Not likely! I know that the moment I play into her little game it's not going to end well for me! Before I say anything else the group of girls who had been chasing me speak up...

-Girls: Hey! Don't ignore us!! This pervert was peeping on us!

-Fang Girl: And he tried to molest me!

-Ignis: Hey now that was a series of unfortunate misunderstandings! I didn't mean to see you girls changing! Really I was just walking around and heard voices so I thought I would investigate! And I did NOT molest you! I was running from all of them and I just didn't want you to scream and give me away! I realize I'm not completely innocent in either case, so please forgive me!

All of the girls look around at each other and consider my words, but suddenly Minerva's soft, girly demeanor vanishes, and left in its place is something truly terrifying... The intense expression she had earlier comes back, but this time it's much more extreme! Her eyes are laser focused towards the group of girls and I can feel murderous intent radiating from her...

-Minerva: HOW DARE YOU!!

Minerva throws her right hand out to her side and out of nowhere comes flying what is easily the biggest axe I've ever seen in my life! There's a large blade on side, which is easily bigger than her torso! On the other side is a spike that slightly curves downward, and to top it all off, the tip of the weapon has a spearhead on it! The handle of this thing is at least as long as she is tall! I can only imagine how much such a weapon weighs, but she holds it in one hand like it's nothing! Minerva begins to take a step forward with this new gargantuan axe in her hand as I just manage to get in front of her!

-Ignis: Whoah!! Hold on there! There's really no need for any of that!

Minerva doesn't want to hear what I'm saying...

-Minerva: Ignis, move. Not only did they interrupt us, but they've insulted your honor! Accusing you of such heinous and indecent acts!

Okay not good! Minerva has gotten it in her head that these girls have somehow wronged me, which isn't entirely untrue, but I'm also to blame so I think we could just call it even! However, I can tell just by looking at her that Minerva doesn't want anything to do with that! I can handle her messing with me to an extent, but threatening to harm other people? That's where I have to draw the line! Without saying anything I brace myself, and get ready for her to attack...

-Minerva: Ignis. Move.

She's not backing down at all! I don't want to get into a fight, not here, and certainly not with her! I mean yeah I have a magical power, but I'm not sure that would be enough to make up for the obvious difference in physical strength, and Minerva's no stranger to fighting! She has strength and knows exactly how to use it! My heart rate is through the roof and my palms are drenched in sweat... Minerva takes another step forward... All right here we go... Before I can even move, Mom appears, between Minerva and me.

-Minori: Minerva, that's enough.

Mom says this calmly, but also very seriously. I know she isn't messing around. And she shouldn't be! Minerva is totally serious about hurting these girls behind me! Minerva doesn't say or do anything for a few seconds... Finally after what feels like an eternity, she huffs and then lowers the axe...

-Minerva: Fine.

I think the situation is finally resolved until Minerva looks around Mom and myself to the group of girls...

-Minerva: If any of you mess with my Ignis again, it won't end well for you!

What does she mean "my" Ignis? I look at the group of girls behind me and see the fear in their eyes... It seems like most, if not all of them, are shaking... I think I even see one of them crying! Minerva then walks up to me and places her hand on my face as that sadistic smile returns! I'm tremendously disturbed by this; I'm expecting any moment for her to pick me up by my head and slam me down! Or maybe she'll put me in a chokehold! Who knows what she's planning in that sinister brain of hers?

-Minerva: Well Ignis, I'll be seeing you around.

She then winks at me and begins to walk off... I view her wink as a declaration that her savagery from Lakonia isn't over! After she gets far enough away, I gasp, and my knees finally give out... As I sit on the ground, I can hear similar reactions behind me. I look and see all of the girls with the exception of the fanged girl sitting on the ground and gasping for air...

Girl A: So scary!

Girl B: I thought for sure we were gonna die!

Girl C: What is that girl's problem?!

I can't say I'm surprised by their reactions. Nor do I blame them. I look at the fanged girl as she's only one left standing and I take note of her expression... I wouldn't describe the look on her face as scared, no it's more like concerned... I definitely think she was afraid of Minerva, but maybe not to the extent that the others were... She then notices me looking at her and we make eye contact. I catch what appears to be a faint smile before she walks away... I turn my attention back to Mom...

-Ignis: Mom, I literally thought I was going to die! For her to show up here, of all places! Then she tries to break my spine, then I think I'm gonna have to fight her because she wants to kill those girls! And what was with that crap she did just before she walked away?! I thought she was gonna try and rip my head from my neck! And that ominous wink?! She's definitely not done with me! She wants to make my life miserable just like she did on Lakonia!

-Minori: Umm Ignis, I think you may be misinterpreting some things here...

-Ignis: Oh no, I interpreted everything perfectly!

-Minori: Right...so I may have accidentally told her you were here and that's why she came looking for you...

-Ignis: YOU DID WHAT?!?!

-Minori: Geez calm down son! I didn't know at the time that you being here was some big secret that needed to be kept from her! And frankly, I'm still not quite sure I'm following everything! I also can't decide if telling her you were here was actually a mistake or not!

-Ignis: The fact that you even need to think about that after what you just witnessed...

-Minori: That's the thing! I'm not even sure what the hell I just watched! You looked like a scared child and she looked like it was the best day of her life!

-Ignis: Oh, I'm sure she was happy! Happy to know she gets to torment me for the next three years!

-Minori: There you go again with that! Will you please tell me what happened between you two in the past?

I sigh at this question. These were memories that I had tried and failed to forget...

-Ignis: She made the time I spent on Lakonia miserable! She was always bullying me! It started off small... Like just taking things and some minor stuff, you know? If I had something, she wanted she took it. If she didn't have enough money for something, she would force me to buy it for her. Then it got physical... She started pushing me down and even hitting me randomly! And I don't mean when we were training! I would just be minding my own business and she would attack me! She was always trying to fight me!!

-Minori: I mean, I can understand how you may be upset by something like that, but to me it just sounds like two kids playing...

-Ignis: Mom, she literally stabbed me...

-Minori: She stabbed you!?

-Ignis: Yes! One day I just walking along minding my own business, and she just came running out of the bushes and stabbed me!! She kept saying something about trying to toughen me up!

-Minori: Right right. Well I'd be lying if I said I didn't see where you were coming from even a little bit, but please try to be patient with her, it seems like she's changed!

-Ignis: Oh yeah, she's changed all right! She's grown into that freakish strength now! I think she could rip me in half if she wanted! Oh, and she also has an axe that's literally bigger than she is!! I mean did you see that thing!?!?

-Minori: Yes Ignis, I saw the axe...

I start to hyperventilate a little bit...

-Ignis: Mom I'm freaking out here! I don't know if I can do this!

-Minori: Son please just calm down! Listen I think the dorms are just about ready. By the time we get over there I think you'll be able to get in! I think the walk will help you calm down!

-Ignis: Yeah...alright, let's go...

And with that, Mom and I start off towards the dorms I'll be staying in for the duration of this year... It was an action packed, and emotion filled first day here at Viribus Sentinel Academy, and classes haven't even started! I can't say that all of the action was fun, nor can I say that all of the emotions I felt were positive... Despite all that, I'm sure if I keep my head down and keep pressing forward that I'll make it trough this! I won't let my sudden reunion with Minerva ruin it! I refuse to let it! A Sentinel is what I've always wanted to be, and I can't let some bully from my childhood keep me from my dream!

Minerva POV

I walk along the pathway and think about my first day here at Viribus Sentinel Academy. I'm so happy that I've been reunited with Ignis! I hope we can get along just like when we were kids! But something seemed...off... He didn't seem that happy to see me.... Not at all what I was expecting... Oh well, I'm probably just overthinking things!

END CHAPTER 3