The Village: Season Two

[Siani]

Kohana gave a bright smile as she drew in a deep breath. Looking to her side, she noticed Miyo staring at a wall painting. "Miyooo!" Kohana shouted, dragging her sister's name. "Miyo this place is soooooo big!"

The woman looked down at her younger sibling and gave a small laugh, "Yes, I can see." she said with a small smile. "This place is better than before."

"Lots of things have changed." Naomi said as she gave a nod. "But this academy still follows tradition. Soon enough, they'll be holding the welcoming commemoration for all the new students."

"I can't wait for that!" Kohana exclaimed. "What will it be like?"

"It's more like a small festival than anything." Naomi explained. "They'll say a few words to the new students then we celebrate your new attendance to this place and everyone can attend to it."

[Beebs]

"Sounds neat!!" Kohana excitedly replied.

Naomi laughed, adding, "It is neat. You'll be able to meet your teachers and peers before classes start. It's always so wonderful, from what I remember. I hope everyone will attend." She smiled.

"I know I will," Tidus replied, placing a light kiss on Naomi's forehead.

Naomi, finally feeling comfort in all of this, pulled Miyo over to the side of the large room, while the rest of their group observed their surroundings, and asked, "So, you've been here before? I thought you had a regular schooling tutor..."

"I did," Miyo replied, "But our brother, Jei, was a student here. I came here when I was younger, when he was getting settled into his dorm. Our parents were so proud of him."

Naomi, slightly stunned, thought to herself, "Miyo's brother...a Magen? How is it I never knew?"

[Liamane]

Jiro, curious of what the rest of the Academy looked like, took in his surroundings, and much to his surprise, he was in a state of awe as he gazed at the building's great hall. The teenager let out a quick whistle through his pursed lips, and a smirk crossed his face. "Hey, Naomi," he called to the woman leading the group, "aside from this room here, what else is there to see at the Academy? I mean, I'm sure that a place this size has plenty of sights to see, am I right?"

Kikyo nodded in agreement, for her interest of investigating the Academy was also high. "Indeed, I'm eager to see what else is in store," the priestess replied; while her face sported a bland expression, her inner feelings were that of excitement and admiration. "Would it possible to see such?"

[Beebs]

"Well, this is the public hall," Naomi nervously responded, "The rest are off-limits to guests until the welcoming ceremony...but, there's still plenty to see here! Come on, I'll take you to the dining hall!"

"Oh boy! I hope we get to eat!" Jiro exclaimed, rubbing his stomach, with his tongue hanging out of his mouth.

"You couldn't possibly be hungry," Kikyo questioned with a confused and astounded expression on her face, "We just ate not to long ago."

Jiro developed a big grin, waving his arms in the air, replying, "You'd be surprised how hungry I can get!"

Kikyo glared as Jiro chuckled with his arms behind his head. Naomi smiled, turning to Tidus, and winking. He returned the gesture and came over to the group. "So, should we head down now?" He asked.

"Sure," Naomi replied, turning to Miyo, "Are you two coming?"

Miyo looked over to her younger sister, who was entranced by the wondrous sights the Academy entailed, an expression of awe on her face for every detail in the structure and atmosphere she observed. Miyo smiled and answered, "No, I think Kohana wants to stay a while longer. We'll catch up, okay?"

"Alright," Naomi said, "Just try not to get lost." They both laughed and Naomi began to lead the group further into the magnificent school.

"Wow..." Kohana said aloud, running her fingers lightly across the stone wall of the entrance hall. She kept moving her hand, following the wall to an archway, where she bumped into a large man, not realizing he was there. "Oh sorry, I didn't see you." She said, slightly embarrassed.

"It's not problem at all, young lady," the man replied in a cheery tone, noticing who it was who bumped into him, "Say, are you Kohana?"

"Uh...yeah," she replied, surprised, "How'd you know that?"

"Well," the man replied with the same happy demeanor, "You're very special, Kohana. You're one of our most valued new students. Forgive me, I've yet to introduce myself. I'm Headmaster Voyle and it's a pleasure to formally meet you."

[Liamane]

Kohana smiled in response to the kind headmaster's introduction. "Nice to meetcha!" the young girl replied before looking up to her older sister. She then switched her attention back to Voyle while her smile was continuously fresh. "This is my sister. This is the guy that runs this place, Miyo."

The woman let out a laugh and sported a parallel smile similar to her sister's. She nodded and shook the man's offered hand. "It's a pleasure, sir," Miyo said with a gentle voice. Smiling broadly, the young woman quickly looked about the large room after her statement. "You've done a wonderful job with the Academy. It looks fantastic."

Voyle grinned. "Why, thank you, Ms. Miyo, but the Academy would have never attained its current status without the staff or the students," he began, his voice was boisterous and proud. He paused for a moment as he examined her. Realizing her identity, the man chortled and began to recall events that had occurred in the past. "If I'm not mistaken, this isn't our first meeting. I remember when your brother, Jei, first came here about twenty years ago. I'm sure Kohana here will be a fine addition to the Academy's family."

[Beebs]

"Well, I sure hope she well be," Miyo said with a warm smile, lightly wrapping her arms around her younger sister's shoulders, "Mt friends just left to go see the dining hall, so Kohana and I should probably get going."

"Ah, I assume Naomi was giving you all the grand tour then. She's told me all about your friendship," Voyle replied, "Do you mind if I were to accompany you and say hello to a future instructor?"

"Not at all," Miyo graciously replied, "In fact, we might have a hard time getting their without you. This place is so big."

"Well, yes, it is a rather big school now isn't it?" the headmaster said with a chuckle, "The dining hall is this way." He pointed down the corridor Naomi and the group had previously went and began to lead Miyo and Kohana through there as well.

[Liamane]

As the group pressed forward toward the Academy's immense dining hall, Jiro's stomach emitted a loud growl, and pangs of hunger began to annoy him. He sighed and his eyes darted about the area, his hand met with his stomach. "Boy, am I hungry!" he announced to the others, Kikyo rolled her eyes indifferently in response. "Whaddya say we get a bite to eat, huh, Naomi?"

The woman chuckled while looking to the teenager. "Sure, Jiro," she replied to her friend, she beamed as Jiro's face brightened. "We're almost there. We'll get something to eat in the dining room, alright?"

Nudging Kikyo in the arm, the former Fuwa spy grinned. "See? Naomi cares about my craving stomach," the teenager continued, the priestess, yet again, replied with a roll of the eyes. While there were times that she adored Jiro, there were times, such as these, that she wished he had a muzzle.

[Beebs]

"Here we are!" Naomi announced, opening a large pair oak doors, revealing a large room with 3 sets of long, wooden tables. A few people of various ages sat here and there at the tables, but all of them were silent and enjoying their meals. Jiro's mouth watered at the sight of the buffet at the end of the hall, a wide table covered with meat and fruit. "Oh man this is great!" Jiro exclaimed, rushing over and stuffing his face with whatever he could fit.

"Wait!" Kikyo huffily called out, "What if you aren't allowed?!"

Naomi smiled and said, "It's okay, everything here is the product of the students, so it's all free. Although, a plate would be a good idea." Naomi chuckled, and after, Jiro got a plate from the side of the table and began filling it, apparently having heard Naomi's comment. Naomi pointed to a section of the left table, that was across from a large window. "I always sat right there. I loved looking outside at the forest. It's very soothing."

"Sounds like it," Tidus remarked, "What're we waiting for?" He walked over and sat down where Naomi was referring to and motioned for the rest of their group to join him. Naomi and Kikyo both smiled, sitting down as well, and Jiro soon followed with a smirk on his face, a mouth full of food, and a plate to match. "Well, there's one thing I can say for sure," he said said, still chewing, after sitting down,"They have great food."

[Liamane]

Walking before Voyle and Miyo, Kohana trotted ahead while the two adults talked with one another. "So, how has that rascal brother of yours been, Miyo?" the headmaster asked the woman, his hands were placed behind his back. "It's been ages since I've seen him."

Lowering her head, Vincent's lover let out a swift breath before she lifted her eyes to her younger sister. "I can say the same," she answered, her voice was soft as the image of Jeimuzu's face appeared into her mind. "After our parents died, he got up and took off. I guess that the tension and the emotional torment got to him; he couldn't take it anymore. It was hard at first, but I had to press on for Kohana's sake. I mean, she was an infant while all of this took place, I had to stay positive. If anything, all of this has been hardest on my sister; she doesn't even remember what my parents look like, and she can't even recall Jei."

Voyle frowned, his gaze dashed over to Kohana. "That's most unfortunate," he uttered, his loud voice lowered in volume. The headmaster smiled to brighten the grim conversation. "He was a fine man, and I'm most certain that he's still well today."

[Beebs]

"I hope so," Miyo solemnly replied, sighing. Talking about her brother made her miss him even more. As the trio continued down the hallway, they soon reached a work, and in the center was a set of double doors. She pointed and asked, "Oh, are we here?"

Voyle turned to the doors and smiled, answering, "We sure are!" He walked up to the doors and opened them, revealing the dining hall. Kohana saw the others sitting at the left table and quickly rushed over, shouting, "Hi everyone! We met the head cheese!!"

Naomi chuckled, looking up at her young friend, and replied, "Oh did you now?" She looked over to Miyo and Headmaster Voyle, nodding her head in respect. The headmaster returned the gesture, smiling at the new teacher. Kohana sat down at the table with the rest of her friends. She looked at Jiro, who was still stuffing his face full of the delicious food, and curiously asked, "How can you be eating so much? We just had lunch like an hour ago!! You're a food pit!"

"Hey!" Jiro exclaimed, small bits of food falling out of his mouth and onto his now scrap-filled plate, "I have a big appetite, that's all!!"

"And it seems like you need a big bib to go along with it," Tidus quipped, playfully nudging Jiro in the shoulder. Kikyo laughed, adding, "He's right about that."

[Liamane]

Sitting herself next to Naomi, Kohana took a seat and she looked about the table at everyone's plate. "Hey, where'd you all get that food?" she asked, the thought of food began to interest her. "I'm starting to get a little hungry."

Looking to the wide array of food at the buffet, Miyo smiled and switched her gaze to her sister. "Here, let me get you some food," the woman said in a rather motherly tone. Her younger sister grinned. As she began to walk over the food, she looked over her shoulder and continued, assertively, "I'll be right back."

Voyle, who nodded in reply to Miyo, then looked to Naomi sitting among the group. After clearing his throat to get her attention, the soon-to-be teacher looked up to the headmaster and offered him her undivided attention. "Pardon me, but Naomi, may I speak to you in private?" the man asked, he smiled for reassurance.

Standing from her chair, the young magen nodded and followed her elder without question. "Of course, sir," she responded contently. Like Miyo, she turned to her friends and nodded to assure them that she wouldn't be long.

[Beebs]

Naomi patiently traveled to where the headmaster was situated by the entrance to the dining hall, smiling and greeting him, "Hello Headmaster Voyle, it's wonderful to see you again."

Voyle returned the greeting, slightly bowing to her, responding, "Yes, it is quite lovely to see you again as well. My, how you've grown up since you attended here. It's so strange seeing my former students become what they've become. But more to the point, I had a few questions I wanted to ask you."

Naomi, slightly leaning in to him, replied, "Sure, go ahead."

"Well," the headmaster began, "What do your friends know about the Academy?"

Naomi looked down at the floor, a frown appearing on her face, and she began to answer, "Well, Kohana know that you chose her specifically because you see a great power in her. However, none of the others know, except for my boyfriend Tidus, who is completely understanding. He's one of the ones from another world. His life before this was full of magic, so he is completely trustworthy on that in. I told both he and Kohana not to tell Miyo or the others, at least until I decided what was best. I had hoped you could help influence me in that decision."

The headmaster smiled with affection, lifting her chin up with his fingers, and added, "From what I've heard, and seen, your judgment is at its best. I think you're doing what the situation calls for."

Naomi developed a glowing expression on her face, ecstatic from her former headmaster's high praise, and replied, "Thank you sir, it means a lot hearing that."

He returned her expression, now developing a more serious face, and continued, "Now, there's something else I waned to ask you. Now, you already know that during the welcoming ceremony, students are pulled off into the private auditorium to be given their brief orientation on what's to come, while the parents and siblings are kept in the dining hall where they are told enough information so that we aren't lying, but we aren't revealing all either. It's very important things are kept this way for the sake of the Academy's wellbeing. I apologize for the lengthy explanation, but I wanted to make it perfectly clear...because I wanted you to speak at the parent seminar."

Naomi looked around, to make sure he was talking to her, and blushed with excitement, answering, "Oh thank you! Of course, it would be an honor."

[Liamane]

Upon hearing Naomi's response, Headmaster Voyle grinned. "Splendid!" his uproarious voice boomed throughout the large room. He began to drown himself in loud laughter in which startled Naomi almost instantaneously. After gaining his composure, he breathed and cleared his throat. "A thousand pardons, Naomi. Forgive me for that, but I must part here. I have to inform the staff of your decision. I wish you the best of luck, and be certain to give your friends my best regards." Before departing, Voyle sported a large smile of gratitude and bowed his head in respect. He winked, and he took his leave as he disappeared into the hallway.

The young magen, still fluttering with excitement, looked over to her friends, and as she made her way toward the table at which they sat, a huge grin was fixed upon her charming face. She took her seat once again, next to Tidus and Kohana, and the man beside her couldn't help but also smile. "Something good must have just happened, am I right?" Tidus whispered to Naomi, he leaned into her. "Care to share?"

[Beebs]

"Well, something good did happen. Something very good," Naomi replied softly back to her love's ear, "But I'll tell everyone later. Right now, let's just enjoy this wonderful day."

Meanwhile, Ms. Kiro slowly stepped forward through the large hallways of the Academy, smiling at the sight of the headmaster approaching. When the two were face to face, the respectively bowed to one another, and hugged shortly after. Releasing their grip on one another, Ms. Kiro began, "Ah, Arthur, old friend, I'm so happy to see you."

"Yes, as am I, Melinda," Voyle replied, returning his friend's warm smile, "So, what is it that brings you here on this fine day?"

"Well, I heard Naomi and her friends were visiting and I thought I'd say hello," the flower shop owner answered, looking down the long corridor to the dining hall entrance. "Perhaps another time, though. "

The headmaster turned back and looked as well, commenting, "Yes, they're in the dining hall right now. Such kind people." The man glanced to his friend, and raising a brow, he questioned, "Melinda? You seem... trouble."

The instructor's expression darkened as she solemnly responded, "I am, my friend. I have just spoken with the seers. It seems that two more not from this world have just arrived..."

[Liamane]

Returning to the table, Miyo placed a small plate of food before her sister, she smiled in response. "Here you are, Kohana," the woman said warmly, watching her sister nod in gratitude and begin to eat her little snack. Vincent's love then looked to Naomi who sat next to Tidus, and she shot a large smile at her friend. "I must say, Noami, this place is really impressive. I've no doubt in my mind that my sister will have a great time here. Right, Kohana?"

Looking up and ceasing to eat, the young girl folded her hands into her lap and she sat up straight in her seat. "Well," her voice trailed off before looking at the adults, "I really like this place, and everyone's really nice, too. I-I guess... I guess that I'll be coming here in the autumn then."

[Beebs]

"I'm so glad to hear that Kohana," Naomi replied, happily grinning at her young friend, "I just know that you'll love it here! The years spent at the Academy were some of the best in my life; I hope the same thing for you."

Tidus wrapped his arm around his love's waist, gently tightening his hold on her, proud of everything she had accomplished.

[Siani]

After noticing that small affection that the young couple expressed, Miyo couldn't help but be concerned about her own lover. "How hard could it be to find one person?" she thought as she lifted her head again. "This village isn't that big. I just have to stay determined and keep hoping."

"Sorry to cut our time here but it's getting pretty late." Miyo said as Kohana finished her plate. "We can get a lot of things done tomorrow with lots of rest."

[Beebs]

"Miyoushi's right," Tidus added, his eyes adjusting their glance to the exit, "It is getting late and we want to be home before it gets too dark."

"Oh, that's right," Naomi said with a grinning expression, "I had an idea. I thought we could watch the sunset from the village today. It's been a while since we've all seen it together and it's always so pretty from the hill by the square."

"Ooooh, that sounds really cool!" Kohana exclaimed, turning to her sister for guidance, "Can we Miyo? Please??"

OOC: Hehe, Miyoushi

[Siani]

Quickly calculating any problems that could occur, Miyo looked at Kohana who desperately wanted to go and sighed. "Sure why not?" She said with a small smile. "What could it hurt?"

"Yay! Thank you!" Kohana replied a little overjoyed. "All of the flowers should be in bloom too. Maybe we'll see some moonshines?"

"Moonshines?" Kikiyo asked curiously. "What are Moonshines?"

"Moonshine are flowers that slightly glow in the dark." Miyo replied. "They usually bloom around this time of the year."

"Ah, that's right. They're named moonshines because they remind you of the moonlight at night." Naomi added. "Ms. Kiro told me that the petals glow the most during the full moon. They're really a sight to see."

[Liamane]

Widening her eyes in wonder, Kikyo attempted to imagine an image of a Moonshine flower in her head. "Sounds incredible, it truly must be a sight," the priestess breathed, looking to Miyo nodding in agreement. The woman sported a small smile as she then shot a glance to Jiro. "Don't you agree?"

The teenager, who was picking food out of his teeth, leaned back in his seat before crossing his arms in discontentment. "Yeah, it's a flower, whatever," the young man retorted, chewing on his lip. "Am I suppose to care?"

The priestess groaned as she rolled her eyes. "Apparently not," she snapped with a monotonous tone in her voice. She then looked to Miyo and Naomi before raising a brow of curiosity. "So, what's next on our agenda?"