Pandemia Chapter 6; Class Is Back In Session

After the fiasco with the huge evacuation from Pandemia, the indeterminate hiatus from classes, and the mysterious calling from the one who ruled over Instruments, plenty of the Instruments that attended Pandemia returned to campus once the college was back in the Delta and no longer rested on the Second Moon due to the nature of the evacuation. Everything that happened from then to now was finally over, and things could get back to how they were. The Instruments and the other various Pandemis Students could prepare themselves for the 'Fiesta Del Caza', which was coming around again.

For students of Pandemia, it was an ultimate test of heart, and also an application of the curriculum, and so therefore meant much more to them than the normal Delta Townsfolk that lived in the Central City Of The Delta; Mezzo Villa. They chatted a bit about how relieved they were to have had everything resolve itself before the Fiesta Del Caza, since to them, it was an honorific ceremony, whereas to the Delta Townsfolk, it was probably just another sport. They could get away with perhaps slaying a creature for its soul, but a student of Pandemia that did this and the creature was innocent would be frowned upon highly. Assuredly, the consequences were greater than just being banned from the next Fiesta Del Caza, like a regular citizen would.

They talked and talked, most people along with their Soulmates, who were the wielders of the Instruments. They were bound together at their souls in a special way, though common factors were friendship or as lovers, and also commonly as family. Even pets could be Instruments or Soulmates, for there was a potential for each Instrument to be wielded, and for each person to be able to wield an Instrument. Though Pandemia taught them how to utilize the powers from their souls, it also taught them a lot about each other, as the atmosphere was extremely lax. Certainly, it was still diligent and well put-together, but beyond the very sternly enforced rules that did exist, the students were pretty free.

Classes didn't work like a normal school. The Instructors would either call for a class on a whim, or the students could request to learn. Otherwise, they were off utilizing the skills they learned in class hands-on, and therefore practiced more often than they were taught... Though, that didn't dismiss the caliber of the criteria that was taught, since it took them all such time to even get familiar in their lives with it, even without impediment. Plus they had to continue to utilize what they learned later on as they developed, and also certain people wanted to have classes more often, or needed more classes more often, so the flexible schedule allowed for the Instructors to build one around everyone's needs without actually slacking anywhere.

Essentially, the students were always practicing what they learned in class everywhere they went as part of the showing that they understood the lessons and what they were trying to teach. They had to show a level of some type of mastery by the time another class was officially called by an Instructor, so there was still a way for them to receive negative marks. This was no place for children, and discipline surely was just as strict, considering not everyone could fully grasp everything taught in a single class, and then hope to put it into practice and master a level of it before the next called class, which could be anything from an extremely extended period of time to perhaps within the very same day. So it gave motivation to the students to always do their best and be prepared, since classes could occur at any time.

The hustle and bustle of Pandemia returned now that the Evacuation had been completed and the college was back in the Delta, and Tear and Tifaret were still on hiatus from piloting Pandemia. This was troublesome to Tear, who was walking through the halls, getting somewhat fed up with not being able to. He believed that this was the perfect window of opportunity for himself, Tifa, and Pandemia, and he didn't want them to lose their momentum from being stagnant for so long. Yes, the Me-ou's orders were absolute, but how long would she restrict them? The thought buzzed about his head frequently, and he became rather anxious to return to piloting.

Even so, his duties to Pandemia were not at all shirked, and he was still quite attentive to the students, who were returning from what they might call a 'Field Trip'. Granted, it lasted for a very, very long time, but many of the 'Field' excursions of such mass did. Besides that, it was also an emergency, and it wasn't something that was actually planned. So, now Pandemia had to get back on its curriculum, which was up to Tear to complete.

Fortuitously, so much time passed that it was once again about time for the Fiesta Del Caza, the signature festival of the Delta, and the Pandemia Students were simply humming about it. There was nowhere in the school Tear could go where they weren't referencing it in some way, and each of the facilities Pandemia had to offer were being used to hone their skills in preparation for the coming time. His heart was warmed by this, and it brought him a little peace, but matters regarding Pandemia and Tifa still rattled in his head.

After a while, he simply gave in to his thoughts and went to go see Tifaret in her chambers, where he'd come up with an idea. If they couldn't pilot Pandemia, the two of them could still bond with each other, maintaining a level of practice for when the time came to pilot Pandemia again -- likely when the students were preoccupied with the Fiesta Del Caza, which should have been happening rather shortly. This much, Tear deduced would be the Me-ou's actions, as this was what was most rational, and he was usually not incorrect about such things. Analysis was one of his specialties, as was planning around such analyses.

Unlike Tear, who was always scurrying around the building somewhere doing busywork, Tifa spent her time chilling, relaxing in the Life's Chambers, where she was stationed. Pandemia Students came by from time to time for a number of reasons, but for the most part, she didn't need to go anywhere, and could stay put. Having some interaction with people other than Tear and Rita was somewhat refreshing, especially since it wasn't frequent, giving Tifa the well-needed time to herself to mull over a few things. Every so often, Tear crossed her mind, and she couldn't help but smirk to herself. She was enjoying their time together recently, especially now that she barely had to do any work, and more time could be spent together with him. There were no more field missions, there was nothing personal to deal with, and she had orders not to live the premises. It was the perfect time to take some personal time.

In the midst of that, Tear came to the Life's Chambers, where Tifa was roaming the hallway, heading to the Dragon's Den. It seemed like she was going to go enjoy the 'incense', as it was called, and elevate herself in the room always filled with it. Who knows how much she went in there to enjoy the high of the smoky confines of the Dragon's Den? Especially with it being located in her chambers. Likely, plenty of Pandemia Students were already partaking of some incense and herb, since that is what that room was for, as that helped make their wavelengths more receptive, and was considered part of training and education.

Hell, she was up for a good sessh.

"... Yo, Tear," greeted Tifa with a half-assed wave, "What's Up? It's Strange To See You Around These Parts." She pointed to the Dragon's Den entrance, which was a short ways away. "Just Heading To Get Good. You Know. Like The Place Is For." It was the ultimate relaxation and wavelength training spot, as by design. "You Want In On That Action? Some Of The Students Might Be In There Already Having A Session, But, You Know, It's All Love, So It Shouldn't Really Matter." Tifa shrugged, leaning up against a wall, waiting for Tear's response.

Not too long into their conversation in the hallway, a peculiar Pandemia Student came rushing toward them, a black bow in her brown hair and wearing a traditional Japanese Schoolgirl uniform, though blue with black trim. She was running toward the room where non-Instrument students were given or paired with an Instrument and made into Soulmates. The girl, Tsukimiko, didn't yet have her Soul Partner, as they were archaically called, and was very keen on acquisition as a priority. "EXCUSE ME!!!" she shouted to them, darting passed Tear and Tifaret, skidding, then dashing into the lair of Amaterasu. She didn't even pay any mind to the fact that the Dean, Undertaker Tear, was already present, and needed to facilitate the process.

As it was with the Pandemia Students and any Instruments due to the festival coming up, the Delta Creatures that belonged to many Pandemia Students that they were training up for the upcoming event were also throughout the grand halls of Pandemia. The Life Corridor was rather lively this morning, though it was somewhat early, and there was no scheduled class as of yet. Plentiful students were here, but they all seemed to be heading toward the Infirmary. It was likely that they or their Delta Creature had gotten injured in training and needed medical attention.

Due to being different beings from even the regular beings which they embody, Instruments needed to have a special curriculum that different from beings that they were similar to, such as Humans and Beasts and Mechanica. They tended to have to rely on their own powers as Living Weapons, as opposed to a Soul Partner that wields them. Even the other Pandemia Students that weren't Instruments were able to partner with Delta Creatures as their Soulmates just fine. So the Instruments were more independent at this time in order to prepare. They were mostly in the Battle Room and the Rosary Garden in order to get some hands-on practice in.

Even before Tear was ready to respond to Tifa, he noticed all of the activity amongst Pandemia, from the Pandemia Students to the Delta Creatures that some of them had. It was clear to him that they were all preparing for the Fiesta Del Caza, so it was only natural that they'd want to have a session in the 'Dragon's Den'. The smell of the incense was already in the air whenever someone opened the door. "... Why, That's Precisely What I'm Here For, Tifa," Tear finally responded to her, having taken careful note of everything and everyone else, including little miss Tsukimiko. "... I Presume That You're Already Prepared, Since You Said You Were On Your Way... And Once We're Inside And Ready, We Can Discuss Something Important." The Dragon's Den was a place for many things, and bonding deeply was one of them. This fell into direct alignment with what Tear wished to do, so it was fortunate that Tifaret was already intending to go there.

"Come, Tifa. Let's Head Inside, Shall We? We Can Go Into A Separate Room From The Main Area For A Personal Chat." Tear extended a hand as if to escort Tifa inside, and he would bring her to one of the private rooms, where the two could partake of the incense and discuss the personal matters more intimately.

Tifa was a bit surprised to hear that Tear was actually coming here to smoke. He didn't seem the type, yet at the same time, it was probably a given that he would do something like that on the down-low. Tifa, on the other hand, would come out with a blunt in broad daylight, if it suit her. If there weren't restrictions on smoking outside of the Dragon's Den, she'd totally take one to the open halls. But having a designated area for this sort of event in the first place is already pretty badass, so it was fine if the other areas of the building were prohibited.

"Oho? Someone's Eager," Tifa quipped, playfully knocking his hand away as she took helm, "Good Thing I Am Too. Yeah, Let's Get A Place In The Back." She and Tear would then go into the Dragon's Den, where they would continue their conversation and interactions in private.

Within 'Amaterasu's Chambers', Tsukimiko was standing before the light of the energy that gave life. She was astounded by it, as she'd never actually seen it in action. She was here because today, she was going to get herself a Soulmate, and she was excited to have one so she could begin her lessons at Pandemia. The entire time she was here, she hadn't been able to participate much, but after the strange incident that occurred, she was freed up and able to pursue her studies again, as she intended. Tsukiko was now prepared fully to start her journey with an Instrument Soul Partner. Waiting patiently, she looked into the wondrous light with determination.

As the morning progressed and the Pandemia Students prepared themselves for the upcoming Fiesta Del Caza, many first-timers wanted to get Instruments for themselves so that they could be ready, and others wanted to get Delta Creatures to help them out. Others still managed to get themselves both an Instrument and a Creature, but those who were after Instruments ended up with Tsukimiko in the Life's Chambers.

They chattered amongst themselves mostly, as it seemed some of them knew each other prior. They were all anxious to get their Instruments assigned to them so they could immediately go out into the fields and train.

Among those who wanted to get Instruments were also other Instruments, because the partnership between Soulmates or Soul Weapons was not limited to just the Maestro being a non-Instrument. The Maestro could also indeed be an Instrument as well, so they did also join the Pandemia Students that were not Instruments in order to get one. Some of them mingled with the Pandemia Students and others amongst themselves, and others still keeping to themselves. But no one seemed to want to address Tsukimiko, and it was unclear as to why.

The neglect of the other students didn't seem strange to Tsukiko at first, but as she began to realize that none were socializing with her, and quite on purpose, it set in rather quickly... Much to her frustration. She wouldn't comment about it as of yet, despite how it irked her so. She didn't look or seem any more outlandish or casual than the others. They were all unique and diverse in their own ways. So why was she the only odd one out, looking no different? Was it that they knew of her connection to the Royal Family? Did they know she was a Tensei?

So many thoughts rushed through her head like flowing water, filling her mind quickly with a pool of doubt. Maybe her royal heritage was going to get her ostracized from the group. Weren't some of them royalty, though, maybe? Not all of them could have been commoners, right? Either way, she supposed that it didn't really amount to much in comparison with the direct lineage of the owners of the entire dimension. What was one royal lineage on something they technically owned all of the ancestry of?

Maybe it wasn't such a good thing to try to be a Tensei in a crowd that wanted to be a Tensei so badly that they'd kill a Tensei just to be one. It was at that moment that she knew this was not going to be as good a school year as she thought.

Shortly after Tsukimiko drowned in her own thoughts, the Me-ou arrived in the Life's Chambers, uncharacteristically so. She hadn't very much reason to leave her office or realm where she ruled at all if she didn't want to. Never at all. So what would encourage her to have stepped outside in person and appear at Amaterasu's Chambers?

"Good Day," greeted the Me-ou, standing at attention just behind the unwary Tsukimiko, who shouldn't have noticed her until she spoke. "As You All Know And Are Probably Whispering About At My Appearance, The Fiesta Del Caza, Our Annual Tradition, Is Already Upon Us, And I Know Many Of You Want To Be As Ready As Possible This Year." She started walking slowly from behind Tsukimiko before her, then continually pacing before her and the others, in between them. "For Some Of You, This May Be A Chance To Prove Yourselves. For Others, To Test Yourselves, To See If You Are Capable. But No Matter If You Have Something You're Trying To Accomplish As A Veteran Or A Newbie, The Point Of It All Is To Understand Your Souls And The Nature Of All Things Around You. The Fiesta Del Caza Is The Ultimate Test We Have For Your Demonstration Of Your Understanding Of Nature And Life, As Well As The Soul, Which Gives Nature And Life Their Spirit, Rather Than Keeping Them Stagnant Or Repetitive."

After those few words were spoken, the Me-ou suddenly turned to Tsukimiko, beginning to introduce her to the rest of the Pandemia Students that were now at attention. "Students, You Have A New Classmate Amongst You Here. She Is Tsukimiko. This Will Be Her First Time With A Soulmate, So Be Nice To Her." Though her face was stern, there was a smile in the Me-ou's eyes as she looked toward herself in the lower restriction, hoping that she liked the cover for her. "Which Leads Me To My Next Point," continued the Me-ou, snapping back to attention. "Tifaret Is Currently Unavailable, As Well As Tear. Therefore, I Am Going To Get You Situated Today, And Then You All May Be On Your Way. No Need To Hold Anyone Up Nor Interrupt Them If I Am Perfectly Available." Perhaps she should look into more staff at some point... But as of right now, the system worked, and wasn't broken, so why fix it?

"So. How This Functions, For Those Of You Who Don't Know, Is That You Step Into The Flame And Have Your Soul Examined. Based On The Soul Energy And Your Wavelengths, Partners Will Be Matched To You Who Best Resonate With You. From That Point, You Can Select Someone From Whomever Is Most Compatible Or Whomever You Choose Based Off Of Your Preferences, And They Consent With Their Souls, Binding The Two Of You Together." She motioned to Tsukimiko, guiding her into the clear light that seemed to waver like a flame, somehow, "Like So. I Will Demonstrate Here With Tsukimiko As Our Example, Then Send Her On Her Way." When Tsukimiko stepped inside of the fire and opened her soul, she would immediately feel any and all compatible beings, which would be revealed to her as their souls, but not their physical selves. They would have different shapes and forms, but all relatively resembled the base form of a soul. This and the other features that were clear would be how Tsukimiko would have to select, and whilst she did, the Me-ou would distract the crowd by explaining to them the process, buying her time using a necessary space.

"So," she began again, "When You Step Inside, You Will Feel And See The Souls Of Others, But Not Their Physical Forms. We Can Show You, Yes, But That Is Not As Important As Learning How To Decipher The Soul On Its Own At Its Core, Which Is Why The More Junior Students Are Not Allowed To Observe An Image Of The Beings Which The Soul Belong To Until They Pass A Course In 'Soul Notation' -- which is 'Soul Identification'. And So, Whilst They Appear To Be Of A Different Shape And Form, They Are Still Souls. You Can See And Feel For Yourselves Which Souls Are Best Suited For You, Whilst Learning To Decipher What They Look Like."

The Me-ou's presence evened out the crowd as they all listened to her, and didn't even further the thought of speaking of Tsukimiko, if they'd even been doing so at all before. Whether or not it was so, the matter of fact as of the moment was that they didn't care any longer. They knew who she was, or at least what the Me-ou told them, and that was enough. Watching her go first was also a plus. They remained intrigued as the Me-ou went on to explain, each of them facing determination that made them all the more ready to begin the event. They would wait patiently for the Me-ou to finish with Tsukimiko.

As all transpired, Tsukiko was in a daze. Somehow, someway, she had saved herself -- quite literally. She was just overthinking the situation a bit to begin with, she recognized, but the way that her higher Restriction came in and handled the matter was something that Tsukimiko admired deeply. As much as she knew this was just a higher version of herself, she still wanted to exemplify the things that she loved about herself at all times, even in situations where her power was minimal, such as in her Zeroth Restriction form.

Of all the Restrictions, the Zeroth is the hardest one to master for a Tensei usually, because it is usually completely powerless or blocked from access to the more potent abilities.

Though, Tsukiko's pondering came to a halt when it came time to see about a Soulmate for herself. There were plenty of options before her, but like the Me-ou said, none could be seen. Tsukimiko wasn't getting any special treatment, for sure. She wouldn't cheat herself or others like that. So, as she got the authentic experience, she picked her partner based on the authenticity of what she believed a relationship could be. "I choose as my Soulmate... The Chomao that my father gave to me! The Origami Crystalmoon!" The thought came to her so suddenly -- it hadn't been there at all; she hadn't even remotely thought of the Origami Crystalmoon the entirety of the time she's had access to it after it was gifted to her until now. Something compelled her, and it felt like it came from the Origami Crystalmoon, itself.

She manifested it before her, and it would take the shape of Ai~Yon Universe, the White Rabbit, who was the Royal Servant of the Veritas. "Is this possible, Me-ou?"

"Perfectly, Dear," the Me-ou responded promptly, fingers steepled. "Simply Allow Your Souls To Resonate By Opening Up The Channgels Of Your Spirit So That Your Soul Energy Will Flow. That Is Known As 'Willflow', And Once It Is Synchronized Between The Two Of You, You Will Be Able To Wield The Origami Crystalmoon As Your Instrument, And He Will Be Your Soulmate Soul Weapon." The had to refrain from stroking Tsukiko's head, as to not show favoritism, especially before the rest of Pandemia. "And You Will Officially Be A Maestro." She winked at her. "It Is Best And Easiest To Do This With The Assistance Of These Flames Of The Jinseigami, Which Can Attune And Atone All Life And Souls." Tsukimiko shouldn't have needed much more assistance than that; she was a smart and ambitious girl.

"Meanwhile, Pandemia Students! Please, Become Orderly Now, So That We May Get Everyone Situated In A Timely And Organized Fashion. Shall We?" She moved in to wrangle and occupy the crowd as Tsukimiko did what she needed to do and got out of there before any of them got wind of the relationships she had, if they didn't know already. Also, because the Origami Crystalmoon is a special component of this flame, which is part of the Primordial Parallelatrix, which is the copy of the Origami Crystalmoon, the union of the two related entities was sure to be something somewhat of a spectacle. This wasn't for certain, but it was best to simply be prepared regardless. She never could precisely tell what her father would do, especially not in this form...

The Headmistress gave instruction to the Pandemia Students that brought them to order in reverence to her word, and they would organize themselves in a fashion that was best for completing the task. It was somewhat rudimentary of them, but it functioned, and they were all in sync, which made sense given their respective levels and congruence with each other. They were patient and attentive, keeping wary of the Me-ou's words.

"Right..." Tsukimiko uttered softly, but with conviction. She closed her eyes and opened her soul, letting it be as receptive as possible to her new Soul Partner, Ai~Yon Universe. Whatever was to come, she sought to unify the wavelengths of their souls in harmonious resonance as to create a Symphony Of Souls between them, and thereby solidify their bond as Soulmates.

With the extension of Tsukimiko's soul unto the Origami Crystalmoon that was also serving as the White Rabbit of the Veritas, she would draw forth the latent power of the Origami Crystalmoon, which would immediately combine with the derivative energy that technically served as an offspring for it, known as the Primordial Parallelatrix. Being the Parallelatrix at all meant that it was the copy of the original Origami Crystalmoon, and the reunion of the two inspired something great to happen.

Instead of Ai~Yon Universe, the White Rabbit and Royal Servant of the Veritas, specifically the Tensei Family, the unifying energies generated the creator and owner of the White Rabbit -- Tsukimiko's father, though in his child form. Ty-chan. He looked like a crystalline child version of her own father, from when he was a child, and when he started creating all that is today. None should have been able to recognize him, as no one had ever seen Ty-chan that didn't actually experience Ty-chan's existence when he was a child, or who was not a Tensei. Even so, to the Pandemia Students, Ty-chan still appeared to them as Ai~Yon Universe due to the refracting and origami properties of his existence.

"Daughter," Ty-chan bellowed, eyes flashing with a sanguine gleam, "I Have Decided That Because You Have Chosen Me As Your Soul Weapon That I Would Also Be With You As My True Self, And Leave Puchi Aside." What they may not have known was, Puchi was the original name of the White Rabbit from Ty-chan's era, who grew into Ai~Yon Universe during the Veritas Era. Puchi, which was a White Rabbit Doll, still had all of its original properties as before, but now could talk and also had grown and was adorned with regal gowns. This White Rabbit was a Divine Pet of Ty-chan's exclusively, but still was a Forbidden Royal Servant that managed the Veritas on behalf of the Tensei. "Puchi, Whom You Know As Ai~Yon Universe, Is Part Of Me, And I Let You Have That. So Your Acceptance Of That Part Of Me Inspired Me To Return And Complete Your Journey With You In My Child Version, Since You Are The Youngest Of The Children, And The One Who Is Presently In The Zeroth Restriction." The sentiment was there, and she should have understood it. To any others, the conversation was not the same, but they wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

"... I Will Teach You Everything That You Need To Know, My Daughter Of The Future, So That Our Bond May Be Strongest Of All, No Matter The Day Of Your Conception." Ty-chan spoke mysteriously cryptic for some reason, but it was likely because many things tended to go through his head that others did not readily understand. "Use Puchi As You Will, And If You Find Yourself Needing Strength, Call Upon Me. I Will Be Here With You, But I Do Not Want To Draw Attention To Us, So I Will Not Reveal My True Self To Anyone As Of Yet." It was likely that they'd think this was cheating or favoritism instead of what it really was. "When You Are Strong Enough, I Will Come Down Myself, And Then I Will Help You Transcend. First, Prove Your Strength To Me By Taking Puchi And Entering The Fiesta Del Caza. If You Succeed, I Will Reward You Greatly, My Child." Ty-chan started to fade away, letting Puchi resume his form as Ai~Yon Universe, the White Rabbit.

"I Love You, My Child..." were Ty-chan's parting words to his future daughter as Ai~Yon Universe took his place immediately afterward.

Ai~Yon: "Shall we depart, young mistress?"

With Tsukimiko and her new Soulmate taken care of, the Me-ou could rest about that matter, and she could focus on the remainder of Pandemia whilst Tear and Tifaret were currently on hiatus. A mental sigh of relief overcame her, and her expression softened to match that relief. "Well Now, Pandemia! Our First Soulmate Bonding Has Been Complete! Not That Difficult, Right? So, I Will Now Assist Each And Every One Of You So That You, Too, May Receive Your Soulmates From The Paraprysmia!" She didn't seem at all tense about dealing with the Pandemia Students -- not as much as dealing with herself, that is. Now that all had come to order, regular duties would not be so hard. She didn't have anymore concern over young Tsukimiko any longer since Ai~Yon U. was with her, and because it was herself in her lower Restriction form. The only concern left... Was getting the Pandemia Students prepared for... The Fiesta Del Caza.