Akashic Arcana Library shenanigans: Two flames meet.

OmegaRper42

Arbiter of light and dark.
Sitting at a lone mahogany table, several books piled up high looking as if someone was trying to build a tower made of reading material. Only one person sat at this table, the legendary scorcher, or in more hushed tones. The Silver slayer. Ruby.

She was in a very foul mood. True her trip to the market did start the day off rather nicely, if very strange and emotionally draining. But afterwards was when the headache started. After her seemingly sound loss to Xena, people have been treating her without any sort of respect. True they still feared her, there was no denying that but some have started to openly mock her. 'Hey maybe if we tell her were Xena's friends she'll leave us alone.' or 'About time she learned what it means to taste the dirt!' and even bolder loudmouths. 'She's now the council's bitch, maybe we should give her a treat when she does something good.'... It took everything she had not to beat the shit out of that last one. Brash she might be, but she isn't stupid, if she's reported acting out once, she would have to kiss all her time spent at this school goodbye.

In the meantime she was reading several magical tombs and grimoire, 'The machinations of elemental Alchemy, Body enhancement counters by Hibog claw, The art of defense magic volume 5, Amalgamation of magical types and spells.' This and more she had her full focus. Right now her surroundings were non-existent as were the people.

@Boxaman
 
Jayden was in a happy mood as he strolls into the Library. The young teen was still recovering from his battle with Amatsu, though he just finished a healing session with some nurses. Despite having healing, he was still walking with a noticeable limp.

Despite this, he had a devilish twinkle in his eye and a small smirk. I hit Amatsu, the untouchable Vice-President! First here at the Academy to hit him! Not to even mention I wounded him heavily! Jayden smirks as he moves towards his favorite spot in the library. Jayden makes a near bee-line towards Ruby, almost oblivious to her presence. However, when he approaches the table, he stops and frowns as his favorite table was taken. He looks at her, vaguly recognizing her from somewhere, almost a case of deja-vu.

Jayden shrugs and quietly sits at the same table on the opposite side. He pulls out a few books and begins to read quietly as well. His book of choice was a Magical Theories book, specifically reading a chapter about combining elements for greater effect.
 
The sounds of Jayden approaching did make her ears perk up. Almost like an animal hearing the sound of a predator approaching prey, Ruby however, only glanced out of the corner of her eye, her long crimson hair hiding her eye.

Who's this douche bag? The frown on his face did not make a good impression, and that dumb ass twinkle in his eye made her even more pissed off. Making an audible sigh she just went back to her book. He didn't say anything to her so that was at least a plus right now, it felt like if someone looked at her wrong.... Something would happen! Something that she and this poor son of a bitch would regret in the long run.

Closing her book or more accurately slamming it shut she reached for another one. Noticing for a brief moment that the rather lanky looking man was sitting opposite to her, reading a book on Magical Theories. "That one isn't really the best, I would suggest volume 4. Though that one might be too complex." Her mouth seemed to have a mind of its own at that moment, her tone was emotionless as she opened the book of her choice, and turn towards a section of Divine magic and the effects it can have on the body and mind.
 
Jayden looked up at the soun of Ruby's voice. His crimson eyes were a deeper shade of red than even Ruby's hair as he looks at her. His pupiless eyes seemed to stare into the very depts of her soul with the intensity of an inferno.

Jayden gave her a short, almost respectful nod as his even toned voice spoke out "Yes. I have read the fourth volume as well as the fifth. I would usually just contniue and read the sixth, but one of my classes, and recent duel, made me realize a potential effect for my magic. Thus, I was looking at the footnotes of this one in order to find the name of a specific study on the effects of hybrid magic." He was in too good a mood to notice the hostile undertone of Ruby's words.

Jayden then glanced down at the book she was reading. "Divine magic is a facinating study. The potential applications of it are numerous as it can take many forms. Though, I dont think I've heard of mental effecting versions of magic." He then goes quiet as he contemplates. Facinating. I wonder what effects mental Divine magic can cause?
 
You'd have to be either blind or nonobservant to not notice Jaydens intense gaze. His crimson eyes were the deepest shade of red Ruby had ever seen, it was almost as if his eyes were made of blood. The Intensity was hard to pin down. She started to wonder what he found so interesting about her, sure Ruby was quite exotic in more ways than one but after the incident in the market district she really felt on edge about people sticking their nose in her business.

The Nod helped a bit to relieve some annoyance, also, a closer look at the young mans face told that he was. Young. Everyone at the academy, with very few acceptions were young but this guy seemed to stick out like a sore thumb. His hight and thin frame could fool some people into believing he was older, "Genetics really are something."

He was also well spoken and obviously very intelligent, studying the footnotes was something that she; Embarrassingly had to admit to herself. Was something she never thought of considering, at least not in a while. "Ah, looking for more bang for your buck?" She placed her book gently down using one of her threads that she keeps on her person as a bookmarker. She had time to kill and anything to distract from how her shitty life was at the moment, is welcome. "The mental effects of Divine magic are.... In a simple term rather odd but straightforward. Some mental effects give someone sharper perception, some can block out darker thoughts keeping the mind clear and calm, this is used in the medical field but it can also be tempered into a powerful weapon. However, the more offensive type of mental Divine magic is.... Let's just say not for the faint of heart. Forgive me if I sound nosy, but might I ask in what school of magic are you proficient in?" Her hand propping up her head as she looked into those red eyes that seemed to dance like fire... She was starting to guess what his brand of magic expertise was but didn't want to spoil the moment.
 
Jayden nodded along to Ruby's explanation. "Facinating. If only there was a way to harness that power without being a Brit..." his voice trailed off slightly. The source of inherited magic. What is it? The soul? DNA? Genetics? Such mysteries to explore.

Jayden snapped back to reality as he looks at Ruby with his intense crimson eyes. "I am considered a pyromancer, but technically my magic manipulates molecules. Instead of creating magical fire, my magic targets the molecules in the air for rapid oxidation which results in violent spontanious combustion. In other worse, I superheat molecules to the point that they explode. I can create magical fire like any elementalist, but I prefer to use my oxidation spell: Flare." Jayden spoke with a slight hint of pride, as such magic accomplishment of such a complex and unknown type of magic is rare for one his young age.
 
Raising an eyebrow at Jayden's sudden moment of silence. "Yeaah. We Britannia might be few in number, but we make up for it with our amazing magical abilities." Flicking her hair out of her eyes she sat up straight and patiently waited for the kid to break out of the trance.

'10 points for the Crimson haired beauty for the right answer... Well minus 1 point.' She was correct in that he was indeed a Pyromancer, but she could have never guessed how his worked. She knew that Elementalist were some of the most malleable, if archaic, form of mage able to combine magical energy with various elements and even sometimes combining elements with other elements. But actually manipulating the molecules in the air was an art Ruby had never heard of, in fact, if he hadn't explained his brand of magic in detail she might have just thought he was just boasting something he had little understanding on. Rubies eyes lit up, her foul mood replaced with a sense of growing curiosity.

"So. We are in the same camp than?" extending her palm, a small almost invisible flame forming. "I am able to channel the divine energies gifted to me by birth Igniting it with my own spirit. The potential for this small flame is limited only by imagination." She demonstrated by increasing the size and intensity of it, the small invisible spark becoming a small silverish inferno. "I can use it for Defense." It covered her arm the temperature rising but quickly returning to normal so as not to burn the books. "Healing." Biting the skin of her thumb, blood started to rush out. Not long the fire wrapped around her thumb, evaporating the blood into a mist and if Jayden could see, it was literally burning the wound out of existence. "And more obviously." The fire on her palm lashed out splitting into two long snake-like streams blocked Jayden's left and right side. "Attack." She didn't even try to hide her amused smile. The flames retreated back into her palm and then into nothing as she closed it. "My names Ruby by the way. You probably would have heard it sooner or later. But hey. Better sooner than later. Right?"
 
As Ruby begins to demonstrate her magical prowess. She would notice that he ignored the heat of her spells and leaned in close, studying her demonstrations with great curiosity. Of great interest was that of the healing flame, as his eyes go wide at that... Facinating... He thinks to himself. He didnt even flinch as the two streams of flames went to his sides. In fact, he lifted a finger to touch one of them, as if he was simply testing their heat.

As she says her name, Jayden smirks. "Always better sooner! I am Jayden Williams." He then extends on hand to shake hers. "Always a pleasure to meet a fellow pyromancer."

After they shake hands, he askes as he strokes his chin "Your healing fire, I am assuming that is a divine magic spell? If not, it would be a facinating spell to learn."
 
It seems the young man was enraptured by her display of pyromancy. Evident when he leaned in for closer inspection, she didn't bother to make sure her flames were not touching the boy since any decent pyromancer had to have at least some immunity to heat. Jayden especially seemed fascinated by the use of her healing spell. The unspoken amazement was taken as praise for her ability, true Ruby frowned on people that would brown noise just to get favors or tips yet it still felt nice to get recognition for her masterful control of the Divine flame.

Smiling as he extended his hand, she casually did the same. "Likewise. Always a pleasure to meet someone so... Inquisitive." She was now fully on guard. Jayden's little smirk and words of honey caused her to grow suspicious, to say the least.

Her small doubts where soon inforced when Jayden asked her about the healing magic. Causing Rubies eyes to narrow slightly, it seemed too good to be true. "Sorry. It is a divine spell. The healing fire itself is a by-product of a Britannia spell, divine energy mixes with nearly anything just like how elemental spells can." Sitting up straight her eyes locked onto Jayden's intense red gaze. Her face was pleasant and radiated warmth, yet if one could see the inside of her mind they would see something akin to a hunter readying their weapon, waiting for the prey to strike.
 
Jayden nods with a genuine smile "Inquisitive is my middle name!" He then nods as she speaks about how it is a divine inherited magic type. He sighs as he snaps his fingers. "Well damn, that is a bummer. I do enjoy learning new magic. Learning a healing flame would make an excellent asset to save lives."

He kept his cool externally, but his eyes hardened at her sudden defensiveness. As he sees the readying 'weapon' in her eyes, his own eyes narrowed slightly. He looks deep into her eyes, the crimson intensity dialing up to eleven. The look in his eyes seemed to be of curious nature, almost as if he doesnt understand her sudden defensiveness. "Something the matter?" he asked in a noticably colder tone, the sudden coldness of it capable of sending chills down her spine. Between the intensity of his eyes and his sudden coldness, she could make a educated guess that this kid had seen some real combat in his young years.

Internally, he was replaying what all he said to figure the source of her defensiveness. Did I insult her when asking about her Divine flame? If so, she must be rather short fused..... which is ironic since I AM usually the one who has anger issues.... Maybe its a pyromancer thing? He chuckles internally as his external side still appears cold and focused.
 
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Nodding to Jayden's disappointment at not being able to learn her healing spell, the gesture seemed honest yet her eyes still held some caution to them. Years of assassins infiltrating her life had caused her to develop multiple survival skills. Being cautious was one of these skills, another was putting on a mask that hid what she knew.

'Something the matter?' The sudden coldness sent a small chill up her spine, his eyes saying that he wasn't a stranger to a real battle also might have done the trick. But like she always did Ruby quickly recovered. The change was almost instantaneous, her warm smile soon twisted into an angry sneer that could send its own chill up someone's spine, the muscles on her arm seemed relaxed to the untrained eye but if Jayden was the battle expert he was he would see that she was on guard, it was normally hard to make it look so relaxed but Ruby had somehow managed. Her eyes turning bright silver met his gaze, no backing down or showing any fear as she spoke "You want to ask that again? Without the tone?" Her own voice was dark and cold, showing to Jayden that she was no stranger to life or death battles... But if he could listen closely, he could hear something else in her voice. Something that implied this girl had seen something, something so dark and hellish that nothing in this world could ever make her fear someone in battle.
 
Jayden glared at Ruby, their eyes maintaining a level of intensity that seemed to cause sparks between the two. Jayden subconciously moved his right fingers to be ready to snap, ready to case the first explosive shockwave at Ruby. Their mutual pyrokinetic powers began to manifest as their mutual anger rises, with the air between them begining to get noticiably hotter.

Thankfully, Jayden ended the staredown which threatening to cause a heated battle between the two flames. Jayden closes his eyes as he sighs "I am sorry, that was rude. I assume my curiosity caused you to go on the defensive, which then triggered my defenses. Again, I am sorry that I caused offense in any way." His stance then relaxes, his hand retruning to a neutral, non-snapping stance.

As he awaits her response, he internally reflected. Since when have I been this level headed? Is it the constant fighting with Artoria that is making me calmer? Is it simply because I feel similiar feelings as this strange pyromancer?
 
Ruby in her rage was about to unleash a quick volley of finger projected fireballs, the heat would have done nothing to another pyromancer but the concussive force and the short range she had would make each very deadly. The tips of long red hair started to turn white-hot silver adding to the temperature of the room.

It was only when; Thankfully. Jayden apologized for his questioning and his little triggers that managed to get under Rubies skin. Face palming her hair returning to normal yet her cheeks started to color. "No!... No. I'm the one who should be apologizing." She relaxed again her hands crisscrossed on the table as she rests her chin on them, "I have my own bullshit to deal with, mostly from other people. Seriously do I have to be reminded that I lost to frikking!.... Sorry. Sorry." She waved her hand as him her face now fully in her arms. "You were just asking me about Divine magic and I took it as you mocking me." Admitting to this made her feel even worse, like she was an immature sensitive child that couldn't distinguish a compliment from jeers.
 
Jayden nodded as he listens to Ruby, holding his hands up in front of him "Its ok! I completely understand. People can be a pain in the ass, such as one freeloading royalty I know!"

He places a hand on Ruby's shoulder "Its alright, Ruby. I think I may have came off that way since I am naturally inquisitive! It is a simple mistake, no harm no foul!" Jayden then smiles warmly at his fellow pyromancer. "I know exactly how you feel about being immature! I think its a common trait for us pyromancers to be hot headed, if you will excuse the pun!" He chuckles at his own pun, having a smug look on his face.

However, under that smug, goofy look, he contimplated her words. Perhaps I am not as alone in rough pasts as I thought. Here is a lady who has had a rough life as well.
 
Ruby went silent her body become as stiff as a statue, the dumb jokes that Jayden just said with no hint of shame or self-awareness. Such an act of blatant inaneness could only have one reaction, in fact it seemed like the only reaction that Ruby the scorcher, the silver slayer deemed to be the only reasonable course. She laughed. It started out quite and low but slowly started to get louder until she was laughing so hard she was tearing up.

"HAHAHAAHAH. O my god! haha I can't... I can't breath. Hahaha." She managed to look him in the eye a strange smile on her face. "You suck at jokes you know that? Lucky I have a soft spot for poor comedy." Getting her breathing under control and ignoring the now wide eyed book readers who just saw someone they claimed to be a devil in human skin show an emotion that wasn't anger,Pride, or even joy at one's misfortune. "Soooo. Who is this royal pain in the ass?"
 
Jayden was flabbergasted at Ruby's response to his pun. The smug look went from goofily innocent smile to a flat out laugh alongside Ruby. He nods at her "I love crappy jokes as well!" he replies as they laugh together.

The duo laughed together for some time before they both managed to get their chuckling under control. The nearby other readers looked at the duo with an index finger over their lips while going "SHHH!" Jayden just rolled his eyes and ignored them as he listens to Ruby's question.

Jayden then scoffs "Just Artoria Pendragon, Princess of Britannia. I am paired with her in tutoring sessions and she lacks any know-how when it comes to magic. Though... she is rather skilled with that sword of hers."
Ruby could practically taste the feelings the young mage gives off. It was a complex mixture of disgust, hatred, admiration, and a dash of hidden feelings towards the Princess. IT was also clear from his expression that it isnt something he casually talks about to others.
 
"Pendragon? O right. I forgot, she's that girl who hugged that walking alchemic abomination." She didn't even try to hide her disgust with the student body president, in fact Jayden could feel the venom in her words. it was vikktoria that had placed her into this hot mess and Ruby was not going to let go of her Humunculus hatred anytime soon. She also decided it was not the best idea to give away her last name to anyone. Sir Kay according to legends, was Arthurs step brother thus this would make Artoria her distant cousin.

Ruby might not have been the best at picking up certain, social cues, but the expression on Jaydens face gave away that he wasn't used to talking about these sorts of things. In fact she could almost taste it... And maybe he wasn't in touch with certain feelings that came with puberty. An almost mischievous grin spread across her face, "Skilled with a sword you say?" The Freudian reference oh her tone would possibly be lost on Jayden, she goes on. "To be expected. She is the heir to Excalibur so it would only make sense that she would be trained in both swords-man ship and magic... Though it seems they might have no hammered the magic as much. Not too sharp on the magical aspects?" Using a combination of telekinesis and her divine flames she lifted up a metal container that held a special tea that smelled like vanilla and then using her fire to superheat it to perfection. The steam rising out of the container held the sweet smell. Taking a small drink she turned her attention back to Jayden.
 
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Jayden quickly picked up on the phrase "walking alchemic abomination." His logical side quickly deduced that she was talking about a Russian, though he was not quite sure the specfic person. Jayden would mutter "Damn Russians." as he listens to her. She would easily get the sense that he was not a fan of russians either. This was from a deep rooted hatred after watching his mother get blown away by a Russian suicide homuculous.

Jayden would nod "Indeed, I believe she was trained by Sir Lancelot, known as the greatest swordsman in the world. Tough cookie she is, when it comes to swordplay. My guess is she was taught swordsmanship from a young age, and that took too much time to be able to teach her magic beyond the basics. Hence, she is given a practically free pass here to be taught, instead of earning her way here like the rest of us." Jayden then unconciously rubs his hands together, as though they were in pain. Ruby can see that they were covered in thick leather gloves, and there was some scar tissue slightly visable where the glove ends and the sleeve of his suit begins. He would watch her use magic to lift and open the canister, curiously awaiting her response.
 
"Vikktoria." She simply stated. Her voice was strangely dry saying that name. "She's the one I'm referring to.. Though the rest of her 'kind', are just as unnatural, cold, heartless, chi-. They are a plague on this world and will most likely doom it if the Confederacy ever starts another world war." Hatred as cold and hard as the throne of Lucifer in dante, her Brobdingnagian view of the Homunculus and even the Russians was as deep-rooted as Jayden's. Possibly more so.

Wanting to change the topic, not wanting to accidentally bring up any more of her past. Artoria was a good topic changer. "poor planning. I would not have expected that from the king or any of the other knights, especially from Sir kay. It kinda make you think if that whole speech on the monorail ride over her is just a whole bunch of bull shit. If anything Amatsu is a prime example of that and if Artoria is as inept as your saying. Hay I have more ammo to use against the student president." Ruby taking another sip of her tea noticed out of the corner of her eye, that Jayden seemed to be rubbing his hands together as if he was in pain, she then further noticed the scars at the end of his gloves. "You want me to fix that?" She asked a small silver flame coming into being on the palm of her right hand.
 
Jayden nods "Indeed. Russians are a plague..." Thankfully the conversaiton changed topics before they brought forth any fiery feelings that could lead to a heated fight with any russians they could find. Jayden himself was thankful for the change of conversation.

Jayden smiles slightly before shaking his head. "No thank you. I keep the pain and scars as a reminder to do better." he then puts his hands in his pockets. "But I agree, it is against everything hte school stands for that a freeloader gets in scott free. However," he pauses slightly before begrudgingly admitting "She is very much naturally skilled. She is progressing much faster than I anticipated. She learns complex magical theories rather quick, and she shows some aptitude for non-divine magic."
 
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