With a squeak, the young mouse stood up proudly and rush from the back of the classroom and turned in the paper. He finished his last test. With a sigh he turned and gave a gulp seeing the rest of the class giving him glares. His classmates were all his seniors but only in age.
As the young mouse was about to pack up and leave, the professor called out to him, "Blue D. Nul." This made him stumble and he quickly slung the strap of his pack over his shoulder before he hurried back to the front, his classmates still giving several grumbles. The professor looked up to him and spoke with a firm voice, "See me after class." With another gulp he turned and departed the class. He questioned himself time and time again to see if he could recall something he had done wrong, anything that could get him in trouble.
The bell rung signaling the end of class, then end of the exams, and the end of the term. Students rushed out the door, down the halls, and all past him.He was easily the shortest person in the entire academy and it was quite unnerving for the mouse. When the last student left the room he slipped in and walked up to his Professor's desk, "Y... you as...asked to see me S...sir?"
Moving his ring finger to push up his glasses closer to the gray mask marking that covered the eyes of the otherwise albino raccoon. Lab coat covered arms folded over the button up shirt he wore underneath as soft gold eyes, that looked to have lost their sanity long ago, looked up to the young mouse. They never looked to hold the sanity that any normal man would have.
"Blue. You're coming out of this class with a score that no student of mine has ever made." A screech of wood against tile filled the room as the professor stood up and clasped his hands behind his back. He made his way over to the window to stare down at the courtyard, three stories below them. "You're only fourteen and yet you're going to be graduating at the top of your class among your peers. Each one having up to if not more of a decade of seniority over you."
After a long pause Blue spoke up, "Professor, I only want to live up to what is expected of me." Thumbs twiddled around one another as the timid boy bit his lip and looked down. It was a shame he was so shy, he was a very kind boy.
"Ah yes. Your mother." The professor said as a glint of maniacal madness glinted in his smile briefly. "That damned woman was a genius. Put me in place on several accounts." He turned to Blue, the lab coat billowing out. "You have great potential child, you have shown it to the entire academy." With a devilish grin he began to approach the boy, "However, I see that you are doomed to be a failure."
Blue shot a look of terror up to him. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. "B-b-b-b-b.... Professor! I .... That is... my grades..." The mouse twitched and fidgeted nervously. He was about to break down after hearing that his favorite professor was just about to cut him down where he stood and without logic it would seem.
"That's exactly what I'm talking about." He sighed and knelt before the boy resting a hand on his shoulder, "Not what you said, but how you said it." The 'Coon took off his glasses and looked Blue in the eyes, "You're too shy. Too timid. You need to break free from the shell that binds you. You haven't been able to do that no matter how many times I put the weight on your shoulders. You've only confidence in one thing, and that's your ancestry.
"You need to start looking at the bigger picture. There's much more to come, if you don't grow some confidence, this world will eat you alive." Standing back up, he put his glasses on and turned to take his seat at his desk, where he started to organize the papers that the students had left, "Blue, there is one more final exam that students don't know of until they graduate. I am not allowed to tell you more. Just know this, without confidence in yourself and in your ability, you will fail this exam."
Blue watched is professor for a while, then adjusted his satchel that was held on by the strap and gave him a nod, "Professor, I will do my best. I will not disappoint you."
"See that you don't. If you feel, you start back at the Academy from day one." His eyes finally left the mouse and looked down to the papers. He didn't want to see the shocked look any longer, "Dismissed."
The following day, the Headmaster had called and Blue had rushed to his room and saw five other students that had been called there as well. He was about to speak with the Raccoon of a professor covered his mouth then shoved him towards the line of students. "The last one is here Headmaster. These are the only ones who were able to pass my class this term." With smirk he added, "Sorry I let so many through."
The Headmaster gave a laugh and the chair turned to reveal and old badger who was well aged but had the livelihood of a child. "So you have. You must be losing your touch Dusty." He looked to the coon with squinted eyes behind large glasses then waved a hand, "You may go now. You will speak your peace when the students leave my room like always." With a nod the professor saw himself from the room.
"You, my Dear students, are the only ones who have passed this term. I look forward to seeing what will come of you graduates in the future. Whether it be from Alchemy," The first student gave a nod and a smile. Blue recognized him as the Fox that tied with him in the Alchemical Exam. "Magical Science and Discoveries," The next two in line were some times who normally wore grease monkey outfits no matter the class. This was the first time Blue had seen them in something formal. It was these two ladies that helped and tutored him in their field, even if it did mean that Blue surpassed them. It was barely there. They still had their creativity when it came to field. That was what they held over him. Sneaky ferrets.
"Arcane Healing," Next to Blue was the highest scoring Healer. A beautiful and cheerful girl that Blue couldn't help but adore. She was nice, even to him. The only person to score higher than him too. She was actually able to surpass the Academy's nurse when it came to any kind of injury. The lapine was adored school wide, not just for her kindness, but for her good looks as well.
"Or following in the footsteps of a loved one to become the best in magic in general." They all looked to Blue. They new of his mother. She was a founder and a protector to the Academy. She had saved it from many attacks. The other four in the room liked Blue, unlike most of his other classmates.
The badger leaned back in his chair and rested his elbows on the arm rests letting the tips of his fingers come together in rest. He let loose a long breath before continuing, "Over thirty years had passed since this Academy was founded. Each Graduating student went on to do something miraculous in this world. We know you won't disappoint us." He eyed each one of them before continuing, "There is one last test. Prove to use that you are ready to live life to it's fullest. This task will not come easy. You have five years to finish it. If you fail, you will start back at the Academy at day one." There were several sharp intakes of breath at the sound of this. They had all worked so hard to get where they were. This wasn't a time to make mistakes.
Especially when the stakes were so high.
"This is a quest to retrieve five objects from around the globe, each one signifying that have become a master of the field. You will see what I mean when you start getting the objects. The first step however, is to venture forth and find a partner to aid you. You all are the magic, the casters, the wielders of a benevolent force, however, you are not gods. You are not perfect. You must find a partner who is willing to stick with you and protect you. To be your Sword on Sword."
With a motion of his hand the Headmaster beckoned forward a small statue from a table in the corner. It floated over and set on the desk before them. It held two figures. A female caster who looked much like Blue and a male holding a sword and shield wearing armor. He also held many looks of Blue. "Not only is it part of the quest, or highly recommended, but it is also tradition."
Blue shook nervously. He wasn't good with social interaction. This is what his Professor has warned him about. This wasn't good.
"Now then, once you head out of my doors, you will see the professor. He will give you your clues and sen you all off in the proper direction to go, but you will not be able to read your clues until you have made a pact with your partner. Students... I wish you the best of luck. Make us all proud. Dismissed." An with that he bowed his head and the chair turned around to hide him from them as he gazed out the window at a lush scenery.
The students departed one by one through the doors, some more hesitant than others. Once all of them were outside though, they saw the Professor mixing chemicals between vials idly. When he saw the students come out he blinked and stood up sharply tossing the vials down the hall. A rather large explosion shook the ground and where the vials had landed the hallway was turned to a purple and the students that were caught in it turned a bright pink. Many ran and others laughed. These were the usual antics of the professor.
"You all got the idea of whats going on. I don't need to explain much." He waved a hand idly and reached in to one of his outside pockets and pulled several small scrolls that were sealed shut. He handed one to the Alchemist and smirked, "Just because you and Blue got the highest scores in my class doesn't mean this will come easy... but it'll help." He gave a cackle before come to the twins. He held the two scrolls and tapped them to his chin, "My my, this will be a problem. You two ladies will have to learn to live without one another. After all, you five can not help one another. It's a free for all. He handed a scroll to either of them and waved his finger before them, "Don't even try to help ladies. We will know and your time to complete it will be reduced greatly." He snickered as the two ferrets almost looked like they were going to cry. It was his favorite part!
The next went to the lapin which he eyed up and down some, "This is a cruel world, you better find some more modest clothing you're you'll end up on the short end of a "PROFESSOR!" The alchemist yelled out.
He stuck his tongue out at the fox and shrugged handing her the scroll, "Just don't choose an idiot. It seems to be habit for a good looking body." He rolled his eyes to the two ferrets, "That goes for you two too. If you come back with an idiot I'm deducting ten points from your grade." He lied but it was worth the scare. Tears were welling up in their eyes and it amused him. He knelt down in front of Blue and handed him his scroll, "I hope you see what I meant when I said I feel that you are doomed to fail." Blue gave a nod and a sigh before looking back up, "I'm not going to let you down Professor. I promise."
He shook his head and stood up mussing Blue's hair playfully. He turned his attention to the students and announced, "Now then, Each scroll has a cardinal direction on it. You know which direction you must go. You have only tonight to pack up your necessities and you are to leave first thing in the morning. We will deal with the rest of your things accordingly. You are dismissed."
As they were turning away and walking off he called after them briefly, "Oh, and students... you may not talk of this exam to any other student. There will be penalties if you do so. Have a good trip, and good luck to you all." In a puff of smoke, the professor disappeared leaving the five students stunned.
The alchemist spoke up to the others, "Well, let's not have this be our last goodbye. In the morning, let's meet up at the front gates. That way, we can all start at the same time. It would also do us well to get one last look at our friends, and our competitors." The group agreed and then split from the hallway to their quarters.
Blue had bunked alone. He didn't mind it though. He convinced himself that it was for the better with the long nights of studying that he put in to get himself to where he was at.it was a small room which was perfect for his four foot stature. Looking around the room he gave a sigh. This was going to be last time he was going to see the room for a good long while. Perhaps even sleep on a bed.
He spotted something in the corner though. He went over and looked at the not that hung from the tall box. It was almost two feet taller then he was. The note had on it:

From the times of the past,
Memories of your mother will last.
Carry on the legacy,
Shine brightly for all the world to see.
~A Friend

With a soft squeak he set the note aside and opened the box. Inside was a long stick wrapped up tightly in a bandage. He pulled it out and recognized it at once as the staff his mother had used. It was a bit bigger then him, but it was something he couldn't refuse to have. It was only questionable where it came from though.
Throughout the night he packed his things and found himself a little more restless due to him being so nervous. He promised his best and he would give it. Was it going to be enough though? All up until he slept he questioned himself.
The new day finally came to rise and he stirred awake. Groggy at first but then he remembered the previous day. He shot out of bed, and cleaned up. he bolted out the door and found himself at the front gates with the Alchemist Fox. "Morning!" Blue spoke out in exhausted panting breaths. "Wh... wheres are the others?"
The Fox mussed Blue's hair some and grinned, "They are females after all. I would hope you know a few things about them by now. They tend to take forever." He laughed but was soon cut short by the sound of the Bunny that made her way out to them. "I heard that." The Fox gulped as he and Blue looked to her, "Don't think I'm going to let you off the hook easily either. We'll see what happens next time you break a bone." She had change from the flirtatious looking mini skirts and tight tops to the long skirt and blouse modest looking lady that the Professor recommended her to be.
Blue squeaked out softly and tilted his head, "Do you know where the other two are?" She only shook her head with a sigh, "No. Knowing those two, I'm sure they are over sleeping." She waved a hand idly adjusting her backpack. "I'm sure it's wonder how they even passed." Blue scratched behind his head looking down. The Fox laughed, "You tutored them didn't you?" Blue gave a nod.
He spoke to defend himself, "They really helped me in Magical Science! It was only fair!" The Lapin knelt down beside Blue and kissed his cheek, "Why can't you be more helpful like him Randal?" Randal scoffed to a side and waved his hand idly, "Yeah yeah. If I hadn't looked out for myself and studied as hard as I did, the kid would have shown me up in nearly all my classes. It took everything I had to tie with him in Alchemy. Unlike a certain Ms. Ginger here who actually scored higher than him in a class."
Ginger scolded Randal a while longer. Blue only watched with his hands rested behind his head. It was nice to be around people that accepted him.
Finally, an hour later, the two ferrets came walking down, each one carrying a pack on their shoulders. It looked like a mirror was between them. Each hand a hand go up to cover their mouth as they yawned. "Honestly, Mahdy and Saidy. You two aren't going to make it anywhere if you keep being late." The two scowled at Ginger. Mahdy snapped and folded her arms over hr chest, "Don't judge us. It's our life style, we choose how to live it." Saidy raised a hand to flick some hair from her shoulder to her back so it wouldn't get caught in any of the grease. The dirty jumpsuits were so familiar to them. It was so unusual to see them in anything else.
Blue came up and tugged gently on Ginger's blouse and looked up to her, "C'mon, this is the last time we are going to see each other for a while. Let's leave on a good note." Ginger looked down to him, smiled, and nodded. "Alright Blue." She looked up to the twins and said her apologies. Randal came over and looked at the four of them, "Actually, I was thinking, we may not be able to help each other for our 'quest' but that doesn't mean we still can't be there for one another." Kneeling down he rested a hand on Blue's shoulder, "Blue, would you mind connecting us together in some way? So that if we were to get in to trouble we could possibly send out a beacon or call for help to the others?"
Blue looked intimidated now that the eyes were on him, full of hopes and smiles. He bit his lip nervously before speaking up, "Wh..Wh..Why me?" Mahdy leaned down and poked his nose playfully, "Because, you're the best one with magic among the five of us. If anyone knows how to do anything like that, you would." The others gave a nod in agreement and it left Blue giving a sigh. It was that kind of encouragement that he needed.
He raised a hand and from the air descended his staff. He caught it on his hand and tapped the butt of it on the ground, "Alright. I have an idea." The others took a few steps back letting him work. With fluid motions he began to recite a small incantation, "Navitas permoveo , navitas vultus. EGO dico in vos." Around his body a dim blue light could be seen as energy began to form around him. The cloak beginning to flap upwards as if caught in a wind.
"Traveling far and wide,
Staying Connected is our desire,
From Hill to Slide,
Come Cold or Fire,
From one to all,
To all to one,
Let us always be one for the call,
Let us stay together until it's done.

Let the Magic I beckon be the one to keep us together,
In the shape of five rings,
Voice and light,
Together we shall be."

Half way through the spell, five orbs of light began to swirl around the group and at the very end each orb of light rushed to the right hand of each ring finger and wrapped around. The light shattered and in it's place was a golden ring with silver vines growing along it.
Letting loose a soft breath, the butt of the staff clicked the ground once again and he looked up to the others to see them looking at the rings. "There. When the need is truly there, we will be able to send out a call to the others. If one of us in trouble, a beacon of light will come to us and show us the way." He gave a nod as they looked at him.
"Thank Blue. I'm sure they will come in handy." Randal spoke up as he moved to pick up his pack and waved to everyone. "I'm off. I wish you all the best of luck!" Everyone waved back and wished him well as he jumped in to the air. His body disappeared and reappeared a little further way. He continued to do that to make it look like short range teleporting. He was actually shifting between another plane and this one to give him an edge. His specialty wasn't just alchemy, it was astral shifting.
"I guess I'll be the next to go then." Ginger nodded and bid goodbye to the rest of them as they did the same. She began to walk down a cobblestone pathway before her body began to turn to dust and altogether float on the wind. It was her method of traveling. A true 'dust bunny' apparently.
The two ferrets pouted some. "Everyone has a fancy way of travel. We only walk." Saidy sighed and shook her head. Blue turned to them and then reached in to his pack and pulled out two slips handing them up to the two girls, "Here. I figured you two didn't have anything like that. These are two train tickets that will take you to a large city to the North. When you get there, look for a shop called The Streaming Frontier. I did some research after you two had tutored me and I wanted to repay you two back with a gift. I won't say whats there but I will say, it will help you two a lot more. Just be sure to tell Arnold there that Blue sends his wishes and his tutors." The Ferrets blnked and then squealed with joy. Apparently they had heard of the shop. They started chatting about it right away.
Blue coul keep up with them so he just began to unwrap the head of the staff to get ready to take flight to his destination. He was caught offguard by the two as they kissed his cheeks then ran down the road. They turned back and hollered together, "Thanks Blue. When we all come back, you better save us a date!" He blinked and turned beat read. The two laughed and then continued running down the road towards the station. He shook off the embarrassment and turned back to the Academy. It was time for him to go now as well. With a sigh he spoke softly, "Thanks for everything Professor. I will do my best. Promise." His staff floated up from the ground behind him and he took a seat on it. Adjusting his satchel quickly he soon took off in to the sky, the morning sun warming his shoulder and he flew to the south.

---

Really have to thank  yaoumei for this.
She did a marvelous job with the Avatar she made for me X3 First piece of any sort of art to go here too. It's of my mouse character Blue D. Nul who is prodigy of magic at such young age of fourteen. Now if only he could continue the story by finding a partner to help him and allow him to go on with his quest for the five items of Mastery. Tsk tsk tsk.

Blue D. Nul and Story to me
Art to  yaoumei (Go visit her... NAO! DO IT NAO!)