This contest is now closed.



Hexstrong academy, a leading magical school located in the northeastern United States is holding an annual open house in search of new students. Every student at Hexstrong conducts their studies under the mentorship of one of the senior teachers. Students are allowed to pick these mentors and mentors are allowed to say "no".

Having received an invitation to the open house it will be up to you to select the mentor you want to work with. Choose wisely as it will impact your time at Hexstrong. Note: A mentor can work with multiple students.

The mentors:

Madame Emphemere: Magical History

A "spirited" mentor in more ways than one, Madame Emphemere is an expert in the field of magical history. She was one of the first instructors hired at Hexstrong and has a strong respect for tradition. Students wishing to impress her should be smart, modestly dressed, and reserved.

Dr. Bloom: Botany

Don't let her multiple PhD's fool you, Dr. Bloom is fun loving and down to earth. As a new hire at Hexstrong she wants to prove herself, but doesn't want to mentor students who are trying too hard to get in her good graces. The best advice with her is to be yourself...whoever that is as she's one of the most accepting mentors.

Mistress Amone: Potions

  Mistress Amone is the potions expert at Hexstrong, a position that was previously held by both her mother and grandmother. She's a risk taker and expects her students to be a bit rebellious as well. The quickest way to get her attention is to demand it, but be prepared for the brush off if she thinks you're all style and no substance.

Miss Gallagar: Charms

As a mortal girl who grew up in a magical world Miss Gallagar excels at performing charms. Shunned by some of the other staff she likes to mentor the misfits and the outcasts. You don't necessarily have to want her help for her to want to help you.

Madame Wordsworth: Bookbinding

    As a wood nymph whose forest was cut down to build the library at Hexstrong, Madame Wordsworth has become an expert in bookbinding. This may seem trivial in a place full of magic but a fledgling witch is only as strong as the spells in her book of shadows. She takes on very few students each year, and sometimes none at all, but she has a special fondness for those who aren't 100% human...or those who seem that way.

Ready? Set. Go!

For round one you'll need to provide all of the following in addition to an image of your fashionista in what she's wearing for the open house. Your outfit should be suitable for a school setting (no exposed midriffs, short shorts, or super high heels) and age appropriate:

Name:
Age:
Desired mentor:
What brings you to Hexstrong (this can be as long as you want but should be at least 2 sentences):

Round one will last 72 hours (Sunday at 7pm EST/ 00.00 Forum time)

Winners will be announced after each round and banners awarded!

Last edited by Dare (26/10/2016 at 00:00)

Name: Tanaka Sayuri (Tanaka being the family name)
Age: 17
Desired mentor: Dr. Bloom
What brings you to Hexstrong: Going to Hexstrong was never Sayuri's decision, it was her father's. And Sayuri will do anything her parents want her to do, as long as they keep their promise to let her become the heiress.

Link to external image

Name: Felicity 'Flick' Apollo

Age: 17

Desired mentor: Mistress Amone (Potions)

What brings you to Hexstrong: If you speak to my current school they'd probably say I'm trouble. Well actually, my last school would probably say the same thing. And the one before that... but even if that's true it's only because the work is too easy. Other than that I'm well behaved. Well, that's assuming you don't speak to the girl down the road. She might tell you the story about how I set fire to her bin, but I an assure you that's not true.

What was the question again? Oh yeah, I basically want to come to the school because it's one of the best schools for studying potions, and that's honestly where I want to be going with me life. Plus I heard they have wicked parties.

Name: Iris Azure
Age: 16
Desired mentor: Madame Emphemere
What brings you to Hexstrong:
My family is not happy that I exchanged my armour for a school uniform. Although this half-seraph may bring shame to the family, I will never regret applying to Hexstrong Academy.

Plus, I believe that I must learn all of magical history to truly understand the world of the supernatural and immortal. I will never be a mundane girl who merely belongs to a normal school.

For once, I can step out from those stiff metal combat boots and store my sword away into its case.

Link to external image

Mala Malala
18
Desired mentor:Miss Gallagar: Charms

I'm not a nice person but I'm a very honest person so maybe today will, too, be one of those days I say something insensitive. Get used to it.
I did.

I came here because my grandmother agreed to leave all her property to me when she finally kicks the bucket, if I humour her regarding this matter.
It's really not a complicated, noble or ambitious reason.

It's money.

Kaching.

Name: Lily Flora
Age: 17
Desired mentor: Dr. Bloom: Botany 
What brings you to Hexstrong: Lily has always loved plants and growing things. Both her mother and grandmother always have a garden every year. They know just when to plant herbs, flowers...you name it, and they can grow the most beautiful plant life! Luckily, Lily has inherited their 'green thumb'. Her father is a Master Chef and really wants her to go into the Culinary field. But, Lily is much more interested in Botany, and she especially wants to learn as much as she can about herbalism, medicinal benefits of plant life, and even grow her own botanical garden. She also knows that plants are valuable in nutrition, so she has convinced her dad that plants actually coincide with cooking and food...good food.

Dr. Bloom's down-to-earth personality and likability remind Lily of both her mother and grandmother. She would really love to learn from someone with so much knowledge in the field. And Lily just wants to put her heart into what has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. She's ready to get started and put her hands in the dirt!

Name: Fatima
Age: 21
Desired mentor: Miss Gallagar (charms)
What brings you to Hexstrong : Fatima was born in Uruguay in a poor family. Since she was a child, she had a inner passion for the mystical aspects of life. When she was 16, she left her home and ran with a group of nomads and started to learn about magical arts. When she found about Hexstrong, she thoght it would be the best opportunity for her to learn more about her passion and to find a place where she fits, among other gifted persons.

Last edited by oedip (16/10/2016 at 19:10)

Name: Alaniah
Age:  18
Mentor: Madame Emphemere Magical History.
What brings me to hexstrong?:    To begin with i have always been inspired and driven to know more about who i am and where i come from. the past and History of my ancestors has always,to me  been riveting. Unlocking the mysteries of the unknown and understanding more of the fundamental attributes to what makes us who we are, is my calling.

What more can i say?, just that intuition tells me Madame Emphemere being my mentor feels right. 

Round 1 is now closed.

Round 1 winner

Round 2

It's your first week of classes at Hexstrong Academy and as new students everyone is given the same basic schedule. Your first lesson is in magical mishaps because mistakes can (and often do) happen even when magic is involved. Your instructor for the class, Mrs. Boppleschmop distractedly read out a spell and conjured up a lake, complete with a lake monster, instead of a plate of fresh latkes. Each of you is being given the chance to consult with your mentors on how to best defeat the monster (and maybe conjure up the intended tasty potato pancakes too), however it's your choice whether you listen to them or not.

Tanaka

None of the mentors are pleased that you don't actually want to be at Hexstrong; they understand why you've come but wish that your spot would have gone to someone else, someone who showed some desire to be here. After carefully considering it, Dr. Bloom decides that she doesn't want to mentor you...at least not yet, she thinks that you have some blossoming to do. Instead Madame Wordsworth offers to mentor you on a trial basis and because you need a mentor, you have to accept.

For round 2: In order to show Dr. Bloom that you truly do want her as a mentor Madame Wordsworth suggests that you try an herbal based solution. She sends you to the horticulture section of the library, points you in the direction of the community garden that all students have access to and leaves you to your own devices. Do you follow her advice or figure it out on your own?

Theo

Madame Wordsworth is immediately drawn to you when you arrive at Hexstrong Academy. She has diplomatic ties with several centaur communities and the two of you spend an hour discussing the latest news from your village as well as your favorite books. She's very pleased when you ask to be mentored by her and readily accepts.

For round 2: Drawing on your love of the written word Madame Wordsworth suggests that you use it to your advantage. There are a total of 7 books in the library known to contain powerful sleeping spells but she wants you to read them all to determine which one would be most appropriate to subdue the lake monster. Considering that school is just getting started do you take the time to read all of the books, half of which are over 200 pages, or do you just select a sleeping spell from one at random and hope for the best?

Felicity

Mistress Amone is reluctant to be your mentor. She has spoken with the administrators at your previous schools, and the girl down the road from where you live...and several other girls you probably never thought she'd find, all of whom say the same thing about you: you're trouble, BIG trouble. But when she starts to ask you questions about various potions it's clear that you know what you're talking about, you even got her trick question about how much is too much Cacoanicorn essence is a potion to inspire delight by quickly answering that Cacaonicorn essence was little more than an urban legend. That was enough to impress her...for the moment anyway. She's agreed to mentor you but only on a week to week basis to start.

For round 2: Mistress Amone has you restricted to level 1 potions only, essentially noting more potent than a baby aspirin, and certainly nothing powerful enough to knock out a lake monster...but she assures you that with the proper research you'll be able to figure out how to complete the assignment satisfactorily. Do you settle down and study until you find the answer or do you swipe her keys (which she's prone to leaving on her desk) and grab something from one of the locked cabinets?

Iris

When you approach Madame Emphemere initially she snubs you, it's nothing personal, she simply wants to test your resolve. The fact that you're unshaken by her rude behavior warrants you one of her rare smiles, and the easy way in which you discuss history warrants you another. She's pleased that you want her as a mentor and is more than willing to help you in any way that you can.

For round 2: Madame Emphemere is old enough to remember the last time that the lake monster was conjured as the first magical mishaps test and as the magical history teacher she knows where the records of the challenges are kept. She wants the students she mentors to do exceptionally well in their studies and has offered you a chance to review the record (I'll send you a PM). Do you review the record and show up knowing that you'll defeat the monster with no problem, or do you look for a separate solution?

Mala

Your candid personality attracts two of the mentors, both Dr. Bloom and Miss Gallagar want to mentor you. While Miss Gallagar was the mentor that you initially wanted, consider the possibility of having two of the members of the senior staff on your side.

For round 2: Miss Gallagar tells you that you don't have to defeat the lake monster, you only have to make it feel defeated so that it'll retreat on it's own. Dr. Bloom offers you access to her aquatic garden where a particularly poisonous plant grows which while potent enough to knock out the lake monster can also have an adverse impact on humans. Do you take the advice of your chosen mentor, accept the offer of Dr. Bloom, or do a bit of both?

Persephone

Mistress Amone is immediately drawn to your purple and pink hair, fondly recalling when at 15 she did something similar much to the chagrin of her more traditional family. While the two of you strike up a conversation, Madame Wordsworth is also quick to express her interest in you, but since they're unwilling to co-mentor you, you'll ultimately need to decide who you want to work with.

For round 2: Based on your magical background Mistress Amone offers you access to potions up to a level 3, and her personal library. She assures you that there are at least 4 in the collection that will defeat the monster but leaves you to figure out which one it is. Understanding your ability to shift and your ease with it, Madame Wordsworth provides you with a small book on transfiguration which shows how to transform into 3 aquatic creatures: a mermaid, a sea nymph, and a water winder, and tells you that there's one in the book which will allow you to get the better of the monster; the only hint she supplies you with is that the answer isn't the obvious one. Do you take the advice of Mistress Amone securing her as your mentor or do you take the advice of Madame Wordsworth and make her your mentor instead?

Lily

It turns out that Dr. Bloom knows both your mother and grandmother well and was expecting your arrival. She immediately claims you and is happy to work with you and help you grow.

For round 2: Considering your gardening skills, Dr. Bloom offers to work with you to accelerate the growth of a special plant that will subdue the lake monster. Are you willing to accept the help of Dr. Bloom with the knowledge that it borders on nepotism or do you want to try something on your own?

Fatima

Miss Gallagar sees so much of herself in you and is immediately drawn to the way in which you stand out in the room, in fact you radiate so much and she can't be 100% certain that you aren't using some sort of charm to draw her in. You have a similar effect and all of the members of the senior staff are eager to offer you some sort of assistance; Miss Gallagar however is so determined to have you to herself that she employs a temporary stun charm, causing disorientation among the group and allowing her to be your mentor unchallenged.

For round 2: Knowing how innately talented that you are, as well as how independent you are Miss Gallagar informs you that you won't have to do much, you simply have to convince the lake monster that it's defeated and beating it will be easy. Do you take this simple solution or attempt to do something more showy in an attempt to prove you have greater skill?

Alaniah

Madame Emphemere casually asks you a question about the history of Hexstrong and is pleasantly surprised when you answer without hesitation. After a few more questions she's content that you've passed her test and consents to be your mentor.

For round 2: Madame Emphemere is old enough to remember the last time that the lake monster was conjured as the first magical mishaps test and as the magical history teacher she knows where the records of the challenges are kept. She wants the students that she mentors to do exceptionally well in their studies and has offered you a chance to review the record (I'll send you a PM). Do you review the record and show up knowing that you'll defeat the monster with no problem, or do you look for a separate solution?

For this round please include the following:

Name:

How you attempted to defeat the monster (do not include whether you think you were successful or not that will be revealed in the next round):

An image of your character (this image should show your character as she faces the challenge):

You have until Wednesday at 00:00 forum time to post. A banner will be awarded for the winner.

Last edited by Dare (17/10/2016 at 02:18)

Name: Fatima

Using a spell that allows her to breathe underwater, Fatima decides to go straight to the monster's lair, disguised as a water nymph. Insted of trying to defeat the monster, she uses her charms in order to tame the creature. She proposed that the monster can remain in the lake from the woods near Hexstrong, but with the one condition that he will never harm any of the students or the staff. The monster, charmed by the words of our nymph, agrees to protect the roundabouts as a sentinel of the woods.
Morale: In a world of magic, any mishaps can be turned into a more useful direction. 

Name: Tanaka Sayuri

How you attempted to defeat the monster:

Sayuri was so embarrassed Dr. Bloom didn't want to be her mentor. Noone said anything, but Sayuri completely understood why. How couldn't she!

She should have smiled, nodded and faked enthusiasm in the interview, like she always did, and shouldn't have lost control and just busted out whatever in her mind because she was just so bitter with father's decision ("You're going to America. Headstrong Academy. Tomorrow").

Sayuri was used to father's arbitrary decisions. But "tomorrow"? She just couldn't hold it anymore.
Being a Tanaka is hard, there're rules to follow; you have to speak a certain way, act a certain way, and always have to thrive to live up to the family name. At the age of 4, whereas the other little girls were taken to the theme park, Sayuri was with her tutors learning etiquette, tea ceremony, archery and violin.

Raised to be a lady, but that time, Sayuri went against all the things she was taught: she was impulsive, and rude. And now she has to pay for it.

Listened to Madame Wordsworth advice, Sayuri went looking for some potion books. She found a recipe for a poison that could make people freezed only seconds after the poison went into bloodstream. It only took one drop to get the the job done.
"Nice!" Sayuri thought. "I can dip the arrow head into the poison and shoot the lake monster".

Congratulations

Congratulations to Oedip as first round winner!

Name: Lily Flora

Challenge Image: 



Story: How to attempt to defeat the monster.

It was just the first week of classes, and Lily was headed to her first lesson of the day. And she discovered quickly that Mrs. Boppleschmop, the class instructor, had her name and reputation for teaching Medical Mishaps for a reason...

The students assembled themselves with mixed feelings of interests as they listened to Mrs. Boppleschmop read off a spell that should have given them delightful potato pancakes. But due to her distraction, the room was frightfully filled with a lake that included it's very own monster!

"That doesn't look like potato pancakes in the least," whispered a girl standing beside Lily.

"That's one tremendous medical mishap; I'm absolutely certain," Lily assured the girl and herself.

Meanwhile, there was an emergency conference in the front of the classroom. Mrs. Boppleschmop had called forward all the Mentors. Then she dispersed the class to immediately leave the room until a solution could be found while she stood firm and held back the monster. As the room became empty, Mrs. Boppleschmop was last seen with her arms in the air toward the creature.

Lily headed straight for her Mentor., Dr. Bloom. She had been so happy to have gotten the doctor to accept her, and seemed eager to teach her more about Botany than Lily had ever thought of. And it was difficult to take it all in, but it was the most excited she had been in her life. Even knowing that Dr. Bloom was a much respected acquaintance, and also a contemporary of both her mother and grandmother to - Lily's delight - couldn't change her enthusiasm and determination!

Together, mentor and student, worked using all the herbs and flora in the doctor's mental and educated knowledge. Lily was going strictly by Dr. Bloom's instruction. She was pleasantly proud to use her experience helping the doctor with her own efficient skills.

And then, Dr. Bloom turned to Lily and gave her a chilling look, as if something of great and of special importance was to be considered.

"The plants are ready; we've done all we can
do...except, maybe...," the instructor left off and
took Lily to see something that made the girl gasp with
appreciation.

"It's some sort of Lily, isn't it?", Lily questioned.
"It's quite beautiful and so large for it's species."

"What do you think Lily? Should we use it in our plan?" Dr. Bloom questioned the girl, waiting for her response. "It's been growing for almost two months now, and it's already reached this size. I used a rare snake venom as one of the special ingredients in the fertilizer; it should backfire and cause temporary immobilization to the 'lake snake' or what looked like a snake that is, it looked reptilian". And there was something called Skullcap which induces sleep and other natural and extraordinary plants.

"Absolutely, we should use it!" And, Lily continued, "it's even a lily!

So the decision was decided, and the lily was grouped with the other special plants like a sort of potpourri only the lily was carefully set in the center with it's stem wrapped around and throughout the scented plants. Now there was only left the time to allow the lily to grow while feeding from the newly added concoction.

The plan was hoped to work within a few hours. They would take their botanical project and try to subdue the lake snake(at least that's what they decided to call it for now) long enough to capture it, and put it out of harms way...or back to wherever it came from in the first place.

Since they had to wait, Dr. Bloom decided it would be nice to have those potato pancakes after all. It would give them strength and clarity of mind, and calm much needed nerves. So she proceeded to make them and they were as delicious to eat as Lily was excited to try their plan. Lily had watched the doctor expertly using her culinary skills, which reminded her of her father. That's when she did the one thing that Dr. Bloom didn't realize; she added an extra touch of salt knowing her father would approve. He had taught her long ago that seasoning could ruin or make the dish, and a little extra salt went a long way.

After eating, and finishing preparations with their now even larger and now very purple plant, Dr. Bloom and Lily went to meet all the others. They hoped to pour the lily and potpourri into the lake to be absorbed by the snake monster.

'Would this work?' they both wondered quietly and simultaneously. And if not, hopefully someone had come up with something that would! And alas, there stood Mrs. Boppleschmop still just as they had left her, along with the lake and the monster. Her arms still in the air!

Last edited by MissMelinda (18/10/2016 at 01:46)

Name: Flick Appollo

Challenge Appearance:
Link to external image

Writing:

"Level one, are you kidding me?" I shriek at Mistress Armone, anger present in my voice. I feel my usually pale cheeks flare as I give my mentor a long, hard stare. I thought she'd spoken to people from my last school; surely they must have told her about the potion I made when I turned Chris Hemming's skin blue, or when I successfully added a sleeping draught to all the school's yogurt. Surely that had to be above level one!
"Everyone needs to start somewhere." my mentor replies sternly.
"Well, what about that tailed girl, Pelly or whatever she's called. Why's she level three?"
"She appears to have more experience." Armone explains whilst exhaling loudly. "But if you complete independent research I'm sure you can find something."

I glare at her as she leaves the room, suddenly regretting asking her to be my mentor. The look is soon replaced by a grin, one some would call evil, as a plan begins to hatch in my mind.

I'll complete independent research. Then we'll see what level I'm at.

* * * * * * * * * *

An hour later and for some strange reason the whole school has been evacuated due to sinkholes randomly opening up in the ground. Don't ask me, I was on my way to the library at the time. Which, is now conveniently empty. Meaning I, a first year, can enter the restricted section. Today's just full of coincidences!

Unsure what I'm exactly looking for I scan each and every book in the potions section, searching for a title that grabs my attention. I can semi see why this sections only for the older students - most of the titles are long and complicated and difficult for me to understand.

A few moments pass before voices bounce around the corridor. Realising I'm running out of time and don't want to let someone's distraction *cough* count for nothing I grab the next book I see and rush out of the rusted gates, leaving the restricted section behind me.

"Hey!" an old voice calls out beside me. "What were you doing in there?" Fearing the worst I turn around, but can't help laughing when I find merely the old caretaker standing before me.
"You mind your own business!" I shout, before sticking my tongue out and strutting off to my dorm.

* * * * * * * * * *

It's later in the afternoon and I'm leaning against the wall opposite Armone's classroom. I tap my foot subconsciously; even though my plan is well thought out there's still a small part of me that's nervous. Small being the key word there.

As I glance down at my watch for the 100th time the bell rings marking the end of the lesson, and a wave of second year students move through the door. I study my mentor as she stuffs several documents into her bag before exiting. When she sees me she gives a small nod of acknowledgement but no towards are exchanged. Good. She's my mentor but that's only because of my passion for potions, it doesn't mean I have to like her.

When Armone's out of sight I make my move, striding swiftly into her classroom. It doesn't take me long to find what I need; the keys to Armone's stockroom were simply discarded at the far end of the slightly rotting table.

If she didn't want me to steal from her special supply she shouldn't make it so easy. That's what I was doing; the only decent potion in that book was a shrinking potion. Apparently it's really complicated to make, and it's such a high level potion because if you get it wrong and it produces a toxic gas impossible to stop spreading. But I'm good, so that won't happen.

I'd spent the past hour studying the list of ingredients:

Minced daisy roots
Peeled Shrivelfig
Sliced caterpillars
One rat spleen
A dash of leech juice
A splash of cowbane
Wormwood

I'd spent ages searching but only managed to find the daisy roots and the caterpillars. Now I don't know my way around the school yet but I'm pretty sure those ingredients are off limits. Hence why I needed the keys.

Sure enough when I get to the stockroom I find the remaining five ingredients easily enough, although I did knock over a bottle of wasp blood whilst reaching up to the top shelf, which just so happened to smash into a thousand tiny pieces. Worried the noise would attract unwanted attention and shove the needed ingredients, plus a few other interesting things I found, into my rucksack, lock the door and return the keys to their exact position on Armone's desk.

Piece of cake.

* * * * * * * * * *

Wearing gloves to make sure none of the potion touches my skin (afterall, I don't want to shrink) I inject it into a dead fish. The instructions said for every wormwood leaf you put in, the potions effect was delayed by an hour. I put two in, meaning once the potion has finished brewing (which was the most boring five hours of my life by the way) I had two hours to administer it to the monster.

As soon as I'm dressed I head down to the lake; five in the morning is too early to be having breakfast.

A blue abyss stretches out before me, and I can't help but stare out to this beautiful site. That is, until almighty waves break out of the water as an ugly beast emerges from the depths below. For a moment I'm taken back by it's size but then my mind focuses back on the problem at hand.

I throw abuse at the monster, taunting it in attempt to get it to come onto the sand. It's eyes gleam when the beast sees the fish, and I'm sure this is what encourages him to come out. When I'm sure I have him I toss him the fish which he catches with one snap of his mouth. As he chews then swallows I glance down at my watch, startled to see that my time was almost up. If the two hours had already passed the potion would be useless, and I'd have an even bigger problem on my hands.

When I glance back up the monster has gone. I scan the horizon for signs of a breakthrough in the water but there is no evidence for the beast having submerged once more. A small squeak grabs my attention; looking down I see the monster - no bigger than a match stick - charging towards me. I can't help but laugh at it's attempts.

Bending down I pick up the monster, clasping it with two hands. I move towards the shoe box I'd already laid out on the sand. When I place the monster in the box he takes a bite at my finger, and although his teeth are small they sure are mighty. I sure hope it's not venomous...

I'd thought hard about how I'd actually kill the beast. I could opt for something quick, like stabbing it with a needle. But no, I wanted to set fire to him. Watch the flames flicker as his skin melts, hear is pathetic little cries.

But before I can do anything I open my eyes, finding myself to be back in my dorm. For a moment I'm confused, but then I realise it had all been a dream. I'd dreamt of what I was about to perform. A quick check of the time tells me the potion should be ready so I spring into action.

Time to prove that dreams really can come true.

Last edited by Fashion-Chic (19/10/2016 at 17:35)

Name: Alaniah
How I propose to defeat the Lake monster.
As history has taught us, myth and magic go hand in hand. History also reveals that the lake monster is of Gorgon origin. Aimed with such insightful information with thanks to Madame Empahemere.
Alaniah was able to suggest using of a transformation spell she leant from her grandmother, who made her swear an oath to use for nothing else but good and this seemed an absolute obtune moment. Conjuring up the transformation spell, Alaniah would transform into a beautiful mermaid, speckled in an illuminating glow.

With the new ability to breath under water and equipped with only a dagger, her wits and a recently discovered magic invocation, Alaniah would plunge to the depths of the lake in pursuit of the ruthless monster.

According to documented History a dark and murderously looking  abyss exsisted in the lakes depths. She would push on past to locate the cave like leir the monster resided in. Deep in a craves, the beast awaits…. emanating an illusion of peaceful beauty. Alaniah would expect to find herself been lured in a trans-like state. It would be a most taxing task to stay calm and concentrated, to not succumb to the beautiful enchanting trance the creature would have on her. It would take an enormous amount of mental agility to manoeuvre herself under the belly of the beast, where she  would jab a dagger deep within its belly.

By doing so, this would break the enchanting trance, revelling an absolute atrocious looking monster with gruesome deadly grey-brown tentacles. With all thoughts, clear now and no urge to stare into its eyes, Alaniah would have to dig deep within herself to swim on as fast as she can to the right centre tentacle, where she would have to invoke the magic spell intended. Now in her hand glows a magical mirror. As fast as she can, Alaniah would have to direct the reflection directly into the four oval shaped eyes under the inner part of the tentacle.

Miraculously and instantly turning the atrocious beast to stone.
Mentally and physically exhausted, Alaniah  without haste would have to come up with a solution to rid this atrocious stone figurine.
by then almosted all her magical ability would be depleted, Alianah would then have to conjure up an anti-gravity spell, allowing her to manoeuvre the heavy stone monster with not that much difficulty. Remembering the abyss, she saw earlier, she would ease the abomination deep within and releasing the gravity spell, sending it to a plummeting depth of no return.

The plan was now detailed to the tee and ready to go. only question now is would the Metors agree to such?

Last edited by dydy (17/10/2016 at 22:39)

Link to external image
tba

Name: Iris Azure

I know that following Madame Emphemere's advice would be best, since after it turns into a stone "sculpture"... well, it can't attack me, can it?

However, it would be a pain trying to get rid of a huge rock afterward. Plus, my wings weren't waterproof; it would be impossible for me to dive into the lake and finish off the monster.

My chances of defeating the monster was higher if it were on land. It couldn't see me quite well as its eyes were hidden with the tentacles.

Since it would be partially blind, I could slice off the tentacles easily. I was still a seraphim worthy to be on the battlefield.

Blood would splatter, of course, and... I guess it would be a good choice to turn it into stone then. I would know how to deal with a rock of smaller size.

My best bet would then be to let the stone sink into the bottom of the lake. If it revived later... well... I was the best I could do, following Madame Emphemere and using what I already knew...

Last edited by Yukibana-Haruna (18/10/2016 at 21:59)

Round 2 is now closed.

Round 2 winners

The winners for round 2 were based on who successfully defeated the lake monster.

Round 3

Many of you managed to handle the magical mishap with grace, although there were some spectacular failures as well. Mrs. Bobbleschmop eventually did get around to conjuring up those latkes for the class and with the exception of some randomly occurring sinkholes (and the gnome infestation that they caused) things on the Hexstrong campus have been fairly quiet...that is if you don't count the awakening of an ancient evil, a proposal from a smitten merman on literal shore leave...and one mentor refusing to help one of her students with the next lesson at all.

This week you'll be having your first flying lessons followed by a test because while there are other ways for witches to travel, all first year students are required to study the basics. Take this very seriously because failing a flight test can lead to flunking out.

Tanaka

It took several arrows to penetrate the thick skin of the lake monster, but once they did there was no denying your success as the monster began to shriek and shrink until all that was left was a shriveled up skin that resembled a deflated balloon which Mrs. Bobbleschmop handed you as a trophy before asking you to disclose your technique. All of the senior staff members were impressed, but none was as pleased as Dr. Bloom. “It seems you've done a lot of growing up in a short amount of time.” She told you with a smile. “I'd like to help you nurture that.” However, before you can agree Madame Emphemere approaches and tosses out a quick question about what you learned, your quick response pleases her and she invites you to spend some time with her as well.

For round 3: Dr. Bloom wants to ensure that your performance at that magical mishaps challenge wasn't just a fluke so she plans numerous pop quizzes for you to make sure you're learning what's being taught. It isn't all work though as she introduces you to the pleasures of her private garden and the many delightful flowers and herbs it can produce. One afternoon as she helps you prepare for your flight test she tells you about an herbal tincture that will help you communicate with your broom and offers to help you mix up a batch. This same afternoon Madame Emphemere sends for you during your free period. She obviously knows about the flight test as well and would like to offer her insight. She provides you with a parchment containing a set of simple instructions (I'll PM them to you). “Follow these exactly and I'll mentor you for the rest of the year she offers. Do you take the advice and assistance of Dr. Bloom and make the herbal tincture or do you choose to follow Madame Emphemere's instructions instead?

Theo

A thunderous rumbling began  to fill the room as you uttered the final words of the chant, a sound that could only be defined as snoring except it was amplified. The lake monster was certainly asleep, but you weren't so sure about the “beautiful dead” part since the creature was still quite ferocious as well as alive. Looking to the book for an explanation you realize that there's one more line of text on the next page and read it aloud. The transformation that takes place next is one which you wouldn't expect as the monster begins to shrink and the lake as well, both shifting and twisting until what's left of the lake monster is the size of a human and encased in a shimmering glass coffin, much like that of Snow White. “That's too big to stay in here.” Mrs. Bobbleschmop says preparing to give you a low mark. “What if it were smaller?” You ask. “Well then you'd pass.” she replies. Thinking over all the spells you've read in the last several days you come up with one that you think will work and chant it out quickly. Both the coffin that the lake monster it holds shrink to a size no larger than the palm of your hand, and with that you're declared successful.

For round 3: Madame Wordsworth is proud of all of the work that you put into defeating the lake monster while juggling the challenges of school. However, the flight test has her enraged and it's not uncommon lately to hear her raving about how backwards and antiquated it is. She even goes as far as to try and get you an exemption from the headmistress but it told that a requirement is a requirement regardless of the student. “I helped a student with this once before...” she starts, “but the cost...” she continues “well you'll have to decide if you want to pay. Come back in three days.”

In three days you return to Madame Wordsworth's office and find her in deep conversation with a woman. You try to leave quietly but your tail knocks down a book causing the pair to look at you. The woman with Madame Wordsworth is there for you, she's a fairy godmother who can help you pass the test. “I can shape legs for you and you can pass the flight test.” she starts “but you would never be able to return to your present form.” Madame Wordsworth lets out a heavy sigh and tells you to think on it. As you're leaving though you notice a slightly older centaur pacing outside “It took you long enough.” She says “Let's go.” You're not about to go anywhere with a stranger, centaur or not, and demand an explanation. “Don't give up your legs for the flight test.” she whispers. “I can get you wings.”

Do you take the offer of the fairy godmother and get legs or do you follow the centaur and get wings?

Flick

You arrive at Mrs. Bobbleschmop's class prepared to take on the lake monster and quickly learn that you're not even going to be given the opportunity. Mistress Amone knows that you're responsible for the sinkholes, and by extension responsible for the gnomes that are now seeking them out to build a colony. She also knows that you swiped her keys (did you really think that someone who did as thorough a background check on you as she did would be careless enough to just leave her keys laying around?), and a quick look through your rucksack proves that you stole some ingredients that you weren't meant to have access to. “What were you planning on doing with these?” she asks lining the ingredients up. You tell her your plan about the shrinking potion, and she begins laughing. Flustered, you get defensive, ensuring her that it would work, and between laughs she explains to you how ancient the particular potion you wanted to make was, and how if you'd simply done as she asked rather than rushing to prove something you would have realized that there was a quick mix potion at level 1 that would have had the exact same effect which she proves right there by pulling a few basic ingredients out of her bag and shrinking the lake monster herself. Maybe there are some things that she can teach you.

For round 3: After your stunt with the sinkholes, and the theft from the potions lab (which by the way Mistress Amone tried to keep quiet, but couldn't thanks to the mess you left behind) you're one disciplinary action away from being expelled from Hexstrong, and now have community service hours to complete in addition to your regular classes. Mistress Amone has been working with you one on one and also has a third year student, Neve, working with you as well. When the flight test is announced Mistress Amone urges you to trust her guidance and shows you how to make a simple potion that will help you and the broom navigate as one. “You have to keep your thoughts calm while using this.” she cautions, “Otherwise the results are a disaster.” Neve, much to your surprise waits for Mistress Amone to leave before she tells you that there's a better way to pass the test. She mixes up a few ingredients into a paste, feeds it to one of the gerbils in the cage on the desk and you watch in awe as the small creature begins to fly. Do you take the advice of your mentor or the advice of Neve?

Iris

Showing up to the challenge in your full Seraph regalia elicits ooh's and aah's from the students waiting to take their turn in the halls, battles are something studied in the halls of Hexstrong and weapons well regarded, but the sword you wield clearly has a different sort of power. You try to catch the eye of Madame Emphemere as you approach the edge of the lake to take your turn but she refuses to even look at you. You begin to carry out your plan aiming your blade for the nearest tentacle, as predicted blood does splatter...what you aren't prepared for is the mournful wailing that fills the room, a thundering sound coming not from the lake monster, but from the Hexstrong haint who you've awakened with your bloodshed...You blackout and awaken three days later in the infirmary

For round 3: No one on campus will go near you, and even Madame Emphemere can't help you, though she is there pacing...or rather floating, when you wake up. “Why didn't you just do as I instructed?” she sighs. It's the first sound that you've heard since the wailing of the haint and a welcome change from the sound of the lament that still lingers in your head. When you ask what happened Madame Emphemere explains the legend of the Hexstrong haint, a former student who was a skilled blood mage when the necromatic arts were still taught at the academy. She died in a tragic accident and haunts the school, awakened by the needless spilling of blood. “Why would you use your sword?” Madame Emphemere asks not waiting for an answer, “I thought you came here to get away from the battlefield...” You struggle to answer but the wailing of the haint fills your head once more. Through the wailing comes the voice of the haint, she wants you to sabotage one of your fellow first year students by taking up your sword once more...this time in her name so that she can regain corporeal form. Do you do as she asks, and risk becoming further wrapped up in whatever wicked desires she has or do you focus on finding a way to atone...and of course pass your flight test despite her.

Mala

On your way to class you stumble and fall into one of the sinkholes spraining your ankle. The gnomes that have moved in already are nice enough, one even fetches you help for your injury but by the time you're actually back topside class is long over and you've been given an incomplete.

For round 3: Both Miss Gallagar and Dr. Bloom are still interested in your potential but they each want to see what you can do without their assistance. The flight test is your make it work moment.

Persephone

There are more than a few stares as you walk past your classmates to take your turn at the magical mishaps test, but the humming sound of the static electricity coming off of your body is enough to keep  most of them quiet. “She can't be any worse than the loser with the flower,” one of the students snickers. “You mean the flower she used to beat the lake monster?” asks Mistress Amone as she escorts you into the room. You're unsure what to think as the members of the senior staff stand on the sidelines taking notes, waiting for you to do something...anything. Unsure of what exactly to do you dump the potion into the lake. At first nothing happens then the water starts to bubble. At first you're worries you've done something wrong...that is until you realize that the water is evaporating and the lake monster is shrinking in proportion to how much is left. When the lake has become nothing more than a droplet, the lake monster, now barely bigger than a fly is almost cute. “Did I pass?” You ask hesitantly. “Only if I can keep him for a pet.” Mrs. Bobbleschmop says with a smile. “So few of you kids, shrink the monster and make it cute.” Hiding a smile you agree to let her keep it and walk out of the room with your head held high.

For round 3: Mistress Amone is pleased with how well you handled the lake monster (who now by the way is the size of a quarter, enchanted to appear a gradient of purple and pink, and has been named Peri jr. by Mrs. Bobbleschmop), but she can tell that you're still nervous in the potions lab. Due to your inexperience in this area she's taken away your access to level 3 potions for now and wants you to concentrate on mastering levels 1 and 2 before she moves you back up. She even introduced you to a third year student named Neve, who is helping you study. When the flight test is announced Mistress Amone  shows you how to make a simple potion that will help you and the broom navigate as one. “You have to keep your thoughts calm while using this.” she cautions, “Otherwise the results are a disaster.” Neve, much to your surprise waits for Mistress Amone to leave before she tells you that there's a better way to pass the test. She mixes up a few ingredients into a paste, feeds it to one of the gerbils in the cage on the desk and you watch in awe as the small creature begins to fly. She tells you this potion is better because you don't have to rely on the broom. Do you take the advice of your mentor or the advice of Neve?

Lily

By the time you take your turn with the lake monster there are already whispers of others who have taken the test, and at least one student ended up in it's clutches. “What are you going to do, ask it out on a date?” comes the taunt of one student as you approach the room clutching your giant purple flower. “Didn't you see the girl with the weapon?” Another student asks. You can't help but wonder if the the girl with the weapon was the one who ended up defeated...or how well your own plan will work. Walking into the classroom you're unsure exactly what to do with the flower and so you hold it up over the lake awkwardly like an offering while the senior members of the staff stare at you. Then you notice something strange...is that light reflecting off of the flower? Like a magnifying glass? Or a mirror? It's not until the monster rears up and tries to reach for the flower that you realize what's happening, the flower has reflective powers and it's turning the monster into stone! “Well what am I supposed to do with that?” Mrs. Bobbleschmop asks staring at the giant stone creature. “I could always use a new sculpture in the garden.” Dr. Bloom chimes in. And with that you successfully pass the test.

For round 3: Dr. Bloom is very impressed with your progress so far and as soon as she hears about your flight test she wastes no time telling you about an herbal tincture that will help you communicate with your broom and offers to help you mix up a batch. Having grown up around plants your whole life though the lists of ingredients seems odd, in fact both your mother and grandmother have warned you about the dangerous and unpredictable side effects of mixing certain saps and Dr. Bloom has already mentioned at least two of these combinations. Additionally, one afternoon in the garden, another student Dr. Bloom mentors, a second year named Rose whispers to you that you can't trust Dr. Bloom, before she can elaborate though one of her yellow snapping flowers bites her and she has to go to the infirmary. Could your mentor be trying to sabotage you, and if so do you take her up on her offer or do you decide to find another way to pass your test?

Fatima

Only minutes after you emerged from the water the lake monster followed and ensnared you in its grip,  only letting go after several members of the senior staff stepped in. Safely on the ground it's clear that you're stunned by the turn of events. Miss Gallagar comes to your side but rather than comforting you she chastises you for not knowing better, Gorgons and their ilk can't be bargained with and a compromise isn't the same thing as instilling doubt into a creature. She sends you directly to the library with the instruction to write a 5,000 word essay on the difference between true charm magic and compromise...warning you not to even dare enchanting the scroll.

For round 3: Based on your poor showing in magical mishaps Miss Gallagar has forbidden you from using any sort of magic during your flight test. “Maybe without it, you'll learn to respect it.” she says still clearly angry. “You'll have to learn the way to fly like I did.” she tells you as she hands you a copy of her autobiography, “Chapters 16-20.” she instructs you before heading off. In a huff you leave her office and when you return to your dorm you're shocked to see a trail of water that seems to be spilling out from under your door, panicked you open up your room and see a very wet man standing in front of  you, the smell of sea in the air. “Don't scream...please.” He says sensing you panic. “I just wanted to thank you in person.” Confused, you offer the man a towel (though it does nothing to stop the perpetual flow of water that's coming from him) and listen as he praises you for your attempt at compromise, it seems that the lake Mrs. Bobbleschmop conjured up was only a small portion of a sea in a faraway land. “With your diplomatic skills you'd be an asset to my kingdom.” He says. You hesitate, after all you're only a first year magic student. “Let me show you my loyalty.” he offers as he hands you a beautiful necklace. “This is the amulet of Oksura, it allows the wearer to perform any task with ease.” You reach out and take the necklace, telling him that you haven't yet decided. He tells you that he'll return in several days for an answer, and that the necklace is a gift for you either way. Holding the necklace you can feel the power radiate off of it, and it would be a huge advantage to have during your flight test. Do you plan to do as Mrs. Gallagar instructed or will you wear the necklace to the test and allow it to assist you.

Alaniah

Everyone but Madame Emphemere seems impressed at your flawless transfiguration into a mermaid, and there are gasps from the senior staff as you dive into the lake. While none of them are able to see what you do underwater as you emerge and retake your human form Mrs. Bobbleschmop confirms that you've passed the test. Unfortunately, however you've also angered your mentor. “What a needless waste of magical energy!” she chastises you, “I tried to help you and this is how you repay me?” She asks not waiting for an answer. “You could have walked into this test with a hand mirror and a simple vanishing charm...one girl beat the monster with a flower!” she rages on showing just how spirited she can be. “What foolish behavior!, You could have been killed...or worse you could have made me look incompetent.” Over the course of the next few days she refuses to be anywhere near you, ignoring your inquiries and refusing to see you. This silence is only broken when it's announced that you'll be given a flight test...but you may not like what she has to say.

For round 3: Madame Emphemere refuses to help you prepare for your flight test when you ask because she thinks that you'll make a mess of things. “I'm not going to provide you with a simple solution only to have you complicate it. If you show me that you can pass this test on your own...without resorting to theatrics, then we'll have something to discuss.” She informs you before vanishing in a puff of blue smoke. Embarrassed and annoyed you leave her office in a huff and collide quite literally into Meera and Kat, two of the students who were there the day you tried to defeat the lake monster. “No pretty tail today?” Meera asks as she flicks her own. “Just a sad face because she made Madame mostly ghostly mad.” Kat chimes in. You don't have time for their shenanigans and try to walk past them when Meera pipes up that they can help...for a price. Meera tells you that passing the flight test is simple, all you have to do is prick the index finger on your right hand before grasping the broom, saying the word “hantu” as you do. They assure you that doing this will allow you to pass the test, and all they want in return is a little “help” on their next magical history exam. You excuse yourself and head immediately to the library, the word hantu doesn't appear in any of the texts you read and you conclude it's safe enough to say, even testing it out loud a few times with nothing happening.
Do you look for an option other than the one Meera and Kat provided which is pretty simple (even if it means helping them cheat) or do you seek out another option?

Extra characters referenced in your individual stories

The Hexstrong Haint: In Iris's story


The Fairy godmother: In Theo's story


The other Centaur: In Theo's story



Neve: In Flick's story/In Persephone's story


Rose: In Lily's story


The merman: In Fatima's story


Meera: In Alaniah's story


Kat: In Alaniah's story

For this round please include the following:


Name:

How you prepared for your flight test and the first few minutes of it (do not include whether you passed or not that will be revealed in the next round):

An image of your character:

You have until Saturday at 00:00 forum time to post. A banner will be awarded for the winner.

Name: Lily Flora

Image:


Flight Test:

So far things were working out well at the academy, and Dr. Bloom seemed as pleased as Lily was that she had passed the test with the Lake Monster. Even if her victory did turn out unexpectedly when the huge flower had apparently acquired a phenomenal power which neither Dr. Bloom nor Lily could have predicted! Unfortunately, it seemed one of the students wasn't as lucky; everyone was talking about it. And she'd been told that the student had tried some sort of weapon, but that hadn't been confirmed.

The talk stopped for the most part when odd things began lurking around the school. The sinkholes and gnome manifestations were bad enough, but there where whispers of an ancient evil having awakened, and some of the other students had strange problems and occurrences to deal with.

But when Dr. Bloom told Lily about the upcoming Flight Test, all the other happenings faded into the background. Dr. Bloom had told Lily that she already knew some things that would help her student pass the flight test, and she invited Lily to meet her in the school garden later that afternoon.

After lunch, and tidying up her notes from her morning classes, Lily decided it was time to meet Dr. Bloom. She had heard all day about the 'broom' flight test and how important it was to accomplish it...else it could mean flunking out of the school. And of all things, Lily was afraid of heights. 'Why couldn't we just learn teleportation or something with our feet on the ground? ...there's got to be more travel updates these days,' the girl thought to herself.

The garden was lovely and mysterious at the same time, Lily thought as she walked along it's paths. Or it could have been if not for all the holes and gnomes popping up from everywhere. Lily hated gnomes! It was like some people fearing clowns. Probably Stephen King's character Pennywise had a lot to do with that, who knows...

...BUMP...

"Oops sorry," said a pretty rose-haired girl, carrying a bouquet, of some sort, of yellow vicious looking flowers. She was a second year student and also mentored by Dr. Bloom; Lily had seen her around but didn't really know anything about her.

"No problem," Lily smiled at the girl. "Hi, I'm Lily, and it's good to meet you."

"I'm Rose, and good to meet you too," Rose responded. Then she leaned closer to Lily and said in a whisper, "You can't trust Dr. Bloom..."

"What are you talking about," Lily questioned, a little apprehensive of the girl now. But before Rose could explain her odd statement, one of her snapping yellow flowers bit her. And she ran off yelling..."Ouch! Infirmary...infirmary...it's bitten me again!" And she was gone.

Lily wanted to giggle, but Rose's words, rushed and in a whisper, had unsettled her. 'Imagine that,' she thought, 'and where in the world did such a statement of that sort come from?'

Continuing on to meet her Mentor, stepping, hopping, whatever it took to keep from stepping into a hole or tripping over a gnome, Lily finally reached a nice spot for seating an conversing. There were lots of trees, pine trees, cedar trees, and maples. And for some reason, there weren't any holes or any of those ugly gnomes. There was only a wrought iron trimmed bench and a few chairs overshadowed by an old weeping willow tree. On the bench and reading a book sat Dr. Bloom.

"I see you've made it," spoke the soft voice of the doctor. She probably spoke that way because it was very effective for talking to plants, and she did that until the plants actually seemed to shine with emotion.

Lily sat on the bench beside Dr. Bloom noticing that the doctor had a glass which appeared to be filled with wine. She waited for her instructor to close and put down her book.

"Well, you already know about the broom flight test, but I suppose you would like to know what this is about," stated the doctor as she picked up the short-stemmed glass. Lily only nodded her head not having any idea of what to say. Her instructor seemed suddenly eager to tell her student that the glass was actually a solution, or an herbal tincture. Lily knew about tinctures and such while working and learning alongside with her mother and grandmother.

"But," Dr. Bloom continued, "this one is made for the sole purpose of mixing with tree sap. You see, I have another one here", and she reached over for the other glass which Lily hadn't seen. It was a greenish color while the first one had been a brownish one. Then Dr. Bloom went on still excited to explain what she had in mind. She told Lily that mixing these solutions with various saps could just be the perfect way to pass her flight test. But Lily became concerned knowing from her family's experience with such things as mixing tree saps could be very dangerous. The side-effects could be devastating. And she recalled Rose's words about not trusting Dr. Bloom. Could the seemingly helpful instructor actually be trying to sabotage her own student? Then to the girl's amazement her instructor turned each glass, one at a time, up to her mouth and took a deep swallow of both.

"Nothing to worry about Lily, these are herbal and meant for human ingestion, and they are non-alchoholic...umm good for the digestive system," the doctor added. But it wasn't exactly the tinctures Lily was worried about; it was that Dr. Bloom had suggested mixing them with saps. And that was something else altogether. And Lily completely forgot that up until now her greatest fear about the flight test had been heights.

"But better than that," explained the mentor, "the batch we're going to make, if you choose to try it, will help you to better communicate with your broom and hopefully help you succeed with the test."

"So what do you say Lily; should we give it a try?"

Finally Lily was able to speak, and asked, "But the tree saps...," however she cut off her own words not wanting to say more.

"I suppose I'll have to try something Dr. Bloom," Lily gave in, not sure she really meant it. "I forgot to tell you; I'm afraid of heights."

But the doctor didn't seem to hear and pulled out a satchel filled with small containers and tightly fitting lids. "Let's get started collecting the saps, but be careful not to get any on your hands or getting any of the saps mixed together!"

....................................................

Lily and her Mentor had worked all that day carefully mixing the tinctures with the saps. And now the day had come for the 'broom' Flight Test! They hadn't been able to test any of the solutions as they were rushed for time, and it was only now that they would even be considered ready. She still wasn't sure what she would do, even though she had agreed to Dr. Bloom's help. The ingredients had seemed odd and she had enough experience to realize it. But what if Rose had been wrong or even lied about their instructor? What if she was simply jealous; perhaps she had been 'teacher's pet', and wanted to put doubt in Lily's mind? After all, even her own flowers bit her! It was worth considering.

.....................................................

The Sports Arena was filled with students and brooms when Lily arrived. They were grouped in long rows of lines with open spaces between the lines. All of them were first-year students - all of them holding brooms - except for the academy's sport's representatives, the Head Principal, and a few second-year's helping with the many other tasks.

Most of the students seemed nervous, but some of them were visibly confident. Lily wasn't one of the confident ones. But there was no time to reflect on that. For now, she had to make the quickest decision she had ever made in her life. Then, as she thought on it, she knew Botany was her primary reason for coming to this academy. Not the stuff they taught in regular schools, but the things that were much more advanced. Maybe even some with a certain risk? And, Dr. Bloom had been her supportive-champion before Mrs. Bobbleschmop could severely reprimand Lily about the side-effect when the lake monster had turned into a giant stone statue in the last lesson. So the Mentor suggested the statue would be a nice addition to the garden, and the matter had been settled. So at the last minute, Lily turned away from the rest of the crowd and quickly drank the tincture. Then she took her place in line.

After a small session of how to 'take your broom for a flight', people were already passing the test, very few, attempting to pass the test - and finally managing to pass - barley by the literal skin of their teeth, and a few had failed. Lily was next to go and she still hadn't felt a single thing from her broom. There was mute communication, not even a vibe. Still, she had been practicing on the field just to see what she could do, and to get a feel of the broom. But she had never managed to make it fly. So if the potion didn't work this would be the time she would have to make it fly!

One of the Representatives walked up to her and simply nodded.

"Attention"
"Fly!"
He suddenly shouted!

Lily mounted the broom with grace, and that was when she felt an emotion from the broom...it was acceptance. She knew that together they knew what to do, and then she felt her feet lift from the ground. Everything seemed to be going smoothly. Then Lily began to switch her hands on the broom stick in order to give gentle directions as she communicated with it. But she couldn't quite seem to move her hands fast enough. She was fighting each time to release her hands, but she was mostly succeeding in confusing the broom. She was worried it would take insult! And then she noticed that her hands were sticky, sticky with sap, sap...really! Had the potion combined with her slightly sweating nervous palms as she waited for her turn? All she could think was hang on, and the sap would be inductive to that for sure, and she would simply let the broom feel her trust and reliance.

If she passed this test, it would be a miracle! "Why, oh why didn't I call my mom and gram before I got in this situation!?" she thought. And then she remembered her fear of heights...

Last edited by MissMelinda (20/10/2016 at 19:44)

Name: Flick Appollo

Challenge Appearance:
Link to external image

Story:

I look at the gerbil, confused as it floats freely in the air. I look at the floor, realising my foot is tapping up and down. I look back at the gerbil, the floor, the gerbil, the floor. "Come on, make a decision." Neve says impatiently, staring at me. "I feel like I'm at a tennis match."

"I think I'm going to have to think about it"

Neve laughs in a slightly unkind manner. "Seriously? Think about it? I thought you were the rebel of the school."
"Yeah, well if I put so much as a toe out of line I won't even be part of the school anymore."
"Whatever" Neve says, flicking her blue hair off of her shoulder. "At the end of the day my offer of help expires." With that she sways out of the room, and I'm left with two thoughts swirling round my mind.

Do I play if safe and follow Amone's advice, or do I live life on the edge?

* * * * * * * * * *

Whilst pulling weeds out of the flower bed I realise I'm not at all confident with flying. Knowing I need Neve's help I return to her as soon as I've finished my community service, and she agrees to help

* * * * * * * * * *

Standing over my broom the next day I feel strangely confident. When we're told to mount our brooms I nibble the past quick, and feel myself floating upwards.

Last edited by Fashion-Chic (22/10/2016 at 15:50)