Lumikki of Iceberg

"My eyes are open."

Lumikki spent random moments in the School of Destruction. Fitting her classroom to her preferences and normalizing herself with the resources of the College. Her room, much transformed than before, now was affixed with Iceberg furniture and decor. A banner of a raven and ram hung from the wall, and other trinkets one would place up in grounds of Icebergain battles and trainings. Even a painting of a Valkyrie hung among them. The dark wood student desks fit before her new deep grey and ashen wood one. The chairs were fit with dark blue cushions and soft wood. The back most walls, just before the doorway to the training room for her course, was lined with bookshelves from end to end. Thought only a few of the shelves were filled just yet, and all with material on destructive stories and documented wild and chaotic magics. All resources to inspire her students should they prefer their motivation to be found within the pages.

But now, Lumikki was wondering the grounds, investigating the other training facilities. Just a few weeks ago, she had helped a guild mate train his spells within the field. It was a request from a professor who needed some more hands on deck to assist seeing the training through. The Demoness, who happily obliged would prove valuable that day; but she could not help but wonder what more was here.

It was through her aimlessness that she stumbled upon a large and circular building. It was like a dome, with glass panes on top that allowed the sunlight to bleed through. Lumikki would enter, and have a look around. Taking note of the padded walls interwoven with a magical barrier that extended throughout the ceiling as well. Along with the many propped up training dummies and weapon racks towards the far ends of the massive field. But what stole all her attention was a familiar frame she recognized, though truthfully she’d second guess her assumption as he was dressed different from what she was used to. It would be the chains he manifested the affirmed her first assumption and she’d softly approach with steps that made absolutely no sound.

Lumikki had four braids interwoven with deep red ribbons pulled back with the remaining loose locks into a bun. The ends of both still having straggles of hair that dangled freely despite the hairstyle’s hold, looking both contained but not overly neat. She wore what looked to be a black silky blouse mostly buttoned saved for the uppermost two which allowed her flexibility to move, and a long black pencil skirt that extended to her ankles. Her appearance fairly human despite the usual irregularities she honored in this form. Traits like her black stained skin or miss-matched eyes. And shadows, like usual, would coil her feet in place of shoes.

Ittindi, not aware of her presence, would turn to see a smirking Demoness in all her splendor despite her short stature. She’d look up to see him with a spark of joy in her eyes and lean slightly forward in a playful manner. ”Training without me? How boring is that Ittindi. Do ye not wanna seek yer mentor’s company? I could be insightful at times ye know?” She finished her musings with a soft giggle that could not fully hide the aura of an imposing Demon, but she was sincere in her sweetness despite how she would appear.

”Is it getting easier to maintain each individual chain? I still remember the frustration of handing multiple spell components at once.—Of course…I didn’t get to observe yer previous magic to really chime in this regard. I would assume…silk, was it? Would function quite similar in the aspect of many components to focus on at once. Slightly sluggish, though it seems yer still doing well in that regard. But, perhaps how is a good time for me to finally discuss yer magic with ya and understand where ye are in acclimation and what it is ya desire.” the Demoness hardly wasted time in cultivating and expressing her assessment, after all it was clear he wanted to train and she wanted to support his endeavor. A man like him came off as one who appreciated efficiency, and directness so Lumikki in her earnest desire to help, would trying to divulge her thoughts rather quick and plainly.

"What they don't know won't hurt them... yet."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"My eyes are open."

Lumikki who looked entirely serious, if not curious, broke into a rapturous laugh from hearing Ittindi’s long winded title for her. Sure it was pleasing to be known for so many things, but to have them strung like a celebratory banner made her feel silly. She was okay staying within the shadows, obscure and unknown. So there was no need to regard her with too many formalities. Yet, she was growing to understand that’ll become a pointless gripe as she understood the need for it. Knowing that Ittindi took comfort in those structures by how he held onto his title and those within his guild. So Lumikki finished her laughter with a big sigh, while trying to repair her composure to better speak once more.

”Love, Professor or Lumikki does fine within the school. I’ll let ye pick yer preferred once we are off school grounds. But yes, while I’m here let us settle on the rest of yer spells and magic.” Her hand covered her mouth as she mustered the words, trying to seem more put together rather than the mischievous raven that she was; but her face still alluded to her playfulness.

”Hmmm…the greatest ye say? I still have yet to watch ya at yer work but I hardly have anyone to compare to ye besides me own Eight Pinions. What inspired this dream of yers?” But as she spoke, he would trigger the sparks of his spell. A mark flickered along his back before a fascinating display soon followed. Lumikki wondered if he was trying to take inspiration from a bat or perhaps a drake. She mulled it over while she could as Ittindi cut the spell soon after, sadly reverting to his usual appearance with an air of disappointment. Though she could only assume of such, his face was as hard to read as ever.

Before Lumikki took action, Ittindi tried his hand at the task again. Undeterred by the state of the last spell, he repeated much of the same steps and now made himself a pair of wings consisting of bone. Lumikki wanted to feel his construct but as quick as it formed, it broke away. Though she still found the try fascinating, she wasn’t sure where his struggle was coming from yet.

”No I know about wings cause of me people.” Lumikki began, she placed her hand atop his back to conjure her own spell. They didn’t look angelic as he would like, but the wings she woven onto him were as delicate as any raven. The feathers flecked on them matched her very own and Lumikki slid out her lower most set to allow the man to look them over for himself. To see the intricacies of her wings and study them for making his own. ”As ye know, I’m of a clan of raven Demi-human. Flying is to a degree, a part of our way of life. Of course this was accentuated by becoming Demon aye, as it gave me proper wings of me own but coincidentally, I could grant ye a pair as well. Fell ‘em out from me Ittindi, use them to get the gist of movement and even flying.” Lumikki pulled back to give him the space he needed while also trying to watch over how he took the pair of wings on his back.

"What they don't know won't hurt them... yet."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"My eyes are open."

The tone that was previously so humorous had suddenly taken such a chilling turn, one that made Lumikki shudder with a wave of malicious giddiness. She held back her harrowing response, freezing over her expression instead; but the cold shift would extend to her tone as well. ”I have no qualms with snuffing a life and beginning me frozen garden Ittindi, though I wonder if the merging fails….would I be able to eat Naki and him alone? I can’t say I could discern yer life from his. Could anyone? Who is to say when one presence begins and ends….but I will be sure to keep an eye on this venture should ye undertake it. Consider me privy to me role to come.” Her tone still had a sweet and endearing tinge but it could not take away from the morbidly of her words. Still, Lumikki wouldn’t linger on it longer than needed. She very much liked this human, her beloved or not, Ittindi was fairly charming.

Unknowingly to her, the Demoness sparked such passions. His candid tone ushered more color than the norm as he explained to her of all the pleasures of his work. Lumikki never thinking too much about the simple matters, didn’t scoff at them either. Being one who was enamored with lore and legend meant that she understood the joys of impractical fascinations. What more, she understood how much they could propel one’s personal skill and paint their habits ands perspectives. If this was the reason the man was so diligent and reliable, she could easily see the value in his fixation. If anything, she almost wished she felt the same.

But the fascination did not end there as he dismissed her wings and tried another attempt. This time, least from what she could gather, was a far more closer result than before. Personally Lumikki was pleased, its rapid growth and decay reminded her a lot of her healing spells and the intricacies of the cycle of life and death. Seems he felt the same as he uttered a cheeky comment—one that Lumikki found herself appreciating.

”Kukuku, give yeself more credit. The man was pristine in appearance but rotted to the core. There was hardly any merit left in him by the end of the tale—and really, I found it quite disappointing. I was hoping for a more impactful climax, a more interesting interaction depicted of a man being forced to face the sins accumulated by theirs actions. I was hoping for more introspection. But really, it gave me a tale I fear I’ll observe to the end of time. Men being their own ruin—without being interesting about it mind you-and hardly insightful either….” Perhaps she returned dark with pitch black but she was still quite entertained. ”But I really find yer wings quite charming.” Lumikki said with full sincerity and hands clasped to gesture her girlish glee. Lumikki adored seeing people in flight. Though she desired to rule the skies, she didn’t want to enjoy them alone.

”If ye’d like. Hmmm ye’d be able to walk this off just fine but it should still be simple enough to dodge as well.” With a thoughtful expression, the frost mage stepped back. Her hand came to her lips just as a magical circle began to form beside her. With a steady gaze as Ittindi, she readied the spell. Which seemed like a volatile magic just barely contained, when really it was a playful creation she made to celebrate the chaotic nature of darkness.

Before Lumikki pulled her fingers away, the shadows within the folds of her clothes and along the ground would pick up and warp. Their shape now converging to a shaft off an arrow with a head and tail that cycled through different features repeatedly as if a shifting wheel of choices. But that was what they were, possibilities in this moving world, an aspect to settle into just before the attack. And so when she finally pulled her fingers away and pointed to the man who was readying himself for what she brewed, it finally locked into the shape it happened to fall into. The head of a pointed nose hound took the place of the tip and bat-like wings twisted like a pinwheel of its tail. But if Ittindi was able to see details of her arrow, it was hard to say. As soon after it was prompted to move, it rapidly spun like a drill in the air as it soared right for him.

Lumi however, looked with gleaming eyes. Curious as to what trick her mentee would pull next to test his growing magic. ”Truthfully, I am not so kind or compassionate enough as a person to happily train that of a Demon’s vessel. Surly ye could tell how territorial I really am. Though I am not so heartless either that I don’t like favoritism or fondness. I rather see ye strong and reach great heights than wound the Oni that nuzzles within ya.”. Pure selfishness in the end is what fuels her actions. When you become as she had, it would be your fancies that keep moving you.

   

"What they don't know won't hurt them... yet."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"My eyes are open."

"That is the sad part friend, I have yet made a century. I do not adhere to a foolish notion that the world is entirely bleak; but I could say that many idiots make the same mistakes should ye give them the chance and I find it hard to believe that more time would change that." Lumikki readied her spell upon his request, taking her time in its making as he, too, prepared for his new tricks. The mage was beside herself in anticipation of seeing what he'd muster. Would it be like a shield similar to their last practice? Would it be more?

She'd know soon enough, as he acted just before her spell got to moving. Its shadowish form now drilling into the space he had left behind in an instant. Lumikki wasted no time herself clapping from the amusement. The Demoness was genuinely impressed with such a sleek motion and rapid magic. Though she wondered how well he'd fair with more of her spells.

"Huh...slow down time?..." She never thought that would be a desire of his, nor did she fully understand how he planed to do it. The only one she knew to touch upon time was a Guild Master to the far east, but she would not pretend to know all his wonders. Her eyes could only tell so much, his presence must for touch upon the world before her eye could scribe what it could mean. Much like one could only learn from the ripples shaking the surface of water after time drops in and causes it. "Ye want me to bring ya close to death?...." Well now he was simply calling to her dark tendencies. Bringing forth a devilish desire she can not always hold back. Sure, all her actions could be playful, but it didn't mean they were harmless. Yet who was she to hold him back from his request if this was what it'd take for him to reach his potential? She could easily assure that he didn't die in her care....even from herself....

Ittindi, now crouched by in the ready, surprised her with another question. One that didn't take her long to find her answer. "Aye, too many times... One could say that everything I desired and attained first needed me to let things go.....and I fear that it will always be the case. Hmpt," she chuckled. It was a fair assumption. "At first it was because I was aware of yer ties to yer Young Master that I was drawn to ye. Everything of his, I wanted to see for meself. But in time, I grew to like yer company a lot indeed. Quite the oddity ye are especially when beside Knuckles of all people. Yer like a sliver of him I would never know had I not met ye. Yet, if ya had no ties to him altogether, I would've found meself adoring ye all the same. Odd, I'm sure. A Demon of all things, taking a liking to ye and not trapping ye for it. But simple kinship is a luxury I do not plan to forego and I would indeed enjoy yer company for decades to come.... Though she was taken out of the moment when thinking over her thoughts and feelings, she was quick to pull herself back to the task he needed of her.

"I am honored to help ye in training. It seems as time went on, I've seen a lot of yer Knights grow strong in me company. And ye have quite the potential among 'em. Then I can't make this easy, can I...." Her lips pulled back in a toothy grin that showed her fangs. "Nothing ye can't handle, but nothing ya could easily dodge. Should ye manage this feat of slowing down time, then the condition for the relent of me participation is to tap upon me left shoulder free of damage. Should ya be struck, we'd simply have to start over from scratch again; but no worries, I have the mana and time to heal ye, for the next try should ye need it." Her golden eye sparked a glow, as if coming to life, and in a way, it had. For now, Lumikki was using the power within to assure the magic wouldn't stop until it crashed with him. With a hand risen to the ceiling, a magic circle flickered before a crackle of pure frost and dark energy surged toward him. Bending and branching off to assure they struck true.


   

"What they don't know won't hurt them... yet."

Lumikki of Iceberg

"My eyes are open."

It cool breeze, Lumikki’s black frost lightening crackled, its pseudo static would plummet the temperatures around them with every burst or dispersing branch. And every streak would seek her target like angled snakes swimming through the air. Her magic was fast, but somehow the man was faster. The first miss caught Lumikki by surprise, his image lingering longer than he did. Soon he would reappear in other places, almost like he was flickering. As if he occupied multiple places at once.

With keen eyes, Lumikki studied his motions. With her perfect vision, she could tell something was off. Observing Yuurei and Kaito, she was aware of how fast movement usually appeared like. She was privy to the motions and momentum’s that it took.

Ittindi, still having a momentum would contradict his reappearances. As if the way his hair and clothes shifted didn’t match her usual perceptions. Yet she knew it was a rare feat to develop here or there magic. It was never aligned with death per se either.

Her lips pulled back into a malicious but gleeful smile. As her magic sought its target perfectly despite his trick, she now knew what it was. Every nick on his appearance would tell her so, especially knowing how particular that man was, for every new tear the Demoness was sure it was fresh.

He mentioned in passing that he wanted to slow down time, and now Lumikki understood that this is just as he said. The flickering moments was simply her picking up on him again through her view of time. Thoroughly impressed, Lumikki couldn’t hold back her welling frenzy. Such a power was quite rare and yet it would be him who had it. Tinges of envy washed over her, her demonic passions swelling, but before it could break her cool exterior, she swallowed it back up. With complete refusal to display and act on her worst nature, the Demoness would choose control and poise.

”Very well,” Lumikki would respond somewhat coldly. There was no rudeness to her voice, simply no warmth. She’d shake the last of her qualms with that, turning over to Ittindi with a warm smile. ”Ya cheeky human, ye. Playing with magics and tricks far removed from most of us. Makes me wonder just how dangerous yer kinda could be.” Lumikki wasn’t always a Demon, not even a Daemon, though times of her normal mortally were sparse memories now. Dying embers of humanity compared to her new existence.

Yet she never would have thought that a human could take their plight so far. But perhaps she could continue to think that way. He was not a normal human, far from it, and now tangled with so many beings and magics that he was a new thing now. Not quite one of her own, but not one of them.

”Transformation?” She inquired, her head titled with narrowed eyes as her curiously compelled her. ”What form would ye take I wonder.”

   

"What they don't know won't hurt them... yet."