Awaited Newcomer [Morning :: Plot]

As another unfamiliar face arrived, Cecilia couldn't help but avert her attention if only for a moment. An odd boy stumbled his way through the door with easily apparent confusion and a clear lack of understanding about the proceedings, a strange thing certainly for someone who was supposedly a Cadet. Her brow raised in further confusion at the situation, but ultimately Takeru proved beneath her notice; she simply took note of the fact that another recruit had joined up to fight the good fight and took some minor solace in that before turning her attention back to the main act. As Julius instructed she took a seat and when Shiina greeted her the girl would nod her way and wave. "Good morning. You look as relaxed as ever Shiina. On the other hand..." She pulled the brakes on that train of thought before she could finish her sentence, but those paying direct attention to her would clearly see her eyes wander over to the exasperated Maria, studying her face for a brief moment before returning to the prince and fixating on him. There was a bit of tension in the air, but overall things were a lot more calm, and it made Cecilia feel much more welcome. Whereas in the previous meeting she silently squirmed and struggled under the weight of the revelations, she felt much more free to chip in here, and this more relaxed attitude would be reflected in her posture as she leaned back in the chair and let a confident smirk spread across her face.

With the information Julius imparted, the grin only grew in size. If Cecilia was happy to see Sera back as a functioning member of society then she was overjoyed to hear that he was willing to start working alongside his saviors. For some such as the nun, this was a disconcerting reveal, but for Miss Hunt it didn't cause concern, instead acting to cure it. There had been... something naggging at the girl ever since her awakening, something that had been in the back of her mind for a while now. It was something troubling, something that made her question whether she could truly be useful at all in protecting the city. Seeing Sera like this now, seeing with her own two eyes a wayward soul saved without sacrifice and without sin, made her feel if only for a moment like she was the shield that she aspired to be. There was no greater reassurance than this.

"Welcome aboard then newbie! I'll do my best to show you the ropes, so try to keep up, alright? Just stick with us and you'll be a natural in no time!"

All that aside though, the meeting seemed to be drawing to a close far quicker than she had expected, more likely than not by virtue of her late arrival. She definitely didn't regret coming to this one specifically, but time was a rare commodity and the thought of spending it on something short or trivial somewhat left a sour taste in her mouth. While she didn't feel comfortable drowning Julius in all the questions she had from the prior day, Cecilia figured there was no harm in extending things a bit longer. As much as she'd love to simply take the remaining time to celebrate her team's triupmh, there were plenty of elephants in the room that she had failed to address previously and that she felt compelled to seek an answer to. And the mention of Shiina by name? That brought one to her mind right away, perhaps not an overwhelmingly important one at the moment, but certainly something she thought to investigate. Cecilia needed to know...


For now, she'd be content with just getting a response to that, any kind of response. Everyone had simply shrugged their shoulders and moved on whenever Shiina displayed her "Wild Card" powers, but Cecilia refused to. There had to be some sort of explanation as to what was going on.

"Oh. That's cool, it happens," the boy awkwardly shrugged at Shiina. It was a honest mistake and he was glad about that. There was something confusing about what the Wild Card mentioned to him, but he ended up not minding much about it anyway. Despite the cold reception from Maria, the rest seemed more open to his inclusion and he couldn't ask for anything better. "I'll do my best! I know I'm pretty new, but I won't let any of you down!"

A curve of a small smile began to lace Julius' features. Perhaps he was worried for nothing, but nevertheless there was a job to be done. He nodded at Shiina, thinking it was going to be a cue to end this meeting, but someone else had a question to ask. And it was a remarkably good one now that it reminded him. He held his chin thoughtfully with his thumb and index finger, as if considering the question.


"I'm afraid I am as stumped as you are. It does remind me of someone, but it's inconclusive," Julius admitted. He was entirely unsure about the kind of potential that Shiina held. It was certainly one that required cultivation to reach its realization. There was another time to weave theories and he wasn't as savvy as his sister. If you could find out more for me, I would appreciate it. I will adjourn our meeting here. Until next time, everyone."

With that, the gathering ended. Maria began to leave with Nebula as Sera also exited. Julius waited near the head desk for Shiina. She was the last loose end that needed to be dealt with before continuing his day. When she finally came, he began to address her, "I would like you to go with Lisa to deliver a package from Serenity to the District Head in the First Capital Bank. Please tell Avaritia that I sent you two."

A light frown appeared on Cecilia's face as Julius admitted he knew nothing about the nature of Shiina's special power. Still, she wouldn't let it get her down. The news of Sera joining up was enough to brighten her spirits and for now she'd make it her focus. "I see. If I learn anything I'll be sure to tell you your highness." With a nod she'd prepare to head out of the room before stopping at the door. A sudden realization dawned on her and remembering a deal she had made a while back, she'd quickly rush over to Shiina and whisper something to her, exchanging a few things with her and slipping what appeared to be a piece of candy into her pocket. Her smile would grow a bit wider and after giving the Wild Card a thumbs-up and saying her farewells she'd leave Class Zero with no further delays.

Action:

He raised an eyebrow at this sudden request. But since she was going to take up the task anyway, it shouldn't hurt to listen to what else she had to say. Though dreams aren't really a very viable source in any normal sense. But considering the current reality, perhaps it was worth paying some heed to it. With a nod, he gave her a cue to begin as he made himself comfortable by leaning against the desk. Whether he had any kind of reaction to the words she uttered, Julius wouldn't show it as he remained composed. He was silent even after she finished presenting the information to him, still thinking about what she said. But he finally broke with as he parted his lips. "A lot of what you claim is rather difficult to believe. But I will keep them under consideration. I advise you to keep this information to yourself. I'll look into this further. A Psyche-Terrorist with that kind of power... Prophetic dreams or not, you would be wise to gain more familiarity with your own talents. Thank you for telling me, Shiina. You may be dismissed if that is all."

And that was finally the end. He watched Shiina leave, but kept to himself in thought. Recently several things have been happening and they've been completely out of the ordinary even for the already supernatural standards these days. There was a lot to explore and to investigate. This was something that he would have to do now that the rest of the Cadets understood they must learn to handle themselves now.

And besides, a cafe was waiting for him...

[Exit]