The Summoner's Mark (First Draft) (Book One)

When Shadows Strike

Hours have passed since the first word written within Into the Faelands had been devoured by Sin's curious mind. Even though he had yet to finish the entirety of the words that were held within the tome, Sin feared that studying too much longer would make him late for class the next morning and considering that this class was supposed to be his first battle class since the accident that left five brand new scars emblazoned on the flesh of his back; he was a little weary with gaining Sten's wrath on his first day back to class.

With this worry present in his mind; the sound of the book closing echoed throughout the quiet of the library and though Sin might have worried about making noise if he wasn't alone within the library though since most of the patrons had already left, this wasn't something Sin was all that worried about.

Placing both books within his small satchel; Sin stood rather quickly and though he needed to get back to his room so he could get rest before class, he also needed to sign out the books he was borrowing. Sending himself in the direction of the shelves that he had taken the books from in the first place, Sin signed his name upon the parchment that was placed on the side of the shelf and beside his name he wrote the titles of the books he was taking from the library.

His objective complete, Sin turned from the shelves and made the journey towards the doors that would allow him to make his escape from the house of knowledge. Thankfully due to Sin being the only one trying to do this now; this trip didn't take awfully long, and he was soon upon the doors that would allow him to leave. As he was doing this; he noticed that Nohki as well was one of the patrons who had left and though he was saddened that the other male didn't greet him, considering that Sin didn't make the effort to greet Nohki either he knew that he couldn't hold it against the older male.

Taking a moment to settle his mind, once he was ready; Sin pushed his way through the doors and found himself walking into the darkened halls of Kanerra.

*

An ominous feeling fell upon Sin as he made his way through the darkened halls. Along with this feeling was one that made it feel as if it were difficult for Sin to breathe and considering that he didn't think that anything truly horrible would happen to him within the Academy; Sin accounted these feelings to the shadows that were eating away at every corner of the hall.

Not wishing to have his mind troubled the entire journey back to his room; Sin shook the gloomy feeling from his mind and focused on ensuring that he didn't walk into anything while he walked through the dark.

This plan worked for a few moments though eventually the feelings descended upon him once more. Even though Sin assumed that it was his mind playing tricks on him, he felt that it would be best to walk through the halls with company and considering that the only two individuals that he considered his friends within the student body were no where to be found; Sin did the only other logical thing he could think of.

Bringing his hand towards the pendant that hung from his neck; Sin allowed a small volume of mana to flow into the world which was quickly directed into the design that was carved upon the pendant. Just like every other time that he had done this, a portal flickered to life in front of him and the moment that he saw the portal; Sin's voice was echoing throughout the area. "Inari!"

As the word rolled off his tongue; the portal started to glow and within a few short moments, Inari was springing from the portal and into the world of Everia. Before Sin even had to call for his Familiar, Inari was turning and sprinting towards him and considering that Inari enjoyed flinging himself at his Summoner; Sin brought his hand away from his pendant since he no longer needed it there for now.