Arcana Twilight: When The Star Falls (retelling)

10- Confirmation

"Finally," Pollux leaned against the wall of one of the hallways, "They're breaking up. I thought they'd never listen to anyone... Guess we wasted time on absolutely nothing."

Pollux, Alpheratz, Arcturus, and Gloria had gone away from the lobby to get away from the yelling of the fight. Though the one named "Betelgeuse" was able to stop them, it was still very loud and crowded from people seeing him.

Arcturus nods, "I never realized how powerful a Senior Sorcerer could be!" Gloria blinked, "Umm... what's that...?" Arcturus turned to her, "Oh right.... A Senior Sorcerer is a title given to those who survived the Great Disaster.." Alpheratz soon adds, "To put this into perspective, the furthest we academy punks can go is a field visit. Senior Sorcerers will probably be on the frontlines when the towers fall and when monsters start flooding out of 'em." Gloria's eyes widened, "That's..... dangerous...! Who protects them then if they are protecting everyone?!" Alpheratz was silent for a bit, "That's... hard to explain. The sugar-coated answer is that the Constellations watch over us all."

He sighed and shook his head, "I'd rather they just told us we have to look out for each other. That's way more realistic."

"Are you a Senior Sorcerer?" Gloria tilts her head at him. Alpheratz raises an eyebrow, "Why would you think that?" Gloria continues, "I was told by Arcky that you and Spica were kids during the disaster... and I just realized how stupid I am for saying that now..."

He was a KID during it.... not a sorcerer, of course he most likely wouldn't have that title!

Alpheratz sent a slight glare to Arcky for telling Gloria before he turned back to her, "Yeah no, I became a sorcerer when I turned twenty, that was long after the disaster. Even then, that title would be too much for someone like me anyways."

Pollux rolled his eyes, "Stop underselling yourself like that, man. You were super talented even before your Constellation Choice! They say you'll become a Great Sorcerer in no time!"

Gloria's eyes widened, "Great.... Sorcerer...?"

Arcturus nods, "Yeah, I heard that too... it is true, Alpheratz?"

The sleepy sorcerer groans, "Okay fine... There was a time when I did show a little promise. But Great Sorcerer? They're just making that up cause they're bored."

"Right..." Arcturus muttered, "There have only been twelve Great Sorcerers since the very first Constellation Choice..."

Everyone went quiet. Gloria was lost in thought taking in everything being said. So... there hasn't been any others after the first twelve?

There is some laughter and chatter soon becoming louder, snapping Gloria's attention back to the sight of the "Senior Sorcerer Betelgeuse". She couldn't help but give a slight glare at the sorcerer. "Gloria," Pollux turned to her, "You keep looking at him... have you talked to Betelgeuse before?"

"Wha-!? That's Sirius!"

Pollux's eyes widened, "What are you talking about?"

Gloria blinks, "Can't you tell?!"

Soon the sorcerer came over to the group and bowed in an exaggerated manner. "Hello," He looks directly at Gloria, "you must be the Summoner from beyond the rift. I'm thoroughly enjoying every bit of news about you. I cannot help but think that destiny has brought us together on this nice, sunny day." Gloria gives an unamused look, "Very funny Sirius." The sorcerer observes her reaction before leaning in close to her, shape shifting back into his normal form. "Very impressive, Summoner~. You could have at least pretended to be surprised, though. I put a lot of effort into this act." Sirius smirks at her.

Sighing, Gloria pulled at his cheek, "Too close... you still have the lingering scent of that perfume you used... I can still smell it on you, which is how I knew it was you." Sirius rumbled from the cheek pull, "Ow! Ow! Ok ok, I'll back away now!"

When he pulled away from her face, Arcturus spoke up, "Whoa, you really got me with that disguise... I really thought you were the Senior Sorcerer! I forget how incredible your shape shifting skills are-"

Alpheratz cuts him off, "Arcky.... You've got no time to admire Sirius' tricks. There is something I wanted to talk with you about." Judging by his expression, he's bringing it up now, isn't he...?

"How could you have not come back to Gloria after being separated earlier?"

Acrturus saddens, "I, uh.... I.... Sorry, Gloria... You must've been frightened." Gloria shook her head, "It's fine Arcky... it wasn't too ba-"

"You were trembling when I found you. Practically in tears" Alpheratz had cut her off. Gloria grumbles, "Yeah... but you didn't have to bring it up how bad it was..."

Before Acturus could react, Gloria spoke up again, "So... what's this about a banquet and why were those students fighting?" Acturus nods, "There's a banquet in Neb Aula everyone's looking forward to that's in a few days. It's Fili Pfeper and Queen Tet's turn to prepare for it..."

Pollux groans, "The Queen Tets started it, the fight. They said something about wands being old fashioned... or something like that." Acturus whimpered, "The professors would've canceled the banquet if they found out.... Sorry that you all got involved..."

Gloria tilted her head, "So.... this banquet must be really important to you."

Arcturus nods, "It's one of the first events freshmen get to attend! We just want them to make good memories!"

"In the end," Pollux looks up at Sirius, "you did save the day for us, Sirius. But why? Wou never help us out." Sirius chuckled, "In case you forgot, I'm still part of the Guide Committee. It's my job to help out. I simply saw our Summoner in trouble and was compelled to help. Happy?"

"... Are you using me as an excuse...?" Gloria then went quiet suddenly. Her mind was going back to when she talked with him before she blacked out. "And I need to talk to you about-"

Sirius' finger was placed on her lips, silencing her. He sighed, "That is the harshest accusation you've made of me yet. I was trying to be nice. At least I'm being honest when I say I did it for you, not for these guys." He soon gave Gloria a look that made her eyes widened. Hey! We can't just gloss over what happened that day!

"Alright, everything's settled so you won't be needing me here. See you around, Sorcerers." Sirius taps his foot against the floor and suddenly disappears into thin air...

Alpheratz groans, "Look at him run. He's clearly hiding something." Pollux nods in agreement, "Who knows what he might be up to when he's not with us." Gloria was lost in thought while they were talking. The images of that day flooding her mind rapidly... then-

"This took way longer than expected.... We should head to Spica now."

Gloria was cut out of her thoughts from Arcturus speaking. "Hmm?" Acturus turned to her, "Oh right! I forgot to tell you earlier! We were supposed to go to a meeting sometime after you woke up.... Buuuut as you can tell... that didn't go according to plan."

"Spica?" Alpheratz blinked, "Did you talk to him about...?" Arcturus nods, "Yeah! But that was some time ago. I hope he's not too angry about it." Alpheratz straightens up, "Where are you meeting him? Committee room? Reception? Whatever, I'm outta here. You guys should go before it's too late."

He turns to leave, "Say hi to Spica for me- Oh, crap!"

Spica was walking towards them already. "So this is where you were all this time instead of attending our scheduled meeting. And I would rather you greeted me in person, Alpheratz." Spica gave a slight glare at Alpheratz when he tried to leave.