#dr religast
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Defenders of the Flame (TE Rewrite) Act 3, Scene 4 - The Approaching Storm
Title: Defenders of the Flame (A CIU Screenplay)
Main Pairings: Shreya x F!MC, Beckett x F!Atlas
Other Pairings: N/A
Genre: Full Rewrite (The Elementalists, Book 1)
Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality
Summary: The heads of the Stoicheal Orders meet to discuss recent events.
Previous Scene: "That Distance Between Us"
Masterlist: Link
INT. UNKNOWN BUILDING - CONFERENCE CHAMBER - NIGHT
That night, several Penderghast professors sit around a large central table. They are surrounded by walls of brick, on which are flickering torches alternating with six elaborate stained-glass windows, each depicting a different Attunement’s motif. The only visible entrance to the room lies above them, where a round, recessed opening sits covered only by a shimmering stoicheal barrier. The seat in front of the Fire-themed window is empty, while the other five are all occupied.
DR. ENGLUND: Well then. Shall we begin?
A chorus of assents follows his statement. The others in the room turn their attention to the empty chair at the table. Dr. Religast shakes her head as she looks around at the others.
DR. RELIGAST: I see Evelyn is still absent. Has anyone heard from her recently?
Dr. Kontos sighs and shakes his head.
DR. KONTOS: Nothing. I... I fear the worst.
DR. RALLAH: I have tried tuning my most powerful pangasols to her signature, but they have all shown no response.
DR. ENGLUND: So she is either in the Archikeal Realm, or--
DR. RALLAH (irritated): Taerl, do you really think I haven’t tried that? I’ve traveled into the Archikeal Realm with the pangasols. Still nothing. Meaning--
DR. RELIGAST: She could be in the Between. That’s the only possibility left, other than...
Dr. Religast sighs, leaving the obvious alternative hanging unspoken. From his seat in front of the Water window, Dr. Vartokis clears his throat.
DR. VARTOKIS: Speaking of the Between, I believe we have a certain recent phenomenon to discuss, no? As of Induction Day, that makes two of these unusual “breaches” within the past year. Has anyone made any headway?
DR. ENGLUND: They appear to be isolated incidents. Some sort of unusual stoicheal pulse echoing throughout the Between, causing a temporary thinning of the barrier. From what I’ve managed to gather... these “pulses” both originated in the Archikeal Realm. And from the same location, besides.
DR. RALLAH: The same location? That cannot be a coincidence.
DR. RELIGAST: I agree. Do we know where?
Dr. Englund shakes his head.
DR. ENGLUND: Not yet.
DR. KONTOS: Which brings us to the matter of who might have interest in thinning the barrier. A certain someone who has been trapped inside. Has there been any activity from Highmore's cultists lately? Anything that might suggest he has escaped?
DR. RELIGAST: That’s the strangest part, Linden. As far as I can tell... there’s been absolutely nothing. So either he missed the opportunity to escape--
DR. ENGLUND: Doubtful.
DR. RELIGAST: --or he’s planning something big. Something that would need him to lie low until it’s ready.
DR. KONTOS: Do we know for certain that these “breaches” would allow an Attuned to escape? It may be that the barrier wasn’t weakened enough for--
Dr. Vartokis shakes his head.
DR. VARTOKIS: Someone escaped the Between during the second breach. I wasn’t certain before, but... from what I can tell, there is an incredibly powerful Water-Att on Penderghast’s campus at this very moment.
The others all turn to stare at him.
DR. RALLAH: You’re certain of this.
DR. VARTOKIS: Positive. Every once in a while, I get a feel for it. It’s a powerful Water-Att signature, no doubt about it.
DR. RELIGAST: If they’re a Water-Att, then it can’t be Highmore. And you’re sure whoever-it-is came from the Between?
DR. VARTOKIS: No other explanation. All transit in and out of Pennelia’s stoicheal bubble has been closely monitored. If a Water-Att this powerful had been spotted entering, I would’ve been told right away, no?
DR. RALLAH: You have a point. But still...
DR. VARTOKIS: I'll continue my investigation. It’s possible whoever-this-is was one of Highmore's followers. I know there were a few trapped inside along with him. I’ll get to the bottom of this.
DR. RALLAH: Good. Let us know as soon as you find anything. As for Dr. Swan’s continued absence... Maya?
DR. RELIGAST: Me?
DR. RALLAH: Yes, you. I want you to scour Pennelia’s bubble top to bottom. If Dr. Swan has been trapped in the Between, she likely found a way to leave us some sign to follow. Knowing her, it may even be something one can only identify from the air. Thus making you the perfect person for the job.
DR. RELIGAST (nods): I’ll do my best. Hopefully you’re right!
DR. ENGLUND: I will bring our concerns to Elise. It’s possible that, as dean, she has access to additional resources that may help us in these matters.
DR. RALLAH: Excellent suggestion. Which leaves you, Linden. You likely already know your assignment.
DR. KONTOS: Naturally. I will contact the other chapters of Gaia’s Sentinels. Together, we will intensify our search for any unusually powerful bursts of Wood or Life Stoichi throughout the Stoicheal Realms. If Highmore has indeed escaped, it is my duty to stop him. And that I shall do.
DR. RALLAH: Very good. And I will monitor all sources of reflection in the Pennelia bubble; if another breach occurs, I will be ready to take advantage of it to find Evelyn and retrieve her from the Between.
DR. ENGLUND: Then it seems our meeting has adjourned.
DR. RELIGAST: Let’s hope next time, Evelyn will be here with us.
As the professors get up from their chairs, they stop to glance forlornly at the empty Fire chair. One by one, each uses their particular brand of stoicheal technique to pass through the exit in the ceiling. Finally, Dr. Kontos is the last one to leave. He hesitates.
DR. KONTOS (muttering): Something isn’t right. But what...
He sighs and shakes his head. Then, with a flick of a wrist, he summons vines that grow down from the ceiling and wrap around his waist, lifting him gently up toward the exit after the others.
_______________________
Notes: Now for something completely different... an entire scene without Fiora?! Weird. I'd wanted to have a few more of these "meanwhile with the professors" scenes for a while, but decided to wait until Dr. Vartokis got introduced formally. And it also made for a nice excuse to reveal some of the professors' first names!
Worldbuilding: Dr. Rallah mentioned a "pangasol." This is a device that, when activated by a powerful Metal-Att, performs a super-advanced version of the Locator spell from canon. Like the canon spell, the device requires an object belonging to the person/thing being searched for in order to work properly.
_______________________
Next: To Ask a Question
CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie
DotF/Elementalists Tag List:
#the elementalists rewrite#choices the elementalists#choices stories you play#csyp#fanfic#ciu project#choices interconnected universe#defenders of the flame#dotf#professor englund#professor kontos#professor swan#dr religast#dr vartokis#dr rallah#even the other professors/order heads don't know where dr swan went#this can't be good...#pend pals to the rescue?#nah time for gala date-finding shenanigans first
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Defenders of the Flame (TE Rewrite) Act 3, Scene 2 - Back in Session
Title: Defenders of the Flame (A CIU Screenplay)
Main Pairings: Shreya x F!MC, Beckett x F!Atlas
Other Pairings: N/A
Genre: Full Rewrite (The Elementalists, Book 1)
Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality
Summary: Classes resume for Fiora's second semester at Penderghast.
Previous Scene: Identity Crisis
Masterlist: Link
INT. PENDERGHAST CAMPUS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS
MONTAGE
In Tubigan Hall’s Auditorium 3, the students file in for their first class of the new semester; Fiora and Shreya are holding hands. A middle-aged man with long dark hair stands at the front of the room. This is DR. VARTOKIS, another Penderghast professor.
SHREYA (to Fiora): You know? I almost missed attending classes.
Fiora giggles.
FIORA: Emphasis on the “almost,” right?
ZEPH: I just realized... Fiora, you are gonna breeze through this class!
The group takes their seats, with Shreya and Fiora sitting together. Shreya smiles and wraps an arm around Fiora as they sit.
FIORA (quizzically): Why’s that?
ZEPH: ...Do you even know what class this is?
FIORA (embarrassed): Uh... no. I’ve been kinda distracted lately.
Zeph smiles and winks suggestively at Shreya, who laughs.
ZEPH: Oh, I bet! Anyway, this is--
Dr. Vartokis chooses that moment to address the class, his voice amplified. He speaks with a very cheerful, casual tone.
DR. VARTOKIS: Hello there, everyone! Welcome to your first class of this semester: Attuneless History, Society, and Culture! ...Or you can just call it “AHSC” for short if you want. I won’t judge ya!
A few students laugh as Fiora mouths a silent “oh” of understanding at Zeph. Zeph nods, and starts to say something, but Beckett shushes them.
DR. VARTOKIS: Okay, okay, I know many of you are probably wondering what the point of this class is. After all, if you’re gonna spend your career here in the Stoicheal Realm, why bother with my class? The truth is, whether your future leads you to a life among Tuneless or not, our two societies are inextricably linked.
BECKETT (muttering): Fascinating point. I had not considered this...
Beckett hurriedly writes something down in his notebook.
DR. VARTOKIS: Not to mention, there’s a lot we can learn from the Tuneless! We must never forget that we came from their realm, not the other way around. After all, it wasn’t so many centuries ago that our societies lived and worked side-by-side! In fact...
Dr. Vartokis continues talking as Shreya gives Fiora a knowing smile and leans her head on her shoulder. Zeph, meanwhile, is (for once) paying attention to the professor, nearly as attentively as Beckett.
DR. VARTOKIS: --as such. I’ll ask a few simple questions to get us started. First: who can tell me the name of Penderghast’s Archikeal reflection?
Several students--including Fiora and Shreya--raise their hands. Dr. Vartokis points to a student near the front of the hall, a Metal-Att named HECTOR RILENN.
HECTOR: It’s “Hart”-something, isn’t it? “Hartschild?” ...Maybe?
Dr. Vartokis shakes his head.
DR. VARTOKIS: Close, but not quite. You there!
He points to Shreya, who answers eagerly:
SHREYA: Hartfeld University!
DR. VARTOKIS: Correct! Now, who can tell me...
As he moves on to the next question, Shreya smiles at Fiora.
SHREYA (whispering): I’d never have known that one without you!
Shreya gives Fiora’s hand a quick squeeze. Fiora blushes and turns her attention back to the professor...
* * *
Fiora and her classmates file into one of the greenhouses for Natural Studies. Several of the other students are speaking to each other with confusion evident in their voices. Dracarys and Rys flutter above their owners’ heads with excitement, while Beckett’s (still) unnamed Grogue lets out a lazy croak from its position in his lap. Zeph laughs.
ZEPH: Looks like you’ve got some extra time, Beckett! Gonna name him yet?
BECKETT (irritated): Why on Earth do you think my answer would be any different than before?
Zeph leans in closer and smiles conspiratorially.
ZEPH (slyly): You know... Atlas told me what she’d name her Companion, if she ever got one. I asked her if she ever considered just not naming it at all, and she laughed in my face--
BECKETT (shocked): What?! You never mentioned this to me before!
ZEPH (shrugs): You never asked. So, what’s the verdict?
Beckett sighs, clearly considering Zeph’s words.
BECKETT (to himself): ...Hmm. It will have to be a name that is tasteful and refined...
Zeph gives Shreya and Fiora a side glance and a thumbs-up. Shreya giggles as Dr. Kontos enters the greenhouse.
DR. KONTOS: Greetings, and welcome back to Natural Studies! I am pleased to report that all of you passed the class, and did wonderfully on your finals!
A few cheers go up from the room, but most of the students just continue staring quizzically at Dr. Kontos.
DR. KONTOS: Yes, yes, let us address the dryxmar in the room first. According to standard Penderghast curriculum, my course ordinarily would be replaced with “Sourcism and Philosophy” for this semester. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr. Swan is otherwise occupied and unable to teach her usual class. Thus, Dean Goeffe has granted me permission to continue Natural Studies into your next semester!
As the students start muttering amongst themselves, Fiora leans in toward Shreya.
FIORA (whispering): Dr. Swan’s still gone? That... doesn’t seem good.
SHREYA (whispering): Perhaps Atlas is starting to rub off on you. We know why Dr. Swan is absent! She’s off on a mission for the Defenders, remember?
FIORA (whispering): Maybe, but still... it’s been weeks...
SHREYA (whispering): You just need to relax a little and focus on other things for a change. Like the Amorelia Day Gala! It may be a bit far off yet, but there’s no time like the present!
FIORA (whispering): “No time” for what?
SHREYA (whispering): Why, for asking whomever you intend to ask to the dance, of course! Surely you plan to ask, right?
FIORA (whispering): I dunno. I’ve got so much else going on right--
DR. KONTOS: Ahem. Miss Luxen, Miss Mistry, care to rejoin the class?
Fiora and Shreya blush heavily when they notice Dr. Kontos and the other students all staring at them. Fiora bows her head in apology and focuses on Dr. Kontos as Shreya looks at Fiora, frustration clearly evident on her face...
* * *
Inside the Defenders of the Flame meeting chamber, Lucia and Arvan lead Fiora, Shreya, and the third-year inductees in practicing their Stoicheal Gathers. Although Shreya manages to perform a Gather after only two tries, Fiora still struggles with her own. Lucia approaches her while the others are practicing.
LUCIA: Hey. Looks like you’re having some trouble.
Fiora stops and looks at Lucia, then nods.
FIORA: It’s the whole “foundation point” thing. I suck at it.
LUCIA: Having trouble figuring it out, then?
FIORA: Yeah.
LUCIA: There’s not a lot I can help you with on that front. The foundation is something that comes from within. Who is Fiora? What makes you... well, you?
FIORA: I don’t know. I’m not as talented or confident as Shreya...
Lucia follows her gaze to where Shreya is performing yet another perfect Stoicheal Gather, to the delight and cheers of the third-year inductees. Fiora sighs.
FIORA (to herself): I doubt I’ll ever be.
* * *
Fiora and Shreya walk hand-in-hand down a street in Pennelia, the bright sunlight reflecting off of the snow all around them. Shreya is regaling Fiora with a story.
SHREYA (speaking rapidly): --but it wasn’t as though I meant to Evaporate the entire hot tub! I was just getting so angry, and the water was plenty hot to begin with. It’s an honest mistake to make, you know. At any rate, I still ended up winning “Best Dressed” for the evening, so it wasn’t for nothing.
FIORA: Wow. That’s-- (laughs) Attuned parties really are something.
SHREYA: Oh, they really are! That’s one reason why I’m so looking forward to the Gala. Let me tell you, I’ve already got the perfect dress picked out! Now all that’s left is... well... you know, if someone were to ask me...
FIORA (curiously): Ask you what?
Shreya sighs in frustration and shakes her head.
SHREYA (annoyed): Seriously? It’s--ugh, never mind.
She immediately brightens and points to a shop in the distance.
SHREYA: Oh! Montraire Bakery! We simply must stop in for a bite!
She drags Fiora toward the bakery, but as she does so, Shreya’s face displays a brief flash of disappointment...
* * *
In her usual lecture hall, Dr. Religast is in the midst of a lecture on Stoicheal Awakenings. Beckett, as usual, is taking detailed notes on the professor’s every word, while Zeph is busying himself by attempting a Roped Current with his hands beneath his desk. All that he manages is a weak trickle of water, which Shreya neatly Evaporates before anyone can notice.
DR. RELIGAST: --of triggering an Awakening. The first, and by far the most common: children growing up in Attuned households will often Awaken on their own, simply by exposure to adult Attuned...
Fiora leans over Shreya’s shoulder to see that Shreya is flipping through a small pamphlet decorated with moving pictures of models showing off various dresses.
FIORA (whispering): What’s that?
SHREYA (whispering): Just the latest Mistry Inc. catalogue. It’s mostly dresses during this season, of course. For the many upcoming dances and, ahem... galas!
FIORA (whispering): Oh. Wow! Are you gonna buy anything?
SHREYA (whispering): No, no... I told you, I’ve already bought my dress. It’s just fun looking through these sorts of things!
FIORA (whispering): Right. Sounds like it!
SHREYA (whispering): Now all I need is a date.
FIORA (whispering): Yeah...
Fiora shrugs, turning back to focus on what Dr. Religast is saying.
DR. RELIGAST: --is exposed to a highly concentrated source of stoicheal energy to become Awakened on their own, without any Attuned being present. Although such occurrences are rare, they almost always cause significant upheavals in Tuneless culture when...
Dr. Religast’s voice fades into the background as Shreya lets out a growl of frustration.
* * *
Fiora sits on the couch in their room’s common area as Shreya fiddles with something near the entrance. Apparently satisfied, she steps back to admire her handiwork and does a brief twirl.
SHREYA: And... that should do it! One entryway, freely open for the next six hours!
Fiora laughs.
FIORA: Nice job, Shreya! I didn’t even know we could do that.
SHREYA (winks): Just a little something my sister taught me.
The door to Fiora’s room swings open, and Atlas enters.
FIORA: Speaking of sisters... hey, Atlas.
ATLAS: You’re sure opening the door’s a good idea? What if Raife decides to send something after us while we’re wide open?
SHREYA: He already managed that even with the door closed. I doubt it would make much difference.
Atlas huffs and crosses her arms, glaring at the newly-unlocked doorway.
ATLAS: Okay, but if the next thing to come through that door looks at all suspicious, I’m hitting it with--
She is interrupted by Griffin stepping through the doorway. Griffin quickly raises his arms in surrender as he enters.
GRIFFIN: Whoa, Atlas, it’s me! Please don’t hit me with anything.
Atlas relaxes a fraction.
SHREYA: Griffin! So glad you could make it! (to Fiora) Looks like the entry really is open, you see?
GRIFFIN: Wait, you didn’t check to make sure?
SHREYA (laughs): Relax! Clearly it all worked out, non?
Zeph steps through a moment later, with Beckett close behind.
ZEPH: Alright! The Pend Pals are all here. Let’s get this study session started!
They all gather around the center table, pulling out their various study materials and setting them out. Beckett raises an eyebrow at Zeph.
BECKETT: Not that I am complaining, mind you, but... it’s unusual to see you so enthused about studying.
ZEPH: What? I’m allowed to be excited about it if I want!
FIORA: So, uh... what should we start on first?
BECKETT: Shall we begin with Dr. Vartokis’s “Equivalencies” assignment? It seems by far the most difficult--
SHREYA: Oh, we finished that one ages ago. Fiora’s been making those types of comparisons to absolutely everything in the Stoicheal Realm for months now, so it was easy.
FIORA: I’ll help you guys if you want!
Zeph eagerly pushes his worksheet in Fiora’s direction, while Beckett looks from Zeph to Fiora to Shreya and back in shocked confusion.
BECKETT (muttering): ...Have I fallen into some strange alternate universe?
ATLAS: Wow. Looks like Fiora and Shreya are doing better than you in a class for once. Gotta say, your reactions are hilarious to watch.
BECKETT: Oh? Why don’t you attempt the assignment, then?
ATLAS: Why should I? I don’t even go to class. Besides, watching you struggle with schoolwork for a change is way more entertaining.
BECKETT (sighs): You are impossibly vexing...
* * *
Icicles hang from the trees overhead as Zeph stands in a forested part of the quad, clad only in shorts and a t-shirt. He holds a hand out in front of his face, palm outward and glowing with water stoichi, as he struggles to concentrate on something.
ZEPH: Urgh... come on!
A few small spurts of water emerge from his palm and fall to the ground. He grunts in frustration and takes a step backward before preparing to try again.
ATLAS (O.S.): Zeph? That you?
Zeph lets his arm fall to his side and turns to see Atlas, similarly underdressed for the weather in a short-sleeved shirt and thin pants, approaching through the snow. She frowns at him.
ATLAS: I know training when I see it. What are you working on?
ZEPH: Oh! Atlas! ...Actually, you might be able to help. I’m trying to do your Roped Current, but...
He attempts the technique once again, demonstrating a similar result to the first time. Atlas frowns.
ATLAS: You’re really worried about the Wave’s Crest, huh?
ZEPH: Yeah. With Fiora, Shreya, and Beckett all being inducted already, I’m worried I won’t get in at all. My family would kill me if I didn’t get in!
ATLAS (completely serious): Wait, really?! Sources, Zeph, you should get out of--
Zeph breaks down into laughter.
ZEPH: Atlas, I didn’t mean literally! You take things so seriously it’s hilarious. But still, they’d be pretty upset. I’d be the first Hernandez child in eight generations not to be inducted.
Atlas thinks for a moment, then nods.
ATLAS: Alright. I’ll help you out.
ZEPH: Wait, you will? Really?
ATLAS: Sure. For one thing, you’re never gonna accomplish much tryin’ to run before you can walk. Roped Current is damn near impossible to pull off without training up to Energy-Att level first. Or... (shrugs) ...being a natural-born Energy-Att like me, I guess.
ZEPH (dejectedly): Oh.
ATLAS: Don’t worry about it. If this Wave’s Crest thing is so important to you... why don’t we work to get in together? There’s plenty of other techniques I can teach you in the meantime. Stuff that only requires Water Attunement to pull off.
ZEPH: Wow, that’d be perfect! You’re awesome, Atlas, thanks!
In his excitement, he turns and moves to give Atlas a hug, but she goes for a handshake at the same time. They end up awkwardly pressing their palms together and shaking them up and down.
ZEPH (laughs): Alright, not sure what that was... but when do you wanna start training?
ATLAS: Now is fine.
ZEPH: Oh. Uh... wow. You really don’t mess around!
ATLAS: Are we gonna train or what?
As Atlas steps forward and gets into a combat stance, readying herself, Zeph catches her eye and smirks.
ZEPH: ...Alright, I think I get what Beckett sees in you now. You and him would be--blrgrlblubrlgrlgb!
Midway through his sentence, Atlas snaps her fingers, which are glowing with water stoichi. His voice abruptly shifts until it sounds like he’s trying to talk underwater.
ATLAS: Lesson 1. “Water Muffle.” Useful in many situations, and its effect... you can see for yourself.
ZEPH: Gluburgl blurrgrg ubulrgl...
Atlas waves her hand lazily, and the technique ends.
ATLAS: Any more talk about Beckett, and I use it again. Is that clear?
ZEPH: Uh... yeah.
ATLAS: Good. Now then. The first step to Water Muffle is...
_______________________
Notes: Dr. Vartokis was mentioned earlier, but here's his first actual appearance! Yes, he's yet another OC professor. The class he teaches seems to be one Zeph's particularly excited about! (His class is essentially the Penderghast equivalent of Muggle Studies, for the Harry Potter fans in my audience.)
Timeline: We're well into Endless Winter (ES book 2) by now!
_______________________
Next: "That Distance Between Us"
CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie
DotF/Elementalists Tag List:
#the elementalists rewrite#choices the elementalists#choices stories you play#csyp#fanfic#ciu project#choices interconnected universe#defenders of the flame#dotf#fiora luxen#shreya mistry#beckett harrington#atlas luxen#atlas ernhardt#zeph hernandez#griffin langley#dr. vartokis#professor kontos#dr. religast#lucia cruz#shreya x mc#wlw#atlas x beckett#water muffle is pretty useful around zeph XD#been a while since we've seen aster#wonder what she's been up to all this time?#maybe her own adventure...?#hmm...
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Defenders of the Flame (TE Rewrite) Act 2, Scene 2 - Private Tutoring
Title: Defenders of the Flame (A CIU Screenplay)
Main Pairings: Shreya x F!MC, Beckett x F!Atlas
Other Pairings: N/A
Genre: Full Rewrite (The Elementalists, Book 1)
Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality
Summary: Shreya helps Fiora to catch up on her knowledge of the Stoicheal Realm.
Previous Scene: Impossibilities
Masterlist: Link
INT. FLETCHLY HALL ROOM 108 - COMMON AREA - DAY
Some time later, Fiora is sitting on the couch in the common area, flipping through a book. The door shimmers and swings open, and Shreya steps through, two large shopping bags clutched in her hands.
SHREYA: Ah, there you are, Fiora!
FIORA: Oh, hey, Shreya.
Shreya sets her bags on the floor and crosses over to join Fiora on the couch. She glances at Fiora’s book curiously.
SHREYA: So, everything okay? What are you reading?
FIORA: History of the Stoicheal Orders. I found it in the library.
SHREYA: Hmm. Sounds dull, if I may be quite honest.
Fiora sighs and closes the book.
FIORA: Every time I think I understand everything about this world, the Stoicheal Realm throws another curveball at me. I didn’t even know the Stoicheal Orders existed till yesterday!
Shreya wraps an arm around Fiora’s shoulders.
SHREYA: I can’t say I understand what you’re going through right now. I can only imagine it’s much more difficult, having been raised Tuneless your entire life.
FIORA (muttering): That’s for sure.
SHREYA: Listen, Fiora. I’m here for you. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions if there’s anything you don’t know! I may not know everything about our world, but--and forgive me for saying this--I probably know more than you.
FIORA (laughs): I think you’re right. I just... I feel so overwhelmed. I don’t even know where to start.
Shreya adjusts her body, still sitting on the couch, so she is facing Fiora.
SHREYA: Literally, start anywhere. I’m an open book. Ask anything!
Fiora smiles briefly, then hesitates as she thinks of a question to ask.
FIORA: ...Okay, so, I know Dr. Religast has taught us all about it, but I’m still super confused about the Primal Stoicheal Forces. Which is awkward, considering I have one of them. Attuned to one. Whatever.
SHREYA: An understandable question. Unfortunately, the professors here teach assuming we students have all already gotten the basics on a lot of these concepts before enrollment. You, naturally, haven’t. Through no fault of your own!
FIORA: Yeah, I know...
SHREYA: Fret not! I, Professor Shreya Mistry, shall clear up all confusion!
Fiora giggles in spite of herself.
SHREYA: Okay, so, how much do you understand about the six-element stoicheal model? I know we’ve talked about it in class--
FIORA: I think I understand. There’s six elements that we can be Attuned to: fire, earth, air, water, wood, and metal, right?
SHREYA: Precisely. They interact in a variety of ways, but any Attuned you meet will have one of these six elements.
FIORA: Right. So, the Primal Forces are... like, super-advanced versions of our normal Attunements?
Shreya takes a moment to ponder Fiora’s question.
SHREYA: Well... yes and no. In terms of learning our Attunements, yes. Myself, for example. If I study and practice intensely for a long time, I will eventually be able to master Light Stoichi. This is true for any Attuned and their corresponding Primal Force. But in terms of the existence of Attunements, it’s the other way around. The Primal Forces came first, and from their Sources, our own Attunements were birthed.
FIORA: ...Okay, you’ve lost me. What?
SHREYA: You... you don’t know what Sourcism is, do you?
Fiora frowns.
FIORA: No, sorry.
SHREYA: Don’t apologize! I can’t imagine many Tuneless know about it. I’d honestly have been more shocked if you’d said “yes.” Sourcism is the biggest religion among we Attuned. Personally, I’m a Sourcist myself, so I admit I may be a bit biased.
FIORA: Gotcha. That’s okay! Tell me about it, I’m curious!
SHREYA: Okay, sure! So, what we know for certain is that six powerful beings emerged into the Archikial Realm in the far-distant past. Each of them possessed a different Primal Stoicheal Force, which they used to create and shape the Stoicheal Realm as we know it today.
FIORA: Wait, is this fact, or belief?
SHREYA (laughs): This part is fact, Fiora. Records of the Six Sources date back to ancient Egypt. The “belief” part is that these Sources still walk today, and that through focusing and devoting ourselves to our specific Attunement, we can gain our respective Source’s blessing in our own life. Some even believe in a seventh and eighth Source, but this has never been proven.
FIORA: Like Zeph, right? He said something about Time and Space Sources?
Shreya nods.
SHREYA: Exactly. Though that’s a fringe belief. Personally, I think it’s just the Six Sources. And I think they’re still around today.
FIORA: So as Fire-Attuned, our Primal Force is Light, right? What’s the “blessing” there?
SHREYA: Light brings clarity and fortune into one’s life. The Blessing of Light grants its bearer a life filled with positive encounters and understanding, illuminating all unknowns in one’s path.
FIORA: Sounds like a horoscope book.
SHREYA: ...Sorry, what’s a “horoscope?”
FIORA: It’s a... you know what, never mind. It’s a Tuneless thing.
SHREYA: I see.
There is a long silence as Shreya and Fiora look into each other’s eyes.
SHREYA: So, anything else you wanted to ask?
FIORA: You cleared a lot up, thanks! Not to be mean to Zeph, but what’s up with that stuff he’s been talking about? Time and Space Sources?
Shreya sighs and massages her temples before continuing.
SHREYA: To be quite honest... he’s one of those fringe idiots. There’s been a persistent belief in a Time and Space Source, who arrived here with the other Sources but were separated somehow. Where the Six Sources created the Stoicheal Realm and shepherded the first Attuned, these other two just... didn’t.
FIORA: So where did they go? What are their Attunement equivalents?
SHREYA (skeptically): Who knows? They just... went away, apparently. Never gave their gifts to anyone and just vanished. Personally, I think it’s more likely they never existed at all. No one’s ever met a Time- or Space-Attuned, nor some new element that might be their offshoot. It’s all just a fairy tale that idiots like to believe in. That’s all.
Shreya seems to catch herself and gasps in surprise.
SHREYA (flustered): Not--not that Zeph’s an idiot, that’s not what I meant! It’s just... well, a lot of the people who do believe this seem to think--
FIORA (laughs): It’s okay, I get it. Believe it or not, we Tuneless have our own set of conspiracy theorists too. Still, it doesn’t mean we can’t be nice to them.
SHREYA: Right, of course. I’m glad you understand. The last thing I want is for you to think any less of Zeph!
FIORA: Wouldn’t dream of it!
SHREYA: So, back to our original discussion... your Light Attunement is essentially the originator of the Fire Attunement. Hence why you can naturally do both right away.
FIORA: I think I understand now. Like Dr. Religast said: the Primal Attunements are on top, and they give rise to the normal Attunements. Normal ones are more common, but anyone can get the equivalent Primal one if they work hard enough?
SHREYA (proudly): Exactly, Fiora! You really catch on quick.
FIORA: Hey, I had a great teacher.
Shreya blushes and looks away.
SHREYA: It’s nothing. Really. I just want to make sure you’re ready for--
FIORA: --Our induction, right?
SHREYA: Yes.
FIORA: So... what exactly is it?
SHREYA: Honestly? I can’t say. But it’s not anything to be worried about. I’ve never heard of anyone being rejected from one of the Orders. Though...
Shreya pauses, lost in thought. After a moment, she sighs and continues.
SHREYA: ...I still don’t understand why they chose us. Or rather, more specifically, me.
Fiora recoils in astonishment.
FIORA: What? But you’re Shreya Mistry! Why wouldn’t they chose you?!
SHREYA (laughs): Ha, ha. You’re right, of course. But the Orders aren’t about who someone is or what their family has done. They rely entirely on one’s own innate talents. For you, it’s obvious: you’re a Light-Att, of course they’d pick you! But me... going out of their way to pick me as a first-year inductee? I’ve no idea why.
Fiora pulls Shreya into a comforting hug.
FIORA: Can’t say that I know. But just look at you. I bet you’ve got a lot of unique talents that the Defenders identified before even you yourself realized it. Like you said, why else would they pick you? It’s not because you’re a Mistry, right?
SHREYA: Right, of course not.
FIORA: See? You answered your own question.
Shreya smiles and looks gratefully at Fiora.
SHREYA: Thanks. I guess... well... we’ll both understand a lot more a month from now, huh?
FIORA: You’re probably right. Thanks, Shreya.
SHREYA: Anytime. What kind of roommate would I be otherwise?
FIORA: Not “the perfect roommate,” that’s for sure.
SHREYA (laughing): Oh, stop.
FIORA: Well, anyway... did you want to work together on our History of Attuned Society essay?
SHREYA (groans): Can that class go away? Please?
FIORA (laughs): Don’t we wish. Here, let’s start.
She pulls out a few pieces of parchment from her backpack and lays them on the table.
FIORA: “Question 1: Describe the effects of the Separation on Attuned society from 1621-1655.” Okay, so, according to our textbook...
Shreya leans in for a closer look at Fiora’s notes as they start reading together. They start muttering to themselves, jotting down notes on blank pieces of parchment...
_______________________
Scene Notes: Not a whole lot going on here, just a chance for Fiora to get some clarification on everything. The biggest contribution here is the discussion on Sourcism, which, as Shreya states, is the primary religion among Attuned. (Sharp-eyed readers might have noticed Zeph shouting “Holy Source” earlier!) As Shreya stated, the Six Sources arrived into the Archikial Realm from another world some time ago, and created the Stoicheal Realm. As for how accurate this is... I’ll just say, it’s more accurate than you might think at first. That’s all for now! 😉
_______________________
Next: The Induction
CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady
DotF/Elementalists Tag List:
#the elementalists rewrite#choices the elementalists#choices stories you play#csyp#fanfic#ciu project#choices interconnected universe#fiora luxen#shreya mistry#shreya x mc#wlw
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Defenders of the Flame (TE Rewrite) Act 1, Scene 10 - New Routine
Title: Defenders of the Flame (A CIU Screenplay)
Main Pairings: Shreya x F!MC, Beckett x F!Atlas
Other Pairings: N/A
Genre: Full Rewrite (The Elementalists, Book 1)
Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality
Summary: Fiora and her friends settle into their routine as Penderghast students.
Previous Scene: Theory and Practice
Masterlist: Link
INT. PENDERGHAST CAMPUS - VARIOUS LOCATIONS - DAY
MONTAGE
Some time later, Fiora and her friends sit in Dr. Religast’s Stoicheal Theory course once again. Dr. Religast points to a diagram of a human body with an illuminated elemental symbol in the center of it.
DR. RELIGAST: ...as stoichi is innate in all things, so too is it innate within ourselves. Innate stoichi can be divided into three base components. Can anyone describe these for me?
Beckett’s hand launches up as usual, but Fiora is only half paying attention. Shreya whispers something in her ear, and the two of them giggle...
* * *
In the same auditorium, another professor named DR. RALLAH teaches History of Attuned Society. She is an older woman with a severe face and a flat, droning voice. Fiora practices with a small votive candle beneath her desk, trying to coax the flame out toward her hand.
DR. RALLAH: ...during this time Attuned still lived side-by-side with Attuneless societies in the Archikial Realm. While the two groups had known of each other’s existence prior to this, they largely kept to themselves; Attuned kept to themselves in scattered, small societies separated by Attunement. This changed during and after the Second Thunder War, in which several Fire-Attuneds played a pivotal role. One of them would go on to become King-Consort Dominic Rys of Cordonia, ushering in an era of Attuned-Attuneless cooperation and peace...
Zeph has fallen asleep, drooling on his desk. Shreya watches Fiora’s practice attempts with rapt attention, ignoring the professor completely. Even Beckett is beginning to look bored, his note-taking becoming slower and slower...
* * *
In Dr. Englund’s ASTP class, Fiora and the others stand in groups of two, using their Attunements to form shapes with large sources of their respective elements. At one point, while she and Shreya are attempting to shape their campfire into a floating rectangle, she briefly loses control and the flame starts to expand.
DR. ENGLUND: Ms. Luxen!
ZEPH: On it!
Zeph rushes to the scene, dragging the water from his own assignment over his head. Beckett sprints toward Fiora as well, forming his block of metal into a large blanket that he drapes over part of the fire, while Zeph douses the remainder with his water. The two of them look at each other and smile.
BECKETT: Well done. Zephyr, was it?
ZEPH: Call me Zeph. And you did a nice job, yourself!
DR. ENGLUND: Right then. Back to your assignment, all of you.
Fiora blushes, then shrugs as Dr. Englund produces a second campfire, already lit, and places it in front of them.
DR. ENGLUND: ...I have three more of these on standby just in case, Ms. Luxen.
* * *
Outside on the quad, near a patch of forest, Dr. Kontos teaches Natural Studies. The class, divided up by Attunement, watches as he brings out several crates full of tiny creatures known as Attuned Companions.
DR. KONTOS: A Companion is more than a pet. They are your friend, your ally... and also your greatest strength, if you give them the love, care, and effort that they deserve. Remember this well, all of you. We will be tracking your progress with your Companions as the class progresses.
He passes out creatures to the class: Zeph and the other Water-Atts get small, blue, fox-like creatures called Arylus. Fiora, Shreya, and the other Fire-Atts get tiny flying dragons called Lumians. Beckett and the Metal-Atts get orangish-silver froglike Companions called Gorgues. Beckett looks down at his Companion with confusion. The Gorgue croaks at him.
BECKETT: What am I supposed to do with this?
DR. KONTOS: You raise him. Raise him well, Mr. Harrington.
BECKETT: Right. Naturally, sir. My apologies.
Fiora squeals and hugs her Lumian tightly.
FIORA: Okay, this thing is cute and awesome all at the same time. I am so naming him ‘Dracarys!’
Shreya stares at her in confusion.
SHREYA: ...Does that mean something?
FIORA: Wait, don’t tell me you’ve never seen-- oh, right, duh. Never mind. Anyway, hi, Dracarys!
Dracarys lets out a high-pitched roar, with a tiny tuft of flame emerging from his mouth when he does so. Shreya’s own Lumian floats over to Dracarys and the two start flying around one another.
SHREYA: Aww, they like each other! Well, I’m going to name mine ‘Rys.’
FIORA: Okay, now it’s my turn to ask why.
SHREYA: Rys! You know, as in the famous Tuneless queen who was the first to unify Attuned and Tuneless? Kenna Rys? ...Please, I’m sure Dr. Rallah must’ve mentioned her at some point in class!
FIORA: You’re telling me you actually pay attention in that class?
SHREYA (laughs): ...Okay, no. I read a novel about them when I was growing up, that’s all.
FIORA: Alright, that makes way more sense.
SHREYA: Come here, Rys! That’s a good girl!
She hugs Rys, who snuggles happily into her arms as Dracarys perches on Fiora’s shoulder.
FIORA: Best. Class. Ever!
* * *
Weeks pass by, and Fiora and her friends are once again in Stoicheal Theory class.
DR. RELIGAST: ...Those who have Primal Attunements are especially rare. 99 percent of all known Attuned have Base Attunements; the vast majority of those capable of utilizing Primal Forces have achieved this feat over time, rather than being born Attuned to a Primal Force. Now, the differences between...
Fiora takes some notes in between practicing with her candle under the desk, making the flame dance and form letters as Shreya does the same beside her. They spell their own names, then each other’s. Then Zeph whispers something in Shreya’s ear, and Shreya uses her flame to spell out “Bucket Harrington.” The three of them laugh quietly, and Beckett turns to see what they were all laughing at. He frowns.
BECKETT: How juvenile. ‘Bucket Harrington,’ as if...
But as Beckett turns back to focus on Dr. Religast, a faint smile forms on his face.
* * *
Beckett sits cross-legged on the grass outside as his Grogue sits on his head, croaking happily as he spits metal pebbles at insects buzzing nearby. Each time he scores a hit, he laps up the fallen insect with his tongue.
BECKETT: Grogue, would you please stop that racket?
BECKETT’S GROGUE: Ribbit!
ZEPH: Good boy! Ishi, come here!
Zeph claps, and his Arylu, ISHI, bounds happily over to him. He scratches the creature behind his ears.
ISHI: Ruff! Ruff!
Shreya and Fiora sit side-by-side, their Lumians flying around their heads as they feed them bits of raw meat, which the creatures cook with their flame breath before eating. Several nymphs and satyrs are scattered throughout the class, assisting some of the students; Aster is working with Shreya and Fiora and their Companions. Dr. Kontos walks through the group, looking down at each Attuned and their respective Companion in turn. He smiles at all of them until he gets to Beckett, then frowns.
DR. KONTOS: Mr. Harrington, I can’t help but notice you don’t seem to be applying yourself very well to this assignment. I was under the impression from your records that I could expect more from you.
BECKETT (defensively): I--
He looks down at the ground, suddenly embarrassed.
BECKETT: Yes, sir. I will try to do better in the future.
DR. KONTOS: See that you do.
Dr. Kontos walks away, and Beckett lifts his Grogue off his head and looks at him. The Grogue croaks back, then spits an iron pebble at Beckett’s forehead.
BECKETT: Heavens... what am I supposed to do with you, Grogue?
FIORA: You could start by giving him a name, y’know. Just saying. Isn’t that right, Dracarys?
She pats Dracarys on top of his head. The Lumian snorts contentedly.
BECKETT (bewildered): A name?
* * *
Dr. Rallah gives another lecture in History of Attuned Society. As Shreya and Zeph amuse themselves by manipulating a candle and a dish of water respectively, in a sort of element “duel,” Fiora peers over at Beckett’s notes. The camera follows her gaze to reveal that the notes devolve into barely-legible scribbles, then stop abruptly... as Beckett has fallen asleep. Fiora looks over at Shreya and mouths, ‘Wow.’ Shreya giggles.
ZEPH (whispering): Ha! Got you when you were distracted! I win again!
SHREYA (whispering): Oh, no you don’t. Best three out of five?
ZEPH (whispering): You’re on!
Oblivious to how little attention she is receiving from any of her students, Dr. Rallah drones on:
DR. RALLAH: ...and the Council made the decision for all of Attuned society to retreat into the Stoicheal Realm for safety. On September 9th, 1621, this decision was carried out on what we now know as the first Separation Day. Shortly thereafter, Attuned leaders engaged in a widespread campaign to eliminate any and all signs of Attuned presence in Attuneless society. This was largely successful, and by January 27th, 1623, it was decided...
* * *
DR. ENGLUND: Drawing out your own innate stoicheal energy into an external creation is more difficult than manipulating existing elements, so do not feel upset if you have trouble doing it at first. We have three weeks in which to practice this, after all!
Shreya and Fiora stand across from one another, their hands held in front of their chests as they concentrate. Dr. Englund walks past them, nodding, then continues on to Beckett, who holds his palm outstretched. A tiny film of metal has begun to form along one of his palm creases. Dr. Englund smiles approvingly.
DR. ENGLUND: A great first step, Mr. Harrington. But that doesn’t quite look like a sphere three inches across, so you’ve got a bit more work to do yet. Keep at it!
Beckett frowns as Dr. Englund walks away. Fiora gives him a look.
FIORA: Can’t win ‘em all, huh, Bucket?
BECKETT: I’ll have you know--
SHREYA: Oh! I’ve got it!
Shreya leaps excitedly as a small ball of flame coalesces between her palms. It hovers for a moment, then crashes to the ground, catching a nearby table on fire. Within a few seconds, Zeph is already there, launching a stream of water at the fire and putting it out.
ZEPH: Zeph’s Fire Control is on the scene! Wait-- Shreya?! Not Fiora? Whoa, plot twist!
He laughs, and a moment later, Shreya and Fiora join in as well... And then, surprisingly, so does Beckett.
ZEPH: Yes! Beckett, you actually laughed! I can’t believe it!
BECKETT: Well, you know, I do have a sense of humor. And it was indeed unexpected- and thus, amusing- to see Shreya being the cause of a fire accident rather than the usual culprit, since if--
ZEPH: Shh! No, no, no. Never explain a joke. It ruins it.
BECKETT: But I--
ZEPH: Just enjoy the moment! Trust me.
Reluctantly, Beckett smiles.
BECKETT: ‘Enjoy the moment.’ Yes, I suppose I can do that.
Zeph, Fiora, Shreya, and Beckett smile at one another before Beckett extends a hand to the three of them in turn, and they all shake hands.
BECKETT: Now then. Perhaps we can work together on this assignment?
SHREYA: I’d love to. Welcome to the club, Beckett!
BECKETT: ...What ‘club?’
ZEPH: The ‘Pend Pals,’ of course! Oh, and that reminds me, we’ve gotta introduce you to Griffin later. Officially, I mean.
BECKETT (muttering): ‘Pend Pals?’ Just what have I gotten myself into...?
END MONTAGE
_______________________
Scene Notes: I love writing montages; they’re fun! A little bit of worldbuilding stuff did get dropped here, so:
Attuned history! And yes, I did connect it with a familiar Choices book. Sometimes these crossovers just write themselves. As a result, this means at some point, Attuned (or at least Fire-Atts) were known to Tuneless society; Dr. Rallah’s second lecture describes when they went into hiding. (And yes, Dr. Rallah is one of those teachers who could, believe it or not, make even the events of TC&TF sound boring.)
Also, we finally get to see the Companions! Here there are only the three you’re familiar with from canon, but yes, each Attunement has its own species of Companion they’re assigned to. Lumians for Fire, Arylus for Water, and Grogues for Metal... the others will appear soon enough!
Timeline: Yes, we’re still inside the ES time jump. Specifically, Fiora’s first day of class was 8/13; this montage stretches for about three months, from 8/14 to 11/22. The Catalysts aren’t quite back from their time trip yet... but both Most Wanted end-credits scenes occur on 8/14, at the start of this montage.
_______________________
Next: The Girl in the Mirror
CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady
DotF/Elementalists Tag List:
#the elementalists rewrite#choices the elementalists#choices stories you play#csyp#fanfic#ciu project#choices interconnected universe#shreya mistry#fiora luxen#zeph hernandez#beckett harrington#shreya x mc#wlw#professor englund#professor religast#professor rallah#professor kontos#dominic hunter#kenna rys#a wild crossover appears!#but does this mean fire-atts can still turn into dragons?#...maybe!#kenna x dom#the crown and the flame#choices tcatf
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Defenders of the Flame (TE Rewrite) Act 1, Scene 8 - The First Day
Title: Defenders of the Flame (A CIU Screenplay)
Main Pairings: Shreya x F!MC, Beckett x F!Atlas
Other Pairings: N/A
Genre: Full Rewrite (The Elementalists, Book 1)
Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality
Summary: In her first class at Penderghast, Fiora learns all about stoicheal energy.
Previous Scene: Pend Pals
Masterlist: Link
INT. TUBIGAN HALL - AUDITORIUM 2 - DAY (FOUR DAYS LATER)
A large group of excitedly chattering first-years, among them Fiora, Shreya, and Zeph, file into Auditorium 2 for their first class of the day.
ZEPH: So, Stoicheal Theory, huh? What d’you think it’s gonna be like?
SHREYA: Sounds rather dull, if you ask me. But I’m open to anything!
Zeph picks a row and files in, taking a seat about halfway down the row. Shreya sits next to him, and Fiora takes the seat on her other side.
FIORA: I don’t know... it sounds complicated. What if the professor is super strict? I mean, we might--
SHREYA (laughing): Don’t you worry, Fiora. It’s the first day. I bet you anything it’ll just be basic things, like the six-element model and such. You know?
FIORA: ...Sorry, six-element model? What’s that?
Zeph gives her a curious look as Shreya belatedly remembers Fiora’s situation.
SHREYA: Oh! Oh, right... uh…
As she attempts to come up with an excuse to explain Shreya’s ignorance to Zeph, Beckett enters the auditorium. Frowning at the lack of empty seats, he sighs and reluctantly takes the seat on Fiora’s other side, closest to the aisle, then immediately opens up a textbook and begins reading. Zeph is quickly distracted by the new arrival.
ZEPH: Hey! Hey, you! Guy over there! My name’s Zephyr, but you can call me Zeph, it’s nice to…
His voice falters as Beckett ignores him completely and simply continues reading his book.
ZEPH (hesitantly): ...meet... you? (to Shreya) What’s his problem?
SHREYA: I don’t--
Fiora’s face lights up when she recognizes the newcomer.
FIORA: Hey, wait, I know you! We almost ran into each other, right? So, uh, do you like reading, or--
BECKETT (annoyed): If I wished to speak with any of you, I would have made that quite apparent.
He returns to his book. Puzzled, Fiora looks over at Shreya and Zeph.
FIORA (muttering): Well, excuse me for trying…
All of the whispered conversation in the auditorium stops as a young woman with shockingly bright yellow hair enters the room from a door in the front, stepping up to the podium. She wears sweatpants and a green t-shirt with a grey windbreaker over it. This is DR. RELIGAST, a professor at Penderghast College. She places a hand on the surface of the podium, and a shimmering, three-dimensional image of a pyramid erupts into existence above her.
FIORA (in awe): Whoa…
DR. RELIGAST: Yes, yes, hello, and welcome to Penderghast! I am Dr. Religast, and I will be with you for the entire year as we learn all about stoicheal theory! Now, it may not be as flashy or exciting as some of your other classes, but believe me: stoicheal theory will be the essential backbone of your career, whatever you choose to pursue. So! Please, do not brush off my class as, and I quote: “just another boring lecture.” ...Those are actual words a student once said to my face, by the way.
There are a few awkward laughs. Beside Fiora, Beckett writes furiously in a notebook, hanging on to Dr. Religast’s every word.
DR. RELIGAST: Right then! Let’s get started. Here’s a simple one: Who can name the six basic stoicheal forces?
Dozens of hands shoot up, including Beckett’s, Shreya’s, and Zeph’s. Beckett in particular is so eager that he looks as though he may launch off of his chair and into the ceiling at any moment. Fiora simply looks around, confused and more than a little overwhelmed. Dr. Religast points to a random student toward the back, an Earth-Attuned named JOSHUA HIGHLAND.
DR. RELIGAST: There! You in the red shirt.
With a gesture, Dr. Religast amplifies the student’s voice so that it can be heard throughout the entire auditorium.
JOSHUA: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Metal, and Wood.
DR. RELIGAST: Yep, that’s correct! Now, check out the diagram above.
She waves a hand and presses something on the podium, and the base of the holographic pyramid above transforms into a grid of six colors, each labeled with a symbol representing its respective element.
DR. RELIGAST: These are the basic stoicheal forces. Stoicheal energy is ambient within this realm, unlike the Archikial Realm. This means that channeling stoicheal energy is easier here, further amplified by an individual’s Attunement linking them to…
As Dr. Religast continues lecturing, Fiora leans over to Shreya.
FIORA (whispering): Okay, “Archikial Realm?”
SHREYA (whispering): The other realm. Y’know, where you came here from?
FIORA: Oh, right--
Beckett clears his throat and glares at the two girls, who both quickly sit back upright and focus on Dr. Religast.
DR. RELIGAST: ...and so the basic forces share this relationship. Now, if you observe the pyramid once more, you will see that I have positioned the colors in a particular pattern. Does anyone know why I have done so?
Beckett’s hand shoots up fast enough to create a small breeze that ruffles Fiora’s hair. No one else raises their hand, and Dr. Religast points to Beckett.
DR. RELIGAST: You in the blue blazer!
She gestures again, and Beckett’s voice becomes amplified as he stands up.
BECKETT: Thank you. I can see that you have positioned the colors representing the basic stoicheal forces so that each is alongside its natural opposite.
Dr. Religast nods, and Beckett takes a seat.
DR. RELIGAST: Wow, exactly! That’s the first time in three years that anyone spotted it on their own.
Beckett gives Fiora a smug glance at the compliment, then turns his attention back to the professor.
DR. RELIGAST: He is correct. The basic forces each pair with another in an antagonistic relationship: fire and water, wood and metal, and air and earth.
As she lists each elemental pair, their corresponding colors on the pyramid illuminate.
DR. RELIGAST: This means that someone with a particular Attunement will be hindered in their abilities when surrounded by its opposite. For example, I’m an Air-Attuned, and a pretty good one if I say so myself!
She pauses as a few students laugh.
DR. RELIGAST: But let me tell you, if I were underground, I’d find it much harder to perform even a simple technique. Likewise if an Earth-Att were somewhere high in the air, like on the roof of a building, for instance.
ZEPH (whispering): So if someone lit me on fire…
SHREYA (whispering): Wouldn’t that give most anyone some trouble?
Zeph laughs.
DR. RELIGAST: Now, I conjured a pyramid rather than a simple square for a reason: the basic forces aren’t the only types of stoicheal forces that Attuneds can command.
She gestures toward the holographic pyramid, and the upper part of the pyramid illuminates with another six colors, of corresponding shades to the ones below. These new colors are much brighter and glow with brilliant light.
DR. RELIGAST: Okay, can anyone tell me what these represent?
A number of hands go up, including Beckett’s, unsurprisingly. After a moment’s hesitation, Fiora’s face lights up with excitement and she raises her hand as well.
FIORA: Wait, I know this one!
Everyone stares at her, and she realizes she accidentally said that a bit too loudly. Dr. Religast laughs and points to her.
DR. RELIGAST: You there!
BECKETT: Yes, the additional colors clearly represent--
He stops when he realizes it is not his voice that has been amplified. Dr. Religast frowns at him.
DR. RELIGAST: Not you. The girl with the red hair!
FIORA: Oh! Me! Uh... I think those are the Primal Stoicheal Forces?
DR. RELIGAST: Very good!
Fiora sinks down into her chair. Shreya smiles and pats her on the back.
SHREYA (whispering): You did it! (smirks) Of course you’d know that one.
Fiora blushes.
DR. RELIGAST: As she said, these are the Primal Stoicheal Forces: the raw, untamed stoichi brought to this realm by the Sources. These forces are distilled into their basic forms and utilized by we Attuned. With intense study and practice, any Attuned can eventually master their Attunement’s corresponding Primal Force. They are as follows:
As she states each element and its Primal equivalent, she gestures toward the pyramid, causing the corresponding colors to illuminate.
DR. RELIGAST: Motion, for Air. Gravity, for Earth. Creation, for Metal. Life, for Wood. Energy, for Water. And finally...
FIORA (whispering): Light, for Fire!
DR. RELIGAST (simultaneously): Light, for Fire.
Beckett looks curiously at Fiora.
BECKETT (muttering): Impressive. Perhaps you aren’t quite as hopeless as you look.
FIORA (whispering): You know I can hear you, right?
As Dr. Religast continues lecturing, Zeph raises his hand. She goes on for a moment, ignoring him until she finally looks to her right and jumps in surprise.
DR. RELIGAST: Oh! Sorry, so sorry. Did you have a question?
ZEPH: Yes, sorry. You mentioned the six Primal Forces, but aren’t there two more?
A few students giggle. Dr. Religast frowns and makes a frustrated sigh.
DR. RELIGAST: If you’re referring to the so-called “Lost Sources,” that’s a ridiculous myth that has no basis in reality.
ZEPH: But they say there’s--
Dr. Religast waves a hand as though brushing his questions aside.
DR. RELIGAST (sighs): Every year, someone always asks that. Every year, my answer is the same. No one in all of Attuned history has ever seen, encountered, or observed a Time- or Space-Attuned. Unless anyone in this room has, say, a Time-Att friend or two they’d like to tell me about?
She pauses. Zeph sinks back down into his seat in frustration.
DR. RELIGAST: Okay, enough of that. Back to the two-tier stoicheal model.
Dr. Religast resumes her lecture. Fiora glances over at Zeph curiously...
_______________________
Scene Notes: Well, Dr. Religast pretty much covered all the additional worldbuilding in this scene. And if you’re wondering, yes, she’s a completely original character. I decided to add a few extra professors into the mix since the original only had three (not counting Dean Goeffe).
As for Zeph and his “Lost Sources” theory... is it really just a myth? Surely you all know by now that nothing I write is accidental... 😉
_______________________
Next: Theory and Practice
CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady
DotF/Elementalists Tag List:
#defenders of the flame#the elementalists rewrite#choices the elementalists#choices stories you play#csyp#fanfic#ciu project#choices interconnected universe#fiora luxen#shreya mistry#zeph hernandez#beckett harrington#professor religast#shreya x mc#wlw#time-attuned... hmm#now where have we seen somebody with time powers in the ciu before...?
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Defenders of the Flame (TE Rewrite) Act 1, Scene 11 - The Girl in the Mirror
Title: Defenders of the Flame (A CIU Screenplay)
Main Pairings: Shreya x F!MC, Beckett x F!Atlas
Other Pairings: N/A
Genre: Full Rewrite (The Elementalists, Book 1)
Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality
Summary: After a dark conversation, Fiora finally opens up to the others about the mysterious reflection she has been seeing.
Previous Scene: New Routine
Masterlist: Link
INT. FLETCHLY HALL - LOUNGE - NIGHT
The Pend Pals, now including Beckett, are gathered in the Fletchly Hall lounge for a study session. Beckett is sitting near a podium similar to the one Dr. Religast uses in her Stoicheal Theory class. A diagram of various stoicheal techniques and theories is displayed above it, which only Beckett himself seems to be paying attention to; his Grogue sits on the podium, trying to shoot down the display with his metal pebbles. Fiora and Shreya’s Lumians sit perched atop the ceiling light, sleeping contentedly, while their owners sit side-by-side on a couch, engaged in rapt conversation. Zeph lays on his back on the floor, playing one-handed catch with a sphere of water he had conjured as Ishi tries in vain to flash-freeze it with his breath. Griffin pages through a textbook on his lap, frowning at one particular page. His own companion, a Talpea (a cross between a mole and a rabbit) named MUGU, is trying and failing to dig through the carpet. Suddenly, one of Ishi’s ice blasts misses Zeph’s water sphere and hits Griffin’s leg.
GRIFFIN: Ow! Hey, what was that?
ZEPH: Sorry! That was Ishi. Ishi, no!
Ishi whines and walks away from Griffin. Shreya looks over at Griffin and Zeph.
SHREYA: Hey, be glad it was just ice and not fire. Our element is much stronger, I must say.
ZEPH: What, still sore about losing to me ten duels in a row this week?
SHREYA: Okay, that isn’t fair. Everyone knows water overpowers fire. You had the advantage!
ZEPH: Then why did you keep challenging me?
SHREYA: Because I wanted to win!
GRIFFIN: C’mon. All Attunements have their pros and cons. Don’t think there’s one that’s necessarily better than the others.
ZEPH: I dunno, maybe not in terms of power, but personality? Metal-Atts leave a lot to be desired.
BECKETT: I heard that, you know. Besides, I’m the only one here who has already thoroughly studied everything. Is anyone else going to use this study session to actually, well, study?
The others exchange glances.
SHREYA: Apparently not. Come on, Beckett, join us! That display isn’t going anywhere, after all.
BECKETT’S GROGUE: Croak!
FIORA: See? Even he agrees!
BECKETT: Hmm, very well. But only if you all promise to get through at least another two lectures’ worth of concepts by the end of the night.
ZEPH: It’s a deal.
Beckett takes a seat in an armchair near the others.
BECKETT: If we’re speaking of Attunements and personalities, such things have only minor effects on one another at best. True, certain personality types are more or less common among certain Attunements, but nothing is absolute.
ZEPH: I dunno, you and Dr. Rallah sure both seem to have the stiff, uptight, boring routine down pretty well--
Beckett’s Grogue lets out a loud croak and launches a stream of pellets right at Zeph’s forehead.
ZEPH: Ow! Hey!
The rest of the group dissolves into laughter. After a moment, Zeph joins in as well.
BECKETT: Frankly, even I will admit that her lecturing style leaves much to be desired.
SHREYA: Wow, this from you, of all people? I am shocked!
GRIFFIN: I mean, all the Earth-Atts I’ve ever met have been pretty friendly and outgoing, but that might just be because I only hang out with friendly people to begin with.
SHREYA (shrugs): Seems sensible enough to me.
FIORA: Okay, hang on... but what about the Wood-Atts? They don’t have a mean bone in their body. Every single one of them is a nature-loving, friendly, peaceful, hippie-type! Even Dr. Kontos!
The room suddenly goes quiet. Everyone except Fiora exchange uncomfortable glances with one another.
FIORA: ...What? It’s the truth! I mean, Shreya, you’ve met Aster, she’s so--
SHREYA (uncharacteristically serious): Not Aster. Someone... else.
Fiora scans the room. Everyone has serious, downcast expressions on their faces as they stare at her.
GRIFFIN (gently): Fiora... surely you’ve heard of... the Dread, right?
Fiora looks over at Shreya, realizing that this is something she should know, but doesn’t. Shreya gives her a subtle nod.
FIORA: I... uh, yes? But I don’t know much--
GRIFFIN: He was a Wood-Att.
Fiora continues to stare, puzzled, at Griffin. Zeph picks up the slack:
ZEPH: Fiora... the Dread was the worst mass-murdering criminal of the last century. He killed hundreds. Some even say thousands.
Fiora shudders.
FIORA: And... he was…
GRIFFIN: A Wood-Attuned. That’s right. Listen, Fiora... do you remember the Primal Force for Wood?
Fiora thinks for a moment.
FIORA (muttering): Light... Gravity... Motion… (louder) Oh! Life, isn’t it?
Beckett nods.
BECKETT: That’s right. And you can imagine why that particular Attunement would be so dangerous in the hands of someone such as the Dread.
GRIFFIN: You’ve noticed with your own fire, right? Attuneds can’t just create their element, but erase it as well. Now, imagine a murdering psychopath with that kind of power over life itself.
FIORA (uneasily): I can imagine. But how could a Wood-Att become that... that... horrible?
ZEPH: Exactly. Our Attunements don’t make us who we are. It’s our choices. And some people... well... choose awful things.
FIORA: I guess. But, I mean, he’s gone now, right? What happened to him?
The others all exchange another glance.
SHREYA: Honestly? No one really knows. I mean, he was obviously stopped, but as for how? No idea.
GRIFFIN: That’s right. Growing up, he was just a story our parents told us to scare us into doing what we were told. Y’know, “If you don’t eat your peas, the Dread will get you!” That kind of thing.
BECKETT: Ugh, please don’t remind me of that. It was my parents’ excuse for essentially everything.
FIORA (sarcastically): Sounds like amazing parenting right there.
BECKETT: Unfortunately, it was a very real possibility. The Dread--or, to use his real name, Raife Highmore--had a horrifying tendency to target children. No one knows why.
FIORA (terrified): O-kay, enough creepy murderer stories for me, thank you. This guy’s from forever ago, right? He’s gone now?
Zeph creeps closer to Fiora, and says in a mock-spooky voice:
ZEPH: Ah, Fiora, he’s gone for now. But one day, he shall return... and then, he will be out for BLOOD!
Zeph claps his hands in front of Fiora’s face, startling her. She shrieks and falls over, landing flat on her back on the ground. Zeph and Griffin laugh uproariously.
ZEPH: Wow, Fiora, you really fell for that one!
GRIFFIN: Nice one, Zeph!
He and Zeph high-five. Fiora frowns.
FIORA: Oh, ha ha, very funny. Look, I just…
As she looks around the room, desperate for a change in subject, her gaze alights on a mirror in one corner of the room. She flinches back in shock when she spots her silver-haired reflection looking back at her. Fiora rubs her eyes, and in the time it takes her to do so, the strange reflection is gone, replaced by her normal one.
FIORA: Hey, guys... does anyone see anything weird in that mirror there?
She points to the mirror. Everyone follows her gaze curiously.
SHREYA: Nothing but my lovely face, why?
GRIFFIN: I don’t see anything…
BECKETT: It’s simply a mirror.
ZEPH: What, did y’see something there?
FIORA: I mean... it’s gone now. But for a moment, I saw a weird version of myself. Basically the same, but with silver hair and a different expression. Is that normal? Have any of you seen something like that here?
Beckett frowns in puzzlement. He looks to Griffin, who shrugs.
GRIFFIN: Beats me. Weird reflection, you say?
FIORA: Exactly. A weird reflection. I even saw it in--
She stops herself when she realizes she was about to accidentally reveal her origins to the group.
FIORA: Uh, saw it in another mirror. Somewhere before I started at Penderghast... and then again, during the Test of Attunement. It... she... looked just like me, but wasn’t matching my expression or movements. And her hair was silvery.
She absently tugs on a few strands of her own red hair. Griffin frowns.
GRIFFIN: Can’t say I’ve heard of anything like that before. You’re sure you saw it, right? It couldn’t have been some kind of illusion?
Fiora shakes her head.
FIORA: Don’t think so. It sure looked real. You’re sure this isn’t some kind of normal thing that happens in this place?
SHREYA: I haven’t heard of anything like that, either.
Beckett abruptly stands up and starts walking back toward the projection in the corner.
BECKETT: You can continue discussing this phenomenon if you wish. I, however, shall begin my own research into this event. Perhaps I can uncover some insight during my ample free time.
ZEPH: Wait, “ample free time?” Since when? With all of our classes, we’ve got--
BECKETT: You mean to tell me you haven’t completed all of the assigned homework for the entire quarter yet? Nor read each and every textbook twice by now? Hmph.
Zeph visibly shrinks in his seat, embarrassed. Griffin rolls his eyes.
GRIFFIN: Seriously, Beckett? It’s not a competition.
BECKETT (genuinely confused): I did not mean it that way. I apologize. I only meant that, as I have plenty of time available to me, I am best suited to investigating this “strange reflection” that Fiora mentioned.
FIORA: Well, whatever the reason, thanks, Beckett. Hopefully you can find some explanation. It’s kinda creeping me out…
BECKETT (smiles): Naturally. Happy to assist, Fiora. Isn’t that part of friendship, after all?
FIORA: You’re right about that. Thanks!
Shreya yawns, stretching her arms out widely.
SHREYA: Well, I’m not sure about the rest of you, but... (yawns) ...je suis fatigue. Fiora, care to walk back to our room with me?
FIORA: Sounds like a plan, Shreya!
BECKETT: Wait! What about your promise? Two more lectures’ worth of concepts, do you recall?
SHREYA: Please, Beckett. A mademoiselle like myself needs her beauty rest, non? We shall review more of our lectures tomorrow. I promise!
Beckett starts to object, then sighs.
BECKETT: Very well. But I assure you, I will be holding you to it!
SHREYA: Of course you will. Goodnight, all of you!
FIORA: Night!
Everyone says their goodbyes. When it’s Zeph’s turn, however:
ZEPH: Have a romantic night, you two!
Shreya splutters with surprise as Fiora stares at him like a deer in headlights.
SHREYA: What-- what could that possibly-- I don’t-- excuse you--
FIORA (simultaneously): Wait a sec-- no-- we’re not-- hold on--
Zeph breaks down into laughter. After a moment, he stops laughing and simply looks at the two girls with a knowing smirk.
ZEPH: Have fun…
Shreya and Fiora look at each other awkwardly.
FIORA: Uh... right. I’ll just... go now.
SHREYA: Goodnight, Zeph.
The two of them leave the lounge. Zeph stares after them, then turns to look at Griffin.
ZEPH: Ah, young love... am I right, or am I right?
GRIFFIN (shrugs): Who knows?
_______________________
Scene Notes: At long last, we find out about the Dread in this version. Since all of the “super-Attunements” from canon were wrapped into the Primal Forces here, Blood became the Life Primal Attunement, thus making Raife a Wood-Att. Terrifying how the most kind and gentle Attunement can be twisted so far... but as Griffin said, it’s all about our Choices. (See what I did there...?)
Timeline: November 23rd! Still in the ES time jump.
_______________________
Next: Unexpected Saviors
CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady
DotF/Elementalists Tag List:
#defenders of the flame#datf#the elementalists rewrite#choices the elementalists#choices stories you play#csyp#fanfic#ciu project#choices interconnected universe#fiora luxen#shreya mistry#beckett harrington#zeph hernandez#griffin langley#raife highmore#shreya x mc#wlw#i just realized grogue is one letter off from grogu#idk what that means but it amuses me
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