There was a moment when she nowhere, when she didn't know her name. The last thing she could remember was seeing the boy and turning to follow his furious gaze to the girl with the light brown hair.
Then world returned and it was all wrong, the discontinuity unraveling her thoughts. The winter sun replacing halogen lights. The bustle of the school instantly giving way to sleeping forest. The smell of winter air and pine needles, feel of the snowflakes settling in her hair. The ground she stood on was elevated giving her a commanding view of the forested hills and the snowy plains further beyond. Kurosawa Ayako looked down and saw beneath them a sea of stars trapped in smooth black stone.
She looked back finding the girl was still there at a desk rendered strange and out of place by it's surroundings. The girl, Reina, stood and took a tentative step forward. She said something in English that she didn't catch at first authoritative then hesitant. Then she collapsed.
" Reina-chan!" someone screamed and only after she saw the blur of black hair did she connect it to Takayama Suzume. She was at Reina side feeling for a pulse, the relief on her face told her what she needed to know. Ayako looked around taking stock, nine students including her, everyone who had been in the classroom including Omori Mitsuo whose hand was still trying to grip a door-frame that was no longer there.
They were not alone. Men and women in gray or burgundy cloaks were arranged along the perimeter of the strange platform. At its' center was a girl in Burgundy robes, her dark skin a stark contrast to hair as white as the falling snow, judging by her face Ayako couldn't imagine she was older than her late teens.
"Your comrade should be fine, I am told the Grand Summoning is a taxing experience," She said, her gaze swept across Ayako and her classmates. "I am Ly'christem Silanus Alatheus and you have been summoned to this world from beyond the stars to save the world from the perils that threaten it."
"So this is a parallel world?" Asked Sasaki standing up from his desk.
"Indeed, I was not aware that your world was aware of the concept, that simplifies matters somewhat," Ly'christem continued, "the spell that brought you here seeks out those with potential and brings them this world, to Nazokesh where their affinities can be manifested as unique magical capacities. The burden you have been brought here to bare is daunting, but rest assured you have been armed with the capacity to succeed."
"If you brought us here then you send us back?" Asked Fujiki.
Ly'christem turned towards him. "I'm afraid that's not possible the spell-"
"Not immediately of course but I am sure something can be arranged in due time." One of the robed men around the perimeter cut her off as he strode towards them. The man had the same dark skin tone as Ly'christem but his hair was black, Ayako judged him to be in his mid thirties though retaining the build of a man in his prime. When Ly'christem turned to face him Ayako noticed that her ears came to a slight point.
The man continued. "I am sure this greatly troubles you, this is not your world, not your war, you would not choose this destiny for your selves. I am sure the imperial palace will shelter you until you are able to find your path."
Kyouya opened his hand a look concentration passed across his face. A ball of fire flared into existence in his palm. Ayako couldn't help but lose her train of thought again. That wasn't possible.
"I would suggest waiting for more controlled circumstances to experiment with your new Skills," Ly'christem said. "I suspect that the girl fainted because she pushed her new capabilities too far too quickly."
At that Kyouya extinguished his flame. That's seemed to break the spell, several of the students tried to speak at once. Their voices overlapping until once question won out.
It was at that moment that Ayako understood what had been setting her on edge, why she was so hesitant to speak out. Neither Ly'christem, nor the man or even the other students had been speaking in Japanese, yet regardless she had understood perfectly.
Still Ayako spoke, the words that she had no memory of learning feeling alien on her tongue. "This is absurd you can't just drag us here and expect us to 'save the world', what about school, what about our parents."
Ly'christem turned to glare at the grey robed man. "This isn't what you promised."
<><><><>
Ayako clung to the Gryphon as it swooped down to the massive castle. The fortress was built on and seemingly from a rocky outcropping at the confluence of two rivers with walls and towers seamlessly flowing into the natural looking outcroppings of rock. Seven thin stone bridges connected it to the three surrounding banks giving the castle the look of a massive insect. Clinging to the banks around those bridges was a city, a small one by the standards of Japan but a city all the same, it was like a picture from a history textbook brought to life.
Saja Votoj held the reigns from behind her on the saddle that while designed to accommodate two people at need did not do so comfortably. As the beast alighted on a wall connecting two of the inner towers Ayako practically threw herself onto the stone. As the other Gryphons landed the other students who had also been riding tandem with one of the soldiers in the gray cloaks dismounted as well with varying degrees of grace. All save for Reina whose unconscious body had been tied to the saddle and was gingerly carried off by two women dress in gray robes.
The last Gryphon landed the only one carrying a second passenger that was not a student. The mage girl, Ly'cristem had chosen to leaver her soldiers to make their own way back and fly with the Prelates party.
"I've sent word ahead, wing three of the nineteenth floor of Animus Tower has been readied for occupancy. You will be presented to the Emperor two days from now," Ly'cristem said. At her gesture a woman in burgundy livery stepped from a doorway leading into one of the towers that anchored one section of the wall. "This is Oktavia Falx she will see to your needs".
They followed Oktavia through a maze of passageways, up and down stairs until they found themselves in a large curved room. Two of the walls were studded with doorways abutting what if the open doors were any indication was ten identical bedrooms. The longest wall was curved with wide windows that looked out onto a small balcony. The center of the room what dominated by a large table that was set with a plate of fruits and cheeses along with a pitcher of ice water and nine glasses. Oktavia did not follow them into the room, opting to wait at the door.
Omori walked over to the table, sat down, then picked up an apple, buffed it with his sleeve and bit into it. One by one the other students sat as well, Ayako was the last to take her place sitting between Sasaki and Ichinose.
"I'm pretty sure no one in this worlds speaks our language, that's why we have this weird translation power." Omori said in Japanese. "So if we remember to speak Japanese then we don't have to worry about people overhearing us."
"That seems kind of paranoid Mitsuo-kun" Sasaki said, but he said it in Japanese regardless.
"This is another world, we know next to nothing I don't see the harm in being cautious." Omori said.
"They can't really expect us to fight, c-can they," Ueda said her voice shaking.
"I don't see why we can't, being summoned didn't just give us some new languages," Hagino said. To punctuate that he grabbed an orange from the plate and held it in his open palm, his arm did not move but none the less the orange jumped into the air, as it fell back into his hand it stopped just above his palm.
"Hagino-san, Ly'christem-san said not to mess around with our Skills," Ayako admonished him. Couldn't he realize that this was a deadly serious matter? Especially after what had happened with Nishimura.
"Yeah don't do that," Fujiki said. "Still that said can we refuse? The mage girl seemed a little desperate."
Hagino let the orange fall back into his hand and started to peel it.
"What if just one of us accepted?" Sasaki said. "I talked with my escort while we were flying, he said that while the summoning brings more then one person sometimes the Hero title is singular, they only absolutely need one of us."
"That's not an encouraging thing to hear, it's better to be essential than superfluous," said Omori. "As long as these people think they need us that gives us a certain level of security."
"If they're situation is really desperate can we afford not to get involved? If the world is in danger or something then it's won't matter if we try to stay out of danger ourselves." Ichinose said, to Ayako the girl seemed calm, she had expected her to be freaking out more than anyone else. She had a good point as well.
"Is it really alright for us to have this conversation without Reina-chan," Takayama said softly. Part of Ayako wanted to say that now was the best time to have this conversation, but that wasn't something she should say.
"It's not ideal but this is a crisis situation, we can fill her in when she wakes up," Ayako said.
"What we need is to give them some kind of definitive answer that doesn't get us sent into combat immediately." Sasaki said. "Why don't we try killing two birds with one stone it looks like these "skills" are an unexplored bomb if you don't know how too use them. Why not say we need to understand what sort of powers we have before we make any serious decisions? That way we can kick the can down the road, and if we feel like we have to refuse we'll at least be in a better position."
That took Ayako by surprise. It was a surprisingly rational plan of action, she was having trouble finding fault with it.
<><><><>
As they stepped into the throne room Ayako felt distinctly uncomfortable in her new clothes despite or perhaps even because they had been specifically fitted to her, a gold accenting tunic in the burgandy color that this country seemed to drape everything in. They had spent yesterday preparing for this moment and trying to learn what new capabilities the summoning had armed them with, but Ayako still felt frantically out of her depth.
The cavernous hall was floored with marble and hung with banners depicting what Ayako understood was the imperial sigil a golden eagle on a field of red. The hall seemed oddly empty with just a handful of guards and a few people wearing elaborate togas that Ayako assumed were highly ranked functionaries in the empire. She was able to recognize one of the soldiers that Ly'christem had with her when they were summoned as well as Saja Vortoj.
When they had made their way to three-quarters of the way across the room they spread out to stand shoulder to shoulder in a line the way Ly'christem had taught them. Sitting on the throne before them was was Emperor Erhardt Tiberius Alatheus, a heavily built man with fair skin and red hair touched with gray, his toga was died purple and heavily ornamented with gold. The circlet on his brow had seven gemstones set into it, one for each color of the rainbow. It was a motif she had noticed often since she had been told that the magic most people used had seven elements that were each associated with a color. Ayako couldn't help but think "Roman Emperor" when she looked at him, she wasn't sure that was a good sign.
"These nine have been called by the Grand Summoning ritual that I have performed, though they may require more training than we anticipated before they are ready for battle Prelate Saja has confirmed they have Extra Skills. We also have confirmed that three of them posses exceptionally rare titles," Ly'christem announced. The spell the brought them here had done more than transport them just as they had said, they all had not only magical power that they were only starting to understand but also knowledge of techniques they had no recollection of learning. Knowledge that qualified them for "Titles" according to Saja's appraisal skill.
Saja Vortoj stepped forward holding a bundle of cloth. "Of course there is one final thing that must be confirmed. Though all of you are heroes chosen by the Celestials the holy sword Lightbringer only has one wielder at a time." He unwrapped the bundle to reveal a sword that seemed carved of a single piece of glass. "We must test for attunement, when your name is called please put your hand on the hilt."
This had been the most contentious part amount the students ultimately they ultimately chosen to draw lots to see what order the would go in.
She approached the throne until she was standing along side Ly'christem. "Ayako Kurosawa," Ly'christem said, "Druid and bearer of the extra skill Star Wing." Saja had been unable to tell her what her skill was supposed to do, and while he was adamant that 'Druid' was a rare and powerful title he was unable to explain what she was supposed to do to use those powers.
Saja Votoj held out the sword to her and Ayako placed her hand on the hilt, she was almost relieved when nothing happened. She stepped back to her former position.
"Kyouya Sasaki, Blademaster and bearer of the extra skill Blazing Soul." Kyouya was one the few students whose extra skill Saja understood though Ayako still didn't. He had fire magic that was different from other fire magic somehow. The Blademaster title was fairly obvious, even Kyouya has seemed surprised when Saja had placed a sword in his hands.
When Sasaki gripped the hilt of the sword it flared with brilliant orange light. As he took the blade from Saja's hands it burst into flames. Some part Ayako expected that but her heart still sank, the greatest responsibility in this world had been just placed in the hands of someone fundamentally unsuited for responsibility.
"May the Celestials guide your path," Saja said, "sill the other heroes must be presented, if you could extinguish Lightbringer so we might continue."
Sasaki extinguished the sword and as he stepped back into line Fujiki stepped forward.
"Jun Fujiki, Artificer and bearer of the extra skill Shifting Sands." The Artificer title was one that Saja had said was rare it apparently indicated a great facility for creating magic items, his skill was apparently some kind of time power but he hadn't been able to get it to work so far.
Takayama was the next in line, she still looked like she was trying to fold into herself but given the circumstances it was had for Ayako to blame her.
"Suzume Takayama, Adept and bearer of the extra skill Timeless Singularity." Adept was seeming the one of the more common magic-user titles and Takayama had been able to replicate several spells that Ly'christem had demonstrated but her skill was another one that they didn't understand.
Nishimura stepped forward still seeming slightly unsteady on her feet. She had awoken the day after they had been summoned, Ayako suspected that something was still wrong with her but she had yet to say anything about it.
"Reina Nishimura, Psion and bearer of the extra skill Rune Perception." Ly'christem had reacted strongly when Saja had given the name of her skill it was apparently very similar to a skill she had only better in some way. The Psion tittle was also seemed to be a big deal, according to Saja there had been no known Psions on Nazokesh in centuries. That seemed like a demerit to Ayako in much the same way as her 'Druid' title was, whatever powers they had seemed dead letter if there was no one around who could explain how to use them.
Hagino at least seemed confidant as he stepped forward.
"Daisuke Hagino, Knight and bearer of the extra skill Force Armor" On Nazokesh 'Knight' seemed to refer to someone with knowledge of magic that strengthened and protected the body which Hagino had been able to demonstrate, Force Armor had also be fairly easy to understand it was some kind of short ranged telekinesis that automatically protected him from attacks.
Ueda on the other had seemed more lost than she had even seen her, though that likely meant that she was one of the few people here reacting to this situation rationally.
"Eiko Ueda, Bard and bearer of the extra skill Memory Adept." Bardic magic allowed its users to influence the minds and emotions of others by singing, Ly'christem claimed it was considered a very primitive form of 'magecraft' when Ueda had tried it out Ayako hadn't really felt much but there had been a distinct sensation. The name of her skill implied it had something to do with memory but it was still unclear what it did.
Ichinose stepped forward without a hint of the childish timidity that she had expected.
"Yuu Ichinose, Cleric and bearer of the extra skill True Infuse." Cleric was the title given to individuals with a moderate proficiency with 'Celestial Magic' it was apparently common in Saja's church but extremely rare elsewhere. True Infuse was according to Saja one of the most documented extra skills on record allowing the possessor to repair, alter, enchant and even damage both people and objects that they touched. One of the last heroes summoned before them had the exact same skill.
Ayako could not help but watch carefully as Omori stepped forward, even before they had been summoned she had expected trouble from him.
"Mitsuo Omori, Warlock and bearer of the extra skill Essence Drain." The Warlock title implied possession of 'curse' magic, another branch of magic that Ly'christem considered primitive. The Essence Drain skill was another one that Saja had recognized it allowed one to become stronger by stealing the life from others, but it remained untested given the obvious danger of using it on a person.
"You have done well Lady Ly'christem," the Emperor said. "As for the young heroes, I believe we can expect great things from you. That said Ly'christem has told me you have come here from a land at peace, forgive us if you can for calling you to a world of war and monsters."
"The Demons of the Blasted Lands will be united around a new ruler in less than a year," he continued "Once he has secured his title as Demon King, he will almost certainly invade the Empire that I have dedicated my life to protecting, scorching the earth on his march to De'Ksep Spion. Should the holy city fall the world will fall with it."