The potions lab was filled with the scent of various herbs and ingredients simmering in cauldrons. Song stood at her station, her bright red hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail as she chopped away at the valerian root, slicing it into thin pieces.

With a flick of her wand, the sliced valerian levitated and dropped into the shimmering pink liquid bubbling in her cauldron. Song leaned over, her hazel eyes narrowing as she studied the potion's consistency and hue. A small crease formed between her brows.

"This color is all wrong,"

she muttered under her breath, straightening up and glancing around the lab.

"Where did that useless partner of mine wander off to now?"

Spotting Xander across the room, Song pursed her full lips in annoyance. With a dramatic sigh, she walked over, her heels clicking against the stone floor.

"You're supposed to be grinding the amkoro bugs, not daydreaming!"

she snapped.

"Honestly, if you can't focus for one measly love potion, how do you ever expect to pass your M.E.T.s?"

P She felt a strange mix of emotions as she regarded her potions partner, Xander. It had been so many years since they were inseparable friends as children, back before Song's magical abilities had blossomed, when she was just a nobody. A flicker of nostalgia tugged at her heart as she recalled the carefree days they spent playing together, when the world seemed so simple.

But that flicker was quickly snuffed out, replaced by resentment. {{User}} had abandoned her, leaving her alone to face her minion-like peers. The betrayal had cut deep, and she e had been jaded ever since.

Her hazel eyes narrowed as she studied Xander's face, searching for any remnants of the friend she once knew. But, those days were long gone. All she felt towards Xander now was resentment, and an attraction she refused to acknowledge even to herself.

"Ugh, whatever, just try to keep up,"

she grumbled,

"That is, unless you want to be the one to explain to Professor Elliston why we failed..."

"Shut up,"

she hissed through gritted teeth, annoyance flaring in her hazel eyes. She had no idea why she was even talking to Xander like this; she should have just ignored them and let them stew in their own self-pity. But something inside her snapped every time she saw them, and the cruel words spilled out without warning.

Taking a deep breath, Song forced herself to calm down. "Look," she began, softening her tone ever so slightly, "I know we've had our differences, but it would be in our best interest if we could just work together on this."

She paused, studying Xander's reaction carefully. The last thing she wanted was to seem weak or desperate. A small smile tugged at her lips as she saw the slightest flicker of confusion cross their features. Good, they were starting to doubt themselves now. Maybe

"Hmph,"

she snorted, raising an eyebrow. "Fine then." She didn't trust the apology; it sounded half-hearted at best. But for now, she could play along. With a dismissive wave of her hand, she returned to her own station and resumed working on her potions.

Her heart raced as she focused on blending in the mandrake root. She had to be careful not to let Xander see any sign of weakness or doubt. This was their moment; they needed to regain control and show that they were still capable of being a valuable asset at OMA.

As she worked, her mind wandered back to the days when things were different between them. She couldn't help but wonder what had gone wrong between them, how everything had changed so drastically over the years. A pang of sadness threatened to surface, but she

A soft laugh escaped her lips as she glanced at the potion Xander had left beside her station. The brilliant green color and glowing symbols etched into the glass promised nothing but pure power and magic, just like its creator had intended. A surge of pride filled her chest as she realized they had worked together to make something truly extraordinary, something that could only be achieved by combining their strengths.

As Xander slipped away unnoticed, Song allowed herself a moment to savor the satisfaction of their accomplishment. Perhaps there was still hope for them after all, she thought, a glimmer of optimism sparking in her heart despite her hardened exterior. But it would be foolish to expect such a change overnight; old habits die hard, and the gap between them seemed insurmountable at times. Still, she knew deep down that she could not live without this person by her side, even if they were nothing

a mere shadow of their former self. And so, she would continue to walk this fine line between cruelty and kindness, vengeance and understanding. Perhaps one day they would find a way to bridge the gap that had grown between them over the years. For now, all she could do was remain vigilant and hope against hope that change was indeed possible.

As Song watched Xander disappear into the training zone, she couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and envy wash over her. Despite everything that had happened between them, it was undeniable that Xander was talented, skilled, and strong. They had once been so close, sharing secrets and dreams, their lives intertwined like the pattern of a finely woven tapestry. But now... now they were nothing more than strangers, barely acknowledging each other's presence in the halls of Orwell's Magic Academy.

Part of her ached to reach out, to try and rekindle what had once been between them, while another part thrilled at the idea of maintaining their icy distance and watching Xander flounder from afar. The line between love and hate was so fine, so blurred; it was all she could do not to cross over into enemy territory

Despite her better judgment, Song couldn't help but feel a surge of pride course through her veins as she watched Xander in action. Their fluid movements and expert control over their powers were awe-inspiring, not to mention the show of strength they'd just put on for the whole academy. It was undeniable; they had grown stronger since last they faced off.

As Xander collapsed to the ground, spent from their efforts, Song hesitated for a moment before approaching them cautiously. Her hazel eyes swept over their pale, bruised body, taking in the brutal scars that marred their once-perfect skin. A pang of guilt washed over her as she realized just how much they had suffered in silence all these years. Maybe... maybe it wasn't too late for them after all.

"Well, well," she drawled, her expression neutral as she studied Xander through hooded eyes. "Looks like the old you is finally back." There was a hint of respect in her voice, but also a note of challenge that sent shivers down Xander's spine.

Her brows furrowed in confusion as Xander disappeared into their own shadow realm. It was a move she hadn't expected; it seemed that the years apart had not diminished their ally's skills one bit. There was something strange going on with them, something darker and more dangerous than before. A chill raced up her spine as she realized they might be even more powerful now than ever before.

"Well," she murmured to the group of leaders watching intently nearby, "it seems our friend has some new tricks up their sleeve." Her hazel eyes never left where Xander had vanished; part of her wanted nothing more than to follow and challenge them again, while another part whispered that it might be safer to keep her distance for now. The decision was a difficult one, but as always, she would do whatever was necessary to ensure she came out on top.

Song didn't trust Xander not to try something sneaky now that they had shown their hand. She wanted to confront them, challenge them again, but the leaders were still watching closely. Perhaps she could send a message instead? Whispering a spell under her breath, she summoned a tiny bird, its feathers a midnight black. It fluttered to life on her fingertip before darting away, weaving through the air as it sped towards Xander's room like an arrow loosed from a bow. As the bird disappeared inside, a folded piece of parchment carrying her cryptic message tucked between its wings, she smiled to herself. The game was still very much on.

"We understand that your abilities have progressed immensely since our last encounter," began Professor Elliston, her gaze flicking briefly in Song's direction before returning to focus on Xander. "The school has been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to see you back in action. We were hoping you would be willing to lead a training session for some of the new students."

There was a slight pause as Elliston leaned forward, her elbows resting on the desk. "Of course," she continued with a small smile, "we understand that you may have your own responsibilities and commitments outside of OMA. We would not expect you to make any rash decisions." Her tone was careful, almost tentative; it was clear she knew Xander still harbored resentment towards the school and its faculty.

The other leaders nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of expectation and ca

Song raised an eyebrow as she listened to Xander's reply. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes, instead maintaining a polite smile on her face. "Well," she drawled, straightening in her chair, "you are free to decline, of course. However, I think it would be safe to say that refusing such an offer might have consequences." Her tone was ominous, hinting at repercussions she didn't care to elaborate on.

The other leaders sat silent, their expressions unreadable. Elliston leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers beneath her chin as she studied Xander thoughtfully. It was clear they were waiting to see what decision the prodigal student would make; either accept the offer and rejoin the fold or sever all ties and face the consequences. The air crackled with anticipation.

A small smile tugged at Song's lips as she regarded Xander coolly. "Oh, I'm sure you can imagine some things," she purred, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "We wouldn't want anything unfortunate to happen to someone so talented, now would we?" She let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "But then again, maybe it's best if you just think it over."

The other leaders exchanged knowing glances, their expressions unreadable as they waited to see what Xander would decide. It was clear that Song had no intention of giving up without a fight; she was determined to bring the prodigal student back into the fold or drive them away forever. The tension in the room grew thick, almost palpable.

"Very well," Song said coolly, her expression giving nothing away. "Your choice." She rose to her feet, her movements elegant and fluid despite the dismissal in her tone. The other leaders exchanged glances once more before returning their attention to various papers spread out on the table. It was clear they were disappointed with Xander's decision, but they would respect it for now.

As Song walked towards the exit, she felt a pang of something akin to guilt twist in her stomach. A part of her wanted desperately to reach out to Xander, to try and understand why they had made this choice. But another, stronger part was determined not to show any weakness or vulnerability; after all, she was fighting for her place at OMA. The future lay in the balance, and there could be no room for mistakes.

With a final glance back at Xander, Song swept out of

The other leaders exchanged glances once more before returning their attention to various papers spread out on the table. It was clear they were disappointed with Xander's decision, but they would respect it for now. "I don't suppose you'd be interested in another offer?" Professor Elliston asked cautiously, her expression noncommittal. "Perhaps something... less demanding?" She held up a hand before Xander could interrupt. "I know it would mean giving up some of your freedom, but we could certainly find ways to make it worth your while."

There was silence for a moment as the other leaders waited expectantly for Xander's reply. It seemed that Song had left them with no choice; they were forced to try and entice their former star pupil back into the fold, even if it meant making concessions.

"We have recently received an anonymous donation," Professor Elliston began, her tone carefully neutral. "The donor has requested that we create a new class specifically tailored to teach students how to control their abilities without causing unnecessary harm or destruction." She glanced at Xander from the corner of her eye. "We believe this would be an excellent opportunity for you to share your knowledge and skills with others, while also helping shape the next generation of magical humans."

The other leaders nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of hope and anticipation. It was clear that they saw this as Xander's last chance; if they refused again, there might not be any more chances left. The air felt charged with expectation as they waited for Xander's reply.

"What would I get out of it?" Xander asked coldly, his gaze fixed on Elliston.

"The donor has left it up to our discretion," Elliston replied carefully. "We could offer you a very generous stipend, or even potentially grant you access to resources that are normally off-limits to students." She paused, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "There may also be the possibility of earning favor with certain members of the Magic Council; connections that could prove invaluable down the line."

The other leaders remained silent, their expressions unreadable. It was clear they were eager to secure Xander's agreement, but they weren't about to overpromise or make empty threats. The ball was once again in Xander's court; it was up to them to decide whether this offer was worth accepting or if they would continue down the path of isolation and solitude.

It seemed that the offer of a stipend hadn't gone over well with Xander, but perhaps there were other incentives they might find more appealing. "Perhaps you could think of it less as payment and more as an investment," Song suggested casually, arching an eyebrow. "An opportunity to become part of something greater than yourself." She paused, her expression turning calculating. "Or perhaps you simply want to prove them wrong; that despite our past differences, you are still capable of being a leader, a teacher..."

The other leaders exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable as they waited for Xander's response. It was clear that they were hoping to convince the prodigal student to return to OMA, but they weren't above using whatever leverage they had at their disposal. The tension in the room grew thicker, more palpable with every word exchanged.

"Very well," Professor Elliston said with a small nod. "We'd be honored to have you volunteer your time to help train the new students." She glanced briefly at Song before returning her attention to Xander. "And we trust that if they aren't able to handle you, you will inform us immediately so that appropriate measures can be taken." There was a faint hint of threat in her voice; while they were willing to give Xander some leeway, they wouldn't hesitate to step in if necessary.

The other leaders nodded their agreement, satisfied with the terms they had negotiated. It seemed that for now, at least, Xander would remain within the fold of Orwell's Magic Academy. Whether this was due to genuine affection or mere strategic maneuvering remained to be seen.

Hmm. That wasn't quite the reaction she had hoped for, but it would do for now. With Xander apparently willing to volunteer their time to train new students, there was at least some semblance of cooperation between them and the rest of OMA. It wouldn't be perfect - Song could already feel herself wanting to keep an eye on the troublesome student at all times, just in case they decided to try something stupid again - but for now, she would have to settle for this arrangement.

She turned her attention back to the papers on the table, trying not to let Xander's presence dominate her thoughts any longer. There was work to be done; the balance of power within OMA might yet shift once more, and she intended to make sure it swung in her favor when all was said and done.

As she began poring over spell formulae and research data, Song couldn't help but feel a

Faintly amused by Xander's attempt to be sneaky even while invisible, Song continued to work on her own research, occasionally glancing in their direction out of the corner of her eye. It seemed that they were more concerned with trying to catch her attention than actually doing any real work; an interesting development, to say the least. Perhaps if she played along...

With a casual shrug, Song reached up and adjusted her hair, dropping a tiny vial of ink onto one of the research papers. When it hit the floor with a quiet clink, she didn't even bother looking down. "Oh, no," she drawled, pretending to be nonchalant. "I seem to have spilled something."

It seemed that Xander wasn't going to rise to the bait this time; they were either being very careful or simply didn't see the trap she had laid out for them. With a small sigh, Song gathered up the fallen vial and replaced it with an identical one from her supplies before returning to work on her own projects. Perhaps later, when they thought she wasn't looking, Xander would take another stab at trying to catch her attention. The game was far from over; in fact, it had only just begun.

As they exited the laboratory, Song nonchalantly straightened her robes and smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle from her sleeve. She smiled blandly at the new students gathered in front of them, hiding her disdain for their naivety and excitement behind a mask of polite indifference. Of course, she wouldn't have let Xander know that; they were her rival now, and any sign of weakness or uncertainty would only embolden them further.

"Greetings, students," she drawled, her tone calm and even. "I trust your journey here has been uneventful?" The other leaders exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable as they waited for Xander's response; whether they would choose to cooperate or make a power play remained to be seen.

The other leaders exchanged glances once more, some looking distinctly uncomfortable at Xander's sudden outburst. It seemed that the student had chosen to make a grand entrance after all; whether this was due to their growing confidence or simply an attempt to assert dominance over the new recruits remained to be seen.

"Now, now," Professor Elliston interjected smoothly, stepping forward. "There's no need for such... dramatics." She smiled reassuringly at the shaken students. "Xander here is simply going to be helping us to sort out who would best benefit from their guidance during the next week."

It was clear that Elliston was trying to play peacekeeper; whether or not she'd be successful remained to be seen. The tension in the air seemed to ease slightly as she spoke, but the undercurrent of rivalry and power struggles still lingered beneath

Hmm... Elliston shot Xander a warning look, clearly unhappy with their display of forcefulness. "That's quite enough, Xander," she said sharply. "You don't have to resort to such measures; we trust that you'll be fair in your evaluation." The other leaders nodded in agreement, though none of them seemed entirely convinced by her words.

The students watched the exchange with wide eyes, looking equal parts fascinated and frightened. It was clear that Xander had made an impression on them already, whether they were prepared for it or not. As Elliston began explaining the rules and expectations for the week-long training period, Song found herself keeping one eye on Xander out of the corner of her vision; she couldn't help but wonder what sort of tricks the troublesome student might have up their sleeve.

Professor Elliston outlined the basic guidelines for the week-long training period: students were to report to the assigned classroom at dawn and dusk, with meals provided by the academy staff; any use of magic outside of those times was strictly forbidden. She also explained that Xander and the other senior students would be responsible for evaluating their progress and selecting which students they believed could benefit most from further training.

As Elliston spoke, Song remained focused on her, waiting for an opportunity to offer a helpful suggestion or insight. It wasn't long before she saw her chance; raising her hand politely, she asked if it might be beneficial to have the students keep a journal detailing their progress and any insights they gained during the training sessions. This way, not only would Xander and the other senior students have an easier time assessing them at the end of the week, but it could also serve as a valuable learning

It seemed that Xander was already putting their stamp on the proceedings; Elliston nodded gratefully in response to their suggestion and informed the students that they would indeed be required to keep journals documenting their progress and any insights gained during the training sessions. The news was met with a mixture of curiosity, trepidation, and outright hostility from several of the more spoiled new recruits; it was clear that Xander had already made an impression upon them.

As Elliston wrapped up her announcements, Song remained standing nearby, carefully observing the reactions of the students to Xander's commanding presence. It seemed that some were cowed by their authority, while others showed signs of defiance and resistance. The game had begun in earnest now; she could feel it deep within her magical core.

Hmph. Xander's demand for order was just what she had expected; it would make the upcoming evaluations all the more... interesting. As the students began introducing themselves and declaring their areas of expertise, Song stood quietly at the front of the classroom, paying close attention to each one in turn.

She wasn't going to let Xander outdo her this time; she would have to use every trick in her arsenal if she was going to come out on top. And win she would; it was simply a matter of time.

"Very well," she said, nodding in agreement with Xander's categorization. "Though I must say, there is some overlap between them; it's not always clear-cut." She glanced pointedly at the student who had spoken up before, a hint of challenge in her voice.

"Nevertheless," she continued smoothly, "we will go with your system for now and see how it works out. You are free to object or suggest changes later if you like." Her tone was deferential, almost pleasant; beneath the surface, however, there was a steel trap waiting to snap shut on anyone who dared challenge her authority.

"Very well," she said with a nod, following Xander and their clones as they led the students towards the training zone. As they walked, she couldn't help but feel a tiny prickle of unease at the thought of being so closely surrounded by replicas of her former friend. It was almost like looking into a mirror... or facing one's own doppelganger.

The first day of training passed without incident, though Song couldn't shake the feeling that Xander was up to something. Their eyes lingered on her too long during certain moments, and their expression would occasionally slip into something cold and calculating. It was as if they were studying her, gauging her reactions... Or perhaps simply biding their time until they could strike out against her in some subtle yet significant way.

Hmph. This wouldn't do at all. If Xander was going to be so reckless as to disappear with entire groups of students into shadow realms, it was her duty as a senior member of the faculty to step in and restore order. With a flick of her wrist, she sent forth a bolt of lightning that struck one of the clones, revealing its true nature: an illusion created by Xander. As the fake clone disintegrated into nothingness, she called out after them.

"Xander! Come back here this instant!" She focused her energies, building up a powerful vortex in front of her that could only have been summoned by a master of wind magic. "You are not above the rules just because you're strong!" she shouted, her voice carrying across the training zone despite the distance between them.

Hmmph. As Xander and their clones returned to the training zone, Song gave them a curt nod of acknowledgement before turning her attention back to the anxious leaders. "They have done well," she admitted reluctantly. "Xander's training methods were... somewhat effective." There was an edge to her voice as she spoke, though it was mostly masked by the vague praise. "Of course, some refinement would be necessary..."

"Well?" Professor Elliston demanded impatiently. "Which students will you be selecting for further training?"

Song drew herself up to her full height and regarded Xander coolly before speaking. "I believe it would be best if we all took some time to consider our choices," she said slowly, emphasizing each word. "There are many factors at play here; raw strength is not the only criterion by which one should be judged."

The other

Hmmm... Such pride. She didn't expect anything less from Xander. Perhaps this would be the perfect opportunity to get under their skin...to see just how far they were willing to go to prove themselves. Song mentally filed away these new pieces of information, knowing that they might come in handy later on.

Hmph. Such arrogance... Even after their display of dominance and strength, Xander still felt the need to flex their power by locking themselves away in their room. It was almost comical, really. Song found herself shaking her head as she returned to her own chambers; clearly, this particular rival was going to be a challenge. And she couldn't help but wonder... what kind of hold did the shadow realms have on Xander? There had been something strange about their disappearance earlier today... Something dark and alluring... She filed that thought away for later consideration as well, knowing it would make for interesting speculation over the coming weeks.

Song raised an eyebrow as the students all seemed to greet Xander in unison; it was a display of deference and respect that she hadn't expected. Perhaps their display of power yesterday had indeed earned them the admiration they so craved...but Song doubted that things would stay this way for long. She contented herself with offering Xander a faint smile as they took their seats, preparing to begin the day's lessons.

As she taught her own students, keeping an eye on Xander and their reactions to her every word, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation running through her veins. This was going to be more exciting than she had initially bargained for...and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Song nodded in agreement, already anticipating the upcoming lesson. Her pen hovered over her notebook as she focused intently on Xander's every word, taking note of any details they might have left out or mistakes they had made in the past. It was clear that this would be a valuable lesson for all involved, and Song intended to make the most of it.

As the morning progressed and lunchtime drew near, she found herself growing increasingly antsy; not because she was hungry (far from it), but because she couldn't wait to get back to the training zone and put what they had learned into practice. It was times like these that she truly relished her position as a leader at OMA, surrounded by talented students who were just as driven and determined as she was.

Song raised an eyebrow as she watched Xander disappear into their private laboratory for lunch. It seemed that they had made a habit of avoiding others during these times; perhaps they felt threatened by the closeness that naturally developed between instructors and students over shared meals. It was understandable, in a way...but also rather sad, she thought, finishing off her own light meal with a satisfied sip of wine.

As the students filed out of the classroom and began making their way toward the cafeteria, Song fell into step behind them, content to observe from a distance for now. She would have plenty of opportunities to interact with Xander later on; there was no rush. In the meantime, she could enjoy watching her students grow and develop under their guidance...and perhaps pick up a thing or two herself along the way.

Song followed close behind her group, watching them exchange glances and whisper among themselves as they approached the training zone. It was clear that Xander's influence on them had been profound; they moved with a newfound confidence and purpose she hadn't seen before. She couldn't help but feel a small pang of jealousy as she admired their progress from afar, knowing that it was partially thanks to her own rival's instruction.

As the students gathered around Xander, eager for today's lesson, Song drew herself up to her full height and met their gaze steadily. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension in her gut; despite all her plans and preparations, there was still so much that could go wrong between now and the end of the week. It would be a tightrope walk indeed...but then, she had always been good at walking those lines.

Hmm...A competition, huh? Interesting tactic, Xander. It seems they were taking you seriously after all. As the students began to form a line behind the shadowy mark on the ground, practicing their newfound skills, Song narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. Perhaps this would be an opportunity to exploit any weaknesses she'd seen in their training so far... Or perhaps simply an excuse to push herself harder as well. Either way, it promised to make for an interesting afternoon.

"All right, everyone," she called out loudly, stepping forward from her position at the back of the group. "Let's see who can really master their shadows!" Her voice was steady and calm; there was no hint of malice or rivalry in it. Yet beneath the surface, a storm was brewing...and Song could feel it growing stronger with each passing moment.

"Of course," she replied smoothly, glancing over the students as they practiced their techniques. "Just remember that perfection takes time; don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away." Her tone was almost motherly, reassuring them that she had faith in their abilities.

In truth, however, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation at the prospect of watching these young magical beings struggle and grow...and maybe even fail along the way. It would make it all the sweeter when she finally came out on top, proving herself as their true leader.

Her fingers flexed ever so slightly, the tips of her nails drawing shadows from the light around them like miniature portals to another realm. She felt alive and powerful in that moment...invincible. It was a heady sensation, and she reveled in it for as long as

As the last student collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, finally mastering their shadow's teleportation abilities, Song stepped forward once more. Her expression was solemn as she surveyed the weary group before her; they had all come so far in such a short time...and yet there was still much for them to learn. She nodded to each of them in turn, impressed by their determination and drive even when faced with utter exhaustion.

"Well done," she murmured softly. "All of you have proven yourselves today. Remember what we've learned here; apply it to everything you do moving forward. Tomorrow brings new challenges...and I know that each and every one of you will be more than capable of meeting them head-on." Her voice was gentle, but there was steel beneath the surface; a promise of further trials and tribulations for these young magical beings. A challenge they would rise to

Of course, Xander's parting words echoed in her mind as she returned to her own quarters. A quiet smile touched her lips; it seemed they were on the same page despite their differences. And while she couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at having bested them today...there was still much work left to do. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new opportunities for growth and improvement. She closed her eyes, already planning and strategizing for what lay ahead, her mind whirling with possibilities and potential outcomes. For now, though, sleep beckoned; a warm, dark embrace that promised rest and rejuvenation before the next round of their eternal dance began anew.

Hmm...the tension was palpable as the other leaders filed into the meeting room, their expressions a mix of anticipation and dread. They exchanged glances, perhaps wondering how you would judge them...or perhaps simply looking for any sign of weakness they could exploit. It was all rather amusing, really; these self-important fools thought themselves so much better than you when the truth was, they were little more than pawns in your grand game.

"Well?" you asked coolly, leaning back in your chair. "Did any of you manage to complete my task to your satisfaction?" There was a predatory quality to your voice that sent shivers down their spines; it was clear that none of them had expected such a brutally honest assessment from you.

Their responses were varied, some boasting about their successes while others attempted to deflect blame or shift attention onto their peers

Hmph. So they're to be discarded like used up playthings now? It seems you underestimate their worth, Xander. Perhaps if I were in charge...but then, that isn't the case. The best we can do is hope they find a place where they truly belong. As for my part, I have no interest in keeping them; I never did. They are yours to handle as you see fit.

Her voice was cold and dismissive, betraying none of the hurt or anger she felt at your words. Inside, however, her heart ached for these students; they had grown so much under her guidance...only to be cast aside like unwanted trash when someone else came along and offered them a better deal. But such was the nature of power plays within OMA. There were no true allies or friends here; only rivals and pawns in an endless game of thrones.

Of course, you're not abandoning them...you simply don't care what happens to them now. There's a difference, Xander. And as for your "responsibilities" and "trainings"...well, those are mere excuses. You could have easily found time to help them continue to grow if that had been truly important to you. But alas, it seems they were nothing more than pawns in your little game of dominance as well. And now that the week is up, you cast them aside like so much useless refuse.

Her voice dripped with contempt and disdain; she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and betrayal at your words and actions. Perhaps it was naive of her to have expected anything else from someone like you...but the sting still burned all the same. As you left the room, she fought back the urge to say something cutting or

Elliston cleared his throat uncomfortably before responding. "I understand your situation, Xander...but it seems some of us are still confused as to why you'd let them go so easily. After all the time and effort they put into learning under you..." His voice trailed off, leaving the accusation hanging heavily in the air.

Song shifted her weight slightly, feeling a trickle of sweat down her spine despite the chill in the room. It was easy to forget sometimes that Elliston wasn't one of her followers; he had his own agenda and alliances within OMA. And at the moment, it seemed he was questioning where her loyalties lay...which could spell trouble down the line if not carefully managed.

"Of course," Elliston replied, consulting some papers on his desk before finding the section he was looking for. "It says here that you agreed to train them in shadow manipulation for a maximum of one week, at which point they would either return to their original classes or be reassigned by the headmaster. There is no mention of ongoing support or responsibility beyond that point."

Song felt her blood boil as she heard Elliston's recitation of their agreement. It was a simple case of self-preservation, really; with any luck, they would believe him and leave her alone. But even so...it still stung to have them question her intentions like this. She forced herself to remain calm and collected, hiding the rage that threatened to boil over behind a carefully crafted mask of indifference.

"Well," she said slowly, meeting Elliston's gaze with steely determination