A Dark Angel's Exam

Jin was in a difficult situation, he was in sheer disbelief because of what he could see. As an Ace, he was provided with a file of different mages from time to time. He then had to choose those who were worthy of a rank up. Just like he had conducted Romulus’s exam recently, there was another prospect he was handed over by Sophie. The name was familiar and so was the person but it was quite the pleasant surprise. He felt bad for underestimating a friend and made a mental note never to do it again. The file that was present in front of him was named: Rei Miyako, she was now eligible to take the C-rank exams. Jin was at the tavern, in his usual spot at the bar eating his beloved red velvet cake. ”Taking her exam is one thing but what job can I assign to a little child? Sure, she is capable of a lot of good things since she is ranking up but still…”, it was a puzzling situation.

He sat there for an hour as he continued to eat one red velvet cake after the other. He just couldn’t think of a possible solution to this dilemma. ”I’ll think about her job later, what should her exam be?”, that was yet another question. He remembered that it was a simple interview in his cake, there wasn’t anything to dangerous. In case of Romulus, it was a simple game of hide and seek. After pondering for quite a while he finally happened upon an answer. After that, he went to the main hall where a speaker lacrima was located. There he made the announcement to acquire Rei’s attention: ”Rei Miyako, please come find me at the guild hall”. There was little need to state his name since only the guild master or the aces could make announcements. He dragged a chair and sat in the center of the hall, awaiting the arrival of his team mate and friend.

Rei had been sitting idle on the tavern for a while, she wasn't on any current jobs and it was just nice to sit back and admire those around her. People here and there were doing various things, eating talking and some drunken singing. It was a funny site, one that someone would see in a tavern in her little town- that brought a dark thought to her mind, but she quickly pushed it away and embraced better memories. Her memories were nothing but positive and happy memories since she had been put in Black Rose's care. Job after job and the interaction with her teammates in Kvasir made her feel truly at home and grow in bravery. Her thoughts were brought from the daydream by the crackle of the lacrima speaker, she instantly recognized the voice- it was Nii-chan.. but what was he calling her? She hopped up and finished her milk quickly and then headed to the guildhall. She entered and found him sitting in a chair awaiting her, she gave him an adorable salute. Rei reporting for duty, Nii-chan.

The door opened but it wasn’t Rei, instead Kaya came rushing in probably having heard Rei’s name. She must’ve expected Rei to be there since she looked disappointed when she noticed only Jin was there. She didn’t have to wait long, Rei made her way to the guild hall soon afterwards. ”Rei-chan!!!” she said running towards her and around her. Jin stood up and greeted his team mate who had been cute enough to refer to him as “Ni-san”. He had never been called with such a cute title. Among all his titles, this was probably the one he loved the most. He dragged another chair and placed it in front of the chair he was seated on. ”Please take a seat, Rei-chan. We need to talk” he said in a slightly serious tone. Ranking up was a bit of a serious business and he would’ve preferred if Kaya hadn’t come.

Rei noticed Kaya right away, she dropped her rigid stance and scooped up the chibi sabertooth and began to rub her ears while she swung her back and forth a little like a baby. Jin greeted her and stood up, his tone was a bit serious so Rei knew something was up. She nodded and sat own in the offered chair, she thanked him and continued to hold Kaya and pet her while she listened to what Jin was going to say. What is it Nii-chan? Did Rei do something wrong? she wasn't super familiar with all of the laws and guild rules, but she hadn't done anything out of the ordinary.

Jin sat in front of Rei on the seat where he was seated before. Kaya was enjoying the attention of her most favorite person, so she was certainly happy. ”No no, you haven’t done anything wrong” said Jin as he picked up her file. ”On the contrary, you’ve done so many good things that you’ve earned a reward”, he said as he closed the file after looking through the jobs she had done so far. ”You’ve done well and helped many people. I believe magic is something wonderful and can do amazing things. So this is your C-rank exam Rei-chan, are you ready?” he said with a gentle smile. He wanted to keep the atmosphere light and explain anything and everything if she didn’t understand. Meanwhile, Kaya hadn’t paid much attention to what Jin had said, she was only focused on Rei’s hand.

Rei listened, a little worried at first. She thought she did something wrong, but Jin explained that it was quite the opposite, that brought the smile back to her face. Next, Jin had said something about a rank up test. So, she was going to be promoted to a higher ranked mage? It was a good thing and made Rei excited, though her smile disappeared a moment later. That would mean she would have to do jobs where it was impossible to use her magic. The thought about facing her magic and using it often bothered Rei. She frowned a bit unintentionally and stopped petting Kaya out of inner worry. Rei is worried about it.. she said in a low voice as she looked up at Jin a bit ashamed.

Jin didn’t understand the reason but he noticed the change in her expressions. Was she troubled by the exam? Or was something else on her mind? Despite his attempt to keep the atmosphere light, why was she being uneasy? May be he could let her calm down a bit and then continue the exam? ”Now now, no need to be worried. How about some red …. Velvet… ca…. Kaya?”. Even before Jin could complete his sentence, having heard the word ‘worried’ from Rei, Kaya suspected Jin of being rude to her. So not thinking ahead or considering the fact that Jin had never been rude to anyone. She jumped off of Rei’s lap and transformed into the giant saber tooth tiger as she stared angrily at Jin. ”Stop making Rei chan worry!” she said as she jumped ahead, closed her eyes and swung her paw with all her might. Having not expected an attack from his own pet, Jin took a direct hit. He was sent flying and crashing through furniture, finally stopping as he crashed against the wall.

Rei had noticed when Jin recognized her hesitance. Was she that visibly worried about her own magic when just thinking about it? Jin tried to comfort Rei by lessening the feeling of tenseness by offering some cake and words of consolation- Kaya seemed to have other opinions however. Rei's voice had been enough to worry the chibi sabertooth and the pet's protective instincts took over. She had jumped up in Rei's defense and closed her eyes in a sort of throwing a fit and swung her paw. Jin hadn't even registered the accidental attack, nor expected that kind of situation. Kaya's powerful paw had struck him square and knocked him clean off his chair, barely causing the chair to wobble as he was rocketed across the room to crash into some furniture on the other side of the room.

At first, Rei took had a blank expression, but she hadn't been the one to get hit, so her mind had registered what had happened. Knowing Kaya, both mages knew the loyal cat wouldn't have intentionally struck either of them with hostile intent, but Rei needed to do something should Kaya's fit go further. Quick thinking and action, faster than one would have expected from an eight year old girl, Rei jumped off her seat and tackled Kaya's furry side as she hugged the large kitty cat's neck. No Kay-chan, don't hurt Nii-chan! she exclaimed loud enough to get Kaya's attention, Rei dug her feet into the floor to get some footing and hugged the cat tight. She glanced over at Jin, likely staggering to his feet in confusion.

Jin coughed a bit as he managed to stay on his feet. It was quite a bit of damage though, he realized that Kaya was still physically stronger than he was; it was probably a good thing, under normal circumstances. While he remained puzzled as to what happened, Rei took it upon herself to calm Kaya down. Even though she wouldn’t listen to anyone normally but Rei’s current actions were more than just convincing. Kaya shrunk back to her normal size and hugged Rei with all her chibi might. Jin dusted himself and shook off the blunt damage he had taken. It was quite a bit but not that serious. ”Rei Miyako” he said in a serious tone but with a kind look in his eyes. That was the second time he said her full name, so she would probably understand it was something formal. He would wait until he would acquire her attention. After that, he would pat her on the head and smile: ”You pass”.

It was the kindness of her heart and her mental strength despite the sudden crisis that had impressed him. What more could be asked of her? He hadn’t planned this but he was slightly glad that it turned out this way. However, he would have preferred if he wasn’t sent flying but guess it was unavoidable. ”Now under normal circumstances, we ask our mages to do jobs. However, we are not so cruel as to ask you to do a job”, he said as he sat back on his seat. He didn’t find it necessary to scold Kaya, she must’ve felt sorry when she realized what had happened. ”However, this guild as you must’ve noticed has its system and government. So we need our mages to contribute as much as they can. So, I suggest you help out at the tavern and the kitchen, if you like”. Jin was not one to enforce his decision upon her, he could make a suggestion though, that was his intention.

Rei's attempt to calm Kaya had succeeded and Rei now held a chibi ashamed Kaya in her arms. Rei's own heart was racing with adrenaline and Kaya's was as well, though more shame that excitement for the cat. Jin had managed to hold his own even during being swatted away. he addressed Rei after it was all over in a serious tone, she patted Kaya and looked at him. He had a serious expression and then he told her that she had passed a test. Confused a bit, Rei found it difficult to think that Kaya's accident had been intentional in a test, but maybe Jin had decided she was worth her actions in quick decisions and the ability to stay level-headed in heated situations. In trith, she was happy to have passed without the use of magic, a great burden fell off her shoulders as she smiled and set Kaya down. Rei passed quickly! she exclaimed and then listened to Jin's explanation of duties within the guild. Hmmm Rei wants to help Nii-chan. she said in a matter of fact manner.

Jin slightly blushed when Rei expressed that she wanted to help him. Jin smiled and scratched the back of his neck nervously. ”In that case, it’ll be an honor to take responsibility for you, Rei-chan” he said with a smile. She already had a warm attitude towards him and was the one who called him with his favorite title: Ni-san. ”Alright, I’ll take care of the paper work. Why don’t you go meet Fira, Kaya lead the way, hmm?” he said in a kind manner. Jin was a married individual ever since he had become an Ace. Fira was the name of the dryad who had stepped up and married him. She was a kind lady, a slightly hot headed but still kind and warm like Jin. They were a good couple, even if she was impulsive and sometimes things got out of hand.

Kaya nodded and led the way to Jin’s quarters where Fira was probably doing some house chores. Jin then headed off to find Sophie and inform her about the entire procedure. Then he would have to go find Kakuma and inform her too since she was the actual guild master.

Reviewed and Approved by the GM