Endless Limits

It's a beautiful sunny day of the new term as I walk to school. Let's just hope I am not stuck with that cat shifter troublemaker alone all morning like I was last year. I am pretty sure I am going to have to deal with her, regardless.

After a long summer, I'll get to see Shadow again. That should help me get through my day. I don't have many friends, and those two can't be any more opposites. Maybe I need more friends? I really can’t wait to see what my new schedule at Brown Forest High School will be.

I enter the building and approach the front desk reception. “Is my schedule ready? I'm in tenth grade.” I stand there as she checks on a list.

“By your ears, I wager you're Flint Ashfall?” she smirks. My ears perk up from my hood, then fold back as she chuckles. I force a nod to hide my embarrassment. “Yours is ready, Dear. Head on over to the main office to pick it up. Enjoy your year.”

“I will and good luck with the freshmen this year,” I return cheekily. She smiles, then shifts her focus to the person entering behind me. As I follow her directions, I see Shadow and Lily are already there. It’s not surprising, they live closer to the school than I do.

As I approach them, Lily turns, and offers me a big hug. Due to her shorter height, her arms practically wrap around my torso, just above my waistline. Lily purrs, “Oh I am so happy to see you again!” She looks up at me, “Took you long enough to get here!” she huffs, leaving Shadow to sigh.

“Nice to see you as well, Lily,” I smile as she releases me.

“So, how many classes will we all have together?” she peeps excitedly. She’s overly happy right now and I can’t blame her. She likely already knows which classes she has with Shadow.

While we were distracted, the woman at the office was apparently preparing my files. She hands them to me, and smiles as I turn to her. I blink at not having to announce myself and we thank her before heading off.

“Well, I can’t say unless I see your schedules as well,” I note. We leave the office and walk over to the common area to sit down. We chat excitedly as we share our schedules.

“Looks like we only have two classes all together. It seems I’ll be with Lily more as I only have three classes with Shadow.”

Shadow looks up “At least I won't be stuck with this troublemaker all day,” he teases. He's right, though I've never really seen her hurt anyone, just performs little pranks. I doubt she would ever purposefully do anything harmful; she merely likes to have fun when she's 'bored'.

“Hey! I am not that bad!” Lily pouts in objection.

“Yes Lily, you're not that bad. Though we should look around and get used to our schedule before our three-day probation is up.” Shadow merely nods, he's never been big on conversation.

We wander around the school, look around, and notice we’re not the only ones. Many shifters and other students are wandering the halls. We spot some of the smarter ones from last year as we head into first our class together. First day of class is never that exciting. The teacher introduces the curriculum, goes over expectations, books, projects, and assignments.

I head out with Shadow into our Linguistics class, and we’re being split into different groups depending on our language choice.

They group me with an Angel and Shadow as I'm one of the few in school who knows Demon languages. I know another language which few seem to be aware of, but it's not being offered this year. From the student list, I notice at least one fellow classmate seems to be missing. With students switching classes in the next few days, I am likely to see some new faces this week.

The first few minutes include an icebreaker session. Which is easy if you've had an eventful break like me, whereas Shadow mumbles he merely spent the summer training. Our new angelic classmate chimes that her race trains a lot as well. Arariel is a Protectorate candidate, and about the same age as Shadow. Her specialty is medicine, however. It’s rare for Angels to focus on healing instead of combat. She tells us this amazing story of how she acquired her necklace. I am surprised she’s friendly and not offended by Shadow right away. They are, after all, opposite races. We're only the second generation since the war, there is still a lot of animosity and racial tension. She’s unlike any other Angel I’ve heard of. She’s not abrasive, aggressive, elitist or a snob. I've heard rumours of how they generally look down on most people. Arariel is the opposite of my expectations, she's rather kind and gentle. I think Lily would like her.

The class ends up being more of a cultural exchange than language studies, but it's fun learning more about each other. There seems to be four other groups. The teacher is happily going on about how this is the biggest class she's had and looks forward to what we'll learn.

The bell rings. Sadly, class ends, and there's a collective groan as we're forced to move on to our next lesson.

I'm a little nervous about heading into Geography alone. I never realize just how much I appreciate my friends until I'm in a class of strangers. As the only Fire Fox in school, while I stand out, I'm not very popular. I like my small cluster of friends.

I focus on the subject matter, ignoring the nameless faces around me. This class is just as much fun as the last class. We're learning the history of the region as much as its physical features. We learn that races tend to cluster together. The Gnome Enclave and Dwarven Halls are the closest regions to our town. There are trade routes to the Forrest Spirits, Elven Empire, Fox Dens, and Dragon Nations. That's where I came from. I smile as I'm reminded of home. The furthest racial group are the Elementals. Due to the distance, and the threat from Goblins and Orcs, trade routes are protected. Occasionally some evil Demon rises up, causing havoc, and militia are summoned to deal with the new threat to the overall peace we enjoy. It's only been a generation since the last great war. Peace is still fragile here. This is why we have Angels among our people. They make up the bulk of military ranks. Their powers of light and protection keep us safe from those that would threaten our lives. 'Good Demons' like my friend Shadow are a rare sight. Fortunately, his family is well known in these parts, others tend to face a lot of racial bias.

Magic surrounds our daily lives. Long-range communication is controlled by the magical community. It's the only safe way to send messages. Their magical portal network is strictly controlled. There are no means of ground mass transportation, not outside of the city. The few rough roads between towns are rife with thieves and airships can get shot down. The Dwarven and Gnome underground tube system is the second most secure form of getting around the nation.

However, Elves and Druids are constantly petitioning for cleaner technologies, claiming the underground races pollute the environment. This has kept the Dwarves and Gnomes from expanding their transportation system, as the Council is always scrutinizing their plans. The gnomes are trying to implement new technologies, but are constantly road-blocked by needing the energy source to be natural. Combustion is forbidden. If it produces smoke, it can't be used, and finding better ways to make steam without fire is a challenge. We don't use wood, coal or other forms of fuel to heat or cook. The Arcane rule our lives, we can't even have a campfire without a special permit. Towns are scattered along mountain ranges, as geothermal steam power is the dominant non-magical form of energy.

This is where my life gets complicated. As a fire caster, being able to wield my magic, without burning things, is strictly forbidden. Do you have any idea how hard it is to cast a fire spell without burning something? This has been my dilemma since my powers came into being at puberty.

The bell ringing breaks me from my brooding. As we exit class, my feelings drift to food, I've not eaten since I left home. It's a long walk, and I am a growing boy. Lily constantly teases me about how I eat nearly twice as much as she does.

As I catch up with my friends, Lily suddenly ducks behind me as Arariel approaches us. I blink and look back at my friend. Is she afraid? I've never seen my feline friend this afraid of anyone, but it's clear she's using me as a barrier between her and our new angelic classmate.

"Do you mind if I sit with you?" Arariel asks, looking around nervously.

"Not at all," I motion to the table. Lily peeps and tries to hide more.

I know it's uncommon for Angels to live outside of their sky communities. Arariel is by far the friendliest, and most attractive classmate I've met so far. Each time I move, Lily is clearly using me as a barrier. It's as frustrating as it's comical. She's even keeping me between her as we sit side-by-side at the table.

"So, is Lily always this shy around new people?" Arariel queries after I try to introduce them.

"No, she's usually a lot more friendlier than this," I frown, then look down at my friend, "What's gotten into you today?" She merely shakes her head and looks down at the table. Okay, this is not typical of Lily's behaviour. I need to see what's bothering her later.

"If anything, I'd say she's blushing," Shadow teases her. She makes herself smaller in response.

I look down as she's now in her cat form. "You going to be able to finish eating in that form?" I tease. She responds with a sad meow. Her ears are flat and her tail curls around my back, looking for support. I reach down and she relaxes as I pet her. "You are adorable, you know that?" I pull her closer and continue to pet my friend. She responds with a happy purr and snuggles in beside me.

Arariel tries to look past me. "I heard cat shifter's excel in illusion magic. I think that she's rather cute, don't you Flint?"

“We met Lily last year when we arrived at this school, we're good friends," I smile. The Angel blinks. "No, we're not dating." I look down at my second best friend, "She's usually not this shy..."

"No, she's generally pretty mischievous and loves pranks," Shadow grumbles. "I'm rather enjoying a peaceful lunch without her jabbering." Lily glares at him. Her ears pull back, and she growls slightly. She calms down as I continue to pet her.

"Maybe she just needs time to warm up to me? My parents have said I'm the only Angel student in this school. I understand if my presence is a little intimidating." She tries to look past me at Lily again, "Please don't be afraid of your new Biology teacher, she's my mother."

"I didn't see Biology in her schedule this term, you're the only intimidating Angel she'll know," Shadow grins teasingly.

"Considering she's friends with a Demon, I can't be that intimidating," she digs back playfully.

"Oooh, touché," he mockingly clutches his heart, and we all laugh. I smile. I like our new Angel classmate; I see us becoming friends.

“So, Flint, how was your Geography class?” Shadow changes the topic.

“It went well, we covered surprisingly a lot for our first class.”

"Well, when you get a Gnome going, it's really hard to get them to stop," Arariel grins, causing us to laugh.

“Be sure to tell me all about it during study period, Flint? We can compare notes,” Shadow grins.

“I will,” I smile. Even in the same grade, a Gnome never teaches class the same way twice.

“Good,” Shadow focuses on his backpack, preparing for his next class.

“What other classes do have do you have?” Arariel's voice is soft, almost alluring, so much sweeter than Shadow's rough gravelly tone, being a Demon. Lily's voice is higher pitched, almost a painful squeak when she's excited.

“Well, after Break, I have Social Studies, Gym, then Combat Training.”

“So, we'll be in some of the same classes then!” she smiles.

“Seems so," I return her smile. "I'm glad we met. Like you, there are so few like me here. Starting in a new school isn't always easy. I'll be happy to be your friendly face if you need one."

"Definitely nice to no longer feel so alone," she returns with a disarming smile. "Maybe I can get to know Lily better?" she chimes. We chuckle as our friend replies with a little mew.

As the bell rings, Lily returns to her humanoid form, hugs me quickly and excuses herself before dashing off. She's acting so strange; I've never seen her this shy around someone. I walk with Arariel to social studies as we talk about our families -- seeing as she opened up about her mother being a teacher. Her father, as expected, is in the militia, while her mother prefers the natural sciences: biology, natural development, healing, and even wrote a paper on evolution in college. We don't get far into my family life, as the bell rings.

Social studies picks up where geography left off, but on the political side of things. With the Elves, Dragons and Spirits controlling most of the High Council, social development progresses slowly, as they're trapped by tradition, routines, and rituals. The Gnomes trying to push our technological advancements are frowned upon. Most feel like they are trying to push too much, and our economy won't be able to sustain it. It's expensive to maintain the mechanisms and geothermal tubes. Many are worried about injuries, or burns. My mind wanders. How can we make a safer technology that doesn't require gears or steam?

Arariel notices and taps my shoulder. "What's on your mind?" she whispers almost musically.

“How will the Gnomes develop technology without moving parts? The biggest complaint about these safety measures from the Council is that buildings get bigger, as you need access corridors to get into the machinery..."

The teacher walking along our row interrupts us, "Something you would like to share, young Flint?"

"No?" I suddenly cringe at being singled out.

He smiles at me, "You two seem to be getting along, how about you pair up for your first assignment?"

We nod, and he places the worksheet on her desk. I shift my chair, sliding my tails to the side comfortably, so that we can work together. My ears shift with my eyes as I glance around the class. I see him pair other groups.

Interestingly enough, the assignment is on topic with what we were discussing: technology. Our project is to propose an energy solution that doesn't involve steam. Clearly, we've reached the peak of science for steam-powered gearworks. What else could we use instead? Considering my nature, this is a make-or-break challenge for me. I frown.

Arariel frowns, "I hope you're good at this because I only know about soft things. I was raised on medicine and biology; all this mechanical stuff is foreign to me."

"Well, it has been on my mind since geography this morning..." I return with a disarming smile.

The first, obvious solution is to use magic to power devices, like how arcane furnaces heat and cook where steam heat is not available. The problem lies in mundane communities where magic is harder to find. Therein lies the cost of expensive enchantments that can be triggered without magical aptitude. I then admit my problem. Being a fire caster who's not allowed to burn things. My enchantment skills suck. Outside of mobility spells, my abilities wouldn't be able to help most people. I'm not the only caster with such limitations, either. Self restraint is favorable to dampening bracers.

Something triggers and I smile. I look up at our teacher, "Can we speak with Mrs. Finglespark?"

He blinks at us, "Your Math teacher? What help would she provide in this assignment?"

"Well, if magic isn't the solution, there's bound to be another one with science," Arariel catches on. "I like the way you think," she nudges me and smiles.

Mr. Towerfall looks thoughtful for a moment, then nods. "Granted, provided you're not disturbing her during class." We both grin, and nod expectantly. "Yes, you may go check now if you like," he rolls his eyes.

"Yes!" we both exclaim together.

We excuse ourselves and try to keep our voices down as my new friend is suddenly excited we'll be working on science. I get the feeling she was dreading Social Studies; that numbers are more her thing than politics. Now that I've proposed a scientific option, she's all for it.