Determined Backgrounds

As the bright sun illuminates the entirety of the school, Haruto and Lila oversee the interactions of numerous students, some human, while others are of a fantasy sort. 

Haruto, however, can't forget what he saw sprawled on Lila’s door earlier. He wiggles to get her attention; it works as Lila feels and sees Haruto lightly tapping her waist. Lila goes back to the main hall of the school as a door appears next to her. She opens it as Haruto sees it’s a bathroom gifted by the building.

Both enter, with Lila grabbing Haruto firmly.

“Telepathia.”

“Lila, you there?” Haruto says.

“Yes. Is there something you need Haruto? Did you get scared by some of the students here? I get freaked out when I see the gargoyles seeing everything.”

“No. But I wanted to ask if you’re okay. Especially those hurtful words that were etched on your door.” 

Lila’s pupils constrict after she hears.

“It’s something I’m used to.” Lila responds.

“This is something you shouldn’t even be used to. You need to tell someone about this, it’s borderline abuse.” Haruto says with care.

“Listen Haruto, I should have told you this when we first met.” Lila says as her eyes show disappointment.

“What is it, Lila?”

“I’m…I’m…I’m the worst student in this school!” Haruto’s eyes widen as he hears this.

“I barely pass my classes, I can hardly recite the spells, I..I’m just a pathetic sorceress. To this day, people say it was even a miracle I even got into this school.”

“Lila…”

“When I summoned you to improve my spell casting, that’s also frowned upon here. People see me as needing cheats or being too dumb to learn.”

Lila begins to cry as she hugs Haruto. Knowing this exact pain hits close to home for Haruto. Prioritizing gaming, fantasy reading, and even chatroom debates on certain aspects for fantasy worlds.

“Lila, you’re not alone there. Remember how I mentioned before how I struggled, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m also the worst in my entire school. It’s a big part of why my social and home life were bad. But there’s something I always focused on Lila.” Haruto valiantly says.

“Huh?”

“Having hope Lila. I never give up, even if something is so tough. I pushed through all those that mocked me or attempted to put me down.”

“Even the teachers, Haruto?” Lila says sadly.

“Especially them. Know this, those people who call themselves educators but just put their own students down are garbage. I showed them that when I pass, you can too when you practice over and over for spells.”

“Thank you, Haruto.” Lila begins to smile once again.

“You’re welcome, Lila. Tell me this, has anyone actually gotten someone like me to be a wand before or is it exclusive to people in this world?” Haruto raises an eyebrow.

“Well, when I casted that summoning spell, it was meant to find someone or something that had enough hope from this world. But I think I did it wrong and I pulled you from your world.” Haruto shows signs of happiness in his eyes.

“Sounds to me you have talent Lila. I think you’re the first sorceress to ever do this. You should be proud; I don’t mind being your companion. It’s a dream come true.”

“Heh…You certainly are a true hopeful guy. You’re the sweetest Haruto.” Lila hugs Haruto. As this happens, Haruto glows a light blue aura. Not noticing it, a strand of the aura seems to wipe away Lila’s tears. Their hug is interrupted as the exit of this summoned bathroom appears.

“Oh no, I think it’s a dean. Talk to you later Haruto. Finis Telepathiae.”

The exit fully forms as a tall man, wearing an all-red gown with rings and markings of the school's name glowing on his clothes arms. His face is of a middle-aged man with a stern demeanor, but with hair combed back. He sees Lila getting up.

“H…Hello Sir Azrael.” Lila stares in fright.

“Lila. I finally got the chance to talk to you. The building wouldn’t let me approach you until you finished your business.”

“Yes sir. Do you need me for something?”

“It’s your midterm Lila; you need to finish it today and must go into the Smoky Woods right now!” Azrael says sharply.

“Yes sir. I…was getting ready to go.” Lila says shakily.

“Remember Lila, this is your final chance to stay here. If you don’t do this, you’ll be expelled and sent home to your farming village.” Sternly said.

“I understand sir. I’m going.” Lila exits the bathroom as the Dean follows behind.

Lila walks through the halls as the Dean is behind her. This gets the unfortunate stares of some students and their stubborn conclusions.

“Is that girl finally going to leave?” A lamia girl says.

“Let’s hope she’s expelled for disgracing us sorcerers.” A male elf says.

But Lila is not fazed. She looks on with determination and has Haruto by her side. Haruto looks on too as he is more determined than ever to assist Lila. As the make it to the main entrance, Lila holds Haruto close to her cheek.

“Let’s prove everyone wrong, Haruto.” Lila smiles as Haruto blushes.

Haruto wiggles to comply with Lila’s statement.

“I know you can’t hear me now Lila, but let’s do this!”

Lila preps up her cloak on her and puts on her head. What was once a sad girl, is now a determined one, as Lila sees a sign for the Smoky Woods. Only 1 mile away, it is visible from her point of view as tall oak trees and shrubs are enveloped with a smoky fog. Haruto’s hope causes him to glow slightly as Lila looks on.

“Haruto, we need to get a common gold coin from a troll. He has many but every student needs one to prove they know how to get past them.”

Haruto wiggles as Lila’s destination are now closer as she approaches her only chance at staying and proof for having a great use of Hope.