[center]Ellie followed along to the detention room. It was not her first sojourn to that place. She even, somewhat, anticipated a return to it. Certainly, when news reached her parents, there would be disappointment, until she explained the situation. Then there would be understanding; perhaps approval and praise. A light smile touched on her otherwise somber countenance. [color=90EE90][i]I upheld my code. You must uphold yours.[/i][/color] The thought was directed at the girl's back. The sword-wielder. [color=90EE90]"What is your name?"[/color] She had not thought to ask, until now, though they had been ushered to the nurse's office; afforded a fair amount of time, given that Ellie refused to be treated. [color=90EE90][i]My wounds are fairly earned,[/i][/color] she remembered thinking.

 Sword-girl turned her head, just enough to watch Ellie with her periphery; light from above catching on a crimson iris, spreading on it in a scythe's blade. [color=FF00FF]"My name is Aurora Greenspan. I serve as commander of the Sixth Disciplinary Enforcement Squad."[/color] Having said that, she turned. [color=90EE90][i]She must be powerful,[/i][/color] her title, alone, did not inspire that thought, [color=90EE90][i]to have the confidence to walk ahead of us. Usually, they follow along behind.[/i][/color] Ellie looked to the row of lockers at her left, though that was not her true target. Seisil walked behind them. 

 Despite having his jaw fixed, he had not spoken to any of them. Ellie did, however, feel the scathing brush of his eyes against her back from time to time. [color=90EE90][i]He despises me. It's likely that he'll attempt to engage me, again, at some point. I should be prepared. Now that he knows of the Snapper, he'll attempt to formulate a way to defeat me.[/i][/color] His face, pleasant to look at, was in a natural neutrality. Ellie couldn't look at him, for long. A knot formed in her stomach and her hands tightened when she did. [color=90EE90][i]If he does choose to continue down this path, I'll have to be more forceful.[/i][/color] Her right hand twitched, at that; an involuntary action that made the girl pause, for a moment. 

 Osman whispered from her right, stopping with her. [color=FAFAD2]"Hey, you alright?"[/color] A quizzical noise escaped her, also muted in its delivery, along with a cocked eyebrow. Her new friend was all smiles, despite the situation. [color=FAFAD2]"It's just, y'know, you looked real serious for a second. Just making sure you're ok, champ,"[/color] Ellie smiled softly and resumed her stride, wary of furthering Aurora Greenspan's ire. Osman hopped into motion alongside her, Seisil keeping his distance. [color=FAFAD2]"Just checking. I, uhm, if anything is ever up..."[/color] She kept her eyebrow high, hands sliding into her pockets, [color=FAFAD2]"You can talk to me."[/color]

 [color=90EE90]"I'm fine, Osman,"[/color] she kept her voice low, as well, [color=90EE90]"and I appreciate it. Thank you. If something comes up, I'll..."[/color] Ellie hesitated, casting her eyes ahead, [color=90EE90]"I'll talk to you."[/color] Her face flushed, a little. It was embarrassing, for some reason. Very few people had extended that offer to her. Most of them professional trainers; substitutes for when her father was otherwise occupied. [color=90EE90][i]I shouldn't take it lightly. Having someone my own age to talk to might be nice.[/i][/color] Ahead of her, Aurora had slowed; her arms crossed and her stance again one of imperious command. 

 [color=FF00FF]"This is where you will be spending the rest of your day,"[/color] the Sixth Squad Commander pointed to a door at her left, eyes full of intensity boring into the three, [color=FF00FF]"I will be filing a report on the incident. Your parents will be informed. Have a pleasant stay."[/color] Osman drew in a sharp breath, muttering with his head hanging low. Ellie remained stoic. Seisil seemed intent on doing the same. [color=FF00FF]"Excellent,"[/color] came Aurora's judgment, [color=FF00FF]"I am glad you understand the situation. Proceed inside."[/color]

 They did as bid, passing through the door only to be met by the verbose accusations of Miss Bowers. Aurora stared at the teacher for a moment, offering a slow nod and looking around over those confined in the room before departing. Osman sighed, scratching the back of his head. Seisil slid around them, eyes un-focused on the distance, taking an isolated seat. Another voice came from the teacher, followed by the transmogrification of withered-and-old to young-and-amused. Ellie understood, fairly quickly, but remained expressionless.

 Ellie had seen Felicity Day, a few times, usually in this particular room, but it had never been prefaced by her being another person. [color=90EE90]"Excellent work."[/color] She offered that during the outburst of praise and chatter. Felicity ruffled Osman's hair, earning an embarassed blush and half of a protesting remark from him. [color=90EE90]"I wasn't aware that it was your Tablet Power."[/color] Ellie made a mental note of that, as she often did with those she encountered. 

 A boy called out, from the back, someone that Ellie didn't recognize. [color=90EE90][i]Judging by his vernacular, he seems like the 'laid-back' type of person.[/i][/color] Osman smiled broadly, catching Ellie's eye. A quick look in the direction of the boy served as his nudge. She understood well enough. She began walking, Osman walking beside but slightly behind. [color=FAFAD2]"If you want to see a champ, man, she's right here,"[/color] this time, he did nudge her, [color=FAFAD2]"her name's Ellie. She stepped in to help me out, today. Knocked Seisil, y'know, that guy over there, out in [i]one punch[/i]."[/color] He pointed, for emphasis, at the pretty boy. Ellie's face flushed, and she lowered her head; taking a seat at their table, across from the boisterous duo. Osman slid into a seat next to her, beaming. [color=FAFAD2]"It was [i]amazing[/i]."[/color] He seemed to remember something. [color=FAFAD2]"Oh, right, hahaha, my name's Osman!"[/color]

 [color=90EE90]"Hello,"[/color] she didn't want to go so far as to restate her name, [color=90EE90]"thank you for inviting us to sit with you."[/color] From across the room, she could again feel the caress of hateful eyes. [color=90EE90][i]Seisil. Observing me. Observing us. It's possible he'll target Osman, again. I should stay close to him.[/i][/color] Part of her had already made that decision, figuring that the enthusiastic boy would be intent on becoming an actual friend to her. That wasn't an unwelcome thought. 

However, she had something to attend to. This time, Aurora's presence wasn't a factor. She turned and met the boy's gaze evenly; her body immediately tensing. Waves of disdain practically distorted the air around him, despite his calm demeanor. Blue eyes, filled with chained wrath, bored into her. Her own stare, flat and a dull shade of brown held only defiance. Defiance of whatever oppression he planned wield against them. [color=90EE90][i]He may be dangerous.[/i][/color] Neither of them blinked. Slowly, she looked away. Seisel did the same, just after she did.

 She had opened her mouth, but an interruption came quickly. One of the boys moved away. Felicity moved to once more imitate Miss Bowers, beginning an eerily accurate imitation of a scathing lecture. The door opened and a relatively small boy was shoved into the room. Ellie bristled, but only slightly; watching the large Disciplinary Committee Member's brutish method of handling his peer. Her heart melted as the boy's expression slightly changed and a low whine came from him.[/center]