A bit later, when his food was finished, Michio decided to discuss something he was curious about. He looked at Ruth and said, "Ms. Euphoria said earlier that we'd be competing. Any idea what kind of competitions we'll be in for?"
Ruth took her last bite of lettuce, and chewed thoughtfully. "Well, seeing as we're in a controlling class, I'd imagine that it would be something about self discipline."
"Maybe," he said, stroking his chin once, a tick he picked up from his father. "But would self discipline alone alone qualify for a competition rather than a normal grade?" He wasn't trying to argue, mainly just thinking aloud.
"Well, perhaps it's just how she prefers to grade?" Ruth said, thoughtfully. "You know, seeing how the students react under pressure?"
"Though, I will admit, it does seem rather cruel. Playing with our stress levels like that." Ruth said.
"Maybe everyone comes out of this with better stress management skills because of the stress we're going to endure," he mused. "After all, that is important, especially for us."
Meanwhile, at the far end of the Table, Tommy was sleeping. Out like a light. The hours of not sleeping caught up to him finally.
A smile cracked her lips, and she laughed slightly. She noticed the boy sleeping at the far end, and she thought to herself for a moment. "Hold on.." she said, concentrating. She pressed her hands together, and slowly pulled them apart. A white, fluffy cloud grew, a cumulus. It flew to Tommy, and covered him gently, turning his dreams sweet.
Azure sat down next to Ruth and gave a smirk. She didn't have a tray which might mean she finished eating. "So what are you two love birds going on about?" She removed her hood is when she sat down.
He muttered something in his sleep as the cloud covered him, barely audible. "Don't whiff on the ultra...... he's got full meter...." His watch alarm suddenly went off, and he quickly snapped awake.
"We're not.." Ruth started, a blush immediate on her cheeks, matching the red of her hair. She waved a hand to make the cloud disappear. She knew from experience how disconcerting it was to wake up in a cumulus.
"So...thunder and lightning? Well... I specialize in dark/black magic and brewing... I'm Azure if you didn't know." She held out her hand to Ruth.
Tommy sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, giving another small yawn as he dipped his finger into his water. His finger moved in circles as he mixed it, pulling it out, watching the water drip from it.
"Yeah..." He watched as the water dripping from his hand turned to ice, splashing a bit in the glass of water. "I'm awake."
