The crowd jeered and began to scream out the different team captain names, applauding their groups, even beginning to place their own bets on each squad amongst each other. She laughed giddily at the prospect of the crowd bickering amongst one another, though Manor remained focused on the screens, hoping his students could do well within this event.
—
Dante stood still as he watched the flames from the explosion and looked back to the group with a face of bewilderment. He seemed shocked that such a plan worked, but more so shocked about him hitting the target. His eyes shined with a bright brilliance before turning to Iris and cheering.
"Did ya see that Iris? Did you see!? I totally killed that right!?"
"U-uh yeah. Good shot there…Dante."
Iris quickly moved to pick up the pieces of materia on the ground as Azuri went to check in on Nolan who seemed to have slowed a bit from the use of his spell. She slowly floated down from her position and monitored his status.
"Your spell was very useful, you have a good eye." Azuri said as she approached Nolan. He'd begun to wipe his eyes, trying to adjust to the aftereffects of the spell. She placed her hand on his head and closed her eyes, causing Nolan to be shocked at the action, flushing his face in red. Jarrett watched as he scoffed at the two and grumpily picked up materia along the ground.
"Just stay calm and let me help you."
'O-okay…"
He sat quietly as her hand began to glow the same color they'd seen before. She began to chant before finishing her spell, causing an instant relief to be brought to Nolan's eyes and stamina.
"Restitutio"
His eyes widened as she took her hand off of his head and gave him a small smile, seeing as he'd been fully restored with her magic, Dante watched from a distance as he picked up some materia himself, seeing the light and becoming more curious about not only the magic she was using, but how she was able to cast without a wand.
"She's not using a wand, like Bernard…"
"Typically, healing magic is very hands-on. Since she uses a form of light magic, she's naturally able to heal at a more proficient level than most."
Dante snapped his head to see Iris casually explaining how her magic was working in the moment, he knew she was diligent, but this was completely out of his understanding. She looked at him and looked away quickly, turning her head aside.
"W-what, it's just how certain magic works. You should know this…"
"I'm just surprised how well versed you are. When you aren't being feisty."
"Feisty–!"
"Yeah, you know when you get all snippy with me?"
"I-I don't try to–!"
Her face flushed a bright red from the memories of their constant bickering, but the words of Alma tracked in her mind once more as she looked at Dante.
"Hey now, I didn't say that's what it was. It's just a possibility. I think you should give the guy a chance, he wants to work with you and seems willing to work out your differences…why not do the same?"
The words repeated clearly within her head as he continued to pick up the scattered materia, inspecting each one and looking at the differences. She shook her head quickly at the thought before Azuri appeared in front of the two without a sound, causing Iris to step back quickly.