Pressure

"What do you mean it's horrible? Your caring keeps people safe! That...that's wonderful!" Fort hugged his wife. "I always knew your love was a superpower all on its own. It seems the Spell agrees with me." 

Noble winced.

The Spell. What was it doing to her?! 

First, she received the True Name meaning either that she was a child of promise or an inheritor of hope and then she got an attribute which meant that she could keep others safe by caring about them. 

Oh, and there was that evolved attribute that said some nonsense about the world bending to her will.

She had nearly forgotten that little detail. Altogether, the professor felt the weight of a mountain bearing down on her shoulders. How was she supposed to hold up against it?

"It's too much," Noble spoke through her fingers. 

Fort gently pulled his wife's hands away from her face. "What is?" 

"The pressure. I can feel it pressing down on me from all sides. It's like the Spell expects me to be something more than I am. I want to be a wife and mother... and a professor and duelist in my free time. But now I have to care about everyone and carry some kind of promise? Suddenly every feeling I have and move I make might mean life or death for someone else." Noble's head spun. 

The Director smothered a grin. "Isn't that a little dramatic?" 

"Is it?" The professor turned the question back on him. "What if I had been angry with you or somehow stopped loving you when Lorne tried to hit you with his Aspect? You might be the one with a hole in your chest instead of a hole in the ground." 

"You could never stop loving me any more than I could stop caring about you. It's impossible." Fort laughed softly. 

Unable to deny his logic, Noble reluctantly grinned. "Ok, fine. You will always be safe," her smile faded, "But I cannot keep everyone safe all the time."

"Nor should you. Your Attributes may have changed, but your responsibilities haven't. It is still both of our jobs to make our little part of humanity better than we found it. If you keep this in mind, you have already far exceeded your quota for life. You could retire, and no one would complain." Fort nudged Noble gently. "But you would never retire from being helpful, so these tools are just blessings to make your life easier." 

Taking a deep breath, Noble forced a smile. She didn't exactly agree with the Director's assessment, but it was far nicer to accept his explanation than worry that she was being set up for something she never wanted nor asked for.

"How is it that you always know just the right thing to say to make me feel better? She eyed him curiously. "If I didn't know otherwise, I would say you're secretly an Awakened and your Aspect is soothing my soul."

"Sorry to disappoint, but my talent is one hundred percent mundane." The man shrugged. "However it is always available to you any time you need it."

"Thank you. For everything." Noble rested her head lightly on Fort's shoulder and wrapped her arms gently around his shoulders.

Fort needed no more encouragement.

He lifted her off of the ground a little higher as he caught her up in his arms.

"Anything for you. I know you aren't a damsel in distress, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to defend you at all costs."

"You saved me today just by being alright." Noble released her husband. "I owe you so much."

"What kind of currency are we talking about here?" Fort winked, causing Noble to blush.

But before Noble could stutter out an answer, she was mercifully interrupted.

"Professor?" Bee Two had cracked the door. The sound of the android's voice was calm but wary.

"What is it?" Noble kept the concern out of her voice.

"There are two men out here to see you." The android kept the door barely open, ready to shut it at a moment's notice.

Fort stepped in front of his wife, ready to send away anyone who might disturb her.

But before he could issue the command, Noble patted his shoulder lightly.

"Who is it?"

"A solid Academy instructor and a boarish legacy." Bee Two answered cryptically.

Nodding, Noble patted any remnants of tears away from her cheeks. "Send in Instructor Rock, and ask our other guest to wait a moment." 

Rushing past Bee Two, the burly battle instructor barreled into the room.

"Professor Noble, are you alright?!"

Worry was written all over the man's face.

Noble smiled at his concern. "I'm fine. Everyone is fine other than the need for a few new wires."

"A student…Talitha, I think…came and told me she thought you were in need of help. I came as soon as I could and found all the security in the hall." Rock gave a nod of recognition to Fort. "I see you are in good company now."

"It's good to see you, Instructor Rock." The Director shook the other man's hand. "Yes, things are under control now."

"I am glad to hear it." Rock scanned the room. A few of the desks were out of place and there was a hole in the floor. The instructor frowned. "May I ask what happened?"

"You'll hear about it soon enough most likely. A crazed fan interrupted my class. The situation has been handled, and no one was seriously hurt." Noble tried to downplay what had occurred.

She of all people knew what could happen if the battle master got riled up. It was why she had asked for his help over anyone else's. 

Rock stayed silent for a moment, studying the pair before him. He could see from the couple's demeanors that the situation had rattled them. But in the end, he gave a curt nod,

"I see. Would you like me to notify the administration of this development? I would hate to leave them out of the conversation on how to improve our safety measures."

Really there wasn't much that could be done, Awakened were allowed in the Academy, so even though the man had been previously removed from the premises, he would have found a way in sooner or later.

Still, it would be good to have some protocol in place for the future. Not that crazy Awakened crashing courses would ever be a common occurrence.

At least, Noble hoped not…

"I would appreciate it if you notified them, Rock. Thank you. You are always so helpful." Noble dipped her head in gratitude. Her eyes softened. "I will miss you when you leave."

"You are leaving?" Fort was pulled from his private thoughts by the statement.

The battle instructor nodded. "After the solstice, I will challenge the Second Nightmare. Someone inspired me."

Rock shot the professor a half-smile.

"She inspires me too," Fort placed his hand on his chest before holding it out once more. "I wish you well on your trial. I hope to be congratulating you soon."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Rock stood a little straighter. "If there is nothing else."

The Instructor made a slight bow and headed up the stairs.

"He will be a good Master," Fort nodded after Noble's colleague.

"I agree." The professor smiled wistfully. Like many Awakened, Rock made the world a better place. She was lucky to know him. 

"Professor?" Bee Two imitated a human cough to get the woman's attention. 

"What? Oh, yes!" Noble's eyes opened a little wider. She had almost forgotten. Taking a seat behind her desk, Noble motioned toward the door. "Please send in our other guest."