Stand still

After thoroughly overthinking the situation and the view of Sandra she just couldn't look away from, Fiora had to resort to a mental timewaster. To that end, she simply started counting up from 1.

As she passed 620, a note appeared right in front of her face. Instinctively, she tried to grab it—and the note made an uninterrupted descent as Fiora did absolutley nothing.

Thinking quickly, she tried to read it in mid-air, but her eyes would not budge to follow the writing. The only thing she was able to observe before it left her gaze was Grand Master Valoi's name.

She cursed at herself, not only for the current immobility she'd been unpleasantly reminded of, but also for losing count. So she started again from 1, but she didn't even make it to 200 before another note appeared. She of course tried to read it again, but her focus was still fixed, and the paper was still not. She did make out one thing: 'eport you'...she didn't catch the beginning of that first word, but her currently-antsy mind jumped to a conclusion.

Report me? But it's not time for—unless he's expelling me! No way! Can't he see that I've improved? I've improved! I recited a spell and it functioned exactly as written! On multiple targets, on myself even! I couldn't have done this without his help...he can't...I have to convince him...once I'm free from this damn hold I'll head right over and talk to him. What to say...

As she planned out the future conversation in her head, she couldn't help but stare at Sandra's sweet smile. I mean, look at Sandra. She literally just lets me use her as target practice, and she even took it with a smile this time! Not a hint of worry that I can see. She believes in me, why can't he!? Maybe I should take Sandra when I talk to him... or... maybe n—

Fiora's train of thought was interrupted as she suddenly teleported away—the flash of light stung her unblinking eyes, and she had to wait a second to regain her sight. But she quickly recognized her new location.