We were eating and chatting comfortably before Professor Phoenix and the others returned. Now that we were at safe levels, we could walk around or sit without our belts. We placed Elsa and Fuwa in what we found out was a familiar cot that these specific planes had.
It would give them a safe place to rest while rejuvenating their magic levels and not using my energy in the process.
We all focused our attention on the three individuals. Professor Phoenix was holding a glass of red wine while Miss Electra carried a glass of white. The man who I'd assumed was named Raphael wasn't carrying anything, but his arm was casually resting around Professor Phoenix's waist.
It intrigued me with the cold upfront appearance that he seemed to easily show affection without it being very noticeable.
"Aren't the five of you excited?!" Miss Electra cheered before sipping more of her alcoholic beverage. "It's not every day that demigods get treated to an all-expenses-paid trip to the land of luxury!"
I looked to the others before I took the leadership role in the conversation.
"We don't quite understand why we're headed on a fully-paid trip," I confessed for all of us. "There wasn't really an explanation in the letter and we've never heard of anyone else getting rewarded with the opportunity,"
Professor Phoenix nodded as a smile took over her fine red lips.
"Every Semester Six teams that successfully passes their exam and scores well overall gets treated to a sponsored vacation. It's kept secret because your trip, or reward for passing is based on who sponsors you. Some teams go outside of town for trips to cottages or the country life, while others get luxurious trips to Dubai, the Netherlands, Tokyo, and so forth," she explained. "We keep it private due to the fact you will never be able to tell where you're going until you're about to take off. This keeps the trips private until all students are on their way or at their destined locations."
"The secrecy aids in ensuring no foul play happens when a team or group of teams end up going somewhere that doesn't fit their standards after realizing fellow teams got a better bargain or in this case, sponsorship," Miss Electra explained.
"So does that mean Mia, Miya, and their boyfriends are also on a trip?" I genuinely asked.
"Yes." Professor Phoenix nodded. "They're taking a tour of China, Japan, and Korea."
"Wow," we replied, and I was praying they would take pictures for us to see.
"Are we allowed to share where we went when we get back?" Finnick inquired.
"Yes," Miss Electra replied. "There's no need for secrecy once you return. I like watching the scrunched faces when some find out others got dream vacations because of their hard work."
"How does the sponsorship work?" Kaito asked. "Was it due to our performance?"
"Yes," Professor Phoenix answered. "While all of you were recovering from your exams, sponsors were able to come forward and sponsor one team. They review your performance, tactics, magic technique, and the overall outcome of the exam. They then determine what you can achieve and the place of your vacation is based on such."
"Meaning we're going to Dubai to help any weakness we had?" Connor clarified.
"Somewhat," Miss Electra spoke up. "Not all sponsors have the intention of aiding in your improvement. It varies from them wanting to empower you with a nice vacation, to others who could be wanting to make a personal deal with you or your team."
"Personal deal," Jax repeated. "When do we know what their intentions are?"
"Sometimes you don't," Miss Electra replied. "Sponsors are a little tricky about that, but then again, they are covering all your expenses from food to living for the next two months."
"Then we'll come back a month and a bit before school starts back up," Kaito confirmed.
"Yes. You'll have to rejuvenate from the vacation as well because of the time difference, jet lag, and preparation for Semester Seven. It's also done to give you some time to catch up with your families and friends, and to end the summer on a happy note," Professor Phoenix summarized.
"Then why did you three come along?" Finnick inquired. "No offense obviously, but aren't you guys supposed to be on vacation?"
"All teams need chaperones," Professor Phoenix stressed. "You're under Witchling Academy protection when it comes to these trips and it's our duty to ensure they go smoothly. We haven't had any issues in the past, but having a chaperone helps."