Aot Boarding School
Erwin Smith was sitting at his desk, finishing up paperwork for the incoming students. He was also finishing up papers for the outgoing students—the ones that had been killed.
The situation on campus was rising tremendously. This school couldn't deal with further negatives on their reputation. His pencil broke in mid-write, and he cursed under his breath. His phone buzzed, and a feminine voice spoke, "Professor Levi Ackerman here to see you, sir."
Erwin tossed his broken pencil, and pressed the buzzer. "Right, yes. Send him in Amy." He removed his finger from the buzzer, and pulled out a new pencil from his desk drawer. The door opened, and a man appeared. He was on the short side, and he had on a white thin jacket splattered with paint. His hair was dark, and it always seemed he had a natural scowl.
Professor Levi approached, Headmaster Erwin rising to greet him. Erwin was much taller than the man, his blonde hair slicked back professionally. He shook hands with the professor. "Good morning, Professor. What can I do for you?"
Levi eyed the buzzer. "Is that thing turned off, Headmaster? This is important."
Erwin nodded. "I figured—and yes, it is."
Levi sighed, "We are no closer to finding out the whereabouts of the killer, sir."
Erwin plopped back down into his chair, and rubbed his temples. "You've got to be joking. It's been months, Ackerman."
"Just because it's been months, doesn't mean we aren't trying. Sir, we haven't seen anyone suspicious, and no one has shown signs of any motives. The one murdering your students is hidden well."
Erwin grunted, "Hidden too well for my liking. Eight students have died in the past four months. If word gets out…if more parents…look, many students have dropped out of this school. If this continues on, I may not have a school to run, and I don't want to lose anymore of my students."
"I'm well aware, Headmaster." Levi went on, "My agents are doing what they can."
Erwin shook his head, "But are they?" He rose again, towering over the professor. "I've had you as the art teacher for some time now, Ackerman, and the original professor is getting restless."
Levi grunted as a response. "Tch. I expected as much."
"And Lily…"
Levi perked up at the mention of the name, a scowl on his face. "What about her?"
"I still question why you brought her with you. Her being here seems to distract you. She also distracts…"
Levi interrupted. "That is my business, Headmaster. Just like this school is yours. Now as I've told you, this killer is exceptional. He killed off those other agents you brought in, if you remember."
Erwin tensed, knowing how right the man was. "Yes. He did…" He pondered this, and then spoke again, "Professor Ackerman, I'll give you and your agents until the end of this semester to find that killer. If you don't I'm replacing you. Understand?"
Levi nodded. "That gives us several more months, are you sure you can wait?"
Erwin chuckled lightly, "What else have I to lose? I've got no choice. It will take months to get in a new squad of agents anyway. I'll let you have another go."
Levi nodded. "We appreciate it. Your students will stay safe, I promise."
Erwin snorted, "You said that before. But ever since you showed up, more students have been targeted, and more have been hunted down. It's almost as if the killer wants your attention."
Levi smirked, "Well, he's just like me, sir. He likes a challenge."
Erwin's phone buzzed, "Headmaster, a pair of new students have arrived and wish to speak with you."
Eriwn eyed Levi, than pressed the buzzer, "Tell them to come in five minutes, Amy." He looked at Levi, "I hope that concludes our discussion, agent."
Professor Ackerman nodded, "But of course. If you don't mind, I have to teach brats how to paint circles."
Erwin waved towards the door, "Off you go. But remember what I said. Tell your agents."
"Will do." Levi left, exiting the Headmaster's study.
Erwin sighed, and pressed the buzzer. "Send them in, Amy."
Amy replied, "Yes sir, here they come."
Erwin remained standing, the door opening to reveal two students, one boy and one girl. They were small for first years, the girl a bit taller than the boy, with her scarlet red hair in a braid. She wore a mini skirt, and combat boots, with a maroon blouse to match the school colors. The boy resembled her slightly, but he had brown hair with freckles, and round-framed glasses. He had on a black hoodie, jeans, and converse. But they both had the same brown eyes.
Erwin nodded their arrival, "Good morning students. I am Headmaster Erwin Smith." He left his desk and approached them, shaking each of their hands. The girl perked up, "I'm Ariel Cloud."
"Nice to meet you Ariel." Erwin turned to the boy, "And you?"
The boy didn't make eye contact, his arms appearing to be shaking slightly as he replied. "Cricket…"
"Cricket Cloud?"
The boy nodded, "Yes sir…"
Erwin smiled, "Ah, yes. The new twins." He went to his desk, the twins following. "And your mother?"
Cricket snorted, "She just dropped us off."
Ariel gave him a stern look, and continued for her brother. "She had someone to meet so she just left us to tend to it ourselves. Our bags are in the hall, sir."
Erwin nodded. "Yes, yes. You've signed up for your classes already?"
Ariel nodded excitedly, "Oh yes sir, we already have our schedules."
Erwin smiled, "That's good. Most transfer students don't have it as easily, when transferring to a school like this." He pulled some paper out of his desk, and handed each of them a key. "It has your room numbers on them, and the floor. Can you two take it from here?"
Cricket seemed as if he were about to say something, but Ariel intervened, "Yes, we can. Thank you so much!" She grabbed her brother's wrist, and tugged him towards the door. Soon enough, they were gone, the door shutting behind them.
Erwin let out a small chuckle.
Those two sure seemed entertaining.
His phone buzzed again, Amy's voice speaking, "Sir, you have another appointment."
Erwin pressed the buzzer, a grin spread across his face. "But of course…send her in."
