A cold evening in Atlas, as always, thinks Lloyd as he attempts to shrug further into his grey, thick robe, the fur-lined garment offering some extra protection from the bitter winds, though his nose and ears are still pink from the cold. Lloyd doesn't wear any armor, metal is somewhat scarce outside of the large cities and it's desperately needed for fortifications and weapons. He doesn't really need any with his semblance either.
Lloyd tenses as he steps onto the ramp up to the airship that would shortly lift off to Siren Academy. Lloyd is still wary of the flying deathtraps, even though he had frequently flown to tournaments and significant events. Lloyd quickly assures himself that it's just nerves about the academy. His fingers brush the black bar on his belt as fleeting wave of ease washes through him; his comfort is quickly washed away as he gazes through the crowd.
I don't know any of these people.
All of his friends had stayed home in his small village, most of them needed to help farm and, more importantly, defend the small settlement from Grimm. His father had assured Lloyd that he should follow his wishes and become a hunter. Lloyd wasn't so sure he was right any more.
"Welcome, future students of Siren."
Lloyd jumps as an unfamiliar voice booms through the ship; a hologram of a large man with a thick beard and greying black hair appears in front of the windows of the airship. Lloyd quickly recognizes the man as one of the more senior instructors at Siren, Professor Bettencourt. He was a very successful huntsman before deciding to retire to Siren.
"After arriving on campus, you will be escorted to a temporary housing facility for the night. Tomorrow, the tests shall begin," Bittencourt says with a hint of a smile, "I recommend you get to know your fellow students, you will be with them for the next four years."
Lloyd sighs at the thought of trying to get to know strangers. He was never great with people; he made most of his friends through constant interaction, whether that was reinforcing walls or working in the fields. Though he has a hard time making friends, he became very close to the friends he does make. He misses them.
"Hey, tall, pink, and lanky, I like your coat," exclaims a somewhat short, brown-haired girl. Almost immediately, Lloyd notices the purple cloak the girl is wearing and long instrument she has slung over her shoulder, but the girl's antlers really catch his attention. "What's your name?"
"Uh, I'm Lloyd Schneider," he says; the girl quickly adopts a curious expression; Lloyd braces for the ensuing barrage of questions that he instinctively knows is coming.
"I recognize that name! Why do I know your name? Wait, don't tell me," the girl practically yells frantically. "Are you the Mountain Jacks cereal mascot? No, no that can't be it. Did you sell snowballs on Tenth Street?" The girl just keeps on babbling, "I have it! You lost in the Atlas regional tournament finals! Twice!" There it is.
"Yep, that's me. The guy who fails," Lloyd says, not making eye contact.
"Um, you didn't fail, you got second. Don't you think that's better than losing your first match?" She asks, concern and confusion evident in her voice.
"Sure," comes the curt reply, though Lloyd's eyes tell a different story. "I never caught your name."
"I'm Rozanne Sund," she says with a wide smile, "I really thought you fought well in those tournaments, you had your opponents scrambling during both fights. I like your sword."
Lloyd looks to her, "Thanks, I've had Eisen since I was barely big enough to hold it. Is that stringed thing your weapon?"
Rozanne smiles a truly manic smile as she exclaims, "Slagge is a mandolin that separates into a hammer and a shield!" She pulls the black instrument off her back and quickly separates it as the body unfolds into an impressive tower shield and the strings retract. "I can use Dust and sound to manipulate my surroundings and to fight! I can move and divert objects and even people if I concentrate hard enough."
Lloyd grins, he has always loved talking about weapons and abilities. "That sounds pretty cool! Did you ever fight in the tournament circuits?"
"No, but I always loved going to the tournaments with my brothers! Plus, back at Torch Academy, I got plenty of practice fighting and using my abilities," she cracks a wide grin.
"Attention students, we have arrived. Welcome to Siren Academy!" A voice, presumably the pilot's, echoes through the airship.
Lloyd's smile dies as he remembers his fear and uncertainty. Rozanne flashes a grin at him as the doors open and the exit ramps begin to retract.
No going back now.
Notes:
Thank you for reading my first story! I would love some feedback on pretty much everything. I have several chapters already written, but the entire story is pretty much a work in progress.