I looked down at the last box I had left to unpack, which was full of art supplies and half-filled drawing pads. I recently moved in with my partner, Valkyrie, who lived in Death City, Nevada. I was meeting up with our friends, Will, Sandra, Grey, and Skylar. And together we would all be attending the famous DWMA. To be honest, I wasn't too fond of the idea. This wasn't what I want to do with my life. I am more into the fine arts, like music, sketching, and dance (Irish dance to be specific), but Valkyrie and everyone else really had their hearts set on coming to the academy, and never have I let my friends down.
After I put the last box of colored pencils in my small desk drawer, I decided to take a break. I sat on my bed reading a book I got from my mom before leaving. I got through about 2 chapters before I heard a knock on my door. I looked up to see Valkyrie standing in the open doorframe.
"Hey, Kayleigh, the guys are all going out for lunch. Wanna come?" she asked.
I replied with a cheerful "yes" and marked my book with a green ribbon. I grabbed my phone and a small white bag sitting on the kitchen table.
"Are those the 'things'?" Valkyrie knew exactly what these 'things' were. I nodded and we left on our bikes, hers red and mine dark blue.
We left our bikes outside and walked into the small café, the smell of fresh bread and coffee instantly washing over us. I looked around the room and my eyes landed on a table for 6; two vacant seats. A purple haired girl, Sandra, noticed us and motioned for us to come over.
"Hey Kales, hi Val!" said a browned haired male (Will) next to Sandra.
"I've told you not to call me that!" we both said in sync, which sent the table into a fit of laughter.
"Kayleigh, how are you liking Death City so far?" Skylar asked.
"I like it. I'm not really fond of big cities, but it's not as crowded as I could be." Now it was my turn to ask a question.
"How are things with you and Grey?" I whisper asked her. Grey stopped arguing with Will at the sound of his named. He looked over to see me smirking and the pink haired girl blushing. It was plainly obvious that she liked her navy haired partner, well, to everyone except Grey. He, on the other hand hid his feelings on the matter (whatever they are) very well. Not even his soul gave away his façade. Will was always arguing with anyone and everyone. The only 2 people he wouldn't argue with were me and Sandra. My thoughts were interrupted when Valkyrie nudged me. I looked at her, and she glanced at the bag down by my feet. 'I can't believe I almost forgot!'
"Hey guys," I started. Everyone at the table looked at me. "I got us all something to celebrate going to the DWMA together." I could already feel the anticipation growing in their souls. Valkyrie helped me pass out the little white boxes, each with the recipient's name in small cursive on the lids. I handed my partner hers, and she handed me mine. We all opened our boxes. My friends all looked down at a little silver band reading 'NAKAMA' attached to their favorite colored ribbon forming a bracelet.
"Kayleigh! They're beautiful!" Sandra squeaked excitedly.
"Did you make these?" Grey asked.
"Yeah. I had some help with the engraving, though." I said shyly.
"Thank you." Skylar hugged me from her chair.
NAKAMA. The only word that I could think of turned into a necessity. A word that connected all six of us with each other, now, and always. But, y'know, fate has a funny way of increasing bonds and making new ones. So, this is where a story of tested loyalties, great adventure, and a loving family of friends, begins.