CHAPTER 1
The four individual figures sit around the table within the cartoonish looking 'Death Room', the silence was deafening.
From their expressions alone, it was clear that the subject matter was serious.
One of the men starts winding up the screw in his head and breaks the ice with his emotionless voice, "And he told you this himself?"
To his left hand side a trench coat wearing man ruffles the front and back of his dark brown hair, and responds with a nod.
The red haired man on his right straightens his tie, he appears visibly troubled by their conversation, he looks to the trench coat man.
"How do we even know we can trust a word he says Mac?" he outrightly asks.
Mac looks down at the empty cup at his end of the table, he breathes in deeply, "It's true, we have been tricked by him before Spirit." he lifts his head up to look at Spirit with determined eyes before stating grimly "But, I know better than to underestimate his threats, I've learned that much from the last 18 years hunting him down and fixing the damage caused by him."
Spirit lowers his eyebrows to admit that Mac has a point.
"Well, it would appear that we must take precautions in light of this new evidence presented to us." the cheery voice of Lord Death proclaimed aloud, the three men turn their gaze upon the grim reaper as he gulps down the last of his tea before continuing.
"Clearly we must keep a close eye on these students, and have everyone trained extra hard in preparation for this 'event' our old friend has in store for our academy."
All three men agree to this suggestion by simply nodding.
Mac straightens up as he sits, seemingly eager to ask something, Lord Death takes notice of this.
"Hmm? Is there something you wish to add Mac?"
"Yes, Lord Death, would you permit me the chance to take these chosen students as my own students?"
This request catches the attention of everyone present in the Death Room. Death ponders this suggestion for a moment "That's an odd request, I thought you didn't want to be a teacher?"
Mac smiles softly, scratching the back of his head with his left hand "The main reason I ask you this, is to grant me the chance to unlock the hidden capabilities these Weapons and Meisters are claimed to possess, and then teach them how to use it when the push comes to shove."
Leaning back a bit, Lord Death stares at him, with his mask preventing any suggestion that his stare is one of confusion, agreement, or even refusal, Mac couldn't help but feel somewhat nervous as he waited for his answer.
"Wait a minute!" Spirit interjects, "Me and Stein are pretty capable to unlock whatever powers they have ourselves, and no offence to you Mac, but we're more familiar with teaching and of who the students are better than you."
"You are correct about that, however, you three know fairly well of my ability to tap into such wavelengths and unlock these hidden powers; and besides..."
The three listening men lean in to hear more, "...what I've learned the past eighteen years of what HE's capable of, could prove to be invaluable enough to over come what he has in store for us."
To break the short silence after that statement, Lord Death lets out an amused chuckle "Well, there are no objections from me, now what about you two? Stein, Spirit?"
Both men look at each other and then back to Lord Death, a small smirk suddenly appears on Stein's face "As long as you don't completely steal them from my lessons, I have no problems with your suggestion." sighed Stein.
Spirit shrugs, "Okay, I have no problems either. But Mac, if you push her too hard, I won't forgive you, alright?" Spirit stated plainly.
A fond chuckle escapes from Mac's mouth in response, "Don't worry, Spirit, I promise not to push them too far beyond their limits."
After another half hour discussing the details on how this will work in the new school year, Lord Death decides to conclude the meeting.
"Okay, I think we're about done here, remember now in one week a new school year begins for our students, so prepare yourselves. Professor Stein you'll take them in the morning, while you Mac shall take the eight, or I suppose it's nine students selected in the afternoon."
The three men nod in agreement.
"Now let's not let us get too worried in these upcoming school terms about these threats, I'm sure we can win the end!" Lord Death proudly announces while holding up two fingers from his comedically large left hand, the three attendees stare at him with a confused glare, no doubt thinking to themselves 'easier said than done'.
Lord Death stands up from the table, "And before we all go, allow me to be the first to welcome you Professor Mac Tire as a fresh new teacher for the DWMA! I most certainly hope your time here will be enjoyable."
Lord Death, Spirit, and Stein begin clapping in applause, all the while Mac Tire sits still, with a barely noticeable blush now on his face, "Aw shucks guys. Thank you so much for accepting me, I promise to give it my all."