Chapter 2: The Club
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When I was young, I thought the world was such a happy and bright place.
That it was a place where no one could feel sad and lonely.
But oh, how this world betrayed me as it took away my parents.
And from then on, I didn't think of anything else but why.
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"Lucille. Wake up."
The soothing voice of a woman spoke as I felt being shaken in my deep slumber. "Five more minutes." I muttered in my sleep and I could hear laughter despite the fog of drowsiness around me.
"Come on, Lucille." Another feminine voice spoke but I merely dove deeper into my sleep. I could hear a few more giggles before something poked me, then again and then the weirdest wake up call: being tickled.
I erupted in a fit of giggles and desperately tried to get away from the tickling hands and in doing so, I fell off the bed. "Finally you're up." Natalia spoke and sat upon my messy bed sheets. "You slept like a log." I felt my cheeks warm up, "Aw, come on. It was a tiring day yesterday. The three of us laughed and Natalia stood up from my bed so I could make it.
"Oh yeah, Natalia. I'm wondering how come you're here." I spoke as I fixed the arrangement of my pillows. "I'm just staying the room beside here." She replied and Tear sat down on her bed. "It's quite nice to have you as a roommate, Lucille. I was surprised to see you on the bed though. Hehehe." Tear spoke and I laughed. "Well, I'd better get myself ready then." They nodded and I proceeded to the bathroom to get a head start for today.
-.-.-
"Uhh…don't you think it looks weird on me?" I spoke as I tied my azure ribbon under the collar of my white blouse. The whole uniform ensemble consisted of a long-sleeved white polo, over it was a bluish-gray blazer with dark cream collar and linings. Small round bluish gray buttons situated themselves at both sides of the lining. The bottom was a checkered light gray skirt that was a few inches above my knees. Lastly it consisted of a pair of white cotton socks that were just an inch or two below the knees and brown leather school shoes. Natalia and Tear looked at me and took both of my arms in their grasps.
"Are you kidding? You look good." Tear spoke and smiled at me. "I think good is an understatement." Natalia chided and we all laughed. They sat me on a chair in front of my full-length mirror. "Now, time to fix your hair." Natalia spoke and I smiled sheepishly. Tear and Natalia took turns in brushing my hair, making it that style then this. It was only the front portion which was long, the back portion of my hair was trimmed short making it in line with my ears with a curled out effect. After a few minutes, my hair was tamed a simple black headband with a small azure ribbon adorned was placed upon my head.
As I looked at my reflection, I looked dainty but I guess it was also because of the effect of the uniform. It hugged my features quite well and it made me self-conscious. The two were still talking about this and that but then my stomach growled with its emptiness. I saw myself blush as red as a tomato. They giggled and pulled me up from my seat. "Well, I guess it's the best time to go and get breakfast at the canteen." Natalia spoke and I nodded. I got my binder and a pen before the three of us headed to the canteen.
It was only now that I noticed the distance from the school and the dorms. The path we used as we head down was a gravel path. The minute white stones looked like sand from afar. I couldn't help but notice the place just now, maybe because I was exausted that my only goal was the comfort of a bed and sleep. The tree arches gave a somehow roofing to the path. They held beautiful leaves in shades of red and orange, their trunks were a light gray making the cascading colors warm to the eyes.
"The brick wall just at our right belongs to the building where the female maintenance staff is housed." Tear spoke as she pointed the wall. I look at our left and it had such a beautiful display of the botanical garden.
I pushed open the door that led inside the cafeteria, eager to please my hunger when the delicious aroma of food wafted to my nostrils. When we got to the counter, Guy and Luke were there. "Good morning! You look good with the uniform, Lucille." Luke spoke and I thanked him. "Yeah, you do. Hehehe. Welcome to the club!" Guy added and got himself a tray. I looked at Tear and Natalia they weren't glaring at me so I chuckled at the boys' comment.
I got myself a whole lot of breakfast, like pancakes, bagels, some hotdogs, and some pieces of bacon. Natalia and Tear eyed me for a while. "You certainly got so much. Is that because you skipped dinner last night?" Natalia asked and I let out a nervous chuckle. "I actually eat a lot." I honestly admitted and they were shocked. "You eat so much and yet you have a nice figure!" I was flattered by Natalia's comment and I felt myself blush at the statement. "I can't help it. I eat so much; I guess it's because of my fast metabolism?" I said and she shook her head with an exasperated sigh. "I'm envious of you. You don't have to work out so much." The blonde girl added.
I plopped at piece of bacon in my mouth and began to chew slowly, "I actually need to start on working out."
"How come?" Tear asked after she took a bite from her bagel. "I'm not really good at sports, no matter what." I sighed and reminisced how I had actually hit my forehead with a volleyball and how I had accidentally threw my badminton racket while playing. "Horrible would be a suiting word." I added and my friends laughed. "Man, and you were gonna join the sword mastery club?" Guy spoke and I looked at him, a little annoyed of his comment. "Believe it or not, Fencing or sword-handling is something that I'm not horrible at. It's so weird as to why all of the modern day sports, something as ancient as sword mastery was the only thing I'm good at."
Luke grinned, "I hope you pass the test, Lucille. Mr. Grants said it was all right for you to try and join the club. You have to pass the test though." I looked at Tear at the mention of the family name, "My older brother is their club moderator." I nodded my head, thankful for the information, "Are you really gonna push through that club, Lucille? What Home Economics club or Arts?" "I'm no good with economics, I burn my cooking and prick my fingers at best but I'll think of the Arts club if it's possible to have two clubs." I said.
"It's possible, what with Asch having three." Luke said with an annoyed gleam in his eyes. I set the matter aside and we talked of idle things like the weather, the schedule for today. Guy glanced at his watch, "Oh, look at the time. It's fifteen minutes before FonTech. I think we should get going." Guy spoke and this was our signal to head to class.
We had managed to arrive in the classroom just five minutes before the time, the teacher wasn't there yet and most of the students were bent upon their desks, their eyes focused on their notes. "Oh damn! I forgot about our test today!" Luke spoke as he slapped his hand unto his forehead. "hehehe, well I'll help you review then." Guy spoke and Luke's gave a grin. "Thanks Guy! You're a savior!" The two boys went to their desks and Guy proceeded to talk about FonTech.
I turned to face Tear and Natalia as they both occupied the two seats in front of mine. "I wonder why is that this seat here is never occupied. It's always in every class." I asked the two of them. "That's because Asch doesn't like having a seatmate. Apparently, the person who sits at his right is usually forced to sit there but nobody likes to sit at his left." Natalia spoke.
"How come?"
"Well, I don't really know. That's something only Asch can answer."
I let the matter off my hands, "Aren't you guys gonna review on your notes?"
"We have a thing about cramming. It's not really good in our system. The odd thing is that it always gives us a mental blackout during the test." I acknowledged their reply and was about to question but a certain redhead entered the room and all noise seemed to stop. I glanced at two people sitting in front of me; Tear sat herself properly while Natalia went to her seat. Luke same to sat down in front of me and the teacher entered. He greeted each and one of us then proceeded to do a review on the upcoming test. I looked around and noticed the students were listening intently. "Why is it that every time I see you, you're watching other people?" The cold tone came upon my ears and I glanced at my seatmate. "I'm just curious." I replied. Man, he annoyed me.
"Curious? More like observing their every move." He added.
"I'm just curious of everyone. I'm new so I can't help it."
"Being new doesn't mean you can just stare at everyone around. You never know, most of the students would probably melt because of your constant staring." He glanced my way, a smirk playing his lips.
"Well if that happens, I'll be sure to get rid of you first."
"Have fun trying."
I leaned back unto my seat, my anger was boiling deep inside me but I didn't want to start a fight. I didn't also want the teacher to call me. I took out my binder and proceeded to a new leaf. The teacher continued on but I wasn't in the mood to take down any notes. In fact, my hand was in the mood to start scribbling random people or objects. Clearly the effects of boredom.
My hands seemed to have a mind of their own as my eyes merely gaped at the shapes and lines my hand made. The black ink of my pen drew this and that upon the starch white surface of the paper. Then as if a haze had cleared from my mind, I noticed who I had drawn. I quickly looked around and flipped a few dozen of pages from where I had drawn. I glanced at my seatmate but he wasn't looking at me so I assumed the coast was clear.
My hand slackened from the activity and I looked at the teacher as he began to pass the test papers. I wondered how this subject was and what a FonTech does anyways. It wasn't like I was hoping to be expert maybe just a little bit of information about this and that. My mind conjured of complicated thoughts but it soon disappeared when a sheet of paper was placed in front of me. I looked up to see the teacher himself. "You are the new student, aren't you?" He spoke and I nodded my head in reply. Geez, it's so obvious that I'm the new student, why the heck do they have to ask?
"I won't be tolerating new students. You must answer this exam, regardless of your status here in this school." He spoke and proceeded to the front. I knew my mouth was open in shock. I kept my binder and took the sheet of paper nearer to me. I gave out a silent sigh and looked down warily. Was my brain teasing me or did I just see weird formulas written on the paper?
I skimmed through the questions. Hoping there was at least something that I could answer.
What are the main uses of a fonstone? What the heck is that?
In order for a vehicle to fly, what kind of stone does it need? They still need to put stones in aircrafts?!
What's a FonTech Scholar? Errr…Someone who is knowledgeable in FonTech…?
Discuss FonTech in five sentences. What the heck?! I don't even know what it is!
I massaged my temples as my eyes refuse to leave the paper partly blank. I hate myself for the few contents that I had written on the paper. I wish I had listened to Guy who had discussed it earlier. And I wished the Professor was good enough like Prof. Jade who let me start with their current lesson rather than start from the beginning. It was also quite unfair because I never had this lesson before. It was considerate enough for Prof. Curtiss to let me start with their current lesson.
I looked at Luke as he made unnecessary movements in his seat. I couldn't help but laugh softly. He scratched his head often which probably meant he was having difficulty. I peered over at Guy who seemed to be done and I was envious. This probably is his favorite class. I looked down upon my paper again, only answering one question and leaving the others and the diagrams blank. I was so tempted to just scribble on the piece of paper but I had to restrain myself. It would have been good to write profanities but that would probably lead to a talk with the disciplinary-in-charge.
"All right. Pass your papers." I sighed and spoke to Luke, "Luke, please put my paper under yours." He looked at me then to my paper and nodded. I settle my head upon the flat surface of my desk, so much for transferring. My eyes strayed to my seatmate, he seemed to be smirking down at me. It was as if he was mocking me for not being able to answer much of the exam. I turned to the other side but covered my face as sunlight bathed it.
So much for trying.
The bell rang as soon as I had expected it and we were headed to our next class which was Fonology with Prof. Jade Curtiss. And again, another subject I have not encountered in my whole life. I think the idea of my parents transferring me to Auldrant was a disaster and I'm slowly being drifted away from reality.
We were back at the classroom that we had used for History. Our teacher was at the table and he called on to me. "Ms. Veramounte, here's the coverage for this subject. I hope you will be doing your best in this class." I received the piece of paper and nodded, "Thank you sir." I sat myself in the same seat I had been for the past few classes. The Prof. started to discuss about the usage of Fonons in daily lives. It made me interested so I listened to the discussion. Although at some point I didn't really know what he was talking about, I got the jist of the discussion. My hand was not idle since I put it to use by taking down important notes.
By the time the discussion was over, Jade made us do an experiment that dealt with Fonons. He had already assumed each person with a partner and the only one who was partnerless was Asch. I had to keep my mouth shut from screaming profanities. Asch! Of all the people it had to be Asch. Guy, despite being afraid of women, had paired himself with Natalia and Luke with Tear. I glared at the red-haired student as he sat upon his seat, his emerald eyes were glued to the piece of paper.
"Of all the people you had to be paired to, it was me that you had to work with." He spoke in a cold tone but not once did he lift his eyes from his paper.
"It's not like I could choose. Everyone was already paired up." I retorted.
"I'll give you the answer so you won't be a hindrance to me and I to you." He spoke and took his pen.
"I'm not asking for answers. I want to work too." I intensified my glare at him.
"Oh really? For someone who doesn't even know what Fonons are?" He taunted and it caused me to blush.
"I may know little about what Fonons are but I'm not gonna give you the credit of me copying your work. You think so low of me just because I transferred from a school who offered a different curriculum." I scoffed and this time he looked at me square in the eyes. I held my ground despite the burning intensity of his emerald orbs.
"Too low? I think of you as someone who was gone way too high that you've got your head stuck in the clouds." I gritted my teeth at his comment.
"Well, well, it seems we're having such a nice discussion, aren't we?" It was Jade who interceded. "Professor!" I spoke and he looked from me to Asch, "As I've said I've paired the two of you, if either of you cannot pass your experiment papers then the both of you will not have a grade in my subject. Is that clear?"
I bit my lower lip and glared at Asch and he glared back. "Yes, sir." We spoke in unison.
We had moved to another classroom where the experiments were to be conducted. The tables were designated for a pair of students. I looked at my partner, we were both annoyed and disappointed to be with each other. It was good enough for him to be on his own while me? I really needed someone to help me get a grip on everything. "
It wasn't so bad, aside the times we occasionally spouted curses at each other which I can say was often. Asch was good when it came to handling fonons and how he manifested them. I was still a novice when it came to these kinds of things and hoped Tear would help me in manifesting Fonons since I didn't want to rely on a jerk like Asch.
We finished our experiment and handed it to our teacher who kept a smile plastered upon his face. Despite his rather jovial appearance, the smile upon his face ticked me. I let out a sigh and returned to my seat. Luke and Tear were done by time I had sat myself down. The class stretched on but not once did Asch and I talked after the experiment.
I wondered how the rest of the school year would go since I had Asch as a permanent Lab partner. I poked Tear and she looked at the glanced at Asch. "Is there something I can do for you, Lucille?" Tear asked and I nodded my head vigorously. "Can you teach me more about Fonology?" I asked while glancing at Asch who seemed nonchalant. "Um, sure." She spoke and took her notebook from her desk. "You see, fonons are…" She started to discuss and I listened intently.
It was a few more minutes before the subject would end for lunch when a medium-sized blue notebook was thrust into my vision. Even Tear was surprised and I looked up to find Asch with an annoyed look plastered upon his face. I looked at the notebook and then at him, "Don't get me wrong. I don't want an incompetent lab partner who's too ignorant when it comes to Fonons." I scowled and roughly took the notebook from his grasp. "Thank you." I spoke acidly and he stalked off with his notebook in my grasp. I let out an irritated sigh and met Tear's gaze, "I seem to have rotten luck today." Tear could only give me a pat on my shoulder.
The bell finally rung.
Finally. I groaned mentally and began to collect my belongings then my hand hovered upon the blue spiral notebook that Asch had given, well thrust into my line of vision. I could just leave it and let it rot but it wasn't mine and somehow 'borrowed' it by weird circumstances. I could just leave but I wouldn't have anything to study. It belongs to the most infuriating guy I've known but he did somehow lend it to me. He called me ignorant but he still let me use his notes. I wanted to hit my head on a wall for a couple of times but the whole scene would be so ridiculous. Finally after the long mental debate I settled to bring the accursed item with me.
-.-.-
Lunch.
The canteen seemed so noisy that we had to relocate our eating place which was at a corner of the pond. And it wasn't just any small pond; it was big enough for fifty people to get into. There were assorted fishes like carps and koi swimming upon the clear waters. I let my eye enjoy the beautiful colors of the fishes while I ate my lunch which consisted of some sandwiches, a piece of doughnut and some cookies while I sipped on some soda and also got myself a bottle of water.
Guy and Luke were looking at me weirdly and I know I looked like I just got so much food with me. I had flushed with embarrassment at the terrible truth, "I can't help it. I have a big appetite." I spoke and then munched on some cookies. "Well, at least you don't grow big with your appetite." I nodded to what he said. Luckily I couldn't grow in weight no matter how much I ate.
"Oh yeah, we're going to have PE later, Lucille. You had brought your PE, right?" Natalia spoke and I choked a bit on my soda. "Err, I sorta left it in the dorm room." I replied and scratched the back of my head ruefully. "Oh, I guess I'll accompany you when you're going to get it." Tear suggested and I nodded. "I want to go with you as well." Natalia said. I looked at her as her eyes glanced at Guy and a ghost of a blush came upon her cheeks. "All right, once we're done eating we can go and get it." I spoke and they both nodded. We stayed there and enjoyed the peacefulness of the place but it was interrupted by a shrill childish cry.
"Buuu~! I thought you guys were in the canteen but I couldn't find you after thirty minutes of looking and just when I was about to go to my classroom, all of you are here! You are all so heartless! Making a little girl wait!" Anise complained and all of us could only laugh nervously in reply. I patted the soft ground beside me and Anise gleefully joined our party.
-.-.-
Tear, Natalia and I headed to the dorm rooms to fetch my PE uniform. We walked under the beautiful archway of trees. I couldn't help but take a deep breath, breathing in the distinct small of the birth of autumn.
"So Tear," I spoke and looked at the long-haired brunette, "how long have you been studying here? You too, Natalia." I didn't want to leave Natalia out of the conversation. "Hmm, well I transferred to this school when my brother was employed when I was in third grade." Tear replied and I looked at Natalia awaiting for her answer. "I've been studying here since I was young along with Guy, Luke and Asch." I raised an eyebrow and she chuckled at me, "Luke, Asch and I are cousins and the Gardios are a close family friend so it was settled that the four of us would study here."
So Gardios is Guy's family name.
"I'm envious of the both of you." I spoke to them with honesty. "Why?" Natalia asked and my eyes are downcast. "I've never stayed so long in any place we stayed. The longest we've ever stayed in one place was a year and a half then we moved once again. It was annoying not having some place where I could really be familiar with and have friends with. That's why." I replied and looked at them, "I wish that my stay here will be the longest time I'd be staying." They both smiled at me and Natalia took my hand, "Come on, if we don't get that uniform right now. The three of us will be late for our afternoon classes!" We all giggled and I managed to get my PE uniform when we arrived.
"All right. Now we get our feet to walk to our class for Theology." And with that we made our way back to the school building.
-.-.-
"So the Order of Lorelei started when a prophet read the score." Our teacher by the name of Mr. Mohs, continued to discuss about the score and the Order of Lorelei which seemed to be a religious organization. I looked at my watch and groaned when thirty minutes had just passed. I flexed my fingers for a while as the plump teacher for theology continued to talk about this and that.
I took a glance at our teacher then proceeded to fetch my binder and opening to a new page, about two dozen pages from the one I drew before. My trusty pen was now held on my hand and I proceeded to draw what my mind conjured. It was rather vague at first with the outlines of a person holding something. The I proceeded to detail the person, my mind flashing a certain image of a woman. She had straight long hair but I couldn't catch the color it seemed to be in sepia like an old movie. She had flowing robes and this piece of fabric situated upon her elbows like the silk scarves that deities in ancient mythology had. She held something like a scroll but it was indefinite only a stream of white particles.
"And what is our new student doing?" A deep voice spoke and I jumped nearly falling from my seat. I looked up and found our teacher glaring down at me. "Drawing in my class, hmm?" He picked up my binder and I tried to et it back but flinched under his gaze.
"Hmm. I guess I can let this pass. Apparently, you've drawn the exact happening when the prophet read the Score." I did? I just got it from my mind. He settled the binder down on my desk and walked back to the front of the class. 'Psst, Lucille." Luke spoke and he looked at me at the corner of his eye, "Can we borrow the drawing for a sec?" I looked at Tear, Guy and Natalia they were eager to look at it. "mm, sure." I discretely passed the notebook as our teacher continued his discussion on the Score.
It was so weird why of all the things I had drawn it had to be the prophet by which I had just heard earlier. I wonder if there's such a thing that I had encountered this whole Score thing in my younger years.
-.-.-
"You draw quite well, Lucille." Natalia praised and I couldn't help but blush in reply. "It's just a hobby." I replied as we dressed for PE. Our Pe uniform consisted of white cotton top with the school seal in gold print on the front portion. Our bottoms were a pair of midnight black jogging pants and a pair of white rubber shoes. "We have a separate PE from the boys so we won't be meeting them now." Tear spoke and we went out of the girl's change room. We walked to the field where PE for us girls and the boys was spent. Despite having a separate PE, we shared the same track field for the subject.
I looked at the boys seeing them having the same white shirt but wearing shorts of the same hue. They still wore a pair of white shoes to compliment the whole attire. I glanced at the male students from our class only knowing three, two of which were waving at us. I pulled Tear and Natalia to my side, and the three of us waved at the two. No sooner our teacher, a woman who had light blonde hair held by a clip at the back of her head came into our view. She had stern charcoal eyes that roved upon us and it stopped on me.
"Ah the new student, Ms. Veramounte was it?" I nodded my head in reply. "First of all I am Legretta Olsen. Hmm, I welcome you to your first PE class here in Auldrant Academy and I do hope you'll catch up with our pace." She spoke, her eyes seeing right through me. "Yes, ma'am." I replied, rather too formally for my taste. "All right, we'll have to start with warm up exercises."
And that's how the first part of the subject started, stretching here and there and then some twisting and bending. I could still hold up for the main event. "For today, we are going to jog three laps around the track." Our teacher, Ms. Olsen spoke and I willed myself to do the activity. I didn't actually want to embarrass myself to the boys especially at my current state of being the newest student in the entire campus but it seems so weird why the teachers give me odd glances.
Was it because I was enrolled in the middle of the semester? But what made it seem so weird was that there was no entrance needed. I was easily admitted to the school which may possibly another factor. I looked at Tear and Natalia and the three of us stood at the starting line along with five other female students. Ms. Olsen and four other female students held stopwatches, each of them were told to record the time we'd spent while running.
"Ready…Go!" There was the signal and the five of us started to jog, I started on a slow not so strenuous jog making the others way ahead of me. It was always something I'd do when it comes to multiple laps jogging. I know I earned weird comments and glances from boys since I lagged from the four girls but hey this was my strategy. Even their teacher, a man with light spiky brown hair and a beard eyed me. The weight of the stares was annoying but I continued on. The others were already in the middle of their second lap when I reached the starting point for my second lap. They seemed to be showing exhaustion already. I quickened my pace a bit but not putting too much effort to shorten the gap between me and them. I was a good ten feet away from them when I did this.
When they reached the starting line for the third lap, they were showing greater signs of exhaustion and I got this cue. I exerted more effort as I jogged pass them and in record time had finished before they did. I doubled on my knees, catching my breath and our teacher came to me, "Good work, ." I smiled while panting and was shortly joined by Tear and Natalia who were exhausted as well.
"You sure did outrun us, Lucille." Tear spoke as she tried to catch her breath. I grinned at them, "I just managed it with some luck. As I've said, I'm a dunce when it comes to these things." I grinned at them and they smiled at me.
Since we were done with the running and our track time already recorded, we sat ourselves upon the field of grass and watched as the remaining girls ran around the track. The boys were still doing their warm ups as I watched. I lied down upon the soft ticklish grass, not bothering if someone looked at me. It was a peaceful afternoon; luckily the sky was cloudy so it wasn't that hot. "Hey Lucille, it's already the boys' turn." I sat myself when Natalia told me such. It seemed their teacher was still discussing about the details for their track turn. "You will have to run for five rounds around the track." This earned a lot of groans from the students and I looked at Luke and Guy who were pumped for the activity.
"Their teacher," Natalia spoke to me while her eyes were upon the male students, ", that's Tear's brother. Mr. Van Grants" I focused my eyes upon the older man. He looked around twenty-six with a rather tall frame. He was quite muscular as one would expect of a PE teacher anyways. He motioned four students from the class and four did comply. Luke, Guy and surprisingly Asch and two other students were the ones to start of the whole activity. I looked at Natalia and Tear who were gazing at the boys who were now at the starting line.
"Ready…Go!" Van announced and the boys broke into a sprint, ours was jogging. I noticed Asch was getting in the lead and there was only a small distance and they could easily catch up to Asch who was in the lead but they did not seem to put too much effort. Asch was farther now; he was already starting the third lap with Luke after him. Guy followed thereafter, the two boys I don't know were by far lagging behind. After a few more seconds and a minute, Asch, Luke and Guy finished their laps, respectively.
Luke and Guy grinned our way but I knew to whom those grins were for and I looked at my seatmates and they were equally grinning. That was when my mind clicked and I understood why they didn't want to finish first. In our track activity, Tear had finished second and Luke was second in theirs as well. Natalia followed thereafter and Guy was third to finish. I smiled at the two male students as they approached us and I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy strike through me.
It was quite obvious to most people that these four people were paired amongst each other. I couldn't help the fact the boys didn't want to be any higher than the girls, they wanted equality amongst the girls which was nice. I folded my hands behind me and looked up at the puffy white clouds, imagining this and that amongst them.
We heard a whistle and it meant only one thing: assembly time. I pushed myself off the grass and brushed my jogging pants for any dirt that clung to the fabric. I looked at Tear, Luke was helping her up and they smiled at each other. Though discrete as they were, it was quite obvious that they liked each other. Guy was still a distance from Natalia but it seemed shorter than before. He really did try to overcome his fear and I was happy for them. If only he would get over it then the two would probably be so cute. I smiled at my four friends yet again and then turned to head to my line but instead came into eye contact with Asch but I broke away quickly and hastened my steps to the line.
Ms. Olsen had us all lined up and then dismissed us after she did her attendance. We walked to where we had previously sat and waited for the boy's dismissal. Luke bounded to us first, "Hey Lucille, you still up for entering the sword mastery club?" I grinned and both Tear and Natalia sighed, "You bet I am." He looked at Guy who understood his gaze, "Good thing we have spare then." I arched a brow, "Spare? Spare what?" He chuckled and I looked at Tear and Natalia who had giggled as well. "In Sword Mastery Club they have uniforms designed like those you see on Kendo practitioners. Apparently they have a spare." Tear spoke and my mouth formed a small 'o'.
"Sorry you were a bit broad on what you meant." I said and they nodded, "Our bad."
"Well, we better get ourselves dressed if we don't want to disappoint Mr. Grants." Guy spoke at the same time he handed me a parcel and I headed to the girl's change room, taking a quick warm shower then donned the clothes that Luke and Guy had lent me.
They were quite big for me so I adjusted the sleeves a bit with some spare safety pins which were included in the parcel. The top reminded me of those tops that samurais wore in old times, what do you call those? Oh yeah a kimono top, it was starched white, and then there was this black pants-like clothing which is known as a hakama. They also provided the belt which I had known before as an obi. I replaced the contents of the parcel with my PE and uniform.
I walked out of the changing room and into the studying eyes of Tear and Natalia. They encircled me for a while and I stood still awaiting their approval in my attire. "Do you have anything underneath that?" Natalia asked pointing to the white kimono top. "Just my undergarments." I replied and Tear had an alarmed look. "I meant my undergarments and an undershirt." They both relaxed visibly. "Oh and you might want to change your shoes when you join the club." I looked down and true enough, my white tennis shoes did not go well with the Japanese-themed uniform.
Tear took my parcel and spoke, "I'll bring these to our room so you won't have the hassle of bringing them all the time." I grinned, "Thanks a bunch Tear!"
"Hey!" It was Luke's voice that spoke and I turned around to see them. They were wearing the same uniform as I but their attire seemed to compliment their size while mine was too big. "So how's your uniform?" Guy asked. "It's gynormous." I complained and oddly enough, pouted. They laughed, "Well, it was the only spare." "Who owns this anyways?" They both looked away and laughed nervously, "Erm…You really don't want to know." I glared at them but settled the whole thing for now.
"All right, all right, I'll let it go," They smiled, "for now." And this time their faces fell. I eyed them for a while and spoke, "Aw, enough with the drama. Let's go!"
"Yeah, we're gonna be late if we don't get to the place soon." Guy spoke and I turned to my two female friends, "I'll see you later." They both nodded and the three of us headed to the club venue. We came upon many hallways and then we came upon a room that was a pair of sliding doors. Guy slid the door open and I saw the interior. The whole room was big, about two classrooms joined together. The walls were a light cream with some weapons upon them. The floor was shiny polished wooden panels.
Luke and Guy proceeded to take off their shoes and I followed afterwards. "Welcome to the club's Dojo, Lucille." Guy spoke and Luke took in a deep breath. "Nothing beats sword training in the afternoon." I looked around and found that the room was empty. We sat ourselves at the sides, waiting for the other members and the moderator, Mr. Grants. No sooner a girl with short jet black hair and light brown eyes came into the room. "Oh, Hey Luke, Guy. Who's this?" She asked as she stepped into the dojo. "Hey Chloe. This is Lucille Veramounte. Lucille this is Chloe Valens, she's one of the two females in the club." Luke told me and I stared at her.
Chloe as I had described had jet black hair and light brown eyes with a pale complexion. She was indeed taller than I am when she sat beside me, "So you're the new student then?" I nodded my head. "It's quite surprising for the school to accept students in the middle of the semester but there weren't any occurrences like this in the past. Well, I hope you have a good stay here and I'm a sophomore by the way." I nodded and then another girl came she had short fuschia pink hair that curled around her face and her eyes were a brave shade of black. She was wearing the same uniform as us. "Hello Iria. Lucille this is Iria Animi. Iria, this is Lucille Veramounte." Guy introduced.
Iria outstretched her hand to me and spoke, "Pleasure to meet you." She sat besides Chloe and the two broke into a discussion. "Iria is also a sophomore by the way." Luke spoke and I held a sense of respect for the girls. "Well, well, it seems only me and Asch are the only ones needed in this club." It was Mr. Grants who spoke but I could not hide my expression when I learned that the idiot Asch was in this club as well. Adrenaline pumped into my veins as I wanted to prove him my worth. "You're the new student, Ms. Veramounte correct? I was pleased that you would like to join this club but as all clubs, we are strict with the admission of students."
I nodded my head in agreement. I had to win to join them and that was what I was gonna do today. "You're knowledgeable in fencing arts, Ms. Veramounte?" Van asked and I replied, "Yes sir." "We will have to abolish such." I stared at him incredulously, "in this club we do not care about hit our opponents once but rather we fight without fear." I gulped as his fierce blue eyes settled upon me., "Nothing worry for we will have combat only and no use of any artes." I sighed visibly and then made a quick glance at Asch. He seemed nonchalant as always.
"So to start, as an applicant you must fight against a member and you must win in order to be admitted into this club." He spoke and my eyes widened. Wasn't that a bit unfair but then again I have to prove my worth and capabilities to be a member in this club. I grasped my hakamas then took some deep breaths to steady myself. "I'm ready." I spoke and Van nodded his head. He looked amongst his students.
"I'll fight her." It was Asch who spoke and I could feel my sweat growing cold. "No, not you, she's a girl so it would be fair to pair her off with our female colleagues." Van apprehended Asch's suggestion but I wouldn't back down the jerk's offer. "No, it's all right sir. I'll fight him." He stared at me with his hard gaze but let out a sigh, "All right, I will let the both of you duel. As I've said, if you win you will join this club."
I nodded and stood up from my seat. "Good luck, Lucille." Guy encouraged. "You go kick butt!" Luke exclaimed and this earned him a glare from Asch but he could care less. Van gave me a wooden sword which he muttered as a 'Bokken' and Asch had one for himself. The older male stepped aside and the two of us stood in the center of the dojo. My eyes were glaring at him and he was doing the same at me.
"I will finish this as soon as possible so you won't have to waste your time here." He taunted at me
I smirked and replied, "I will win my place here."
"I will have fun seeing you try."
"I won't just try but I'll do such."
Van coughed, "If you are both done taunting then you may commence."
I could feel my cheeks warm up but that was soon cut off when Asch lunged at me with his bokken. He did an upward strike and I deflected it with my bokken. He put more of his strength upon the weapon and I felt myself slide back. I slackened my defense and jump back, Asch was outbalanced and I took this cue to strike him but he defended and was going to overthrow my sword but I jumped back once again.
"You know this isn't a jumping club." He taunted me once again.
"I know." I gritted my teeth in annoyance.
I lunged at him and he readied his bokken for any open places he may be able to attack. I swung my bokken in a smooth arc missing him by a few inches. He had foreseen my attack and had reacted quite quickly. I ducked when he swung his bokken and I tried to hit him at his torso but he blocked yet again. He ran towards me and I met him on the way, our swords crossed and we placed force upon our attacks.
He smirked in front of me, "Too much for you little girl?" I glared at him and scoffed, "Who're you calling little girl you jerk?" He smirked, "It seems your name calling doesn't even hit me." I intensified my glare and added more force but he mimicked my actions. "I'll show you, I can be in this club. I can prove you that even though I'm new here I can have a place here." I put some of my inner feelings in the words I had spoken and he was taken aback but that was momentary before his cold gaze resumed. Yet as I glared at his eyes there was a trace of confusion and sadness in them.
I want to stay longer in this school. I want graduate here. I want to get a top in any of my quizzes here. Even though I don't know what in the world Fonons are for or how I can ever use a FonTech.
"Despite it all, I want to be here. And that starts when I join this club." I told him and I jumped back, because he had exerted much force his body leaned forward, breaking his defenses.
I took the cue and hit his bokken off his hand. He smirked as it flew of his grasp and he fell butt first on the floor. I directed the tip of the bokken upon his adam's apple. I glared at him but my glare softened and I gave my open palm for him but he glared at my palm then at me. He roughly pushed my hand away and he stood up on his own. He brushes his clothes and I wiped my hand on my hakama where his had touched my skin, as if wiping something wet. I glared at him and he smirked, he made his way towards me.
Our shoulders were a good two inches apart when he stopped by my side, "Good luck on creating an identity here."
I looked at him at the eye and replied, "As I said, I won't just try. I'll do my best to do just that." He walked away but his cheekbone was slightly raised, either smiling or smirking came into my mind. I walked to my previous spot and sat myself down. "Congratulations Lucille!" Luke spoke and Guy nodded. "Finally another female member! And here we thought the boys would overpower us!" Chloe spoke to me and I grinned.
I got in! Yes! I thought to myself but then my eyes darted to Asch and our duel replayed in my mind. I widened at the realization of something but I could mull over it during bedtime. Mr. Grants looked at all of us expectantly and his gaze spot at me. "Well then I formally welcome you to the club, Ms. Veramounte and I hope that you will do your best in this club as well." I nodded my head vigorously and grinned. He chuckled and became serious once again.
"As we all know, the national competition will be in a few weeks time. Slacking is not an option here so I assume that each one of you will be here every afternoon for sparing sessions. Is that clear?" Van spoke as he eyed each one of us.
"Yes, sir!" Even Asch was compelled to answer the authorizing voice.
"Well then, start sparring. I will excuse Lucille and Asch for today." He spoke and my seatmates stood up and took their bokken. I leaned unto the wall as I relaxed my body from the previous fight. Guy and Luke sparred against each other. Luke had a similar fighting style as Asch while Guy had agile moves and can do multiple combos with his style. Chloe had grace in each swing of her sword while Iria was quite observant and she tried to hit the openings Chloe had but the black-haired girl would meet it.
I was entranced by their movements, how they delivered their attacks and their footwork. They were somehow synchronized and really amazing.
"You look like a child who's standing outside of a candy store." Asch voice came from beside me and I jumped in surprise. My eyes were wide when I stared at his nonchalant and cold emerald eyes. I calmed myself and stared back with fury in them, "You could've given me a heart attack!" He smirked and I scowled at him, "It's not my fault that you didn't notice."
"It's not my fault that you were silent." I retorted and he scowled at me and I glared at him. I puffed my chest and crossed my arms over my chest, the cause of my annoyance just a foot away beside me. I sighed and relaxed once again, I let my hands fall upon my sides. My eyes were glued upon the people who were sparring and I felt my fingers itch for a spar with another partner. Without really thinking I stood up on my own two feet, wobbly at first but I got them straightened out. There was a pause amongst all the fighting and I smiled at them, "I want to try sparring with you."
Chloe stepped away from Iria, "Well, you and I could give it a go." She smiled at me and Iria gave me two thumbs up. I looked at the corner and Asch wasn't there anymore, instead, he had asked Luke for a duel and I looked at Chloe, "Let's pause for a while. Their duel is always something to look after for." The older girl pointed at the two and we evacuated the floor so the two can use all the space they needed.
The two prepared themselves by doing the starting stance and I could only look at them as they contemplated on who would be doing the first move. Their feet would shift under them but no one dared to do an attack. They were correct not to lose eye contact because if they did, this would have been an opening for one of them.
I blinked my eyes and then Asch was running towards Luke. Luke raised his bokken and received Asch's attack with his bokken. He jumed back and then lunged at Asch with his bokken, aimed high. Asch steadied his bokken and received the hit. He was pushed back and he overthrew Luke's bokken with his, the younger redhead staggered backwards and Asch aimed a hit at Luke's abdomen but the younger one met him before the hit was made. They were quite similar when they hit each other, trying to do offense when they saw an opening but they were able to shield it with their swords. They were spectacular. I was more so annoyed with Asch than I was earlier. It was quite obvious he was going easy with me earlier. I disliked how he had treated me so easily; I wouldn't be expecting more those occurrences in the future.
Their sparing took up most of the time we had left, as soon as we took over the floor; the two sat themselves at the sides. They were meters apart from each other. I took a stance and Chloe did too, she lunged at me first and I used my bokken to block her attack. We tried to overpower each other by putting much force but I slide out and sidestep and luckily ended up hitting her abdomen just not too hard. She smiled at me when I took my position away from her.
"Not bad, Lucille." She smiled and we continued to spar until the time seemed to be inconsiderate that we had to stop.
-.-.-
"Congratulations Lucille!" Natalia spoke and she patted my shoulder when I sat beside her for dinner in the canteen. I had gone down to the canteen after I got myself out of the sweaty clothes and into my casual before sleeping attire. The coolness of the wind felt nice after a hot bath.
Natalia and Tear had both ditched the uniform for the evening. The blond female donned a simple light blue blouse with a ribbon at the hem. She wore a simple white ribbon skirt that accentuated her long legs. She wore a pair of silver doll shoes to match her clothes. Tear looked cute with her outfit which consisted of a gold partition top and a pair of blue skinny jeans. She had worn a pair of white sneakers for tonight. I on the other hadn seemed to comfortable with a black wool top and a pair of buttoned down Fauna pants with a pair of gray sneakers to boot.
"I hope you good luck in your club, Lucille." Tear spoke and I thanked her. I noticed there were only a few students in the canteen and some teachers as well.
"Hey Natalia, how come there are only a few students here? And teachers too." I asked and she looked around, "The school only chooses a few selected students and teachers to accommodate the dorms. Most of the students have to be fetched from here but only some who have a background or whose parents are away are liable to stay here. Teachers who are known to spend overtime are advised to stay in the dorms as well so it wouldn't be hectic." She replied and I nodded while my eyes roved amongst the few people who were present.
There was Prof. Jade who was accompanied by Prof. Dist and another man who was tanned and had long light blonde hair. They were chatting happily and continued to tease Prof. Dist. The whole scene looks perturbing and weird. Seeing adults like that, well, I'm just not used to the whole idea and picture. They were all wearing casual clothing just like us.
There was a table where the God Generals had seated themselves with; they were a close pack. Asch was with them which didn't surprise me any bit. Heck he is a member of the student council after all. Everyone had ditched the monotonous display of their uniforms. Asch had worn a simple charcoal turtleneck that made his red hair distinct and a pair of loose brown cotton cargo pants with a pair of gray rubber shoes. He seemed to stand out from the crowd.
I took my fork and twirled the strands of spaghetti on my tray as I looked at the blank seat in front of me. "Sorry we're late!" Guy spoke as he dragged Luke by the collar. This was actually the first time I saw the two guys wearing casual clothes. Luke had settled for a white shirt with a black monster design on the back, he wore a pair of dark slate pants and a pair of brown hiking boots. Guy on the other hand wore a simple gray shirt with a skull design which really didn't seem to be his style and a pair of dark blue pants. He also wore a pair of white rubber shoes. They lined themselves to get some dinner before they sat beside each other.
"How was your afternoon?" Natalia spoke to the two of them but we all knew whom she had directed the question. I noticed how Luke nudged Guy with his elbow so the blond would reply first. I looked at my meatball before poking it with my fork. The four were deep in an animated discussion that I knew nothing of. It made me jealous how these people had grown together since childhood. Such a thing that I was deprived of since I was a child. I zoned out for a moment that it was Tear's waving hand posed in front of my face that caught my attention. "Lucille?" she asked, there was worry in her tone. "Oh, sorry I zoned out for a bit." I chuckled and she sighed. "We were wondering where your hometown was." Natalia added and I looked at them, they had their attention fixed upon me.
"Well, I can't really say the memory is vivid. I was young when we left the place; all I can remember is a big house, an old lady which was my grandmother and some other children. I can't really recall how they look just their voices; they always came to visit our house. We played in the garden everyday." I thought really hard. I had a hard time when it came to recalling my memories during childhood. My parents had once told me I had suffered amnesia and that was probably why recalling memories was such a hard activity.
"Lucille? Are you all right? You've gone pale." Tear spoke and I smiled weakly at her. "I-I'm fine really." It was taking its toll already. It always took a big chunk of my endurance. I took my fork but it clattered onto the tray at least twice before I got it grasped between my fingers. "Lucille, you're so pale already. Are you sure you're all right?" Natalia noticed the ever paling of my skin and I tried to reassure myself.
It's going to be fine. Don't worry so much. I told myself and took some breaths so I could calm myself, trying to cover the fact that I really wasn't okay. Guy had seated himself and placed a cup of water in front of me, when he stood up and when he left was something I didn't eve notice.
I looked at them and their worried faces, "Really you guys. Sleep will do me fine, don't be such worry warts." I joshed but the tension really didn't lessen. They didn't even look convinced. I didn't really want them to worry so I finished eating my spaghetti and then drank up all the water that Guy had provided me. "Okay, okay, since you aren't convinced, I'm going ahead for bed. I'll see you tomorrow." I stood up from my seat but my legs felt like jelly so I sat down once again and tried to hide it by fixing my top. I stood up once again and this time another obstacle was walking straight. I held onto the top of my seat before I walked out of the canteen and unto the hallways. I made my way towards the dorm.
The wind was chilly now and I rubbed my hands along my arms to warm myself. I know that I was probably swaying now. I spotted a bench and decided to sit for a while to somehow find a way to soothe the pain that was pulsing in my head. The cool wind seemed to give comfort as it helped in relieving me of the pain and with that I made my way to the dorm and proceeded to the bed.
Maybe I just needed some rest.
Author's Notes: Chapter 2 is here. Progression is ReeeEEAAaaaLLllYYyyY slow so please don't sue me :(
This is the longest chapter I've made in my entire life. *confetti* Really, I swear. :D
I hope you enjoyed reading this. :3
Reviews are much appreciated.
:3 Thanks for reading.