Chapter 3: Prodigy

Death City, Nevada.

The place I somewhat longed to always be apart from. Why you may ask? A certain series of events would soon unfold and I was more than-hell-of certain I was not needed there at all. Foreknowledge was a dangerous weapon after all; the story could progress without me right?

Right…?

Wrong.

"Stupid human empathy…," I muttered under my breath as I slammed my fist against the solid brick. The satisfying sound of rubble giving out resonated from beneath my pale knuckles. I brought my hand and dusted of the powdering debris.

Of course, I would involve myself in the massive dilemma that would involve saving countless lives.

Of course, I would also enter the massive technical school and become some sort of make-shift soldier.

AND-Of course, my Dad would insist relentlessly to train and condition me without mercy.

Or at least until he was certain I would be seen as anything but cannon fodder.

Not that I necessary blame him for that with me being his but only child but, he could still have held back even a little with spars couldn't he?

I guessed not.

Given that Dad was one of nine Death-Meisters out there, I had a lot of pressure on my shoulders to keep up with everyone's expectations. To be the offspring of someone of his caliber and not have his potential would reflect terrible on his part…

Which leaves no wonder why he conditioned me with or what could possibly be the most brutal training regimen on this earth. It was like having a Superman for a father who tucked you in at night and having him switch to Srgt. Asshole wake you up at four in the god-forsaken morning.

For what you may ask?

Well I don't know…

I think it was something like running 5K in my pajamas or something like that.

Can you guess who threw up Dinner half-way through it on their new bunny slippers?

Pffft.

Not my Dad, that's for sure.

In time the amount of miles increased as I gradually began to get accustomed to it.

After five years, running a minimum of 80 kilometers every morning seem to pale in comparison to the rest of the training routine. Like said, It was…brutal. Sometime Dad would quiz me on the properties of spiritual energy, physiological effects on souls and some Phasmology vocabulary. If I got anything wrong…well either it was Two-hundred push-ups, sit-ups or a chance at shock resistance therapy with Mr. Tazer .

As inhuman as it sounded, I was never allowed to be incorrect.

…Not if it cost me my life.

…As bad as sounded; it would condition my body to be more resilient to electric abilities of the sort. (Or any shock-therapy should I ever get kidnapped and tortured.)

With proper body building came weights, weighted objects to carry and a lot of Katas to do them with. (It also included the many times I slipped up, threw up and collapsed under the thick led-like vest on my chest. Or even all three if it was convenient...) Did I end up hospitalized on several occasions from excessive training? Yes, not to mention the memories of the legs I've sprained and bones I've shattered.

Did they all make me hate my entire existence?

…Yes.

Did I want to give up?

No..., because If I did... This life would be meaningless and I was disgusted with the idea of being a helpless kitten for the rest of it-that would be life motto here for as long I exist.

I would protect them…

The people that live in the shadows of the bigger picture. Those who are nothing more than background characters in the story of another. Those who live as nothing more than a nameless face in a book; people like my Uncle-Jo', Asheton, My Mom, My Dad…

People like me.

Cause in the real story (like in my past life) my name didn't matter...and it was about time I change that.

Starting with my great entrance into the most prestigious academy this world had to offer. Along came with it was the god-forsaken paperwork I had to fill out along with Asheton at the time. The paperwork along could send a young hopeful packing and heading for the hills.

The student code of conduct was absolutely insane. I mean sure it had normal technicalities for punishment and rule setting that must be followed but...the fact alone that fighting in school wasn't such a big deal was...ludicrous. All you really needed was to ask a staff member to make sure you weren't dead in the end.

I sighed and rubbed my temples.

This is crazy. This place is freaking crazy. Asheton's hair is still crazy...

I'm crazy...

It had been about four years since the "Big Move" to Death City, I honestly never saw it coming that soon. The only thing I ever managed to understand was that Uncle-Jo' and his family's position had somehow been compromised. My guess was that they had problems of their own and things had somehow gotten dangerous to stick around in a busy city like Palm Springs.

With Dad holding ties to their family it was a given we were at risk as well. I was never sure from what exactly that problem the Emberline's were dealing with but, my nose was picking up something fishy in the air.

...and I could tell it was not the tuna sandwich Asheton ate either.

It still left the question why their family had to go incognito and had to completely change appearance to avoid attention. Unfortunately it was another matter for another time. The Emberline's had right to their own secrets and it wasn't in my place to meddle with their own affairs.

"Ugh, this hair is driving me bat-shit insane! Freaks does it look good?" Asheton asked with a tone of worry. He ran his fingers in an attempt to tame the unruly locks he now possessed. His natural scent pitched up and burned my nose for a split second.

Insecurity was bubbling out of him.

I took in his appearance; He had definitely grown. The only major differences were the shockingly sapphire blue contacts and pearly white locks he now sported.

All-in-all the appearance would mean little if he didn't have the seal implanted on him. The seal itself was nothing more than a false mask to throw off whoever was after the Emberlines. It would only show a facade of a personality Asheton was supposed to mimic in order to evade discovery.

"You look great Killua." I asked unfazed by his use of my last name. I small giggle was threatening to escape my lips. I was never sure exactly why I had chosen that name for him but, the most I could really deduct was that it could have been a reference from my past life.

A small pink dusted his cheeks as he pouted. His hair was really bothering him from the amount of exasperation and embarrassment that emanated from him. "Liar."

"Quit being a baby... We need to head to Orientation this morning then turn in our paperwork with our financial information... Otherwise we won't have another chance till the next month to sign our liability waver's." I rolled the manila file in a roll and playfully knocked him in the head.

"Whatever, I'm still pretty glad we didn't have to take that preliminary test."

"...That's only because the exam is intended to weed out the fain-hearted and the weak." I remarked dryly as I began to walk through the quiet streets. It was troubling to believe some students were signing up for the EAT classed without a shred of training experience and expect to have an acceptance letter ready for them. "...Besides, the examiners themselves let us move on after meeting the academy standards."

"Do you think we'll qualify for a mission in our first month?" Asheton asked as we made our way to the massive steps. I hummed as I played with the "Meister" badge in my fingers and put the manila folder safely in my bookcase with my free hand.

"Most likely, it depends on our entrance exam results... There would be no use to hold us back and teaching us what we already know. If anything we might have our first mission this month after they process the liability form. That's why it's so crucial we make it on time." Aheston's scent seem to run a little wild. A sharp scent crept up my nose. "Does it make you nervous?"

"...I guess i'm just a little excited is all-I mean how many years have we been preparing for this day Thea? Four? Five?"

I was taken aback. Had it really been that long..? "Yeah, I guess it is pretty exciting." Asheton's marvelous sapphire eyes twinkled in amusement as he shoved me.

"Well then? What the heck are we lollygagging for? Let's go!"

"Race you to the top?" I asked raising an eyebrow. He paused briefly until a smirk adorned his lips.

"The usual wager Freaks?"

"The usual Gii-chan."

"Okay, now I'm really gonna kick your ass Freaks."

"Not if you can't catch me."

"You're on..."

"Ready..."

"Set..."

"GO!"

Asheton and I sat patiently on the lingering edge outside the school. I opened a fairly large book on the "Properties of Soul Wavelength" as Asheton looked at the ever growing crowd of first-year students.

He ran his smooth porcelain fingers through his white messy locks, much to his chagrin they wouldn't be tamed. Eventually giving in, he decided to rest his head in my lap.

If they were going to wait until orientation started he might as well catch some "Z's."

As it turned out, we were a tad early for Orientation to begin and right now they were going to have to sit tight until their entire class was present. However we weren't the only ones with a peace of mind to come early, other students lounged near the steps and pillars as the mingled idly.

I flicked through my large thick book on the products and properties of spiritual energy, it was really fascinating to me for many reasons. One of the main reasons as to why was simply due to the fact that this type of energy was not only tangible but, very real in this world.

It was something that was only seen as fictitious in my past life and was a fuel and temple for stories with fantasies and adventures...in fairy tales.

However, in this world it was as real as night and day, proven by both scientists and Morticians alike. Were religion and science agreed. It was truly fascinating...

"...thus, the six types of wavelength nature types were discovered..enhancers, emitters, conjurers, manipulators, transmitters...and specialists...Natures are usually determined through reactions verified on a specific test called the-

A strong harp scent cut through my thoughts and stung my nostrils as I inhaled it. It wasn't a bad scent per-say but it was a little to overbearing for me to handle. Almost like that guy in your class that has a thick layer of a cologne you can't stand.

"YA-HA-HAAH! SO, LOOKS LIKE THERE'S A HELL LOT OF YOU THIS YEAR! YOU GUYS DON'T LOOK SO TOUGH AT ALL! LISTEN HERE PIPSQUEAKS, SINCE YOU GUYS DON'T KNOW HOW THINGS WORK AROUND HERE, I'LL LET YOU IN A LIL' SECRET, AS LONG AS I'M HERE NONE OF YOU ARE GETTING IN. PERIOD. " Many student murmured and cursed at the offending figure.

"What the hell?"

"Pipsqueaks?!"

"Who put you in charge asshole?"

"Shut up."

"What an Idiot."

"Who does he think he is?"

"...If I wansn't a Mortician..."

Our eyes darted to the dead center-front point of the second floor's balcony. He was looking down on us, figuratively and quite literally. 'How could I not notice the stench of overbearing ego?'

"Someone clearly has a bone to pick with us freshman." Asheton scoffed as he began closing his eyes again.

"Clearly." I murmured in agreement. "He should know some of us might be sharing a class with him. "

"He's just baiting anyone to fight him. How petty, he must think were some run-of-the-mill amateurs." Other students murmured in agreement and scoffed at the "blue" headed menace.

I squinted at the the faraway figure and subconsciously let my sixth sense aid my sight. I could feel the warmth of my energy slowly and surely work its way to my pupils. How long had she been so used to the thick mist enveloping her to make any way of utilizing it feel subconscious and natural?

I remember a time I used to pant and sweat when I even tried to use my wavelength energy.

Yet here I was, putting my focus on the boy who managed to piss of the entire freshman class. A boy who was also had very much to do with their future.

Well, Our future.

And the more he babbled on the more I feared for humanity.

I can't believe he's supposed to be one of the three heroes to save us all from impending doom...Why couldn't I have just eaten a sandwich that day?

Stupid fish bone...

I analyzed intently at the guffawing moron. In all honesty his hair was a lot spikier and fuller than the show portrayed him. His "star" shaped hair hair more tousled and had stiff at the same time.

'Of course, he would use gel to get it like that.' My eyes narrowed at the sight of his..."tattoo" A frown wormed its way on my face.

"That's not a tattoo on his shoulder is it...?" Asheton paused and narrowed his eyes. His gaze lingered until he switched his gaze to look up at me from my lap.

"No. It's not. It doesn't look new either." He murmured softly a little troubled. Asheton had a knack for reading people. He was also very informative when the mood struck him. However, his new found maturity didn't come without sacrifices.

Anything we were taught were solely on our benefits as a team. To function fluidly and to study any possible threats. There was a bingo book full of mercenaries with bounty on their heads. A book necessary for anyone getting into the "egg hunting" business. It was listed based on what class type they were under and any "Red flag warnings"

The description for the Star clan was vague and almost non existent. Only to watch out for people with "Scars in the shape of star's"

Which, deducted to one of two things. It was possible either they went through a coming of age ceremony and had it "branded" on them...or if at all most likely, they were branding their infants and burning the symbol of their clan into their innocent delicate skin.

The thought alone made me shutter.

Mainly because, the latter was becoming more likely...

"You know...if I had a messed up family of assassin ninjas abandon me I'd be an attention whore too."

I didn't know why exactly, but a snort was all I could manage to respond with. Was it another subconscious reference from my past that triggered my laugh? I don't know.

The possibility was very much there.

"Well, you know what they say, 'Misery needs Company' Maybe you two could get along quite well?" I mused, earning a disapproving pout from my silverette god-cousin. My eyes wandered to the growing crowd and I felt a little nauseous.

"...Let's go already. It's too crowded." Everyone's scent was lingered and spiked with worry and anxiety. Anxiety and fear were pretty strong odors coming from spiritual aura. When there were just so many experiencing the same emotion...it just became more potent and concentrated. It was very unpleasant.

"But your bony leg was just getting comfortable!" Asheton whined irritably as and rolled his way to stand up.

Just as I was about to retort I could feel the presence of a certain egotistical assassin drop from the second floor to our position in the main gate area. Students murmured and backed away in response.

"...Like I said, No one gets in till' you prove me your worthy."

I frowned at the thought of having to wait. I knew that if I didn't sign the mission waver today and signed us up Asheton an I would't be able to obtain a mission until the next two months. It would be bad to be placed in upper classes and miss the quota needed for the month.

Should I really antagonize him right now? Or should I just wait it out?

If I accepted his challenge and won, I would be destined to be his rival until he finally mustered the strength to beat me. To be quite honest, I would never let him win. I hated losing more than anything in the world. I didn't want to bruise my own ego in the process. However, if I wait and idle around I'm going to miss the valuable opportunity to sign our wavers.

What If my meddling stunted Black Star's Growth?

Would it change everything for worse?

How much have I changed?

How much can I change...?

I didn't exactly like the idea of having Black Star mouth me off just to get some "Payback" I had other stuff to worry about...

...but the idea of falling behind because I didn't meet the soul quota would be mortifying. Not to mention my Dad...or Our Dad's would be disappointing.

Shit.

I'd rather take my chances at fighting Black Star than getting on Dad's bad side again...

What about the future..?

Damn...Maybe some form of negotiation can get us inside? Why don't we just sneak in while he boasts?

Asheton seemed to sense the inner turmoil inside my head and took it upon himself to speak for the crowd.

"Isn't being here proof already? A lot of us took the preliminary exam to prove our worth for the academy. What gives you the right to say who can and can't pass?"

"Does it look like I give a rats-ass what the academy standards are? It takes a real man to fight a Meister of my strength! Not some wimpy exam to find out if you can even run a few blocks. If you ask me, the preliminary exam is nothing more than some stupid joke to weed out wimps who can't even pull their own weight!"

"If you want proof so badly then I have no problem with kicking your ass." Asheton quipped coolly. The scent of his wavelength grew thicker and more musky. Like a Lion defending his territory.

"We'll see about that newby." Black Star growled.

Asheton ran his fingers though his pale locks and scoffed. "Figures you'd think we're amateurs..."

The students within the area began to crowed around them, making a space large enough to ensue a fight.

"Thea, This won't take too long, Why don't you go on ahead and I'll catch up? I wan't to get over orientation as soon as possible. Save me a seat?."

A long heavy sigh escaped my lips.

How long had I been holding it in..?

"...Fine. Don't keep me waiting."

"Yes, Mam!"

A small smile tugged at my lips as a large group followed behind me. Needless to say Black Star would be far too preoccupied to even bother stopping us. Asheton was quite proficient in controlling and manipulating his wavelength. I was confident in his abilities to keep him safe.

After all, we were raised to fight even without each other around to help. It was crucial that a great Meister and Weapon learn the ability to stand their ground individually. If the situation ever came around where Asheton and I got separated, we wouldn't have to struggle with such an obvious disadvantage.

We knew better...

...Because we were stronger.

Needless to say, He did't keep me waiting too long. Adorned with a bloody nose he came back grinning proudly. "The guy isn't too shabby, he used a feint to hide the uppercut."

I skimmed through the school handbook and hummed. "I see, so you took that punch. You must have token the opportunity as he was busy gloating to give him the knockout blow. How predictable."

"Yeah, basic training 101. Always analyze the enemy beforehand, certain personality types hold traits that can hinder them during a battle..."

"In this case it was his huge ego and big mouth."

Asheton hummed in agreement as I signed the death waver and handed it back to "Tammy" the older woman who was in charge of deployment and arrangements for the mission board.

"Since you already have a secure partner, you won't be needing your badges anymore." We handed her the badges without hesitation and began to open up the packets with our schedules for the term.

"You know, you're the first freshmen this term to sign up for mission deployments, by the look in your eyes...you must be Alejandro's child."

"You can tell?"

"How can I not? He had that same look of determination the first day he walked in this place. We expect great things from both of you this year. Even you. Her father had a partner with eyes sharp like that of an eagles. You remind me of him somehow...but he and his family went missing after their plane disappeared without a trace...such a shame."

"I'm sorry to hear that..."

The seal really did it's job, It was as if they were convinced that Asheton really was someone else entirely. The only reason she mentioned their family was only because she envisioned me in my father's place and linked him and his father because he was my partner.

"No, don't fret dear. Now hurry along to your homeroom. The map is pretty extensive but not very detailed. You only get one throughout your time here as a student. You lose it and your out of luck. The halls are very warped and it's not very hard to end up lost, they were designed to test you every day. Good luck."

"Thank you Madam Tammy." We both bowed and made our way to the corridors. We took many twists and turns and watched other fellow freshmen on their own trying to navigate the hallways.

It took 9 minutes to find the the right plaque hanging above the wooden door to our new homeroom class.

Looks like fate really had it in for me...

...Because the name of my homeroom was called...

"Class Cresent Moon."

AN: Hahaha. Get it? Mortician..?

...Because they worship death...and a morticain...bah. Forget it.

Okay so I finally bought myself a new laptop so expect very constant updates now! Hope Annathea isn't Mary Sue-ish...I really want to avoid that..and yes.. Her Name is Annathea Freaks.

I'm keeping Asheton's secret a mystery, hopefully you like him cause I actually adore him.

If you get the reference to her last name and Asheton's fake name you get a cyber cookie.

Comment and review your thoughts? I'd love to read them.