It had been a week since he had arrived in Tokyo alongside his (rather annoying) companion, and he could not help but to say that he was at the same time impressed and shocked. Modern Midgard had indeed changed a frightening amount since he was here last.

Gone were the kingdoms of old (though Copilli told him there were still a few lying around somewhere), and in their place were new forms of government that he was unfamiliar with. Though he was no stranger to large crowds, he found himself overwhelmed by the huge numbers of people going about their business.

He contemplated his decision whenever he had time alone in the penthouse that Copilli had rented (she did so with a strange Yamato currency called yen). There were times that he wished he knew more of the customs of modern-day Midgardians. At other times, he missed the old ways (though he wondered how they understood him since they lived in different ages).

Oftentimes he asked his companion what she was, exactly. Randomly travelling through different realities was not something just anyone could do, after all.

She just smiled and told him that in the end it didn't matter, everything would work itself out in time. That had not, of course, answered his question. He felt as though she was concealing something from him.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he walked down a surprisingly empty park and stopped when he came to a balcony that overlooked the surrounding area.

The day was beautiful; he felt more cheerful than normal. This came despite the fact that Copilli described his moods as ranging between 'doom' and 'gloom'. Today he had chosen to wear a simple gray t-shirt, his sword belt, and black jeans. As he strode down the path, he was met with many curious stares. He guessed they were due to his strange appearance-silver hair was uncommon, it seemed. He brushed them off and kept walking; those who'd been staring did the same.

It was nearly sunset when he returned to the room that he and Copilli shared in the hotel. He quickly scanned the keycard and entered the room to find Copilli seated on the couch watching the TV. She turned around to look at him and smiled. "Didja have fun, Wyl?"

"My day was passable."

She frowned. "Ya know, I let ya have the day to yourself so you could enjoy it. You could at least show thanks. Jerk."

He was taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor. "I apologize, I did not mean…" His apology was cut short by soft yet noticeable laughter. She was giggling.

"Oh, Wyl, I was just joking! You can do whatever you want! I was just messin' with ya!" He merely glared at her, but that did not last long as he soon erupted into laughter as well. It had been a long time since he laughed like this. Laughter without any malice behind it; laughter just for the sake of it. He found it to be quite cathartic. Soon their chuckling died down as Copilli regained her composure. She then spoke up. "Wyl, you hungry?" She received a nod. "Good, let's go get something to eat. I'm famished!" The girl then bolted out the door with Wylfred following closely behind.

Soon after setting put they found a quiet little café hidden in a small side street. After ordering and receiving their food, they tucked in happily. As they were eating the girl spoke first. "Wyl, what do ya think of Midgard so far? I haven't heard you talk about it."

"It was quite a shock to experience, at first. But I believe I will get used to it, in time." Was his honest reply.

"Good. Now listen, Wyl. I've already chosen the perfect way for you to carry out your mission. You can accept it, or you can say no and I'll pick something else. Easy." She was met with an inquisitive stare from the ex-mercenary. "It's the end of summer, and you don't have any job skills, yet. So what I'm gonna do is enroll you in school."

"School?"

"Yeah. It's where kids your age go to learn things that'll be useful to them later. Think of it as training, only with less violence. Now the place where you'll be going is a little…different than most schools. It is, in fact, a school for yokai." She was once again met with a curious look. "Monsters, Wyl. Zombies, vampires, succubi, that sort of thing. Don't worry, they won't eat you, or anything like that. You're registered already, so they can't touch ya without any repercussions. They all look human, so you won't stand out too badly (though you hair might attract attention)."

"This place sounds as though it is combative."

"I won't lie to ya Wyl, fights DO happen from time to time, but I heard that there's a group there that maintains peace, sorta. You in or out?" She stared at him, obviously waiting for an answer.

"Alright, I shall consider it. Maybe it'll be fun."

She smiled winningly at him. "That's the spirit! School starts in a few days, so there's plenty of time to gather your stuff (not that you have much anyway). There are a few things I have to tell you about the place before you go, though. One: once you get there, the sky and sea look WAY different. That's how it's supposed to be, so don't freak out. Two: don't ask anyone what type of monster they are, it's against the rules. Three: the bus that takes you there is weird in some way, don't question it. Four: fights are common, but killing another student is frowned upon. That's not to say it's banned though. Five: you must absolutely NEVER anger the headmaster. He's scary beyond all reason. And last, if anyone asks, don't tell them what type of monster you are, unless you ABSOLUTELY trust them."

"And what sort of monster am I?"

She pursed her lips in though before she answered. "You'll be listed as a Vagrant, like me. That way no one can accuse you of being human. Humans are executed immediately despite the fact that the place is trying to foster good relations between yokai and humans, for some reason. Be careful. The bus arrives in two days; by the way, it'll pick you up in front of the hotel. I already submitted everything you'll need for your stay, so you don't have to worry about a thing (except your studies)."

"This sounds like a worthwhile experience. I accept the challenge." He was resolute. If this place was what he needed to obtain another chance, then he would take it.

She clapped her hands joyfully. "Wonderful! Soon you'll start school and learn new things! I don't doubt you'll do great. Come on, let's go. It's getting late." He nodded, then Copilli paid their tab and they both left.

The weekend flew by before they knew it. On Monday, Wylfred was waiting in front of the hotel when a strange yellow vehicle pulled up in front of him. This must be the bus she was talking about, he thought. The door opened and a strange man in a blue uniform beckoned. He had a cigar in his mouth and his eyes glowed malevolently. Wylfred got chills just from looking at him. "You must be the new student Wylfred." Receiving a nod, the man continued, "Well, get on. I don't have all day." The young ex-mercenary nodded dumbly before climbing aboard.

The bus ride was short and uneventful. The most thrilling thing that happened was them going through a tunnel and somehow ending up in a strange new area. It reminded him of the Evernight: dead trees dotted the landscape and there was a gloomy atmosphere. The sea was vast and tinged a blood red. He didn't know if it was safe to swim in, though he had his doubts.

He apprehensively got off the bus when the bus driver grabbed him by the shoulder. The man chuckled darkly before telling him, "Be careful. Yokai Academy is a scary place." With that, the man let go of him and boarded the bus once more before driving off, laughing all the way.

Wylfred had experienced things that would make anyone's blood run cold, but he could honestly say that this place seemed wrong in some way. As if it was warning him to stay away. He gulped audibly before walking forward. Horrors or no, he was not going to waste his second chance at redemption.

He just hoped that he could live through it.

A/N: so there's the next chapter. I'll try to update maybe once a week, depending on the interest. Keep in mind that this is my first story on this site. I'll accept criticism, but only the constructive kind. Flames will be used to boil my pot of tea. See you guys later. Don't forget to review!