Chapter 6: Tranquility
Morning came, bringing with it the shining sunlight upon the city of Atlas. It poured into every window facing the east, from the extravagant manors of Northern Atlas to the humble homes in the South. The Atlas Academy was no exception, beams of light entering the few rooms with views of the East. But while the rising sun was a mark of awakening for many, the students of Atlas were already up and about, preparing for their first day of school.
Coal leaned back, half sprawled across his bed as he watched the sunlight bouncing off the floor. Classes didn't start for another hour or so, just after breakfast, so they had plenty of time. Seraphina was applying light makeup, while Azure was still resting, hugging her helmet as she slept like an infant. Viridian, reading a novel, much to Coal's surprise, was sitting back while he waited for the girls to be ready.
This isn't so bad, Coal thought to himself. He didn't expect school life to be so casual and lax like this, especially after last night's event. And yet, here he was in a room full of spies, infiltrators with great skill sets. Coal snickered to himself. Not even my first day at the legendary Atlas Academy, and I've already joined a cult.
"It's not a cult, it's an organization." Seraphina corrected, still preoccupied with her cosmetics.
What am I gonna do next, he wondered. Would it be like those cheesy graphic novels, with a casual student in the day who becomes a hero at night? Would I end up saving the world and becoming a hero?
"If you haven't guessed, we're not exactly a lawful organization." The maiden once again blurted out casually.
"Ok, I've gotta ask." Coal finally announced. "How?"
"Telepathy." Viridian stated, not once taking his eyes off his book. The answer only made Coal more confused than before, or just surprised.
"Nobody told you yet?" The young maiden looked up, having finished. "I suppose since it's decided we'll be working with you... It's part of my Semblance. I can read the minds of those within close proximity, but only one at a time. I can also establish a telepathic network between few individuals."
Coal raised an eyebrow, a doubting expression. He only started to believe it when he heard Sera's voice in his head. Like so. It's incredibly useful for communicating without making noise. The woman started to grin with satisfaction as she watched Coal's face distort from fascination to horror. Don't worry, it's only strong, clear thoughts that are carried out to others.
Oh, thank goodness. Various thoughts began to course through his mind, ideas of exceptions and testing this Telepathy. With a serious face, he stared at Sera before finally mentally announcing Porridge. Viridian's groan mixed with Sera's laughter told him exactly all he needed to know. Well, I'm glad I can finally be a part of your conversations now. Seraphina's laughter, however, awoke the sleeping girl.
Azure raised her head, rubbing her eyes, as soft sounds escaped her mouth. She stretched her arms, extending above her head while still holding her helm. After a silent yawn, she adorned her helmet, getting ready for the day without so much as a 'Good morning'. Only now did Coal realized that no one else had yet to say a single word, outside of the explanation of Sera's Semblance. Not a single greeting or introduction or anything.
Horror was plastered over his face at a realization. Everyone glanced at him, confused as Coal muttered "Oh God, I'm leader of a team of social cripples!" He brought his hands to his face as he moaned and cursed his situation. Viridian rolled his eyes and resumed reading. Even Seraphina was puzzled by his statement.
"And?" She finally asked, only to receive a hollow look of disappointment from the black haired boy. "That's a problem?"
"Of course it's a problem! It's suspicious! We're the equivalent of the butler in a crime mystery! We stick out like a sore thumb, especially Grouch over there-"
"Don't call me that." Viridian replied with a scowl. "Ever. Again."
"-and little miss Wallflower over here!" Coal finished, Azure flinching at her new label.
"Wallflower...?" Seraphina was at a bit of a loss over that one.
"Like at a dance party." Coal answered. "Look, if something bad happens, we're suspects 'numero uno'. The odd bunch of apples, that can't seem to fit in. People talk, and rumors are powerful in the social world. So, to fix this, YOU!" He pointed at the sword master. "No helmet while in school and outside of combat. Unless you have any objections?"
Azure shrunk back against the wall, fumbling with her words. She wasn't even responding telepathically. "Good. As for you..." Coal continued, nodding to the psychic. "Lay off the theatrics. We're trying to seem average, not extravagant. Just... Just try to tone it down. And lastly..." Viridian cast a glare at him. "You might be a lost cause. At least smile or something."
"Request denied."
"You've got to do something about that face, at least! It looks as if you've killed someone!"
"'As if'?" The brute retorted.
"How are you gonna fit in if you're always hostile like that? Nobody's gonna like you much at all."
"I don't care about being friendly, and I'm not going to start for stupid reasons like this."
"See, that's exactly what I'm talking about!" Coal groaned again, defeated. "Let's grab some food. As amusing as this has been, I'm famished."
(-)
Coal was wrong. There might actually be a team more suspicious and worse off than his own. Team Mustard was about as subtle as a Goliath in a chinaware shop. For starters, poor Dusk had his hands over his face. His hair was unkempt and his beret missing. Coal honestly worried about the hapless sod. Sylvia was stuffing her face, though at a tolerable rate. It was still a ton of food nonetheless.
Monica was carefree as usual, glancing around the mess hall at the dozens of other students. Every other year student also ate here, not just the first years. If it wasn't for the sheer size of the tables, her kicking feet might have hit Viridian's legs. The Mess Hall was grand; spacious enough to house the entire Academy twice over. Curtains giving passage to sunlight decorated one side, while banners of Atlas covered the other. With all the décor and noise of the others eating, it was easy to pass over some details. Like Ash.
Ash was silently eating, never making a noise. If he didn't stand out in his combat clothes, he was invisible in his school garments. Something odd that those that noticed him couldn't help but wonder about was his uniform. Everyone that had passed was given a school uniform, constricting and simple. His came with a grey hood and short cape. Azure spared envious glances at him through her nervous fidgeting.
"Cheer up, Dusk." Coal said, extending a hand to console him. "It could be worse. I think. What's wrong, anyway?"
"He couldn't find his hat thing." Sylvia answered between shoveling food in her mouth. She swallowed, grinning like a devil. "Cuz I stole it."
"That's where it went!?" Dusk cried out.
"I don't think it's allowed by the dress code, anyhow." Ash stated.
"Speaking of dress codes-"
"Why do you have a-" Azure blurted, before seeing all eyes on her. She faltered, face turning beet red as she lowered her gaze, murmuring. "A-a... Hood..." She might start to cry, Coal thought to himself. She really misses her little mask.
"It was Headmaster Ironwood." Ash answered, unfazed. "He asked me if I would prefer some kind of cover."
"What for?" Sera asked. Ash responded by lifting his hood, messy hair falling out. His scars were more clearer this close. They stretched from the left side of his neck, up and around his face, along his ear. The burned one continued eating as if nothing was wrong. "Ah, medical condition. That's rather kind of him."
"He made mention of that, too." The burned one replied, flipping the hood back up. "I had no preference, but saw no reason to refuse. Next thing I know, he hands me six of them." He had finished, the only one eating at a normal pace, but kept his eyes on the cowering Azure.
"Anyone know what time it is?" Monica asked. The mention of time reminded them they were on a schedule, and all eyes turned to Dusk. He scoffed in disbelief when he understood their staring.
"Really? I'm the only one that keeps track of time?"
"No one better for the job." Coal replied.
"It's 7:12. First class, which happens to be Grimm Study, is in eighteen minutes."
"Awesome, I can get, like, seventeen more minutes of snacks." Sylvia chimed happily.
"'Snacks'?" Coal gaped at her. You know, never mind, everyone. We fit in like a malformed puzzle piece. Cuz that's apparently all this school is. One massive, bizarre puzzle.
"If we have eighteen minutes..." Dusk mumbled, earning him a concerned stare from his team leader. "I'll go on ahead, everyone. Uhh..." He turned to each one, shaking his head until his eyes fell upon his only male teammates. "Ash. If you could, tell the others when it's time to go."
"7:30?"
"N-no, 7:25 at the latest. I'll see you all later." Dusk said as he hurried off. Was he going to look for the hat Sylvia hid? Coal grew concerned of the military boy. His life was crumbling from the moment he got inside the academy, everything falling apart. Coal scooped another helping of scrambled eggs into his mouth as he watched Dusk leave.
(-)
The Headmaster's quarters. Dusk arrived at the workplace of one of the most powerful and influential men in all Atlas, possibly all Remnant. Fiddling with his messy hair, Dusk hesitated outside the doors to the chamber. Was this really the right thing to do? He had no quarrels with his current companions, except maybe Sylvia. Yet, his priorities were set the moment he arrived. Dusk's conflict against Coal during the fight was proof of his resolve.
Mustering his courage, Dusk entered the building, finding himself in a large waiting room. Ms. Lavender was working at a desk to the far left, who took little notice of the boy's arrival. A wave of relief flowed through him. He passed by an Atlesian Knight before stopping at the desk. Ms. Lavender continued working, typing away ceaselessly, the demands of an incredibly busy secretary.
"E-excuse me..." Dusk mumbled.
"Speak up, please." The secretary snapped without looking up.
"Excuse me." Dusk declared, in hindsight, a little too loudly. "Is-is General-I mean, Headmaster Ironwood in?"
"He is. He is also busy at the moment. Do you need to see him?"
"Y-yes, if I can."
"Urgently?" Miss Lavender pressed, causing Dusk to freeze. Not for the first time these past couple of days, he hesitated. After a pointed look from the secretary did he regain his composure.
"Yes." He answered with confidence. If he didn't bring this issue to light now, he may regret it later. The ivory haired woman tapped away on her keyboard with haste, studying the schedule Headmaster Ironwood was bound to.
"I'll inform him of your arrival, enter at any time."
"Thank you." Dusk's entire body was shaking, yet still he pressed on, entering the room ahead. The inside of Headmaster Ironwood's office. It was large, bigger and wider than would seem fitting given the room's purpose. Rewards, portraits of famous people alongside him, and various maps with shining lights decorated the walls. In the center was the grand desk, fully mechanized for utility. And sitting behind it was none other than the man himself.
"Come in, Mr. Soleil." He said in a calm tone, yet did not pause his duties, writing and signing important documents. At the press of a button, a slot in the desk opened, and the papers placed inside. When the Headmaster's attention was on the boy, Dusk responded with a stiff solute, posture flawless.
"General Ironwood, sir!" He announced.
"At ease." The Headmaster replied with a smile. "You're not a soldier just yet." He rose from his chair, and began to pace around the room. "Your parents must be proud. They contacted me personally about your current standing and progress here." Ironwood chuckled as he paused at one picture, featuring the previous headmaster shaking hands with a girl with a dark complexion and mauve colored hair. She was beside another man of dirty blonde hair, yet his skin was white and fair. "Even though the school year had just begun. I had heard your sister will be enrolling here next year, correct?"
"Yes, sir. My younger sister, Ciel." Dusk let out a laugh, calming his nerves. "We had always dreamed of coming here, even becoming rivals. To see who could become the better soldier."
"The Soleil family have always been deeply involved in the military, for generations. It's inspiring to see the family tradition still holding strong." Ironwood returned to his desk, seating himself before asking "You had something you wished to discuss?"
"Yes, I do." Dusk replied hesitantly. "It's my team, Team Mustard." His expression turned sullen when he brought up the topic, a pang of guilt burdening him. "I-I don't mean to overstep my boundaries, sir, but I can't help but think that I could perform better with different company."
"Are you implying your team composition is wrong?"
"N-no! No, sir, not at all!" Dusk threw up his hands in protest. "It's just..."
"It's all right, Mr. Soleil." The Headmaster replied, turning to him with understanding eyes. "It's only doubt. It's ok to have doubts, occasionally. About yourself, your allies..." His hands clenched in anger. "Your duties. I myself have an old friend who I can't help but doubt sometimes. Especially of late." The Headmaster paused, eyes caught by an image of himself alongside another headmaster and a woman. They all looked happy, the scene captured well and framed close to his desk.
"Sir?" Dusk asked, drawing the Headmaster from his memories of times long past.
"But I digress. Your doubts are understandable, but not permanent, I assure you." Ironwood's face lightened as he continued. "Your team is special, as well as your place in it. Your team may not align with your preferred future, but know this. Even the best of warriors, most capable of soldiers must learn to adapt. And I feel that you may one day see your team as not only colleagues and allies, but as friends."
"But, sir..." Dusk faltered, uncertainty welling up within. "What of Monica? Is she truly fit to be a leader?"
"Don't forget, she is still growing and learning, just as you are. Just as you all are. Youth is a wonderful but fleeting stage. Your entire future is still ahead of you. Were I in your shoes, I would enjoy this tranquility as much as I can. Have faith in your companions. And be someone they can have faith in in return." The calm expression on Dusk's face told Ironwood he completed his job well. "Dismissed. I believe it's almost time for your first class, Mr. Soleil."
"Thank you, sir. I will take my leave." Dusk announced with a final salute, before leaving the sizeable office. He was glad he had come. The Headmaster was right, though Dusk never suspected he might be wrong. It was just his own worries plaguing him again. He marched down the halls, filled with determination.
(-)
Azure had barely touched her breakfast, her mind in a panicked fritz. She had never felt so vulnerable, so visible. She toyed with her eggs, eyes glued to the ground while the others conversed and ate. Azure turned to her right, towards Coal, her leader. He was smiling like a child as he talked and talked and talked. She envied that courage he had for socializing. If only she could be as daring.
Feeling another pair of eyes upon her, Azure turned to notice the burned one was still staring. Face flushing with shyness, she pulled her eyes away. What is his problem? Why does he have to be watching me like a stalker? And why did his gaze seem... pitying. Azure released a heavy sigh. That's all she has been, all her life. Coal was the only one that hadn't viewed her with sympathy. Him and her parents.
"Hang on, what if two Griffons were carrying it together?" Sylvia suggested.
"No, that would never work." Coal replied with a look of defeat. They had been discussing, from what Azure could tell, how a Grimm travelled overseas. But it seems they would be interrupted by Ash, who glanced at his Scroll, noticing the time. He then picked up his empty tray to return it.
"It's time." Ash announced. "We should head to class as we agreed." Even Ash had a certain indifference when it came to socializing.
"Right, let's go." Monica said in agreement. "Hey, wait. First class is Grimm Study. Why don't we ask the teacher about it?" Everyone seemed to nod at the idea, before preparing to leave. Azure ended up being the caboose, hesitantly waiting for what she presumed to be her turn to get up. The social world might as well have been another land for all the inexperience she had.
They all walked down the hallways, Coal, Sera, Sylvia and Monica at the lead, still in their heated debate. Viridian behind them, looking displeased as usual. And then Ash, occasionally glancing back at her again as Azure trailed behind. The grey haired boy eventually slowed down, until he was walking side by side with her. She shied away, looking elsewhere.
"Are you all right?" He asked, sending her into further internal havoc. Unresponsive, she waited for Ash to leave. What happened instead astonished her. He had left something on her head, an article of grey clothing drooping over her eyes. She lifted it up in time to see him walking back to the rest. His head was bare, smoky grey hair more visible than ever.
Taking it down, Azure noticed what it was he had left with her. A hood. His hood, given to him by the Headmaster himself. With a faint flash of joy in her eyes, she wore it immediately, feeling secure under a veil once again. Azure tugged the sides of her hood as she silently mouthed the words 'Thank you'.