This one might be the first day, but I promise nothing.
Ageis' P.O.V
I was woken by a truly terrible noise, it sounded like an Ursa gargling chainsaws. It was shaking, no, bellowing… no, it was… it was, thundering I turned my eyes to the first culprit that could come to mind, but the horned behemoth was busy shoving a pillow over his face and ears to muffle the noise, caring little that his horns were poking through the pillow.
I looked to the only other male in our room and he was sleeping softly, like, weirdly asleep. I grimaced and glanced to the Arborkinetic beauty. Her mouth was wide open, her chest rising and falling in time with the assault on my eardrums. I let my body fall back onto the bed as I pulled my Scroll from the bedside table.
"It just had to be the hot one… *sigh*" I muttered to myself. The time on the scroll was several hours before class started, but I was already awake. I made my way to the restroom to begin my daily routine.
MINOS' P.O.V
"First thing on my list for the afternoon is industrial noise canceling earplugs, as well as a new pillow." I say finally sitting up and removing the ruined thing from my horns. I take a glance at my alarm clock. "Not bad, only a few minutes before my alarm." I mumble to myself before pressing the 'Cancel' button on the machine I have mixed feelings with.
I get busy preparing myself for the day ahead. I go to put on my armor before realizing that the stern woman came by and informed us that it is mandatory for any and all battle gear to be locked in our battle lockers, and that for comfort sake, we only wear armor and the like in combat class. I would feel a bit more comfortable if I were impervious to most forms of attacks.
"Oh well, one must adhere to the rules." I grumble to myself as I start to get dressed. Thank whoever it was that these are button ups. I'm almost done when I see the final piece. "Screw the rules." I say ripping that monstrous thing in half and leaving it at the wall.
I faintly hear the water running in the bathroom and wonder who it is. A quick glance at the beds make who it is obvious. "Hmmm, Pyro must be more punctual than I thought, though I should probably wake our..." The word having a bit of trouble in my mouth. "Team."
This will take a bit of getting used to.
I walk over to the lightswitch knowing full well the consequences. Sacrifices must be made, but at least the snoring will stop. With a flick of a switch the room is bathed in a glorious light, though the two sleepers do not see it that way.
The results are instantaneous. The remaining two in bed tried valiantly to cover their eyes from the luminescence. "It is time to wake up you two, this is the first day of classes and I refuse to have our team embarassed by two lollygaggers." I say walking over to open the blinds, there is no room for mercy.
"Besides, I want to get food before classes start." A bemused Pyro said finally stepping out of the bathroom.
Rex, the seemingly better of the two when mornings are involved, made his way groggily into the bathroom with his uniform under his arm and slammed the door behind him.
Rex's P.O.V.
The oddities surrounding the bathroom's design fascinated Rex. There are four sinks… The scrutinizing student glanced to his left. ...yet three showers. Flinching instinctively, Rex muttered as he tightened his hold on his folded uniform, "Never mind the fact that there's never going to be a moment where all four of us plan on using this room at the same time, thus rendering the functionality of the sinks somewhat irrelevant…" Rex flinched once more. "...why might there be a lesser number of shower cubicles?" Aren't we sharing a room with a girl as well? Rex managed a weak, exasperated attempt at laughter, his body slumping over and turning to the side in despair as he murmured with a bleak look in his eyes, "There's not a doubt in my mind that even with the curious amount of bathroom appliances, however unbalanced, the gal will surely claim her conquest of half the room as might any tyrannical dictator, provided that stereotypes are a valid indicator of-"
Rex jolted fully-awake, glancing around in a frenzied state. His worst fears confirmed, he fell to his knees in shock, eyes wide as he allowed his uniform fall softly onto the floor, a hand clamped over his mouth as he said to himself in a hushed, frantic tone, "This bathroom has no bathtubs."
Rex collapsed onto the floor, his eyes still wide, arms lying by his side, a shimmer in his eyes as what appeared to be the initial onslaught of tears began to fall. He murmured softly, "How am I supposed to relax? To deal with the stresses of my day? This… this isn't fair." Rex brought a hand up to his tear-struck face, obscuring his sorrow as his muffled voice said, "This isn't fair…" Rex fell into a depressive state, as might any other in such a heart wrenching scenario.
The clatter of the rattling doorknob sent a wave of distress through Rex as he opened the door, dressed in this restrictive uniform, tears long-since wiped clean, stepping out the bathroom and into the bedroom, grumbling to himself as he pulled at the uniform's choking neck segment, "Did I accidentally get one a size or two smaller than my build?" Did I say build? Rex slumped unhappily at this thought. I meant standard size-small.
Ceder's P.O.V.
"We must go now Miss Boom it's time" "Time for what?" "Time for you to wake up" I hear before a thousand suns burn away my eyes and I wake up. After my eyes finally adjusted I got up to put on my uniform. After rex walked out of the bathroom I went in brushed my teeth and put on my uniform.
"Are you guys ready for classes?" I ask the guys after I come out of the bathroom. "You know classes won't be starting for a couple of hours right?" Minos says in return. "But… then… why did you wake me?" I ask confused and regretful of waking up."I had a very nice dream about the trees we met yesterday."
Ageis pulls out his scroll and presses a button, the sound that came out was a thundering roar of some great beast, "what kind of grimm made that sound" I question, all eyes focus on me."What?" I wonder. "Have you ever eaten an ursa?" Ageis asked in return "Not that I know why… oh… OH I thought I said that I'm a light snorer" "LIGHT?! YOU CALL THAT LIGHT?!" was all I got in return.
"If you think I'm loud you should hear my uncle that gigantic ursa from the forest has nothing on him" was all I could answer before an orchestra of laughter erupted.
"So for waking me up this early you have to make me an apple pie I don't care when though preferably this week"
A couple hours of useless chatter about food later
"Guys come on we woke up so early how come we're running late out of nowhere" I yell at the guys running after me to class. "Well if SOMEONE didn't start a debate about olive oil, then MAYBE we wouldn't be having trouble right now" Minos yelled back in response. "Hey I'm just saying to have respect for that magnificent gooey stuff" Ageis returned.
"It doesn't matter! Just hurry up" Rex said getting frustrated again due to the rest of us going on and on about olive oil. "Here it is" name pointed out as we came to a standstill.
Ageis' P.O.V.
I tentatively pushed open the doors to the classroom. The design was a standard ampetheater, and we appeared to be the last team to arrive. The teacher stood at the front of the class, tapping his foot angrily. "Ah, yes. Team ARCN, you are approximately forty six minutes late, please take your seats and i will continue with today's lesson".
His accented voice was almost at an unitelligable speed and keeping focus was hard enough for me. I looked at the last open section and saw an extra chair, seeing this brought a solution to the hyperactive teacher to mind. "Umm, professo_" "Doctor" he interrupted. "Doctor Oobleck, may i use my semblance for assistance in studying?"
He raised a verdant eyebrow, "and how, Mr. Pyro, would your semblance help? A demonstration is necessary." I pressed my hand together and let my aura flare, the other members of the class let out oos and ahs at my display until i stepped back and let Ageti take form. He bowed to the teacher and spoke, "two heads are better than one when studying, surely."
"I will allow use of this semblance if it is only used for academic purposes, please take your seats". My team accompanied me up the stairs as did the eyes of our fellow classmates. We took our seats and the professor began.
My hunch was correct, he moved as fast as his mouth did. I scribbled out notes while Ageti kept a keen eye on the emerald flash of our teacher. Every so often, the thoughts i was receiving changed from remnant history to the, erm, assets of our female member and i stomped on his foot. History was never my strong suit and having hundreds of years of it compacted into seconds was never easy.
After what seemed like centuries, the bell rang and we were dismissed from the verbal shit-storm that was Oobleck. After gathering our things and heading into a hall, i pulled out my scroll and checked the schedule. "next is Grimm studies with Mr. Port" i looked at my team and found two of them glaring at me.
Ceder covered her chest with her books and Minos was giving me a death glare. "It wasn't me! It was Ageti." I spouted, trying to redeem myself in the eyes of my partner and female team member. "Different person, but still your eyes Pyro" Minos grumbled as we kept walking.
We made it to the next class in time and found that the room was identical to the last one. We took our seats, Ageti having dissipated after the last class and watched our, erm… Port-ly teacher enter the room. "Welcome class to Grimm studies, i am Professor Port. Most of you should have acquainted yourselves with each other, so no other introductions are necessary."
The professor took a piece of chalk and began sketching a few basic Grimm on the board. "Now, having survived the forest, many of you should be familiar with these Grimm. Beowolves, Ursas, and Boarbatusks" he finished the intricate drawings and then erased them. "These Grimm are not all the same though, the most ancient among them gain titles such as Ursa Major and Alpha Beowolf. However unlikely, have any of you seen these unique grimm?"
My entire team raised their hands and the rest of the class gawked at us, even Port raised a bulky eyebrow. "We killed one during initiation" i stated, Port let out a guffaw and spoke "i can understand the want to be popular, but warping stories is hardly necessary, my guess is that it was simply a large Ursa"
A displeased expression crossed my face, "with respect mr. port, why did you ask the question if you were sure that no one could have answered it?" Both of the grey bushes that hid his eyes raised and he let out a very muffled guffaw. "Incredible deduction lad, i will ask mrs. goodwitch later to see the footage of the initiation and see if your claim holds ground mr…?"
"Pyro" i said, "Ageis Pyro", years of using that introduction had it run like clockwork. This, however, had Port baffled, "Pyro? As in Arcus Pyro?" He muttered out. I nodded "I'm his son" Ports brows furrowed. "Well, that… that's enough introduction, back to class. Now, while most grimm are land based, certain grimm have evolved…"
The rest of the class consisted of long winded stories from his youth, painfully stupid comments from Argent Smith and the rest of his team of pricks, and me still trying to get my subconscious off of my teammates chest.
Once the bell rung (and stopped Port in the middle of his hyperbolous tale), we left and Ceder turned to me. "Who's this Arcus Pyro?" I raised a brow and restated what i had said in class. "I said, he is my_" "Yeah yeah but like why does Port know your dad?" I grimaced, i really never liked talking about how amazing my dad was, he always said it was impolite to brag.
"He is a Colonel in the Atlas military, though he usually goes by the moniker of Archangel, the Archangel of Atlas. Port was probably confused as to why i am going to Beacon instead of Atlas. My dad didn't want me to turn into an Atlas stooge like the elder Schnee sister."
"So he's important… sounds complicated, I feel sorry for you" i laughed, "Don't be, despite his rank, he is the most chill and laid back person i know, he can get a bit riled up though." After this, nothing more was said on the topic.
The next class for the day was Combat with Goodwitch, and from the stories the upperclassmen threw around, she definitely earned the second half of her name. The class required us to don our combat attire, so we stopped at the lockers to change.
Rex's P.O.V.
Examining the light armor strapped to his chest and the heavier armor strapped to his bare arms, of which were no longer concealed by uniform, Rex couldn't help but question the redundancy of bringing bulletproof armor with him for this academy. Frowning, a light groan escaping Rex's lips, he muttered to himself, "I don't suppose the folks back home will be all-too happy about this… eh heh, should I send the armor back to them?" After all, it might come across as disrespectful to the school's advisors if I fail to wear the armor they gave me… of… which… actually, fits me well. Wait, no, hold on, what? Rex stumbled back, ignoring the other fellows in the locker room as he spread his arms and looked down in shock. How the hell did they guess my exact measurements!? I don't remember filling out any forms! Rex's eyes widened in panic, his hands clasping over the sides of his head as he thought, Did they, perhaps, sneak into our rooms in the middle of the night… and perform their vile acts at that time!? Rex swung his body around, his fist swinging into a locker while his other fist opened up into a palm, slamming against the locker as his head slumped forward, looking towards the ground, eyes wincing, lips pulled back. "How could they… we trusted them… and they pay us back, with this perversion!?"
Naturally, everyone else ignored the blabbering fellow as they changed without concern. Neither Ageis nor Minos were in the immediate area, and thus, that left only one exception to this majority: a single being that watched Rex with an irritated expression.
Rex swung his body around before his locker, his fingers brushing against the open panel and swinging it shut, slowly easing back into the bench behind him, his eyes expressing a hazy sense of fatigue. Come to think of it, the only thing I filled out on the forms was my name, before handing it off to my parents, eh? Eh heh… eh… heh… Rex sighed, his voice weary from this fit of panic. "Maybe I'm being a bit unreasonable…" His eyes flickered, glancing in the direction of the other students.
Or rather, the lack thereof. The locker room appeared empty, with only the presence of Rex and the consistent drone of the overhead lighting to suggest any signs of life, though of course, only one of these variables might be considered living.
Rex stood up, hands at the ready, his left eye flinching. "Hold on, I didn't really just waste all this time doing nothing, did I?" Crap, that's exactly what I did. Rex managed a weak smile, eyes threatening to shut. "Heh heh, I finish changing before everyone else but it is I that must leave the locker room the last." He began to walk in the direction of the locker room's exit, his expression remaining unchanged, his posture gradually slumping. It is only as he neared the exit, that he noticed the fellow that stood before him, this figure's arms crossed across his chest.
Rex stopped walking, appearing to raise a hand, his eyes widening from their near-closed state. "Eh hem… pardon me, but it appears that you're in my way…" The figure did not move, or else, the fellow did not seem to hear him. Rex twitched at this, sidestepping to move around the living obstacle, only to find the figure shift gradually before him.
Rex's eyes seemed to sadden in confusion. "Are you… trying to get in?"
The figure tsked, his glistening teeth underlying the upturned lips, lips upturned in anger. Otherwise, the figure did not respond, serving as little more than an uptight obstacle, akin to that of a kettle capped to withstand the heat, though Rex silently prayed that this fellow might decide not to whistle in kind.
As no further progress could be made, Rex frowned, examining the fellow before him. Though common sense dictated that this teenage boy should be wearing armor, he wore little more than a black long-sleeve soft shirt, of which was tucked in by equally long gray leggings of similar material, though a distinct visual texture gave it a rougher exterior. With curious shoes of a brighter gray than his pants, the brightest part about this character, he is left with messy red hair and black eyes. A near-scrawny fellow that Rex might have mistaken for younger than him if not for the age limit of the school, nor the fact that the kid is just as tall as him; without much strength in most subjects, height is a topic that Rex happened to take pride in, and after a glance at this character, his eyes narrowed whilst his cheeks began to flush out of territorial dispute.
It was then, that a clink-clink of two metal objects caught Rex's attention as the kid's arm lifted up to brush aside his red hair. A pair of dice, linked at the cuff, of red and black colors fit to match the kid's description. They continued to dangle until the kid lowered his hand down to return it to its position, clasped alongside his other arm.
The kid's eyes narrowed in anger as he said, "You… to think that you're someone that might actually have the audacity to serve as an enemy… someone worth killing..."
Rex stifled a growl at this. Hey, your height is definitely impressive, but in this war of ours, neither flattery nor insults will do to keep me from victory... is what I want to say, but I won't. Because, see, I'm a rational human being.
Rex's shoulders slumped, a sigh escaping his lips as he said, "To be fair, the only person here forcing this conversation is you."
"I see you've decided to talk back; how disgusting."
It was at this point that Rex failed to suppress his own irritation. The hell? I have no idea who this guy is, and already I'm being insulted. Actually, it's been about, what, one full day since initiation? This seems par for the course, really. Rex shrugged, a nervous smile on his lips. "Am I allowed to leave? No offense or anything, but oddly enough, I don't like being called disgusting."
The kid's eyes narrowed without hesitation. "No, you are not allowed to leave, you rotten human being, you useless trash."
Eh heh, fuck, wow, ok. I was not expecting this. He hates me but he wants me to stay!? Actually, the way he's taken command of the conversation is somewhat unnerving… Rex began to chuckle, most definitely on edge. "You know what, forget I said anything about insults. Let's be friends!"
"No, you mindless insect."
"If I stay, are you going to insult me again?"
"Yes, you flimsy excuse for a person."
"Actually, no, I don't particularly like this at all. Aren't both our grades going to be impacted if you continue to block my way?"
"Yes, you masochistic slave."
"Did you plan for this to happen?"
"No, that was an afterthought in the grand scheme of things, you fucking dumbass."
Rex flinched. "You're here… hurling insults at someone you've never met before… potentially ruining our chances at a good first impression with the teacher… and this doesn't come across as idiotic?" Slowly, Rex's posture began to straighten, the threat of the figure before him diminishing.
"On the contrary, idiot, this is most certainly an idiotic plan on my part, you twat." The kid moved, whipping his hand before him as if to gesture a sort of dismissal. "I have examined my behavior and decided that this course of action profits no one, least of all myself, and thus I shall be sparing you, not because of any action done on your part, but because of my sheer capacity for mercy…" With that, the kid whipped around and began to walk down the stretch leading away from the locker room, leaving the exit open for Rex to pass through, his eyes narrowing almost in sadness whilst muttering, "...you disgrace for an enemy."
Rex remained standing for a time, torn between labeling this event a moment of clarity, a divine message from a higher force… or else a moment so spontaneous, luck could be the only factor involved.
Stepping into the open classroom, the first details Rex noticed are the design choices. More an arena than a classroom, with a stand to support perhaps a performing band of musicians… or perhaps something more savage… with an overarching flat-screen television, of which displayed a list of names, though the screen itself currently rested too far away for Rex to read the names. It was as Rex moved throughout the room, ignoring the clusters and crowds of students, that he spotted one particular hand waving him over. Frowning, he moved in the direction of the waving hand, expecting to see the only group that might recognize him as something more than a random face in the room. Groaning expectantly, Rex stepped through the thicket of students, and into a small open space in which only two fellows resided within.
Cedar continued to wave her hand, though now with Rex having come into view, her smile widened, bursting with joy that Rex might expect from someone of her evident personality. Rex's frown quietly vanished, a small smile taking its place as he thought, Energetic and genuinely happy to greet those she knows… how nice… The scene from last night flickered through Rex's mind, though it vanished quickly as Rex shrugged it off, taking a deep breath as he stepped towards Cedar and Minos, the last of which is fumbling around with his cellular device, displaying the names on the larger screen.
A quick glance from Rex as he stepped up to the pair left him with the obvious question of, "Ah dear, where might have Ageis gone?"
Cedar giggled sheepishly, pointing off to one of the larger crowds. "Seems that having the right parents can do wonders for a teenage boy, even if none of them actually know him yet; half the crowd are guys that hope to be like him, and the other half are gals that want him."
"Eh…" Rex stared at the crowd with a gaze laced with skepticism. "Isn't he homeschooled? Is he even prepared to take on such a pride of bloodthirsty lions?"
Cedar cocked her head in confusion, a finger pressed against her lip. "What are lions?"
"I… have… no idea, actually-" Before Rex could continue, an elated cheer came from the massive brute beside them, his eyes lighting up with joy as he began to say, "AH HAH! It's about to start!"
Rex managed to force a laugh, his body swaying as he took a step towards Minos, swivelling to look around his shoulder. "And what might it be that's about to start? Please, someone, anyone, give this clueless fella some details."
Minos growled happily with that same joy as his eyes began to widen, "Our sparring partners are about to be chosen today, and the first matches start within seconds of the first pair of contestants being chosen!" He swung his head around to face Rex, of which suppressed the need to recoil back though his expression displayed his lack of comfort, whilst Minos's eyes gleamed with fascination; with passion, even. "Any second now… eh heh heh! We'll get the chance to beat the living crap out of each other! Isn't this wonderful!? Entertaining!? Worthy of excitement!?"
I have to fight someone? Eh heh… I'd rather sit this one out. Rex failed to match Minos's excitement, though that didn't keep the big fella from looking back at his phone with anticipation as the list of names began to blink in rapid succession, and the names began to spin.
Cedar stepped up to the pair, focusing on Rex as she asked with a sort of half-smile, "Anyway, what was it that kept you so long?"
Rex glanced back at Cedar with that same bored expression. "Some jerk… no… some lunatic blocked my path and wouldn't let me back in." Rex shrugged, seemingly with a tinge of regret. "I must be famous too, for him to keep going on about being my opponent." Nevermind the fact that my mind drifted off for so long in the first place… Rex managed a weak smile as he turned his gaze towards Minos's screen, going on to say, "It doesn't really matter, I guess." His smile began to curve further upward, turning almost into a distasteful smirk, as the screen continued to blink and the names cycled faster, separating into two categories: the two combatants. "I mean, the odds of the two of us getting placed against each other..."
Ping! The first name rolled to a stop, and the student's image filled half the screen.
"...are… what? One in a million? No…"
Ping!
…
A silence overtook the classroom as the screen lit up with the two images of both combatants… though Rex failed to notice, his eyes displaying a level of displeasure as he opened his mouth once more.
"...there's not even a chance at all."
...
Rex's gaze lifted, focusing on the larger screen overlooking the arena… his eyes blinking once… his eyes slowly widening in shock.
...
Rex Regium vs. Wurfel Alea
…
With his gaze focused solely on the two images, Rex's smile and eyes began to widen further, unable to comprehend the absurd nature of the events taking place before him. Hold on… no… wait…
…
How… how does this…? Rex's eyes began to act erratically, darting in every direction, his smile vanishing as his gaze locked onto Wurfel's image, the image of one scrawny red haired, black eyed boy. No… no way… but he… he came up to me… "You… to think that you're someone that might actually have the audacity to serve as an enemy… someone worth killing..." Rex's hands began to shake, slowly rising up to both sides of his head as he began to tighten his grip, clutching hard. How did he know? How did he know? HOW DID HE KNOW!? HOW DID HE PREDICT THIS!? HOW COULD HE HAVE POSSIBLY PREDICTED THIS!? FUCK! I CAN'T DO THIS! I CAN'T! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!? NO! HOW DID HE KNOW!? Rex shut his eyes, his teeth gritting as he suppressed a sob-
Clink… clink…
A clattering of dice.
Step… step…
Rex's eyes snapped open. He lowered his hands, his fingers unable to stop shaking. With wide eyes on the verge of tears, he felt a push on his back; multiple hands to guide him forward. No… calm down… calm down… I'm overreacting. He just guessed, and he was lucky; there's nothing sinister behind that. Just luck… just luck…
Clink… clink…
...just… luck…
Step. Step.
Rex seemed to sway, his eyes transfixed as he stood atop the platform, his eyes locked onto the opponent across from him. Wurfel stood without expression, with only his eyes betraying his hidden intentions: the eyes of a boy with contempt for the trash standing before him, the eyes of a man without remorse.
The eyes of a killer… seeking to do what it does best.
Rex might have gulped, might have gasped, might have turned around to run, had the room not been so awfully quiet. He might have expected at least a single mention of murmuring, or perhaps disappointment for a lack of any ideal fighting candidate… and yet, not a single voice was uttered.
Am I… so in shock, that I can't even use my senses properly? My joints… are stiff. My vision… is blurry. My tongue feels as if it's been electrified, and the only thing I smell is the stench of death… mine own… ok, no, no, this isn't right. This is just a school. No one is supposed to die here, eh heh, that would be the case if this weren't a school for Hunters and Huntresses… eh heh, eh heh, eh heh, eh heh heh heh…
...
...not even my laughter… has a sound of its own.
Rex blinked, unable to make out the figures of anyone watching the two combatants. For that matter, it appeared as if the surrounding area had been engulfed in darkness, with not even the platform beneath the two appearing visible, though both Rex and Wurfel appeared to be unaffected.
Blinking once more, Rex struggled to keep his vision from turning hazy. His gaze focused solely on Wurfel… and after a few moments of watching the fellow before him, it occurred to him in a flash of surprise that Wurfel was trying to say something.
In a cold sweat, Rex strained to make out the words his opponent seemed to be saying… his lips curved into a harsh smile… his eyes mocking…
…
...under…
...ground…
…
...under…
...ground…
…
...under…
...neath…
...my…
...blade…
...your…
...throat.
Rex blinked once more, this time as the blackness surrounding the two of them began to dissipate, bursting with color… leaving Rex all alone…
...in the subway tunnels of a long-since forgotten station.
Hell of a cliffhanger right? All of you give a round of applause in the reviews for the author who prefers not to be named who finished this chapter off. Until next chapter, bye!