I'm sorry for the delay! Here's the chapter!
"U-um, well, as most of you know, I'm horrible at giving speeches." I started off the Welcoming Ceremony to my fellow Second Years. The boy and girl with the highest grades their former year were selected and told what to say, and as it was, I was forgetting most of my well-rehearsed speech. A few in the crowd cracked up at my obvious discomfort, and a grinning Mel in the back took the time to whistle, clap and cheer.
"IT'S OKAY VAL! WE STILL LOVE YOU!" Those that didn't laugh before laughed now, bringing a bright blush to my face as I shifted on the indoor stage, looking out among the familiar faces. Most I had seen and met before, some I had personally tutored. Some, like Mel, I could consider friends.
"Th-thank you, Mel… Well, I, um, have just about forgotten everything I was supposed to say, uh, today. I think it was something about how proud you should be to be, um, you know, still here. Then something along the lines of not slacking off and, uh, getting too comfortable, like last year's group. I-I can't really remember the rest, so, I'm sorry, but I think we should really just all focus on doing our best this year, while, um, still maintaining a healthy level of fun. Do you remember your speech, Let?" I asked hopefully, looking over my shoulder to where the slim boy, a nerd I had heard of a couple times last year, just shook his head, a funny smile in place upon his mouth. "Then, um, I guess we can go now?" I looked back out to the crowd, seeing many of them cracking up. An idea hit me so hard I visibly jumped, making many in the crowd jerk back like I was going to fall on them. "Oh, yeah! Um, one last thing! Kick some ass!" I fist pumped into the air to emphasize my point, and grins split the faces of everybody in the crowd. It was a promise I made to a third year Magic Club member, who had spoken at his second year entrance ceremony. Something about tradition, and being excited. The crowd jumped up, all the energy and happiness to have made it, finally made it, exploded in the room. People hugged and screamed and jumped over and over again in our new, second year uniforms. Colors purple and green splashed across the room, with more than a few people bursting into a random dance or two. Seeing their happiness, I shut off the mic and placed it back in the holder. Turning around, I gave a smile to Let, who returned the look.
"You were wrong, look at them. You rock at giving speeches." He complimented, jerking his head to the crowd. I blushed even harder, smiling at the compliment nonetheless as people started running out the doors, exiting the room in a giant frenzy to go spread the good word- that we had finally made it, that we were finally on our way to becoming Reapers.
"Th-thanks…" I stuttered, looking away from him. His smile turned into a small grin as he shook is head.
"No, thank you. I'd have feinted if I were up there in your spot." I laughed, knowing it was true, but still happy that I hadn't feinted myself.
"Val! Val! Hurry! We've got silly string and you're going to miss out!" Mel rushed back into the room, leaning over the stage and grabbing my arm. "Come on! Let's go!" Giving one last smile to Let, I let Mel drag me into the mass of bodies outside the building doors, all-too quickly becoming coated in the celebratory purple and green silly string.
"Out of all the classes you have ever taken in your years at the Academy, I dare say that this one will be the most important. As an Advanced class, I expect you behave accordingly while out on the field. No slip-ups, no bad behavior. As future Reapers, it is your duty to protect and serve the people. Exterminating Hollows could almost be seen as an art: you must strike quickly, swiftly, and unseen before they harm anyone or anything. To perform a Soul Burial, you must be kind, yet cold-hearted. You will meet souls that don't know they're dead, and it is your responsibility to inform them. You will, at times, be late to save a soul. If that is the case, then you must minimize any and all casualties. You are a protector of the people, and are expected to act like it. As the advanced class, you are the best prepared of your fellows. It is highly likely that you will advance in rank quicker than them, do not let it get your ego too high. There is always someone stronger than you. Any questions so far?" The first period Professor didn't even take a glance over his shoulder to see the many raised hands. "Good. I expect a lot out of your group, do not let me down. Now, open your books to page fifty three and begin reading how to proceed with a Soul Burial."
"Good evening, Wilkenson-san." Mr. Mark greeted me in our shared tongue as I passed his building on the way to my hand-to-hand combat class.
"Good evening, sensei!" I replied with a small bow.
"Still training with Gentle Flower?" He asked; making sure I was keeping up with my studies.
"Religiously, sir."
I punched my partner again, for the third time in a row. The first he dodged, the second hit him in the stomach, and this one, to my immediate displeasure, he caught. With my small body, it was easy for him to pick me him and sling me over his head, twisting my arm as I landed on my back with a cough. I was immobile now, and the match was once again his.
"Damn, Val. You're vicious for someone your size." He commented; letting loose my arm as I rolled onto my stomach, pushing myself up with the little bit of energy I had left. A short grunt was all I could afford as we moved off the floor, letting another pair take their spar in front of the teacher. I rubbed my aching shoulder as I plopped into my seat with a huff. No matter how hard I tried, hand-to-hand combat just was not something I was good at.
"Ugh, god. You really did a number on my shoulder that time." My remark made him wince, and an apologetic look took over his features.
"Sorry 'bout that. We still on for tonight?" He asked, making sure that even past my general dislike of his wound to me, I could still tutor him in his Demon Way magic. He was having particular trouble in his thirties range, and that was required knowledge to graduate.
"Yeah, sure. Might arrive in a sling though." He laughed shortly at my purposeful over-dramatics. After everybody else had showed what we had learned this week in front of our teacher, class was dismissed to do as we pleased until the bell. I was about to head out the room with the others (we were going to go do a group run through the gardens), when the teacher called my name. "Yes, sir?" I answered, waving for my friends to go on ahead as I hung back. He motioned me forward, pulling out a manila folder and handing it to me as I approached.
"Would you be so kind as to deliver these to the front office for me? They're the order forms for new punching bags. I'd deliver them myself, but you see, I've got a poker game with the other teachers in about six minutes and-" I sweatdropped at his reason, but took the folder from him anyway, successfully cutting off one of his long stories he was known for.
"Go on now, sir. Can't have you loose money on my account." I said as I turned, tucking the folder under my arm.
"Thank you, Miss Vallery!"
I waved him off, knowing he was the type of teacher that didn't mind as I stepped outside the building, Feathering off to the front office.
"Val! How good to see you! Wait- I mean, shouldn't you be in class, young lady?" A fellow member of the Magic Club greeted me as I Feathered inside the office. I couldn't help the grin that came with her all-too fake seriousness. She, under a program the Academy provided, worked a shift here in the Main office instead of taking her three afternoon classes; mostly because she had all the requirements filled, and was just waiting to graduate this year.
"Class got dismissed early after we all sparred." I said as I came forth, de-tucking the folder from my arm and placing it atop the marble counter. "I got my ass kicked, again."
She laughed, shaking her head, "Poor thing! And to think the class is a requirement!" Taking the folder and opening it, she scanned the documents inside to see what they were. A bell rang as someone came in the door behind me, walking at a leisurely enough pace up to the counter beside me. "What are these forms for?"
"New equipment. The teacher had a poker game and asked me to deliver 'em. On that note, you coming to the meet tomorrow? I could use some help with Binder's Way fifty-eight, and I know that's one your best." She smiled at me, nodding.
"I'll help, if you teach me that trick you taught Mick about Demon's Way fifty-eight, Orchid Sky. I can never get my Second Soul to rotate properly."
"Then it's a deal. See you tomorrow!" I waved as I turned around, moving past the Reaper who walked in and beginning on my way back to the gardens. If possible, I'd like to join in on the run.
"Excuse me, but I was told to look for someone named Wilkenson? My Captain sent me to recruit." I paused at my name, eyebrow raised as I paused in my stride right before the door. Recruitment? Already? I thought I wouldn't get offers like that at least until the semester. I turned around, quickly taking a good look at the Reaper. Something about him screamed familiar.
"Eh? Why, that's her…" My fellow student lifted a finger, pointing to me. The Reaper turned around, shocked brown gaze catching mine immediately, and a jolt of recognition hit me. The only thing different about him was the small '7' tattooed on his left cheek.
It seemed he recognized me, too, by the way his jaw dropped in the slightest. That wasn't surprising though, I must've been a hard one to forget.
"I'm sorry we had to meet again under these circumstances, usually I would've informed you that you were dead, but…" He said as he made his move in the checker game, easily capturing one of my pieces.
"Nah, it's okay. I figured it out soon enough." My move was a dodge that otherwise might have led to him winning the game.
"But, still…" His bright brown eyes softened considerably into sadness as he looked down at the board. "My actions were inexcusable. You must always tell a soul that it is dead, despite how heartless it seems."
"I know, but I still forgive you. No use letting it get you down, right? The past is the past." I really, honestly didn't care. I had moved on, my death was something long ago put behind me. As soon as I stepped into District 93, I had better problems to deal with. And in that time of worrying so much about everything else, I somehow came to peace with my death. Desperate times called for desperate measures, per say. He sighed, moving forward his red piece to follow after the one I had moved prior.
"Well, if you insist… how is your family? I sent them not long after you."
"I wouldn't know." At his shocked look, I focused on the board. It was hard to speak of things like this while keeping an unwavering voice. "I ran away to come here after the dreams got so bad they were about to hurt Maya, the baby. I haven't heard from them since. When I become a Reaper, though, I'll look for them. Give Maya the life she deserves." I quickly made my move; capturing the piece he was chasing me with.
"A noble goal, you should be proud of yourself. Not many others want to become Reapers for such kind actions." I shrugged, not wanting to speak more on the topic. He seemed to get this, and rainbowed one of my pieces with a small smile on his face. "My Captain was right to want to recruit you."
"Who is your Captain, by the way? I heard seventh squad Captains don't usually last three months." My statement was true. Seventh squad was the interrogation squad, and more often than not the Captains would commit suicide before long. I had heard that not having a stable Captain for so long had gotten the whole squad so messed up, they were considered the bane of the other twelve. He laughed lightly at my blunt honesty (something I had redeveloped with the help of Mel).
"That's untrue, they don't usually last two." I sweatdropped at the optimistic way he say the horribly depressing statement. "But, hopefully, this one will stay for the time being. He's the fourth I've served as Lieutenant under, and so far, he's the most likeable. You really should give some consideration to joining."
"Not likely, I hate the seventh squad's two favorite things." I was able to successfully capture three of his pieces in one move, but unfortunately, he was able to take my piece that was two spaces from being crowned.
"Cars and booze?"
"Correct."
He laughed again, shoulders shaking. "When I became Lieutenant, I was hoping to change that. But as it is, I need a Captain to help me; and none so far have been willing to give up their weekly drinking contests. Not all of us are like that, just the majority."
"Ah, well, when you finally do change it, it'll probably be too late for you to recruit me."
"I'll tell my Captain of your declination, then." He said with a smile as he began to rise. "It was good to speak to you under more normal circumstances. I'm happy to see that my mistake didn't haunt you as much as I feared. If you ever do find your family, please give them my regards."
"Will do. Good luck with the reformation." I said from my seat, reclining in the slightest.
"And the same to you. Goodbye."
"'Bye." At my final parting, he Feathered off.
"Wilkenson! Cover me!" My teammate shouted as we ran throughout the fake city streets, searching for the fake souls we were supposed to perform a fake Soul Burial on while fighting off the only real thing in this stimulation: Hollows. They were low level, and we had been thoroughly prepared, but every time I heard one of their screams, the image of Maya in the car withy a giant sharp of glass sticking out of her head appeared inside my mind.
"Covered!" I shouted, speeding up to step in right behind him. We were in teams of three, and our other teammate had been dismissed for performing the Soul Burial each of us had to do. He came to a stop, and I kept running, swinging Gentle Flower's bladed head as I charged the Hollow who we were teamed up against. I could hear him begin to chant the incantation for Demon's Way thirty-three. The Hollow screeched as I approached it, sending Gentle Flower's head straight through it's shoulder before ripping my Second Soul out, and whipping her other head around to crash into the side of the Hollow's mask. The creature stumbled from my attack, giving my partner the perfect chance to finish his spell.
"Blue Fire, Crash Down!" His aim was perfectly on target, scoring penetrating the Hollow's mask and shooting far off into the distance as the creature began to fade away, revealing two Souls we had to touch to be transported back to the Academy grounds. Each Hollow guarded one to three, and our teammate being the weakest, we let him have the previous one's score.
"Nice shot!" I complimented as he jogged forward, meeting me in front of the Souls. We high-fived, grinning at each other before looking back to the Souls.
"Well," He motioned to the one on the left, "ladies first."
"Thank you." I did a little curtsy, making him burst into laughter as I grinned, stepping forward and placing my hand on the stuffed, but magic plushy that was shaped into a humane looking form. "Soul Burial: Complete." I barely saw him step forward to do the same before the colors of the world twisted together, blending into a giant mass and turning my happiness into nausea before the colors turned blue, and I was dropped onto my ass in the Magic Zone the teacher had decorated with paint to bring us back. My partner landed beside me not a minute later with a groan of his own. I steadied my head with one hand and pushed myself up with the other, stumbling forth a few steps before the nausea left enough for me to look up.
"Wilkenson, Bradley, with the two of you here, it makes your team the first to complete the challenge. Congratulations." Our teacher marked us off on his clipboard, a smile of pride on his face. I nodded, unable to speak without puking, and attempted to walk in a straight line over to where the rest of the classmates were. My other teammate grinned at me because of our timely arrival, shooting me a thumbs up before returning to his friends.
"Well, what do you think? We heard from Captain Dethredal the story of how you almost outran him when you first met. We'd be interested to see how you would grow in our squad." To say this particular Reaper had an obsession with black would be a thorough understatement. The only things visible were his eyes, and those stared at me like tiny daggers waiting for a response. Then again, he was from the Fifth Squad, and as he explained to me, it was a network of spies trained thoroughly in hand-to-hand combat and stealth operations. He was the third seat of his squad, showing that they at least cared to send someone slightly important to meet me. "We also heard about what you did for the Trutage boy, Eric. Teaching someone to Feather efficiently in just two weeks… we'd like to have you start off helping others increase their speed. You'd be given a seat right off the bat."
I sweatdropped, shaking my head. Being sneaky had been my life for too long, I didn't want to be in a division where that was all I'd do. "I'm sorry, but the extent of my hand-to-hand abilities ends with how to form a fist. And at that, I appreciate your offer, but I've been a sneak for the majority of my life; I don't want that to be all there is in my life."
He nodded sharply, holding out his hand. I shook it, trying to appear as considerate as possible. If they cared enough to offer, it was only polite to decline with grace. "Then I thank you for your time. If you ever reconsider, just apply at the end of the year with your preferences as Squad Five. We will have you placed immediately."
I didn't bother telling him that it wasn't likely to happen, instead choosing to watch him slip away silently into one of the fastest Feathers I'd ever seen.
Sweat dripped from my every pore as I threw another fist at him, only to have it deflected. A counter attack kick sent me flying into the wall, saliva falling from my mouth as I coughed. Wiping it away with my arm, I charged him again, throwing another series of punches, all of which he blocked, before dropping to the floor and kicking with my left leg. He easily hopped backwards, flying into a cartwheel before sending his left foot to my face, connecting with my jaw and sending me into yet another wall. I coughed again, breath wheezing as I attempted to catch it. Pity entered Mr. Law's eyes, he had been pulling punches all this time, and I still couldn't get a single shot at him.
"Maybe we should call it a day. You can come back tomorrow, after you go to the infirmary to get those bruises checked out." I nodded, attempting to push myself at least into a sitting position so that I could catch my breath easier, but my shaking, aching arms buckled from below me, and I was only able to catch myself with my elbows to keep from slamming my face into the ground. Even through all the pain, I didn't complain. I needed this. Hand-to-hand was my weakest point, so I had asked the most obvious choice for a few lessons on it. I hadn't even gotten past step one: scoring a hit. "Alright then, let me help you. Looks like we pushed you too hard today." I shook my head, leaning away from him when he bent down to pick me up. I had to do this on my own. I had to get stronger. Without a word to him, I clamped my mouth shut, breathing heavily though my nose as I placed both of my palms on the ground, bringing my legs underneath me and into a squatting position. The urge to cry out was immense, but I was able to push through it enough to get myself into a squat. From there, I knew I couldn't go on, and I held out a hand for him to help me with. "Sometimes I wish I hadn't told you to toughen up." He admitted, taking my hand and pulling me up. Once standing, relief flooded through my arms like wildfire. "Ever since then you've been constantly pushing yourself to the limit. Do you know how worried that makes everybody? It scares us sick."
"I'll be fine…" I managed, giving him what I'm sure looked like the most pathetic smile he's ever seen. "You worry too much…" His face tugged into a frown as he shook his head, placing a hand lightly on my back.
"Let's get you to the nurse. I think you'll be staying with her tonight."
Once again, I'm extremely sorry for the delay! No excuses! I have, however, been spending the time wisely, as I'm sure you'd love to ear: almost everyday I come home and write a new chapter of this story :p Yep, that's right. I've written about thirty now. Which is good for you guys, because it means you'll be getting at least twenty more updates on a (nearly) weekly schedule, but it's not so good for my other stories. I think I'm neglecting them, poor things :'/
Thank you guys so much for reviewing! Last chapter was, amazingly, the chapter with the most amount of reviews! Keep it up, please! Whale thank you's to Dreamer's Samhain, xXSweetestXAngelXNightmarelXx, and Neko-Renku :D I'm sorry this didn't have a lot of major action in it, but the Lieutenant is exceptionally important later, as you will all see. And I feel as though like last chapter, this is jumpy, but please do not fret! I am merely trying to give you guys the full amount of her Academy experience, which is one of the most important times in her life :p There's action next chapter, I promise. This missy isn't getting off the hook just yet, no siree!
Please keep up the good work and review everyone! Thank you! See you next Wednesday (an on-time update)!