Episode 1: Sound off!
The Soundbirds walk into a bar, and an angry older woman whacks the leader in the head. The leader has jet black hair, and a serious face. He's wearing a white shirts with a black jacket, black pants, and black sneakers. He also has a sword hooked to his size, with a lightning bolt on the sheath. "Stupid stupid boy! How could you allow your team to be defeated so easily" the woman asks. "My apologies grandmother. It was my own fault, I underestimated who we were up against" he says. She whacks him again, then all the others too. "Shame on you all too. Hato was trying to take the heat for all of you, and you stood there like statues. Not one of you took the blame themselves. Show a sense of loyalty" she says. The all sigh. "Yes granny" they say simultaneously. Granny walks away. "Hey Hato, you gonna get stronger so you can defeat that wolf guy" asks the short haired girl. "No" Hato says as he walks over and sets down his blade. "What?! Why not" she asks. "Only the simple would waste vengeance on something like this. He didn't beat us, he taught us. Starting today, we need to learn how to work better as a unit. Soundbirds, sound off" he says. They all get in a line and stiffen up. "Sir! Maka Shikosie, lightning magic" says a blonde girl. Her hair is done into a side pony, and she's wearing a black robe, with golden lightning bolts on it. "Sir, Baka Shikosie, Ice magic" says a blonde guy who's wearing a black vest, black skinny jeans, and black shoes. "Sir, Maya Mayo, barrier magic" says a girl with brown hair done into a ponytail. She's wearing a purple blouse, with skinny black leggings and shoes. "Sir, Shin Bachiro, ninja" says a guy with slicked back purple hair, and a scar across his eye that goes over his lip as well. He's wearing all black clothes, except for a grey scarf around his neck. "Sir, Elinor Vol, transformation magic" says a short blonde girl with red ribbons in her hair and a red shirt, with a lack skirt. "Sir, Lillica Vol, Soundwave magic" says a girl with wild blonde hair and a guitar on her back. Shes wearing a black t shirt with a red Soundbirds symbol on it, a black skirt, and a grey hoodie tied around her waste . "Sir, Setsuna Mahiro, magically enhanced brawler" says the short haired girl. He nods. "Aren't they those guys who lost big time at the tournament" asks a nearby girl. "Yeah. I recognize their edgy leader" says a guy. "Wow. They totally suck" says a third girl. Hato hangs his head. "Do you think he's discouraged" asks Maka. "She...called me edgy" he says in an insulted tone. "Dark clothed swordsman with dark hair and a dark destiny. Sounds pretty edgy if you ask me" says Setsuna. Hato practically slams through the ground in defeat. "Jeez boss, dramatic much" asks a guy as he walks up. He's got long black hair done into a ponytail about halfway down. It's wild, and goes about halfway down his back. He's got a white button up shirt on, a black jacket, and black pants. He picks up Hato. With one hand, and stands him up straight. "Hey Kanjiro" says Setsuna. "Don't hey me! You jerks ditched me for the tournament" he says. "Well, we have two lightning mages, and she's not as dangerous as you are" says Hato. "That's why you lost Hato. You don't use your head" says a nearby guy with brown hair and glasses. He's wearing a white shirt, with a red tie, and blue jeans. "Hey! Don't be dick! He tries his best" says Lillica. "No, the little weasel gave up when his back was against a wall" says Hato's grandma. "Hey! But out you old sack of bones. Don't you have a funeral to plan for" asks Lillica. The old woman spears a barstool at her, which impacts, and shatters, knocking her unconscious. "Disrespectful little girl, thinks she (starts mumbling incoherently). You guys suck" says the guy who called Hato edgy. "Hey, we don't have to take this Hato, let's get em" says Kanjiro. "No. They're entitled to their opinion. We'll simply become strong enough to prove them wrong" says Hato. "How are we supposed to do that" asks Setsuna. Hato smiles. "The 10 of us are going to go out, and raise our funds. Turn this run down bar into an actual guildhall" says Hato. "That's easier said than done. We need job request first, and we have 0" Setsuna says. Hato's face sinks a little. "Do you ever think anything through boss" asks the guy in the glasses. "Planning ahead isn't exactly a talent of mine" Hato says. "Apparently neither is having talent" says one of the guys. "Hey! Your starting to piss me off you shit talking wannabes! The fact we got invited to tournament at all proves we have skill, and someday the black Soundbirds are gonna be as powerful as Fairy Tail, maybe stronger" Setsuna says confidently. The guys stare at her for a minute, and burst into laughter. "That's a joke right? You reject wannabes couldn't even take on 3 people" says the guy. Setsuna goes to punch one of them, but Hato catches her arm. "Enough. If you don't want us in here, then we'll be on our way" Hato says as he turns around and starts walking away. "Ha! Giving up, just like his big sis-" starts one of the guys. Hato spins around, and sends a sonic wave right by a guy, cutting the top of his shoulder. "Disrespect me all you like, but leave Najiko out of this. I won't ask again" Hato says. "Or what? You gonna fight us? I bet even low rank wizards like us could take some your worthless team, and your coward sister" says one of the guys. Hato seemingly disappears in a blink, and grabs the guy's shoulder. He spins him around, and punches him had in the face, using a Sonic blast to create more impact. He flies across the room and slams into the bar. "My sister was no coward. Check your facts before you run your mouth. She put family first, and that's all there is too it. I don't have half her skill, but I won't sit idly by and disrespect her like that" he says. Another guy goes to bash a chair over his head, but he jumps forward and rolls out of the way. He quickly draws his sword, and points it at the guy with the chair. A lightning bolt shoots from it, and sends him flying. A third guy creates stone around his hands, and tries to punch Hato, but Hato spins out of the way, grabs the guy's arm, twists it behind his back, and holds his sword to him. A strong lightning blast electrocutes him, and takes him to the ground. A fourth guy throws a fireball at him, but he has a sonic wave rip it apart, and slam into the offending mage. "Want more" he asks. "I-If your this damn good why didn't you go all out at the tournament" asks one of the guys. "Nobody at the tournament was arrogant enough to insult my sister" says Hato. "You still stick up for her, but we both know she used it as an excuse" says the guy. "My sister gave up all of her mages pride and her once in a lifetime opportunity to save her brother from his own stupidity. You will never be as good as her. Morally, physically, or any other way" Hato says as he sheaths his sword. "Let's go Soundbirds. It appears we're no longer welcome around here" he says. "Hold on just a moment. You aren't going anywhere until you do your chores Hato" Hato's grandma yells from the kitchen. Hato looks slightly discouraged. "Did...I forget to take out the garbage again" he asks. His grandma walks out, and spears a soup ladle at his face. "Your damn right you did! And you didn't do the dishes right either" she says. "Yep. That's our Boss for you. Only things he's good at are swordsmanship and being edgy" says Setsuna. Hato drops down again. "I...am not edgy" he says. The Soundbirds laugh at him. Later that day, Hato practices sword swings against some training dummies, when suddenly, he feels a pulse in his head. He grabs his head, and looks like he's struggling hard as he pours sweat. "Why do you resist me" a sinister voice asks. "Because...I am...not...your pawn" he says. "I beg to differ Hato. Let the darkness flow into you. Let it become you" says the voice. "Go...to...hell" Hato says. A shadow comes from his back. "You know, you could have won that tournament if you used me. That wolf never would have known what hit him, or consumed him" says the shadow as it licks it's lips. "I will never rely on your power. I...am a Soundbirds...through and through" says Hato. "Its your destiny to give into me. Your decision to take me rather than let your sister have me sealed your fate" it says. "Yeah...Keep...running that mouth" Hato says as he goes back to training. "Someone approaches. Friendly" says the shadow. Hato looks back, and sees Setsuna trying to sneak up on him. "Damnit boss, I can't ever catch you off guard. Do you have eyes in the back of your head" she asks. "...Yes" Hato says. Setsuna chuckles. "That's a joke...right" she asks. He smiles, and keeps training but says nothing. "These useless servants of yours annoy me. Send it away" says the shadow. Hato ignores it. "You holding up okay Hato? They didn't get to you did they" she asks, showing she can't see or hear the shadow. "I'm fine. I do wish I had shown more self control though" says Hato. "Ha! I tried to punch him first, so really, you showed way better self control" says Hato. "I drew my weapon and used my magic in a situation that I didn't need too. If Najiko were here, she'd say-" starts Hato. "That you need to stop letting your pride guide your actions, you were careless, and that she loves you" says a voice. "Yes that's exactly what-NAJIKO" he asks as he spins around and sees a girl with long wild black hair. She's wearing a black shirt, black vest, black pants, and black shoes. Hooked to her sides, are 4 swords on each side, with two on her back. "Heya kid" she says. Hato rushes up and hugs her. "Hey, that's the little Hato I know" she says. "What are you doing here" he asks. "I came to watch you in the tournament. I'm so proud of you" she says. "But...I lost. I couldn't score even a single victory" he says. She hugs him back. "It doesn't matter. You took down 3 members of the other team like it was nothing. You fought with all you had, and when you realized you had lost, you accepted defeat with dignity" she says. "But you wouldn't have lost" he says. "Hey, who said you had to try and be me huh? I want you to be Hato, because in many ways, your better than me" she says. "Your wrong, but, thanks" he says. "You heading out soon cutie? I don't suppose I could keep you until at least after dinner could I" asks Setsuna. "Uh, I'll pass. I'm not into girls" says Najiko. "You're missing out" Setsuna says with a wink. "I am staying, but that's not why" says Najiko. "Your staying" Hato asks. "Yep. Looks like I get loads more little brother time now" she says as she ruffles his hair, and he shakes his head around to fix it. "Why now" he asks. "Come on. Big sis still has to have her secrets" Najiko says playfully. "So does that mean your joining the Soundbirds" Setsuna asks. "How dare you! My sister is far above-" starts Hato. "Sure, sounds fun" says Najiko. Hato's jaw drops. "Oooh. That means your her commander now Hato" says Setsuna. "N-No, Please, I'll step down. Najiko should-" starts Hato. Najiko chops him on the head. "Come on, grow a back bone Hato. Take charge" says Najiko. "B-But-" he starts. "Take. Charge" she repeats. "Y-Yes ma'am" Hato says. She chops him again. "Your not good at this leader thing" she says. "Come on Hato! Don't treat her like your sister! She's a Soundbird now" says Setsuna. "Come on Hato. Show some courage" says the shadow. Hato clears his throat, and stiffens his stance. "Najiko Shikigè, sound off" says Hato. "Uh, what now" asks Najiko. Setsuna whacks him. "She doesn't know what that means yet" she says. "Right" Hato says as he rubs his head. "Start with explaining what a Soundbird is dummy. I swear, you're hopeless without me" says Setsuna. "R-Right. The Soundbirds are a guild that focuses on unit training primarily. When I want you to call out your names and magics, I'll say "Sound off". There isn't much else to it" says Hato. "What about the initiation ceremony" asks Setsuna. Hato turns red. "I'd rather not. That was your idea in the first place" he says. "Well yeah, there has to be some kinda entry fee" says Setsuna. "What is it? Do I have to join a harem or something" asks Najiko. "Don't joke like that, it's weird" says Hato. "Hey, I didn't say it would yours you dirty perv" Najiko says jokingly. "Actually, you've got to give him a kiss. It doesn't have to be on the lips or anything. In fact, Hato made it pretty clear that was against the rules. I kissed him on his forehead, just in case you want an indirect kiss" says Setsuna with a wink. "Forget it. I hate this stupid ritual anyways" he says. "Why a kiss" asks Najiko. "It's sort of like a pledge of loyalty, like kissing a kinds ring or whatever. It doesn't even have to be his face. It's not weird" says Setsuna. "Speak for yourself" says Hato. Najiko pulls him in and gives him a smooch on the cheek. "There you go. One big sis kiss filled with lots of love" she says playfully. Hato groans. "Why can't we just settle for a handshake" asks Hato. "Because where's the fun in that" Setsuna asks as they start walking away. Najiko stares at the shadow. (Najiko's inner monologue) "I'm sorry little brother, but I need to make sure it doesn't corrupt you. I don't wanna have to fight my little brother. I'm going to protect you from your own darkness Hato".