SOD: This is it, y'all. The end of the Childhood Arc.
Andrew: Finally... We can get to the plot.
SOD: You said it bud. I think I've drained all the ideas for this arc that I could think of.
Andrew: Considering you wrote 100k words just setting up the plot, that says something.
SOD: I know right?! I still don't have a good stopping point for this story though...
Andrew: You could just continue this story and disregard your others.
SOD: ...
Andrew: Shinn?
SOD: Yes, I'd like to report a murder.
Andrew: Wait what?!
SOD: Yes, mom. He's alive but not for long.
Andrew: WHAT?! SHINN-SAMA!
SOD: Dad? Yeah, the idiot said I should drop my stories. I know I gotta take him out. Yeah. Just order me a ceasar salad. Mhmm. 'Kay bye. Alright bud, we need to- Andrew? Where'd you go?
Ymir
"Well. I guess this is it. Relon and Laura should be on their way to Trista."
I couldn't finish my training. Am I seriously ready for this? No, no thinking like that, Rean.
Stopping before a train station, a boy with black hair and light fuchsia eyes.
"Alright, Rean. Time to go."
Giving a boost of confidence, he enters.
Legram
"This is farewell for now, father."
"Indeed. Focus hard. Both of you."
"We will, Master." Another girl answers.
She, like the first girl, is donned in Thor's red uniform. She has silver hair done in two curly ponytails to the sides of her head with two silver bangs curving inwards towards her chin along with a few bangs draping the right side of her forehead. She also is wearing brown knee-high boots.
"I must say, I am quite excited to meet this Relon you all have spoken so much about."
"As am I. It has been five long years since and I look forward to seeing his growth.
"If I had the chance, I too would go to see him, but that will have to wait for another time." The Radiant Blademaster says. "Give him my regards for me, Laura, Aurelia."
"We shall, father." Laura says.
"Good. Now, I've had the privilege of watching you two along with Relon grow into fine practitioners. Now go. Grow. Learn. Rise up and prove your might as the greatest trio the Arseid School has to offer."
"Yes, sir!"
Heimdallr
"Elliot, do you have everything?" A young woman answers in worry.
"Yes, Fiona, it's fine. I have everything considering you had me triple check before leaving." The boy sweatdrops.
"I'm sorry. I'm just worried and it'll be quiet without you."
"Sis, I'll be fine. Don't worry, things will be fine for the both of us."
"You're right." She sighs. "Don't forget to make some friends and study hard. I know you'll do great." She bids.
"I will." He waves boarding the train.
On the other side of the train, a green haired boy with glasses along with his father.
"Alright dad, I'm off."
"Do well son and try to get along with the other students."
"I shall try though I doubt those nobles will treat us commoners any different."
"Machias." His father says in a knowing voice.
"I know. Be safe, dad."
"You too, my son."
Nord Highlands
Riding across the Nord Highlands on a horse with wavy brown hair tied into a short ponytail, tan skin and light blue eyes is a tall male teen.
"Thors Military Academy. It's the best place to go and I've been given the chance to attend it."
I've heard much from father about it and if he feels, it'll guide me, then I simply must go.
"For my family, Aidios, guide me with the wind."
Roer
"Okay, I think that's everything." A girl sporting long blonde hair with pigtails and accented with purple ribbons happily states wiping some sweat from her forehead.
Taking her belongings, a knock comes.
"Come in!" She answers.
In comes a a maid with light purple curly hair and green eyes. She wears A dark violet maid's outfit with a white apron and brown boots.
"Are you ready, milady?"
"Yes I am, Sharon." The girl answers carrying her belongings by a suitcase handle.
Glancing at her room one last time, she walks out to take sight of a woman much older in a business with combed blonde hair and glasses.
"You know this is how a child would act." The woman comments, the young girl immediately becoming upset.
"I wouldn't be acting like this if you weren't so stubborn!" The girl retorts walking past the woman and down the staircase. "I'll show you that I can do well on my own! WITHOUT YOUR HELP!"
With the slam of the front door, the girl disappears for the older woman to shake her head and sigh.
"That child I swear."
"Hmhm, milady is quite dead set on this, wouldn't you agree?"
"Let her do what she wants. It's not like I'm already ten steps ahead of her. Sharon, what's my schedule looking like today." She asks, the two heading downstairs and into a elevator.
Bareahard
"Have safe travels, little brother." A young man with his hair in a single pony-tail style wearing a tan light-green robe uniform.
"Thank you, brother." A younger man around 17 thanks.
He has short blonde hair an blue hair.
"As a noble, I'll bring honor to the Albarea name."
"I have no doubt you will. Though, try to make some friends. It would do some good as it too will come with benefits."
"I make no guarantee it but I shall head that opinion as I have all others."
"That is all I ask. Enjoy yourself."
"I will, Rufus. Thank you." He gets into the car before it drives off.
Trista
Sleeping on a bench curled up lies a petite teenage girl around the age of 15. With short white hair and yellow eyes, she turns over onto her back basking in the warmth of the sun's rays shining down upon her.
"Fie~." Drooping her eyes at the familiar voice calling her, the young girl ignores it rolling her back to face the approaching voice. "Really?" A woman questions coming to a halt placing a hand at her hip eyeing the girl.
"I'm asleep."
"Really now? I'm pretty sure someone asleep wouldn't be able to answer back." The woman smirks.
"... I don't want anymore apples."
"And now pretending to talk in your 'sleep?' Your efforts at naps knows no bounds do they?"
Giving a small groan, the girl sits up covering her mouth as a long yawn escapes.
"Your classmates are on the way. Excited?" The woman asks taking a seat next to the young teen.
The woman has long fuchsia hair tied up. She wears a yellow cocktail dress with brown high thigh boots underneath and belted by a dark green overcoat.
"Meh. Not really."
"Come now, Fie. I'm sure they'll be an interesting bunch. Who knows, there might be a guy you become interested in. Love is such a wonderful thing~."
"Whatever you say, Sara." Fie shrugs.
"Don't forget, that's Instructor Sara now that I'm your teacher." The woman now known as Sara wags a finger.
Getting back up, the woman stretches, her slightly revealing chest shaking along with her body.
"Make sure you're not late for orientation, okay?"
"'Kay." Fie responds, curling back up.
I swear, this girl. Welp, break time's over. Back to work.
Shaking her head, Sara walks off towards the academy.
Opening one eye, Fie looks at the walking woman.
Me falling in love? Yeah right.
Closing her eyes for her vision to go dark, Fie falls back into her light slumber.
Eryn
"Alright, Grandmother. I'm ready." A young girl around the age of 17 announces.
She has blue eyes, purple-auburn hair tied in a long braid, has a noticeable chest size, wears glasses along with the red Thors uniform.
"Alright. Off you go and don't forget why you're going." A short blonde with long hair and red eyes notes.
"Grandmother, you don't have to remind me." The young girl sighs.
While I'm gone, maybe I can find a clue as to where Vita went.
Holding a gemmed staff horizontally, the woman begins casting what seems like an art.
"Wait for me!" A voice shouts as both look to see a black and purple cat with a blue ribbon come running out. "What's the big idea leaving without me?!"
"Oh, I forgot about you." The short blonde flatly comments.
"are you serious?!" The feline shouts back.
"Now, now. We are running behind schedule. Emma. Celine. You know what you two must do but keep in mind Thors is a school so do have fun." The short woman reminds before she begins speaking in an indescribable language.
"You don't have to tell us something we already know, jeez." The cat remarks.
"Celine, just be nice." The girl sighs.
An awakener. I feel nervous but... I can't hold anything back!
Finishing the incantation, the blonde taps the ground with her staff as both the young teen and cat are imbued in a light before vanishing.
Celdic
"Got everything?" Cecily asks.
"Yup." Relon answers tapping his duffel bag.
Standing outside the station is not only Relon and the others, but the whole town.
"Cloths, underwear, pictures, all of that?"
"Yes, mom." He repeats, his cheeks slightly red.
"Haha! You know she's only worrying like any parent would."" Yujiro laughs, a bag over his shoulder.
"I'm literally an hour away and everyone here has seen how fast I am when I go full speed. There's nothing to worry abot, Aunt Cecily."
"And right when someone says that, bad things happen and that's when I worry the most." She retorts.
"That's mom for you." Silver sighs.
"Mom is just looking out for him is all." Blaze mentions.
"I know. I know." Relon responds. "Thanks for everything Aunt Cecily. You too as well."
"It's what family does. We help each other." Silver reminds.
"Heh, yeah. You're right about that. Though I didn't expect such a grand sendoff."
"I remember around thirty years when when both Cecily and Yujiro left how we sent them off in a similar way and now it's your turn, Relon." The mayor speaks. "It's only natural we keep the tradition." Many of the townspeople agreeing.
"When you put it like that, you have a point." Relon chuckles knowing the sheer number overrule his one.
Stepping forward, Yujiro places a firm hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Study hard, have fun, but most of all, be careful." He warns.
"Where is this coming from?"
"Things are being set in motion. We don't know what. All we can do is prepare for whatever that is. I'm just reminding you."
"Right. Thanks Mister. And we will." Pippin hovering next to him nodding in agreement.
"You remember the routes right?"
"How could I not? We traveled for 10 years around Erebonia. Not only did I memorize it but I wrote each one down. If anything happens, I'll know where to look depending on the date."
"Good. I know I don't say this enough but I'm proud of you, Relon. I never had a kid of my own and at first; never wanted one. But then I found you and my whole perspective did a 180."
"Mister..."
"Look, I'm not one for sappy speeches so I'll get to the point. I know since we met, you've always struggled to understand the meaning behind some things. Love being one. And another being fatherhood."
"I thought you said you weren't one for speeches." Relon teases, everyone laughing.
"Shut it! I suck at these so let me have this, damn it." He mutters. "I just want to say, we may not have been able to help you understand fatherhood that well, but I want you to know that I don't regret one thing since we met. You're the son I never thought I'd have but I'm happy to have." He finishes, the crowd mumbling their awes and other signs of respect and affection.
"Oh, Yujiro." Cecily smiles.
"You're right. I still struggle to understand the whole concept and I'm sure it's easy to grasp and I'm just making it harder on myself but... I know one thing at least. Thanks to you and Aunt Cecily, I figure out love and the love I have for you... I think helps understand fatherhood a little better." For once, Yujiro's eyes widen. "Sorry if that makes no sense but it's the best I can describe." He walks past the man kneeling before Noro.
"Be careful." She says.
"You know I will."
"Promise?" She holds out her pinky.
"Promise. Cross my heart and how to never deal with Mr. Yujiro." He finishes, the two and everyone laughing for Yujiro to twitch an eye in irritation.
Moving over, he looks to Blaze, Silver, and Aunt Cecily.
"Take care while I'm gone and Silver."
"Yeah?"
"Try to word things better before I come back." He grins earing a groan from the boy.
"Just have to tease me until the last second, huh?"
"We're family. It's what we do." Relon notes.
"Indeed we are." Cecily agree hugging the red-eyed boy. "Don't worry about us. We're not going anywhere. You focus on your studies and try not to get into trouble like Yujiro did back in our younger days."
"Hey! I had very good reasons for getting into trouble!"
"Yeah, sure you did." Cecily rolls her eyes earning more laughter. "Get going. Don't want to be later for your first day."
"Right! You guys be good to each other, okay?"
"OKAAAAAAAYY!" The kids answer in unison.
Walking back up to Yujiro.
"Alright, Mr. First Place on the Entrance Exams, knock 'em dead." He extends a fist.
"Hmpf. That was the plan, dad." Yujiro opens though he is left speechless only able to take in the confidence radiating from Relon. "We're off!" He announces backing away closer to the station's door, Pippin flying into its sheathe. "Don't do anything dumb while I'm gone!" He turns running into the terminal.
"... Heh, how can I?" (You're taking all the stupid with you.)
Walking next to him stands Cecily.
"He'll be alright. Thors will make sure of that and if not, then Pippin will."
"Yeah, you're right." He responds.
Getting his ticket, Relon boards the train taking a seat in an isolated section. Breathing heavily, he feels his uniform pants become wet with continuous drips of water.
"Who knew... that leaving would hurt this much?" He whispers weeping alone.
Taking a moment to fix himself, he looks out the window as the train departs.
See ya later, everyone.
Wiping the remaining tears away, determination returning to the boy.
The next chapter start right now for me. Next stop, Thors Military Academy!
"Y'all ready to do this thing?" A male sounds from behind Relon's seat interrupting his inner monologue.
"Hell yeah. Let's cause some havoc. The people on this train ain't ready." Another male adds.
"You two better not screw this up. Master Shifu is expecting great things from us!" A female hisses.
"She has a point guys. Let's just crash the train, get off at the extraction point and be on our way, okay?" Another girl suggests.
"It'll be fine. We have the element of surprise on our side after all." A third male states.
"As long as Mantis doesn't trip over anything that is." The second male comments.
"What was that?!" The fourth male sounds.
What?!
"I've never crashed a train but hey, first time for everything. Can't be as bad as my first experience with the oh so delicious dumplings." The first male laughs.
"We're representing Lord Shifu, Leaguient #25. So don't play around, Po." The first femape warns about to open the trolley.
"It's fine~. Who's gonna stop us, huh?"
"Tch. Let's put fear into these people."
Glancing to the aisle, he watches a six people armed walk by not seeming to notice Relon.
"Yeah, time to go public! Furious Five-
"Don't you mean six, Po?"
"Oh, yeah. Thanks Monkey. Furious Six, time to wreck some havoc!" Opening the door, they close it entering the next trolley.
You have got to be kidding me! And they're with Senate?! My bad luck just gets worse and worse. And now I'm on my own.Okay, think Relon. bad luck; terrorists are attempting to crash the train and are probably in the middle of hijacking said train to do just that. Good luck; they didn't see me.
Getting from his seat, he sneaks over to the door seeing the six villains with their guns raised.
Ducking down, he breathes steadying his breath.
"Okay, think. They want to crash the train. How though? There must be something ahead that they have set up since they mentioned an extraction point."
Crouching away and hurrying to the back, he opens the door walking outside. Now in between the trolleys, Pippin comes out.
"We have to stop whatever they have planned further up!" He shouts climbing the ladder next to the door. Getting to the top, he reels his head back from the turbulence before pressing on.
Standing atop the train, Pippin presents itself for Relon to hop on as they zoom towards the front of the train.
"What could they have to crash a train?! Nothing's coming to mind!" He curses as they slowly reach the conductor's trolley.
"Just wha- OH, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!"
Further up coming directly at them is another train.
"They plan too not only injure the people but crash two train?! Damn it!" Flying as fast as possible ahead and onto the tracks, Relon can only grit his teeth.
"Whoa, look at that!" The man known as Monkey points next to some of the others and a tied up conductor.
"A boy? And is he flying on a sword?" The woman questions.
"That matches up with the description the other Leaguients told about when Arentula was defeated." Po comments narrowing hus eyes. "Speed this train up. We're not failing this!" Her orders to the others.
"Right!"
Come on, what do I do? What do I do?!His looks ahead frantically before the sudden memory from Ashland the other day suddenly pops in his mind.
No... I need to stay calm. Assess the situation, Relon. Looking ahead, his eyes takes notice of another pair of tracks next to the ones he's flying over. Snapping forward towards the incoming train, his eyes narrow seeing a lever.
"That's it!" Pippin, full speed ahead! We need to reach that lever!" Complying, they're bout to blast off when something hit Relon from behind nearly knocking him off his sword.
"What the?!" He turns to see the train having sped up and is now pushing him.
Eyeing the villains, they eye back as Relon growls moving off the tracks.
"Time to race! Ready, partner?!" It ignites its flame taking off like a bullet now neck-and-neck with the locomotive. "Time to go even faster!" Relon shouts, his left hand burning from within.
Gripping the cloth for dear life with his right, he positions his flaming hand behind him.
"Blast off!" His flamethrower erupts sending them up ahead of the train.
"What?!" Po exclaims.
"Goooooooo!" Relon shouts crouching as they near both the lever and the oncoming train.
Extending his hand, time slows as with only the brush of a finger, he manages to push the level. The tracks switch for the oncoming train to divert its direction.
"Yes!" Relon cheers moving off the track. "Now to stop this train!" He says landing alongside the tracks, Pippin in hand. "Ablaze!" He shouts.
Drawing near, Relon flips Pippin into a reverse grip.
"And... strike!" He crouches low swinging the flaming blade as it makes contact with the side wheels. The collision causing sparks to fly as to does the first trolley onto its side sliding along the road.
"Let's go!" He hops on Pippin rushing for the trolley. "Putting on his zemurian gloves, Relon jumps off Pippin punching through the window to the villains' surprise.
"Take this!" He shouts delivering a quickly series of kicks pushing them out as he quickly slams the door shut.
"No! Damn it!" Po curses as he and his fellow members retreat to the other trolleys.
"What the hell happened?! The second female demands.
"That boy happened! Come on! Get the the archaisms ready!" Po orders he pushes the others aside.
"We need to get out of here!" He grabs the tied up man and jumps out and onto Pippin as they fly out of the way as the train soon comes to a halt crashing into a fence and a small river.
Landing on the ground, Relon quickly unties the gagged man.
"T-Thank you so much!"
"Don't thank me yet! Get to the back of the train and start evacuating people. I'll hold off the villains! Go!" The man nods without hesitation and takes off. "The best possible outcome; stop the trains from crashing. Now then, to deal with the sources." Relon turns his attention to the six villains all aiming their guns at him.
"You messed up, kid. You shouldn't have gotten involved." Po says, the large man's voice cold.
"You may have defeated Arentula, but we're different." The man known as monkey says grinning.
"Let's just kill him and get on with it."
"Wait now, Tigres." The shortest man warns.
"What are you doing, Mantis? We need to hurry!"
"Look, Viper, why don't we rough him up a little? Outright shooting him is no fun."
"That's crazy!"
"No." Po says silencing all. "Crane, how much time before they get here?"
The tall lengthy man known as crane pulls out what seems like a large phone pressing a few keys.
"15 minutes."
"Well then. Before our ride gets here... Why don't we kill some time since we're at the extraction point."
"You can stop with the act." Relon finally interjects.
"What are you-
"I know those guns are fake. And even if they are real, they most likely have no ammo in them."
"Oh, hahaha... How would you know?" Po wonders.
"You had plenty of time to kill me dead when the train hit me from behind. Your guns were in your hands yet you didn't put one through my dome. And let's see... Tigres, Crane, Monkey, Viper, and Mantis. Five animalistic styles famous to martial artists. You couldn't shoot the broad side of a barn if you all were one inch from it." He declares with cross arms, his eyes glancing to the caboose noticing the people sneaking out.
"Well, damn. You really are a smart cookie." Po and the others drop their weapons. "Too bad for you, you won't be alive after the beating we're gonna give you." He cracks his knuckles, he and the other five slowly approaching.
"You know, my first day of school is today and actually, it's supposed to start in about an hour. Now, I just got my new uniform and I really don't like being late. So... I'll be doing the beating. Pippin, stay overtop of me. If any try anything, take them out." The sword nodding going into the air. "Let's see which is better? Your six martial arts or my Beastial Arts!" Relon states between that of a snarl and a growl.
"So, the intel was right after all. He's with the Wandering Beast. We couldn't have asked for a better opportunity, would you all agree? Let's do this." Po grins as he and the others get into stances.
"With pleasure!" Relon charges, the five scattering away as his fist collides with the large man's gut only to bounce off.
Sliding away to a halt, Relon eyes the ringleader.
"Ha, that's all you got?" Po leaps forward punching at where Relon once was.
Landing away, his peripheral catches sight of both Monkey and Viper speeding towards him. Opting for for Monkey, he meets the man head on. Relon's fist collides with Monkey's open palm pushing the man away. Arching down, he pivots using his hands to spin his heel towards Viper forcing her to dodge. Back on his feet, he sees a shadow on the ground moving to snap up.
The one known as Crane coming down from above but is hit in the back by Pippin sending him crashing to the ground.
"Where are you lookin?!" Tigres calls out from behind.
In a split moment pivots out of the way delivering a quick three piece to her thigh, hip, and face before delivering a quick spin kick to her face sending her away.
"Skadoosh!" Turning back, Relon brings up his arms in an x fashion as he's sent off his feet from being hit by Po's large gut.
Flipping in the air, he lands with grace rushing back in.
"Let's try this again!" He shouts for Po to smirk, Mantis revealing himself from behind as Po puffs out his chest sending the man like a missile towards Relon. "that won't work!" Relon protests ducking away and grabbing Mantis by his leg.
"What the?!" He shouts
"Eat dirt!" Relon answers spinning along with the momentum before raising him up and slamming him head first to the ground.
"One down!" Relon snarls taking off faster than before.
"Mantis! Damn you!" Viper cries out moving to intercept Relon.
Turning in her direction, his foot slides to a stop as she thrusts her hand forward only to be grabbed at the wrist.
"You want to go for a ride?" Her eyes widen as she attempts to break free poking at multiple pressure points. "Didn't you know? Going for pressure points on those who specialize in the Beastial Arts don't work.! He grins a maniacal grin as he takes off dragging her along the ground.
"Don't think I'm done!" Crane announces from behind.
"Oh, I didn't forget about you!" Relon growls whipping Viper around like a light pillow and sending her careening into Crane. "How about you stay down?"
Turning his attention to the last three, he cracks his neck.
"You damn terrorists are going to pay for what you tried to do." He growls walking. "Three are down and do you honestly think three can take me on when six couldn't?!"
"Monkey, Tigres, let's go!" Po announces, the three charging forward.
Monkey jumps to deliver a kick as Tigress delivers a punch in an attempted pincer attack.
"Nice try!" Relon shouts crossing his arms grabbing both and and sending them to the sides.
Monkey crashing into a tree and falling to the ground and Tigres into the nearby river.
"That's five!" Relon announces rushing Po who jumps for the teen to halt as he watches the villain come down with a body slam.
CRASH!
A huge dust of smoke erupts.
"And that's zero." Po says confidently, the others slowly limping over to him. "See guys, wasn't that-" His grin falters as he feels his stomach burn to be shot into the air and knocked away by Pippin.
"You really thought a body slam would work?" Everyone looks as the smoke clears to see Relon getting to his feet. "I don't know what was stupider; body slamming a guy who wields fire or or dirtying my brand new uniform." Relon growls clearly pissed.
"Po! It's time!" Crane announces, the others rushing to Po's side.
Holding his stomach, the man removes his hand to see it burned. Clenching his teeth, he glares at Relon
"No! I refuse to leave when like this! We're ending this now!" He snaps his fingers, floating machines flying out of the train's windows.
"Some martial artists you all are! Pippin!" He calls, the sword coming to his side.
Before anything else can happen, the sounds of sirens off in the distance echo growing louder and louder.
"The RMP is here already?!" Viper questions in shock.
The RMP? Claire?!
"We need to go, Po!" Tigres repeats.
"Not until I see him dead! Fire on the people!" He orders, the machines turning to their right and flying after the people.
"No!" Relon shouts taking off to jump back from Po's tackle. "You just made a big mistake!" Relon roars, fire erupting in all directions as a a small explosion is unleashes sending Po sliding away.
Looking at the scorched Earth stands Relon transformed.
"You're done." Before any can make sense of the transformed teen, he vanishes out of sight.
A red streak blitzing and knocking each and every one to the ground before he punches Po in the stomach, the man coughing a mixture of saliva and blood as he's launches into a nearby cliff.
Wasting no time to check his work, Relon blitzes to the rear of the train putting himself between the civilians and the machines.
"Run! Hurry!" He shouts, the people running towards the approaching sirens.
Turning his attention towards the dozens of floating machines, his hand becomes alit in flames as they open fire. Running sideways, he unleashes his flames burning the sheer number drastically. With only a few left, he rushes forward punching, kicking and ripping apart the remainders.
Catching his breath, he looks all around at the the scraps of metal littering the ground.
"Phew." He breathes exiting his form.
Turning around, he hurries to the civilians now with the police.
"Is everyone alright?" He calls running to a halt.
"Yes, no thanks to you, young man. You saved our lives. I can't even begin to thank you enough." The conductor says.
"What a relief." He breathes out, bending over. "Sorry about your train."
"Relon?" He turns to see none other than the beauty that's captured his heart.
"Oh, Claire."
"What are you-"
"Hold that thought! We got company!" He runs ahead of the people as the Furious Six land. "You guys don't know when to quit!" He curses.
"I refuse to quit until I see you dead on the ground!" Po sneers.
"Claire!" Relon calls behind him.
"All RMP, evacuate these civilians from the area NOW!" She orders drawing her orbal gun and stopping next to Relon.
"Debrief. Now!"
"Martial artists working under the Senate." He explains for the girl to widen. "Yo know, you're not exactly smart considering you could have escaped." Relon calls.
"No, they're not." A voice interjects gaining all's attention.
Looking to the the top of the caboose stands a man seemingly barely three feet tall with a wooden cane.
"Master Shifu!" They all exclaim bowing on one knee before the short man rivalling Mantis' height.
"So you're him. Leaguient #25. Shifu." Relon says calmly.
"What?!" Claire exclaims taking aim at the man.
"You five." His voice bearing such authority, they seem to fall under its immense pressure. "You failed your mission. You failed to retreat afterwards as well. And most of all, you have not only failed me but represented me in a pitiful manner before my fellow Leaguients. What do you have to say for yourselves?" None answer. "Well?"
"Master Shifu! It's my fault we didn't retreat! The boy that took out Arentula showed up and I refused to back down when were clearly outmatched because of my pride! It's my fault! Not theirs!" Po explains.
(Claire. Slowly get back.)
(What are you going to do?)
(He's going to kill them. If we can get even one, it'll provide a huge help. When I do, I'm running far away to hand them off to you and your officers.)
(You expect me to just leave you here?)
(Claire, listen! We both know how fast I am! I have a much better chance! Just trust me on this! We can't let this chance go!)
Both eye they other before Claire gives a grim expression of defeat.
"Fine. You better be careful." She mutters walking back slowly until a good distance to run back to the others.
"Um, excuse me!" Relon shouts gaining all's attention. "Yeah, Shitzu or whatever your name is, yeah, before you kill one of if not all of the idiots, I'm gonna have to stop you." Relon continues walking forward.
"HOW DARE YOU ADDRESS OUR MASTER LIKE THAT?!" Tigres roars, she and the others assuming fighting stances.
Hopping down before them lands Shifu with a hand raised.
"So you are the one that defeated Arentula. Interesting."
"Thanks, but you're next." Relon walks forward, flames exploding around him. "Right here, right now." He declares.
"Very interesting. I ca see why you six had trouble. You clearly were no match for him after all." Shifu walks forward. "Tell me, boy. Do you truly believe you can defeat me?"
"I tend not to think things." Relon disappears before the naked eyes of the seven. "I only know!" He declares rearing his leg to kick at the man to come to a complete halt, the sheer force creating a gust of wind momentarily.
His leg having been stopped by the cane.
"You're quite strong." Shifu notes looking at Relon. "But do you think it's wise to hold back against me of all people."
"I could say the same to you." Both push off. "I'm on a tight schedule so sadly, we'll have to wrap this up quick!" He blitzes at Shifu, the man getting into a ready stance to widen as Relon feints past him. "Take this!" He dives his foot into Viper's abdomen.
"Gak!"
Quickly taking her by her collar, he blitzes away before any can even react to what happened.
"Viper!" Monkey shouts.
"Claire!" Relon shouts placing the unconscious girl down before speeding back., the RMP quickly detaining her. "Phew, that was close." Relon rubs his forehead. "That's done. Now to deal with the rest!" He rushes off withdrawing Pippin as he collides with Shifu's cane. "Ablaze!" Lighting afire, Shifu narrows his eyes discarding his cane as it's cut in two.
Sliding before his beat up students, he narrows his eyes as Relon points his sword at Shifu.
"Give up." Relon demands. "It's over."
Standing up, Shifu looks on rather stoically.
"No. I'm afraid this will have to be picked up on a later date." He answers as out of nowhere, the sounds of an engine sounds through the sky.
"It's that ship again!"
Coming to a halt right above the villains, it's cannon comes down.
"No!" Relon blitzes towards the civilians sliding already turning in the motion towards the ship, his hand blazing to unleash the destructive fire at the beam.
Gritting his teeth, he looks to see a beam take Shifu and the Furious Six members up.
Damn iiiiiiiit!" Relon curses. "Screw off!" He thrusts with all his might, the flames overpowering the beam completely resulting in a small explosion of the cannon. "Ha! Take that!" He shouts, the ship turning and taking off. "Wait, get back-" His words end as he falls to a knee, his transformation subsiding.
"Relon!" Claire hurries to his side.
"I'm fine. I just used up all of my fire in one go." He slowly gets up. "Been a while since I've done that." He notes catching his breath. "Damnit. They got away." He sighs looking off in the direction the aircraft went.
"Yes. It's unfortunate but not only did all of the civilians make it through, we have a prisoner. All thanks to you no less." She smiles.
"I have so many mixed emotions right now I don't now where to start." He chuckles. "On one hand, I'm happy to see you. Wasn't expecting to see you so soon. You know, expecting maybe a few weeks to a month later. Not less than a week but hey, I'm not complaining. You look more than good in uniform by the way. Then there's the fact that my damn uniform is completely dirty. That... that has me very pissed to be honest." He states looking down at himself.
"That's right, your first day is today. You look good in the uniform. Even if it's a little dirty."
"Thanks. Wait, what time is it?!" He asks in a panic.
Pulling out her orbal phone, she checks.
"Half past seven."
"Ugh, thirty minutes before orientation starts. I'm so gonna be late. Come on, Relon. You're built different. Pippin!" The sword laying before him.
Taking a minute, he breathes before getting on only to wobble off.
(This is going to be fun.)
"Relon."
"... Yeah...?"
"Would you like for me to give you a ride?"
"Have I ever told you how grateful I am to call you mine?" He breathes out falling off Pippin and into her arms.
"No. But you just did." She chuckles.
After ordering the officers around and getting Relon's stuff, the duo say farewell to the conductor and the passengers before getting into Claire's car.
"I'm taking a nap in the back." Relon declares falling stretched out, Pippin huddled next to the boy.
"I'll wake you when we get there. Here's a blanket to help get some heat back."
"Thanks, Claire..." He mumbles wrapping himself before dozing off.
"I should be the one thanking you." She responds before driving off.
That's twice now he's saved me.
She grips the steering wheel tightly.
No. I couldn't have done much with the situation the way it was.
"Claire..."
Looking through the rearview mirror, she sees Relon mumble for a smile to grace her lips.
"Dreaming of me?" She wonders for the boy to shift slightly to her satisfaction, the young woman grinning from ear-to-ear. "Alright. Next stop; Thors Military Academy."
A/N: y'all thought Relon would be the 10th member of Class VII? Nah, we're adding Aurelia as a teen! if y'all haven't seen the artwork for her as a teenager, you're missing out.