I sat at my kitchen table with a warm brew of coffee before me. There was some screaming taking place by the room next to my, but I did my best to ignore the bickering. Thankfully it stopped just as fast as it began. I don't think I could take another second of "Who moved the remote".

Waon was still sleeping, his alarm clock set much later than mine, but that wasn't really my main concern. There was something else going on-something far more important than whether or not Waon decided to get up or not. A fellow students life was in danger-according to Rose anyway. But what could I do to prevent the death of another? Rose told me I was the only one, but isn't there someone else more suited for the job than me? What's so special about me?

This didn't make any sense...

I glanced at the clock to see it was time I got myself to school. I chugged down my coffee and took a quick look in the mirror at myself before I left. On my way, I couldn't stop mulling over the fact that a person could die if I couldn't protect them; it'd be my fault. A wire bound itself around my chest at the thought. I could help but swallow a lump down my throat. I need to be ready. I have to be...

Finally, the school came into view, along with a certain squirrel beastkin with a grimoire opened in her hand.

"Sakura!" I called out to her but got no response. I quickly snatched the grimoire from her which seemed to have slapped her out of her little trance. "You can't have a grimoire open like that, it's dangerous!" I warned.

"Ryu?" Sakura responded, raising a confused brow at me. "What are you doing here?"

"What...?" I was a bit taken back from her lack of awareness. That blank expression she had... It was like she was possessed or something. Whatever the case, taking the grimoire from her was a good move.

"Sakura Nanaya." I heard a voice call from the distance. It was the sub principal.

"U-Um, yes? Sakura responded, nervous.

"I trust you delivered the grimoire to the library unharmed and unopened?"

"I um..."

"Sakura..." The sub principal shut her eyes and rubbed her temples with a sigh. "That grimoire is incredibly dangerous. It would kill anyone trying to control it. More considering your level of ars magus..."

"Kill?" Sakura repeated with a hint of fear.

Looks like Rose was right...

"Excuse me? Sub principal?" I called to the woman as she turned to me. "I would like to make a team."

"A team?" She echoed. "Why though?"

"It's...a bit complicated..." I replied. "I just...feel like I need to make one."

"Hmm... I see. I won't pry into your decision. I can tell from your eyes it must be something important, but I'm afraid you'll need at least three members to form a team."

"Well, I have Waon Shiba, so all I need is one more."

"I have the solution then," the sub principal tapped Sakura's shoulder. "Sakura Nanaya, as punishment, you shall join her team. Maybe this will teach you some discipline."

"Ok..." Sakura sighed, defeated.

"Now, all you need is a name. Have you come up with anything?"

"No... I haven't even thought about that yet."

"What about Ryu heart?" Sakura suggested. "Ryu means dragon and heart makes it so our name means 'Dragon heart'. It sounds tough right?"

"Ryu heart...?" I repeat it. Yeah... Yeah, I like it! "I like the name. It makes us sound cool."

"Well, at least that's decided. There's a free room you can ask to use. If you want more information, you should ask Asami."

"I will," I nod. "Thank you." I gave her a smile before walking off, leaving Sakura in the hands of the sub principal. Knowing the sub principal as well as I do, Sakura was gonna be forced to sit through one of her punishment speeches. Oh, that poor girl...

I had time to kill before classes start, about an hour or so. What to do though? We could go get set up in our room or speak to Asami. My thoughts derailed when I heard someone grunting. There was a shirtless sweat covered tiger beastkin in the courtyard lifting weights. He had orange fur with black stripes, his chest covered in white fur, chiseled along with his abs. He seemed to notice us as he put down the weights.

"Sorry, I'll take these out your way." He had a rather gruff, yet soft tone to his voice. I was expecting something wild, rough—menacing.

"Oh, no, don't worry about that. In fact," I pointed to his variety of weights. "You mind if we use your equipment." My request seemed at have startled him, given his shocked expression. Not like I could really blame him.

"Sure, I don't mind," he responded. "But, as you can see, I only have weights..."

"That's fine." I went over to the pile of weights and took two of the smaller ones up. These seemed perfect for me. At first, they're pretty light-easy to pick up. As time passed on, however, they began to drag my arms down to the floor. Upon closer inspection, these weights were equipped with a gravity ars; perfect for training.

"Ok, sorry, but I need those back. Gotta put the equipment back."

"Do you need help?" I asked.

"That'd be great. Thanks." He said, grateful.

"So, I have to ask," I glanced around. "Is this a club? If so, where are the other members?"

"Sadly, I'm the only one. So, the club isn't official but thankfully I'm still able to practice. I just have to clean up when I'm done."

"Can I come back again?" I asked.

"S-Sure," the tiger said with a bit of surprise. "The more the merrier. Last year, no one joined so it got a little lonely with just me here and a bit depressing as I heard other clubs laughing and having fun."

"Oh, I know that feeling..."

"Hey! Tora-kun!" I heard a voice call a little ways away from us. The voice came from a girl with short brown hair and large round glasses. The female student was no older than me, probably in her second year.

"Ah, Chitose," the tiger smiled at the coming student. "Good morning."

"Good morning. I see you have a new member." She said with a smile.

"Something like that," the tiger beastkin turned to me. "Though we haven't introduced ourselves yet."

"Oh, right! My name is Ryu, Ryu Oogamine."

"I know that name," Chitose said. "Your right arm is quite the gossip story on the student council. An arm capable of nullifying ars magus used against you right?"

"I guess so..." I look at my right arm with a cross of anger and sadness. This arm has caused me nothing but problems; my own personal curse. "Not that I like to talk about it."

"I guess you could say it comes in handy?"

A cold silent breeze blew by them, turning the air ghost-quiet. I merely stared blankly while the tiger face palmed. That joke... That might've been more painful than what this arm has done to me.

"Hey, Chitose, you're gonna be late. The student council can be harsh when their members are tardy so you should be on your way."

That's not the reason you want her to leave...

"That's true. I just came here to see if you needed help cleaning up around here."

"Thanks, but I don't want to cause you any more trouble, so just go."

"Hey! Chitose! Hurry up!" A feminine voice called from a far. I turn and beheld a girl with long hair, tied with two ribbons shaped like bunny ears. "We're gonna be late!"

"No need to rush Asami-chan, we've got plenty of time. Besides, mornings are optional." Chitose said casually.

"Maybe for you," Asami crossed her arms and made her way over to Chitose. "I am a member of the Yayoi family. So 'optional' is not my an option to me and I'm not going alone."

"Aw, you're so cute when you're upset~" Chitose said with lit her colleague's cheeks.

"S-Shut up and start moving," Asami clutched Chitose's arm and led her off while the brown haired girl waved back at them. "Honestly, you're so..."

The tiger beastkin could do nothing but smile at the friendly duo. "They're perfect for each other. Anyway," he spun in place back to me. "Feel free to let me clear this place up."

"I can't just let you clean all this up alone. I came to train, so let me help you out," I said as I picked up a few weights. "Just let me know where you want them."

"I appreciate it," he told me, taking up the heavier ones in the process. "Follow me." The tiger beastkin started off while I following behind him. The room wasn't too far, just a small storage behind the gym. The place reeked of iron and sweat, dumbells clanking while we moved some around to make room. Once we finished we made our way into the school building and I got to know Youhei-kun a little more. Our conversation was cut short as Asami came stomping over to me, tapping my chest with her finger over and over again.

"You've got some nerve. Making a team with only three members. All your doing is making the job of the student council harder. Do you know how HARD it is to manage everything here? What you don't think I can do it,I can just start a team whenever I feel like it. And another thing! You—" She went on and on, going off to other subjects like school lunch or organization. Honestly, I felt like a psychiatrist listening to my patient whine about their lives. Every time I tried to speak she would put a finger on my lips or shove it right in my snout. I could hear Tora-kun forcing out a low laugh to try and lighten the odd mood Asami created, but it didn't do much. After she finished barraging me with whatever she was talking about—I stopped listening halfway—she walked off, leaving me confused. What did I do to her?

"Don't mind her," Tora-kun chuckled. "She's just on edge because of who she is."

"Who she is?" I echoed.

"She's a member of the Duodecim and a second year here. Everyone thinks she's going to fail-that she's not ready to be the president of the student council. Oh, even though Chitose introduced me, you don't need to be formal. My name is Torahiko. Just call me Tora."

"Nice to meet you." I smiled.

"Likewise," he smiled back. "Now, I should get going. Showers are on campus and I want to use them and get to class. It was nice getting to know both of you and I'll see you tomorrow." Tora waved and ran off. I waved to him until I could no longer see him, then took off to my own class. On my way, I heard some gossip that caught my ear. I hid behind a corner to hear. Whatever it was seemed serious and I felt a little guilty for listening in but... Meh. I peaked passed the corner to see a feline beastkin, a squirrel beastkin, and a human; which was pretty uncommon with all the racism going on.

"Come on," the cat beastkin said. "You saw her yourself—your sister's fine Mikoto. It was just a fight."

"It's not just that Nichole," the squirrel sighed, worried. "The problem is that no one would be here at that hour. Maybe she's covering something or even someone up. Or she could be getting bullied! You've heard stories about that right?"

"Don't be so paranoid, it didn't seem like that. Maybe she just did something stupid and is afraid you'll scold her for it. You know how younger siblings can be. They want to be big and tough for their older siblings. Just thinking about it' it's pretty cute."

"Maybe," Mikoto chuckled at the thought. "It is my sister after all; the same person who climbed a fence and got it caught on her skirt. We had to call the officers for help haha."

"See!? Everythings fine. Well, for you," Nicholle hung her head with a weeping groan. "I'm more worried about my class. Ms. Isoide hates me with a burning passion. Like what did I do to her!?"

"It's not only you," the human girl sighed. "She's harsh and cold towards everyone. That's just her normal personality."

"Really!? Even to you Kagami!?" Nicholle gasped."So, she just hates everyone? Man, now I really want another teacher." Nykki said as her cat like hears pointed down

"Nothing we can really do about that. Come on," the human started off. "Let's get to class before she chews us out." The other two beastkin followed her off, chatter still heard among the group until it fades into the distance, signaling they were gone. I crept out my corner and glanced up at the clock above me. I had five minutes before class started, so it was time I get myself going.

My room wasn't far, just a few doors down the hall and I arrived a minute before the bell rung. The moment it did, Ms. Isolde arrived and immediately began class. It felt like an eternity, just a review for a coming test I didn't care too much about-I wasn't even listening. A person dying was way more important than some lecture by a teacher I don't even like. I had to find a way to keep her safe-to protect her. Question is: from what? I guess I can ask Rose later on...

The school bell woke me up from my thoughts and I made my way out. Once I exited my classroom, Chitose met came running—singing really—up to me.

"Ryu! It's great to see you again. I'm here to show you to your assigned room. Asami made sure to pick out a good one for you."

"I see..." That didn't seem all too promising. Given how hard she yelled at me this morning the best she could do might just end up with me in the janitors closet. "I just hope it's an actual room instead of a space in the hallway... Doesn't seem like she's a big fan of me after yelling at me this morning."

"Oh don't worry about her," Chitose waved a dismissive hand. "She's just very passionate, but that's what adds to her charm. Though, that's not important now. Where's your teammates?"

"Waon is in a different classroom a few doors down and Sakura... Last time I saw her she was getting ready for an ear full with the principal."

"I'm right here." A familiar voice said behind me, the voice belonging to Sakura. I turn around to face her as she said, "I'm ready anytime you are Ryu. Thankfully the sub principal let me off easy. Oh? Chitose?"

"Hey, Sakura."

"You two know each other?" I asked.

"She and I come from the same city," Chitose told me. "Her mother was a usual client at my families store so we got to talk some. Anyway, Waon is the other one right? So let's get him."

"Right." I nodded. I led the way to his classroom just a few doors down and found him speaking with that girl who hit her face into the light post. When he looked my way he smiled, said something else to the girl and came over to us.

"Hey there leader."

"Um... Please don't call me that. It's embarrassing."

"Sorry about that haha. Anyway, what brings you here?" He asked.

"Chitose is about to show us our room," I replied.

"Finally!" Waon cheered as his tail wagged. "Come on, let's not waste any more time."

Chitose merely giggled at his enthusiasm and showed us to our room. Thankfully it was an actual room instead of the janitors closet I feared so much. The room was spacious, up to date equipment stored in the back with a single table in the middle of the room. However, they were missing someone. I certain gothic lolita hadn't made her appearance yet which was a bit troubling.

"Hey, did Rose get in contact with everyone?" I asked.

"Rose? You mean that little girl in the gothic dress?" Chitose asked as I nodded. "Not sure... She didn't answer any of my questions. Kinda bossy. She kept asking for sweets and tea and Asami just listened to her. I think she said she'd be back to introduce herself at—"

"This exact hour and minute." A sudden voice said, startling all of us. We turn to see Rose sitting on a chair around, sipping tea.

"A REAL gothic lolita!? Oh, my sister is going to be so jealous!" Sakura squealed.

"Well, it seems you guys are good, so I'm gonna take my leave now," Chitose said, taking her leave. Once she closed the door I made my way over to Rose

"Now." I made my way over to Rose and stood beside her. "What are you doing here? I made this team, isn't that enough?"

"It is a mere baby step in the long run," Rose sipped her tea and hummed in delight. "There is more to come and I desire to observe them myself."

"Sure..." I said, annoyed. This situation was way too much for me. I mulled over all this but was dragged from my thoughts by a light punch in the arm by Waon.

"Come on, Ryu, chill out. I know you aren't too happy about this, but we don't know what her deal is. She was right about Sakura, so maybe she could be right about this. Even if she's not, it's a persons life at stake. That's not something to ignore."

"I know..."

"Well, I just hope you cheer up. Classes are over so we've got some time to ourselves. How about we go and have some fun?"

"Tomorrow," I sighed. "I'm heading straight home today. I need to relax."

"Ok. Later then."

"Later." I headed to open the door and opened it, only to receive a punch in my nose bridge. The sudden hit made me stumbled off my feet, landing right on my button the cold ground. I rubbed my nose bridge with pained whimpers, wondering who could've done such a thing and why? Only to see Asami standing at the door. "I guess you really do hate me... But that was uncalled for..."

"I don't hate you, it was an accident!" Asami quickly came to give me her hand, which I took and stood up.

"So, why are you here?"

"I just came to warn you that there's been sighting of some black substance on the school grounds injuring students. I am letting all the clubs and classrooms know about it. I don't want you all to get hurt."

"Oh, I see. Thanks for the warning." I said

"J-Just stay out of trouble," Asami said with a blush, her voice cracking with embarrassment in her tone. "Getting this room ready has been harder than you think, so make sure you make good use of it! Well," she turned her back to me. "Have a good day"

"Wait!" Before I was able to thank she walked away or rather ran away. I closed the door then turned to a smiling Rose. I had a bad feeling about that smile she wore. It looked so innocent, given that she looked like she should be in grade school, but I knew better. She took out me and Waon like we were nothing but specs of dust. I just hope at the end of the day no one has to die and she better tell me what I need to know...