Automne let out a deep breath and locked his eyes onto his opponent: a girl wearing a light brown high-collar jacket with a garrison cap sitting snuggly upon her head. Automne drew his weapons and set his left foot forward. The girl was wearing a smug grin as she brandished a long rifle at her waist that Automne couldn't make heads or tails of. It was as if she had reached into one of Oobleck's old history books, pulled out a musket and added a small magazine to it. Possibly the most terrifying feature was the razor sharp, dagger-like bayonet hanging under the barrel and aimed directly at Automne's crotch.
'Okay dude no need to worry. You've got this in the bag… Probably,'
"Begin!" Professor Goodwitch called out from the side.
Automne took a few tentative steps forward, his left escrima stick extended out towards his opponent, the other held low by his hip.
Automne's confidence was quickly swept away as she moved at him like an unforgiving gale of wind. Her bayonet swept under his wrist, knocking through his defense as she spun backwards into him delivering the butt of her rifle into his jaw. Her hands moved like lightning as she rapidly flipped her rifle over. She took a single step back and shot a round into Automne's chest; sending him flying across the stage until he hit the floor with a thud.
Automne gave an exhausted wheezing noise as he tried to scramble into a seated position. 'My Scroll, check the Scroll!' Automne thought in panic. Automne hesitated though as he heard his opponent's boots pounding against the floor as she sprinted towards him.
Automne channeled his semblance and quickly rolled to the side as she jumped at him and impaled her bayonet into the ground.
'Shift weapons!' Automne thought as he jumped backwards onto his feet; regaining visibility and the attention of his opponent. Automne flicked his wrists to release the secondary forms of both his weapons. His opponent was relentless though, she sprang forward, her rifle gripped tightly by the barrel with a single hand as she swung her rifle into Automne's hand; sending his left escrima flying through the air.
Without thought, Automne quickly swung his now fully transformed pistol at the girl. She swiftly evaded, tightly grasped his wrist and pulled her rifle behind Automne pressing the stock against his shoulder.
'Oh Dust, no!' Automne screamed internally as the stock of her rifle pressed into his shoulder with an excruciating amount of force while his wrist was twisted back and smashed against its barrel. Automne could feel the bones and muscles in his shoulder ready to snap and tear if his Aura gave out and he had no doubts that she was willing to do it. Automne gave a low growl as he tried to twist his hand and pistol into a useful position. Automne felt his barrel brush against his opponent's pant leg, but he was quickly whipped out to the right before he could take he could take advantage of the situation.
Automne stumbled and tried to aim his pistol at the girl, but was quickly knocked back by a knee to the chest and a solid blow to the skull from the stock of her rifle.
As Automne fell to the ground, the girl tossed her rifle into the air, making it spin like a cartwheel before it fell back into her arms with a small clatter. A smug smile spread across her lips as she strutted over to Automne, rested the heel of her boot on his crotch and placed the tip of her bayonet under his chin.
"I'd stay down if I were you." She arrogantly mocked as an unsettlingly rapturous smile gleamed down at Automne.
"That'll be enough Ms. Tänzerin. Mr. Noire is unable to continue." Professor Goodwitch interjected as she stepped out onto center stage.
"Of course, Ma'am," The girl replied as she removed her heel from Automne's crotch, rested her rifle against her shoulder and stood at attention.
"Students, let this be a prime example of how panicking under pressure is sure to lead to defeat at the hands of a skilled opponent. Whether it is in the field, or in a duel, it is essential to keep a calm composure when you are under attack." Professor Goodwitch turned slightly to Automne who was now lurched over and breathing heavily. "Mister Noire, I'd suggest that you attempt to be a little more observant next time and keep your defenses up, understood?"
Automne silently nodded his head and pulled his scarf down from around his mouth. "Yes, Professor Goodwitch, I'll work on that." He said breathlessly as he pulled himself off of the ground and onto his feet.
'This went much better in my head.' Automne painfully thought to himself as he stumbled off of the stage and over towards his team. Or at least where he thought his team was.
"Automne, dude, we're over here." Ty called out as Automne began to walk past them.
"Oh," Automne blinked a couple times and pushed his goggles onto his forehead with the palm of his hand. "Right, yeah… sorry, I'm still a bit hazy. From the… thing," Automne slurred as he stumbled over and plopped himself down on the bench between Eve and Petunia.
"Oh dear," Eve said with a frown as she grabbed Automne by the chin and held a flashlight in front of his eyes. "Follow the light, please… I think you might have a concussion." Eve lowered her flashlight and began rummaging through a bag bearing a red cross.
"Well isn't that fantastic. Haven't been here for more than ten days and I already have brain damage."
"In all honesty I thought you had brain damage when I met you." Ty said with a grin as Eve pressed an ice pack against Automne's face, causing him to cringe.
"Sorry," Eve said softly as she removed the ice pack and attempted to apply it with a bit less force.
"Oh haha, I'm dying from laughter," Automne sarcastically slurred at Ty before giving a few more fake laughs which he painfully choked on.
"Please don't," Eve asked politely as she sat down next to Automne. Eve took a few deep breaths and began to slowly create a dense fog that hugged Automne's skin like a soft icy blanket.
Automne gave a heavy sigh, "Oh Dust, Eve, where would we be without you?"
"Beacon Academy," She replied unsurely, a few beads of sweat running down her face while she said it.
"That was a rhetorical question, Eve. Also, you can ease up a bit if you want. I'm feeling a bit better already."
"Well, it's better to be safe than sorry. Besides, I have plenty of Aura to spare, so don't worry about me." She said with a weak smile as she pulled out her handkerchief and wiped the sweat from her face.
"If you say so," Automne glanced over at Petunia who was resting her fists on her knees and staring at something in the distance. "Hey Petunia, haven't heard much out of you, what's up?"
"Who does that stuck-up bitch think she is?" Petunia growled as her eyes honed in on Automne's opponent.
Eve gave a large gasp, "Petunia, watch your language please."
"Well I'm just saying what we're all thinking. Did you see that smug little smile she gave to us as she was walking off the stage?"
"I was getting my medical kit ready for Automne." Eve said innocently, raising her large purse like medical bag out in defense.
"Ty, you saw it right?"
"Sorry, but I was too busy laughing at Automne getting his ass kicked." Ty said with a grin as he fiddled through his brand new Scroll. Ty pressed on the screen and a short video of Automne getting clobbered in the chest and face began to play on loop.
"Oh screw you, man" Automne slurred as he leaned over to watch the video.
"It's not my fault you can't hold your own against an opponent. And besides you gotta admit this is kind of funny."
Automne glared at the screen for a few moments before giving a loud chortle. "Okay it kind of is, but you're still a jerk."
Petunia glared back and forth between Automne and Ty before giving a heavy sigh. "You know what, I'm going to go give that uptight- ehm- person a piece of my mind."
"Please don't," Ty said, "You're going to end up making this a team problem and I don't want to deal with this."
"What's that? I couldn't hear you over the sound of her making our team into a joke." Petunia called back as she stood up and made her way across the auditorium towards Automne's opponent and her team.
Ty gave a groan as he slowly stood up, "Why do you people never listen to me?"
"What do you mean by 'you people'?" Automne replied with a grin.
"I follow your orders, Ty." Eve said innocently as she packed up her medical supplies.
Ty just shook his head and followed after Petunia, while Professor Goodwitch called class to a close in the background.
"So Eve, wanna bet Petunia starts herself a gold old fashion brawl and gets us expelled?" Automne added dryly as Eve and he listlessly followed after their leader.
"I'd prefer not to bet on that."
Automne blinked a couple times. "You took that literally, didn't you?"
"… No."
"Remind me to give you sarcasm lessons when you have some free time."Automne said with a smirk and a chuckle.
"Because you'd definitely be the best person to teach me," Eve responded promptly with her own smirk.
Automne blinked a few times as Eve's words registered in his head.
'Did she just…?'
"Wait… What?" Automne said blankly in confusion as Petunia's loud, bitter voice came into ear-shot.
"What did you call me?" Petunia shouted at the rifle wielder who was still standing at attention with her rifle down by her side her team now nowhere to be seen.
"I simply said there's no need for me to be arguing with a simple ruffian like you. And honestly with a teammate as weak as that one I think you should feel ashamed."
"Where do you get off?" Petunia continued with a fiery anger in her eyes.
"Hmm, don't you feel a bit too prideful for a member of a team as weak as yours? You're a member of possibly the worst teams to ever walk the halls of this prestigious academy, yet you carry yourself like you are a veteran Huntress. Do you honestly believe you have the right to do so?" The huntress replied with a small proud smile as she stared down at Petunia.
Petunia hesitated for a moment, "Y-you pompous, self-important-"
"That's enough," Ty demanded as he placed a hand on Petunia's shoulder and pulled her back slightly. He whispered something into Petunia's ear and stepped up beside her. "I'm sorry for everything my teammate has said. Let me introduce myself. I'm Tyrian Inuhoozuki, leader of Team Taupe, but you can just call me Ty for short." Ty offered his hand with a guilty smile.
The girl flatly stared at him for a moment. A small polite smile crossed her lips as she shook his hand firmly. "My name is Sienaerde Gewehr- Tänzerin, leader of Team Sepia. It's a pleasure to meet a fellow leader, and let me tell you, your reputation precedes you."
"Really?" Ty blankly replied with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh yes, quite a few of us have heard about a local hero joining the ranks here at Beacon. It's just such a shame that your underlings can't live up to your status though."
Ty paused for a moment before an infuriated frown spread across Ty's face. Sienaerde didn't seem to notice though as she continued with her clearly insincere smile. "But I wouldn't worry about your underlings too much. I'm sure a skilled police officer- oh, pardon me – police cadet such as yourself wouldn't let them drag you down. But I believe it goes without saying that a bit of discipline may be in order. May I suggest-"
"I think that will be enough Miss Tänzerin." A handsome man wearing a brown leather trench coat and a wide brimmed hat bent upwards on one side said leniently as he walked up to them from out of the blue. He looked like he was well into his forties, but his neatly trimmed, rich oily black stubble beard could very easily convince Automne he was a much younger man.
"Professor Baula," Sienaerde said quickly as she jumped to attention. "My apologies sir, I was just having a discussion with my fellow leader, Tyrian Inuhoozuki."
"Yes, I can see that. It's just I don't believe you two have much to discuss. So how about you report back to your team." The Professor insisted with a lopsided smile in a very relaxed tone.
Sienaerde glanced at the professor with a bit of doubt. "Yes, Professor," She said hesitantly before lifting her rifle against her shoulder and marching off towards the entrance to the hall.
"Now as for you Ms. Kapelle, I'm just going to say I don't necessarily agree with Ms. Tänzerin's statement, but I do think you could stand to benefit from some humility. Respect is earned, and given your team's current track-record, I think the four of you have not necessarily earned much respect. So I'd suggest you put in some extra effort if you want to be seen as equals to one of the top teams of your class. Oh, and Mr. Inuhoozuki, a leader is only as strong as his weakest link. I'd recommend that you keep your teammates in line if you hold value to your title." Professor Baula gave a light tug on the front of his jacket to reveal a pristine brown button up that clung tightly to his muscular body and took a step backwards. "Mr. Noire, if you don't mind I'd like to sling some clichés to you in private now." He asked with a wry smile as he waved Automne over.
"Umm, of course, Professor," Automne said nervously as he shuffled past his teammates and over towards the Professor.
"This'll only be a few minutes, but you can feel free to leave if you'd like." The Professor explained as he continued to walk backwards alongside Automne.
"Ehm alright, Professor, Automne, we'll catch up with you later." Ty called back as Petunia, Eve, and he all made their way towards the exit.
"Those're some interesting teammates you've got there. Are the four of you well acquainted yet?" The professor asked with a small smile as he finally turned around and began walking normally.
"Not too well. I'm still getting to know them. Since it's only been about a week and all I don't always get that much time and I have homework and-"
Professor Baula began to chuckle a little. "You need to relax young man. I'm not interrogating you. I just want to know how things are going."
"Oh, yeah, things are going… well." Automne replied nervously as they stopped and took a seat near the front row of the stage.
"That's good to hear." The Professor replied happily as he leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. "So, I managed to sit in on your match. I have to say you looked a little… off-guard out there."
"I just… wasn't expecting to fight Sienaerde out there. I've just heard a lot about her."
The Professor glanced over at Automne from the corner of his eye and gave a sigh. "Gossip does seem to travel by word-of-mouth very quickly around here." He gave a chuckle. "Well, that's teenagers for you…. Hmm, I really should be saying young adults. 'Teenagers' just doesn't sound right when referring to young warriors like yourself. When I was here I know I didn't want to be called a teenager. It's so disrespectful… I'm sorry, I'm getting off topic. So about that duel,"
"I just wasn't at the top of my game today Professor. If it were anybody else it would have gone differently." Automne insisted with a forced smile.
Professor Baula was quiet for a few moments before he gave a shrug and reached into his coat. "Whatever you say, Mr. Noire. Oh, and just a friendly reminder, I want your report on Chapter 2 in my inbox by next Tuesday. Also, you dropped this."
Automne turned to see the Professor holding his left escrima stick, Twilight Harmony.
"Oh," Automne said in shock as one hand darted over his weapon's holster. "I forgot about that. Thank you, Professor." Automne grabbed onto his escrima and gave a small tug, but the Professor hadn't loosened his grip.
"Keep your wits about you at all times, Mr. Noire. Losing a duel is one thing, but losing your life is another thing entirely." The professor let go of Automne's weapon and slowly stood up. "And just one more thing; keep an eye on your teammates. They seem very… bold; you might learn a thing or two. Have a nice day Mr. Noire, and remember; keep your wits about you." The Professor concluded with a smile as he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets and slowly walked out of the auditorium.
Automne watched the Professor walk out past the threshold and when he was gone turned back to the stage where Sienaerde had wiped the floor with him not too long ago. Automne gave a heavy sigh his voice echoing off the large, dim walls around him. Automne looked down at the escrima stick still in his hand, grimaced and looked back up at the stage.
"My head hurts."
I feel like this one is necessary Sienaerde Gewehr- Tänzerin (Zee-enna-airduh Guh-ver Tan-zer-in) So basically the only part that sounds similar to how it's spelled is the last part. I also feel the need to apologize just for thinking of this name, but trying to break it down was punishment on its own.
If you like the story favorite and/or follow it maybe. And no matter what you think leave a review. Once again thank you to my editor NinjaSlayer4x. There will be more very soon so stay tuned, but until then Peace out.
-CS