Chapter 2: The New Student

The new student walked in, it seems she carried herself with grace as she stood in front of the class.

It was a feline with long pink hair and matching colour eyes wearing the academy uniform.

Looking at her feline tail that lay motionless she was a rather calm person, at least compared to me since my feline tail will move uncontrollably if I get flustered.

"Hello everyone my name is Natasha Silvarea its a pleasure to meet you all"

The pink haired feline took a bow and wrote her name and the chalkboard so we all knew how to spell it.

The class seemed wooed at her presence while I continued my remained largely disinterested at this brightly coloured feline.

Yeah she's cute but whatever I suppose, looks ain't going to mean shit in regards to fighting ability.

Looking up at the new student I felt like my gaze met hers and I quickly looked away feeling embarrassed.

Well she seems like that typical prim and proper lady and stealing another glance at her hip I noticed a rather fancy looking Victorian cruciform sword.

Is this some rich lady or something?

Anyways it may sound strange for students to be armed but here at the Victorian Royal Guard Academy which is a military sponsored institution, we're all encouraged to carry our weapons at all times so that we're always ready to fight at a moment's notice.

If you're wondering my sheathed katana's just resting against my desk.

My thoughts were interrupted as I heard my name spoken by my teacher.

"Miss Silvarea you know what dorm you're staying in?"

"Yeah I've already been informed"

"Well then why don't you take a seat next to Miss Shirogane"

My feline ears twitched and I lazily raised my hand so Natasha knew where I was.

Natasha walked in a rather jolly mood towards me and took the empty seat to my right.

The feline then extended a hand towards me, nonverbally asking for a handshake.

I accept it without a care in the world.

"Shirogane eh? Then that must mean you're Yui Shirogane right? Starting today I'm your roommate~"

"Umm…ok sure"

My response may be neutered but inside I was a little frantic wondering why I was never informed of this at least the day before.

Wait shit I was giga late yesterday so maybe I would've known oh whatever….damn I really liked having the room to myself.

Class began with that history lesson about the Londinium crisis years ago especially about the parties involved and how it impacted Victoria as a whole.

A quick summary would be that the Sarkaz took control of the Capital City Londinium but were eventually driven out with the help of a pharmaceutical company known as Rhodes Island.

Kinda fucked thinking what a bloody pharmaceutical company is doing in the middle of a war, oh well that ain't none of my business.

However during the class I kept stealing glances at Natasha and found her to be rather normal. What I mean is that she wasn't some perfect student like what you see in Higashinese manga.

Why did I keep looking at the new student?

I was just curious that's all!

Anyways class proceeded as normal, it ended and I got up for the next period.

Looking back I see that Natasha had a crowd of girls around her asking about probably random shit.

I guess she's popular or that she's the new kid around so everyone's just naturally curious.

Whatever, I take my leave and go to the next class.

XXXXX

Between my third and fourth classes I had a break which I normally spent in the cafeteria eating and then lazing around until the next class.

As I was eating peacefully until someone pulled a chair opposite me, sat down at my table and haphazardly slammed their tray of food on it.

That was kinda rude but ok.

Looking up from the boring ass sandwich I was eating into I saw that it was a familiar pink haired feline.

"Yo, I'm surprised to see you eating alone, don't you have friends to eat with?"

I shot her a look that screamed 'The fuck you trying to imply?' but then sighed to myself before giving a more mediated answer.

"No I don't"

"Really?! That's kinda fucked you're really cute so I thought you'd be more popular"

Eh?! The fuck are you even saying?!

Now obviously I can't have an outburst like that so instead I say:

"Well I'm not and it doesn't matter since I like being on my own"

I take a slightly more aggressive bite into my sandwich.

"Also Natasha, why are you here? Aren't popular with everyone?"

"That shit? Yeah I get asked a lot of questions to which I just smile and nod but I don't really have much interest in the other students honestly"

Natasha shrugs her shoulders as she picks up her knife and fork to begin eating the food on her tray.

Well I kinda take back my previous statement about her being normal, I think she's far from it.

Dear Sankta look at the overly cheerly expression on her face, like she doesn't have a care in the world.

I let out another sigh as I get back to eating.

"You still haven't answered why're you're sitting at this table"

"Huh? Thought it was obvious, cause I like you the most~"

I almost choked on my food but I quickly swallowed it.

But holy fucking Sankta what is up with this lassie saying shit like that?!

I can see her flash wide grin on her face, so she's the kind that enjoys fucking with me and she's my roommate, wonderful…

XXXXX

Its now 6th period, the last class of the day and its the combat orientated one that focuses on 1 on 1 fights, the theory behind this is that higher ranked officers are going to be like 20 times stronger than some middle of the road soldier so we have to be prepared to take on strong opponents individually.

For this class we were gathered out on the field and looking around I see that Natasha has this class with me as well.

When my eyes laid on her she noticed and gave me a wave, I lazily gave one back out of courtesy.

So I guess Natasha has 1st and 6th period with me, not sure why I'm taking the time to make a mental note of this its not like I care about her or anything.

My teacher is someone I'm quite familiar as its the lady that decked me yesterday, Emma. Well her full name is Emma Hazel in case you're wondering.

"Everyone pick a partner, we'll be doing sparring matches today!"

Emma's voice bellowed as she addressed the whole class.

Ah I always hate it when a teacher says I need go work together with someone since I don't exactly have any friends—

Eh?

I feel someone holding my hand and I see its that bloody feline again, Natasha.

"Looks like I'm your sparring partner today~"

"Uhh sure I guess"

I mean you kinda forced yourself on me but at least it saves me the trouble of finding a partner.

We stood together while we waited for our turn since Emma wanted watch each of our fights to see how we're coming along regarding our combat ability.

It didn't take long until it was our turn and we both took a stance opposite one another, our weapons drawn.

We don't use any sort of training gear in these sparring matches so that its as close to a real life battle as possible.

"You know the drill, its a clean fight just use your wits and remember no using arts"

The no arts rule is really the only safety net in these sparring matches as otherwise the chances of someone getting incinerated would skyrocket.

We both nodded at Emma's instruction as as prepared ourselves.

I realised that this is the first time Natasha is showing off what she can do so I feel like more eyes are on this fight.

I better not make an ass out of myself.

I held my katana in front of me with both hands while Natasha held her blade low using only one hand. Its clear our fighting styles are very different.

Natasha's blade was light pink, a very peculiar colour to say the least.

The Forte teacher Emma raised a hand and when she lowered it, that was when the match would start.

"And….begin!"

We both kick off from the ground towards each other clashing our blades. The sound of scraping metal filled my ears as we pushed our blades away from another creating some distance between us.

Natasha rushed in towards me, landing a flurry of slashes each of which I managed to block but I felt how hard each strike came from the vibration that were sent down my katana with each impact.

I counterattack only to be met with equal resistance.

It seems we're evenly matched.

As we fought I heard gasps in the crowd as Natasha displayed how fast she was. Thankfully speed was also something I was proficient at allowing me to block in time albeit barely.

Hang on, is she getting faster?

What started as an even fight eventually had me on the defensive.

The clashes continued for a bit and I saw several glimpses of Natasha's expression as she fought with a smile.

…You wipe that smug look off your face…

I throw out an aggressive slash and Natasha blocks, as expected but at least I'm not on the defensive anymore.

Throughout our entire fight my feline opponent had only been using one hand to grip her sword, is this some kind of technique I'm not aware of?

That doesn't matter now, cause now I'm getting used to Natasha's attacks that I can keep up with her.

Natasha appears to have stumbled and I seize that opportunity to go for a strike that will knock her weapon out of her hand forcing her to yield.

She's only holding it with one hand so I should be able to knock it out easily.

I make my move but before my blade connects with her, Natasba withdraws her blade and uses her free left hand to push my katana aside leaving me exposed as I eyes widened at the sudden parry.

Since katanas are single sided blades Natasha just pushed on the non-bladed side.

After my attack failed and before I could recover Natasha grabbed the back of my neck and threw me to the ground, her foot stepping on my back to keep me down.

Ow fuck me your grip is strong…!

I'm bought back to my senses as I see the shine of light pink metal next to my face.

"Winner, Natasha Silvarea!"

I hear Emma's voice signalling the end of our match and a round of applause from the audience that watched us.

As I slowly lift myself up I see that Natasha extends a hand to help me out.

I accept it, gripping her wrist and for a split second I swear I saw a look of disappointment in the pink haired feline's face. Was it because I didn't hold her hand who knows.

I dusted myself off and I see Natasha is crowded by my classmates all in awe or giving congratulations on her victory in our fight.

People sure are taking a liking to the new girl.

"Hey Yui, you did alright out there"

Emma pats a hand on my shoulder, getting me to turn and face her.

"Thanks I guess"

"However I don't think you should've lost there"

"What do you mean?"

"While you still fought mostly as usual I could see that you weren't giving it your all especially compared to when you fight other students"

"Really? I felt like I was, I'm pretty this was just me getting my ass kicked"

"Only cause you let her"

"Eh? A-As if I would lose on purpose!"

Wait why the fuck I was getting heated about this, its just a sparring match maybe it was an insinuation that annoyed me?

"I'm just saying that feeling attachment towards your opponent is only going to weaken you in battle"

With that Emma briskly walked off to speak with the other students.

Attachment? Yeah right…

As I was about to be lost in my own thoughts I heard something I got my attention.

"I-is..is that Captain Rachel?"

I hear some excited chatter as they mention a name I've never heard of before.

Looking around I see unfamiliar person.

A mature looking Vulpo lady with white hair tied in a ponytail wearing a black kimono with flower patterns and holding a Higashinese styled umbrella in one hand and a folding fan in the other. I saw on her hip was a katana with a flower shaped hilt.

Wait did they say captain? As in for the Victorian Royal Army? Then why the heck is she wearing Higashinese styled clothing while in Victoria she really looks really out of place.

Maybe I shouldn't question other people's fashion tastes and just go along with it.

"Captain! I had no idea you would be visiting today"

Emma met Rachel with a salute.

"There's no need for formalities here Emma, I just couldn't help but be intrigued by the display of skill your last match had"

Rachel spoke elegantly and softly, her voice was weirdly comforting. Even if she was highly ranked she just had an air about her that made her approachable.

"Your words do me great honour Captain"

Huh, its weird to see Emma acting so polite and formal considering this was the same crazy lady that kicked the shit out of me yesterday.

Emma then called Natasha and I over to meet with the white haired Vulpo lady.

"Now that I see you both up close I can tell you'll become strong in the future"

Rachel then opened up her folding fan and covered her mouth before proceeding to speak further.

"Do keep working hard you two~ You have a bright future ahead of you"

It was strange to see Higashinese style inflexions here in Victoria, speaking through a folding fan is something that occurs frequently in media from Higashi I think its part of their culture or something.

"T-thanks Captain…"

I softly said as I slightly bowed in respect.

"Thanks"

Natasha's response was curt.

Emma appearing exasperated at Rachel's forwardness to interact with her students, formally introduced the Vulpo Captain to us.

"In case you aren't aware this is Rachel Talia, she has the record for rising to the rank of captain in only 5 years after joining"

5 years? I'm not too familiar with how the Royal Army works but if Emma is saying this is some sort of record then it must be considered impressive.

"So are you like really strong or something?"

Natasha asks.

"They were happy with my performance so I was promoted far faster than expected but honestly the other Captains of the Royal Army are far more impressive than me"

Rachel seemed to be answering humbly, or maybe she's humble bragging?

"You're far too modest Captain, your skills are why all traces of insurrection have been stamped out these past years"

Emma seemed to highly respect the fox lady.

Rachel lowers her folding fan before replying.

"You're praise is appreciated but its nothing to lose yourself over, arrogance at one's abilities is how people can stagnant in growth, never consider yourself the best because its at that point is where you truly lose"

It felt like Rachel had turned a gaze to me as she said that but I might be imagining things.

"Hehe you should be a teacher here again it'll be just like the old days"

So Emma and Rachel go way back?

"Teaching really doesn't suit me, I like to make a difference on the field rather than the classroom"

"Fair enough, so anyways will you be touring the Academy today or…."

"Don't worry Emma I'm just here cause I wanted take a closer look at the combatants of that last match, but I better be heading back soon lest I get an earful from the General for my tardiness"

Captain Rachel Talia takes her leave walking away from the field.

With that 6th period ended but before Natasha and I left Emma wanted to quickly have a word with us.

"Before you go, Yui you remember that you're going to have a field assignment in the next 3 days right?"

I nodded and said.

"Right yeah I remember, are the details about what I'm going to be doing out yet?"

"Not yet but the Royal Army has told me that you'll be notified by letter to your dorm tomorrow morning"

"So why'd you call me here?"

Natasha interjected.

"Well its because they've decided that you Natasha will be joining Yui regarding this on field assignment"

I looked over at the feline who seemed far too pleased upon hearing she has practical work only a few days after transferring here.

"Woo! I get to have my first mission with Yui!"

At least someone's excited as I gaze at her with half open eyes.

"Just do your best out there depending on what it is you might be gone for a while"

Warned Emma.

"Yeah yeah I know"

I causally wave off Emma's concern, not because I thought it wasn't necessary but mostly because I was kinda tired for the day.

I guess being reminded that I have an on field assignment in a couple of days meant I had to prepare myself to whatever task this Academy will put me up with.

Ch.2 End