Disclaimer: I don't own Kamen Rider Faiz or Monster High G1. They belong to their respective creators, namely Toei and Mattel. For those that will ask, this story takes inspiration from Ten-Faced Paladin's story, Knights of the Otherworld. I write this as a fan of both franchises, wanting to make something as awesome and awe-inspiring like their stories. Feel free to comment.
The Champions of Monster High
By Yutilov
Chapter 4: Meaning and Struggle
Konichua and welcome back, young boos and ghouls!
As usual before we begin, let's do a small recap!
And... GO!
Previously, we watched the events of young 'Mickey' or rather young Michael as he learned how to navigate around Monster High. That is by literally challenging and obliterating his competition without mercy. He obtained infamy in the first week to the point that the other students were afraid of him and kept their distance, afraid of what such a normie could do. And in their defense, even I was bibiteiru of what he could do! Honestly, that gaki has too much free time... or not enough free time...?
Anywho, after his so-called deed, he helped Spectra Vondergeist, the journalist and local ghost star of the school with a case that incriminated Heath Burns, but he proved his innocence, although I literally had to search up a lot of companies with the statue profession and there were some I better not mention. Yikes.
After helping her, she returned the favor to him back by going on the screen and apologizing with an emotional speech that I wished to have seen the first time, but cute and handsome kistunes like me can't be that spoilt regarding high-school dramas.~
Now with a new chance to make some spooky friends, young Michael was soon called to the Maul by your truly where he not only befriended Skelita Calaveras and took later on a date (even though he doesn't admit it), but also showed his chicara and might by defeating not one, BUT two Orphenochs with creeperific ease!
Now that we've seen our second eiyuu in action, let's go see hero numero san, shall we~?
Buuut first! Did you guess who it was by my previous hint by now? If not, there's nothing to be ashamed of.
Now, the moment you've been all waiting for, drum roll tanomu.
*DRDRDRDR!*
It's the youngest one, Maximilian!
(*)
Monster High - Mad Science Class
Like it's name, the class of Mad Science is one of Monster High's most common classes, among being the ones that are not a monster or horror-related pun. Meaning that in classes such as this one, the students are being taught to do science experiments that sometimes cross the lines of ethics, or at least human ethics in this case.
To them, this is an average class in their student life, but for one 'exchange' student, not so much.
In this class full of vampires, werewolves, walking and talking skeletons and even ghosts, he's the only human present. And aside for being quite scrawny, wearing a larger denim jacket that tried to add to his thin phissique, the rest of him was average. Average sneakers, average black jeans, and average red short-sleeved shirt. Likewise can be said about his average neutral skintone and face consisting of short shaggy dark hair and average blue eyes.
There's nothing special about him except for the fact that he's human... and his name. And that's exactly what makes him, Maximilian Skye stand in such a school unfortunately.
He was just an average teen with nothing worthy or spectacular about him. This never really bothered him in life, but his mother insisted that he'd apply for Saint Brahm Academy when he'd begin high-school. Like many, he heard of the prestigious Academy and that it's opening its gates to ones like him from average backgrounds. With hesistation and a push from his parent, he signed the papers and sent them, but never expected to get an answer the next day about how he was accepted.
How he was chosen among hundreds, possibly thousands who had better accomplishments than him?
He didn't know what he should do. He knowns he doesn't belong in such an institution and refused to go, but since his mother had been so enthusiastic about her 'little champion' goint to Saint Brahm Academy, he couldn't bring himself to tell her and that's where he started going for less than a month at the famous school.
Of course he was a ball of nerves when he stepped through the golden gates, but since he saw many in similar situations like him, that gave him a bit of relief, knowing that he's not the only one.
But the moment when he met Michael, the son of the Headmaster who descended from royalty and their current tour guide, he could just ran back to his room because during the tour of the Academy he was introduced to literally hundreds of classes, sports teams and extracurricular clubs that include cooking clubs with famous chefs, gymnastics with actual olympic champions, and advanced mathematics and sciences with acknowledged geniuses. How could a nobody like him survive in such a place???
In the end, he decided to suck it up and try his best. After all, he was accepted into the Academy and he didn't want to waste the opportunity.
The first days of classes was tough, horrible even, but he still couldn't give up and disappoint his family. During that long time, he tried to remain in the shadows as it were, not trying to get in contact with others, but not enrage them. But with his anxiety and occasional stutter, this part ended in failure and was of course subjected to bullying from the others or forced to be the errand boy to some of them.
He disliked it, but when he remeet Michael and asked his class for help regarding transporting materials from an old library in the Academy, he thought that maybe if he did this, the others would stop picking on him and he could actually make some friends with this good deed. He was the only one that accepted for some reason and soon found at the price of his back just how harsh can it be to carry so many books from a place to another.
At least he wasn't alone, and that's where he met Blake Wolfson, the nicknamed rebel of the Academy. At the beginning he was afraid of him... he still is even now, but he never did anything bad and equally divided their task and took concern for his weak condition during that time.
That's the moment that changed everything for him.
In those short five minutes to catch his breath, he not only met other more-known older students like Leon and Ken and failed to even talk to them, but when Blake opened a strange book just to annoy Michael on top of possibly injuring him, the five of them were transported to an another world.
After being scared to death countless times by their current host, Seimei, he told them about their purpose for being here: to fight the Orphenoch. Monsters that want to invade this town they found themselves (which is also populated by monsters) and even watching images of them gave him frights. Despite his anxiety and fear, he decided to help. He was given a choice to stay and fight or to return to his world. He hesistantly chose to stay. He didn't know what he was doing, but trusted Michael and the others.
After that decision, he, along with the others, were given a tour of the cafe that would also serve as their current home in this world then the next day, an instruction manual about the device called the Faiz Gear which would help them to fight the monsters. Even watching the videos of his schoolmates when they used the belt, Maximilian knew that he couldn't compete and was thankful he wasn't chosen to combat one of the Orphenochs. He'd be just a dead weight to them.
But there he is now. With the others, he found himself in Monster High as a cover story... amidst monsters and other creatures that he's only heard in boogieman stories that gave him occasional nightmares even now.
"NO, NOO, NOOO! You are doing it wrong, kid!" shouted a gruff voice layered with a british accent that awakened the human teen from his thoughts. Standing before him was a tall, chubby man with pale white skin and and a stiched bag civering the upper half of his face. His clothing consist of regular black pants, a red shirt and a worn out apron. This is Mr. Hackington, the Mad Science teacher.
"S-Sorry, sir!" Maximilian exclaimed, his gaze felling down to the chemical compounds in his hands.
"What are you waiting for?!" Hackington demanded. "Just pour the shape-shifting nitrogen over the acidic floral compound!"
"B-B-But!" Maximilian tried saying, looking at the two glasses that rest in his hands and look like could explode on their own in any moment.
With a groan, Hackington stomped over to where Maximilian stood and snatched the glasses out of his hands. He upended one over the other, pouring the two chemicals which resulted in a fizzing reaction that enveloped him in a strange green steam. After a moment, it eveporated, but leaved the teacher with throbbing rashes across his body.
"See?" Hackington said, ignoring his condition and handing the glasses back to Maximilian. "Why can't you be like your other fellow, Leon. He talks too much, but at least he's brave to face the spooky wonders of Mad Science!"
"Y-Yes... I'm sorry, sir," Maximilian apologized, lowering his head in shame.
(*)
Monster High - Halls
After the bell ringed, Maximilian soon found his way back to the locker assigned to him while avoiding the gazes of the monster students. Sometimes he wonders how he hasn't almost fainted with every step in this school or pinched his arm, hoping that this is some kind of dream he'll eventually wake up from. While the others could somehow handle this, he can't. He wasn't brave and this place gave him chills with every moment.
"I want to go home," he whispered to himself, trying to sort out his books for the next class. As the teen was lost in his thoughts, a large shadow with horns loomed over him. Gulping, he turned and and was face to face with the school's bully, Manny Taur. Since his defeat at the hands of Blake, he always picked on Maximilian since he couldn't find the gray-haired teen or he was surrounded by zombies when they crossed paths.
"You're a goner, normie!!!" shouted the minotaur, easily grabbing with one hand the teen by his jacket.
Maximilian gulped, his heart racing as he looked up at the minotaur over him.
"I-I'm sorry, Manny!" he stammered, trying to wriggle out of the bully's grip. "I-I didn't mean to disrespect you or anything!"
"Disrespect?!" Manny shouted enraged. "If there's one thing that I hate more than you normies is the colour red!!!" he shouted, as all monster teens soon crowded among them. To them, it wasn't something new for the minotaur to bully someone, but when today's target is a normie, that's bound to be different.
As Manny's fists clenched, ready to strike, a calm voice interrupted him.
"Leave him alone, Manny," The source of the voice was a girl with golden dragonic scales instead of skin with green hair accompanied by black streaks and pointed ears with jade-green eyes that have inverted irises flashing with determination and purple-coloured lips. She was dressed in a violet qipao with scale like patterns and wore a pair of golden high heels with a floral headdress in her hair. Finally, a golden scaled tail extended from her back, ending with a green tuft curled around her knees.
"What!?" Manny snarled, glaring at the scaled girl. "And who are you to tell me what to do, uh... what was your name again?"
"My name is Jinafire Long and I'm not telling you what to do," the girl replied, standing her ground as all witnessed. "I'm asking you to reconsider your actions."
Manny scoffed, "Well, I don't take orders from some normie lover!" With that, he let go of Maximilian's jacket and charged at Jinafire.
The human gasped and quickly stepped back, watching the confrontation between the two monsters with wide eyes. As Manny advanced towards Jinafire, she didn't back down, instead, she took a defensive stance with her arms crossed in front of her chest. The tension in the air was palpable as the two monsters faced off against each other. Suddenly, Manny lunged forward with a roar to intimidate ger, but she didn't flinch and grabbed the minotaur by his wrist and with unimaginable strength, she flipped him upside down on the floor.
"You should know better than to pick on someone weaker than you," she said calmly to the minotaur and let him go.
"This isn't over yet!" Manny declared, getting back on his feet and stomping far away in his rage as all the other witnesses began to slowly get back to their own schedules.
Maximilian, still shaken from the confrontation, looked at Jinafire in awe. She was brave, strong and stood up for him when no one else did. As he gathered his falling books, she approached him.
"Are you alright?" she asked, gazing upon the human teen.
"Y-Yes... Thank you," he uttered, avoiding eye contact.
"Why didn't you defend yourself?" Jinafire asked, her jade eyes narrowing upon him.
"H-Huh?"
"I am asking why you did not try to defend yourself?" she repeated, expecting an answer from the scrawny teen.
"I'm weak," he uttered, still not facing her. "Y-You said so before. I'm just a human."
"I have watched your friends and they don't seem weak in spite of being humans," she said, catching him off guard. Can Maximilian even call the others his friends? They were all dragged into this without their consent, but each one bravely accepted to stay and fight the Orphenoch. None of them said a mean word about him, but he could tell that they'd also be well without him. Not that he could blame them.
"I-I guess they're just better than me," Maximilian mumbled, still avoiding eye contact.
Jinafire paused for a moment, studying the human teen before her. She could sense that there was more to his story than met the eye. Suddenly, an idea formed in her mind. "After school, meet me in the gym."
"W-What?!" Maximilian stuttered, his mouth agape. "I-Im sorry if I-"
Before he could finish, the scaled girl huffed a deep breath as smoke escaped from her half-closed mouth. The sight made the human gulp in fear and paralyzed him on the spot. "Just be there after classes." With that, Jinafire turned away from Maximilian and disappeared into the crowd of students, leaving him standing there in shock. The human couldn't believe what had just happened. First, he was being bullied by Manny and now he upset a girl that instantly reminded him of an angry dragon...
N-Not even two weeks in a school full of monsters and he's going to be burned to a crisp after classes...
(*)
Monster High - Creepataria
"Well, you're a goner," said Blake as he and the others were present at the school creepataria.
The creepataria, like it's name suggests is a place where the students of the Monster High could go and have a lunch consisting of foods that a majority human stomachs couldn't endure.
Normally, the five human teens would have a packed lunch made by Seimei or one of them, namely Leon, would try the monster side cusines and later get a terrific stomach ache. All in all, this was the only time where the secret protectors from another world could meet and stand together, sometimes making chats or exchanging rumors about the goings in the school. This time, the subject is Maximilian.
"W-What do you mean?" asked Maximilian.
"Dude, all the school has heard how you angered that buffed bull guy Manny, then a literal dragon girl !" exclaimed Leon, drinking a green sludge from a cup. "Hmm! Also this thing is quite tasty. I'll give it an 9 out of 10."
"Do you even know what you're drinking?" asked Blake with a sigh.
"Not really, but the lunch ladies said it was a top-choice," the teen replied back with a shrug.
"Sometimes I wonder why your lack of empathy towards our fellow Academy students does not surprise me, Blake Wolfson," Michael said from his seat. Unlike the others who had packed sandwitches or fruits, the royal teen was dinning upon a cut of steak with a fork and knife well-positioned in his hands with table manners beffiting of a noble.
"It's called being realistic," retorted Blake. "And I know we must 'stick together' in this 'new school' and town, but scrawny over here needs to learn to take care of himself. Other than him, we've all handled this crazy world in our own ways these past days and we can't babysit him." he said taking a bite from his sandwich filled with beef jerky.
"But he's getting bullied. We must try and help him," Ken said from his seat. "This isn't our school anymore, but we can't abandon Maximilian."
"You do have a point, Kenneth," Michael said, his gaze falling towards Maximilian. "Unlike us, Maximilian Skye is not only younger, but has proved no talent or determination back in the activities presented by the Academy as well."
"That wasn't what I or Mr. Compassion over here said and don't you get tired to speak of others like they are not here?" Blake asked with a snort. "I said that he needs to learn to solve his problems on his own. When a you-know-what appears, we can't shield him. He needs to lift his weight."
Maximilian's heart sank at their words. He knew they were right, but it still hurt to hear them say it out loud. He couldn't help but feel like a burden to the others.
As the conversation continued around him, the teen couldn't help but feel more and more isolated. He took a tentative bite of his lunch, a packed sandwich made by their host with chicken, and tried to ignore the growing pit in his stomach.
He should've refused Seimei that day.
(*)
Monster High - Halls
After the lunch period was over, the five teens were back to their own separate schedules.
But, this time, the infamous Blake Wolfson and Michael von Brahm didn't move from their assigned lockers, which are also quite close to their misfortune. The teens silently gazing upon the other, trying to predict what they would do.
"Are you also having a free period right now, Blake Wolfson?" asked Michael, breaking the silence.
"Yes," Blake replied, shutting his locker. "I've heard that Hackington has some nasty rashes thanks to a recent experiment."
"You forgot to adress him by his educational title, but I have heard of such a thing," Michael remarked. "At my class, the skeleton teacher assigned to teach us Musical Arts had misplaced his limbs, namely his forearms in an unfortunate attempt to clean a tuba."
"You're kidding?" Blake uttered, but reminded himself that the one standing before him doesn't have the capacity to tell a joke or even genuinely laugh. "When you think you've seen everything in a school full of monsters, you find that's just the tip of the freakin iceberg. It beats the rich-kid competitions of the Academy by far." he said intentionally, trying to get a rise out of the royal teen who just smiled ominously at the comment. "Ugh, I don't regret what I've said, but drop down your pshycho smile."
"I have no idea what you're saying, Blake Wolfson," Michael replied with a chuckle, one so fake it doesn't fool anyone. "I assure you, I am not smiling psychotically and I am merely amused at how little you understood the greatness of the Academy and even in such an institution that falls short, you continue to belittle it."
Blake rolled his eyes. "Whatever. It's not like everyone is a pretentious blue-blood like you in here. They are not humans, but live normally without being forced to apply for a thousand clubs against their will like you did with almost anyone so you can rule over them."
"But what do you define by normal, Blake Wolfson?" asked Michael, suddenly dropping his smile and narrowing his eyes. "Even if this isn't the Academy, monsterkind is-"
"Monsterkind is what, normie?" demanded an all-too familiar voice that made Blake turn and face the werewolf girl, Clawdeen. "Finish it, I dare ya!"
Michael stared at her in silence, but regaining his smile and continued. "Monsterkind is an enigma to us at this point and we know too little about it," he finished, glaring with disdain at the werewolf girl.
Blake gazed at Michael, a wicked smile betraying his lips. "Well, maybe if we stopped treating the residents like they're some sort of science experiment and started actually getting to know them, it will be better, don't you think 'Mickey'?" he declared in a mocking tone.
"Indeed you are, Blake Wolfson," replied Michael, his smile being forced to the limit. "Now, if you'll excuse me." then closed his locker and proceeded to go away from the human and monster teens.
"I didn't need help... but thanks for the help with Mr. Royal Jerk over there," Blake said turning to the wolf girl.
"I only wished that I recorded that off-putting normie before he leaved," she scoffed, checking her nails. "Now, I think that you owe me for making him leave you."
"What do you have in mind?" Blake asked with a sigh.
"I've heard that at the Maul, there are new blends of smoothies and I've wished to try them," the wolf girl proposed.
Blake asked with a raised brow. "Really?"
"What? You thought that I was going to take you, normie-boy, on a date with fancy candlelighs~?" Clawdeen teased, making the teen blink. "My ghouls suggested I take a break from my cuckoo detective work, so if I can't find proof on the connection between you and that robot, then this is the second best spook."
"...I don't even know what your deal is anymore," Blake uttered, massaging his eyebrows in exhaustion. Well, she got that 'Mickey' off his side and she doesn't seem as upset with him as the last time they spoke directly. "Fine. I guess I do owe you. Let's go. But, I have to warn you, my wallet barely has any cash."
"That's what I like to hear," Clawdeen smiled, going ahead of the human with him soon following after.
(*)
Monster High - Intro to Biteology
After barely finishing his lunch, Maximilian Skye found himself back to his schedule. This time in the beginning class for first-years, Intro to Biteology.
The classroom is one designed after a lab, but not so much to that of Mr. Hackington, which is actually a relief.
While Maximilian had troubles to adapt to the schedule of Monster High and with it's subjects that seem out of a horror movie sometimes, this course wasn't that bad. Sure, he didn't undertand much of it, but others were in a similar pot.
"Is this seat taken?" asked a voice tinted with an accent that the human couldn't discern. Standing before him was a girl with tan skin, yellow eyes and short, curly light-brown hair hidden under the hood of denim jacket. The rest of her clothing consists of a short pair of blue jeans, a yellow shirt with a golden paw-like medalion, mismatched socks, black high-heeled shoes with golden spikes as well as different types of bracelets on her arms. If Maximilian didn't know, she could pass on as a human, but as he saw the pair of wolf-like ears and inhuman fangs, he could tell that she was a werewolf... Gulp! A werewolf!!!
"Uh, did you hear me?" she asked, narrowing her yellow eyes.
"Y-Yes!" exclaimed Maximilian.
"So is the seat taken?"
"Y-Yes! I-I mean, no!"
"Good, then I'll take it," said the werewolf girl, sitting down. She smiled at Maximilian, revealing a pair of sharp fangs. "I'm Howleen Wolf. Did you heard of me? Also what's your name?"
"U-Uh?" Maximilian uttered, completly lost. Barely anyone from Monster High bothered to talk with him. "I-Im Maximilian Skye a-and I'm sorry, but I don't know who are you."
"My older sister is Clawdeen. The ghoul with a fashion sense only second to mine. She has been acting weird since you normies appeared in the school grounds," Howleen replied, sounding not to pleased by this fact. "She claims to have meet one of you before, that one with the clawsome hairstyle, Blake, and she says that they've been attacked by some strange sea creature and she got saved by a robot or someghoul."
"O-Oh! Sorry, but I don't know much about Blake!" Maximilian exclaimed. He was there when Blake walked out of the cafe and ventured into the town. There, he watched from their host's phone how he meet an actual werewolf and also dealt with the very first Orphenoch that showed them the threat of these beings, but also that no one except them and Seimei can know about their existence. He needs to make a quick lie!
"I-I actually didn't know any of the others before we were chosen for our exchange program, I-I'm sorry." he winced at his lie, because it wasn't even really a lie, but the truth, well except that exchange program part.
"Hmm, I see. Well, that's too bad," replied Howleen with a disappointed tone, surprising the scrawny teen. "Still, it's nice to meet one of you. Sure, I've seen you in other classes, but I've heard that the others already made names for themselves in the school, like helping the zombies, or that fiercely-handsome 'Mickey' with the school clubs." she dreamily sighed before continuing. "You are quite invisible compared to them."
"I-I'm not like them, unfortunately," Maximilian replied, averting his gaze.
"Yeah. Any ghoul can tell you're the standard normie that is afraid of monsters," she replied, rolling her eyes. "But you're also unpopular like me and my BFF Twyla. She's not here right now," she added, catching him off guard. Maximilian was never popular in all his life and even in Monster High, other than Manny or some other few bullies, he was completly ignored or the attention was on the other four of the Academy. They were the main characters, not him.
"I guess you're right," he admitted, not sounding bothered, as noticed by the werewolf girl. "Unlike them, I'm not popular."
"Then why aren't you?!" Howleen shouted loud, earning a stern look from the teacher. "Ops! Sorry, it won't happen." she apologized and the next moment, she whispered back to the teen. "But why? Your friends are already making names for themselves in here."
"I-I don't want fame," he replied honestly, but in his mind one thought formed. One that he avoided since arriving in this world "I..."
"Then that's where I can help you!" exclaimed Howleen, once again loudly, earning another glare from the teacher. "Sorry again, sir." she said and continued in whisper. "I can help you become the talk of the school just like your friends. I can help boost your popularity."
The human teen was taken aback by Howleen's sudden offer. It was something he never expected. He looked at her with surprise written all over his face. "R-Really? But why?" he asked, unsure if he should trust her. He is naive and knows that well, but not that naive. She must want something in return.
"Well, you see, I'm not exactly popular either, and if I can help make you popular, then maybe some of that popularity will rub off on me too," said Howleen with a sly grin. She didn't really care if a bunch of humans were attending Monster High, but the fact that they literally drew monster crowds with their various deeds certainly added to their reputation. From 'Mickey' and his spooky challenges and victories all over the clubs to his apology that made many ghouls hearts drum, to Leon and his loud jokes and antics that compared him sometimes to a more clawsome Heath Burns, to Ken who always lends a helping hand in any problem and doesn't ask for anything in return, then to Blake that immensely helped the zombies at sports but remained quiet after. If she helped Maximilian become almost as famous like the others, she'd be recognized by the others as a great ghoul and maybe she could have him introduce her to the other humans, especially the gore-geous ones like 'Mickey' and Ken. Those two are quite the handsome normies.
"So, what do you say?" she asked.
"I... I don't know," Maximilian replied, his eyes darting around the room nervously. He was tempted by the idea of having friends and being noticed, but something deep down told him that it wouldn't end well. "I need to think about it," he added finally.
"Of course, take your time," Howleen said, a bit disappointed. "But remember, you only have one chance to make a great impression like your friends. And it needs to be clawsome or else your whole time in Monster High would be as the behind the shadows guy that's ignored. That'd be a die-sturbing nightmare, trust me." She warned him before turning her attention back to the teacher, all the while Maximilian couldn't help but gulp at her words.
(*)
Monster High - Halls
After the shrill ringing of the bell that announced the end of the class, Maximilian could only walk automatically back to his assigned locker all the while the words of the werewolf girl Howleen echoing in his head, but also accompanied by his repressed thoughts.
'Why am I here?'
'I can help boost your popularity-'
'What am I doing here?'
'I can help you become the talk of the school just like your friends-'
'I am even their friend?'
'Any ghoul can tell you're the standard normie that is afraid of monsters-'
'I can only be afraid of everything around me.'
'I've heard that the others already made names for themselves in the school-'
'I am average! I can't do anything about it!'
"Maximilian, wait up!"
The scrawny teen stopped in his tracks as he heard the familiar voice call out to him. Turning around, he saw Kenneth, or rather Ken, jogging up to him.
"H-Hey, Ken!" he said, trying to return the smile. "U-Uh, what are you doing here?"
"I came here to help you," he explained to the shocked teen.
Maximilian blinked, his mouth forming an 'o' of surprise. "You... y-you really want to help me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, I know the others want you to go on your own, but this doesn't mean I can't lend a hand," Ken replied, his expression radiating kindness.
"T-Thank you! I-"
'Why didn't you defend yourself?'
The voice of Jinafire Long echoed in his head, as that sentence made him pause. He wants to take Ken offer to help him deal with whatever he did that angered her, but that sentence keeps replaying in his head. She didn't ask why he didn't fight back, but why he let himself be a target of the minotaur...
"Maximilian? Are you alright," the voice of Ken barely awakened the teen from his inner turmoil. The answer is clear, but he doesn't know what he should do...
*RRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNG!*
The shrill sound of the bell that signaled the end of break made Maximilian stop from his thoughs and look frantically to a nearby clock on the wall. He's late to class!
"S-Sorry, Ken!" he exclaimed rushing to his locker and rummaging through the books until he found the one he needs. "I'm late to class! We'll talk later! B-Bye!"
Maximilian hurriedly slammed the locker shut and dashed off to class, leaving Ken standing there with a puzzled expression on his face. The teen didn't understand why Maximilian didn't want help, but maybe he's following Blake's advice and standing up for himself?
(*)
Monster High - Geometry
As the class started, Maximilian quickly arrived at the nick of time and took his seat as he tried to focus on today's lesson. The final class he had today was Geometry, one of the few classes that aren't a monsterized pun. Normally, he would be glad it's just everyday math, but his mind was still reeling from Ken's offer and Jinafire's words that replayed in his head. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to see Howleen Wolf sitting again next to him.
"Hey there, Max," Howleen greeted with a friendly smile.
"M-Max?" asked the cowardly teen, pointing to himself. She means him?
"Uh, yeah. It's a nickname. Your name is fine for a normie one, but a bit too long, don't ya think?" she replied without a care. "So, have you thought about my proposal? What do you say?"
The teen hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting around the room once more before meeting Howleen's gaze. "I..."
"Yes?"
BEEP! BEEP!*
A chiming sound echoed through the class, getting the attention of all present to Maximilian as the sound originated from his ICoffin.
Maximilian's heart skipped a beat as he reached for his ICoffin, his hands shaking slightly. He couldn't believe it - a message from their host, Mr. Seimei! Quickly, he unlocked the device and read the short message.
Mr. Seimei: I know you have classes right now, young Maximilian, but make an excuse and go to the school entrance immediatly!
The message was soon followed by a picture showing one of them in the strange armor, now-known as Faiz, fighting an Orphenoch armed with a thin sword and clearly losing.
Maximilian's eyes widened in shock as he re-read the message and saw the picture. "I-I need to go!" he blurted out, standing up from his seat and almost knocking it over in the process.
"Are you alright?" asked Howleen with a raised eyebrow.
"I-I'm not feeling well!" he added, trying to sound convincing. Thankfully for him, the teacher nodded, allowing him to leave.
"I'm also not feeling well!" said Howleen, faking a pain in her stomach. "I think I must've ate too many hot dogs! Ugh!" With a quick nod from the teacher, Howleen rushed out of the classroom, intent on finding out just what happened that got the scrawny human so scared and to leave.
(*)
5 minutes earlier...
After Clawdeen did Blake a favor and 'shooed' that blue-blood 'Mickey' away (at least today), she asked for smoothies at the Maul to pay her back. Normally, he wouldn't really do such a thing, but this being the first time that he landed a blow to that blond jerk since he got here and almost exposed him, then with a sigh, he accepted the werewolf girl's offer.
Both she and him had free periods, so there was technically no problem for them to go there by foot since the complex wasn't that far from Monster High, but while the school started to sort of warm up to the idea of humans attending, the rest of the monster side definetly wasn't. As they walked down the streets on their way, Blake was meet with the typical reactions expected from the monster natives, which usually imply shock or scorn at the presence of a human. He wanted to lower his hood to prevent others from seeing his face, but Clawdeen refused, citing that like her, they need to get used to an occasional normie around these parts.
Arriving at the Maul, the human teen was met with slightly different reactions, sort of more welcoming from some he recognized from the monster teens and the zombies included. Soon, they found the stand which sells the mixed drinks and apparently, Clawdeen along with her friends were regular customers here, so the other monsters definetly noticed the fact that she brought a human with her but otherwise, remained quiet. They took a seat at a corner table and ordered their smoothies.
Obviously, the smoothies were named after the usual monster-puns, but if he learned one thing from seeing Leon eat the food on this side is that not all of it is just regular food. Some is literally made with what is named after... Ugh.
Before he could even try to look at the menu, Clawdeen already ordered for them two Scream-Steak Smooties and gave him a glare that said those were more for her, so as a good measure, the gray-haired teen resigned to just paying for the drinks and watching.
As they waited for their drinks, Clawdeen leaned back, crossing her arms under her chest. "So, Blake, was it? Tell me more about yourself."
Blake internally rolled his eyes. Of course, it would come to this, but he refused to reveal any details about himself or his life even if she pushed the subject and only told her that he was a student at an annoying fancy school he didn't want to go and Seimei suddenly brought them over for this 'exchange program'. Of course, Clawdeen wasn't satisfied with this answer and even when the smoothies arrived, she grabbed and easily consumed both of them in an instant and demanded to know more about him or else she would order many more of them which would leave a huge dent on his wallet.
Sighing, the teen, against his own will, told her that he's an only child and doesn't have any hobbies, friends, and other than disliking 'Mickey' and seeing through his benevolent act, he's no one special.
This still didn't satisfy the wolf girl as she had many more questions about where they come from, why his fashion taste is bad, and most importantly about that robot and sea creature. She didn't ask those yet, except ordering another two steak smooties, much to Blake's own chagrin. After the drinks arrived, she handed the other to him and told him to try it.
He reluctantly did and immediatly he cringed at the taste of liquid meat and almost spewed it. Now he questions why Leon still tries to taste these things even when they could also send him to his literal demise.
He handed her back the drink and told her that he hates the taste, earning an angry glare, but she only told him what he's losing.
After that, the two silently walked back to Monster High, but soon Clawdeen said that she hated the quiet and asked why is he such a downer or if most normies are like him and without any fashion taste. Blake, of course, didn't take kindly to those words and told her that's just how he is and didn't care about her opinion.
"Well maybe, you should care about it!" Clawdeen demanded. "For ghoul's sake! I get that you try to play the tough normie that isn't spooked by anything, but it's weird how unlike your 'not-friends', all you do is sulk around!"
"And I'm quite fine sulking around," replied Blake with a heavy sigh. "I was brought up by that sketchy fox against my choice in here. So I'm just waiting until this so-called 'exchange program' is over." he said, knowing the fact that as long the Orphenoch keep coming in here, he's stuck.
"Well, I don't think it's going to be that easy, normie," Clawdeen said, crossing her arms under her chest. "You know, you're not the worst human I've had to deal with."
"Is that supposed to intimidate me?" asked the gray-haired teen with a raised eyebrow.
"Not much, but you did help the zombies and you gotta admit, you're kind of stuck here whether ya want it or not," Clawdeen shot back. "If I was in your cheap and bland shoes back at your coocko Academy, I'd make most of it even if I was surrounded by pompous normies and forced to wear one of those tacky uniforms."
Blake couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at Clawdeen's words, surprising her in the process. "Those uniforms are a literal pain to wear, trust me on that," he admitted, trying to hide a smile. "But why do you care so suddenly? I thought you hated me and only want to me to say to your 'ghoulfriends' that you're not-"
Before Blake could finish, the werewold covered his mouth with her hand. "Not ANOTHER word about that!" she seethed, her eyes glowing ominously.
Clawdeen took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Look, I get that you don't want to be here, and I don't blame you," she said, her voice more subdued now. "But honestly, you don't seem that bad for a normie," she rolled her eyes before continuing. "You and the others don't seem like the other humans in this town who treat us monsters with disdain and all that normie nonsense."
Blake couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her words. He knows he didn't came across as someone who is kind and reliable, you can ask a lot on that, but other than dealing with that annoying Manny on his first day, he, just like in the Academy, ignored any chance to socialise with the students, be they human or monsters. But then again, he didn't have much choice in the matter since he was here more or less against his will and technically, he fought to protect this town twice already, although she or others will never know.
"What? Out of any comebacks, normie-boy~?" Clawdeen teased, earning a stupefied glare from Blake. "I guess I'm right. You're a foolish human, but not a bad one."
"I honestly don't get you," the human teen let out a big sigh. Her behaviour just took a weird change since meeting with her the last time. Unlike that day when she sort of threatened him about to know about the Orphenoch and the now-named Faiz, she looked like she tried to grasp at straws, trying to make sense of what she saw and wanted him to confirm that it wasn't all some crazy dream or figment of her imagination. But, here she is now, teasing him and while being pretentious, she wasn't unbearable like that mummy friend of hers. That is when a thought appeared in his head that could explain her behaviour.
"Is this all something to let my guard down and confirm those crazy things when we first met, right?" he asked with narrowed eyes to the werewolf girl.
Clawdeen sheepishly laughted, as Blake groaned, "Ghoul... Alright, it's a bit of that," she admitted before continuing. "But I'm also curious. You know, I'm a monster, you're a human. That sort of thing. And I really wanted a lot of smoothies to go for this day."
Blake couldn't help but let out a clear sigh at her words. Of course that's all she wanted...
"You know what? I don't care and I have every good reason to do so," he uttered in a stern voice, not hiding his anger. "You got your horrible smoothies and I got away from that damn 'Mickey'. We're even now." he said, speeding up the pace until the spooky silhouette of the school could be seen. "And just to be clear again. I also don't understand what happened on that ducked up day!"
"Did you say ducked?" Clawdeen asked, tilting her head.
Blake growled, cursing that sketchy fox on his mind. "Not the point! I don't truly understand what happened there and even now I don't believe it's all real! But I did the good thing for my brain and choose to ignore it."
Upon hearing those words, Clawdeen frowned, "Then maybe I was wrong and you're just like all the normies!" she shouted back, grabbing him by his collar. "You just choose to ignore something you don't understand! Maybe that sea creature didn't even want to hurt ya and was greeting you in it's weird way! I've seen spooky habits from other monsters!"
"That damn fish didn't want to greet me or you! It wanted to-!" Blake snapped and soon realized what he was about to say. Thankfully he stopped before revealing more about the Orphenoch he fought on the first day.
The werewolf girl narrowed her eyes. "It wanted to what?" she demanded.
"...just forget about it," said Blake, managing to free himself from her grasp. That's when he gazed upon his left wrist, or more clearly at the bangle. It emanated a faint glow. 'Fuck...' he mentally cursed.
Clawdeen watched as Blake stared at his left wrist, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What are you looking at?" she asked, stepping closer to him.
Blake jumped slightly, almost startled by her sudden movement. "Nothing," he said quickly, trying to hide the glowing accessory from her view. "I just remembered that if I got late on classes, that fox guy is going to be all whiny about it."
"And you're not fooling anyone with your cheap excuses!" she growled back to him. "If you truly know something about that weird as ghoul day, just tell me and I won't bother ya again!"
The teen wanted to say something, but noticed the gem from his wrist is glowing stronger and brighter. "...If I go into telling you about this all over again, then me and you are both going to be late. Just call it my 'ignorant normie' imagination at work and leave it."
Clawdeen grumbled but nodded in agreement. "Fine, you normie! But if anything strange like that happens again, you better spill the beans, got it?" she warned him before she stepped past him and towards the school entrance.
Blake, on his part couldn't help but notice the saddened look on her face mixed with anger as she opened the door and violently closed it, leaving only an echo behind.
"I screwed up," he uttered, lowering his head. He didn't even have anything against her, just wanted to get her to safety before the Orphenoch arrives.
"That you did, gaki~!" exclaimed the all too familiar voice of Seimei that came from the mecanical crow beak. The disguised robot soon dropped at his feet the briefcase containing the Faiz Gear.
The human teen moved his gaze at the crow with narrowed eyes. "And I don't want to waste my breath on you," he mocked, seeing the glow from the gem became stronger. "I've got to deal with other stuff."
Just as he said those words, the shadow casted by the row of stair to the entrance began to glow a dim-green as two figures crawled out.
The first one was tall and muscular, having light-gray armor akin to that of an insect with tufts of gray hair separating the armored pieces from the rest of it's body with giant round shield-like shoulder pads similar to a pair of giant scarabs being attached with their legs at it's cracked waist. Finally, it's face is less insect or humanoid, but rather, the Orphenoch looks akin to a knight with it's head being reminiscent of a horned helmet with a pair of vertical slits crossing through it face. The creature is armed with a pale-gray rapier, a thin sword that adds to it's medieveal appearance.
The second one, unlike it's partner was shorter and modeled after a bird. Definetly an owl judging by it's clawed hands and feet. Instead of armor, it was covered in a thick light-gray scarred gear, akin to a hazmat suit with owl images and feathers on it's upper-side with a face akin to that of an owl, but it's eyes are black holes akin to glasses and it's mouth is covered by a breathing gear.
"Two of them, huh?" questioned Blake, seeing the two Orphenoch. He reached down to the briefcase and opened it, taking the belt and phone. He connected the silver belt to his waist and opened the phone.
(5-5-5)
Then pressed ENTER.
[Standing By!]
The device announced as the teen raised it above his head. "Henshin!" he declared connecting the phone on the belt blank space, sliding it.
[Complete!]
A surge of energy pulses through the red bars, releasing laser-like projections around Blake's body. With another glow, the teen was clad in the futuristic armor, becoming Faiz.
As the Orphenoch saw Blake transform, the insectoid one let out a deep growl while the bird one let out a high-pitched hoot. They both charged at the transformed teen with their claws or weapon raised high.
"Dammit!" uttered Blake, going straight into the creatures and colliding with them.
The Orphenochs and Faiz clashed in a flurry of blows. The insectoid swung its rapier in an attempt to slice through the teen's armor, while the owl-like Orphenoch lunged forward with its clawed hands. Blake soon regretted his decision to aimlessly charge as it was clear he was overwhelmed and couldn't keep up with the flurry of mixed attacks.
"Alright... That's not good!" uttered the crow, gazing upon the battle. It was clear that Faiz found himself struggling against the two Orphenochs. The insectoid's rapier was proving to be a formidable weapon, slicing through the armor with deadly precision, and if the armored teen evaded a hit, the owl-like Orphenoch would tear at him with it's sharp claws. Truly a one-sided and unfair fight.
CAAAAW!*
Dozens of crows soon assembled and spun around in a small circle as pink lights manifested. With another glow from within, appeared the silver motorcycle bearing the emblem of Faiz.
"Help him!" shouted the crow as the vehicle roared to life.
[Battle Mode!]
The machine announced as it's wheels shifted and it's back split into two and the front opened revealing a helmet with a black visor as the motorcycle changed in it's robotic form, Auto Vajin. The transformed robot used it's hidden propulsors on it's legs and was lifted in the air, hovering around the two Orphenochs and began firing numerous projectiles from it's shield-like wheel akin to a machine gun.
The scarab Orphenoch managed to leap backward, avoiding the barrage of bullets, but the Orphenoch with owl traits was not so lucky. Countless bullets pierced through it's already frail gear until the monster burst into a pile of ashes and blue fire.
"Duck!!! That hurts!" Faiz shouted, having the misfortune of being in the same area as the now-dead owl Orphenoch. Thankfully the suit, in spite of the damage it took, looked intact but smoked with his movements.
CLANG!*
But the armored teen didn't have any moment to recuperate as the insectoid Orphenoch returned in the battle and began slashing at him wildly.
"Alright... That was a warui plan that will earn me a scolding later," the crow sighed. "Plan B then! Let's see who's the closest one of the gakis."
(*)
Monster High - Halls
After receiving the message from Seimei, Maximilian runned past the spooky halls of the school like his life depended upon it. Thankfully, there were no other students present in the halls, courtesy of them being in classes. But what he didn't see in his hurry was that behind him, Howleen Wolf strotted right behind, intent of finding out what got the scrawny teen so worked up.
When he reached the entrance, he without thinking opened the doors and rushed out. He felt his body hit something like a thin wall of paper, but ignored the feeling.
But as the young werewolf followed on the scrawny teen's steps, she soon felt her body hit something on the way out and soon fell on her bottom upon the impact.
"Ouch... what in ghoul?" she uttered.
(*)
Outside, Maximilian was soon greeted by the sight of the brutal battle between Faiz and the scarab-like Orphenoch that slashes repeatedly upon it's smoking form.
"I-I'm here!" he announced, before turning to see the mechanic crow land closer to him on the stairs.
"Thank the kamis for that, shounen!" the crow exclaimed with joy. "Young Blake is already in mondai and the suit won't hold very long!"
"And what I can do?!" Maximilian exclaimed, gazing nervously upon the merciless torture that Blake is suffering at the hands of the creature.
"Wait over here first and next... Gaki! Duck this time!" shouted the crow, getting the attention of the armored teen.
Straining his body, Blake managed to evade the Orphenoch next strike and retreat to a safe distance as the flying Auto Vajin fired another round of bullets from his shield at the creature. The Orphenoch as if expecting this move, used it's free arm and took out it's bug-like shoulder piece and used it as a sort of shield to deflect the incoming barrage of bullets.
Meanwhile, the silver belt strapped on the armed teen's waist began beeping as the red lines forming Faiz body glowed and soon retracted back into the belt along with dissolving the armor.
"Ugh!" groaned Blake, falling on his knees and struggling. Soon, the mechanic crow landed next to him.
"Hand the belt, gaki!" shouted Seimei. "Young Maximilian can take it from here!"
"Are you crazy?!" shouted Blake, his gaze falling upon the scrawny teen. "He doesn't know anything about fighting! Ugh! He'll end up worse than me!"
"Maybe so! But you need to have a bit of kibō in him!" the crow retorted. "Have a little faith in your friends!"
Blake eyes could only narrow at those words coming from the one that ordered a robot to shoot at him, albeit not intentionally. "Fine," he groaned, taking off the silver belt and handing it to the robotic bird. "Don't make me regret this!" the crow faster than he could see, it returned back to the scrawny teen's direction carrying the belt in it's feet.
Maximilian took the belt hesitantly but nodded. "I-I won't let you down!" he shouted amidst the sound of fired bullets. To say he was anxious was an understatment. He was terrified. He read the instructions like the others and had an idea of what he had to do, but it's a different thing in practice. Connecting the belt to his waist, the teen holded tight the celular device and opened it.
(5-5-5)
"I... I won't let you or others get hurt by that thing! I will stop it!!!" he declared with all his might, shocking the gray-haired teen.
He then pressed ENTER.
[Standing By!]
"H-Henshin!!!" he shouted, raising the phone above his head with both hands before connecting it to the belt blank space, sliding it.
[Complete!]
Red energy pulses through the bars, releasing laser-like projections around Maximilian's body. With another glow, he was now was clad in the futuristic armor, becoming Faiz.
"Aaaah!" shouted the armored teen, sprinting at full speed towards the Orphenoch and thanking the shower of bullets from Auto Vajin that focused the creature's attention on defending from above. Just when the transformed vehicle was out of bullets, he managed to land a sucker punch to the Orphenoch's slitted face. The attack made the creature stumble on it's steps and drop it's shield, but also gave the teen an idea.
"C-Come down, please!" shouted the armored teen above as the flying robot's visor flashed green and obeyed, hovering down to assist Faiz in the battle. "H-Help me disarm it, please!" he pleaded to the robotic vehicle, butthe Orphenoch, either understanding the teen's plan or not risking to battle another, it attempted to retaliate. Closing the distance, its armed hand extended with the intent of aiming a powerful thrust at the teen with it's rapier.
SNAP!*
But before it could, Auto Vajin stepped in front of the attack and took it with it's armored chest.
"NO!!!" shouted Maximilian in terror. Upon a closer look, it was clear that the rapier edge was shattered in pieces uncapable of withstanding the transformed vehicle dense armor.
"Y-You're alright!" exclaimed Faiz, his tone sounding relieved as the robotic companion automatically nodded it's head. "I-I'm so sorry! I promise I won't let this happen again!"
"Really?" uttered Blake from the safe spot. "It's a robot! It doesn't have feelings, only bad aim!"
"That's hidoi, young Blake!" shouted the crow from the air, flying close to the pair. "But no time now! Insert the memory in the left handle, gaki!"
With a shacky nod, Faiz took out the Mission Memory from the connected phone and inserted it in the driving shaft of the robotic vehicle.
[Ready!]
The vehicle announced as Faiz grabbed the grip and removed the handle. Upon so, a blade of silver and red extended as the teen gazed upon the transformed weapon. This is the Faiz Edge, a sword disguised as a part of Auto Vajin.
With renewed determination, Faiz swiftly moved to engage the Orphenoch once more, taking advantage of the creature's momentary stupor and lack of weapon. The teen's strikes with the blade were sloppy, but fast enough to not let the creature take a breath as it was slashed all across it's body.
The Orphenoch roared in pain and tried to defend itself but with each hit, Faiz's strikes grew more confident and powerful. Knowing that he won't have this advantage much longer, the armored teen opened the phone and pressed ENTER again.
[Exceed Charge!]
The belt announced as the right bar sparked to life and crimson energy began traveling through the armor and into Faiz hand, finally reaching the sword edge and coating it in red light.
"Aaaahhh!!!" shouted Faiz, holding the glowing sword aloft. With a swing in the air, he unleashed a beam of red energy from the sword straight towards the Orphenoch.
The attack collided with the creature, causing it to stagger back as it was coated with the energy and rings of light manifested around it's body, lifting it in the air and unable to move.
With the Orphenoch trapped in the cage of light, Faiz quickly approached and landed numerous slashes on it's form as the creature's body began to crumble and the familiar circle with diagonal line, the symbol of Faiz manifested before the dying Orphenoch fell to the ground and scattered into a pile of ashes and blue flames.
The teen panted heavily as he looked at the remainings of the creature. "I-I... I did it?" he says, unsure whether this is true or not.
[Shutdown!]
Before he could let out another word, the phone began beeping and the lines forming Faiz body glowed and soon retracted back into the belt along with dissolving the armor, leaving behind Maximilian Skye.
Maximilian still looked at the scattered remains of the Orphenoch, unable to believe what just happened... or rather what he just did. He saw the videos of the previous fights, but fighting and destroying one of the Orphenochs was still something he never believed he'd actually manage.
He took a deep breath, feeling both exhilarated and terrified by his actions. As he turned around, he noticed Blake slowly closing the distance, not pushing his body and facing him and staring with a mix of awe and respect.
"I guess you're more than just a scrawny kid," he uttered, gazing upon the ashes on the ground.
"But of course, gaki!" exclaimed the crow, landing on Auto Vajin shoulder. "Young Maximilian just needed a chance and he proved he could handle himself quite well. Actually he fought a lot better than you."
Blake clenched his teeth in anger at Seimei's words. "At least he wasn't shot and slashed while that piece of junk just stayed and did nothing."
"Hidoi!" the crow exclaimed, flying and peeking the teen on his forehead.
"Ouch!" grimaced the teen. "S-Stop it!"
But while the teen and robotic bird fought, Maximilian couldn't help but feel conflicted. On one hand, he was proud of himself for defeating the Orphenoch and saving Blake, but on the other hand, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was all just a matter of luck. If he didn't have the help of Auto Vajin and guidance of Seimei, he couldn't have done anything and ended up like his schoolmate or worse.
...He was still his useless and average self even with the power of Faiz.
"...Gaki. Hey, gaki!" shouted the bird, getting back the scrawny teen attention. "Once again, arigatou for arriving and helping your friend when he needed it."
"T-There's no problem!" stammered the teen. "I-I'm sure Blake could have defeated the Orphenoch even without me!"
"I would have if someone didn't call a robot to shoot at me!" shouted Blake back to the crow.
"Anywho, we have another problem on our hands now," the robotic bird replied with a roll of it's eyes, catching the teens off. It then pointed it's beak at the entrance. Upon closer look, the teens couldn't see anything, but gazing closer they saw something akin to a blue and yellow blur standing and gazing at them.
"What's that?" asked Blake.
"There's someone outside the barrier I put to hide your fight." The bird replied.
"Barrier?" Maximilian asked. Was that what he felt when he exited the building.
"Ikanimo. A barrier that gave the outsiders the impression that everything is quitet and peaceful while on the inside you five would fight without being seen, and which is also a prototype I didn't have to use if one, *cough* Blake, didn't attack the Orphenochs so carelessly."
The aforementioned teen frowned, but swallowed his anger at the moment, most likely because of the remaining pain from the fight. "So, whoever is outside, they couldn't see us?"
"Of course not," Seimei confirmed. "But now that you've defeated the Orphenoch, the barrier can't stay in here and I'm afraid that our outsider already felt by their own skin the invisible wall that can't let them out of the gakkou."
"We will be seen..." uttered Maximilian, going pale.
"Can't you teleport us, then?" asked Blake.
"Nope," the crow shook it's head. "Kiichi's friends are outside and maintaining the barrier as we speak. They can't cast the teleportation mahou at the same time and their charge is almost gone with adding the forced call of Auto Vajin before I cast the spell for the barrier, plus I'm too far to come personally and can't let you in virtue skip the rest of school."
"I-I think I might have an idea..." Maximilian said, suddenly having all the attention to himself.
(*)
"Just what is this?" Howleen Wolf mumbled to herself and putting her fingers in the air. She felt... something? And that something is prevented her from getting out of the school building...
But, suddenly, she felt her fingers crossing through the invisible wall. She didn't think for a second and just pushed herself out.
There, instead of the empty courtyard, Maximilian was standing and looking in wonder at what looked like a silver robot.
"What is that?!" asked the werewolf teen, pointing at the machine.
"I-I don't know!" the scrawny human replied. "I-It helped me when a s-scary insect monster wanted to attack me..."
"Scary insect monster?" she asked, but suddenly her eyes widened in shock. "It's that robot Clawdeen talked about!!!" she shouted, going closer to the machine and staring at it in absolute wonder. "No way! It's real and looks so clawsome!" she then took out her ICoffin, trying to snap pictures of it but the machine visor glowed and soon propelled itself in the air and quickly vanishing from the werewolf teen sight."H-Hey! Wait! Come back!"
"Not cool, you jerk!" shouted Howleen to the sky.
"A-Are you okay?" asked the scrawny human. "Y-You know what or who that is?"
At his words, Howleen lowered her head to face him. "It must be that weird robot my sister talked about! I never believed her until I saw it, but it's real! Ghoul! And I missed the chance to take a photo with him!"
Maximilian blinked, surprised at Howleen's reaction. "W-Well, maybe he's too busy...? But maybe we can try and find it again?" he suggested, trying to sound hopeful.
Howleen eyes lit up at his idea. "Ghoul yeah! That's what we need!"
"Huh?"
"This is going to be your spook, Max!" she exclaimed. "We find that robot, take a picture and show that it's real in front of my sis and all Monster High!"
"Um, a-all Monster High..." Maximilian gulped, sweating bullets as he's grabbed by the young werewolf and right into the direction where the robot went off.
As soon as the two teens were out of sight, a familiar mechanic crow appeared out of thin air along with Blake Wolfson.
"Coast is clear!" the crow exclaimed in joy. "That gaki sure had a great plan! He realized that Kiichi's friends had the nōryoku to turn themeselves invisible to make the barrier and that could also go to an object or even a person, although I've never tried with the latter."
"And just like last time, I'm your guinea pig," Blake deadpanned with a clear sigh.
"Well, it still is better than seeing both of you. She actually reminds me a bit of the okami girl you took on a date and broke her ghoulish heart," Seimei chuckled.
Blake growled, visibly annoyed by the truth of the words coming from the robotic bird.
"I screwed up, fine," he admitted, surprising the crow in the process before continuing. "All because I've been abducted to another world by a sketchy as bloody duck fox weirdo that doesn't want to tell the town they are invaded by some mutants that crawl out of shadows!"
Seimei let out a dry chuckle as his tone switched to angry. "Well, we all have our riyū to hide something, gaki. And the Orphenochs aren't just mere misunderstood kaijins that need a hug! They want to bring their brand of violence in here, but it still pales before the one monsterkind tried to bury a very long time ago in their conflicts woth each other or the normies!!! You think if we were in those times you'll just be limping for a few moments?! Ha! Not even close! And this whole time, I try to keep us all out of the sights of the other powers in the Monster World and it's not as easy as it looks!"
"What..." uttered the teen with a stupefied look as the crow keeps venting it's anger.
"I'm an important figure and if some of the more human-hating residents or anti-monsters humans from the other side found out about all of this, I'll be in the same pot as the five of you!!! Not to mention about the Faiz Gear and all the other yet-unstable belts I still haven't managed to repair and the fact that the cafe doesn't have any clients and-!"
"Fine stop," sighed Blake, raising his arms in surrender. "I prefer your cheap goofiness above this."
"Yikes..." the mechanic bird scoffed, taking a moment before returning to it's cheerful tone. "You gakis are only mondais for my half-immortal skin these days, honestly~! It's been a few decades since I've gotten that angry."
"And as proof that I'm still your helpful foxy host in spite of my outburst, you just need to wait a bit to reconcile with your isekai not-yet werewolf girlfriend. I'm an expert when it comes to a lady's heart, be it human or monster.~"
Blake couldn't help but roll his eyes at Seimei's antics. "She's not anything like that, but I'll take your advice this time."
"Wonderful!" agreed the crow with a bright smile on it's beak, before turning to another matter at hand. "And aren't you supposed to be in class, gaki~?" it asked with a playful tone, one that wasn't well-received by the gray-haired teen.
"Really?" asked Blake with a sigh. " Fine. I prefer classes with weird names than dealing anymore with you. Also, why do you care so much about our school life?"
"Just call it my nature and the fact that there's more than meets the eye about you, gaki." the mechanic crow said, flying from his shoulder and back to his master.
Blake sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew he shouldn't be surprised by Seimei's antics and crypitic answers anymore, but that damn sketchy fox still managed to catch him off guard sometimes and vex him as much as a certain blue-blood. With a shrug, he turned and started walking towards the school, wondering just how this time Bloodgood will take another absence from his part, not counting the one of his schoolmate.
(*)
1 hour later...
Monster High - Halls
After reluctantly agreeing to help Howleen with finding the robot that she believed was the one Clawdeen saw, the two teens have been spending a good hour trying to find about the machine's whereabouts. Maximilian didn't like lying to the werewolf girl, but this was the only way that they won't be found out. He soon regreted his choice, because he knew they wouldn't be able to find anything about where the robot, or rather Auto Vajin had disappeared, so they just spun around town. Thankfully, during this wild goose-chase, she hasn't asked why he faked being sick or where the so-called violent insect monster that wanted to hurt him had gone, so that's a plus.
In the end, he returned back to Monster High, tired from all the aimless running while Howleen was telling him that they would try again tomorrow. The scrawny teen gulped, but he didn't have any breath or will to say no to her.
Soon, the bell that signaled the end of today classes rung. He knew that he'll be in trouble with his excuse of leaving, and like with Blake, their host doesn't favour absences and lack of attendance, even if he was the one that called in emergency.
But what was worse than the thought of detention in Monster High, was what he was about to do... because he was about to go to the school's gym.
He's afraid of what will happen and maybe he can talk Jinafire to stop from... whatever is about to happen when he enters? That sounds less impossible in his mind when he doesn't have to deal with his stuttering out of fear that became a habit since coming in this world.
When he finally reched the doors of the sports facility, the human teen took a deep and long breath, most of it to try and calm his nerves that scream for him to just run away, and slowly grabbed the handle of the entrance and slowly pushed the door and entering.
And juat like she said, Jinafire Long, the daughter of the Chinese Dragons, was standing in the middle of the room with her scaled arms crossed, awaiting the human teen.
"I see you have arrived," she noted, taking in the sight of the scared and tired human with calm in her eyes.
Maximilian took a shaky step forward, his eyes darting around the room as if looking for an escape. "Y-yes, I'm here," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I see you are one that lives consumed by fear even when no threat is present," Jinafire commented, her eyes narrowing slightly.
As the human teen stood there, trembling, unsure of what to do or say next, Jinafire took a step forward. "Listen to me, Maximilian," she said, her voice low and calm. "I have called you here because you need to face your fears in this world and face the upcoming challenges that await your path."
"H-Huh?! W-What do you-" the human teen exclaimed in panic. 'D-Did she found about the Orphenochs and Faiz?! No! I must've just heard wrong! Right...' he though out.
Jinafire gave him a stern look. "Do not worry yourself about what I know or do not know. What matters is that you must confront your fears and this is the first step." she declared, producing from her behind a pair of wooden swords and tossing one close to the scrawny teen.
Maximilian swallowed hard, trying to find his voice as his fears of the others and him being out grow exponentially.
"I-I don't know how to fight!" he stammered, his eyes wide with fear.
Jinafire raised an eyebrow at his response. "I did not ask you if you have knowledge of fighting," she said calmly, pointing the wooden blade at him. "I asked you to face your fears. Take the sword and I promise to teach you how to defend yourself." she declared as the human's eyes widened more than ever before.
'S-She wants to help me? But why?' he thought, as his previous thoughts vanish by her words and only one word crosses his lips. "Why?"
"Someone that calls themselves a coward and insignificant than his peers would not stand here before me," Jinafire stated, her tone remaining unchanged. "I did demand your presence, but you still have the right to refuse my offer and upon doing, our paths will never cross again."
"I..." The human teen, Maximilian, took a deep breath and slowly reached out for the wooden sword that lay on the ground. His fingers trembled as he grasped the handle, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He looked up at Jinafire, his eyes filled with uncertainty, but also a glimmer of determination. He doesn't know if he can actually learn how to actually truly wield such a weapon or even conquer his fears, but one thing is certain. He refuses to drag the others down! Unlike them he's not special or important, but he refuses to let them down on their mission! He refuses to be a dead weight!
"I see you have made your choice," Jinafire said, nodding at his act that marked his decision. "Now, let us start with the basics." With that, she began to teach the human teen, the fundamentals of swordsmanship, starting with how to hold the sword properly.
Outside the glass windows from the gym, the mechanic crow was gazing upon the decision made by Maximilian Skye which could make him either reach new heights faster than his fellow Academy students or bring him in a lot of predicaments.
(*)
And this marks the moment that young Maximilian decided to take his first steps in training for the questou given by your truly to fight the threat of the Orphenoch and gain the courage needed to fight in New Salem!
That gaki sure got himself in a quite a lot of mondais this day, but it seems it all turned out well for him. I can't help but wonder how was he able to fight so unrestrained by his fears as Faiz? I guess he really wants to prove to his tomodachis that he's not just a scaredy-cat, haha!
...Yikes, not my best pun for this moment, but at least young Ken doesn't have to be worry anymore since he asked me to check on the gaki.
Next time, we'll see how goes a day in Monster High goes for the one that lives his life by being always daring and adventurous about everything in this sekai!
I think we all know who I'm talking about if you've paid attention to this monogatari until now, but nonetheless, matane!
To Be Continued...
A/N: This chapter took a while, mostly because I didn't want to combine it with an original episode, but I still think it turned out okay.
EDIT: The recent updates on the present chapters was an attempt to fix my problem that didn't let me make lines and well-positioned emojis for the places and narration, but it seems it still goes the usual.