Chapter 11: Kuoh Academy
The sun glints off the field as I square off against Tohru, her playful demeanor shining through the fierce pride of a dragon. The world fades away, leaving just the two of us and the thrill of the fight that ignites a fire in my veins. I shout, "HAH!" as my fist collides with her forearm, the moment igniting a familiar anticipation that tightens my chest. The jarring impact resonates through my bones, and as our power clashes, I activate my Sacred Gear with a fervent
"COLLAPSE!" The effect ripples through me, enhancing my strength by another forty percent for the 5th time, while dragging her down under the weight of gravity.
Tohru's expression shifts from surprise to determination in an instant. She spins on her heel, her momentum carrying her through the air in a flawless arc, delivering a spinning heel kick that I barely manage to block. The force behind it is astonishing, and I can feel myself tumbling through the air, momentarily dazed. Thoughts race through my mind as I land awkwardly in the soft grass.
Regaining my footing, I rush back into her space with a determined jab aimed directly at her head. In a heartbeat, I activate "COLLAPSE!" again, pushing her weight down further into the earth. The soil indents beneath her, yet even with the added burden, there's a fiery glint in her golden eyes—a mixture of challenge and playful thrill.
"Enemy of woman." She says while looking at me accusingly as if my power was made just to hurt women's feelings. But I can tell she is only joking from the way her tail keeps slamming into the floor while we spar. Ever since I got strong enough so that she wouldn't kill my with her pinky. I've noticed that the times she enjoys the most are when we are outside training. She is an oddly dutiful maid around the house. to the point where mom is thinking of going back to work full time because their isn't much for her to do around the house anymore. I smile a little. thinking that I've come quite a ways from stumbling around in the forest.
My mind drifts for a moment, contemplating how far I've come since those first days in the forest, fumbling through life as if I were merely a child lost in an unyielding wilderness. I look at Tohru, the proud, powerful dragon who has chosen to stand by me through all this, not just as a guardian but as a teacher. The contrast between her fierce nature and the delight she finds in our training is a constant source of warmth, igniting an unexpected affection within me.
With a grin, I charge at her again. Despite her demeanor, I can't ignore the flashes of vulnerability that pass across her face. Perhaps it's the small, yet telling, moments she reveals—how she seems to relish this freedom, far removed from the expectations of her duties as a maid. I vow to push her to embrace that joy as fiercely as she protects me.
The sparring continues, each moment a symphony of energy and laughter. For a brief flicker of time, there's no weight of responsibility pressing down on my shoulders, no thoughts of what awaits us beyond this moment. It's just Tohru and me, forging strength through laughter and bruises, exploring the bond that we share—until the inevitable shifts bring our fight to another crescendo.
The heat of the moment sharpens my focus, and with renewed energy, I spin towards Tohru, but the momentary distraction is enough for her to capitalize on. I misread the distance, and before I can react, she lands a blue-heeled ankle kick squarely into my side. Pain radiates through me as I go sailing into the air, my body flailing until I crash onto the ground with a loud crack. The wind whooshes out of my lungs, and I find myself gasping for breath.
"TAKUMI-SAMA!" Tohru exclaims in shock, her concern cutting through the haze of pain. The world spins briefly before I can grasp the reality that my body feels like a battered mess. As I lay there, the grass cool against my back, I glimpse her figure rushing towards me, the soft glow of her healing magic illuminating her features.
The sensation of her magic washes over me, tinged with warmth, easing the bruises that are sure to form. In the background, Musashi's voice cuts through the moment,
"Ya know" Musashi starts "When you guys moved to Kuoh a week ago... I thought I wouldn't see you guys for years, if ever again. Now... I just kinda wish yall would stop coming back EVERY DAY." The samurai says with her eye twitching. yes we were back in Kyoto in the same clearing we came too all the time.
"There's nowhere for us to train in Kuoh!" I retort, my voice strained but defiant. "Tohru can teleport us easily. You know that."
The dragon in question stands by, a mix of innocence and mischief dancing in her golden eyes. Musashi narrows her gaze at Tohru, but before she can respond, Kunou jumps into the fray, her spirit infectious. Musashi just looks at me blankly "You could have mentioned that before I gave my heartfelt goodbye, asshole."
"Give me back my tears!" she demands, a theatrical flair to her tone that lights up the scene. Laughter spills from my lips despite the lingering ache in my body, and I see the lightness return to Tohru's face, her playful spirit showing through once more.
As the banter resumes, Tohru leans closer, her teasing "Well the only reason we keep coming back here is because Takumi-sama is too chicken to try and meet his old friends." Tohru throws me under the bus immediately.
"I'm not afraid of meeting my old friends... I just decided to wait till i get to join the school, first. yeah," I nod my head" That's it" the three of them look at me blankly. I think they believe me. after the stares continue and Tohru stops her healing i finally crack "Fine. fine. We'll get out of here, but not because of you two. I have a meeting with one of the devil Kings" I exaggeratedly quote with my fingers their title
Musashi taking some interest raises her eyebrows "Oh? now that is interesting. do you know anything about them?"
I shake my head "Not really, but they are apparently the student council president, so that's something " I think more on the email "yeah it just said to show up at Kuoh Academy at 2pm to meet and get introduced to the school and its facilities."
Musashi's face scrunches up at that "So just... a normal school tour for a transfer?"
"YUP" I say popping the p to emphasize., as i get up and look at Tohru. she gets the message and tears open a portal to our new living room in Kuoh. "We'll see you guys later... maybe even tomorrow!" I say waving back as i walk though with Tohru right behind me
"Don't come back!" and "Stay away!" are shouted at my back good naturedly before getting cut off by the portal closing .
I laugh at their response as I make my way to the shower and grab the Kuoh academy uniform ready to meet my first Devil.
The thrill of transportation fades as reality rushes in. My room greets me—a familiar sight that suddenly feels foreign. I dash to take a quick shower, the water cascading down my skin like a waterfall of clarity amidst the chaos in my mind. The steam clouds my thoughts but doesn't eliminate the anticipation—both for what lies ahead and for my fervent hope that today will be different.
"I can go with you, right?" Tohru asks, her voice lilting with certainty as I step out of the bathroom, towel draped low around my waist. I shake my head vigorously, suddenly aware of how inappropriate it would be for her to follow me into school, even though I find comfort in her presence.
"No! It's—it's just school. You need to stay home!" I say, a little too adamantly. Tohru pouts, her big golden eyes dimming with disappointment. It feels unfair to keep her from this part of my world, yet the sense of dread surges back again.
"I could just—"
I rush to pull on my Kuoh Academy uniform, the fabric settling around me like a protective shell, its sharp lines a const
ant reminder of the weighty expectations that loom over me. But as I glance back at Tohru, her golden eyes shimmering with concern and determination, I feel a flicker of resolve. "Alright, fine," I relent, "but only if you promise to stay close."
We slip through the portal once more, arriving only to find ourselves three minutes late, and my heart races as we approach the school gates.
As we emerge, I catch sight of two striking figures waiting. One, a shorter girl with piercing violet eyes, stands with an air of authority and impatience, scolding me for my lateness. Her presence is commanding, though there's a coolness in her voice that sends a chill through my spine.
"Look who finally decided to arrive," she remarks, her tone direct and unyielding. Just as I prepare for the anticipated lecture, her companion steps forward. Tsubaki exudes an air of grace, yet her piercing gaze carries a weight that heightens the gravity of the situation.
"Kaichou, please," her friend intervenes, the calm of her tone serving as a counterpoint to the energy surrounding us.
Sona's voice cuts through my thoughts again as she fixes me with a steady gaze. "You are Kobayashi Takumi, correct? The son of Azazel, the Governor-General of the Grigori." My throat constricts at the way she articulates my identity with such conviction, the world hanging heavy on her words.
Then Tohru speaks, interrupting my spiraling thoughts with her usual brashness. "You brought your servant, so I don't see why my master shouldn't bring me!" she declares boldly, her tail swaying confidently behind her.
Sona's expression falters for a moment, caught between surprise and a begrudging respect for Tohru's conviction. Tsubaki offers a half-smile, and it becomes a strangely amicable moment; both devils seem to accept the dragon-maid's logic.
"We'll consider it fair and logical," Sona concedes, a reluctant smile playing at the edges of her lips. I can't help but relax slightly, a flicker of warmth growing in the space between us. There's a thrill to being a part of this—yet the tangled emotions churn within me as we begin the tour of the academy grounds.
As we stroll through the bustling corridors, I struggle to absorb everything—the vibrant colors, the lively chatter, and the electric energy that crackles in the atmosphere. But it's Sitri-san and Shinra-san who truly hold my attention. Their elegant movements draw my gaze like moths to a flame, each step exuding a confidence that both intrigues and unnerves me. It's a strange sensation; part of me is wary, knowing they are natural enemies to my kind—Angels and Devils at odds—but another part can't help but admire their beauty. The thrill of this new world beckons like an uncharted adventure, filled with excitement yet shadowed by the uncertainty of where I stand amidst it all.
The tour reveals parts of Kuoh Academy that I never thought I would see, yet the nerves gnaw at the edges of my exhilaration. Am I truly meant to stand among them, or will I forever feel like an outsider looking in?
As we conclude our tour in the student council room, my mind buzzes with conflicting emotions. They are beautiful, intelligent, and formidable, while I feel like a boy lost in the shadows of giants. I swallow hard, shoving the rising insecurities down, determined to fit in with this new crew. I don't need to retreat into fear—I need to move forward, take every challenge head-on.
But for now, I'll allow myself to enjoy the moment, to indulge in the charm of the unexpected as I navigate these new situations.
The student council room buzzes with an air of formality, every inch carefully curated to inspire both authority and admiration. I take my seat at the polished table.
Across the table, Tsubaki moves with graceful precision, preparing tea for our meeting. The soft clink of ceramic echoes gently, grounding me amidst the swirling currents of anxiety and anticipation. Her presence embodies quiet strength, the aura of someone accustomed to bearing responsibility with dignity.
Sona leans forward, her violet eyes glinting with curiosity as she studies me. "Why don't we pass the time with a game of chess?" she suggests, a hint of mischief dancing in her expression. "It'll be a good way to get to know each other better. White or black?"
To be honest I don't have much experience with the game. I barely know how the rules and how the pieces work... but
"Sure. why not? Since I'm new I'll take white."
"D-4," I announce with newfound determination, the move igniting a spark of strategy as I attempt to assert my footing.
Sona raises an eyebrow, her smirk growing more pronounced as she responds with calculated efficiency. The pieces click against the board, the movement of our pawns marked with precision and intent, each maneuver laced with potential tension.
As we play, the air grows thick with unspoken tension. Sona's every move reflects a mastery forged through years of practice, her strategic brilliance slicing through the atmosphere like a finely honed blade. It's evident she's not merely focused on the game; each calculated maneuver feels like an examination of my very being, sending an unsettling shiver down my spine. "You have quite the reputation," she states nonchalantly while advancing her knight, "being Azazel's son certainly carries weight." Her words crash over me like an unexpected wave, heavy and disorienting. I've only just come to terms with my heritage a week ago, and hearing it articulated so casually feels like being laid bare before her scrutiny.
Her casual smile unnerves me further, a calculated maneuver meant to provoke thought while simultaneously placing the pieces for a greater narrative. "My sister briefed me about your significance."
"Sona-Kaichou's sister is the Current Satan, Leviathan. Serafall Leviathan. She is also the Satan in charge of foreign affairs so when your father called" the word "father" makes my eyes twitch "Called to have you moved here, is was Lady Leviathan that would have made the decision to allow you to stay. despite you heritage." I know most of what she was talking about. over the last couple of weeks Tohru, Musashi, and Kunou have been filling me in on knowledge that I need to know to survive the supernatural world, but to be sitting face to face with the little sister of one of the rulers of hell while playing chess is surreal.
I muster every ounce of focus and determination, recalling each moment that has led me here, the struggles faced and conquered. Yet, despite my efforts, Sona remains a step ahead, effortlessly dismantling my defenses with the grace of a seasoned queen.
Before I know it, the endgame unfolds. Her queen dances across the board, and I realize too late my position is crumbling. Sona, ever poised, leans forward slightly, adjusting her glasses with an ease that implies supremacy. "Checkmate," she states, the word resonating with a finality that rattles through me.
A smirk plays across her lips, and I'm struck by the harsh way I lost. I'm happy that the meeting with the Devils seems to go well notice Tohru standing in the corner like a dutiful maid... but I can tell just how bored she is being here... and I'm gonna be trapped here for most of everyday while she gets to go off and do whatever... then the idea hits me and I smile as I open my mouth "Hey. Can I register one more person to transfer in."
AN: Sorry posted a draft and not the intended chapter. Should be all fixed now.