//------------------------------// // The New Kid // Story: Tambelon School of Knighthood // by Catrina37 //------------------------------// Ch. 2: The New Kid It was a rainy day in Tambelon (centuries ago), and a carriage pulls up in front of the school gates. The sign reads “Tambelon School of Knighthood.” A young and depressed Scorpan gets out of the carriage with nothing but a burlap bag with a few things in it. “Scorpan had just arrived at the Tambelon School of Knighthood,” Rep narrates the story, “His family were once farmers until a fire broke out on their home and burned everything to the ground. Scorpan was the only one who survived. When our true king, the Moochik, found out, he had Scorpan enrolled at our school, for it was famous for turning the young of Tambelon into true knights. We learned about combat, history, magic, and the music that fills our kingdom. Anyway, Scorpan was about to enter when Ahuizotl and his crew blocked his way.” “I was among them at the time, and if you think Ahuizotl is a villain now, you should have seen him back then,” Thorne said. As he looked at the school, he began to feel anxious just by looking at how big the building is. With a deep breathe though, he calmed himself and walked toward the school doors with his burlap bag in tow. Scorpan is about to enter the school when he sees a young Ahuizotl and Thorne, along with a golden griffon and a huge minotaur kid with muscles, blocking his way while glaring at him. “Since when did this school bring in charity cases?” Ahuizotl sneers. Deciding to ignore their insults, Scorpan walks past them so he wouldn't do anything out of line on his first day. “Tch. Guess that’s one family of lowly commoners this kingdom doesn’t need,” Ahuizotl says, upsetting Scorpan enough to hit him and make him rub the side of his face in pain. Ahuizotl hits him back; the Minotaur punches him too; and the griffin claws his right arm. All Thorne could do is watch as his friends beat up Scorpan and kick his bag, releasing his stuff onto the ground. But, just when the beating would almost never end... "Stop!!!" a large, masculine voice booms. They finally quit. Out o the corner of everyone's eyes, a huge red centaur with a Viking beard and golden armor steps in front of a fallen Scorpan. With him is a Centaur teen who looks like him, except no beard and no armor. “What’s the meaning of this, Ahuizotl!?!” the centaur bellows as they stare at him. “G-General Torarc!” Ahuizotl says while trembling, “So dreadfully sorry. Just a little misunderstanding, Sir.” “Even children from farming families are to be treated with respect! Now pick up his things and leave!” “Yes, General.” Ahuizotl and his friends began to pick up Scorpan’s things post haste. The young centaur trots to Scorpan and extends his hand to help him. “You okay, Newbie?” he asks. “A few bruises, but I’ll live,” Scorpan replies as the centaur helps him up. “I’m Tirek.” “Scorpan," Scorpan introduces himself while shaking his hand, "Who are those guys?” “Ahuizotl and his gang. They are spoiled brats from rich elite families. Ahuizotl thinks that just because his dad’s the Duke, he can make trouble all he wants and get bailed out of it. I advise you not to get him riled up.” “Don’t worry. The pain I feel will remind me.” “After they pick up your stuff, how about if I take you to your room?” "That would be great," Scorpan responds with a smile. “So Tirek use to be a nice guy and a knight-in-training?” Sweetie Belle shockingly asks. “Yeah. His dad is General Torarc, best knight and second-in-command to the Moochik,” Scorpan says, “Anyway, Tirek took me to my room like he promised…” **** Tirek takes Scorpan to his room safely. "I hope my new roommate is nicer than the thugs I first met," Scorpan says in nervousness. “Well you’re in luck, Scorpan,” Tirek says, “Your roommate is a nice guy." Tirek opens the door, and Scorpan sees two beds. One of them is occupied by a younger Rep "Scorpan, this is Rep. He comes from a long line of shapeshifting chameleons who serve the Moochik.” “Hi there. It's nice to meet you," Rep greets, extending his hand for a handshake. In turn, Scorpan shook Rep's hand in greeting. While they shake hands, Rep notices the bruises Scorpan had on him. "I see you got to know Ahuizotl pretty well,” Rep says. “You can tell by the bruises, huh?” Scorpan says. “Yeah, but don’t let him get you down. He thinks everyone’s beneath him. Last year, when I looked at him funny, he tied my tail in knots.” “And he got put in detention for it, too.” Tirek chuckles. Scorpan smiles to their whimsy and cheers up. “I think we cheered him up,” Tirek whispers to Rep, “Scorpan, why don’t you get settled? Rep will be giving you a tour of the school tomorrow.” “Sounds great, Tirek,” Scorpan responds, "But won't it contradict with class though?" "Class doesn't start until the day after tomoroow, so it's the perfect time," Tirek informs Scorpan, "I'll see you later." Tirek leaves the room to go back to his room. Scorpan unpacks his stuff until he gets out something that made him pause. it was a picture. A picture of him, his dad, and his older brother. He looks at them for a moment before shedding a tear. “Scorpan, is it? I heard about your family, and I’m real sorry about what happened,” Rep gives his condolences. “Thanks, Rep. I don’t even know how that fire got started. My father was always real careful,” Scorpan says, “Our farm always made the best vegetable is Windfall Valley.” “Huh? Did you say Windfall Valley?” “Yeah. Why?” “I…heard that valley is known for its natural beauty. What was your family like?” “Well. My mom died when I was born. My father and brother were all I had. My brother Capron would always help me build a scarecrow for each of our crops, and my dad taught everything about farming.” “Sounds like you and your family were close.” “We were, and I can’t help but miss them.” “I understand. It proves that you are never gonna forget them. After the tour, I’ll introduce you to another friend of mine.” “It would be nice to know some more kids here,” Scorpan says, “Good night, Rep.” “Good night, Scorpan.” While Scorpan is sound asleep, Rep's head began to work its gears. he is very concern about where Scorpan's farm was. “Ahuizotl and his group were assigned there during our survival training exercise,” he says to himself, “Could he have been responsible?”