//------------------------------// // CH 12: Public Spectacle // Story: Border Chronicles: Book 1 Friendship in Chaos // by Sirion123 //------------------------------// Location: R-13 Farway Caelum, Cygnus, Belfiore Academy, Freeborn Theater 2039 P.C.E. (Post Creator Era) After the academy had it’s first taste of Discord, the rest of Heritage went by as usual. Instructors heading to the stage to give their overall roles in the academy, giving a little history about themselves and then passing the task of speaking to another instructor. From the assembly, only three people, who had taken the stage, left a mark on the girls. Trevor’s self appointed father figure, LCDR Mirkovic, held two teaching positions in the academy. One was as an instructor outlining the operation and maintenance of the Creatia Drive System, and the other was Caelish naval history and strategies. Yet, his collateral duty in the academy was as the House’s Officer in Charge (OIC), which meant he supervised and settled any inter-House disputes. When up upon the stage he joked a little about the animosity between Oaklandus and Volcain, earning a few awkward chuckles from the audience. Everyone knew the rivalry between the two leading groups was quickly turning to something more aggressive as of late. so the jokes made seemed a little too inappropriate. Following the LCDR, was LT Filius Zook. With the appearance of a very straight laced and extremely narrow man he walked onto the stage in what had to be an uncomfortable manner. If anyone asked as to why the LT did so, it was because that was how every sailor was suppose to walk. The man was boastful of his personal history, how his lineage was instrumental in ending the Tournament Era. How he served on some of the finest ships the Caelish navy had commissioned. The speech LT Zook gave was long winded and had this bizarre ability to place almost the entire school populous to sleep. If it wasn’t already confirmed Zook was a passive magic user, the whole academy would swear he was casting a construct-less, spell on the stage. The history and military knowledge that Zook spoke about had been pay dirt for Twilight, the princess learning so much new and unique information never before known to pony kind. Yet, despite the information goldmine, even Twilight had to agree, LT Zook’s speech was too dry. The last instructor to leave an impression was the most unique to say the least. Unlike the other instructors that had been up on the stage before them, sans Discord, Valery Ferrara was dressed in civies. A pastel pink T-shirt that seemed a little too tight, showcasing her lithe form. Tight fitting blue jeans, ending in black tennis shoes giving her a very young teen like appearance despite being in her early thirties. Brilliantly bright pink hair done up in a bun, to keep with military regs, but with her current attire wasn’t really needed. The bun, disguising the true length of her hair, gave the captain a very masculine look. Her features were sharp as a knife's edge, her softly colored brown eyes held a steely gaze that sent shivers down the spines of any whom held it. Those who sat closest to her in the front row, could make out the faint lines scattered across her face. Evidence of battles and fights the Captain had been apart of since she was conscripted as a young teen, being forced into service. The Captain, being a Rate 0, never had a choice to be a civilian. Moving like a predator about to strike, Ferrara with smooth purposeful movement, raised her hand to silence the crowd. “I am in charge of the fitness program here in the academy. For about…” Ferrara quickly scanned the crowd before continuing. “A little under three quarters of you, my program will be Void on Farway. For the remaining, I expect you to work hard. I do not tolerate fat, lazy, ignorant, me— students." Ferrara catching herself lest she be caused of sexism, "Following the footsteps of our newest…” She paused, her face screwing up in disgust, “instructors…idea, I’ll be pairing together classes by house rankings. The top three houses, Equus, Volcain, and Oaklandus, your classes will be personally overseen by myself. I think It’s time we held our top houses under a higher standard. I will not tolerate any complaints, those that do complain I’m more than happy to give you extra laps to run.” In the crowd, Landcaster shivered, and huddled closer to Maxwell, conspiratorially. “Just when I thought I was through with that psychopath, she just reals me back in. This is total bull.” Landcaster whispered into Maxwell’s ear, before looking back to the stage. Fury unlike another met Volcain’s leader, as Captain Ferrara’s steel gaze pierced him. “Oh…and Mr. Landcaster…” Ferrara spoke, her tone sweet and sadistic. She gave a smile promising only pain and misery before continuing. “I’ll be keeping my eye on you~” The whole theater oohed, before the Captain walked off stage. The heritage assembly came to a close not too long after Captain Ferrara stepped off the stage. Last little reminders and tidy bits of information to wrap up anything that was missed prior. The whole academy squirmed in the seats as they readied themselves to leave, the signs that the two and a half hour assembly were almost done. Once the last speaker left the stage, and the academy spoke the sailor’s pledge, students and staff alike, rose from their seats in a final applause. Now, with the school year officially starting, the crowd shuffled toward the exits like a gelatinous mass of fog, dispersing amongst the forest floor. House students went to their respective buildings, Barracks students to the central towers, and Trevor and company, without Discord, where he was could only be the Creators could guess, headed to house Equus. Location: R-13 Farway Caelum, Cygnus, Belfiore Academy, Skeleton’s Office. 2039 P.C.E. (Post Creator Era) “What in existence were you thinking!” howled Skeleton, irate at Discord’s little prank. “Don’t look at me like that. You did say carte blanc after all.” countered Discord, “So what if the title of my class is a joke. That’s what your paying me for…Er…I’m paying you for? Not really sure which, but regardless, Let me handle things like you wanted me to. My way. Speaking of…Does this world have any true to life simulators like some of the other worlds of some of your more advanced underlings?” “No.” “Then might I ask for a little…bending of the rules?” Discord inquired. Regarding Skeleton, as his anger began to grow, his eyes going from their usual soul piercing emerald green to a pure white. Discord hastily continued before Skeleton would render him from existence. “I mean use the idea of such a thing, but keep it within the realms of whats possible here. Do you think I’m irresponsible?” Discord paused, “Don’t answer that. Look, spin it like some sort of super secret magic project or whatever. A new way of teaching for a new type of class and all that. I assure you my plans will only work, if, and only if you let me do this.” Discord widened his eyes, giving his best to look like puppy dog pouting. Sadly, if was more off putting then helpful or cute. Skeleton paused in thought. I am absolutely certain I will come to regret this. But if my plans are to come to fruition, then I must keep my word. Falona…why on earth did I give him a blank check…*sigh* I have no choice…I must honor my own deal. Farway and it's it needs demand it, much less Falona and her damnable mission. I need a smoke… “I will agree to this…only if you tell me what you are planning." Discord’s ever present smile grew wider and much more mischievous. Location: R-13 Farway Caelum, Cygnus, Belfiore Academy, House Equus 2039 P.C.E. (Post Creator Era) The day after the herritage assembly to say Trevor was annoyed would have been grossly understated. “For the last time…We are not accepting anyone into house Equus. I thought I made that quite clear during the assembly.” Barked a rather annoyed Trevor. His attempts to politely decline people had quickly disappeared, especially now, as the eleventh group of students sought to join the house he was in, just because he was in it. Trevor's patience, much less tolerance, was nearing it’s end. “Are you certain you can’t just accept one more applicant?” Asked an airy and familiar female voice. “Daisy?” “Well what did you expect? I followed you here to Belfiore, So why would you think I wouldn’t Follow you to a house? Daisy answered, giving a shrug. “I…er…Fine. Head inside. I’ll start the paperwork shortly.” resigned Trevor, knowing it was useless to argue with his sister. It also didn’t help that he would appreciate having a confidant to talk to regarding the other worlders staying at Equus. It might be the only thing he possibly could thank Discord for, breaking the secret to her. Giving him the outlet he needed to not take it out on his “Guests.” “That’s totally unfair!! Why does she get to join and not any of the rest of us?” “Simple, nepotism. She’s my sister.” retorted Trevor, before slamming the front door on the student in front of him. “Named…I knew, despite your often antisocial habits, you were popular. But I never expected this.” Grinned Daisy, The kind of grin Trevor didn’t like, it only meant a headache later. “It’s a pain in the neck for sure.” Sighing, he brought a hand to his face. His index finger and thumb pinching the bridge of his nose, in a vain effort to reduce the situation before him, “I already have enough problems with the current housemates. I don’t need to add to the complications already here.” “Speaking of, where are the girls?” “Up at the admin building, Last minute paper work before classes really begin.” “huh…ok.” “FIELDS! I DEMAND TO TALK TO YOU!” bellowed out a voice from outside the house, one all too familiar to Trevor. “Great, another headache” Trevor sighed, “I’ll handle this. Just…Just, stay inside.” “Trevor, Is tha—“ Daisy began to ask. “Yes, Don’t worry…No matter how intolerable he becomes, I’m not Landcaster, I won’t be so rash as to actually hurt him. No, I think I’ll just outsmart him ,and make him look like an idiot, not like it’s that hard.” Trevor gave a warm smirk to Daisy before he headed out to face Oaklandus’ leader, Hill. Though despite the mirth he had before leaving the interior of the house, and closer to Hill, his mood soured with every step. “What do you want, Logan?” Barked Trevor, clearly annoyed. “Hill. Please, do show some sort of military decorum. One would hate to think you’re beginning to take after that all but useless Landcaster. It’s a matter of showing proper respect.” “I understand and I often practice being as respectful as I can be to my fellow students and instructors, and I would do the same with you Logan. However, you lost that respect when, after I declined your repeated invitations into Oaklandus, you decided to run a smear campaign against me. Although I most certainly didn’t appreciate it, I let the whole matter slide. When you started to involve my sister in your rumors, that’s when you lost all possibilities of earning back the respect I might have had for you.” Hill shrank back a little at the accusation, as he really couldn’t deny that he did such things. After all he had spread some truly underhanded and depraved rumors regarding the two close siblings. How ever that wouldn’t stop him, he had a purpose in being here and it was, to him, a far more important matter. “I don’t want to hear it. I’m here about this!” Hill gave a sweeping gesture to the House standing behind Trevor. “Don’t think for a second that I believe you were just volun-told to lead a newly formed house. I bet you were just biding your time, gathering the necessary materials to ruin Oaklandus your last year here, to ruin ME!!. To make fools of all of us here in Belfiore!” Trevor just gave an incredulous stare, completely bemused with Hill. Really? REALLY? Is he insane? “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” exasperated, Trevor’s confusion turned to frustration, “At what point in my time here did I ever express interest in joining a house, or for that matter a desire to create one? I knew you were paranoid but this is Named damned ridiculous!” He paused a moment, catching his breath, his steely grey eyes narrowed “You are an inattentive arrogant idiot. If you had paid just the tiniest speck of attention to any interaction between myself and the other house leaders, you would know I despise the notion of the Houses. It’s a small wonder you came in third in the student rankings, right behind Landcaster.” Hill snarled, “Well I haven’t pissed all over my father’s legacy, unlike you.” Hill sniped, baring a sneer. Trevor’s face flashed a pure white rage, before calming back into, albeit extreme, frustration. Before it really showed, or worse, he decided to act on it Trevor forced himself to calm. I won’t give him the satisfaction. “What ever do you mean?” Trevor responded with an unexpected pleasant tone, “I’m currently the top ranked student in the academy in grades, athletics, and now house ranking. So how is it that I have tarnished my father’s legacy?” “Because they were just given to you, you didn’t earn those things. You’re at the top because everybody feels sorry for the orphan boy.” Spat Hill. “I’m only going to say this once, Logan. Leave the House grounds, or I’ll report you to LCDR Mirkovic. I’m certain my “orphan boy” charm will sway his opinion in whatever dispute your trying to make, not because of how much of a bastard you are.” “BURN!! He got you good snob!” Cried another familiar baritone from the crowd. It was then that Trevor noticed his little, spat, with Hill, had drawn a rather large crowd standing outside the gates surrounding Equus. Great…We’ve made a scene. Just what I needed too. This is only going to get worse with Landcaster here…damn it… “Landcaster.” Hill seethed, his anger only growing, “And what by the Creators are you doing here?” “The opposite you you. I have to say, It must really burn you up being third place now, behind Fields here, and, more importantly, me. Maybe all those poor souls you hope to recruit will realize just how much you really suck…then they’ll join up with us!” Landcaster slyly moved from the crowd circling them and placed an arm around him in a half hug. Trevor trying to duck out of it only fail miserably. “*tsk* I see now, it was a mistake to come here. There’s too much delinquency coming from the both of you. I’m afraid if I stay any longer, I might catch it.” Hill snapped, before smartly turning his heals and left without another word. “I can’t even begin to explain the irony in that.” Landcaster chuckled as he watch Hill marched off. “I suppose your here because of my new position?” Trevor asked, his tone neutral, shrugging off Landcaster’s arm. “Nope, I was hoping to scalp you so you wouldn’t have to head up…Equus? Yeah, Equus. I’d replace my assistant House leader with you! Make things run a little more smoothly.” Trevor gave a deadpan, knowing full well he would have a higher work load under Volcain’s leader. Possibly even more stress then babysitting seven other worlders. “Alright, Alright. I was just kidding. Congrats on your house, even if you didn’t want it.” Landcaster smiled, “I really think it’s been a long time coming. Void, maybe it’ll do you some good. You know, building friendship with the housemates and, maybe…” he gave a mock gasp, “even other students!” “Funny…” Trevor thought it anything but, “No, it won’t. It’s only going to effect my grades. Negatively, might I add.” “Wow…I think you might just give Hill a run for his money on being the biggest dick on campus.” “Is this all you came here for? To congratulate me, and insult me at the same time?” “No~ but if provided an opportunity…” “I see…Look, I’ve had a rough two weeks. And if today was any indication, it doesn’t seem it’s going to improve until after I graduate here at Belfiore. As much fun as my chat has been with Logan, and now you, I need to finish readying for tomorrow. And now that I think about it, I’m going to need to make sure the other housemates are ready for tomorrow too.” “Speaking of which…Rumors say you’re the only male in Equus. That true?” “No. I am not falling into that trap. The whole of Belfiore knows your reputation. I won’t let those naive transfers fall prey to it.” “But that’s unfair~” Landcaster pouted, “I’ve never done anything to warrant such a bad reputation. Sure there was that one time, but that was just a misunderstanding. I only wanted to have s—“ “LANDCASTER!!” Clamored the usually disheartened voice of Maxwell. “Stop shirking your duties! There is a metric ton of paper work to go through. All of which needs your signature!!” “Can’t you just forge it or something? I’m too busy hanging out with everyone’s favorite loner.” the fiery red head replied. “WHAT!? NO!! Go back to the house, and DO. YOUR. DAMN. JOB!” “SHEESH…what crawled up your butt and died Max?” Maxwell responded with an indignant noise of disbelieve, “Well anyway, seems my mother want me to go home and do my chores. See you on the morrow at the U.S.E.L.E.S.S. class.” Landcaster giggled. "Let's go mommy dearest." Maxwell just groaned in defeat, and hung his head. Trevor just sighed, and nodded. Landcaster offered his hand up for a high five, but Trevor just stared at him. After a painfully awkward moment for Volcain’s leader, Landcaster lowered his hand and headed back to his House, Maxwell right on his heels berating him as they walked out of sight. Doing his best to ignore the crowd still surrounding him, Travis followed suit and broke for the relative calm inside Equus. The crowd now seeing no further drama would entertain them, dispersed until the six other worlder girls that had just made it home at the start of the commotion and had stayed to watch. Each with a curious face, not quite certain to make from the shouting match and bizarre conversation that followed. Trevor, ignorant of his housemates’ presence during the whole ordeal, made it to the front door, opened it, walked in, and shut it, all in complete silence.