Radiant Shard both a creature and object whose power can tear the vary fabric of time and space. She is a kind soul, but if altered, she will have no mercy.
Radiant Shard, one of the sage given the responsibility to protect the world and all of its inhabitants. One day the forbidden races were told they could be given ultimate power, if given themselves to the darkness, and the worlds its self too. Radiant, being hunted, as well as the other sages hold the key to the world's heart. For help she calls on a 16 year old human boy named Naka to take on the many nations of the world.
Day came to an end, as the wondrous dark blue blanket covered the sky. Little stars dotting the portrait with Luna's beautiful moon hanging in the aether. The village it hung over always shone the brightest, though this night is not as peaceful as it may seem. Far off in to the distance the hum of rotors sounded off from a band of gloomy black airships, lurching towards the peaceful town. Inside where many rooms for cooking, sleeping, and battling, with at the head being the cockpit where the captains resides.
Steering the ship at the front was a creature three and a half feet tall, had long pointed ears and nose, green skin, and a face of an upset elder. He gazed at the village with a look of remorse, his eyes wrinkling into a sad line.
"Bah! The more I stay here the more I feel bad for these ponies..." He sighed pulling down a tube and yelled with the voice of a gruff adventurer "WHITE TAIL VILLAGE THIRTY KILOMETERS AND CLOSING!" He drew breath then continued yelling "GET THE BOMBS READY IN FIVE MINUTES!"
"AYE AYE CAPTAIN!" A voice replied in a privater attitude. The captain grumbled as the ship passed over, casting a shadow of dread upon it's citizens.... When the first bomb hit, it set the town into raging panic and chaos.
~***~
" WHAAA! … What? What happened?" Said one of the of the villagers, who was resting peacefully until a loud boom shook her room. She was a mare of above average size, teal eyes, green Mohawk, beige coat, and a voice of a well respectful priestess "OH NO! The towns ponies!" She yells aloud running up to the window seeing her peaceful town turn to rubble. Ponies left and right were being tossed and burned by the blasts... No sooner a loud crash came from be hind her. The door to her room knocked off its hinges and lays at the floor broken, standing in its place is a pony with a strong build, gray mane, same teal eyes and beige coat. His face worried, looking around in a panic.
" Radiance! Are you here?"
"Father! I am well, but what is happening to the town!?! " The mare replied rushing to him in a embrace.
Her father grimaced turning his head "It’s the Goblins. They’re destroying the town, their reasons I do not know why."
The door down stairs smashed open as stomps sounded through out the house. The father galloped to the window, opening it, urging his daughter to follow "Quick we need to leave!" He takes her hoof, racing on the rooftops, getting lower to street level as they went " We need to meet up with Tutor." He gasped in exhaust "He’s evacuating the ponies with Vormund."
"Why would the Goblins be attacking the city!?!" His daughter huffed in annoyance.
Her father furrowed his brow in thought "I’m not sure, but I sense something dark guiding them."
High above an air ship buzzed passed them, scanning the streets with a search light. Reaching ground level, they see the guards evacuating the towns ponies. Trotting further he spotted a young stallion patrolling the area "Hmph… Ah! Tutor young!"
The youth turns in his direction smiling in relief "Master Torch! I’m glad to see that you and your daughter have made it!"
Torch light gave a nod of acknowledgement "Like wise. What’s our status on the evacuation?"
Tutor's face shifted into a serious tone, frowning in displeasure "So far we gotten half of the citizens. The rest are either trapped or…"
Torch nodded in understanding "And what of Vormund?"
"He is out searching for survivors as we speak."
From behind, a voice spoke deep, groaning, and wet. A earth golem with a humanoid shape, and a spinning core of water in his chest "Not anymore… The Goblins have massacred most of the town. I was only able to find a few stragglers. The Goblins… they’re looking for someone."
Radiant cocked her head curiously "Who?"
"You… I think they know you’re one of the sages." Vormund replied, his voice void of emotion, but she knew he grieved for them. Torch spoke catching the attention of everyone.
"We need to get to safety then!" He exclaimed in fear.
From the streets behind them, goblins stomped and snickered, their daggers out and dripping with blood. Tutor yelled in anticipation, using his horn to draw his sword "Cud! Protect the sage!"
Torch grabbed his daughter's hoof rushing away to a carriage "Come we must go! Get in the carriage!"
"But Tutor and Vormund!" She rebutted in concern for her friends.
"They’ll be fine! I picked them to protect you for a reason!" Torch snapped back, feeling that his daughter quit resisting. Getting in the carriage, Master torch lit his horn, a purple aura rose and surrounded the vehicle, driving it forward. Radiant looked to her father in sorrow "… Father. I sense a large power… I think it might be him..."
Torch light pursed his lips and sighed "Do you think we should ask the spirits for help?"
"I will try." She said closing her eyes doubtfully, charging her horn, chanting prayers to the spirits. A vision drifted in to her mind of a young human boy with black hair, reddish brown eyes, and fair brown complexion. He is resting on a train with four others beside him. Her aura dissipates, returning her back to normal. She tells her father in a little happier voice "Father the spirits have shown me a creature. I think it will be the thing that will help us."
"Good to see that they are still smiling on us. Just as a precaution we should tell the Princess." Her father summoning a scroll from thin air.
Radiance frowned at the word princess, looking at Torch in annoyance "Father I don't think we need the help of a false divinity to help us."
Torch laughed, knowing the reputation, of the princess of the sun has. "I know her reputation as a, quot on quot, goddess bothers you, but she does have powerful assets that can help us. Besides she doesn't even really believe she is one. It's all public propaganda."
Radiant turns her head, giving an audible sigh "Fine. I'll hold my tongue when we meet."
Torch smiled petting his daughter's head "Good girl."
"Guwhe!" The boy yelped aloud, feeling a chill go down his spine shuddering at the sense.
Coming up from the side, his friend put a hand to his shoulder in comfort "Hey Naka you alright?" He asked in concern
Naka shook his head and peered at him, running his fingers through his black hair "Y-yea… Just got a chill is all." His reddish brown eyes revealing his lie.
His friend smiled warmly, rubbing his back "Take it easy. Don’t want to stress yourself out." He chuckled patting his back.
With a fake smile Naka nodded, clearly not convinced "Yea you’re right. Thanks Flogo." Naka gazed out the window, going into thought.
"You sure you’re alright?" Another said worried gaining his attention.
Naka nodded his head in assurance,"Yea it’s fine Brace. Don’t worry about it." He said hoping his younger brother was convinced.
Clearly not he shrugged and sighed "If you say so…" Brace sat back rubbing his temples.
Flogo set himself next the youth patting him on his head, trying to make him feel better "It’s okay Brace. Going to this new school is putting some stress on him. He's taking being away from his mother a lot harder than you are."
Brace sighed, shrugging his arms "Let’s just hope he gets better. I don't want him to be like this all the time"
Flogo laughed in high spirits "He'll be over it with due time." He said as the train continued chugging to its destination.
Naka looked to all his friends ' What was that dream about?... I have a bad feeling about this.' He thought in concern for his friends.
The train chugged and tugged down the track passing by the lush forest, to the long fields of farmland. Gazing at this Naka rested his fist under his chin " I have a vary bad feeling squirming in my gut." He sighed, turning to his companions. Brace lied on the far end of the room watching videos on his phone, Scratching his dirty blond hair. Flogo rested opposite of him dowsing off, his long wavy black hair draping over his eyes. To Naka's left sat Merina another one of his beloved friends, she smiled calmly reading a manga humming to herself.
Naka smiled at the group, suddenly feeling better ' Even if things get bad at least I have these guys to be with me.' He thought panning through his loved ones. Laying back Naka decided to sleep, slipping his hood over his face... A few hours later he was awoken by a loud groan and whipped his head to the source "What's wrong shade?" He asked, a little annoyed.
"I'm so bored!" He droned rolling in his seat "When are we going to get there?"
Getting up Naka grabbed the bored little sibling, tossing him up in the air repetitively "Will you shut up!?! We'll get there when we can!" He smiled watching his brother giggle happily. Naka put him down and patted his head, when a sudden "BOOM!" exploded from the back.
A minute later a voice, dangerous and raspy, came over the speakers of the train "Alright Nobody panic! We have taken the train hostage! A couple people from our group will be going cart to cart taking your valuables. Make any hasty decisions and we'll kill the lot of ya!" He said cackling in delight.
Merina looked at her friends asking worriedly "What are we going do?"
Flogo grimaced looking at me "Naka They're going to be coming here and will be taking our stuff. More than likely they're going to kill us afterwards." He stated getting antsy.
Naka crossed his arms in contemplation "Hmm. We need to get out of here." Naka went over to the window to find out that they are now in the middle of the ocean, the track still running beneath them. Grinning unfortunately he sat down pinching the bridge of his nose "Well that's out of the fucking question..." He chuckled "How about we just form a plan to get them out of here?"
Brace, raising a hand to gain their attention "Some of us should hide these storage compartments." He suggested pointing at them expectantly.
"Not sure if all of us can fit." Naka said examining its inside "I think I got it! Some of us will hide in the ones nearest the entrance while two of us will stay out here and interact with the group. Once the two distract the bandits the others will come up from behind and attack!" Naka finished excitedly. He went over to the door and listened carefully. Not far down the hall he can hear the laughter from the goons gaining their loot. He turned back to his friends in panic "Quick their coming! Flogo, Shade, Brace I want you to hide in the compartments, Merina and I will distract them." The others nodded in confirmation knowing of their roles. One little mess up and it will be the end.
Five minutes have passed when the thieves came in demanding our money. Naka stood in front of Merina protectively, watching carefully. In the compartment the boys sweated in anticipation, the nervous tension surrounding them. One of the thieves grinned out of pity, coming closer "Aww look at this! The boy here is trying to protect the girl how sweet! Give it up sonny we'll kill you before you can even throw a punch." The criminal chuckled before shoving his fist in Naka's gut, knocking the air out of him and crumpling to the floor holding the area.
Merina gasped in horror as the man came closer and closer grabbing her wrist "Come on girly give me the goods and I wont take yours." He demanded, a grotesque look forming across his face. In a panicked state Merina reeled in her fist and lugged it across the bandits face, the attack surprising him he stepped back a couple of feet holding his now bleeding mouth. Merina managed to knock a few teeth out with the punch, but unfortunately only managed to piss the guys off, coming in to attend to their harmed comrade. The damaged bandit waved them off raising his fist to retaliate.
The bandit threw his punch at Merina, but was stopped by a block, inches from her face. Looking down he saw Naka holding it, rearing for his attack and socked the guy unconscious watching him flop to the floor "Come at me bitches!" Naka yelled standing in a fighting stance.
Flogo hearing a body drop and Naka yelling, he slid from the container grabbed and threw one of the bandits against the wall dashing to the next "Take this you son of a bitch!" He yelled swinging his leg in the bandit's side, Naka quickly chained with an elbow to the face as Merina finished with a shot to the chest flinging him to the floor. Flogo suddenly fell to the floor screaming in pain as red liquid flowed from a gash in his arm. The other two bandits brandish their blades in anger, the call for blood clear in their eyes.
"You are so fucking dead!" One said lashing out.
"NAKA! CATCH!" Brace yelled as he threw a sword to him quickly.
Catching the weapon Naka hastily blocked the incoming attack, faltering slightly from the force and flicked the enemy's blade away slashing right through him. He turned to the last one stepping slowly towards him, seeing blood erupt from his chest. Naka yelled in surprise as the body of Flogo stood behind the now dead bandit "FUCK ME MAN!" Naka screamed grabbing his head pacing around "We fucking killed people! Aww dude you're hurt also! FUCK ME MAN! FUCK ME!" He grabbed Flogo and guided him to the cushion to relax "Geez... Merina stay here with Flogo and make sure he stays okay. Brace, Shade grab a sword. We're going to finish this or else they might just blow up the train if we wait to long." He watched as his brothers grab the swords ready to go with him.
In the corridor they noticed nobody was here. None of the passenger that were here previously are not here anymore "That's weird. Nonody is here." Shade said stating the obvious.
Brace nodded "Nah, you don't fucking say?." replied sarcastically "Come on guys let's just get rid of this guy and be done with it."
As they traveled further and further things got weirder. The air was cold and dry, the light turned into a pale blue, and every thing started to become stone "What the hell?" Naka said aloud awkwardly. When the back of the train was reached, they where greeted by a stone door "Why the hell is there a stone door here!?!" He asked irritated and freaked out.
"I'm freaking out too. First the robbery now this?" Brace replied straining to push the door open "Could use a little help here!"
The door was heavy, but with the combined force between them they managed to open it and walked in, entering a dark room with a single person in the middle. It was a man of tall stature, smooth short black hair, handsome face, with honey gold eyes that smiled in a way that would make anyone fall in love with him "Welcome my dear boys!" He said in a calm British accent "I am Arthor and I'm here to bring you to school!"
The ground shook violently around them causing screams of fear to sound through the disintegrating room. It all peeled off like thin skin of paint, revealing a smaller and more comfortable room. They boys looked around in surprise as they seemed to be back in their train cart, but there was no bandits, no blood or any sign of a struggle. Naka looked at the man, called Arthor, in shock stammering "W-w-what the hell is going on?" He rubbed his shoulders, anxiety finally kicking in "Wait where is Flogo and Merina?" He then asked remembering his two friends they left behind. Arthor smiled mockingly, snapping his fingers as the bodies of Flogo and Merina materialize on the same seat they last saw them in.
"WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL IS THIS?" The trio yelled in union pointing at them.
This caused a fit of laughter to burst from Arthor, holding his stomach "HAHAHA! You guys are too much! Handling it so well, and yet you're flipping out like a bunch of screaming wieners! AHAHAHAHA!" He laughed so much he nearly fell over "Alright hold on!" He said trying to calm down. Regaining his composure he cleared his throat "To make things clear, I am Arthor. I'm to be your instructor in the school you all have been invited to."
"What's with the whole train thing you've done here?" Braced asked hugging his arms in anxiety.
"I have what you would call illusion magic. I just put your minds in a scenario to test and see if you all are ready enough for what you're going to experience in the school."
"What about this gash?" Flogo asked grimacing in pain.
Arthor chuckled lightly "I'm sorry about that. Don't worry though, the wound is also just as it is; an illusion."
"So you're telling me that this whole train robbery was nothing, but a simulation-" Naka ran his fingers through his hair in frustration "So we can prove worthy of being inside your school? What the actual hell man! Why would a fucking school need their students battle ready?"
He sighed, his humorous mood gone and replaced by one of serious intent "Look kids... This might sound crazy to you guys, but this is the truth. This school searches and collects people with special powers of any age (usually in the teens age group) and teaches them how to use it. This school is also like any other, teaching regular curricular activities like math and English." He said in hopes that they wouldn't ask any further.
Much to his dismay that didn't happen. Naka crossed his arms skeptically, suspecting his answer "That still doesn't explain why we have to be battle ready. So I'm going to ask you again, why did you do this? You can learn to control powers without having to worry about an all out battle later on." He grinned in triumph.
Arthor lowered his arm and sighed "Look kids... I don't want to say right off the back. You'll learn what you want in due time." He turned snapping his fingers, completely dispelling his illusion "Grab your belongings, we're here..." he said leaving the train car.
The group grabbed their belongings following in pursuit of the new teacher...
Radiant had a falling out with Celestia sometime ago. You see Radiant hates it when a certain being is over glorified into a status of being something of an "Immortal". With that she believes Celestia thinks of her self as one, a "god". Though this isn't true, things can confuse and get misconstrued, like the last time they have met. Celestia called Raidiant and her father over for dinner to discuss certain matters of Radiant being under the guidance of Celestia's school.
Radiant refused telling her she is fine learning under the spirits. Now Celestia has seen great potential in her, and any pony given the chance to be taught under her will take it with greed. When Celestia got her response she was no short of surprise, so she tried to convince her to reconsider. Radiant told her no once more, saying that the spirits give her the knowledge she needs. Again the princess was confused, she have never heard of any spirits in her many years. Torch spoke of them, but she thought he was joking.
So came the words out of her mouth that would begin the silent hatred "But wouldn't you think learning magic is a more appropriate and realistic course than silly spirits?"
That's what made Radiant spin her head twice! She stared her down, jaw dropped. When she finally found her voice she lashed "SILLY SPIRITS! ARE YOU STUPID!?" She growled at her in anger baring her teeth "WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES MAGIC FOR US POSSIBLE? WHAT DO YOU THINK GAVE US THIS ABILITY?" She turned away walking towards the door "FOR A PRINCESS ALICORN YOU SURE ARE IGNORANT!" Then she slammed the door leaving to her cart.
~***~
"You know you can stand to at least be a little happy, or pretend to be." Said Torch Light peering at her from the rear view mirror. He levitated a canteen of water up to his lips, drinking the sweet cool liquid. The hymn of magic emanated from the engine of the car as it sped down the dirt road, closing distance to the castle.
Radiant huffed in irritation crossing her hooves "How could I even?" She rolled onto her back and covered her face with a rag "That horse believes too highly in her social standing."
Torch Light laughed lightheartedly "What do you expect from an exceptionally powerful being?" He coughed a bit and cleared his throat "She's been alive for over a thousand years, so I don't see why she wouldn't think so. And you know what they say about things that live longer, they think like a child longer." The road continues to bump the car. In the distance Sweet Apple Acres scrolls by, the delicious sent of apples wafted their way, taunting them with wanting hunger.
Their stomachs growling, mocking them. Torch sighs turning left down the road to Ponyville "We'll pick up some snacks." He said parking the car next to the sign "We'll walk the rest of the way. The town's ponies might get a little too curious and waste our time. Especially Celestia's student Twilight."
Radiant stopped midway out the vehicle, staring at her father with reluctance "She has personally taught this student?"
Her father coughed again chuckling "Why yes she does! Her star disciple even!" He laughed getting out of the car "A smart cookie I would say so myself! Though she does rely on technicality rather than common sense." He frowns beckoning his daughter to follow to which she gives in.
"So I'm guessing she is just like her then?" She asked, suspecting it to be true.
Torch shook his head "Not at all, but she tries too much to be like so. I think she wants Celestia to be proud of her, even though she's about as proud as a father is of a son who finally achieved the means to be a stallion." The town was vary calm in this time of day as usual. Ponies trotted by saying hello, conversing with their neighbors of their day. Radiant smiled to the tranquility of this town, her father breathed in deeply, taking in the air "I love this place! Such adventures start here." He spies a vending cart, trotting merrily towards it.
Upon approaching, the vending pony behind it looked up and greeted them with a smile. She spoke with a country drawl happy and mild "Well howdy there! What can I get fer ya'll?" She asked, swiping a hoof over the assortments of food.
Torch returned her smile and gazed over the cart. He turned to his daughter and asked what she wanted. Radiant cocked her head Quizzically looking between the vendor and her food "Are they fresh?" She asks decadently.
The mare chuckled taking a familiar and slightly less professional stance "Ya'll don't have ta worry bout that." She confirmed, drawing their attention to the food "All of this was made just today. My family and I worked vary hard to heard these apples and make them into what you see now!"
The mare folded her forelegs , proud of her hard work. Radiant was skeptical, but she doesn't seem to be lying. She took a moment studying her, to which she saw a faint golden glow surrounding her "I'll have two apple fritters." She finally said, nodding her content.
`Torch nodded for the same. The mare packed the items and handed him the bag, receiving a good sum of bits in return, causing her jaw to drop in shock "B-but mister!" She stammered "This is way over the actual price!" The cow mare said, trying to return the rightful amount.
Torch stopped her "Please just take it. I want you to have this." He grinned and turned to his daughter "Honey could you give us a moment? I need to speak with her privately."
Radiant nodded and trotted over to a bench, observing the ponies and her surroundings. Torch Light returned to her," May I ask your name?"
"Names Apple Jack!" She replied happily.
"Nicely met. I'm Torch Light." He tilted his head in greetings, "Apple Jack do you know Twilight Sparkle?" He asked with high hopes "She should have moved here about a year ago."
Apple Jack's eyes lit up ,grinning proudly "Well sure ah do! She's a good friend of mine!"
Torch Light sighed with relief "Could you tell her to come to the castle as soon as possible? The princess might need her soon."
Noticing the urgency in his voice Apple Jack nodded, putting a hoof to her chest "Y'all can count on me! Have a good 'one!"
"Thanks and you too!" He waved off, approaching his child "We can leave now." He said floating a fritter over.
She takes the treat biting into it. The flaky sweet out side flared her taste buds, the sent of apples lofting into her senses. Taking her to a whole other world, floating in the air above miles and miles of apple trees. Reality snaps back hard as she gasps looking between the fritter and her father.
"Radiance?" The father questioned in worry.
"F-father!?" Her voice was panicked
"Yes?"
She stood stuffing her face moaning in delight "This is amazing!" Her voice muffled by the food "I feel like I am in an orchard, biting into a freshly ripened apple!"
"Hehe, come on let's get going."
~***~
On there way to the car Radiant smiled in wonder "The mare bared the canary. The spirit of strength and honesty... They looked so happy flying around her."
"Yea I noticed a nice glow about her. The spirit must favor her if I am able to see it that well."
"That it does father. The spirit has nested itself. She wears them like her favorite cloak." She sighed dreamily "Not just her, but everyone had a glow around them, even that grumpy donkey!"
"Well I'll be damned! Never thought I'd hear that!"
They entered the car, the engine revved and motored around and down the road, back on their objective. Torch gazed up to the castle wondering what Celestia might do about this... Radiance flopped to her side sighing "I wonder how Tutor and Vormund are doing."
"..." It took him a while to register what she had said, being preoccupied with the road "I'm sure they are fine. They're one of the best...." He hoped he was right.
~***~
'You know what's worse than to die in battle? Getting captured in battle!' That's what Tutor thought as he was chained up and drugged onto the airship. Tutor was an exceptional fighter, with a powerful friend to back him up, but alas even with Vormund's immortal like capabilities they still couldn't beat the goblin horde.
The captors grinned and snickered, talking about the fun they had, how many kills they have gotten, and all the houses they looted. This talk made Tutor grind his teeth in anger. He hated the ruthless and grossly pleasured tone they used. Looking over he saw a swirling ball of water contained in a thick glass tank. He cursed to himself, rage flowing through him. Vormund was deactivated so there is no way he can escape as of now.
A spirited young goblin set his eyes upon Tutor forming a coy grin across his face. He sped up to the goblin dragging him, motioning him to stop. The young arrogant creature knelt beside the pony unsheathing his dagger and pressed just beneath his snout "Are you afraid? Is that why you have those eyes of burning anger?" He chuckled expecting the colt to cry.
Absolutely appalled Tutor stared at him, his face contorting to a look of disgust. He couldn't believe the words that came out of his mouth "Afraid." Are you kidding? Fear is an emotion nonexistent with in his soul at this moment. He fears for the safety of others, but when it comes to him, he just gets pissed.
"Are... Are you making fun of me?" He said trying to stand, but the chains held him down "I am so not taking your crap! You think I'm afraid? No way in all levels of Hades I could be of someone so cheesy! In fact I can smell it! Oh wait that's just you!" Tutor snorted and hawked a big fat one right in the shocked goblin's face.
The other goblins chortled and laughed at the embarrassing display of intimidation, making the antagonist red with rage "Shut yer damned traps!" Snapping at them growling to obey. Once the others quiet down he turned back the colt raising his dagger ready to kill " I hope this is SLOW!" He yelled plunging the blade deep into his chest.
"AAAAHHHHHH!" Tutor screamed as a pale glow of rainbow colored blood flowed from the stab. He flailed his hooves in and attempt to free himself in hopes to murder the bastard.
"Oh?" The attacker said "I find that funny! You ponies are so cute, and so is the color of your blood and flesh!" He waved off the goblin holding his chains to continue going. Tutor passed out minutes later.
Naka wakes up in his dorm bed feeling groggy and a bit congested. A smaller, more dainty body laid right next to him. Shifting his head over he sees a beautiful pale face girl with long golden hair, breathing softly as she sleeps. Raising an eyebrow he looks at the ceiling. It has been 4 weeks since Naka began school and aside from the training he receives at gym, the rest is just regular curriculum, nothing special has happened, aside from this girl. Naka turns to look at the beautiful young face, brushing his hand across it, waking her up gently "Naro." Naka spoke softly "It's time to get up." He arose stretching his arms out.
Naro lifted herself up, the blanket sliding slowly down her body revealing her smooth bare chest "Good Morning Naka!" She said rubbing her eyes.
"You should start wearing a shirt to bed more often." Naka said resisting the erg to stare at her "People might get the wrong idea when they burst in here unannounced."
The girl stretched scoffing at Naka's claim "Who would just burst into someones room with out knocking?"
"Robbers, police, a blood thirsty murderer." He paused looking at her and grinning "Need I go on?"
Naro crossed her arms and huffed in annoyance "I ment someone friendly."
Naka cupped his chin with a coy look on his face "So our friends." He shook his head and chuckled "Never mind about that, let's get ready." Naka left the bed dressed in nothing, but his boxers "I'ma take a shower first, could you get coffee started in the mean time?"
Naro nodded walking over to the corner where a coffee machine and a fridge reside, grabbing the coffee grinds and lifting the lid to the coffee pot, mixing the grinds and water in the filter, then pressed on. She turned looking at the clock 'Breakfast is almost ready...' She thought raising a brow. Naka yawned in the bath getting her attention, hearing the squeaking of the nobs as he turned on the shower 'He takes a while in the shower. By the time it's my turn breakfast will be almost over...' She crossed her arms in disapproval 'Hmm maybe. What if we just... shared a shower?' She questioned, determining whether that would be appropriate or not 'I mean we are pretty comfortable sleeping together half naked... So why would he have a problem taking a shower completely naked?' She began to blush and covering her face 'I mean we're just cleaning our bodies- SEPARATE! Our bodies separate! And I mean it would save a load of time!' Naro started to creep towards the bathroom door taking off her only piece of clothing.
Near the door she opened it just a crack peeking through. She saw the form of Naka's body behind the shower curtains slowly washing himself in his still groggy state. Opening the door further, the hinges make a light creaking noise causing her to wince. The shower managed to drown out the noise 'Phew!' She thanked the sound of white noise keeping Naka half asleep. She crept up to the shower and slide in...
15 Minutes later[/hr]
"What the hell happened? You two look like you saw a video of cows giving birth!" Flogo questioned jokingly, lifting a slice of fried egg and plopped it into his mouth. Naka and Naro looked away from each other blushing, this made Louise ever more curious "Oh? My my! What sort of dastardly sin have doth two committed!?" He began to smirk cupping a hand around his chin, chuckling evilly.
"Oh Stop it you cod fish! If they don't wanna tell then it's their business!" Marina chided putting a hand over Naro's "Though I am curious to where you have been sleeping. I haven't seen you anywhere in the girls dorm or where your room even is."
Naro bit her lip looking at Naka for help, to which he just nodded his head. Looking back to Marina, she took a deep breath "I live with Naka, have been for the past two weeks I've been here."
Flogo's eyes bulged, spit taking his orange juice "WHAT!?" He shouted in surprise catching the attention of the other students in the cafeteria "HOW IS THAT EVEN ALLOWED!?"
"Keep your voice down!" Naka scolded "Arthor told us to not speak of this or else it would cause unwanted attention from the big dudes at the desks." Naka sighed pinching the bridge of his nose "Okay. Arthor told me that Naro can't be left alone in the night. When I questioned him why he replied with 'Do you want to see our school become a grave?' After that I decided to not question it further, but here's the kicker, I found out why I can't leave her be." He looks over to Naro "Do I have permission to tell them?" He asked, she nodded in reply "Naro is an orphan. Her family died by a mysterious fire in her home to which she is the only survivor... She lived homeless from then on, but she is stalked by a demon that I think caused the fire. Arthor found her and took her in as his own child and since then learned of this creature following her. The creature is a grief demon, it looks for a person with the most happiness in life and causes tremendous grief to feed off of. He is aggressive at night, but more or less docile in the day, but now it's getting to the point where he needs to kill her as the final part of his ritual to create another grief demon."
"So what is it about another person being there that is keeping it from doing so?" Flogo questioned.
" Well it can't be any person. It has to be a person with lots of passion and spiritual energy, because the demon cant hurt us physically it has to damage and destroy our soul, so if said person is there with her he/she would be like a protective shield." Naka shrugged leaning back in his chair "And so he asked me. So until Arthor finds a way to kill the demon she is going to be cuddling with me."
"Glad to hear that you are treating our secret with respect!" Arthor soothed, seeming to appear from no where!
Flailing in shock Naka fell back in his chair "A-A-Arthor!" Naka stammered "Dude don't sneak up on me like that!"
Arthor smirked "Sorry force of habit." He chuckled to himself helping the fallen teen up and patting him on the head "Anyway I came to tell you guys that we aren't going to be in class today, but instead work on your combat." He leaned in and whispered "This is just between us, but I had a meeting yesterday night. The Head Master talked about a large growth of darkness appearing in many parts of the universe so there is going to be a contest of sorts two weeks from now."
"Are there not enough Paragons or Renegades out in our world to help?" Flogo asked spreading his hand.
Arthor slumped his head ominously "That's just it. No there is not enough." He looks back up to his students with a grim smile "I'm sorry you kids have to get into this..." He stood motionless for a few moments, staring blankly into space.
"Uh Arthor?" Naka waved his hand in front of his face.
The spaced out instructor shook his head returning to reality "Oh... Sorry I sorta spaced out there." He grinned trying to reassure his students "Anyway so from today on we will be training, you will also be acquiring your Fate weapons today as well. Usually we do this when it's your third year, but you know why we are making an exception."
The group nodded understanding the situation. Nodding back to them Arthor stood up straight and turned to leave "See you kids in an hour!" He walked off waving.
The group continued eating, finishing their food then leaving to the auditorium.
Twenty minutes have passed since the arrival of all the first year students in the auditorium, the Head Master has waited patiently since. Once he was sure everyone is there he cleared his throat "May I have your attention! Students of Valend Academy! I have brought you here to announce that time is not at our side. I have found out that Darkness has started appear and grow at an alarming rate! I wish to tell you all that even though you are only first years we have decided to begin your training in Fate weapons and Shadow Conquest missions. The second years already know of this and the third and fourth years are already doing the missions." He rose his hand showing a ring on his on his finger "This ring is a Fate weapon." He flicked his wrist summoning a cane "Every Fate weapon has its own unique and special ability." He tapped the cane on the ground summoning two air born cannons. "This one of the things my cane can do. Fate can have one or more abilities so don't be surprised if it does only one thing." Flicking his wrist again he returned the cane back to its original state "With in two weeks we are going to be administrating a competition to prove that you are ready for the Shadow Conquest or that you need more practice. Please follow our dean to the destiny room so you can obtain your Fate weapons."
Sometime later.
"Just a row of metal detectors?" Louise asked scratching the top of his head.
Arthor grinned in amusement "Yes I do see the resemblance, but no these are the portals to your Fate." He gazed around seeing the students line up at the terminals "You kids get in line. I'll be waiting for you all when you return from the other side." He said walking off into the hallway disappearing behind the crowd.
Naka whistled in amazement taking in the massive lines in the room "It's like the park rides at Disney land!" He said turning to his brother Brace "What do you think your Fate weapon is going to be?" He then asked excitedly.
Brace shrugged seeming uninterested with the notion of guessing what it could be "To be honest I just want to find out now rather than guess. I mean we're almost there, just a couple more people and there we are!" He gazed at the terminal for a second then snapped back to Naka "Hey do you know where we are going to end up after we walk through?"
Naka shook his head no not knowing of what lies beyond "We're about to find out. It's our turn now." Stepping up they where met with a man of middle age "Sup?" Naka greeted getting his attention as the old man continued putting data into machine's computer.
"Name, birth, and zodiac?" He asked in a monotone voice, uninterested with the cherry boy in front of him.
"Oh uhh! Names Nakadesu Hiromi, Birth date 4/28/97, my zodiac is the Taurus." When finished the portal flashed open, sucking him in and closing right behind as he drifted in this new realm.
Meeting Fate.
Naka drifted in sleep waking suddenly in a flailing fit "WOAH! Where the hell am I!?" He question looking around, but all he saw was a vast plane of space, dots of light spread around him, and a giant cloud of purple and green shifted and moved "Are you the thing I'm supposed to be talking to?" He asked the shifting cloud, expecting an answer.
"Well hello there boy." The cloud greeted in a soft and light male voice "How are you this morning? Waking up next a half naked 15 year old girl is certainly a unique way to start a morning routine!" The cloud giggled playfully.
"Hey how did you know that! AND I'M SIXTEEN IT'S PERFECTLY LEGAL!" He shouted in embarrassment.
The cloud continued to giggle for a while then began to answer "I'm basically god, but I like to be called Fate or the Universe."
"Huh. So I guess that explains it... Weird..."
"More than you believe. Naka you know why you are here, so I need to tell you that with every person who gets one of my weapons I tell them a fortune." With in the cloud tiny lights sped towards Naka "This will hurt a bit." With that final word the lights plunged deep into the teen's floating body causing him to scream in agony. He continued to swing and scratch at his chest as the lights burned and spread through out his body, eventually causing him to passed out.
Later~
Naka awoke again after, to what seemed like an hour. Panicking he searched himself to see that he was still alright except the new adornments on his right and left hands. A pair of matching white and grey gloves with a red S and W Squished together.
He rotated his hand, getting the accessory from different views. He felt stronger, his muscles have grown slightly larger and more taught, his body lighter and mind more reflexive "I... I'm stronger. Do these gloves just make me more formidable, or is there more to them?" He asked in wonder.
To what Naka believed to be a smile Fate spoke with joy "No those gloves are not enhancing you, they are showing you what you are supposed to be, or better yet making you become your true self. These gloves aren't just some random object, no these are what defines you, what you yourself is." It said with passion in its voice "This body you see is the form of self forgiveness. Your mind has forgave you and this is what happened."
The boy gazed at his own self, amazed to what he has become and feels happier "Thank you." He said, staring blankly.
"My boy I need to now tell you of your fortune before you go. In a riddle, The end of the first will not be an end, but the beginning to the second, but in this alone..." Fate finished slowly beginning to vanish "Good luck Naka. Be good." It disappeared leaving an uneasy Teen flying through a portal into a large room.
"Where am I now?" He questioned in irritation.
"Back in school." Flogo replied lending him a hand "Boy do we have a story to tell you." He said turning to the rest of the group.
