September finally arrives and summer vacation for Illinois students is coming to its complete end with only four days of it left, including the weekend. Thus, this Thursday morning Galivinth is heading out of his apartment and to the store to buy school supplies with the money from his grandmother. Just as it's been the case for several months now, his relative Naeth is there to meet him at the front of the apartment building.
This morning, without breaking what seems to be an unspoken tradition, Galivinth is wearing his usual fashion of a black hoodie over a black t-shirt, black fitted jeans, and of course his equally as black pair of converse sneakers. Naeth on the other hand is sporting a red and thin wool sweater with its sleeves both rolled up above his elbows. His multi-task device that resembles a thick leather bracer with a watch sewn into it on his right wrist, while a yellow thin rubber band loosely rests around his left wrist. On his legs are snow-white cargo pants that are tucked into the red shin-high steel-toe boots on his feet.
"Oh, morning there. I didn't know you were going out today." Naeth remarks as the two stand before each other.
"Hey, man. I'm just going to the store to pick up some school supplies, is all." Galivinth responds as he tucks his hands away into the pockets of his jeans.
"School? I see. I hadn't thought to ask about your academic studies since meeting you..."
"It's not a big deal or anything. I mean, besides the fact that we can't hang out as much as we have been once I go back on Monday. You can come with me if you want. I've only got this one thing to do and then I'm probably heading straight back home." Galivinth tells him.
"Certainly. Though, I'm not quite sure why you attending school would prevent us from spending time together." Naeth responds. Then the two boys begin walking side-by-side toward their destination.
"Well, my classes start at 8:45am Monday through Friday, and school doesn't let out until 3:25pm. Then I have to get homework done, but after that I'm free to do what I want until 9pm. Which is when I have go to bed to rest for the next day of school." Galivinth explains.
"Ah, understandable. I... think? You'll retire for bed every night at 9pm? Seems like earthlings don't have a lot of energy."
"...Now that you mention it, I have noticed it takes me just about two whole days to get to the point of possibly getting some sleep. Which... wasn't really a thing before I met my dad. How long do you usually stay up for?"
"Typically, three earth days, but occasionally when I want to stay up even longer, I can just about manage four days before I finally tucker out." Naeth answers, earning a questioning look from his cousin.
"FOUR days? That's insane, dude... What do you even do with all that time you spend awake?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary. Train my body, visit you, attend five hours of academics, magic training, then a bit more physical training, read a book or look up earth media on the interweb, and just repeat that cycle for as long as I can.
"Wow, being a cryonean is so weird... You guys are like super humans." Galivinth comments - which makes Naeth casually arch a brow.
"Superhuman? No, just an objectively superior lifeform. I'd say Earthlings seem like lesser cryoneans in my eyes."
"Ehh. Fair enough." Galivinth responds. Silence settles in as the two make their way into the parking lot of the strip mall near the teen's home, though what ends up putting an end to that quietness is none other than Shurman Edwards, a.k.a 'Big Red'.
"Ayo, G!" The redhead of a lean male calls out as he comes jogging up from behind to join them, playfully snaking an arm around Galivinth's shoulders once he does catch up. This day, his outfit consists of a white durag, a red t-shirt, a pair of baggy stonewash blue jeans held in place by a simple leather belt, white wristbands on both of his arms, and a pair of white gym shoes.
"S'up, dawg? Only a few days left, fam! You excited to go back to school?"
"Excited? Not really, but at least I'll get to see friends again, including you. So it's not all bad." Galivinth answers.
"Fo' sho', man." Shurman gives the other a few pats on the shoulder before retracting his arms.
"I'm pretty much in the same mindset as you. I also think I got too used to being out of it and now it feels weird to think we're going back on Monday. Damn, bro. Like, where did the summer vacation days go that fast?"
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Feels like it only started a week ago and now it's already over." Galivinth concurs. Soon, the three reach the entrance of the store 'Supply Stop' and Galivinth gives the metal bar handle a push. There's a clicking sound, but the door doesn't budge open.
"Oh, they're not open yet. It's only 8:52am." Shurman comments.
"Huh?" Taken aback, Galivinth looks the door and windows over for a clue of their schedule, which he spots just to his right. Shurman was right, they open almost every day at exactly 9am.
"Ah, I see. Guess we just have to wait a bit." And that's exactly what the three boys do. Time passes by rather slowly while they stand around, and during, a line slowly begins building behind them. More people, particularly teens and parents with their children, continuously accumulate at the store's entrance. The only one to notice initially is Naeth.
"Seems like a long line is taking form." The full-blooded cryonean comments, drawing the attention of the other two.
"Huh? Oh... Jeeze, you're right." Galivinth responds as he and Shurman lean forward to get a view of the growing number of people. Minutes later, it's no longer a line, but a crowd that just keeps growing. Seems there were a lot of late back-to-school shoppers this morning. More time passes and finally the sound of the entrance door being unlocked from inside can be heard just before the electric sign on the left window turns on.
"Oh, I think they're open now." Shurman comments and pushes the door open, revealing that the store was indeed open now. However, that ignites the relentless flood of people to hurry inside behind them.
"Hey, easy!"
"What's your hurry? You don't have to push and shove!"
"Ay! Ay, give me some Goddamn room! Quit fuckin' pushing, man!" The three young men find themselves being in the midst of a rough wave of bodies passing them by with aggressive haste. Carts and baskets were quickly being snatched up until none were left. Others simply rush toward the aisle most of them came there for.
Eventually Shurman's patience wears thin and he becomes just as ruthless as the other customers. Shoving and forcing his way through the crowd, knowing very well that nothing will be left if he just sits back waiting for the crowd to thin out.
"C'mon, move! Out of the way, damn it! I need some motherfuckin' school supplies, too!"
"I forgot how crazy late supply shopping can get.. Man, this sucks." Galivinth comments as he and Naeth find a spot inside the story with less traffic to patiently, as well as comfortably, wait for the other customers to finish up and take their leave.
"They're like vultures, practically. I suppose it's good that the store's business is doing this well, though." Naeth shares his observation of the situation. For the next 20 minutes or so, the two spend that time waiting. Bit by bit, the number of people inside dwindle. When there's finally barely any people left inside, the two relatives move toward the third aisle. When they get there, it's unbelievably barren. The shelves have little to nothing left on them.
"Are you freakin' serious? Man..." Galivinth smacks his lips as he looks around the aisle for anything useful. Unfortunately, the only thing he manages to find is a small green notebook. He sighs and squats to pick it up and look it over with an expression of defeat. Just then, he spots something in the corner of his eye. A pinch of luck allows him to find a single black mechanical pencil.
"Hmm... I guess this'll have to do, then."
"I'm sure they'll restock soon." Naeth tells him.
"Yeah, I know. It's going to be like this for a week or two, though. It's the norm for every school year, so it's not exactly a big deal. The first week of school is usually slow, anyway." Galivinth responds before rising back up to stand and moving toward the front to purchase the items he has in hand.
The last days of Galivinth's summer vacation inevitably pass and Monday finally arrives. Though his clothes are technically a different set from the previous day, he exits his apartment building in an identical attire and with his book bag on his back. This time instead of Naeth being the one to catch him just as he steps outside, it's Shurman.
"Yo, G. Figured we can walk to school together. My mom coulda' drove me, but I felt like breathing in the fresh air, you know?"
"Oh sure, man. It's cool by me." Galivinth responds and the two go on their way.
"So, what class do you have first, by the way?"
'Uhh... I think... Mr. Jolelimoon's class? So, math, I guess."
"Oh, me, too. That's pretty cool to know." Galivinth comments. Soon, around 8 minutes into their more or less 15-minute walk to school, the two teens reach an intersection and the bus stop that sits on the corner they've come to a stop at. While waiting for the streetlights to change, it's there a violet flier taped to the back of the bench's protective frame catches Galivinth's attention.
"Hm?" He steps closer to give it a read. It reads as follows: The legendary Soul Succeeding Prophecy returns yet again and for the very last time. Come one, come all to the west foot of mount Heaven Splitter, where Master Susoshi's temple and dojo resides. Come and iron out your will and body into tempered steel for a reasonable fee. Even if destiny doesn't choose you to inherit legendary power, the master can at least assure that you will leave his teachings a better person. Payment plans are negotiable.
"Yo, the light's changed, man." Shurman informs Galivinth just as the half-cryonean finishes reading the ad.
"I'm coming." Galivinth responds and takes the sheet of paper with him as he hustles to cross the street. He folds the paper twice, first vertically and then horizontally, and places it into the pocket of his hoodie for later. Eventually, the two reach the building, WestSide High School, and enter inside along with several other students who were also just arriving. After passing through a metal detector just beyond the double doors at the front of the building, the security guard tells them there's still 15 minutes left to attend breakfast in the cafeteria. While some go, Galivinth and Shurman decide to head to their first class, instead.
"I think this is it, chief. " Shurman states before he reaches into his pocket to pull out his schedule sheet. Checking it, he confirms that this second-floor room is without a doubt where their class will take place.
"Uh-huh. Room 2-o-3." After re-folding and putting his schedule away again, the two boys enter the classroom and discover they're now two of the five students to arrive a bit early this day.
"Ah, good morning, boys! I hope you're ready for another exciting school year and a fine opportunity to master Algebra under my teaching!" Mister Jolelimoon greets. A man in his very late 20's who hails all the way from Japan. 5'10 in height, lean in physique, fair skin, trimmed and combed over black hair, and dark-ish blue eyes. His attire is made of a white dress shirt with its sleeves rolled up above his elbows, black slacks, a watch on his right wrist, black thick frame glasses, and a pair of white & black gym shoes. His blazer left to rest on the back of his chair behind his desk.
"Meh." Shurman nonchalantly shrugs his shoulders.
"I guess so." Galivinth responds as he and Shurman move to take their seats at separate desks amongst the plentiful inside, that were lined up to form a U-shape around the classroom.
"Huh. You two don't sound too enthusiastic, but it's all fine. I'm sure I'll be able to motivate you two enough as we head into the year together." Mr. Jolelimoon assures.
"Hmph. Let's hope that's the case. You American children could stand far more discipline in your lives." The fairly gruff 60-year-old man sitting beside Mr. Jolelimoon's desk comments with a solemn expression on his face and his arms folding across his torso. His attire is very similar to Mr. Jolelimoon's, save his sleeves aren't rolled up and, on his feet, he's wearing a pair of black loafers. His hair is cut low and brushed forward while the sides of his hair are silver, giving some idea of his general age. His fairly wrinkly and mature face has no stubble whatsoever, seeming as if the older man never grew even an inch of hair on his chin a day in his life. His skin is fair, as well. In addition, it's known that he's the uncle of Josaki Jolelimoon, the teacher of the room himself. For the past 5 years, he's been the assistant teacher to his nephew, Mr. Jolelimoon.
"Your GPA WILL play a part in the direction your life goes, so be sure to take your classes seriously. Complacency can be a disastrous thing if you refuse to acknowledge where you are in life. You understand me, boys?"
"Yes, sir..."
"Yeah, I understand, Mr. Jolelimoon Sr." Galivinth and Shurman respond one after another.
"Good. Try to keep it in mind, because I won't be here to remind you where your priorities should be after Thursday." The elder nods and goes on to inform the two.
"You leaving' for good or something?" Shurman asks.
"No, not for good. Just... Hm. Well, I'm not entirely sure when I'll be back, but I do intend on coming back. It may be a few months or it could be a year. I'm not sure in the slightest, but I do have a responsibility to see it through." The old man answers.
"What exactly is it you're going to do? Just curious." Galivinth asks this time.
"I doubt you kids would really care, but I'm going to Mount Heaven Splitter to pass on wisdom. That's the premise of it."
"Oh, I saw a flier mentioning that. Are you going to be teaching martial art classes or something?" Galivinth asks.
"Technically, I'll be assisting with them. One more than the others, but yes. I will be there providing guidance." The older man answers. Just then, the classroom door opens and half a dozen more students begin to enter. One of those to enter is a familiar face - a slender girl with dark-ish tanned skin, brown eyes, and short black hair that's styled in a pixie bob. Her clothing is made up of a black long-sleeve shirt with its sleeves rolled up to her elbows, a necklace with a diamond cross pendant hanging from it, a black and red plaid skirt with biker shorts underneath, several thick, black & red rubber bands on her right wrist, an onyx bangle on her left wrist, onyx earring studs in her earlobes, and a pair of black knee-high boots. On her face sits a mixture of tiredness and nonchalance adorn by light makeup, such as eyeliner and a glossy shade of dark red lipstick.
"Oh, this is your first period class, too?" The girl in black questions, eyes upon Galivinth as she moves to claim the desk beside him.
"Oh, hey, Kaira. You doing alright?" He responds while taking notice of her weary face.
"Yeah, I'm fine..." She begins, pausing for a moment to bring a hand up to her mouth as she yawns.
"Unintentionally stayed up too late last night. Gotten so used to sleeping and waking up whenever I wanted, that I forgot to set my alarm. Honestly, I only woke up in time to get ready for school because of my sister."
"Alright, since we're only two minutes away from the moment class is supposed to start and more people are joining us now, I'll go ahead and take roll call." Mister Jolelimoon announces just as half a dozen more students enter the room. Then, for the next two minutes he goes on to call out names from the clipboard in his name until he goes through them all. By the end, it becomes clear that every student is present.
"Nice! Okay, so for this week I'll let you guys settle in. That means no assignments or homework, so I'm sure you guys are happy about that." He jokingly comments while leaning over to set his clipboard onto his desk. In turn, a large portion of the students express their delight and relief at the notion. Afterwards, Mr. Jolelimoon moves and turns toward his whiteboard. Grabbing a black marker from the thin platform at the bottom of it, he takes a moment to write out his name in large letters on the board.
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"As most of you know, my name is Mr. Jolelimoon. But to those who don't, well... Here it is! Nice to meet you all. I look forward to our brand-new year together! Also, try not to get too comfortable kicking back. Next week we'll be tackling the books with 149% effort!"
"Hmph. Better make that 201%. Your future as an adult depends on you working hard to approve! Slackers don't get far in life, after all." Mr. Jolelimoon Sr. chimes in.
The day proceeds as one could expect. Peaceful and a tad slow. Hours pass, school lets out, and the children all go home. Then the next day arrives. The beginning of Tuesday plays out practically the same as the previous day, though instead of sitting in class for most of the period, everyone is summoned to the auditorium, where an announcement will be given by the principal. There, almost every single seat on the first floor is filled and murmurs spread throughout the large, spacious room.
"Okay, okay. Settle down for me, students. I won't take too long." A masculine voice makes itself heard once a man in a black suit approaches the podium on stage and begins speaking into the microphone attached to it.
"I'm principal Dennelwalker, as you all know. Hopefully. And I'd like to welcome you all back to our school. I see a lot of familiar faces and new faces today, which I'm glad for. And I hope you're all doing well today. With that said, I'd like to introduce a new student to you all - one who'll be heading our newest Social Betterment program. Seth Chansen." The principal gestures toward an adolescent young man who's just beginning to make his way onto the stage - one who looks to be about 6'1 in height, lean in build, his skin a rather dark brown complexion, his hair so thinly low that it resembles a buzzcut - one with stylish lightning bolts etched along his temples and stop just an inch beyond the back of his ears. The last feature of his smooth and fairly strong face is his reddish-brown eyes. On his person, he wears an open red track jacket with black stripes along the entire length of the sleeves, a dark red t-shirt and dog tags underneath, black skinny jeans, and a pair of red and white high-top sneakers on his feet.
"Morning. As you've heard, my name is Seth Chansen - full name Seth Gregory Chansen - and I'm pleased to be here after transferring from Red Triangle High. Not to imply that I dislike my old school, but rather that I'm looking forward to starting anew and bringing some traditions along with me, which includes the Social Betterment program. Besides, wishing you all a pleasant day, that's all I really have to say. Oh, and of course, thanks for having me." He concludes with a toothy smile. Afterwards, the principal wraps up the announcement and sends everyone back to their classes.
During the walk to his current period, Galivinth finds himself bearing an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his gut. Skepticism he couldn't quite explain after listening to Seth speak.
Another day passes and another morning of school arrives. However, the half cryonean teen isn't quite as lax as he was the previous day.
"Kaira!" Galivinth calls out to his friend upon seeing her out in the hall, presently placing her books inside her locker.
"Huh? Oh, what's up, Gal?" She asks, briefing shifting her attention toward him before redirecting it back to the task at hand.
"Not much, not much. So uuhh... You remember that new guy from yesterday? Chris?"
"You mean Seth?" She asks while pausing to shoot him a puzzled look.
"Yeah, him! Sorry, the name Chris has been stuck in my head all night and morning after I did a little bit of research last night. So, get this... That Red Triangle High school he mentioned transferring from? It was previously named Northeast High. Almost two years ago it was changed under the administration of the new principal that took over six months before the change." Galivinth tells her.
"Huh. Weird. I guess he wasn't too fond of the school's simple name." Kaira comments.
"That wouldn't be such a big deal, if the origin of Red Triangle wasn't so... so..." Galivinth trails off, frowning in thought as he struggles to find the proper word for it.
"Lame?"
"Unethical." He corrects her.
"Jeeze... That's a bit strong, don't you think?"
"No, because it originally came from a subdivision of the Red Unity Nation in Russia." Galivinth informs her.
"The R.U.N.? Okay, now I can see why you'd say that..." She concedes.
"I mean, they - the Red Triangle division - did help in providing a method of slowing down the spread of cancer within the human body. I think? Some sources say some guy named Makrov Lennington stole credit for it, and others say he was the inventor of the medicine. I didn't really understand it, but a few of them also mentioned that the group experimented on their own citizens and later soldiers captured during the Winter War. They tested various substances on those diagnosed with cancer, and those who weren't diagnosed with cancer, were GIVEN cancer and also tested on. They did this until it was perfected. In an article, the principal at Red Triangle High says he named the school after the division to indirectly honor the work they've done for mankind, and wanted the students to follow in their ambition to innovate in meaningful ways. Whatever that means."
"I-... Wow... That's so.... FUCKED." Kaira comments with a mixture of disgust and disbelief on her features.
"Right!? I didn't even know you could deliberately give people cancer!" Galivinth comments.
"Yo, Kai. Glad we caught you out here. You joining the Book Club this year, right?" One of four of the group approaching the two asks - particularly a male with long straight black and red hair. He and the others share a similar fashionably gloomy style to Kaira. Though it's the same amongst the gothic bunch that attend the school. Galivinth could be mistaken for one, sure, but there was just an air of difference between his calm demeanor and their typical nonchalant cadence.
"Yeah, figured we could hang out like last year. Be cool to have around you again. This is a friend of yours, by the way?" Hanatee, the only other female within the group, speaks up this time.
"Hey, guys. One, I will so DEFINITELY be joining the book club again this year, and two - this is my old friend Galivinth. Known him since the sixth grade. He's a pretty cool guy, super nice and stuff." She answers while gesturing toward the mentioned teen beside her.
"And as for you, Galivinth - this is my posse from last year. Super cool peeps I hung out with daily. The tall one is Derek, the one with red and black hair is Mitchel, the one in the back is Karl, and that's Hanatee. You should-" Before Kaira could finish that thought, a firm feminine voice interrupts them.
"Hey, truancy is a punishable offense. Get to class, now!" The demanding voice draws the eyes of the six teenagers, who all come to lay eyes upon a female student dressed in a gaudy formal attire. A red button up shirt with a black tie around her neck, a red officer cap bearing a red triangle symbol on it, black slacks, and a pair of red military boots. The other two, males wearing an identical attire to hers, stand at her flank with stern expressions on their faces.
"Wow, and I thought scene kids wore some Goddamn bright colors... That red is practically screaming at my eyeballs. What are you guys supposed to be, anyway?" Derek asks while reaching to brush tufts of his own hair from over his left eye.
"Enforcers of the Social Betterment program, of course. You can think of us as Hall Monitors too, if it makes it easier for you to understand. We're here to lend a hand to the misguided, such as class skipping delinquents like you lot. You're two minutes late to first period." The female in uniform answers.
"Whatever, man... It's still the first week. There's no class work until Monday, so who cares if we're a little late? We're just going to be sitting in class doin-- Kugh...!?" Mitchel tries to present an argument, but suddenly finds himself cut short of breath when one of the males in uniform approaches and silences him with a punch to the gut. Then, in the midst of Mitchel hunching over while holding his stomach, that very same orderly grabs him by the shirt and puts everything behind throwing the student against the wall, where Mitchel slams into it before collapsing onto the floor.
"Hey, what the hell... What the hell is your Goddamn problem, sperg!?" Derek exclaims after the moment of disbelief passes.
"Insolent behavior toward the school's authority will not be tolerated, not even from you. So watch what you say, you overgrown mime." The orderly sharply retorts.
"...Fuck you." Mitchel just barely utters those words as he coughs, eventually pushing himself up to sit instead of continuing to lay on his side.
"What did you just say? Speak up, I didn't quite catch that!" The orderly barks with his hostile gaze locking onto the teen on the floor. In turn, Mitchel looks up to glare him right back in the eyes.
"I said FUCK. YOU." He speaks louder this time. Afterwards, he begins pushing himself up to get back onto his feet. However, the orderly was set on kicking him right back onto that spotless floor.
"That's it--" The aggressive male is stopped right in his tracks when Galivinth instinctively steps forward to grab at his arm.
"Stop, man. You can't just do that to him." Galivinth tells him. Though, those words fall upon deaf ears. While the half-cryonean speaks, the orderly reaches for the rectangle holster on his right outer thigh and pulls out an extendable metal club - one he uses to take a swing at Galivinth with. The latter wasn't expecting it at all, but his senses give him an unusual edge. The attack was swift and sudden, but it appears to be slow enough through his eyes that his body is able to react promptly and retreat with a jerk out of range of the incoming blow.
"Who gave you permission to touch me? You want to end up like him, too?" The male in red threatens while pointing his club at Galivinth.
"What are you, a bunch of power drunk punks? Lay off them, jerk!" Hanatee shouts.
"Yeah, go kick rocks, you trashy cop-wanna-be! You feel big and strong waving that stick around or something?" Derek throws in one of his own. At seeing this, the female orderly narrows her eyes and pulls out her cell phone, tapping away at the screen while her other male peer steps forward to help deter the bunch.
"Is this really how you want to start the school year? This isn't a fight you want. Go. To. Class."
"Nobody cares about your threats, you lame-o's. First, we're going to report you. THEN we'll get to class." Come on, guys." Kaira retorts, firmly pointing her finger at the male who just stepped forward before turning to gesture the others into backing away. Until she sees what's there in plain sight when she does turn around. Five more orderlies are approaching them from behind.
Meanwhile, three more turn the corner ahead to close in from the front, trapping the six teens between them.
"Now, what's all of this? You lot aren't misbehaving, are you?" A masculine voice questions as its owner's hand comes to rest upon Galivinth's shoulder. When the half cryonean feels that hand, he naturally turns his head to see who it was. Much to his surprise, he sees the new student from yesterday, Seth, standing at his flank. Dressed like the others, save the track jacket he's wearing again.
"What kind of scare tactic bullshit is this? Give us some room! I don't appreciate being surrounded like this." Mitchel demands while anxiously alternating his focus between the orderlies around them.
"Get a load of this guy... Like really, look at you. You sound on edge and on the verge of freaking out like a chicken who's had its head chopped off. Why don't you settle down and try to keep your cool?" Seth suggests with a calm tone.
"Fuck you, dude. Don't tell me what to do." Mitchel retorts.
"You pricks got a lot of nerve coming in here and trying to intimidate us with this pseudo-gang garbage. Go kick rocks already." Derek speaks up right after.
"Man, you guys got some mouths on ya, huh? That lack of respect I'm hearing from you two..." Seth trails off, pausing to take a moment to remove his hand from Galivinth's shoulder, only to somewhat aggressively snake that very same arm around the back of teen's neck and allows it to loosely rest on the farest shoulder. A look of annoyance and discomfort takes form on Galivinth's face right after.
"I don't like it one bit. You ought to mind your manners and wisely decide how you respond in a situation like this."
"See, there it is still! Who do you think you guys are and why do you think you can just march through here, telling us what to do!?" Hanatee shouts at him, her fists clenching tight and trembling with her boiling anger.
"Ehh... Weren't you at the assembly yesterday?" Seth asks with a brow arching. Then, his attention shifts toward his female peer standing on the other side of the group.
"I'm pretty sure you told them who we are, right?"
"Sure did, kapitan." The female in red answers with a nod.
"Thought so. You guys aren't special needs, are you?" Seth questions mockingly while turning his sights toward Galivinth and giving the male a little tug.
"No." Galivinth answers firmly.
"Then what exactly is so hard to understand about respecting school authority?"
"We don't answer to you, jerk-off! Respect my right to tell you and your little band of fruity tomatoes to fuck right off!" Hanatee aggressively answers while placing her right hand over the crook of her left arm and flipping him off with its respective hand. A gesture that doesn't sit too well with Seth at all.
"Well, I tried to be polite and understanding, but it's become clear to me that you all are far too familiar with leniency." Seth comments before sighing and roughly shoving Galivinth aside. He begins cracking his knuckles while approaching the boldest female of the bunch.
"Guess I'll have to beat some respect into you lot... Starting with you." With his intent clear as crystal, Galivinth and Mitchel both rush to block him off from the female.
"I'm not going to just stand by and let you do that..." Galivinth tells him.
"Neither am I, you fuckin' pansy. " Mitchel speaks up right after the former. Even with their brave display, both boys were feeling the pressure. The fear of a violent confrontation that feels hauntingly inevitable. None of them were fighters - Seth could tell just by the subtle nervous twitches on their scowling faces. Mitchel's uneasy body language becomes far more apparent by the quaking and sloppy boxer stance he takes up, as if he's ready for a fight.
As much as Derek and Karl wanted to help, the two of them were petrified with fear.
"O-of course the fruitcake would try to fight a girl... Just go away already!" Hanatee shouts. In turn, Seth shoots her an amused look. His eyes then shift toward the two blocking him off.
"Move... or else." Seth demands nonchalantly.
"No." Galivinth responds.
"Hell no..." Mitchel gives an answer of his own. For a small moment, the only reaction the two get from him is a larger and silently grin. Then?
THOK!
To almost every pair of eyes on the scene, it was instant. Seth had taken his first swing and sent Mitchel flying and collapsing at Hanatee's feet. The only indication of what just occurred was Seth's body holding a posture that paints the notion he just gave the poor lad on the floor a hook uppercut. However, Galivinth was able to catch it well enough. The second the taller male took a step forward and began bringing his fist upward. There was definitely something inhuman about it.
However, the half-cryonean didn't have time to process it. Just as a startling scream sounds from Hanatee, a sudden kick at his side snaps him back to the moment and makes him grit his teeth as a grunt erupts in the back of his throat. Just as he was stumbling a step to the side, a follow up hook to his jaw stops him in his tracks and makes his body shift its weight toward the opposite direction. Another blow just as swift as the last, a straight right, finishes up the combination and sends Galivinth toppling over into a sitting position on the floor.
"Gauuhk! " Galivinth raises his right hand to claw-cradle his face, wincing from the sting he was feeling from being struck on the nose. Yet, it didn't feel as bad as he thought it should have. Either Mitchel has a glass jaw, or Seth might not be as strong as he appears. When Galivinth sees Seth moving closer to Hanatee, he scurries back onto his feet in a clumsy manner. Though he shoves Seth back by slamming his shoulder against the center of the other's torso and ends up tripping over onto his knees, he still achieves his goal. He stares Seth down while rising back up to stand tall.
"I said NO."
"Mitch. Mitch, are you okay?" Hanatee lowers down to check on her friend laying on the floor. Meanwhile, Seth crosses his arms and arches a brow.
"A little tougher than you look. Thought I might've over done it a bit, but--..." He promptly cuts off and snaps forward like lightning - swiftly moving from standing idly to stepping forward and throwing another punch at the teen in front of him. Just like before, it connects. A resounding PAWK! echoes throughout the hall.
"I guess you can take it!" Seth exclaims with a sadistic grin as he begins dishing out a flurry of punches. Much faster and harder than combination assault from before. Galivinth ends up taking several more hits to the face, but he stands his ground. Even if all he can do at that moment is shut his eyes, clench his teeth, and use his arms to shield his face.
It becomes a game of willpower. Which of the two would give up and concede? The rest merely look on with a mixture of fascination and something akin to horror as they watch Galivinth take a beating like a punching bag. Pectoral, left rib cage, abdominal, forearms - Seth strikes everywhere he can to beat the other into submission while also putting on a display of adept boxing knowledge.
Despite the many grunts and hitch breaths brought on by pain, despite the endless onslaught of punches, Galivinth shows no obvious sign of crumpling over any time soon. A realization that annoys Seth enough to turn the dial even higher.
"Fine! If this is really nothing for you to handle, then let's just see how tough you really are!" Upon those words, Seth's attacks become something incomprehensible to the human eyes. He doubles his speed and power, refusing to hold anything back this time. His fists move within a blur, but it's quite easy to hear every thunderous impact they make with Galivinth's body.
"Come on, come on... Aren't you tired of this yet? Aren't you going to fight back? You're just going to stand there and take this like some misguided wall of chivalry!?"
"Gal. . ." Kaira utters under her breath, worrying over her friend while feeling completely helpless in the moment. Much like the rest of her friends were. The orderlies have an entirely different perspective, though.
After twenty seconds of that barrage, Seth finally stops.
"This is pretty lame of you, you know. I can see you're tough, just like me, but you just keep standing there. Are you too afraid to do anything?" Seth asks while slightly tilting his head to the side.
Curious, Galivinth spreads his arms just enough to peer in between them and at the male in front of him. They lock eyes and stare with disdain lurking in the air.
"Hit. Me." Seth demands solemnly. Yet still nothing. After a moment of silence, Seth beckons Galivinth to come at him. Finally, the latter obliges. The half-cryonean lunges forward and takes a wild swing at Seth, which winds up missing due to its target merely leaning back to let it whiff by. Then another attempt goes flying, then another, and another, and another. All of Galivinth's attacks are evaded with what looks to be relative ease. One last effort is made. The aftermath isn't quite the same, but instead much worse. Seth simultaneously weaves his head out of the way of the incoming fist and retaliates with a powerful blow to Galivinth's cheek. It's enough to make the half cryonean stumble back over six feet. However, it's not as bad as what transpires next.
Just as Galivinth regains his balance and awareness, he unfortunately looks forward in time to see that Seth is already in the middle of coming at him again. This time with a flying swipe kick zeroing in on his temple. The impact is so devastating, that it causes Galivinth's body to cave in two lockers and render them absolutely unusable.
"Dude, what the fuck is going on... Are they both P.I.'s?" Derek asks under his breath while watching with an awestruck look on his face.
"I.. I don't know." Is all Karl can respond to him with."
"Hnnn-ngh.." Galivinth grimaces while holding the side of his head. Alas, it wasn't over yet. Just as he opens his eyes again, a spinning thrust kick to the face is there to greet him and his head is violently slammed against the surface behind him. Promptly following up, Seth closes in to use his right hand to grab and hold Galivinth up by the shirt while he begins repeatedly whaling on the teen's face with his left fist. Each fierce blow contributes to pummeling further disfiguring into the already ruined lockers, eventually getting to a point the sound of the wall behind it can be heard cracking. Moments later, everyone can hear it fracturing and bits hitting the floor as the merciless assault goes on, and on.
"Stop it..." Kaira just barely whispers out. However, it's nothing that deters the beating her friend is still taking.
"Stop it." She repeats herself louder this time. More sounds of a fist making contact with its target continues to flow into the air.
"I SAID STOP IT!!!" She shouts at the top of her lungs with a look of maddening anger on her face. This time she succeeds. Seth finally stops, let's go, and steps back from the teen who ends up sliding down onto the floor. The leader of the orderlies takes a deep breath to calm himself down before he begins walking away from the scene. He adjusts his officer cap properly onto his head and parts with an order to his underlings.
"Discipline the rest of them." Seth nonchalantly orders.
____________________
The school day passes and now Galivinth is out and about. He isn't heading home quite yet though. No, the fact that he's approaching a bus stop to sit & wait is proof of that. And even though the sky above is a sea of gray and a drizzle of rain is pouring down on and around him - it doesn't matter to him. Getting wet doesn't seem to faze him -- couldn't really cut through the shame that's submerging him within a state of being jaded. With what happened earlier that day, he feels as though he has no other real option.
After settling down onto the bench, Galivinth reaches into the pocket of his jeans to pull a familiar piece of paper he recalls folding up two days prior. The flier for self-defense classes at Mount Heaven Splitter. It's what's driving him to take such a considerable detour. The trip will take 50 minutes to make, but that somehow doesn't bother him in the slightest. Soon, the arrival of the bus snags his attention and all notions of turning back completely fade away. He boards the bus to advance his little journey to the north of Illinois.
After 40 minutes of riding on the bus, he goes on to continue on foot. During the time it takes him to travel along the pathway toward the foot of the mountain, he thinks back to Kaira and her friends. The state they were left in from taking a beating after his plays within his mind. Bruises, minor broken bones, swelling skin, open cuts, and two of them with busted lips. Though he might've arguably received a worse punishment than them, he wasn't as badly hurt. A bloody nose, some small bruises, and a cut on his lip - all of them patched up easily. In fact, the soreness is barely noticeable now. He's doing just fine, but he couldn't help but wonder if they are, as well. He treads along with a stoic expression on his face, his head hanging, and his hands tucking away within his pockets.
He soon comes upon a very lengthy ascension of stone stairs that curve in a zig-zag-like manner while also leading so far up, he couldn't see the end at the top. Nonetheless, he heads on up without giving it a thought. Soon, the sound of an approaching helicopter draws his attention. He notes it sounds abnormally close. So close, he thinks he'll probably come face-to-face with it if he just keeps going. Eventually, he just can't help but to pause in his tracks and look up toward the sky as the spinning blades grow louder. Then he sees it. The underbelly of the aircraft flying by above him and something else. Something smaller that's plummeting down right for him.
SMACK.
He winces when whatever it is lands onto his forehead.
"What the heck...?" He lifts a hand to grab the item from his head and then proceeds to inspect it. What he sees shocks him like taking a dip into a tub of steamy hot water. He discovers it's a fat wad of 100-dollar bills, an absurd amount of money he's ever seen in person in his entire young life. He's so dumbfounded, that he fails to notice someone descending down the steps to greet him.
"Afternoon there, my young friend." A gentle masculine voice greets the teen. Looking up, Galivinth sees a man in heavy orange and blue monk garbs approaching him.
"Ah, I see you came prepared with our fee." The man comments, presenting no hesitation in plucking the thick bundle of bills out of the adolescent's hand.
"I... uh... I don't know if-" Galivinth tries to share his uncertainty of the cash, but doesn't do much of a decent job at expressing it.
"Not to worry at all, my friend. This is far more than enough to get you special accommodations within our dojo. In fact, this is more than enough for you AND a friend to both enroll and stay." The monk informs him after counting the bills. All $3000 worth of it, of which he then slips into one of the layers of robes he's wearing.
"Come along. We can talk inside while we get you dried up." And with that, the monk turns and begins heading back up the few steps of stairs he came down. It's only now that Galivinth takes in the breathtaking surroundings. The massive waterfall and its crystal-clear lake, the large temple that sits near the cliffside to the right beside it, and to his left - a lengthy, wide wooden bridge that leads to a pair of more Japanese temples. Both are quite big, but one dwarfs the other in number of floors and square feet. As the monk heads for the bridge, Galivinth soon follows behind.