Ragnor joined his first club and with a god that favored him nonetheless. The bell rang, but instead of returning to their classes, the first years made their way back to the auditorium where they would be introduced to the people in charge of the schoolhouses. As Ragnor went to the assembly hall, he noticed something peculiar. The room had undergone a complete transformation; The once plain, straight-colored walls were now adorned with vibrant banners representing the different houses. There were four banners, each displaying unique colors and featuring a distinct creature at its center.
As the students settled into the hall, a familiar voice echoed from the stage, "Now, while I would love to sing something for you all about how our house is the best, and even though I have already written it, I have been informed that I must stick to the basics." Loki sighed, glancing backstage before enthusiastically pointing to the cyan and orange banner at the back of the hall, "Behold the House of the Nile! We shall make a comeback this year, mark my words." The flag had a cyan background with an orange border, and at its center was the head of a ram with gently curving horns emitting a faint glow. Loki bowed before yielding the stage to another captain.
Murmurs spread throughout the crowd, "Is that it?" One person said. "Thank goodness he's just acting leader." Added another Loki cowered behind the curtains, but the sound of his sobbing still reached the audience. "Enough out of all of you! You too Loki!" Shiva, the Hindu God of Destruction ordered. He had a large build, standing close to seven feet tall, he possessed a broad stature that could conceal two people. His skin started as red but gradually shifted to a blue hue as his voice calmed. "Good, I forgive you all for your rude interruptions now." He smiled as he pointed to the left wall with his two right arms. On Olympus' banner, an elephant stood proudly, trunk raised in celebration. The banner featured a green field with a wavelike grey border. "The House of Olympus has risen to third place last year and we will continue to climb this year." He bowed before giving way to the others.
No one had a chance to say a single word before two similar boys came to the stage, "Do you think we even need to say anything, Abel?" scoffed the red-haired boy, sporting a twisted smile. The blue-haired one who was slightly shorter than him shook his head. "Neither do I. It's obvious who will come first this year. Isn't that right, Tatarians?" The red-haired boy had eyes that burned with fury. "I said, isn't that right?" The second and third years erupted with cheers. They waved, Abel had a skinny build which was hidden under his baggy red and black jacket with one next to him adorning the same thing but his were better fitted. Cain raised his middle finger and used it to point at their flag. It was a three-headed black hound growling on a field of red. Theirs had no secondary color, choosing to utilize different shades of red to give off a dark and sinister aura. The crowds quickly became silent as the duo exited and allowed the last captain to make his debut.
His long golden hair flowed behind him perfectly as if they had a mind of their own. The sun reflected on his paper-white skin and from where Ragnor stood it looked as if he had a halo over his head. His gold suit was fitted with shoes to match and with each of his footsteps, he commanded both respect and fear. His gold eyes glowed with a calm fury that seemed destined to consume everything in its path. He took his sweet time to get to the mic, however, no one dared to utter a single word.
The eerie silence he created was shattered by a sweet yet commanding voice, "Tartarians? How cute. Listen well, everyone. Regardless of the house you belong to, regardless of the fires your captains try to ignite in your hearts, there is an undeniable fact in this school: the House of the Golden Halls will continue to claim first place for one simple reason—we are the best." He let that resound in their hearts as he left the stage. He didn't even point at his flag, but through the process of elimination, Ragnor figured it was the one positioned at the front. The flag featured a golden vine border and a chimera against a plain white background.
Hera rushed to the stage, "Now that you have heard from your captains, why don't we get back to class?" She suggested and they all slowly filtered out. Before Ragnor went back to class, he made his way to where Loki was. Quietly he crept up behind the crying God and kicked him off the stairs. "Hey!" Loki complained, "You're lucky that wasn't a long fall otherwise I could've gotten hurt." He dusted himself off as he got to his feet. "You could've mentioned you were the leader of a house," Ragnor said. Loki held out a finger, "Acting." Ragnor rolled his eyes, "It's time for you to fulfill your promise. Tell me everything you know about the houses." Ragnor said as he took a seat.
Loki's eyes lit up as he took a seat right next to Ragnor, "What do you know so far?" he asked. "So far, I realized they aren't housing us dependent on the roll, so it has to be some other factor." Loki praised him, "Bingo, they house us depending on our personalities. This is going to be an information drop, so keep up." Loki said as he explained:
The House Of The Nile: Like every other house, their leader perfectly embodies the characteristics of the house. They are kind, passionate, and bashful. They are left-brained thinkers by nature and enjoy the visual and performing arts. They are the most down-to-earth and accepting with little to no hesitation to make someone feel included. They try their best, but if the task seems out of their league, they're likely to lose hope and drop it. This is where the "rejects" and those who would call themselves "different" be placed.
The House Of Olympus: Proud and brave creatures with little room for fear in their hearts. They are problem solvers and excellent strategists. However, their approach of seeking the path of least resistance often leads to the creation of new problems along the way. They are usually simplistic creatures that are quick to anger but even quicker to forgive. They are also prone to act first and think later, especially when their pride is involved.
The House Of Tartarus: Are happy and quirky by default. They are humorous; however, they often take their jokes too far and do not realize it. These are the people that believe "dark humor" is actually funny. You will rarely see one frowning and never get one to cry in front of you. Albeit, if you can get one to give up their smile, you may be in for a world of hell (pun intended). They are very cunning and are often not fazed by guilt and if given the chance can be wicked. These people usually keep arm's length away from everyone else, choosing to hold both their problems and accomplishments to themselves. This is why getting close to one of them is a double-edged sword: keep them close and they will have your back forever but betray them and well, the name of the house speaks for itself.
The House Of The Golden Halls: Confident, holistic, and think twice before they act. They will do what they must for their greater good and are likely to appear rude and condescending (they may or may not mean to). They are gifted whether it be a birth into nobility or having extreme physical or mental talents. However, they can take things too far by not letting a grudge go or saying something that should not be said.
"Now, while these generalizations give you an idea of who you're up against, it's important to remember that not every member of a house will possess all of these traits," Loki explained, leaning closer to Ragnor. "Some may exhibit most of these characteristics, while others may only possess a few. However, it is often these weaknesses that you can exploit to gain an advantage over them."
"So, so, which house are you in?" His eyes shimmering with more enthusiasm than before. Ragnor smiled, "Wait, no, let me guess." Loki said. "Am, Tartarus?" Ragnor got up without answering, "Wait, come on, tell me!" Loki pleaded as he dropped to his knees. "Where are you going?" Loki asked, tears filling his eyes. Without looking back, Ragnor answered, "To find out how to make my own house." A mischievous smirk curled on Loki's lips as he watched Ragnor walk away. A sense of pride welled up within him as he cupped his hands around his mouth and directed his voice towards the departing human. "Let the games begin," Loki declared.
Ragnor began by cracking his knuckles and then moved up to his wrist and then his neck. A smile escaped his lips as he approached the imposing double mahogany doors in front of him. Boldly emblazoned above them were the words "Principal's Office." He pushed the doors open and silently mouthed to himself, "Let's get this started."
Ra, the Egyptian God of the Sun and the headteacher of the school looked up from his large, recently polished oak desk. He organized his stack of papers and glanced at Ragnor, growing impatient. "Oh, I don't recall giving you permission to enter." Ragnor's gaze swept across the awe-inspiring room. Natural light poured in through the expansive windows, perfectly illuminating the trophies and pictures adorning the walls. Ragnor noticed a reflection on one of the pictures and blinked, but when he reopened his eyes, it had vanished.
Ra's patience waned as Ragnor remained silent. "You're Loki's human, correct?" Ragnor took a seat opposite the headteacher and answered with a hint of hubris, "If you mean I beat Loki's test, then yes. Though I'm pretty sure that means I'll be your human too." Ragnor smiled. "Whatever do you mean, boy?" Ra's deep voice grew more commanding as he probed further. "It means that I can make this school a lot more fun if you hear my request."
Ra gestured for him to go on, "I want to create my own house," Ragnor declared. Ra was taken aback, uncertain whether to dismiss the statement as jest or to reprimand the boy for speaking so lightly of their sacred traditions. "Creating another house goes against school rules," Ra simply stated, returning his attention to his work.
Ragnor let out a sigh and began loosening his tie. As it came undone, he casually tossed it onto Ra's stack of papers. The veins in Ra's head bulged as anger filled him. All Ragnor did in response was smile as Ra practically snarled. "So, is breaking the school uniform but anything is possible here with enough points, correct?"
Ra coughed at the boy's words. "So be it, but there will be conditions placed on this if you still want to do it." Ragnor nodded and Ra listed the requirements.
· First of all, you must learn everything there needs to know about running a house as well as earn the respect needed to be a leader.
· Additionally, the cost to switch houses is 50 points. However, anyone wishing to join your house must possess 70 points and have a remaining balance of at least 20 points to account for potential future challenges.
· As the leader, you must have a minimum of 120 points, and you must gain approval from your current house leader to leave.
· Likewise, you must have at least four other members, with them each coming from a different house.
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· Finally, these must all be met before The Day of Myths And Legends.
"Any objections to this?" Ra asked. Ragnor kept silent and only after a minute he leaned backward, "I think he's talking to you two." The door creaked open as Loki poked his head in, followed by the twins. "Nope," Loki grinned. "Oh, this will be fun, don't you think Abel?" Cain asked his twin. "Mhmm." His brother nodded. Ragnor stood up, facing the headmaster, "Get ready for your school to be turned upside down." His onyx eyes glowed as he walked pass the gods.
Loki watched as Ragnor walked past him before turning and nodding to the headmaster. Ra had his head in his hands as the god shut the door behind him, "Hey hey, do you think you can meet does requirements?" He asked in a worried voice, trying to catch up with the human. Ragnor stopped and turned to him, "I expected as much, he wouldn't let me do something so bold without proving myself first. The points won't be a problem to get but having to get a member from each of the houses to turn their backs on their captains, which might be a little tricky." Loki smiled, "That's good, the old man's not as mean as you thought he would be."
Ragnor shook his head, dismissing Loki's initial question, "Nope, do you realize why Ra imposed first and fourth conditions?" Loki pondered for a moment but couldn't come up with an answer, so Ragnor continued to explain, "How would you feel if one of your people left to join another house? Saddened, and a bit backstabbed? That is why you normally don't need permission to leave. What makes it all the worse is that I need to steal them right under all the captains' noses."
"I see, so you're going to make some powerful enemies right from the start." Loki worried. "Exactly so I need to make some allies who are just as powerful." Ragnor grinned as he walked away. Though he stopped and turned back to Loki, "By the way, would you be mad if I stole from you?" Loki placed a finger on his cheek, contemplating the question. "A dog that doesn't faithfully stay by its master's side isn't a pet worth keeping," he replied with a sly smile.
Ragnor tried to hide his grin as he turned away from Loki and began making his way back to class. As he did so the twins joined Loki. "Oi whoremonger, what's up with your human?" the vocal twin taunted. Loki closed his eyes and forced a fake smile., "It seems you've been here so long that you forgot you're humans as well." Abel clutched onto his brother, holding him back, "You damn well know what I mean." Loki inched closer, "I do, but I also know you're supposed to be nice to the people you need a favor from." "Like hell I'll be nice to," Abel stopped his brother, looking up at Loki. "Can you please tell us about him?" Loki's eyes shun as he pulled Abel into a hug, "Of course my dear. How can I ever say no to you." Cain gritted his teeth, "Let go of my brother before he catches something." Loki dodged Cain's swing before appearing behind him. "Fine, let's make a deal then. I tell you what you want, and you help me."
From the corridor, Ragnor could hear the uproar created by his classmates. He cautiously opened the sliding door to his classroom, inching in slowly. He could see Vali and Apollo to the front while the others sat in their groups talking. He moved it, taking a step in, and was immediately greeted by a football striking him square in the face. "Pathetic little human, you can't even catch a ball properly." scoffed Apollo, while Vali retrieved the ball and added, "Maybe you should stay outside until the teacher gets here. You know, so you don't accidentally die." Vali smirked before kicking the ball back to Apollo.
Apollo received it and just as quickly sent it back. Ragnor silently approached Vali. Just as the god prepared to intercept the ball, Ragnor swiftly kicked the back of Vali's foot. Caught off guard, Vali lost his balance and crashed to the ground, the impact resounding through the classroom. The abrupt noise brought an eerie silence as everyone turned their attention to the scene.
Ragnor stooped down next to the god, "Ouch," He remarked, "Falls like that could leave you with severe brain damaged," He waved at Apollo, "Oh that way the two of you would have something else in common."
Without hesitation, Apollo closed the distance between them and grabbed Ragnor by the neck. Apollo forcefully slammed him against the wall, "I've had enough of your insolence! You've yet to realize how pathetic you are compared to us!" the god went, his voice filled with contempt. Ragnor's lips curled upwards, giving Apollo a cocky smile, Oh, would you like to taste defeat at the hands of a mere human? Perhaps then you'll realize your worthlessness after being bested by someone so 'pathetic.'" Ragnor strained to turn his head, barely managing to look where he intended. "Isn't that right, Artemis?"
That comment sent Apollo over the edge, engulfing him in a blind rage. Clenching his fist tightly, he swung with all his might, aiming for Ragnor's face. Though the punch was swift, Ragnor's knee was faster. He drove it into Apollo's groin, causing his face to contort in agony. All the boys and even some of the girls faces winced, empathizing with his suffering. Apollo crumpled to the ground, desperately trying to suppress any cries of pain.
"You underhanded-" Vali's face reddened, only growing even more furious my Ragnor's look of belittlement. He balled is fist as he took a step forward but froze in place as Hades took a step into the doorway. The teacher looked around the class and then back at the boys, their reflection painted in his glasses. He groaned, seeing the hassle they were about to put him through. He moved his red hair out of the way, exposing the tiredness in his eyes and the eyebags beneath them. His eyes were a lifeless red, perfectly matching the hue of his shirt. He fixed his glasses, the rose-red design on them fluttering in the wind.
"Everything okay in here?" Hades inquired; his tone sounded more of duty than actual concern. Apollo, momentarily forgetting his pain, struggled to his feet and nodded in shame. Ragnor turned to Apollo, "Is it?" Apollo, averting his gaze, nodded once again, acknowledging the need for resolution. Ragnor straightened his disheveled shirt and made his way back to his seat.
"Yay, now we can get annuities started." His monotone voice vocally expressed how his students felt.
"Hey brother, do you think we have time for this? Don't we have to take on that first year in a game?" Abel asked is vibrant blue hair that rivaled the color of the sky itself, resting his head on his brother's shoulder. Abel closed his deep blue eyes as he let out a sigh. "Don't worry, my dearest," Cain said back, absorbed in his coin, passing it between his fingers with an air of calm. "Watching this hypocrite use magic would be a good relaxer before we go into our match." "Hey, Cain?" Abel began, his voice soft and contemplative.
Cain looked at his brother, their hair entwined like fire and water. Without averting his gaze from the coin, he replied, "Yes?" Cain put down the coin as they sensed magic being used from the other side of the wall. "You should quell your bloodlust; your eyes are practically glowing."
Cain rubbed his eyes and tapped his cheeks as he focused all his energy into his hearing. While Cain listened closely, Abel kept his eyes closed and dropped into a deep slumber. Knowing that he had his brother by his side kept his mind at ease and he could sleep without worrying about being disturbed.
From the other side of the wall, White, the leader of the Golden Halls, stood regally upon the stage. They were in the house meeting room. Like everything else, the room was clad in his collars. Ornamental pillars stood erect, their design straight out of a colosseum. The first-year members of his house lined up in attention, their hushed whispers and uneasy movements betraying their apprehension. Elena, the sole human among them, lingered at the back of the crowd, sensing an unsettling undercurrent in the air. Her intuition told her that something was amiss. She scanned the assembled gods, there were a few from her class; Athena and Vali were the only names she knew.
A sudden chill ran down Elena's spine, causing every hair on her body to stand on end. White's mere presence commanded respect, and that was exactly what each member of the audience bestowed upon him. His aura exuded unwavering confidence as he strode onto the stage, clad in a pristine white suit accentuated by a golden tie.
The combination of his attire and demeanor seemed to elevate White to an ethereal status, as if even in this room of gods; he was a higher being. The room fell into a hushed reverence, everyone keenly aware of the power and authority he possessed.
The Norse Gods among them dropped to their knees, "It is a great honor to be in the same house as you, Lord White." their voices unified in reverence. White's presence was akin to the hottest flame, radiating both brilliance and warmth to those gathered around him. His imperial gold eyes, in stark contrast to his flawless white skin, exuded an air of superiority.
Surveying the submissive crowd, White's gaze encompassed them all, "No, only the king grants entry into his kingdom! And none of you have done anything worthy of earning that honor." he sighed, releasing the tension from his clenched fist. The ground stopped shaking, though the panic that gripped their hearts remained.
"Before the next official house meeting, each of you must gain 50 points to join this house properly." White declared, his attention shifting towards the Norse gods, "Should you fail to achieve this goal, for the next three years, you will remain nothing more than lost sheep in the wilderness. Bottom feeders condemned to wallow in misery and anguish until you truly comprehend the essence of serving the one true God." Elena, still unable to open her mouth, concentrated all her strength on her feet.
As Elena fought against the overwhelming presence of White, she couldn't help cold sweat as the disparity between him and the other gods became all too clear. Her own body seemed to tremble in fear, yielding more to his authority than to her own will. 'How is his presence so overpowering?' she pondered.
Observing her struggle and rise to her feet, White's eyes widened in surprise. A smile spread across his face as he approached Elena. "Oh, the human was the first to stand," he remarked, his tone laced with amusement. He extended a hand towards her in a gesture of acknowledgment. "It appears the humans this year won't disappoint either," he said, his smile directed at his underling.
"Come on, brother," Cain gently shook his brother, rousing him from his slumber. Abel slowly opened his deep blue eyes to find his brother's warm gaze upon him. Cain withdrew his arm from cupping Abel's face and extended a helping hand to assist him in standing. "We can't let that idiot have all the fun. He's messing with his human. Let us go mess with ours."
Cain had a mischievous smile playing on his lips. With a quickened pace, he eagerly moved ahead, leaving Abel struggling to catch up. Abel, who was still waking up, sighed. "Brother, I think you forget sometimes that we're humans too."
"Hey, don't pull so hard, my jacket will rip," Ragnor complained but Loki insisted, eagerly moving the boy forward with a smile plastered across his face. "Come on, hurry up." The god replied, unyielding.
Ragnor continued his stream of complaints, "Where are you even carrying me?" Ragnor asked. Loki turned and winked, "Somewhere very special." Ragnor sighed, "I told you; I don't swing that way." Loki rolled his eyes, dismissing the comment. "Not that special, idiot. Now shut up and follow me."
Hesitantly Ragnor agreed, allowing himself to be led by Loki. Before long they were on the west side of the campus, standing before a magnificent water fountain. The structure was immaculate as if it had just been erected. The crystal-clear blue water reflected the passing clouds, occasionally interrupted by bursts of water gushing from the stone dragon's mouth atop the fountain.
Seated there were the two boys, Cain, and Abel. Abel sat looking up at the clouds, saying that anything would get lost in his eyes did them no justice. They rivaled the beauty of the sky itself. Cain waved his hand to and fro in the water, creating small ripples. As Ragnor and Loki approached, he withdrew his hand from the fountain.
"You violated the serine water by washing your dirty coin in it," Loki said in a disgusted voice. Cain met the god's gaze, his tone matter-of-factly, "Unlike you, my possessions are well kept. This putrid water stained my coin."
Ragnor put his hand on Loki's shoulder, a grateful smile on his face. "I think you can take off now, my friend. This gift is more than I could have asked for." Ragnor said, his eyes locked with Cain's fiery gaze. The intense flames which danced in Cain's eyes mirrored the crackling lightning within Ragnor's.
"Let's not waste anytime, shall we?" Ragnor said as he approached them. Cain stood up and began asimilar march with his head held high and a grin stretching from ear to ear. Stoppingjust a breath away from Ragnor. The first year stood unphased, smirking as hemet Cain's gaze. He said with a hint of excitement in his confident voice, "Letthe games begin."