After washing their faces and changing into their school uniforms, they went downstairs to eat their breakfast. It's their first day, and Chiyu can't help but anticipate what will happen there. How their year would be. How will their classmates treat them?
He's so excited. Though, he can feel like they'll be exhausted by the end of the day.
"Good morning," he greets to them as he takes his seat and muttered a low 'itadakimasu' before starting to eat.
It's traditional Napaj breakfast, the things they're used to eat. The food was also delicious yesterday but there's nothing that can beat the familiar and comfort food. Though, he's also excited with the Pangaea's delicacies. Based on what he tasted yesterday, Pangaeanoes like strong favors, especially with sweets and salty dishes.
After eating, they left early for school. Margarette can't tell stories about it since when she's still in school her third eye is not opened yet. Though, they can listen to the superstitions and urban stories. Though, they don't know if it will help them being in the rural area.
Chiyu adjusted his glasses and look outside the vehicle. Even with the scenes pass fast he can see the silhouettes of both the living and the unseen. They are common even in streets, though most of them are harmless. Just wandering ghost or curious supernatural creatures.
After a few more minutes they entered the school. He looked at the gate, "ST. MARY'S ACADEMY", in all caption and green paint. There's something eerie in this place but not as bad as haunted places. It doesn't stop him from having goosebumps as he looks around the hovering walls around the place.
"Your new school is 10 minutes travel from home and 20 or more minutes by walk," Tsukishima said as they walked and lead the two.
He was about to be impressed by the older male's knowledge, but he just rolled his eyes as he saw him closing the Maps apps fast.
Ahh, he should've known.
Chiyu can't help but look down and glance at the people who didn't hide their staring. His older brother walked confidently and looking forward as he walks not minding the nosy students and teachers alike who pass in with them. Well, he can't blame them.
Their short white hair reflected the rising sun, giving them beautiful halo effect. They are so pale that they can almost also see their veins. Although, their albinism makes it hard for them to stay out in the sun for too long, he didn't mind it.
Because of their appearance, they are eye catching. Student, parents nd teachers like, stares at them too intense that makes him very uncomfortable. He looks at Shimei, looking forward, full of confidence.
Ahh, his older brother is so amazing…
Though, his thoughts of the uncomfortable gazes left his mind as they passed the gate…
He can't help but stupidly stare at his surroundings, not just because of its beauty, the lush and tall trees, and clean place, bright colored buildings, the students playing, no…
"Nii-san…" he called his brother in a low voice, his brother glanced at him, still following Tsukishima to the Registrar's office. He noticed that theor guardian also took out his glasses and took small glances around. "Is… Is this school also a SHADOW affiliated school?"
Shimei seems lost in thought and think, before his answered. " I don't think so. As far as I remember, the elders only said that we will enter a Private Catholic school. Why?"
"There's too many SC here," he said looking at the biggest trees in the middle of the grass park. There's a big shadow of a person, and he doesn't want to know what's in there. [SC = supernatural creatures.]
"I'll call them later. Don't stare too much, even with the glasses." Chiyu just nodded.
They entered the principal's office, the teacher's attention. Tsukishima and the principal talk about the ways of the school. Sometimes Shimei ask questions and answers what was asked of him. Chiyu just sat there and listened.
They can take care of it.
When the conversation went to a boring topic, Chiyu looked around the room. It's dim lighted and have a light layer of dust around. That's why his nose was itchy.
Achoo!!
A small voice rang and silenced the two adults.
Chiyu can't help but fluster at the attention. He uttered a small apology before taking his face mask on. He really tried containing it but… d*mn it!
"I'm sorry, I've not been in this room since I've been busy with other… things. You two can go and explore. This are boring conversation for youngster. There's still some time before the flag ceremony," he said with a smile. They both slightly bowed and left the room.
Chiyu exhaled a loud sigh. Shimei just chuckled lowly, before asking. "So, where are we going now?"
"Maybe we should visit our classroom first."
"Hmm, come on. Let's meet our classmates," the older male held his hand and guide him through the crowd. They stopped by the bulletin board and looked at the map of the school.
It was a big school. They have building from kindergarten to college. Though he can't know the real estimation of the place, but it may be at least as huge as the Mall of Aisa, or maybe bigger!
Okay, so they are at the building for school offices. Their building, junior high school, is a far from there, the gate 1. It's closer in the gate 4. They are looking at the other buildings and their labels when something passed from the wall right in their faces.
Chiyu can't help but shiver and startle as the creature pass by them. It has bad odor and doesn't look like a supernatural creature or a demon. It has black, gooey body, and it have different faces and limbs from the inside and out of it slime-like body. There are some internal organs of a person.
It was mumbling something, but he didn't get any of it. They stared at the map for a few more moments before he looks back and saw the creature pass through the next room.
What the fuck is that?! It was the first time they saw something like that. Unlike the chill that they feel when a ghost pass through them. They can't help but shiver from unusual heat, that makes their stomach twist, and they feel nausea.
"Nii-san…" He called his brother but the other was still looking at the map. There's not much change in his face but he has slight frown and the thin layer of sweat at his nape.
The other didn't respond, so Chiyu just held his hand and lead them to their building. He keeps looking around. Watching after the unknown creatures of that place. So far, they didn't meet any other supernatural.
He wants to look at them one at a time, not coming in pairs! Chiyu doesn't want to make mistake and put his brother and their schoolmates in danger. One wrong move and it will be a catastrophic event, and he's not being dramatic. This is a new territory and there's so many things they needs and wants to learn.
They know the quirks and the personality of the creatures in their neighborhood and their old school. Plus, they have their seniors that can help them when things get tight and too dangerous for them to handle. Coming in Pangaea makes them get out of the comfort they feel back in Napaj. They have no one to lean but themselves. A great way for them to grow and flourish.
Unknown demography, limited allies, different cultures and norms, and new supernatural creatures.
Chiyu can't help but sigh and look forward. Well, things will work out somehow. God is always watching over them and will not let them get in the harm's way unless necessary.
They arrived at their building and started looking for their room.
"Chiyu…" he heard Shimei called and look back the older with a smile. "Welcome back…" he teases.
Chiyu just rolled his eyes and smiles. "I'm back. Did you see another creature like that?"
Letting go of Shimei hand and put it in his chin, thinking. "None so far. Though, I think I remember smelling something like that odor, but I can't remember where. Do you?"
Shimei just shook his head. "Haven't smell anything like that. What I'm trying to think was their mumbles."
"Their mumbles?"
"Yes, each face and mouth are saying something. I've heard bits but, I can't connect them all."
"Just what is that creature. I doubt anyone back home knows about it…"
"Hmm. Let's get accustomed in this place first."
Chiyu just nodded. Those shut in elders of theirs underestimated this place, thinking that Pangaea is just a country with strong bond with their supernatural creatures and events. No, its much stronger. Maybe it's because their culture is closely knitted in their urban legends and such. Maybe…
… But that can't only be the reason. There must be something deeper that they must uncover to learn this abnormal number of creatures littering around this school… Chiyu doesn't want to think that it was just as bad as this school or maybe even worse in other school or other places.
Ahh, he just wishes he doesn't jinx himself.
There are only 6 students in the classroom. Chiyu checked his watch and saw the glaring 6:57 am. He can't help but yawn.
It's far too early than what they used to. He don't know if can study from 8 hours staight. Just the thought of it make him exhausted. Well, maybe the classes are interesting that they he will forget about time. Maybe. He wishes.
He took his book and started reading. Tuning out his classmates and their unalive guests. Though, he can feel their stares, and watch whatever he and his nii-san is doing. He glanced at them and can see the distance between them.
Chiyu can't help but internally sigh.
He can't help but feel like they are some kind of animal in the zoo. Being watched and studying how to interact with them.
They stayed to what they are doing and the other watching slowly dispenser. Their classroom started to fill and their clasmates just glance at them and went to their groups. Chattingal and gossiping. His eyes and half of his brain is in the book, while the other half and ears are listening.
They need as much information as possible.
After listening ans interpreting their stories, never mentioning SC and other paranormal activities, he ruled that this is a normal and non-SHADOW affiliated school.
Ahh, it will be hard for them for fill in the other roles and to connect their classmates. Their world is too far from theirs. Just like any other school back in Napaj and normal teenagers, they will isolate the people that don't belong in their world.
This is going to be difficult highschool life.
When the bell rang, they went to the field for the morning ceremony.
What he like the most in this ceremony is that they do a light exercise. It's so fun dancing with his nii-san, who stiffly executed the steps. His classmates, no, every student participated yell in some parts.
"Wohooo! A great way to start the day, don't you think?" the girl next to him asked with a big smile.
He didn't answer right away, waiting if someone else was asked. "Yes, you're right. I didn't think I'd be this energetic at early morning," he answered with a small smile.
"I know. I really don't like exercising but doing this with everyone, well, I don't want go be a kill joy."
"Does everyone do this every morning?"
"Yep, and also don't get late, okay? They'll have you clean somewhere, and its a not good experience, I tell yah," she made an 'ekk', sound and seems to be disgusted with a memory.
"Thank you very much for the warning..." He bowed slightly before he looks behind him and saw Shimei, trying to soften his dancing. He took his phone and recorded a small portion of it.
"You're having too much fun with this." Shimei stopped dancing and looking at his brother with slight smile.
"Of course, it's been a while. I miss watching you dance."
"Stop teasing me.",
At that exact time, the exercise for the day ended and they went back to their classroom. When they entered, there are so many ghosts littered in their room. Both students and employees. They all look liked normal people, except they are pale, almost transparent. No gory looking ghost, much to his relief.
Chiyu observed his classmates and the division of class. There are small group of friends, some are busy with something and not talking with others, and there's this big group.
He doesn't want to finalize the conclusion but he thinks they dominate this class, not just from their sheer number but also the atmosphere around them. They seems to have good relationships with each other.
He didn't linger in his classmates, he look at the non living people in the room. There are 2 ghost, and 5 dwendes. Pretty harmless and they are busy looking after the students, either for good intention or not, he doesn't know. He's not in that level yet.
Suddenly his phone rang. He can't help but blush from embarassment as he fished it out and see who texted him.
From: Alex-kun
06:44 am
Wakey wakey!! Are you up now? It's your first day. Don't get late because I'm not there 😘.
Chiyu made a small smile and reply. He also included a picture of Shimei by with in his phone too, but gave a 'Victory sign'.
To: Alex-kun
06:46 am
Ha ha. I'm already at school. I can go to school just fine.
[Insert photo]
From: Alex-kun
06:47am
What the?! Who are you? Where is my friend?! He doesn't get up to bed unless I'm not the one waking him up! Well, Shimei too.
Chiyu giggled as he typed a reply. They continue chatying, sharing the difference of schedule in their hometown and in Pangaea. Alex also talked about the incidents happened in the past few days. It was a great time to spend while waiting for the teacher, oh right, the homeroom is already done but their advisor didn't come... Oh well, they'll come later... He thinks.
It's weird that they are chatting about their lives, when they used to chat and laugh with each other no barrier, and no long distance. If he could, he would want to go back in Napaj, but they can't because they have a mission. He laso wishes for Alex-kun to follow them but that would be unreasonable.
He is a 'Normal' and he have limited actions in their world. He doesn't want him to get hurt. It will feel like squizing his heart, drying it from blood.
He's being dramatic...
From: Alex-kun
07:12 am
I miss you so much. 😭😭 Come back home soon.
At the same time, their teacher entered the room. He replied a 'Talk to you later. Teacher. Here.' Before putting it back to his bag. She glanced at them, before starting with some announcement about the upcoming events before the midterms. She also reprimanded some of my classmates. About causing trouble somewhere or planning to cause some trouble, since some words are Pangaeano, so, we didn't understand most of it.
"Ayusin nyo! Nakuu! If you cause something to happen kagaya noong nakaraang taon. Malilintikan kayo sa kin," she threated, but there's no fire in them, instead she look at them fondly.
"At least masaya. Aminin. You had fun last year!"
"Expect the unexpected, Maam!"
"Ayiee, excited na si Maam."
They also said other things but I didn't mind it, as I saw how close they are. They seem fond with one another, which is not something that in Napaj do. Professionalism is important in their culture, so, to not break it, teachers are distant from their student. They interact in school for academic purposes or what their job is. They even more lesser interaction outside of school.
This doesn't seem to be the case in this country. Another culture shock for him. He doesn't know how to feel from this. It quite bizarre seeing teachers and students have close relationship. They are not like friendly close but they have this familial-like relationship. It's refreshing, its…
Sigh…
But he's not to judge. Like he stated earlier, different country and different culture.