"So you're the guy that commissioned the Bo-staff." Donovan mentioned, "Not gonna lie, you got good taste."
"Oh thank you..." Dani nodded, "Your compliment is duly noted."
Samuel's grip was still hard on Dani's neck. Even they were surprised with how rough his hands are, and the iron grip he had on it, "Hot damn Six-clops...Easy on my neck man-! Your girlfriend must enjoy this...but I don't..."
Samuel raised his eyebrow, "What does that mean?"
"You don't need to know. Just slam him on the wall again." Donovan snarled.
"Ok!"
Dani widened their eyes, "Wait wait wait-"
Samuel reeled his arm back, and slammed Dani's body against the wall again. Pain shot through Dani's spine from the sheer force of his power, "Ah-! Bloody hell man!"
"Oh so you're british?" Gary noticed.
"What took you so long? Was it the accent? The good looks?" Dani retaliated.
"No. it's your teeth." A few snickers escaped from Donovan and Samuel.
"You can't even see 'em! Fuck you talking about?" Dani still squirmed under his grasp, "Can you let me go please-?"
Samuel turned to Donovan for their next move. And he nodded. Letting Samuel release Dani to the ground, but he plunged his glaive into the wall. Just inches away from Dani's face while Gary did the same with his warhammer, on the other side.
"But you are going to answer a few more questions however..." Donovan said.
"Oh, so you're the boss here, huh?" Dani remarked.
"Mhmm. Anyways, how the hell did you get into the S-class? You don't even want to attend classes." Donovan asked his first question.
"I lied alright? I twisted some cords, dibble dabble the marks of my exams, and they put me here. I didn't even think this could happen..." Dani answered, she felt a weird urge to answer truthfully, "There, you happy?"
"Not exactly. Next question, why the ghost act?"
Dani shrugged, "I dunno man! I came to class with this blur finkle. And now they called me a ghost. In a world of magic, they really believed in ghosts, so why not have some fun, Know what I'm saying?"
"So you basically terrorized the school for a bit?"
"If you put it like that, I guess so..."
Donovan went closer to Dani, causing Dani to wave their hand over their face revealing a more masculine face, "Oh...not so close huh? You gonna kiss me or something?"
"Nah. I like women." Donovan chuckled.
Gary made a small comment, "Doubt." this ended up with Donovan kicking him on the shin, "Ow...sorry..."
"So I keep this look huh?" Dani smugly smiled.
"No."
Dani waved their face again, reverting to the original feminine face again, "Better?"
"First, stop that. And second, that is your magic path no? What is it?"
Dani hesitated on answering at first. But with the warhammer coming closer to her face, and the glaive on the other side, She couldn't help but confess, "Magic path of the illusionist. There, happy?"
"Y'know, you're in big trouble. With your little act like this, the people who taught you that path can kick you out. And you might face heavier punishment if we report you today." Donovan threatened him, "Do you want that to happen friend?"
"Honestly? I kinda don't."
"Then behave." Donovan gave her a warning, "I'll tell you this only once. No more of this act. Participate in class, and stop fucking around."
Dani sighed, "Ah, you're no fun."
"I know man. If I didn't have many responsibilities, I would have done exactly what you did. But you have to know when to stop messing around and focus." Donovan pulled back.
"What about we just kill 'em?" Gary proposed.
"Huh?"
"HUH?!"
Gary shrugged, "I mean, She's mostly absent so the class doesn't know her as much, and nobody knows it's her. We can do it quickly. Neck snap, dump the body, or disintegrate it. No loose ends."
Did Dani hear that correctly? They must be joking! But the way they talked, it sounded like they were being for real, and an unnerving feeling settled in Dani's stomach, telling them that they might actually be able to do that, "Now now...Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I would really enjoy having my life and body intact. Especially my spine, which is healthy and not snapped."
"I mean...we could kill him yeah." Donovan nodded.
"WHAT?!"
Donovan chuckled before kicking Dani on the shin, "I'm just playing with ya. We won't kill you."
"Oh thank god..."
"Or are we?" Donovan's tone changed in a second, sweat trickled down Dani's head as they heard him speak, what's with this guy? "Uh..."
"I'm just joking. But behave. If you don't stop doing this. We'll stay true to our words." Donovan said.
"I don't think they'll believe you."
"Oh trust me they would." Donovan pointed at his shoulder, which had the emblem of the security force members.
"Oh. I see."
"Great!" Donovan took the Bo-staff and handed it to Dani, "Now get to class." The other two pulled their weapons back and let Dani go.
Dani reverted back to their blurry form and ran out of the training centre. Leaving the three alone together, "Didn't expect you to act like this." Gary said.
"Elyssia wanted us to deal with it. So we did."
"You usually wouldn't listen to anyone but Hanlerk." Samuel pointed out.
Gary realized the reason. And smirked. Amazing. Two of his friends had a chance. He must talk to Aurora about this, "I guess so. Any more info on Urkum's coil? Or the Red Hand by Sultan?"
"No. None so far." Donovan shook his head.
"What about the artifact that Samuel had bugged?"
"It's somehow still in the library. No one took it yet. I checked." Samuel shook his head as well.
"Well, shit. The artifact in the library isn't going to cut it. We gotta bug a few more." Donovan said, "Let's go around and bug as much as we can. You got your equipment?"
"Yes." Samuel and Gary held up a small pouch.
"Good let's get going."
***
Back in the security force room. Rovanne and Elyssia stood next to each other. Watching as the new members sparred with each other using their new weapons. Mary was against Nicola. She wielded an oddly surprising weapon of choice against Nicola's simple two daggers that are connected with a magic string. Mary had a three sectioned staff. She mentioned that a few movies, documentary's and witnessing asian friends fight with this inspired her to try it out. And so far she's liking it.
Prince was sparring with Anna. He still wielded a simple spear and shield. Like the tournament, but this one was altered and strengthened by the smithers. Hopefully he won't lose it this time. And for Anna, to suit her bare-fist and legs fighting style, she attained gun gauntlets. Gauntlets with a device that can propel her fist forwards in one quick moment, or even use it as a gun. Her training with guns back in Texas really paid off.
But then the other security force members hung around in the work-out area. Next to machines and weights. Rovanne pointed towards Aziroth and Marlen, "Look at them. Elyssia."
"What? Marlen and Aziroth?"
"They're adorable. Are they dating?"
"Dunno. Ask them yourself." Elyssia shrugged.
Rovanne chuckled before facing the sparring people again, "When the Yuletide dance comes along, and I see them together, that confirms it."
"Yeah..." Elyssia then remembered something, "How are the patrols with Samuel? Get any info off him?"
"Not really. All I know is he knew Donovan and Gary for a much longer time." Rovanne mentioned.
Elyssia picked up on this, "So that confirms their background info was lying. They had to have met each other and lived with each other for a much longer time than we knew."
"Yeah. But I don't think they have any ill-intentions! Like how they helped in the tournament and everything!" Rovanne defended them.
"I guess you're right. If they did have ill-intentions, it would have come to light by now. I'm pretty sure." Elyssia sighed.
"Like Samuel for example! The way he fought against Lucas in his second release was awesome! He was like, so damn cool! And when he fought against, I think it was the Oni-level monster in the middle. Seeing it in action confirms it, don't you think?"
"Yeah I guess." Elyssia nodded.
"Well, the way he finished the thing off was amazing! He was like, 'Schiwng!'" Rovanne imitated the spell that Samuel used, "And then the way he claimed the flag was...Oh my god. He was terrifying, I must admit. But even during our patrols together, he was so sweet! Kinda of nerdy and dorky...but in a good way! He's so soft and kind. And...cute. He may be scary at first, but he's such a lovable dork."
Elyssia looked at Rovanne with a certain expression, "What?" Rovanne asked.
"The fact that you called him a dork. I haven't heard someone say that for a long time." Elyssia pointed out.
"Uh...Yeah true."
"You like him don't you?" Elyssia broke the ice.
Rovanne's eyes widened and turned towards her friend, "What?! No!"
Elyssia could see her cheek reddening from the mention of that, "It's so obvious Rovanne. I can see it."
"I...No! I do not like him-!" Her cheeks are flustering up even further.
"Mhmm..." Elyssia couldn't help but smile, "The Yuletide dance is coming up in some days. Why don't you ask him to come with you to the dance?"
"Right I-! Uh...God daaamnitttt..." She covered her face in embarrassment, "Even if I ask him out, I'm an ugly bird. I don't want to get rejected!"
"That is not true." Elyssia reassured her, "You're beautiful, I know you can go out with him."
"You really think so?"
"Yes. I do."
Rovanne had gained a boost in confidence from that, "Thanks...That means a lot really. Coming from you especially."
"What does that mean?" Elyssia looked around.
"I heard from many boys in my class that said that you were one of the more beautiful girls in the first year. Like, top five." Rovanne said, "IThey even came together and apparently made a list of who's the most attractive."
"Disgusting..." Elyssia scoffed, "Ranking people based on looks."
"I know right. But they ranked you like the top four. One of the most beautiful in year one." Rovanne said.
Elyssia couldn't believe it, "Oh my lord, is that why so many boys asked me out to the dance?"
"Did you accept any?"
"No. Rejected all. I'm too busy for the dance. More paperwork and everything."
"Didn't Donovan finish all of that for you?" Rovanne thought, "Yeah he did. He told me to remind you. He finished it all!"
"Really?" She was surprised by that. Usually, no one even wanted to do paperwork, except for her. And for someone to do it willingly made her feel some sort of ease inside. Sort of a like a warm tender caress. She couldn't help but smile, That damn dork.
"Yeah! Hey, maybe you can go to the dance after all."
"Maybe I can indeed..."
Rovanne wondered who would be the best to go with her, and then the person came to mind, "What if you go with Donovan?"
"Donovan-?!" Elyssia met Rovanne's question with the same energy she had when ELyssia asked her if she liked Samuel. Rovanne recognized it and smirked as well, "Um..."
"Come on. Take a break, He settled everything for you to rest, why not go to the dance with him?" Rovanne said, "He's handsome. REAL handsome. That's one point. Hard worker AND fighter. Very smart. Solved almost all of the math and science homework. And taught us all as well. Man, if he didn't teach me pythagoras and trigonometry the day before, I would have flunked the math test so hard...Mr Rahul's a good teacher but the tests...? I hate those so much."
"Hmm...I don't know." She knew she should best just turn the opportunity down, but part of her refused it, "I'm still a bit conflicted on that-"
"What're you both talking about!" A third voice appeared. The two of them turned to find Aurora standing in front of the two, "I heard a mention of a dance."
"Uh yeah...Aurora. We're just thinking of who we should take with us. Or if we're even going to the ball." Rovanne explained without hesitation.
"Ohhh? And who are you taking Rovanne?"
"I'm thinking of Samuel...But I don't know if he will accept..." Rovanne looked down in embarrassment.
Aurora couldn't help but laugh at how similar the two acted. The only difference was that Samuel was introverted. While Rovanne was a more extroverted girl, "Girl, you definitely have a chance! I see the way he acts around you, he, in my opinion, will definitely accept you asking him to go."
"Really?"
"I know him. My boyfriend, Gary, knows him even more than me. He definitely will say yes." Aurora cheered her on.
"That's good to know..."
"And what about you, Elyssia?" Aurora shifted her attention to the leader of the security force.
"I'm not sure I'll go. I still haven't decided."
"But anyone in mind?"
Elyssia hesitated on answering her, but the mere image of his face, his smile, it brought her back to the day when she sang for her. Anytime his name was mentioned. she just couldn't help but travel back to that day, relviing the same experience for a fleeting moment, always ending with a pleasant finish. The calm face of Donovan, the thought of that made her heart flutter, "Maybe Donovan..."
"This is perfect! You two with Samuel and Donovan? Hah! I can't pass this up." Aurora clapped her hands.
"You're an excited one, aren't you?"
"That I am! Listen, I'll be taking Gary to the dance. And since he knows Donovan and Samuel best, he'll try to set them up with you two. Attempt to convince them and stuff!" Aurora said, "How's that?"
Elyssia and Rovanne looked at each other and shrugged, "Go ahead for Rovanne. I'm still not sure about going, however..." Elyssia said.
"There's still some days before it! So you have plenty of time to decide!" Aurora said, "But for you my raven girl, I'm going to help you ask Samuel out yeah?"
"Alright..." Rovanne's foot tapped rapidly on the ground, her hand still rubbed her elbow nervously. She really wanted to ask him, but still viewed the leap as too big.
"Yes girl! Awesome! Alright, I have a plan..."
On the other side of the training room, Marlen and Aziroth stood next to each other after a successful spar and workout. They were drinking water by the wall, watching as others worked out or spar.
"I'm surprised, Marlen..." Aziroth took another sip of water.
"Why's that?"
"You improved. A lot actually." Aziroth pointed to Marlen's weapon. A two-meter blade resting on the wall, "Especially with that..."
"Aww Thanks baby. I mean, you know where I came from. So it comes to no surprise I can do this, no?" Marlen nudged on Aziroth.
"I guess so..." Aziroth stared at Marlen's hand, and discreetly held it, Marlen felt his fingers slide over hers, eliciting a smile from her, even under that cold and heartless exterior, he's still a sucker to love, anytime they are alone, or even in public, he couldn't help but hold her hand constantly, "I'm surprised you mentioned it again..."
"It's alright. I'm still trying to move past it. Your existence helped a lot in that." Marlen said.
"Really?"
"Um...of course? You rambling about space really distracted me from the hellhole I called home." She rubbed his hand, "Got me into space as well. I love it."
"My goodness...I was such a nerd..." Aziroth cringed at recalling the memories, "I mean, technically, I still am."
"Now you dabbled in philosophy and mythology." Marlen poked his face, "In other words, You're way cuter now."
"Stop...We're in public."
"What? poking your face is not allowed now?"
"People will see and..." Aziroth sighed before he finished his sentence, "I don't want people to find out honestly."
"Sooner or later they will. And it's up to you on how you will react and how you can maintain the relationship with me and others when it's announced." Marlen said, "Speaking of relationships...Enzo is right there."
Aziroth looked up and found Enzo sitting alone with his hands to his back. Just staring off into emptiness. Marlen nudged Aziroth, "You still haven't really talked to him yet. I think it's better to speak to him now. Or else your friendship with him might be destroyed forever."
"I feel like it has already..."
"It has not baby...He still talks about you in a good light to people who would nab at you. And still defends you. Come on, talk to him, you were his only friend back then. And he still cares for you. Really. He really cares about you. Come on Azzy..."
Aziroth contemplated his future decision for a second, before exhaling and straightening himself up and fixing his work-out clothing, "Alright...I'll be back."
"Good luck baby."