Saika begins to slowly wake up. He yawns a bit before looking around, eventually getting to the window. He looks out only to see something up in the sky, heading their way. He squints, trying to figure out what it is before realizing it's a person flying at them. Saika’s eyes widen as he leans back, trying to get the other’s attention.
“Uh, guys? Is there supposed to be someone heading straight for us through the air?” He asks softly. Everyone stops and looks out the windows to see the man getting closer rapidly. They start to freak out with worried looks as the pilots smirk to themselves.
“You better prepare yourselves because you are about to meet someone very important.” They say over the speakers. The pack stops and look around confused as the pilot hits a switch, opening up a hatch in the roof, causing everyone to cover themselves as the air pressure bursts out. “You are about to come face to face with one of Southpaw’s right hands. A Director.” the pilot says.
“Woah! A Director! In the flesh!” Killian says excitedly, raising his head.
“The highest Tier agents of the ASA. Above even a 5th Tier Hunter or Vanguard.” Tadashi says with a smirk and a sweat as he covers himself.
“I heard they don’t even need a partner because they’re so strong!” Saika says with a wide smile to Moshiro. As they speak in admiration of this person, the pilot speaks to them more.
“And not just any Director. The Director. This man you’re about to come face to face with is the genuine right hand to Southpaw. Whenever the greatest hero isn’t around, which is fairly often all things considered.. he’s the guy everyone goes to. Some even regard him as a greater hero than Southpaw himself due to his immense strength and success at stopping evil wherever he goes. Untouched by his peers and undefeated by villainy, this is…” the pilot says, hyping this hero up as he comes slamming down into the jet through the roof. As he lands, a cloud of white smoke puffs out, obscuring him from their view as the hatch shuts again. “The Blinding Hand of Peace. ”
The pilot’s voice trails off as everyone coughs and waves their hands in front of their faces, trying to clear the smoke to see this grand hero. As they do, the hero speaks.
“I hope you’re all ready to step into a journey like no other.” The Director says as he stands up, his silhouette through the smoke. Everyone watches with anticipation as even Wolf looks excited before she gets a confused then shocked look.
“Huh??” She voices loudly. Slowly, a familiar face begins to emerge from the smoke as he gives them a big smile.
“Here, at the Academy of Superior Abilities!” Teach says happily. Everyone looks shocked.
“HUH???” They all shout. Moshiro simply smirks to herself at the others' reactions.
“Wait, no way! You’re telling me you’re-” Killian says, shocked.
“That’s right. Director Teach of the ASA.” He says boldly, pointing a thumb at himself, dressed in a way he’s never been before. Phoenix is stunned before she speaks, looking at Wolf.
“This can’t be real. That means this whole time, for years, you guys have been getting trained by-”
“A Director…” Wolf says softly. Tadashi then looks at Moshiro sharply.
“You knew about this?” He asks her. Moshiro smugly smiles before shrugging her shoulders.
“Hey! That’s cheating!” Killian whines.
“No fair!” Saika whines with him.
“Surprised, I see. Don’t you worry your little heads, everything will be explained in due time. For now, I’m here to give you a quick breakdown of the operations of our-” Teach says before Yoko raises their hand and speaks.
“Hey! These humans seem to be impressed by your stature! Why is that? Should I consider you to be an admirable human?” They ask loudly as Killian leans over the seat.
“Are you kidding?? He’s a Director, THE Director! Weren’t you listening?? They’re some of the strongest, most elite agents of the ASA! Anyone can become a 5th Tier but not just anyone can become a Director!” Killian says, shocked by Yoko’s lack of knowledge.
“Oh yeah, you’re not from here, are you?” Saika says. Teach looks at them with a confused look.
“Oh, hello. Who might you be?” He asks.
“I am Yoko Tatsuo and I’m a dragon! Bow before me, lowly human!” They stand up as they command. Teach looks at Moshiro.
“What is this?” He asks with a raised eyebrow, pointing at Yoko. Moshiro looks nervous.
“Hang on, sensei. This can all be explained.” She says before pointing to Wolf. “This was all her idea.” Moshiro says sharply. Wolf is shocked.
“You were there too!” Wolf shouts.
“I don’t care whose idea it was, somebody explain.” Teach commands as Wolf answers.
“Well, we found them crashed in the woods behind the dojo a few nights ago. They don’t remember anything of their past so I offered them our friendship and a place in the ASA with us..?” She answers in a slightly worried tone with an awkward smile on her face. Teach stares at her in disbelief for a moment before sighing and rubbing his brows.
“Why am I not surprised? We haven’t even gotten to the Academy yet and you’ve already made my life a nightmare.” Teach says with a huff. Wolf giggles nervously as Teach looks at the others. “Will they behave?” He asks openly.
“In theory.” Tadashi says plainly. Teach looks at Yoko.
“Well, I can’t really send you back now. Just stick with the group and I’ll see what I can do but I make no promises, got it?” Teach says firmly. Yoko smiles and lifts their fist into the air.
“Yes, human!” They shout. Teach sighs before continuing with a sweat and a smile.
“Well, let’s get started.” He says before continuing on his speech to the pack about the ASA. No time at all passes as the jet slows above a landing area in the ASA. As the jet lands vertically with its advanced technology, everyone looks around, getting ready to exit. Teach leads the pack out as everyone makes their way off. Tadashi lets out a sigh of relief.
“Phew… land.” He says softly as Moshiro exhales too.
“Tell me about it..” she says to him.
“Come along, my new students. We have a bus waiting to take you to the academy sector.” Teach says as he motions towards the bus waiting for them with the driver leaning against the side by the entrance. The pack gets surprised looks recognizing the driver.
“Woah! How’d you get here so fast??” Killian asks as the driver puts out his cigarette, blowing smoke out.
“It’s my job. Now let’s go.” He says before getting into the drivers seat, the students following along. The bus pulls out of the landing port and drives down a thin road through the forest and pulls up to a large building where a few other busses are dropping students off as well.
“Here is the dorm building. This is where your living quarters will be located. For now, you’ll drop off your belongings and you’ll be assigned a room later.” Teach says as he stands in the center of the bus. They look out the windows at the building and seem a little underwhelmed. Wolf, Saika and Phoenix droop a little.
“That’s where we’ll be staying?..” Wolf asks.
“I was honestly expecting a bit more..” Saika says.
“I guess it could be worse.” Phoenix says, trying to stay optimistic. Moshiro stands up and Killian does the same.
“You should be grateful. And we haven’t even gotten inside yet.” Moshiro says with a huff. Teach smiles at them.
“You’ll get used to it, trust me. You’ll each have your own room so the space will feel bigger once inside.” Teach then turns and steps towards the front of the bus. “When you exit the bus and grab your belongings, you will be met by another agent who will be your guide for the rest of the day.” He says.
“And when will we see you again?” Tadashi asks softly. Teach smiles a bit.
“Soon, but just focus on the tour for now and enjoy yourselves. This should be a thrilling, exciting experience!” Teach says to them all with a smile, patting Tadashi on the head, before they all start to get off the bus. The pack collects their stuff and gathers together, looking around at the other students.
“Some of these people look quite intimidating..” Phoenix says nervously.
“Yeah, and rich.” Wolf says with a snarky tone before looking away from the others.
“Hello! You all must be from District 12, right?” An excited woman’s voice sounds from behind them as they look over. “Hi! I’m Nazuna and I’ll be giving you your tour today!”
Some of them blush when they see the short woman with bright red hair that fades to orange on the tips. She has big round eyes and black irises. She gives them a cute warm smile.
‘So cute!’ They all think but immediately notice something particular about her. They examine her cat ears and fox tail coming out of her body.
“Cat ears?” Killian notices.
“And a tail.” Phoenix says. They are surprised as Saika steps forward with an excited smile.
“Are you some kind of cat girl??”
Instantly, the woman’s eyes sharpen as she stands over Saika with an intense look.
“Is there something wrong with cat girls?” She asks with a dark tone as Saika shakes his head.
“No way! I love them, they’re so cute!” He says excitedly while blushing. Nazuna instantly calms and enjoys his love happily. As he pets her enthusiastically, the others watch with smiles on their faces.
“I guess cat girls are real.” Wolf says with a smirk.
“I’ve seen some videos online but I just assumed they were fake.” Killian says back. Phoenix nods happily when Yoko suddenly pushes past them and towards Nazuna and Saika.
“Step aside, humans! Let me show you something truly special!” They then hum a little as they begin transforming a bit. Their short horns grow long and sharp, their teeth get even sharper and the tiny wings on their back get much larger. Their tail even gets a bit longer as black fur grows on their arms up to their elbows once again and claws come out from their fingers. Yoko stands there, satisfied with their transformation as the others stare at them.
“What do you think? Are you meager humans not impressed with my more faithful form?” They ask smugly, with their hands on their hips and a bold look on their face.
“Yeah, we already knew you were a freak.” Moshiro says casually as Yoko looks offended.
“I’ll have you know, I am no freak in dragon culture! …I think.” They get an embarrassed look and start pouting. “And even if I was, why would you care, human?!” They yell as Nazuna perks up a bit.
“How interesting!” She says as the pack and Yoko look at her. “Type powers can be quite confusing. Sometimes people are born and know everything about their powers while others can live their entire life without knowing they had a power to begin with. Training or background really don’t matter, it’s all up to the Soul.” Nazuna says as she examines Yoko, giving the group their first real lesson as the pack listens intently.
“You and I both seem to be Myth Types, as apparent by our features. Most Myth Types can transform into their respective creature and commonly have special abilities to go along with them. Is there anything else you can do?” Nazuna asks them. Yoko thinks for a moment before they remember with wide eyes.
“Oh yeah!” They shout as they jump back a bit and burp, causing a small burst of fire to come out of their mouth. Unfortunately, Killian happen to be in the line of fire and his face is smoked, leaving only a small burning spot on the top of his head. Yoko looks a little embarrassed. “Whoops. Sorry, bold human.” They say. Nazuna giggles before putting her hands on her hips.
“Don’t you worry. Here at the ASA, we will guide each and every one of your Souls with whatever abilities that may come with them.” She gives them an anticipatory look. “The full potential of your Souls is far beyond what you think it is now. Just you wait!” She winks at them before turning around and marching forward. “But for now, let’s start with the tour! Come along! We’ll check in your bags with the dorms then continue on!” She says happily as the pack follows the short woman. They enter the building and put nametags on their bags handed to them. After they write their names, they leave them with the desk attendant. Wolf writes her name down as Nazuna steps behind her and reads the name.
“Anderson, huh?” She asks with an interested look. Wolf looks at her, a little surprised and confused.
“Yep. Wolf Anderson, that’s me.” She says awkwardly.
“Interesting.” Nazuna says with a plain smile and wide eyes. Wolf sweats, unsure why she is acting this way before she smiles at her.
“Is something wrong?..” she asks quietly.
“No, nothing’s wrong. Just getting familiar with my students’ names.” Nazuna says with a smile before she walks away. Wolf watches her for a moment before she rolls her eyes a bit, weirded out by the interaction.
“Ookayyy…” she says to herself.
Soon, the pack is guided through the dorms being shown the sights and only cementing the fact they don’t find the living space very impressive. Then they are taken into the academy grounds.
“And here we start with the main hall! If you’re ever lost, just come back here. Since it connects to every other part of the academy, I’m sure you’ll be able to figure it out.” Nazuna says with a smile as Killian, Tadashi and Yoko grab pamphlets of the academy for the new students at a front desk. They then continue through.
“Over here is the mission board. Once you become full fledged students, you’ll be sent on missions for the ASA. And in your spare time, if you so desire, you can take on missions for more points.”
The pack watches as older students and agents review the mission board. Phoenix notices the lack of school uniforms at the academy. She raises her hand before speaking.
“Uh, Ms. Nazuna? Is there no school uniform or dress code here?” She asks. Nazuna smiles at her.
“Nope! Excluding the training attire, you will design your own outfit to your liking and the academy will create it for you using our custom materials. Along with any modifications you make later. You can read about it all in the school’s pamphlet!” She says happily as Killian shoves the pamphlet in her face.
“Yeah forehead, just read the pamphlet.” He teases as Phoenix angrily swipes the paper from her face.
“It says here that we’ll get our outfits after the Eval Tournament? What’s that?” Tadashi asks with peaked interest.
“Oh, now that’s something special. It is a test we created to see your special skills and talents in real time, creating a more optimal way to figure out your classification. Hunter or Vanguard.” Nazuna says.
“How do you know which one you are?” Wolf asks, hardly paying attention, distracted by sights around them, but still curious.
“Now now, let’s save all those questions for tomorrow in class. We’ll give you a far more comprehensive explanation there.” Nazuna says, turning around and continuing forward. They eventually get to the cafeteria.
“And here’s our wonderful cafeteria! We only serve the most delicious of food here provided by our esteemed head chef Mr. Takahashi. Everyone say ‘Hi, Mr. Takahashi!’” She says as she turns and waves happily to the chef behind the cafeteria window stall. They all wave as he looks at them with a soft smile. The older man with brown hair and a short beard waves back to them.
“He’s nice.” Nazuna says with a big smile as her tail wags. She drools a little at the thought of food. Wolf notices and droops a bit at the sight.
“I think she just likes the food..” She says. Phoenix nods with a smile.
“Excuse me, cat woman! Is there a surplus of chicken here? As a dragon, my appetite is mighty!” Yoko asks, raising their hand.
“Like anywhere else on Airia, food is in no shortage.” Nazuna answers.
“Yes!” Yoko pumps their fist happily.
“Main, this place is like a paradise!” Killian says happily, throwing his arms behind his head and leaning back exaggeratedly before he feels like he bumped into someone. “Whoops! I’m really sorry, I didn’t see you-” He turns around quickly with an apology but stops when he doesn’t see anything.
“N-no! It’s my fault, I’ve really gotta be more careful…” A feminine voice speaks out. They look back confused only for Killian to notice a pair of cleaner gloves and boots standing before him holding a mop but with no person attached to them.
“Um…” He hums.
“Ah, Mia! Everyone, this is Mia, our super lovely groundskeeper. Despite how young she is, she does an incredible job at keeping the place nice and clean!” Nazuna says with a smile before hugging Mia tightly.
“Y-yes. That’s what I do, I clean. S-sorry again, I’m still trying to figure the whole place out… I’ll be more careful.” She says shyly before taking her mop and bucket away. Killian looks concerned as he tries to apologize back to her but misses his chance.
“Was that a Type power she had?” Moshiro asks curiously, looking at Nazuna.
“Yes, she has the Meta Type: Invisibility.” Nazuna says. Moshiro looks interested by her power.
“Can she not turn it off? I’ve never heard of a Type power that can’t be deactivated.” Moshiro says, looking at Mia.
“You’re right. We kinda treat it like a disability she has, and try not to mention it, she seems shy about it. Doesn’t change her wonderful personality or work ethic though! Come on!” Nazuna says with a big smile before leading the pack once again.
“I think it’s about time for the opening ceremony. Why don’t we get you all settled in the auditorium?” She says with a slight smile as the pack follows her to the large auditorium where many other new students and staff enter.