CH. 35 - New Homes

With the sun lowering in the sky, Wolf and Phoenix make their way back to their dorm building, Wolf moping about after the news of their total failure.

“I just don’t understand why we have to take responsibility. It’s not like we’re the leaders or anything. And Nobody didn’t even say anything about the teams!” Wolf complains openly.

“Wolfy, I think you’re taking this far too personally. I get your frustration, but there’s nothing we can do about it. If anything, I thought you’d be honored, implied to be in charge and all. I certainly don’t want to be.” Phoenix says as they step up to the main doors of the building. Wolf just stares at Phoenix with a subtly upset look before teasing her.

“That’s because you’re a little bottom who doesn’t like telling people what to do.” Wolf teases smugly. Phoenix’s vein pops on her head as a loud thud is heard from inside the building. Killian looks at the door, surprised for a moment, before smiling softly.

“Guess they finally made it back.” He says happily.

“Took them long enough.” Moshiro says.

“What did they even have to do? Find one dude?” Alston says too. They both speak with irritated tones due to their upset moods. Phoenix opens the doors as Wolf crouches on the ground in pain with a big bump on her head. 

“Sorry we’re so late guys.” Phoenix apologizes.

“Yoo Phoenix, how’d the mission failure go?” Dante asks from a couch in the community space. Phoenix sweats a bit with an awkward smile.

“Yeah, well, the mission went great but… since yours didn’t go so well, it seems we all failed.” Phoenix says with an awkward smile, trying to be polite. Wolf rubs her head as she steps inside.

“Yeah, we probably all failed because of that dead eyed, bald headed demon over there.” Wolf mocks as she points to Cole, who was minding his own. He gets a comically large vein pop over his head.

“Why must you always call me bald?! I am not bald, you damn mutt!” Cole shouts back.

“You don’t get to give me lip! I actually passed my mission, unlike you!” Wolf shouts back as they get in each other’s face.

“Yet here we are, all not passed.” Cole argues.

“Yeah, cause of you! What kind of argument is that??” Wolf argues back.

“Shut up, both of you. You’re making my headache worse.” Alston groans as she lays her head back over the couch next to Dante.

“Failure headache, I get that.” Dante says with a smile. Alston just looks at him with a blank stare.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I didn’t fail anything. I’m, in fact, the greatest success in dragon history… I think.” Yoko says entering the room while holding a large stack of chips and snacks.

“What are you talking about?” Tadashi asks with a bewildered look.

“Where did you get all those snacks?” Phoenix asks. Yoko pops their head out from behind the large pile of snacks.

“I found them.” They say innocently. Moshiro sighs as Dante sweats a little.

“Someone please tell me there’s a grocery store or something around here…” Dante says, worried. Yoko puts it down on the large table and licks their lips excitedly. Wolf stares at them for a moment but as she looks over, she gets a shocked look when she notices the pile of bags and luggage in the community space.

“What the Hell??” She rushes over and looks through the stuff, finding her bag and pulling it out. “What is this?? Someone emptied our rooms?”

“Yeah, no shit, detective dog.” Cole mocks. Wolf glares at Cole. Yoko looks over and gets an offended look before rushing to her side.

“The disrespect! How could any human dare disrespect a dragon like this! All my stuff is on the ground!” Yoko shouts. Wolf sweats a bit and looks at them.

“I don’t think you had any stuff to begin with..” Wolf points out.

“Well, I’m noticing that nowww.” Yoko says defiantly as Tadashi speaks.

“Our partners have been assigned. The current room assignment has been rearranged to our permanent rooms. They told us the rooms were temporary at the beginning. You were supposed to get your room together before you left this morning, remember?” Tadashi teases Wolf lightly as she sweats a bit.

“Guess that’s my bad for not paying closer attention to the schedule... I would’ve at least packed up some of my dirty clothes…” Wolf says under her breath. Killian giggles a bit.

“Dirty dirty, Wolfy.” He teases playfully. Wolf blushes with an angry look.

“I am not!” Wolf shouts. Phoenix then steps next to Tadashi.

“Do we know our new room assignments yet?” She asks as Tadashi shakes his head.

“No, hence why all our stuff is still here.” He says as she sighs.

“We will be getting a letter soon about it.” Cole says.

“Yeah, so all of you just shut up for a bit..” Alston groans as she holds her head. Just then, the doorbell to the dorm building rings causing Alston to jerk back in pain as she grasps her head. “Gah! What the hell??” She shouts. Saika skips over and opens the door only to see no one. He looks confused for a moment before getting startled by a voice.

“H-hello!” The shy but cheerful voice speaks, waving a gloved hand and now noticeable shirt. Saika jumps back a bit like a cat on edge but only for a moment, realizing it is only Mia, the groundskeeper. “Ah! I’m so s-sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you! I-I’m just here with a letter from the office. I-it’s your room assignment and something else. I didn’t check cause I didn’t want to be rude…” Mia says softly while lifting the two envelopes towards them as Wolf, Cole and Killian step behind Saika. Killian takes the papers gently with a warm smile. 

“Thank you, Ms. Mia. Oh, also, sorry for bumping into you during the tour. I’ve been meaning to apologize.” Killian says. Mia freaks out, a little embarrassed by his words.

“Ah, oh no, don’t worry about it! It happens all the time! I just tend to let it go hehe…” She says. They look at her or the lack of her as she gets more embarrassed. “O-okay anyway, I’ll be going now! Enjoy your night!” She shouts while rushing away. They all stare as she leaves before Wolf speaks.

“What a silly lady.” She says with a smile. Cole just looks at her for a moment.

“Shut up.” He says, walking away. Wolf looks shocked.

“What?? I wasn’t even talking to you!” She shouts back. Killian looks at the papers and pulls out the second one first.

“What’s that?” Saika asks.

“It’s a letter from the professor.” Killian says as he opens it and begins reading. “He says, ‘Due to the overall performance of your first assigned missions, Nazuna and I have motioned to Southpaw for an extra remedial lesson. He has confirmed our requests, so in the near future, your team will be sent out for extra training. Be ready.’ They certainly move fast, don’t they?” Killian says with a smile to Saika as he groans.

“Extra training?..”

Yoko licks their lips satisfied after having eaten all the snacks on the table but perks up upon hearing their words.

“Extra training??” They dash over with excitement on their face before jumping onto Wolf’s back. “I want to try some extra training! You think teacher somebody will let me fight him??” They ask excitedly as Wolf struggles to stay standing.

“It’s what we earned. We all failed, so now we need to work extra hard to make up for it.” Cole says while walking away.

“That is true. For now, let’s focus on getting to our new rooms. I’ve been itching to see what they look like!” Killian says happily.

“I think that’s what this second letter is about..” Saika says softly, looking at it in Killian’s hand. They all look at it before opening it up and reading the letter sent by Teach.

‘Hello my dear students. Now that you have successfully completed your first missions along with all the other tiring tasks you had to complete just to get to this point, it is time you take a well earned rest in homes of your own. And no, I don’t mean your dorms.’ The letter reads in his voice. Killian raises an eyebrow.

“Not in our dorms?..” he says.

“Homes of our own?” Tadashi says too. Moshiro, Dante, Cole and Alston seem uninterested in the letter as it continues on.

‘Grab all your belongings and all your classmates and make your way here, just down the way from the dorm building.’ The letter reads with a small map of the academy and a location. Wolf steps back as she looks at it confused. She thinks for a moment before looking back at the others who seem so uninterested and squints at them.

“Well you four don’t seem to care much.” She says. They just shrug as Ryukyu and Octavia come down the stairs, looking at them.

“Is it time yet?” Ryukyu asks.

“Looks like it.” Octavia answers as she calls out to her partner. “Jeni, come down! It’s go time!” She says happily before rushing down the stairs. Jeni then floats on down, flipping herself as her soft blue energy hands hold her up. Law, Angie and the other classmates follow as they grab their belongings from the pile. The pack looks at them confused.

“Go time? What does that mean?” Saika asks.

“The letter has a map, yeah?” Angie asks as Saika nods. Angie smirks as she pulls her bag onto her shoulder. “Sick. I already know where we’re going though so try to keep up.” She says as she steps away with Ivailia following her happily. Her and the other classmates head on out of the dorm building with their stuff in hand as the others watch. Moshiro then grabs Yoko with one arm and holds their bags in the other.

“Come on.” She says. The others look confused but finally start moving.

“Guess we’re just going.” Tadashi says.

“Teach wouldn’t trick us, right?” Phoenix asks, a slight anxious smile on her face.

“No way. Come on! Let’s not fall behind!” Killian says excitedly as they grab their things and head on out. Alston stays sitting on the couch groaning as Cole grabs her by the collar and carries her with him as he follows.

Down the path, under the sky of night, Yoko floats as they lead the pack behind team 2. The others follow happily as Alston mopes along.

“I think my headache is getting worse...” Alston complains. Phoenix looks at her surprised for a moment before thinking something. She debates before stepping towards her.

“Here. Let me try something..” Phoenix says as she snaps her fingers hard, igniting the flame energy on her hand. She then puts her hand on Alston’s head and lets the energy linger, surprising Alston. After a moment, she pulls away. “Did.. that do anything?” Phoenix asks timidly.

“You know, it actually did. What did you do to me?” Alston asks with a big smile. Phoenix’s eyes shine as she looks at her hand with newfound confidence.

“I don’t know, I just.. I figured if my power is some kind of energy absorption, maybe I could also give that energy to others.” Phoenix says before blushing and smiling wide too. “I’m so glad it worked!” She says as Alston, Dante and Tadashi look at her, blushing too.

‘So cute!’ They think together before Tadashi clears his throat, composing himself.

“That power of yours sure seems versatile.” He says. Phoenix looks at her hand, smiling warmly.

“Yeah, I have so many ideas I want to try. Things that could potentially make me… useful. I don’t know if any of them will work, but… it’s worth a shot!” Phoenix says, determined. Tadashi smiles a bit before bumping her with his shoulder gently, causing her to giggle.

“Why do you think Teach has us out here?” Killian asks Tadashi next to him.

“You know, if I had to guess, I couldn’t say.” Tadashi says sarcastically as Killian looks surprised.

“Huh? You’re usually so good at figuring these things out.” He says as Tadashi rolls his eyes and shakes his head. As they talk, lights start to glow brightly, coming up to the place they were told, the rest of the class stopped by a large arched entrance.

“What the..?” Wolf says under her breath.

“Is that..?” Phoenix says as she squints to look ahead, seeing someone standing in the gate with his arms crossed. Killian smiles widely.

“Teach!” He says as he rushes forward. “Sir, it is so good to see you! We were trying to figure out what you wanted with us on the way here but we couldn’t do it.” Killian says honestly as Tadashi lifts his arms with a scoff before letting them drop. Teach smiles at them.

“Yes, I’m sure you did your best.” He says to Killian as he giggles. Teach then looks at the entire class. “Well then, students. I’m sure you’re all wondering what you’re doing out here.” He says.

“Not really.” Angie says casually.

“Yeah, I’ve been here since I was 7. I know what’s up.” Ryukyu says.

“Got you beat.” Alston says with a smirk as he smirks back. Teach sweats a little.

“Right, well, it was really more for dramatic flare…” he mumbles before clearing his throat. “Anyway. Wolf, would you please step forward?” He asks, looking at her. Wolf is surprised but does as she’s told, Law and Octavia rolling their eyes. Wolf looks up at Teach as he smiles at her. “Would you mind reminding me and the others what it is your group complained about when you first arrived here at the ASA?” Teach asks as Phoenix and Killian start sweating in embarrassment.

“We all made note about how small the dorm building looked and were verbally disappointed about it.” Wolf says plainly as Phoenix and Killian grab her shoulders.

“Heyyy, we don’t gotta say it like that..” Killian says with a strained smile as Phoenix nods, doing the same. Wolf pays them no mind as Teach smirks at them.

“That’s right. You did say that. Did I ever get around to apologizing for the small rooms?” He asks. Wolf shakes her head. “Oh. Well then, consider this an apology.” Teach says as he steps aside from the gate entrance into this complex, letting the class step inside. They look around with wide eyes as they take in the scene.

It’s a large area with multiple small buildings around, each with an odd shape to them. There is a central walkway that connects all the buildings under a large, beautiful canopy. The class looks with awe and some still confused. Wolf looks around as she speaks.

“Is this..?” She says softly.

“It is.” Teach responds before turning to the rest of the class. “Starting right now, all of you with your partners will be living on your own in the real student dorms.” He says proudly.

“This is a lot more than some dorms…” Saika says softly.

“Yes, they’re move like tiny homes. Some of you have been staying here already just as the second and third years are as well. We do this to encourage stronger bonds between the souls of our partners and provide better living conditions overall.” Teach says casually as the students spread out, some of them looking as casual as ever. Tadashi turns to Moshiro with a glare as she looks at him.

“You knew about this, didn’t you?” He asks. Moshiro smirks.

“What can I say? I was raised by a Director.” She says. Teach cries in joy as he hears her words.

“Oh Moshi! You look so cute when you’re smug about it like that..!” He says to himself as Moshiro droops.

“Okay, don’t make it weird…” she mutters. Teach composes himself before speaking to the class.

“Anyway. It’s pretty obvious what to do next so have at it. There’s a board there that says which properties are available. Input your names into the system so we can keep track of who’s where. It’s first come first served, so don’t wait too long or you won’t-” he suddenly stops as Wolf hugs him tightly. He’s surprised for a moment before Wolf speaks.

“…thank you…” she whispers into his stomach. Teach smiles warmly.

“I hope you find these homes a bit more satisfying.” He says as Killian hugs him from behind then Saika and Phoenix hug him too.

“You’re the best!” They shout together. Moshiro, Dante and Tadashi watch with smiles as Yoko jumps up on Dante’s back with a big smile.

“Yeahhh! I want in on that!” They shout before jumping up and hugging Teach from behind. They laugh as he holds them. Cole and Alston watch as they step away.

“They do realize this was not done specifically for them.” Cole says.

“Eh, they’re new. I don’t blame them. Now come on. Let’s get back home, staying in the dorm building for the past week was a pain in my ass..” Alston says as she walks off. Cole nods as he follows. Teach lets the kids go as he smiles at them.

“Alright, get going. Gotta find your new homes before they’re all gone.” He says, pushing them along as they rush to the electronic board under the canopy. Wolf steps in front and starts sliding across the screen showing all the available homes in the large complex.

“Alright, who’s up first?” Wolf asks as Yoko shoots their hand into the air.

“Obviously I am first since I’m the strongest here!” Yoko says as they jump onto Wolf’s back, staring at the screen closely. “Woahhh, these human caves are way better than those ruins I found out behind the other place!” Yoko says excitedly. Saika and Moshiro sweat at their words.

“Human caves..?” Saika says. Killian chuckles a bit.

“Haha makes sense they’d like ruins. They are a dragon after all.” He says. Moshiro clicks her tongue a little.

“Would you stop calling them a dragon? Dragons aren’t real, they probably just have some weird Myth Type power.” She says harshly before Yoko’s loud voice interrupts her.

“Ohhh that one! Come along, dumb human! We’ve got a castle to conquer!” Yoko shouts as they grab Moshiro’s wrist and rush off.

“Wait! We need the key! And would you stop calling me that!?” Moshiro shouts as the others sweat. Killian giggles as Dante laughs.

“There’s so many options to choose from.” Saika says in awe.

“Of course. They’re housing all three years worth of students here.” Tadashi says.

“Ah~ at least we get more room out here. Wait, let’s get that one!” Killian shouts, pointing at the screen. Saika smiles and nods happily.

“Sounds good!” He says as they file properly and get the key from the dispenser in the screen before rushing off. Tadashi watches them as they go before turning back and adjusting his glasses.

“I am curious how these homes are built. If they’re fortified like a base or structured like simple homes.” Tadashi says openly as Dante smiles.

“Yeah! I’ve been to those old tiny rooms too many times! I don’t actually remember what these homes are built like.” Dante says happily as Tadashi looks at him with a confused look. He stares for a moment before chuckles.

“Hah. You’re one weird dude.” He says.

“Thanks!” Dante says back happily. Tadashi smiles before picking a home for them.

“This one should work. We’ll stay here.” He says as they file and take the key.

“Okie dokie!” Dante says, following Tadashi away. Wolf and Phoenix are the last ones left as she looks at her.

“Our turn.” Wolf says with a smile. Phoenix smiles back as she scans the screen.

“Hmmm… How about.. this one?” Phoenix picks. Wolf looks and smiles.

“Whatever you say. Your luck is way better than mine so I’ll let you lead the way.” Wolf says with her big toothy smile as Phoenix blushes and nods. Soon, after filing and getting the key, they make their way to their new home.

As they walk away, Teach watches them with a satisfied smile on his face. Just then, his voice can be heard over them all, echoes of a speech he gave them right here.

“The Vanguard-Hunter system was created to provide students and agents alike safety and strength in a team, but above all else, it was made to help two Souls grow closer than ever before, helping each other develop in a way neither one could alone.” His words echo over the new partners standing with their belongings about to enter their new homes. Moshiro and Yoko open the door to their home as Yoko lights up and rushes in. They smile as they turn and extend their wings out.

“Look! I can actually open my wings here!” Yoko says happily as their eyes shine. Moshiro smiles back as she steps inside.

“A strong bond between two Souls is far more valuable than the strength of a dozen alone. To help forge and strengthen those bonds, we developed an environment to do just that.” Teach’s words continue. Tadashi and Dante smirk while fist bumping each other and stepping inside. Saika smiles with big eyes before jumping onto Killian, hugging him tightly in the doorway of their home. Saika then pulls back, still holding his arms around Killian’s neck.

“What do you think? Could we make this work?” He asks with a big smile. Killian thinks for a moment.

“I dunno. Making it feel homey might take a few nights but I think we can do it.” Killian says with a smile as Saika giggles.

“Now go on and step into your new lives with confidence.” Teach says as Wolf and Phoenix step to their door. Wolf smirks at Phoenix mischievously.

“Do you think this place is haunted…by ghostssss?!?” Wolf teases, trying to scare her by speaking suddenly loud and grabbing her shoulders. Phoenix jumps before punching Wolf on the top of the head.

“Don’t say that! G-ghosts aren’t real! Besides, the academy wouldn’t let us stay in a place that’s dangerous. Phoenix says with a huff and a blush on her cheeks as Wolf rubs her head.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Wolf says with a pained smile. She then grabs the door handle and opens it, looking inside. She smiles wide as she steps inside with Phoenix right behind her. They look around this small home with an attached kitchen to the main room and three doors leading to a bathroom and two bedrooms. They take it all in, this place that’s now theirs.

“It’s… perfect!” Phoenix cheers. Wolf blushes a little as her eyes shine brightly.

“Yeah…” Wolf whispers. Phoenix giggles as she drops her bags and spins excitedly, taking in the new home around her.

“It’s like our own little apartment! There’s a kitchen and everything! It’s like we actually moved out on our own! I’m living a fantasy!” Phoenix says happily as she turns to Wolf who’s busy taking everything in too. Phoenix blushes a little as she stares at Wolf. “It’s perfect…” She whispers as Wolf looks at her and smiles, a small blush on her cheeks as well. 

“It’s really like we’re in a fanfic, huh? Hehehe!” Wolf giggles. Phoenix nods happily as Wolf walks past her to one of the rooms. “I call this one.” Wolf says, grabbing the handle of the door to one of the bedrooms. Phoenix gets a shocked look.

“Hey, wait, why do you get the first pick?” Phoenix asks.

“You took too long, sucker.” Wolf sticks her tongue out at her as Phoenix gets angry.

“Wolfy…” She says with a dark, angry tone as Wolf opens the door to the room on the left of the hall. Wolf looks at her and sweats a bit before loud pummeling is heard throughout the building. Wolf is then tossed in the other room with red bumps on her head as Phoenix huffs proudly. “Hmph. I always get the first pick, remember?” Phoenix says.

“Right… My bad…” Wolf says weakly. Phoenix then smiles softly, the blush not leaving her face before turning around and entering her new room.

All of these students, new to the academy, new to this home, new to this life, begin to unpack their belongings and settle into their new home with smiles on their faces and excitement in their souls. Over the next few days, little by little, the students decorate their homes, making it feel more like theirs, little imperfections everywhere you look, showing signs of the ones who decorated these homes. And there they stay, awaiting the next adventure to come.