Post by Tamara Winther on Dec 16, 2021 11:51:51 GMT
The Fabled Valkyrie: Chapter 1, Act 1.
INT- LOBBY/ENTRANCE AREA
What is your name?
A masculine voice asks this, as they stand in front of a pitch black room, appearing to be looking at an unknown silhouette. The man appears to be in his mid to late thirties, about six foot two and is wearing a white lab coat, white pants and white loafers that appear to have been freshly polished. His raven black hair is slicked back and his beard has been perfectly trimmed. Glaring into the darkness, he begins to slowly lift his left foot as if he is tapping the floor, the lack of sound emitting as he does indicating that the floor is lined with carpet..
Tamara.
The voice that responds is soft and feminine in nature, causing the man to curiously raise his eyebrows as a warm smile appears on his face.
Tamara... That's a sweet name. What is it that brings you here today?
He continues looking into the darkness, unable to make anything out about this mysterious female, aside from her name. His foot hitting the carpet in a rhythm not dissimilar to that of a drum, he remembers back to the first time he entered this very building, back when he was a student himself and how he had been in the position Tamara finds herself in currently. Questioned about who he is and why he was here by the professor of the time. A man who simply went by the name Professor Davis. A man who this man is proud to call his mentor.
I want to heal the world and make it a better place.
The man laughs. It's a response that he has heard all too often during his time as professor. People who enter this building with the intention of making the world better. In fact, it had been his own response to the same question, yet he realized almost immediately how naïve he had been. Though he doesn't wish to try and prevent Tamara from seeking that goal, he simply holds his smile and lowers his eyebrows.
A noble goal... What makes you believe that you can achieve it? What makes you more capable than those who have come before you and failed?
More silence, though the man can sense that a knot has begun to form within Tamara's stomach, just as it had done when the same question was posed to him. Professor Davis had explained that he asked this to ascertain that this is to ensure that those who claim this are pure of heart in doing so, and not just saying it because they assume it is what the Professor. What the academy wishes to hear. A means to weed out those that aren't yet ready to take the next step and obtain acceptance into the academy. After all, they can't just let anybody into their hallowed halls, otherwise they'd be just like all the other academies in the world, and fail to stand out. Plus, they tried that once and almost lost everything because of it. To them, ensuring that the right sort of person is accepted is paramount.
I'll make sure that I don't rest until the job is done. Even if that means I have to put my own life on the line to do it.
The professor nods. This girl is convincing in how she speaks and he senses a certain purity within her heart. One that informs him that she might just be what they are looking for. Yet he knows that he has to be completely sure of it before he approves her, lest this just be a case of her leading him along. It is now that the lights turn on, and a young female, in her mid to late teens can be seen, standing there in the middle of a vacant room that has concrete walls; pictures adorning the back of those who have fallen in the name of the academy, with chocolate brown hair, equally chocolate brown eyes and sparkling wine red lipstick. Her hair is tied back into a ponytail and she is wearing a white vest that has a hot pink outline with a white bra underneath, white tight fitting pants and black leather boots. Attire that makes her come across as being made for this academy. The floor, as suspected by the lack of sound when the professor tapped his foot, is indeed covered in a plush, snow white carpet.
Are you sure?
Yes. I know that this is what I want to do. I'm ready, and I will show you that if you just give me a chance.
Staring her up and down, the professor makes a note of her rigid facial features and the puppy dog eyes that she is giving him, in the hopes of softening him and convincing him to say yes to her. This academy had five hundred and fifty-eight students on their books, and two hundred and eleven of those have been female. Most of them were among the top of their respective class, but they had never seen a student like Tamara. A woman who is sultry yet gives off the sense of being a warrior. A Valkyrie cut from the finest cloth,
You do know that should we accept you, that you will have to take an oath to be eternally faithful? That you may die whilst within our halls? That from here on out, your life will never be the same?
Yes
Are you sure you are okay with this?
Yes. I'm sure.
The man then smiles, as he steps off to the right and extends his right arm, pointing down the long hallway that is behind him. Lined with the same snow white carpeting and surrounded by concrete walls. The occasional picture adorned on the wall showcasing some of the wars that this academy has been through over the years. A broad smile across his face, he watches as Tamara calmly yet cautious begins to walk in the direction that he is pointing.
The assembly hall is the first door on the right at the end of the hall.
He states in a tone like a teacher, before remembering something.
Oh... I am Professor Taylor by the way. The head of this academy. Both of admissions and of wars. Welcome to our humble little abode.
Tamara simply stares at him, respectfully nodding before continuing her stroll down the hall. Watching her, the professor's smile slightly curls upward, almost in a devious manner, though he waits until she has walked far enough so as to be out of earshot before speaking again. This time in a more hushed tone than before.
Soon you will learn that this... This isn't your normal playground, young Tamara. I hope you have made the right choice. Otherwise, I fear that your picture will soon be adorning these walls.
He continues to watch, as Tamara disappears further down the hall, heading toward the assembly room as commanded. A stern yet confident look across his face. Her aura felt different to those who had come before her, as if she was born to be here. As if they were destined to accept her into their ranks, even if there is nothing else truly known about her at this time than her first name. Tamara. He'll be sure to ask the admissions and research committee to prepare a dossier on her for him to read, for he wishes to know more about her. Or at least, understand why her aura resonated with him so easily. It's not like anything he has seen or experienced before. Usually, it takes two or three meetings with a prospective entrant in order to obtain such a sensation yet this happened the first time he truly laid eyes on her. Could she be the one? Could she be the person who those stories had been about?
No, it's too soon he thinks to himself, before beginning to make his own way to the assembly hall. He is the master of ceremonies for this assembly after all, and the one who will be welcoming all the new recruits to the academy before they are assigned their classes and assorted into their own special groups, devised by both experience level and competency tests that they filled out prior to their arrival.
INT_ ASSEMBLY HALL
Turning right once she reaches the end of the hallway, Tamara notices the polished coffee painted oak doors surrounded by a shimmering golden frame. Heading toward them, she cannot help but feel slightly daunted by what she is about to walk into. She knows nothing about this academy, aside from the fact that they are supposed to be built around creating warriors and guardians of the "sacred chalices". Chalices that are believed to hold the ability to control the course of fate... but if they end up in the wrong hands, then the consequences will be catastrophic, potentially bringing about the end of the world.
Standing in front of the doors, she watches as they swing open and reveal a hive of activity. At least three hundred students, all attired in various clothing. Whether it be t-shirts, singlets or clothing like what she has on herself walking around a room with crimson red carpet and a long oak table, surrounded by enough chairs to seat each student and professor/teacher within the academy. The chairs themselves are midnight black in color and made of leather, with cushioning that appears to be firm but comfortable to sit on. Various groups can also be heard talking among themselves, though it is not clear exactly what they are talking about. Her eyes scanning around the room and darting from left to right, Tamara attempts to find a group that she can mingle with as she slowly paces around the room. Nervous and slightly worried that she may not be able to fit in with the academy, even if deep down, she knows that this is where she is destined to be. That this is the best avenue for her to discover herself and to unleash the Valkyrie that has laid dormant within her, so that she can begin to heal the world. So that she can attain the chalices and paint the world into a brighter picture.
Are you new here?
Turning her head to the right, she sees a female, around her own age, looking at her. Wearing a silk dressing gown of shorts over the top of a white t-shirt, jeans that appear to have a few small tears exposing her thighs and black low-cut sneakers. Her auburn red hair flows down to her shoulders and she gives a welcoming smile to the nervous and on guard Tamara.
Yes. I only started here today.
What's your name?
Tamara.
The girl simply glances at her with widened eyes, as her smile widens.
That's a nice name. I'm Holly.
Are you new here?
Holly shakes her head. She isn't new here, but likes to help out people who are trying to find new friends, or at least people they can talk to.
Been here for two years now, so I know what it's like to be the new girl, and not have anyone to talk to. That's why I made a promise to myself that anytime I saw someone who was alone, or new here, I would help them find their feet and learn the ropes.
Tamara smiles warmly, looking deep into the emerald green eyes of her new friend.
Aw, that's super sweet of you. So... what is this academy like?
Holly stops to think about this. How best to sum up her experiences here, whilst not giving away too much. For as Tamara will learn, sometimes things aren't always as they appear around here and some things are best learned without knowing about them, or being spoiled as to what they are. Contorting her face into a thoughtful expression, she slightly glances over to the right hand corner of the room, where there is nobody within three feet of it, before motioning there.
Come here, I'll tell you there.
Tamara gives her a puzzled look.
Why?
It's easier if nobody can hear us.
Holly then begins to make her way over to the corner, scanning around apprehensively so as to ensure nobody notices the two heading over to the corner. She has learned in her two years in the academy that secrecy and privacy are two things that are extremely difficult to come by, as everybody has burning ears. The sort that can sense discussion from miles away and gravitate toward it, and well... having them hear the wrong things can lead to circumstances one wouldn't want to find themselves in. She still remembers the first time a professor heard her talking about the inner sanctum of the academy and how she was punished for it. Which is why she doesn't want the same to occur to her and Tamara. Following her, Tamara notices the paranoia rushing through Holly's body as her eyes continue to dart around the room, even as Tamara reaches the corner.
So, what's this place like?
Holly lifts her index finger to Tamara's mouth, before responding in a hushed, whisper-like tone.
Shh... I don't want anyone to hear us. People around here can be... very defensive of the academy's reputation.
She then lowers her head, letting out a soft sigh.
I've seen it happen before...
Tamara feels her stomach begin to sink upon hearing that. She knew that there were dangers associated with joining the academy from what Professor Travis had told her about the potential of dying for the academy, but she hadn't expected that it would be this dangerous. Staring directly at Holly, she watches as the older woman shows her a scar running down the length of her right arm.
W... What happened?
Holly's eyes start to turn pitch black as her face becomes cold. Lifeless even.
I'll take that as you don't want to talk about it.
Good.
Life slowly begins to return to Holly's eyes, as she lets out a deep breath. For now, she has managed to avoid revealing that detail to Tamara. After all, she doesn't want to scare her or cause her to back out, seeing as they have only known one another for about ten minutes. Maybe even less time. Tamara though, just cannot shake the scar out of her head. Could the same happen to her? Does she even want to know? Yet it's all that she can think about ever since she laid eyes on the scar.
To answer your earlier question, this academy is built for warriors. For those who are chosen to uphold the sanctity of everything the sacred chalices stand for. Those who believe they can truly walk the path of a warrior or a Valkyrie. Trust me, this can be both the best decision you have ever made and the worst at the same time. It is up to you which one it ultimately becomes.
Listening to all this, Tamara feels the knots in her stomach tightening, causing her chest to constrict and her eyes to feel like they are slowly draining of life as her face starts to flush.
Tamara...
No response, as Tamara's eyes continue to drift away and her face continues to flush, almost turning pale.
TAMARA!
Holly's voice, more frantic in nature, manages to draw the attention of a few kids, all of whom are slightly older than Tamara and about Holly's age, who shoot concerned glances in their direction, yet Tamara manages to remain standing. Disoriented and taken aback by what Holly had told her, but standing. It is then that her face begins to return to its normal radiance, though her eyes are still devoid of life.
Are you okay?
I... I think so.
She then regains her composure.
I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me... I guess I'm just adjusting to all this.
It's okay. I was the same way when I was first told that. It's one of those things you never truly process until somebody actually informs you of it. I'm just glad you're okay.
Yeah. Thank you...
Holly wraps Tamara in a tight embrace, right as the shrill sound of a horn can be heard, causing all the students that have been here before to scramble toward their seats and Holly to release her hug, only to grab Tamara's hand.
Come on.
Tamara looks at her, confused whilst being dragged toward two seats about six feet from the corner where they were standing.
What's going on?
Didn't they tell you when you came in? It's assembly time. Didn't the professor tell you?
Tamara shakes her head. She had only heard him tell her where the assembly hall was. Not that there was an assembly about to begin. Reaching the seats, Holly sits down on the one on the left hand side and motions to Tamara to take the vacant one on the right, before a boy with orange hair and dark rimmed glasses, wearing a light blue shirt, jeans and white shoes is able to. Turning her body, Tamara manages to land in the seat just as the boy arrives, receiving a sharp glare in the process.
That's my seat.
The man turns toward a professor who is sitting three seats down from them, and gestures to Tamara sitting in the seat he is claiming is his, only for Holly to interject.
She got there first, and you know the policy. No seats belong to anyone but the academy.
Who asked Miss Smarty Pants here to talk? This is between me and her.
Tamara's face goes red. The nerve of this kid to talk to her friend like that, though Holly simply laughs at him and glances over to Tamara. Luckily, the Professor the kid was trying to gesture toward has his head turned to the front of the table and has paid no attention to this.
There's a seat over there if you want it though.
Holly points to an empty seat on the opposite side of the table and four seats up from the one being contested. Flanked by a man who appears to be in his early twenties, with medium brown hair and wearing a black silk gown that covers his body and another man, this one slightly younger than the first and with blond hair and wearing a white t-shirt and pants combination, with white loafers. One glance at the two causes the man standing in front of Tamara to huff before stepping back.
You win this time...
He mutters something unintelligible before storming off as Holly smiles at Tamara, before turning her attention to the front of the table. Tamara then decides to do the same, seeing as this assembly appears to be a big deal. Professor Travis is at the head of it, after all. The lead professor smiles as he looks at the students and professors, doing a mental count in his head of the number in attendance. Ensuring that everybody is present and accounted for. After he has ascertained that everybody is indeed present, he balls his hand into a fist and loudly slams them onto the table, causing the students that had still been murmuring to turn their attention toward him.
Welcome everybody, to the gathering of the chosen. Today, we are here to induct those who have been newly selected to wander within these halls into our academy and assign them to their tribal groups and class professors. For those who are already amongst our halls, this is your opportunity to meet some new people and show them the ropes, as well as informing them of what is expected from them while they are here.
He looks out at those who he knows fit that description, including Holly, who catches his eye for a very brief moment before he turns his attention back to the entire group.
I am sure that some of you have already taken the time to introduce yourself to the recruits, and I recommend that you all at least make the effort to do so. The same applies to the recruits. I recommend that if you haven't already, you make some time to do so following this assembly.
He then scans the room, before looking down at the notes he had prepared for himself, so that he can remember exactly what it is he wishes to talk about during this assembly. Keep things going along so that they can get back to classes sooner rather than later. Or more so, allowing the new recruits to begin their classes. Some of the crowd begin to chatter, but are shut down by dagger-like glares in their direction by the other professors, informing them to remain quiet until after the assembly is finished.
There'll be ample time to do so, I promise, but for now: let's get onto the reason I have called you all here today. That is, to assign the new recruits to their classes and to their tribes.
Some more murmurs from the congregation, this time from among the recruits, who are trying to understand what he means by "tribes". Tamara included, as she looks over at Holly.
Tribes? What does he mean by we'll be assigned to tribes?
Didn't they tell you about that? We're assigned into tribes and take in various events to test our strength. See which tribes are the most battle ready for the monsters that lurk within the world.
So, like tests?
Yeah, pretty much.
Tamara allows that to sink in, as she turns her head back toward the head of the table, where Professor Taylor is continuing his speech.
I will call you up to the front, one by one and inform you of the tribe you have been assigned as well as who your head professor will be, and I would then like you to head over to the section marked on the wall corresponding to that tribe. Understood?
Understood
The recruits state in unison, as Professor Taylor looks down at the sheet in front of him, which lists the names of each of the recruits.
Michael Sloan.
A student who looks to be slightly younger than Tamara stands up and begins to make his way to the front of the room. Wearing a charcoal t-shirt that appears to be a size or two too big for him, jeans and black shoes, his golden brown hair slightly glows in the light before he turns to face the head Professor.
You have been assigned to the tribe of rage. Head over to the second section on the right hand side of the hall, and your lead professor will be Professor Mosley.
Motioning to the section he was talking about, Professor Taylor watches as Michael nods and then makes his way over to where he was instructed to.
Samantha Davis,
A girl who looks to be the same age as Tamara begins to stand up upon hearing her name being called. Wearing a white t-shirt that hugs her body, jeans that enable her to show off her physique and black high heels, she has golden blond hair that flows down to shoulder height, she flashes a smile toward one of her friends before walking to the front of the room. Paying no attention to those who have been ogling her while she was doing so.
You have been assigned to the tribe of pride. Head to the fourth section on the left and your lead professor will be Professor Crawford.
Samantha smiles again as she saunters off, hips swaying and occasionally glancing across to the table to see who has their eyes on her. Tamara simply looks at her and feels her stomach begin to ball up with jealousy. Samantha is beautiful by any definition whilst she has never considered herself to be that. Of course, Tamara isn't a vain girl but she has always been viewed as being more nerdy than your typical girl. Something she plays into, of course, but seeing Samantha makes her wish that she could have the same gravitas. At least in terms of physique. Gulping, she looks back forward as Professor Taylor continues to call names up to the front and assign them to their tribes. The chairs at the table emptying one by one as they walk over to their assigned sections. There have been about fifteen names called at this point, as Professor Taylor continues to look down, having crossed off the names from the list that have already been assigned to their new tribes.
Tamara Winther
Tamara stands up, looking at Holly with excitement in her eyes as she begins to make her way toward the front of the table. Hips swaying and with joy locked within each step that she takes until she reaches the front, where she faces Professor Taylor, nerves beginning to fill her body. I hope I can be with Holly... She thinks to herself, awaiting the head professor to inform her of where they have sorted her. The tribe that she will be joining as she commences her journey within the academy.
You have been assigned to the tribe of honor. Head to the second section on the right and your lead professor will be Professor Michaels.
Tamara nods as she begins to make her way over toward the section that Professor Taylor is pointing at, a soft smile on her face. All she hopes is that this is the tribe that Holly is in, so that she at least has somebody that she knows within it, and isn't just a lost lamb. Watching, she casts her glance across the room as Professor Taylor continues to list off names and tribes, with three other students joining her in the section. Two of them appear to be her age, the other slightly older. Two females and one male, yet she doesn't pay much attention to them. She'll get the chance to meet them later, or even in class and hopefully talk to them. If they're going to be around one another for a length of time not even she knows, then it'd be for the best if she at least got on speaking terms with them. Though she notices that one of the women, standing to her right and with a black gown draped across her shoulders, on top of a white t-shirt, black pants and shimmer silver shoes as well as having her midnight black hair tied back into a ponytail, looks at her. Her eyes revealed a slightly nervous and scared child.
Is everything okay? You look a little scared.
The woman nervously giggles.
I... I'm not scared. I just wanted to say hello to my new tribe mate.
Oh...
Tamara stops herself from continuing with that line of thought, instead warmly smiling at the woman.
I'm Tamara.
Nice to meet you. I'm Lucy.
The girl smiles, as Tamara holds her own smile. Looking deep into her ocean blue eyes, she can sense a friendly hearted nature from Lucy, reminding her of her friends back home. Friends who she misses, hoping that she will be able to see them again some day.
I just know it's going to be fun here.
Lucy's comment causes Tamara's thoughts to flash back to the scar Holly had shown her, as she takes a deep breath before wryly smiling at Lucy, not wishing to tell her about that. After all, Holly didn't want to talk about it for a reason.
I hope so...
Her voice almost a whisper, she leans back against the wall. Waiting for the assembly to end...
INT- MAIN HALLWAY.
The hallway is packed with students, to the point where it feels as if they have been stuffed inside of a sardine can, each fighting to get even a single breath of oxygen. Especially when it also causes the hall to smell as if it is a gymnasium filled with people who have yet to shower. Or potentially not even showered for a few days. Scanning around, Tamara stands toward the back of the congregation of people, scanning around. Attempting to find Holly, who had left the assembly before her, as she had decided to stay back and meet with her new lead Professor. Get to know them a little better, so that she can gauge what to expect when it comes time for classes to begin. Feeling her stomach churn, she continues searching, catching a slight glimpse of the man who attempted to take her seat during the assembly but immediately turning her head so that he doesn't appear in her line of sight.
Ugh... Not now. She mentally whispers, seeing as she had been ready to fight him back in the assembly room. It's too early to be making enemies like that here, which is why she was thankful Holly had intervened. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened to him... or even to her. It's one of her biggest flaws, the fact that she has a hot temper at times and can become enraged quickly. Especially when somebody attempts to boss her around or get in her face. She has been working on it, however, and deep breathing like she is doing right now helps with that. It is then that she sees Holly walking toward her out of the corner of her right eye.
Hey Tamara.
Tamara turns to face her and beams.
Holly! I've been looking for you ever since assembly ended.
Holly sweetly smiles as she motions over to a small, empty space. One of the few remaining in the hall, even as people begin to make their way to class, ushered by their respective professors.
Sorry. Just wanted to see a few friends. Anyway, looks like we're tribe buddies.
Tamara smiles wide, feeling her body jump up and down with excitement. If she wasn't in a crowded area, she would be squealing with joy right now. This is what she had been hoping for.
Really? We are?
Sensing the excitement brimming inside of her new friend, Holly nods.
Yay! This is so good!
Yeah. I'm so happy that we'll be together. I just know that this is going to be special and that we'll kick ass.
Of course we will! Just look at us!
The two share in a giggle as they look up and down the other's body. Both know that if they work together, then the monsters and villains who lurk this world are going to have no chance at beating them. Nor will the other tribes within the academy.
Yeah!
Holly smiles, before scanning around and noticing a professor beginning to head in their direction, having ushered a group of five students towards the classrooms that were in front of them.
We should head to class before we get marked down as late, and I don't think you want that on your first day.
Tamara shakes her head. She doesn't.
Okay.
Holly begins to walk forward, navigating her way through the crowd and occasionally glancing over her left shoulder, making sure that Tamara is following her lead. The new recruit is, having figured that Holly would know where the classrooms are within this daunting building. She knows that if she didn't have Holly as a guide, that she would have likely gotten lost and entered the wrong class by mistake. They then work their way through some students that are still loitering around, the two finally make it to a single jet black painted door with a shimmering golden handle.
Well, here we are. This is our tribal classroom.
Tamara smiles as Holly puts her hand on the handle and prepares to turn it, swinging it open to reveal a majestic classroom.
INT- TRIBAL CLASSROOM
There's a chalkboard across the right hand side wall, with some writing on it in red chalk, under the white chalk writing of the Professor's name. Professor Michaels. Just as she had been told during the assembly. In front of the chalkboard, are twelve rows of oak tables, appearing to be freshly polished. Five individual tables, with white chairs behind them per row. The rest of the classroom is filled with bookshelves, each filled to the brim with books, as well as other accessories that Tamara has never seen before. Classrooms weren't like this back home. Feeling her head begin to spin, she follows Holly, as she makes her way toward a table at the right hand side of the ninth row, motioning to Tamara to take the one at the end, as she sits on the chair left of it. Doing so, Tamara smiles as she looks at Holly, watching as Lucy takes a seat next to her.
This classroom is amazing... I wish we had classes like this back home.
Yeah. So do I, honestly, but this is one of the most prestigious academies in the world, so I'm not surprised they wanted to make sure we got the best experience possible... Especially when we are supposed to be fighters. Warriors. Guardians.
Guardians?
Tamara's eyebrows rise. She hadn't heard anyone say that prior to Holly, though had remembered reading it on her application form. Even if she had simply shrugged it off back then.
Yes. See, we are seen as the guardians of the sacred chalices and all that they hold within. That is why they brought us here... Because they wish to instill us with power. The secrets yet want to ensure we are the right ones to wield it.
Oh. So, like we have to protect the secrets from monsters?
Yes.
Tamara makes a note of that, as she leans across, looking at Lucy, who currently has her head buried in a book.
Lucy!
Looking up, Lucy wearily smiles, looking around Holly at Tamara.
Hey again, Tamara. Looks like we'll be spending a lot of time together.
She then looks over at Holly.
She your friend too?
Tamara nods, smiling.
Yeah. This is Holly. Met her during assembly. She's super sweet.
Tamara then turns to Holly.
Holly, this is Lucy. I met her when we found out we would be in the same tribe.
Holly smiles warmly at Lucy, whose own smile begins to soften.
Hi, Lucy. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too. I'm so excited for this year.
Holly, Tamara and Lucy all laugh, as the door to the classroom swings open again, and Professor Michaels enters. He appears to be in his early forties and is attired in a black pinstripe suit with a white undershirt, black pants and polished black loafers. His medium brown hair is slicked back and he smiles as he sees the students, both old and new, sitting in their seats and waiting for class to begin. Tamara looks down at the table, having not noticed that there is a book atop her own table, just like the one Lucy currently is reading. Well, flicking through at least. It has a black covering, and the words "The Oath of the Chosen" written across the front in gold lettering. Leaning over to Holly, she whispers.
What is this "oath"?
Holly then looks at her, raising her eyebrows before responding in an equal whisper.
It's an oath that we have to take each year, to reaffirm our commitment to the academy and to the code of the warrior.
Like a blood oath?
Holly manages to hold in her laughter, but shakes her head.
Thankfully no. Just a verbal oath.
Holly stops herself from saying what she had wanted to, before looking down at her scar. Remembering the day that it was inflicted upon her and the events that had led up to it, as well as her chilling screams when she looked down and saw the blood flowing from her arm.
Holly?
Snapping out of her daze, Holly shoots her head back up, meeting Tamara's eyes with her own.
I'm okay. Just doing some thinking.
About?
Just as they had when the two first met, Holly's eyes slowly begin to turn black as life drains from her eyes.
Nothing. It's fine.
Accepting this once more, Tamara nods before turning her head toward the chalkboard and staring at Professor Michaels, who is standing behind a lighter shaded oak table, with his own copy of the oath in front of him. Picking it up, he opens it to the first page before looking out to the class.
Hello class. I'm Professor Michaels and the lead professor for the tribe of honor. I'm sure you all heard Professor Taylor tell you about the oath that we all must take here at the academy?
Yes.
The class states in unison.
Good. I'd like you all to turn to open the book in front of you and turn to page one. Then we will begin to recite the oath together.
The students that hadn't already done so, open their books as Lucy flips back to page one and Tamara holds it in front of her, so that she can get a good look at the words written on the page.
I solemnly swear...
I solemnly swear.
To uphold the honor which which I have been entrusted...
To uphold the honor with which I have been entrusted.
And to ensure that I expel the forces of evil. Both externally and from within...
And to ensure that I expel the forces of evil. Both externally and from within.
I promise that my blood is of its purest essence...
I promise that my blood is of its purest essence.
And that I shall protect the chalices with every fiber of my being...
And that I shall protect the chalices with every fiber of my being.
In the name of the warrior.
In the name of the warrior.
Closing the book, the professor then scans the classroom, with each student following his lead, before he looks over his right shoulder and at the chalkboard. Specifically at the writing in red, as that is what he is intending to teach them and help the new recruits become integrated about what the academy is about. Just what it means to be a warrior within the halls of the academy. The toils and tribulations that one must go through, now that they have sworn their allegiance to protect the chalices and all that they hold. Most of the students are attentively looking forward, but there are a few small groups, mainly in the middle rows, that are talking among themselves, though they are silenced by a sharp, almost sinister glare by the professor when he hears them murmuring. Turning his body back toward the class, he prepares to begin speaking...
INT- MAIN LOBBY.
Tamara sits, knees up to her chest and leaning against the cold concrete wall, the class having just finished. Looking around, she feels a slight sensation that she cannot explain begin to flow through her body. Had it been the "Warrior spirit" the professor mentioned one feels when they are in tune with their fighting self? Was it the aura that had rushed through her back when she entered the academy? She doesn't know what it is. Just that it is as if a fire has been lit inside of her, and she wants to unleash it upon the world, yet does not know how to. Her eyes beginning to throb in tune with her heartbeat, she scans around. She had promised Lucy that she would wait for her while she went to ask about the dorm arrangements, something that Tamara had done when she approached her professor in the assembly hall. Feeling the sensation beginning to grow, her eyes continue to dart from left to right, before she catches a glimpse of a man wearing a crimson red shirt, white pants and white shoes walking through the hall. She doesn't know who it is, but remembers seeing him sitting directly across from her at the assembly table. He wasn't one of the names called during the tribe assignment, so he has been here for longer than she has. Luckily, he doesn't notice her there, so she continues to wait for Lucy.
W...What is this? She thinks to herself, referring to the sensation that is roaring within her, just as it begins to die down and her body returns to its normal state. Why? Am I special or something? Questioning herself, she takes a few breaths, before Lucy slowly begins to make her way over to where Tamara is sitting, a smile across her face.
Okay, found out my dorm.
Sweet. You know anyone you're going to be with?
Lucy's stomach drops slightly, as she shakes her head.
No. Though I'm sure I'll meet them when I get there.
Yeah. Hopefully they're nice too, though you know you can stay in mine or Holly's dorm if you want.
I know. You two can stay in mine too. We can possibly have sleepovers!
Tamara laughs. It'll be like the sleepovers she had with friends back home, only this time it will be every night if they want. Not just on the weekends or holidays. This is what Tamara had dreamed about ever since she was a child.
That sounds like a plan to me.
Yay!
Lucy smiles, opening her mouth as she does before extending her hand out to help Tamara stand. Reaching out her right hand, Tamara softly clasps her hand, pulling herself upward and using her balance in order to avoid tumbling back down onto the ground and embarrassing herself in front of her new friend. Though in the process of doing so, she almost causes the both of them to fall, only managing to stop her momentum a split second before she would have crashed into Lucy. Laughing, she releases her hand as Lucy simply looks at her, a calm expression upon her face.
Sorry! Got a little too excited there, didn't I?
It's fine! I'm like that too. So don't worry about it.
She smiles warmly as Tamara giggles, glad that at least there's somebody as overzealous as her when it comes to standing up. Even if it means she could find herself flat on her back should she have to pull Lucy up at some point. Turning their bodies, the two begin to head down the hall in the direction of the dormitories. Lucy's being the eleventh door on the left hand side, Tamara's the fifth door on the right about five hundred meters ahead. Neither one of them knows anything about their dorm mates, aside from the fact that they are all in the tribe of honor alongside them, but that neither one was lucky enough to be assigned to Holly's dorm, which is the nineteenth dorm on the right hand side. Yet they don't mind that, as it gives them a chance to potentially meet new people and scope them out. See if they can find common ground with them, as they have done with Holly. For if they are to succeed in their goals, both inside and outside of the academy, they know they will need to have as many people as they can by their side. That as much as they and Holly believe they could take on the world together, it just isn't feasible for them, due to the monsters and evil that lurks around every corner. Ready to consume them, should they attempt to charge head first into battle without thought. Reaching the entrance to Tamara's dorm, she peels off from Lucy, who stands there with a smile and watching Tamara.
See you in class?
Lucy enthusiastically nods. Their next class is in two hours, so enough time to meet their dorm mates and freshen up.
Yeah! See you there!
Tamara smiles, placing her hand on the golden brass knob and opening the door to her dorm...
INT- DORMITORY
Peering inside, she notices that there are seven single sized beds in the dorm, six of which are currently occupied by women varying from Tamara's age to slightly older than her. Two of them looked familiar to her. They had been the other two standing in the section with her and Lucy. One of them has their blanket pulled up to their neck, revealing only the fact they have smooth facial features and midnight black hair. The other has their blanket up to their stomach, revealing the pitch black t-shirt they are wearing, as well as their more rugged facial features and strawberry blond hair. Both of them look over at Tamara as she enters, before she wanders over to the vacant bed. One that has a white pillowcase and blanket atop it, At the end of the bed, are the bags she had brought with her and left at the front when she first arrived. Sighing, she looks up and down the bed, which is only slightly longer than her body and quite narrow compared to the one she has at home, meaning that she knows she won't have much room to move if she tosses and turns.
I'm guessing you're the final roommate?
She hears the soft voice of the girl on the bed directly opposite questions. The one with the black t-shirt. Glancing at her, Tamara softly and calmly nods in affirmation.
Yes.
The girl scans her up and down.
I'm Kayami. I saw you at the assembly but never introduced myself.
I'm Tamara.
Kayami softly smiles, happy to be able to put a name to the face she had recalled. Her amber eyes staring into Tamara's chocolate brown eyes, she tilts her head up toward the ceiling, looking up at the salmon painted ceiling. Pulling the blanket back, Tamara slides into the bed, positioning her legs under the blanket, then following with her body before she simply stares upward...
To Be Continued...