It was daybreak at the metropolis of Frankfurt, Germany. Outside the stately home of the affluent Rosengarten family was the hectic resonance of traffic along the intersection. However, this failed to hinder Priscilla’s much coveted bonding with her bathtub.
”Mmmnnnn…” The snug warmth the bath water provided practically overlapped with the noise outdoors, erasing the torpidity of her bones along with easing the anxieties the exams gave her. "I mean, what form of hell could be more overwhelming than Integral Calculus and Modern Physics, thrown at the same day? Honestly!" She pondered, as her pale figure languidly shifted downwards.
”Young mistress, you are about to exceed your bath time. You mustn’t be late for school. You have major examinations coming up.” Her helper's voice stretched from the intercom, practically snapping her back to reality, revealing a pair of peach-hued orbs. ”A-alright, I get it, Maria! Geez…” She promptly yet reluctantly parted from her tub, grabbing and covering herself with the baby-pink towel.

---

”My name is Priscilla Rosengarten! Pris, if you’d like it short and sweet. I'm what you would call an advocate of optimism! Life is difficult, but it only gets harder from there if we don't face it with a smile, am I right? There is no harm in trying until you succeed! Nothing is impossible if you just believe you can do it! Ahahaha, I guess I'm being a bit childish, aren't I...?"
Priscilla donned her school uniform, adorned with a red ribbon on her collar, white pom-poms across the red cloak sported around her upper body. To finish, she tied her salmon hair into twin-tails that extended to her waist. "Gut aussehen, Pris!" (meaning "looking good" in German) The young girl solemnly declared in glee, satisfied with her mien.
"Now then!" She exclaimed, reaching for her red handbag. "Here's to hoping I pass that exam, I guess..." It seemed as if her bright countenance shifted to a somewhat despondent one. Judging by this facial expression, you'll find it quite suspect that she didn't study all too well last night. In terms of academics, Priscila was somewhat average, but definitely lacking on the more intricate subjects such as Mathematics and Science. "Nevertheless! I refuse to go down from something like this! I tried my best, after all! Hahahaha! Guess we'll see how it goes..."
Finally leaving the comfort of her room, Priscilla heads for the main exit. "Dad is at the restaurant, and Mom is probably preparing for the special project meeting later... Guess I'll just go, then!" As she walked in stride, Priscilla noticed that Maria, who usually accompanied her on her way out, wasn't anywhere to be found. "... I guess Mom called her for a bit? ... Oh well! I'll be late if I dilly-dally any longer." On another note, the bustling noise of traffic from earlier appears to have dispersed all of a sudden. She walked further along the path, eventually reaching the wooden double-doors. She gently opened them, heading outside.


"..." The lively, motor-mouthed Priscilla suddenly turned quiet. Her glistening eyes were transfixed at the road ahead of her. It was pitch black. Everywhere. It was as if she had opened the door to another realm. "Wha.. What is this? Why is it so dark? I thought it was morning!" Quickly, she turned around, only to find that it was gone. Not only the doors, but even her beloved home was no longer behind her. Her bag landed on the sable flooring, leaving the utterly confused seventeen-year old's grasp. "Am I... dreaming?" Priscilla wiped her eyes for clarity, but opening them once more only sealed the certainty that it wasn't. She didn't move from where she was, only looking around her to see if there was anything distinct from the endless darkness. It was dreadfully quiet, which complements the pitch black to strike her with absolute unease. At last, she gave the appropriate reaction. "What the hell is going on?!?!" Her screech echoed along the void, slowly losing her semblance of rational thought.
And then finally, something, or someone, materialized from the darkness.
”Fascinating. I can sense a gate within this one also.”
Suddenly, a featureless figure appeared in front of Priscilla. "Ah!!" She was in shock, for the first thing that appeared in this bizarre gloom was a being that harmonized with it. It’s voice was feminine, but it’s figure was that of a child. It stepped closer to her, and leaned in. "W-wh.. Who are you?! What are you?!" Priscilla asked with defined fear on her visage, stepping back with the same pace as his until he closened the gap. "Eeeeeeek!" There was no denying it. This figure was entirely featureless, except for it’s outline contrasting the void around it.
”Well, Priscilla. I’m told the circumstances of your arrival have been changed from our last guest.” The figure leaned back, and extended one featureless hand to the yet to respond girl in front of it. When the mentally worn Priscilla thought nothing could surprise her at this point, this unknown entity knew her name, of all things. "U-um..." She would accept his offer for a handshake, if this were under any normal circumstances. But this was an event beyond her comprehension that it was only painfully obvious that she wouldn't.
”Welcome to my world!"
"WAAAAAAIIIIIIIIITTTTTTT!!! Hold on!! Just give me a breather here!" Priscilla exclaimed, her arms extended forward as if to stop him, followed by a brief exhale. "Y-you're a freaking weirdo, you know that?! Can't you understand the situation you've put me in?! Put yourself in my shoes! In the first place, you didn't even answer me! Who are you?! What ARE you?! Where are we?! What the hell is going on?!" She was angrily pointing her finger at the featureless figure, her loud, drawn-out ramblings emanating throughout the dark world, though anyone placed in her situation would find it very justified. "And what is this about my arrival and your world?! Answer me!" And then, she stopped, exhaling once more. But her inquiries weren't finished there. "How... do you know my name...?"

---

"...I knew it. We let our guard down too easily." Irene pondered as they scurried faster. Malnourished they may look, their capability to anticipate and plan early combined with a persistent will to survive were truly fearsome attributes to possess. Their numbers were great, like a mob pursuing kittens. "Vasilis! To me!" She yelled out, letting go of Aerith's hand afterward and turning around. They stopped in an area where there were no narrow alleyways nor openings in between the neighboring structures. Devoid of space for a surprise attack, she swiftly analyzed the still far-off pursuers on the male and female foreigner duo's tails. "Stay behind me, alright? Please worry not. I won't let any harm occur to you." She declared, with a calm, assured smile.

As the two passed them by, Irene's knight had already landed on her side, denoted by the quaking of the earth. "There you have it, Vasilis. No less than twenty of them, in total."

”You say that like it’s an impressive number.” He adjusted his grip on his axe. ”But I’ll take it down to zero.”

"To my front." Irene ordered, as she slowly closed her eyes. She had already imprinted them on her mind; the lay of the land and the vulnerable positioning of their enemies. Perhaps she may have overestimated them, but having failed their ambush earlier must have placed desperation and fear on their hearts. Her focus was unyielding as the milliseconds passed by, the vagabonds drawing nearer and Vasilis taking a battle stance. Her right palm stretched forward, in perfect alignment and poise.

"El... Her ruby-hued orbs peeled open. ...Shamak."

The incantation she uttered chained down on the opposition instantaneously, perceivable by their next course of action, or the lack thereof. The bandits ceased any form of movement, paralyzed entirely. Their assortment of blunt and sharp weaponry had fallen with an audible clang to the ground. Some of them, unfortunate enough to lose their balance the moment they lost control of their bodies, tumbled face first onto the unforgiving pavement. Irene took off with Vasilis, slowly approaching their immobilized adversaries.

"I pity you rebels... I commiserate with your very unforgiving struggles and experiences, and mayhaps it is due the kingdom's insufficiencies that lead you astray. But to drag down the innocents who are suffering just as much with you is reprehensible."

Vasilis was already running towards the group before Irene finished her speech. ”For my next trick...” The knight started a fire under his feet, just enough to let him hover off the ground. Without the earth under him, he floated towards the vagrants. Even though they were all momentarily stunned, it seemed like they were already starting to regain the ability to move. That was when Vasilis triggered an explosion on the head of his axe, causing him to spin. His axe was spinning in such a way that the bladed head wouldn't hit anyone. However, the sheer weight of his weapon was strong enough to throw anyone it struck to either side of the street. One unlucky thug was hurled into at least four of his companions, and was knocked unconscious when he struck the brick building on the side of the street. In just a few seconds, the entire group had been dispatched. Those that were still conscious were writhing in pain. Vasilis himself had landed on the ground, but he was stumbling around in a circle. ”I keep, forgetting, about the vertigo.” He fell onto one knee and grabbed his head. ”Okay, okay.” With a sigh, he looked over his shoulder at Irene. He quickly winked, forced a smile, and gave her a thumbs up.

A sigh of relief and triumph escaped her, having managed to deal with the sly threat that could have taken their lives today. "There's probably more of them, but I would like to think that we've greatly thinned their numbers." Raising her right hand, the unconscious had been pulled together in a big circle, bound by dark, ethereal chains that materialized around them. After observing the area around them one more time, the denizens, unable to go out and could do nothing but peer through the windows, began congregating outside.

Returning to the trio with a gentle smile, she resumed. "This was made possible with your assistance. Had it not been for you, we would have been encircled back there. I offer you my sincerest thanks." She bent her knee and raised the hem of her dress slightly; a curtsy of gratitude. "My name is Irene. My partner's is Vasilis. If it isn't too much trouble, may I know your names?"

"So you were here." The faint sound of her voice, all too familiar to him even under the sound of raindrops. Turning around to face the source, he spoke calmly.

"What a sight for sore eyes. To think that you'd be the one to corner me... Bedivere."

"Surely, you jest. Only you and I know of this secret grove, discovered by chance. Not even the Grand Mage has eyes of this place. I was almost certain that you would try to hide here now that the knights are on high alert... and my intuition was right."

"Well done." A monotonous response from the spearman resulted in a moment of silene as the sound of rain persisted. The young maiden, clad in armor and weapon, was clearly disheartened by his actions; the man could see it in her pallid orbs. She put out her toughest front, firm in her decision to confront him, as a knight who pledged for the safety of their kingdom, regardless of personal affairs.

"The act of treason against Plim is reprehensible, Sir Lamorak. Aiding in the unshackling of the Witch of Wrath, along with compromising our foothold against the enemy. An explanation for such is in order, as your former comrade-in-arms.

"Do I even need a reason? Hmmm, if I had to think of one, maybe... it was because it didn't work out for me here?" The disgraced knight gave a half-assed reply to her inquiry, pinning himself guilty as charged.

"You swore an oath you couldn't keep in the first place...?" Bedivere's voice remained calm, though her facial expression betrayed her evident tranquil fury.

"And what of it? In the end, oaths are nothing but words uttered from one's lips. Let this be my last lesson to you. Casting doubt on everyone you know, no matter how close, would be a wise decision. You are a fool who easily fell victim to lies guised under virtue. Like mine."

"..." The redhead drew silence yet glared at the traitor, his lack of dignity and loyalty clear. Bedivere was unable to comprehend that the man before him wasn't the same Lamorak that she held dear. However, she maintained her composure with closed eyes and a deep exhale. The mole was adamant in his decision to make her and the entirety of Plim his enemy. No amount of dialogue would bring him back to their side, nor express his guilt. At this point, they know what followed suit.

"So I take it you won't surrender in peace...?" Bedivere coldly inquired, placing her hand on the hilt of the sheathed blade on her waist. Lamorak, in return, answered her motion by spinning and twirling his favored polearm; his gaze focused on the female knight who he once shared memories with.

"That need not be given an answer, don't you think? Even if I explained my actions, what's done is done. This is how it should be." At that exact moment, as if their timing were flawlessly in tandem, she drew out her royal saber and raised front, assuming her elegant posture while the spearman readied himself, his own distinguished stance and his spear facing forward.

"Just this once... show me that you've retained at least some level of chivalry as a knight, my old friend?"

"... No promises."

"EN GUARDE!"
"EN GUARDE!"

They howled in unison.

---

---

"Nnn..." A loud ringing tone emitted from his flip-phone, doubling as his alarm clock. The noise resounded throughout the room, unceasing. A few more seconds passed until his consciousness returned to him. "Ugh..." Reaching for the desk where his phone lay chattering at the flat-top surface with its vibrations, Juno's eyes slowly darted open, reluctant as he was to do so. The incessant noise finally dealt with, his still-lethargic frame hoisted up and parted with the bed.


It was a very early morning, which he had already acclimated to. Most students his age were still sound asleep at that time, but his situation was a bit different. Being the de facto man of the house, Juno was in charge of making breakfast for the whole family. With his constricted hour-and-a-half, Juno had to act promptly. Nowadays, he can whip up the most basic of meals with little-to-no slip-ups; a definite learning experience which took him quite a while since he wasn't very fond of cooking food. Today, their breakfast comprised of bread and omelette, complemented by a side of orange juice for the kids, and coffee for himself and his father.


He would then knock on their rooms one-by-one to wake them up.


There was no response. As per usual.

Their breakfast was set on the dining table, beckoning them. Miya and Goro, his two younger siblings, settled down on their respective seats. The sole absentee was their father; a regular occurrence at this point. "..." And of course, Haru and Aki were also absent, away from their fragmented abode.

It was only due to the generosity of their departed mother's sister, whom the siblings have a close bond with, that the hospitalized Haru is still clinging on to life despite her grave illness. From shouldering her medical expenses, along with visiting her on the daily and taking care of Aki, the youngest sibling, the Tatsujin family was indebted to her for sure. Repaying her along with making up for their expenses are the two chief reasons why Juno's been working hard these past few months.

With these lingering thoughts, his blank trance had him occupied to the point where it was too late for him to notice. "...bro! Hey, big bro!" He finally snapped back to reality, darting his attention to his younger sister. "Uh.. sorry, Miya. What is it?" Having finally caught her big brother's attention, she inquired. "Is school going to be hard? Goro-nee said so himself~!" It was finally time for Miya to embark on her own childhood journey, with Goro having started school a year prior. For convenience sake, they both attend the same elementary.



The both of them nodded in unison. "Good. Now finish up your breakfast so you can get dressed. You know where your uniform is, right?" Miya merrily nodded once more. "Good girl." A faint smile escaped the eldest brother's lips as she headed off to prepare herself for her very first day of embarking in her childhood. It was short but sweet moments like these where he felt like his weary days were most definitely worth it.

Goro, on the other hand, was still glued to the table, his platter still unfinished. He paid notice over their father's untouched portion, and then to Juno. "Daddy's still..." The child muttered; a perceptible frown painted on his face. "... He'll wake up soon. Let's just leave his food here, alright? Now go. We don't wanna be late." Taking their finished plates and setting them down on the kitchen sink, Goro woefully concurred. "Okay.."

---

---

Juno patted the two of them on the head, before seeing them run off together with the crowd of elementary schoolers. Juno picked up his flip-phone to check on the time. "6:23. That's enough time." Luckily, the distance between the Kawashiri Elementary and Fujioka Senior High wasn't too far off. And with that, he began treading along the sidewalk, on the way to his destination.

Today was going to be Juno's first day being a high school student. He felt as if this transition would be brutal for him, considering his unfortunate circumstances. Unlike most of the freshmen who were particularly excited to meet a lot of faces, fresh and old, said thoughts haven't crossed his mind as his aim was solely focused on one thing: finishing as soon as possible. He was more nervous than enthusiastic, but there was no time for that. He could only think of his family's future, and how Haru and the rest were relying on him. This was for his family, and no one else can do it but him.

---

Interactions: Ishihara, Miyuki @ES

---

It had been an uneventful third of an hour of treading until he had reached his destination. Designated by the cherry blossom trees in full bloom brought forth by the season of spring, lies the high school institution that Juno would attend. The school itself wasn't as towering as he'd hoped, by account of comparison to other renowned high schools he'd seen on television. Then again, the town of Kurosuoba had this boondocks facet for as long as he was aware. The gate was still closed, just as expected due to being early. The number of students have been rapidly increasing, congregating in droves toward the front of the entrance.

He stood at the side as the noise accumulated, either from two familiar parties seeing each other and having a reunion, or strangers initiating small talk to the adjacent person. A bit irritated at the unnecessary yelling, Juno checked through his phone once more, setting up his alarm. "Okay... Guess this settles my daily morning schedule then... Ugh. For the love of God, pipe down..." While the jolliness of youth couldn't be helped, it was still annoying as hell. "..." Then he remembered. He was pretty much like this back then. It had already been a while, but he used to be an extroverted young man enjoying his salad days, making friends; no different from the people he's scoffing at right now. Where did the years go?

Turning his back on the noise and returning the phone on his pocket, Juno's eyes were locked with another. A familiar face. It would be hard to forget about her considering the number of times they've encountered each other. She approached him, complete with a gentle formality that he was used to back on the store, but not here.

"Uh... Y-yeah. Morning to you too." His response was half-baked, if only due to his surprise. Then silence made its rounds, between them at least. He wasn't quite sure what to say next. Forcing a smile, rubbing his head and averting his gaze from her, he continued. "... Didn't think I'd end up seeing you here, Ishihara-san." Fair enough, that's certainly one way to break the ice.

"The workplace should be right around.. Whoa.."

Calum halted at the sight before him, lowering the missive he was reading. Well-tended flora of varying ilk and vivid colors pervaded the green fields. Atop the inclined path lied a rather crude shack, which appeared to embrace the very nature it stood on. If it wasn't for the smoke emitting from its chimney, it would be easy to assume that it was abandoned. Still, everything about it felt... natural. The morning breeze that he felt brush past his being only complemented the invigorating vibes as he walked up the path towards his destination. It was going to be his very first job; the feeling of uneasiness inching on him like a bug. Nevertheless, it was one that he had decided on.

A chance for fateful encounters. To soar through the skies. To find one's own happiness through witnessing another's smile. A simplistic, yet wholesome dream for some, even if considered childish by others.

Arriving at the end of the walkway, Cal finds a young woman; a damsel possessing ashen hair and looking the same age as him. Their eyes met not too long after, and thus a greeting was inevitable. "Good morning to you, miss! I, uh.. assume you're here for the same reason as I am?" The two made light conversation, before more figures came one after another. And by each one arriving, he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of discomfort. He was honestly expecting a more gender-equal ensemble, and this was quite the surprise.

"Erm.. I suppose introductions are in order, huh? Alright then, I'll start! Name's Calum. Calum Pierrepont. Folks call me 'Cal', so feel free to do so as well. Here's to hoping we all get accepted, yeah?"

The exchange picked up and continued from there, up until a certain point. The slight creaking of the door made the ashen-haired Emi shriek by surprise, and the others in tandem. "Y-you're joking.. right? T-the house can't possibly be haunted.." The sole male uttered with shaky breaths, a tad nervous when Emi slowly peered into the darkness.

And, like a scene from a horror flick, it happened.

"UWAAAH!" A figure bound from the doorway, causing his body to jerk backwards by instinct. His precious brown hat parted from his head and he almost lost his footing, like Emi just did. His wide-eyed gaze was glued to the culprit; a dog. Inconsiderate to the people it had just frightened, the creme-colored furball ran towards the greenery and frolicked about. His heart was beating fast, his right palm planted on his chest and he was struggling to catch his breath.

"Man.. Not.. a big fan of.. jumpscares.. Hah.. Little fella almost gave me a heart attack! Ahaha.. Hahahahaha!" Cal burst out laughing, realizing that he likely screamed the loudest of them all; the man among the women. He bent down to pick up his fallen hat, returning it to where it once was. "Well, that was embarrassing! Let's just move on and forget that ever happened?"

He did his best to save himself from that embarrassment. He really did.