{Round 3} I find this ironic

“Minasan,” the teacher exclaimed, immediately silencing the class, “Hajimemasho. Ohayoo.”

“Ohayoo!” the class answered back enthusiastically. School was beginning.

Just like any other day, school was about to begin for the youngest student group of the Dome’s Junior Academy. What is the Junior Academy you ask? Well, it’s simple. The Junior Academy is where the youngest of the young warriors go to hone their skills, so that they could one day grow up to become powerful keepers of the peace. In the midst of a lesson on Japanese martial and defensive arts, they greet their teacher, and are greeted, in that land‘s native tongue. “Let’s begin, everyone. Good morning,” the teacher announced. “Good morning,” the students replied. Such well behaved youngsters.

“Alright class,” the teacher continued normally, “Today is a special day. We have a new student joining us.” Naturally, the class spouted a silent well of oohs and aahs, with a few little whispers mixed in. “After she…” Another shallow swell of aahs came out. “…introduces herself and we find her a seat, we’re also going to have a couple guest speakers.” Again, a thin swath of oohs spread throughout the room. “One of them is an experienced student under the tutelage of one of the masters, and the other is a wandering warrior who agreed to come in. That said, today’s regular lesson is canceled.”

Amidst the cheering, the teacher called in the new student. Walking on tip-toes, the student shuffled in, almost unnoticed, and then hid behind her new teacher’s legs. With a reassuring hand, the teacher reached back and moved her before the crowd, giving her a gentle rub on the head. “Alright everybody, settle down,” the teacher said a little more forcefully, “This is Cow-eye. She’s newly arrived here and doesn’t even have a place to stay yet.” Turning attention downward, the teacher nudged the little girl forward. “Hello,” she began shyly, “My name’s Ka-wa-i-i, Kawaii. It’s nice to meet you.” she gave a bow.

“Okay class,” the teacher continued, “Ka-why has recently lost someone very important to her, so it’s important for you do your best to make her feel at home. Now, what do we say? In Nihongo.”

“Hajimemashte,“ the class answered, “Doozo Yoroshiku.”

“Very good class. Now, where to put you…” With that, the teacher began to scan the room. Before too long, one of the students near the back raised their hand, drawing the teacher’s attention. “The seat behind me is open,” the student exclaimed, without waiting for the teacher to call on him, “She can sit there.” The teacher let out a small laugh. “Alright, Grey, settle down, she can sit next to you. Go on, Koh-whai, take your seat.” Just as simply as that, the new student became one of the class. She got a few stares on her way back, but little more. The school day went on.

“Now class,” the teacher went on, “Before we bring in the speakers, there’s something we have to discuss. They’re experienced warriors and have worked hard to get where they are, so it’s important to show them the proper respect. They’ve both blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…” After that, virtually every student stopped paying attention. There was, however, one thing in the room that was worth devoting a little attention to. On the rightmost side, in the very back of the room, the new student was about to be interviewed by her new classmates.

“Hey there,” the student that sat in front of Kawaii whispered, catching the ear she had yet to raise, “My name’s Delirium Grey.” When she looked up, she saw a gray haired boy looking back at her. Strange, that one of his eyes was green and the other was brown, just like him. He looked so much like him, her Freddie. It made her sad. “You don’t have to worry about fitting in here,” he continued, “New kids come in all the time, so it’s not too big a deal.” He outstretched his hand. “If you don’t mind my asking, what’s your power?” Hesitantly, she reached out and grabbed it. “Oh, super strength, eh?”

“Yeah, no normal kids ever get into the Dome,” another student interjected, this one sitting in the only kiddy-corner seat to hers. This child bore a bright blonde crest, and wore an odd patchwork uniform. Even to her, he looked odd. “I’m Confusion Yello. Nice to meet ya,” he went on, “So, you have super strength? Three other kids have that, too. I can throw dust that messes with people’s heads, and Delirium can make people fall asleep. And don’t worry, you’ll fit in perfectly.” With that, the two boys gave her a thumbs up and turned back around. They were nice.

“Blah, blah. And that’s why you must show them the proper respect by being silent until you’re called on to speak,” the teacher finished, once again drawing the attention of the class, “And, without further delay, here they are.”

Sweat beaded his forehead, a single trickle leaking down his cheek. Although Raziel didn't mind volunteering his services, he was worried. He feared he didn't have the experience to be a good teacher. In fact, the whole thing had rather been sprung upon him without notice. He just so happened to be traveling nearby, while on a break from his own training. He figured he'd give the youngsters a glimpse of his sling and other weapons, and there would be little problem.

After all, weren't children semi-simple to please? At least, the lycan hoped so. He heard the announcement with his sensitive hearing almost immediately after quelling his churning stomach. “And, without further delay, here they are.”

Raziel’s hand enclosed about the doorknob and he cracked the door open, straightening to his full height. He attempted to look professional, even though it must have come off as silly. “Good morning, kids,” he greeted, not really knowing what to expect. As a child himself, Raziel had always been quiet and obedient, but Raziel had heard tales about possibilities that caused his soul to quake.

“Good morning!” came the prompt, enthusiastic response.

“My name is Raziel Oscuridad, and I’m here today to answer any questions you may have about being a student of the Battledome.” His peripheral vision caught a hand raise into the air. “Yes?” he asked, looking at the little brunette girl.

“Can I ask a question?”

“May I ask a question.” The teacher beside Raziel corrected with a smile.

The child smiled in return with a large nod. “ May I ask a question?”

“Of course,” Raziel replied as he waved a hand towards her, “go ahead.” He liked this idea now.

“Are you really a student like we are?” Her large eyes were full of admiration. This was a person they could relate to, a student like them, which was hard for some of the children to believe. A flurry of added nods echoed through the room, as other children were wondering the same.

“Yes, I am.” Raziel laughed slightly, enjoying being with such young, pure minds. “I am under the tutelage of Chronos at the moment.”

“But you’re so old ! Grown-ups aren’t supposed to be in school!” The little girl giggled at this, again influencing several of her classmates to do the same.

Raziel himself flushed, feeling his cheeks heat up. “I’m only twenty-six. I know that sounds like a lot to you kids, but I’m still learning. People learn every day. That’s an important part of growing, like you’ll all have to do. Now, if my ears didn’t deceive me, I believe there’s a new student around here somewhere. Who is that?”

Silence ensued for a moment, and Raziel’s eyes flickered over the classroom. There. His inner instinct that gave him the ability to sense fear and apprehension picked up something. The little girl there, behind the two boys. “You.” He pointed at her, a gentle smile on his lips. “You’re the new student, aren’t you?” he asked. “Kawaii, wasn’t it?”

“Y-yes.” Her reply was so soft, Raziel could hardly hear it himself, and that was saying something.

She was very nervous, even the lycan could tell that. “Can you hold onto something for me during class?” Raziel really didn’t want to part with anything special, but he trusted the girl enough to allow her to hold it. He wanted to make her comfortable, as she was the only one he sensed in the class with the smell of fear.

She nodded, a wondering look on her face. Raziel sucked in his chest as he walked between desks, approaching hers. He kneeled and took her hand, slipping a ring on it that was much too big for her, but of gold, witch a set of embroidered initials. “I want you to hold this for me. Don’t worry; I’m sure I can trust you.” His smile spread as she seemed to admire the ring.

“It’s really pretty.”

“Yes, it is. A pretty ring for a pretty girl.” He gave her head a slight pat, returning to the front of the class, just as he noticed the teacher opening the door to the hall. “Hey, is there something going on?”

“It seems that I’m needed elsewhere for a bit. Mr. Oscuridad, you wouldn’t mind taking over the class for me until the other warrior arrives, would you? Just for a bit. I’m sure you can handle things.”

Raziel’s color drained from his face. “You’re joking, right? You’re not going to leave me alone with these children?”

“I’ll return shortly. Don’t let them scare you; they’re as harmless as kittens. Just continue with your speech. You’re very good with children, just look at how happy you made the new girl.”

Raziel extended a hand as she left, intent on badgering his way out of this if he could. The teacher was as slippery as an eel. He slowly turned and placed the hand behind his head. “Well. I guess I can open the floor for questions. Anyone have anything to ask?” A sea of young hands flew into the air. The students ranged in age, the oldest looking to be like the new little girl, and the youngest probably five or six.

“Okay, let’s go one at a ti-“

“I don’t think that was very nice of the teacher to leave you alone, Mister Raziel,” a student’s voice rang out.

“I like make-up! Mommy says it makes me look prettier! Am I pretty, too? I am, right?” one little girl exclaimed, continuing to rant as another voice piqued up.

“Mister Raaaziel! Confusion Yello touched me! I have cooties!” Another red-headed girl interrupted the previous one. “What if something happens? I didn’t get my shot!”

“Mister Raziel!” One boy with jet black hair rocketed to his feet from his desk. “On any of your adventures, have you died ?”

“ Quiet! ” Raziel roared, watching the sea of students return to sitting immediately. “No, it wasn’t nice, but that’s how some people are when they’re busy, make-up can make a girl look nicer, but only highlights her natural graces and isn’t meant to be used to an excess, cooties don’t exist, although since I’ve been in this world, I’m not so sure, and no, obviously, I haven’t died!” He released a few panting breaths, eye twitching. He hadn’t meant to yell, but since it was getting close to a full moon, Raziel had been having trouble keeping his powers in check.

Silence followed for a few moments, until the one called Confusion Yello stood up. “Let’s put him to sleep and then draw on him!”

“Yaaaaay!” The children cheered, advancing on their new test subject for their markers and whatever else they could get their hands on. Raziel backed away, until he, by complete accident, found himself staring at a young child with wavy gray hair. His eyes locked with the boy’s, and Raziel felt a strange tingling sensation overwhelm him. His vision began to cloud, as if smoke had filled the room. Blam. The blue-haired man toppled over.

First, he heard clamoring voices, all of which from children. Then, he felt something on his face, though he wasn’t sure what. Instinct surged within him, causing him to rocket up from his previous position, lying on the floor. “What? What happened?”

“Oh, Mister Raziel! You’re even prettier than my Mommy!” The girl exclaimed, holding out an empty tube of lipstick.

They didn’t… Raziel saw his reflection in the nearby window, and flinched back, grimacing. “Gah! My God! What did you do?” His look had been completely transformed, with bright pink lips, barrettes clipped in his hair, and powdery blush on his face as if a sack of it had fallen on him. Glitter sparkled on his face, his skin feeling sticky and stiff from the gluesticks they used to make the speckles of stars and confetti stay.

“Where did you get all this?” He asked, exasperated as he frantically took the hair clips out and began to wipe the make-up from his complexion. His pride was now damaged slightly, but he was more determined to get his hands around the situation and control these children.

“From teacher’s bag,” the little girl answered.

Raziel surveyed the rest of the classroom. Impossible, he had only been asleep for at the most, five minutes! The classroom looked as if a herd of wild bulls had charged through, with desks flung out the side of the room, differently-colored paper airplanes making their flights about, and holes in the wall from acidic spitballs. “Some of these children are going to unleash hell…” Raziel whispered, his eyes widened from the damages. The teacher still wasn’t back? As most of the children noticed he was awake, they didn’t stop. Only Kawaii and her two friends she seemed to have made generally remained calm.

“Okay, that’s it… no more mister nice guy…” Raziel unclipped his cape, letting it drop to the ground. “I want everyone in their seats before I count to three! One… Two… Awroooooo!” A pained and shocked howl escaped his mouth, and he turned around to see a girl standing on the desk, staring below. She had grabbed a sharp barette and pinned it on a large, furry, gray item that had been waving back and forth under the cloak- Raziel’s tail.

A series of gasps escaped all of the class as Raziel unknowingly exposed it for all to see. Then, especially from the younger ones, came the word that spelled Raziel’s doom. “Puppy!”

There I stood, toe to toe with the massive gargoyle that seemed to try to stare me down. He was only about ten feet tall and nearly twice as wide as I was. I was only a few minutes late for that speech I was supposed to give to those young kids. Well, this was much more fun anyway, and I'd get my daily workout... even if I wasn't yet warmed up. I'd only been fighting this thing for about... two and a half, maybe three hours.

Whereas the giant, horned gargoyle had sweat beading off of its head and its claws and spiked tail were all shattered, I was absolutely unharmed. Come to think of it, I wound up in predicaments like this a good deal. Sad thing too, since there were other times I'd found worthy foes, but mostly unworthy. I just wish that Chronos would let me fight him already to gain my title as a full teacher finally. Then again, something tells me he wouldn't... since I have the most obscure feeling he's been trying to avoid fighting me now.

Anyway, back to the fight. Well, before that, maybe I should tell you how it was I wound up in the predicament I was in. Well, first off all, I should clarify that I was NOT lost and had simply taken a detour from the formal path. After I had walked through the massive forest for a few hours, I ran into this gargoyle, who had taken a few more hours trying to harm me. What a boring day this had been so far. Anyway, the time was coming I clean this up.

"Are you quite done, or are you going to try to waste more of my time?" I asked the creature as it rose into the air and soared fiercely towards me. "Guess not," I commented as I stepped back and spun quickly, kicking the beast in the head, throwing him hurtling through the forest, through several trees, and into the nearby distance. Maybe I overdid it a little bit, but hell, it ended the battle.

I continued smiling widely, as I normally did, and started walking down the nice, clean cut path I'd made myself by clearing trees, accidentally, by kicking that gargoyle. I had expected to defeat it, but I didn't expect to open a nice clearing somewhere. As to where, I'd find that out soon enough, after all, this trip was all in good, clean fun.

I walked down the nice path I had clear-cut with that gargoyle until I found myself in front of the school building. Looking at the placement of the sun, I was only a few minutes late, which wasn't too bad, considering that detour I had taken. Again, I was absolutely, positively NOT LOST!

I entered the school house through the large hole I had created in the building and looked at the room. I had taken down the wall in the front half of the room. Luckily I missed the students, on the negative side of things, I had also destroyed the door, although the door and slightly into the hallway seemed to be the farthest the gargoyle had gone. What luck!

Well, continuing on, I entered the room and walked towards the destroyed door to look at the gargoyle I had just defeated. I had left a nice foot imprint in his face, but that was it. Apparently, I had killed the creature with just that one kick. That fight turned out to be less fun then I had hoped... but that was to be expected. Anyway, with a slight jerk, I tossed the gargoyle corpse out of the building and into the clearing until it vanished again. I have to stop doing that.

I noticed just then that a very professionally dressed woman was standing there, checking a man that had, from what it looked liked, been hit by the flying gargoyle for wounds. "What happened to my classroom and Mr. Raziel?" she asked me as if I didn't know.

"Well, I kicked a gargoyle, and it accidentally went through the wall of your room and hit this kind gentlemen. Sorry about that," I responded as I rubbed the back of my head.

"Oh? You must be the other person I was sent to find. Mr. Zorlo, right?" she asked me as if my hair, the eccentric green color it is, didn't say it all.

"Yeah, that would be me. Shall I deal with the kids while you make sure he's all right?" I asked her and she nodded as the teacher picked up the wounded man and carried him to the nurse. Knowing the Dome and its will, everything would be fine, but for now, I had to take on a challenge more terrifying then anything before it: Entertaining young children.

I stepped back into the room, and all the wide eyed children stared at me for a few moments, some of whom had their mouths gaping. "Hello students, my name is Zorlo, and I am titled as both the Aura Master and the fencer of Tasogare; thusly, my official title, aside from teaching assistant to Chronos, is Zorlo, the Aura Master and Fencer of Tasogare. Now then, I've come to tell you a bit about myself and what I do, so first, are there any questions?" I asked as I looked at all their dumbfounded faces. This may be easier then I thought.

Finally, one of the children, a small girl that didn't exactly look human, raised her hand. "Um..." she began nervously, as if I were some kind of demon or something along those lines. "Did you really just send that gargoyle into this building... dead?" she asked, obviously not use to asking questions of someone. She was young, so she'd learn.

"Yes, in fact, I did it with a single kick. Now if you'll all look at the clearing there," I told them as I pointed at the clearing I had produced, "you'll see the path the gargoyle traveled on his way here."

"I can't see an end to it," one student commented and I merely smiled.

"Yes, that is the power... I suppose, of a teacher at the Dome. Don't worry, one day you'll all know that kind of power, I'd imagine. Now then, don't you have any other questions for me?" I asked them enthusiastically. These kids were so interesting.

Sadly, they were all quiet. I'm lucky I hadn't given them all heart attacks, thinking on about it now, but at that moment in time, I simply smiled. What a good day it had been, and now, I had the chance to meld their little minds. "Well, since your teacher is gone, I guess I'll teach you. So, where did she leave off?" I asked them with a smile as I stood in front of the class. Time to do my job.