The DWMA. A prestigious school for Meisters and Death Weapons alike. It’s been six months since Winston and Edge joined the Academy, along with their class. They didn’t speak much to anyone, and their teacher was… kinda weird. It was Sid, and this guy was a zombie for crying out loud! Although, to be fair, who else could teach a class in Death City? As students flooded the door in Solar Eclipse Class, Winston and Edge both took their seats beside each other, as they have grown accustomed to. “Hey Edge, why do you think they picked Edge as a teacher for New Year’s? Surely Lord Death would assign him to a… more advanced class, don’t you think?” Winston questioned. Edge merely shrugged. “I dunno. Maybe Lord Death thought Sid was suitable.” He replied, very monotone as he writ the date in his book. Edge was too quiet. Winston wasn’t an energetic guy by any means, not like that kid with the blue hair who stood atop the castle… Black… Star his name was?

As the last students entered the class, Sid walked to the front of the desk and slammed his hand onto the table as to grab the class’s attention. “Alright class, close your books! Today I’ll be teaching you a very different type of lesson. Lord Death specifically asked me to teach you a practical lesson today, and I believe that lessons are best taught through action. That’s the kind of man I was.” He began. “Speaking of specifics, could the following Meisters and Weapons please report to Lord Death in the Death Room.” He also added. Both Winston and Edge looked at each other and raised an eyebrow, wondering who it could be.

Sid read off a piece of paper. “Ethan, and Fi. Corvus, and Sulley. Minami, and Ryo. Claus, and Helena. Aria, and Alexander. Soonue, and Ari. Dahlia and Virgil. Fionn and Joni, Jason with Julia and Rachel as well as Winston and Edge.” He announced. Winston and Edge again both felt the same way- very, very, very confused. However, per instruction, they both packed up their things and left for the Death Room. The other students that followed suit was quite a roster. A bunny, a girl with bandages around her eyes, and a guy with… something around his mouth too. So much weird today…

After a five minute trek, everyone arrived at the Death Room, and began walking through the guillotine corridor. Winston gulped as he looked up. Imaginations of them suddenly dropping down invaded his mind, and made him shudder as to think what would happen if they actually did. At the very end, a black, shadowy figure stood on the other side of the room, seemingly staring into a tall mirror. It seemed he did notice their presence as he turned around. “Hiya! What’s up?” Lord Death asked, in his cartoony voice.

Winston looked at everyone else, wondering who would speak up. Certainly not Edge, he barely talks to his own partner. Edge looked at Winston and nudged him, gesturing towards Lord Death. Winston gulped. “Uhm, Lord Death… Si-uhmmmm, Mr. Barrett said you requested all of our presence.” He timidly said. Lord Death put his flat hand to his… what could be assumed to be his chin. “Hmmm… ah yes!” The Reaper replied as he pointed his finger upwards. “I have been monitoring all of your progresses and I have to say I’m quite impressed. Therefore I am going to give you all your first Extra-Curricular lesson. Within Death City, there have been reports of uniformed groups or individuals kidnapping or straight-up murdering individuals for human souls. Considering this as a gang is an understatement and there more of a small cult. Allowing them to continue would be catastrophic and many Kishin’s would arise. However, as of now they are all just Kishin Egg souls. Nevertheless, eradicating this threat is a priority. Therefore I have assigned all of you to defeating the Cult. Work as a team, and you should be fine. If not, you will probably die.” Lord Death explained. “Oh well! Off you go! Have fun children!” He announced suddenly and everyone left. As the group convened outside, Edge and Winston decided to listen and hear everyone’s opinions first.

As was normal, Fi was currently riding on top of Ethan's head. Also normal, was him not paying attention to the person talking to them, due to a distraction. 'Ah, the butterfly, such a beautifully tragic creature' he thought to himself, as he watched said butterfly flint about in the air 'There are few creatures who have to endure such hardships to reach their full maturity. From the slow, ground-bound form of the caterpillar. To the prison of the chrysalis, immobile and unaware of the world around them. All this, and for what; to gain the form of a butterfly? Even with it's beauty, and it's flight, it is still just as fragile. I wonder, noble butterfly; how aware are you of your own mortality? Do you live in blissful ignorance, or do you struggle through life with that burden on your mind? Ah, what I would give to take a peak inside your mind, to see just what your hopes and fears are.' Of course to anyone watching, he would just look like an animal staring at some object which had caught his attention (something that wasn't really untrue)

Ethan on the other hand, was listening...something he quickly regretted "L-L-Lord Death wants us to fight a cult!? But...we're just students, and cults are filled with crazy people. Crazy people are so scary to fight. Shouldn't this be a job for the police, or people who have graduated from the academy?" Feeling scared, Ethan pulled Fi off of his head and held him like a teddy bear. Fi, being the cuddlebug he was, was perfectly okay with this

"Fiiiiiiiiiii. Fi Fi." The weapon attempted to offer his poor meister some encouraging and soothing words.

"Thanks Fi. You're always so good with words. I'm...I think I'm feeling a little better now."

"Aw man this blows." As Corvus slapped his hand on his desk. "Another damn school day with nothing interesting to do. Nothing but these damn tests about kishins and shit... I want to go on a goddamn mission or something...ANYTHING other than this." With a audible grunt he flopped back into his seat and kicked it back, allowing his feet to rest comfortably on the top of the table. Sulley sighed.

"There is no need to act like a child Corv-"

"WHAT YOU CALL ME!"

"I didn't call you anything. I'm saying you have to show patience. We will have our time and when we do we'll show them what we're fully capable...If we can properly connect." Sulley mumbling the last part. Corvus gave off a "tch" with the roll of the eyes as Sid came in through the door. "Great what's the pop quiz for today?" Corvus mumbled. "ALRIGHT CLASS CLOSE YOUR BOOKS!" Corvus raised an eyebrow to this as he sat up to hear about a "practical" lesson which could only cause Corvus to gain a toothy grin. "About damn time!" Before Sulley could say anything he heard Sid call both their names and told them to report to Lord Death's Office to which Sulley paled. 'Oh god what did Corvus do this time?' It wasn't unheard of through the school in the small amount of time that the two have been there to know that Corvus had gained a reputation that almost matched BlackStar's as for fighting goes. Within the first couple week, him and Sulley managed to get into 30 fights winning 20, losing 3 and the other 7 were stopped before they could even continue. Out of those twenty, 4 were sent to the hospital. If it wasn't for Sulley trying to reason with Lord Death (who knew those to fairly well because of the multiple incedents), they both would have been kicked out a long time ago so to say that Lord Death needed those two in his office was a legit reason to be afraid. Corvus looked over at Sulley with a confused look.

"Hmmm? Oi! You ok bro?" The only response from Sulley was the sound of him pushing his chair back, standing up, returning it to its proper position and walking down the stairs. 'What's wrong with him?' He thought as he kicked his feet off the desk and followed suit with his hands tucked into his jean pockets.

The room was quite spacious for Lord Death with white all around and the small and ominous graveyard tucked in not to far away. And then there was the mirror that he could see Death's reflection from. Corvus looked around at the other people in the group. A disgusted look crossed his face as he stood there. "Tch" He leaned over to Sulley with a somewhat nervous look. "What do you think we're in here for anyway?" Sulley on the other hand did show any expression other than a tense figure. He had been mumbling to himself low enough no one could hear. "Please no expulsion, please no expulsion, please no expulsion." It was no more than a few moments before their cartoony school president and principal turn around and great them. Sulley bowed politely as Corvus gave him a weird look before he felt Sulley's hand on the back of his head, forcing him down into a bow.

"Greetings Lord Death"
"Ack...Yeah sure, whatever...ACK! Greetings Lord Death!"

As Sulley stood straight up he released Corvus who shrugged his weapon's hand off of him and gave him a glare.

"Yeah so what's the deal with all of us in hear? I didn't get into another fight so that can't be the reason."

Sulley glanced over at him as he tensed once again.

Lord Death began to explain why they were called and Sulley had listened intently. 'They must not be that much of a threat considering he is only sending academy students. But if what he says is true than they may be low to mid range kishin eggs. Nothing that the students of this acada-" He had gotten a sudden chill as he looked over at Corvus who wore a wide grin.

"Piece of cake. But one thing..." An accusatory finger swept across the rest of the group.

"I'm not working with them. You can't make me work with these-ACK!" A quick backfist came across his stomach bending him over as a hand was firmly placed on the back of his head, keeping him in a bowed position. "Excellent students who have proven that hardwork and dedication goes a long way. I speak for all of us when I say thank you for considering us for this task and we will make it our goal to complete this task as a team and not individuals." He pressed down on his meister's head on "teams" and twice on "not individuals" while he cussed out his weapon the entire time. Swipping his weapon's hand off the back of his head he stood straight back up with a verbal "tch" before looking away from them, a visible scowl on his face.

---

It had been what was coming a standard morning for them having arrived late to class for the third time this week Aria and Alex where sat at the back of the classroom with only Alex paying attention to what the teacher had actually been trying to teach them. Aria on the hand was sleep quietly with her book stood up to hide herself from Sid. Alex couldn't blame Aria for sleeping... well he could although she'd not care in the slightest. Aria did what Aria wanted unless he was there to keep her in check. Alex had no idea why Aria listened to him but he knew better then to ask not wanting to run the risk on facing Aria's wrath. Still he had gotten used to it in the short time they had been together.

Hearing Sid tell the class close their books and that today he'd be teaching a practical lesson Alex looked at Aria who sudden shot up wide awake the moment those words where spoken. It was when Sid called at their names Alex let out a sigh wondering why they had been summoned... did Aria get into fist fight when he wasn't looking, sadly that wouldn't have been a surprise. Still at least they had been called up alone so maybe it was something good... well at least not a punishment for her actions. Looking at his meister Alex was surprised to see that Aria was already awake and backing up her things.
"I'm surprised you heard that Aria. I was afraid I was going to have to wake you up. Alex commented as he began to pack up his own belongings in a orderly fashion.

"I was only resting my eyes ya know. Now hurry up we don't want to keep Death waiting." Aria stated punching her Alex in the arm. Once Alex was ready to leave Aria took the lead and headed towards the death room Alex sticking close to Aria as he still hadn't fully learned his way around the school and he didn't want to get lost. Once inside the death room Alex hid behind Aria finding the group that had been summoned a little too big for his comfort level. This earned him a frown Aria finding Alex's social issue annoying.

Both of them listened to Death quietly both of them quite surprised that a cult could and would operate in Death City. But it didn't change anything they would do their best to remove the threat although as to how would need to worked out both them had never worked with so many people. Both of them watched as one of the other students present stated he wasn't going to work with anyone only see him quickly dealt with who Alex and Aria thought must of been his partners. Regardless Aria felt her temper up a little but seeing the kid being bowed over was enough to claim her down.

Once Death had finished speak Alex waited for everyone else to leave before bowing respectfully death offering his personal thanks before joining the others outside. Again Alex hid behind his meister Aria rolling her eyes as she looked at the rest of the group sizing them up.
"So... a cult. That is certainly wasn't what I expecting." Aria stated folding her arms feeling a little concerned for her siblings.

Minami yawned "It's a pain that we have to wake up this early for class."

Ryo yawned along with Minami as they walked into class, and took their seat in the middle row to be able to get a decent view of the lessons. Minami had no care as to where they sat, so it would be up to him to pick a spot otherwise they'd might as well be sitting on the floor. As they sat Ryo looked to Minami while he put his hand to his right cheek, and then took it off as he put two fingers up.

"Of course I make you get up 2 hours earlier than I do. You need to practice as much as you can to become stronger."

Ryo huffed through his nose, and then took out a book to read while they waited for class to start. Meanwhile, Minami would work on being able to detect souls with those that were already in class. It was something that she was fairly decent at, but wanted to strengthen to be able to become a better meister. The others in the class didn't need to know she was doing it either since her skill level on it was still a 40% success rate; at best.

As Sid walked in Minami, and Ryo stopped what they were doing, and started preparing for class. That is, until their names were called. Ryo had froze at the calling of his name while Minami smiled from cheek to cheek as she continuously nudged him from excitement. "Lord Death wants us Ryo." She whispered to him while Sid continued calling names. Ryo nodded multiple times before her nudges were starting to hurt, so he grabbed her arm as she tried to nudge again, and scowled at her.
"Oh, sorry." She stopped nudging him, but her smile stayed as it was; excited. "Think about it though."

I AM thinking about it.

"We're not in trouble because we haven't been causing any, so it must be for something else."

He nodded in agreement.

"Exactly!"

Both of them got up as they grabbed their things, and followed Sid to the Death Room. It wasn't often that they were summoned, so their walk there was interesting enough for them to look around as they walked like they were tourists getting the VIP tour. Once there Ryo looked at all of the others that were also listed on the sheet Sid read from. Everyone was quite interesting in a way that made Ryo wonder if he was the weakest in the bunch of skilled weapons. He didn't know all of them, but had heard of a few who had a reputation for causing fights, and practically winning them like Sulley.

Getting back to the conversation at hand both meister, and weapon paid close attention to what Lord Death was saying. Minami grinned as Lord Death continued to explain to them why they were summoned, and by the end of the conversation was practically ready to go out there and show everyone what she and Ryo were made of. Suddenly, she heard Corvus burst out with the "I don't like the people here" speech. "EXCUSE M-"

Ryo grabbed her arm as he saw Sulley beat up his own meister. Minami quickly turned to Ryo while he shook his head, and then let out a "tch" as she forcefully got out of Ryos grasp. "Whether you like it or not we're going to work as a team, so deal with it." Minami practically spat at Corvus.

Ryo placed his hand on his forehead. Why'd you add that comment? You know it's easy for Corvus to get upset.
@FallenTrinity

Even after being around her pretty much constantly for six months, Virgil could not fathom how his partner Dahlia managed to be a morning person. On any given day, he'd crawl out of bed, his hair and beard making him look like a bedraggled lion, and carry himself into the shower for fifteen minutes to wake up just as much to get clean. Meanwhile, from the next room, over, he'd hear the beep-ba-beep of Dahlia's alarm going off, and a few minutes later the redhead would pop out of her room already groomed, dressed, and ready to begin the day. It absolutely befuddled Virgil.

Now, an hour and a half later and leaning back in his chair, Virgil endeavored to seem professional and scholarly. One would not think, looking at his burly physique and rather disheveled appearance, that this man valued discipline and learning as much as he did. Nevertheless, it didn't always show, particularly on days when the coffee machine wouldn't respond. He cast a glance around the room, trying to find something to pique his interest and maybe get his heart moving. To his immediate right sat the kid with the rabbit, Ethan, whose choice of partner still amazed Virgil. Sitting in the row before him were Minami and Ryo, the Show-off and the Silent. Truth to be told, Virgil still didn't know what exactly to think of them. However effective their partnership and style, they never seemed to really connect. Still, Virgil liked them a lot more than Doofus and Goofus, more commonly known as Sulley and Corvus, the latter of which never failed to fill a room with his surliness and pride. Even now, as Virgil listened in, Corvus denigrated the education the students were receiving. Silently, he fumed. If you hate learning so much, why doesn't Death expel you already? Any common thug can fight in the streets; our purpose is much higher! But he said nothing. Even if the two young men hadn't had a few choice encounters, Virgil doubted that Corvus would listen.

Virgil's analysis of the class came to an abrupt halt with the arrival of Sid. He sat up, his book at the ready, but raised both eyebrows. A practical lesson? A wide, toothy grin spread over his features, and he shared it with Dahlia, whose thin smile held cautious optimism. The good news had yet to end, however. Dahlia and Virgil listened, almost unable to believe their ears, as they received the summons to the headmaster's office. Stifling a chuckle, Virgil stood up, and Dahlia shot eagerly upright. They walked at the head of the crowd of meisters and weapons, excited to see Death's office for what would actually be the first time.

He allowed his partner to take the lead as they sauntered down the guillotine hall, both so that she could do any talking and that he could admire the sights. Aside from the obvious guillotines, whose threatening razor edges thrilled him though he knew they would never fall, the various strange burial markers that dotted the landscape fascinated him. According to the tales told about Death, each one stood for a defeated Kishin. When the entire group finally stood before Death, both Virgil and Dahlia clasped their arms and kept still to absorb every detail. Though he restrained himself from showing it, Virgil grew more hyped by the second as the headmaster explained the nature of the Extra-Curricular Activity. At last, one of DWMA's oldest duos would have a chance to shine! When Death concluded, Virgil heard Dahlia assure him, “You can count on us, sir.”

A few moments later, the group was outside. During the course of Aria's sizing-up of the students, she couldn't fail to take note of Virgil and Dahlia. At the ages of nineteen and eighteen respectively, but displaying a mutual level of maturity pretty close to adult, these two formed the oldest overall meister and weapon pair. By now, they could very well also be known as the 'tryhard' pair, taking things seriously and competitively at all time, doing a variety of things to help themselves be the best, from extra sessions to private tutoring to being respectful to the teachers. Dahlia even wore armor, something that nobody else really did, and into combat Virgil always carried with him a weapon of his own. He passed this shotgun to Dahlia whenever he transformed, so that his partner wouldn't be armed with a shield alone. Even unarmed, Virgil was an imposing sight. Among this years students, he was one of the tallest and the brawniest.

At the moment though, Virgil was also the most annoyed. He cast a withering look at Doofus and Goofus before walking over. Ignoring Sulley, he let Minami say her piece before he crossed his arms and said to Corvus, “She's got a point. I figured by now you'd realize how much you need other people to do things more complicated than punching. You should be more respectful to your peers, Corv. People who don't work together get hurt in times like these.” He trusted Corvus to recall the time earlier in the semester he'd picked a fight with Virgil and by extension Dahlia, over an accidental collision in the hallway. To be fair, Corvus could boast a very good win ratio, but after all he'd lost three times—and the second time was to Virgil.

"Durek (Idiot), Corvus is at it again." Lena observed, still upset from Sid using her full name even though she had already submitted the form to have it shortened. She looked at Meister Claus who just observed with a bored look.
"They are honestly going to start this in the same room as Death? They are all idiots." he said after watching them for a few moments. If the six of them were smart they would not start a fight in here, take it outside at least or else one might face the discipline of Death himself. There was a reason Death was assigning 8 weapon and Meister teams to this task, and even though he hated to admit it Death City was just too big of an area for a single team to handle on their own. He hated working with others but he was tactful enough to see that. Corvus was of course going to be a problem. If him and Sulley were not at the top of the class Claus had no doubts that he would not have been selected for this mission. For the moment he had to put a hand on Lena's shoulder. She had the look on her, the one were she was itching for a fight and would probably jump in if the chance arises. He could just speak up and diffuse the situation but it was interesting to let them sort it out, if it did come to blow he would just get to see who was the stronger pair, far from not being a benefit to himself.

Lena could see Claus was in his own head thinking about something so she just leaned back on one of the posts of the guillotines. If it was not for her the two of them would have never gotten noticed, Sure her partner was talented but he was more interested in showing that in class sitting in the front row and answering as many questions as possible like he had something to prove, it was enough that she already had to put up with his constant complaints about the classes being too slow since day one. But she had no choice but to be with him, no other Meister could pick her up when she was a weapon, and Claus did it with such ease, making him her partner by default. Sure they got along okay but the kid could be such a nerd at times it ruined her cool.

---

Ari and Soonue had been sitting next to each other while they both waited for their teacher to come into the room. Soonue had been her usual self while waiting. Patient, silent, not making a single movement. Ari had also been her usual self. Absurdly bored. She rapidly swung her legs while she waited for the dead man to teach his metaphorically-dead class. "Soooooonueeeee~" Ari said in a sweet tone. "...?" Soonue silently directed towards Ari. Soonue slowly turned towards Ari. "I'm booorrreeeed~" Ari continued to speak. "Even the snail can ascend a mountain." Ari said in her usual mellow and slow way of speaking. "What does that even mean?"

The two's short conversation was cut off when Sid entered. Soonue waited patiently as he spoke. Ari continued to swing her short legs while she puffed out her cheeks. Neither one was really listening to what he had to say. However, when Sid mentioned about reporting to Lord Death, both of them were interested in what he had to say. When their names were called to go to Lord Death's offices, they were intrigued. When Ari heard her name called, she instantly stood up. It was a good cure to her boredom. Soonue stood after she heard many other people moving. Soonue walked down one of the nearest aisles with Ari behind her.

"Think we're in trouble~?" Ari said jokingly. "You might be." Soonue quipped back. Ari puffed out her cheeks as they walked along the hallways to get to Death's office. The next brief period of the two was quiet. Neither of them spoke. They were both quite nervous at what was going on. Even so, they were also mildly excited. This silence was quickly cut short by Soonue. In her leading Ari, she had failed to even suspect that someone would put a sight on the wall incorrectly. Instead of it being against the wall, it was suspended by a rod that pointed out of the wall. The sign read "Beware of protruding rod". An ironic fate for Soonue.

A thud resounded throughout the hallway. Soonue stood still, her neck half-bent as the sign rested upon her face. Ari tried her hardest not to laugh, but even after the 87th time, it was still funny. Soonue walked back, took a few steps to the right, and walked forwards again without so much as a word. Ari ran up to her and held on to Soonue's hand as the two walked forward.

When they reached the office, Ari waited to be the last few in. She then waited for a bit, then ran through the guillotine corridors. Soonue was confused why Ari was doing this. She wasn't able to shake off Ari's grip, so she just went with the flow. Upon reaching there, they waited and listened to what Lord Death had to said.

A special mission with a cult? Ari didn't quite like this. Throughout their previous activities and everything, they usually only ended up as supports for other people. Knowing that she was considered to have a high potential left a bad taste in Ari's mouth. Soonue didn't care. In any case the two of them silently waited while the others spoke amongst themselves.

"I believe that means I win." Joni said smugly, peering over her meister's shoulder and totaling the values of her four cards. "I have one two, two fours, and a five. You have two threes, a six, and a jack." she reclined, putting her feet up on the desk. Like always, Joni had gotten bored waiting for class to start and demanded that Fionn entertain her some manner or the other. This time, the entertainment was a game of golf. Fionn shook her head and pointed to the jack.

"This one is-"

"It's okay, no need to congratulate me for being such a winner and all." Joni cut the older girl off, a devilish grin rapidly forming on her face. Both of them knew the rules very well, but Joni just couldn't pass up the chance to give her uptight partner a hard time. Before she could enjoy Fionn's indignant yet composed retort, however, a surprise announcement floated its way up to the back of the class where the two girls were sitting. "I wonder what they want us for..." Joni murmured as she took Fionn's hand and pulled her down the steps and out of the classroom toward where the other mentioned students were headed.

...

"That was odd." Fionn commented after the briefing was over. "I hadn't thought we'd done much in the way of showing promise. It's really lucky that we're even in our class at all." she glanced over at the other students. Her eyes went wide and she started fiddling with Joni's hair nervously. "How am I going to fight with them around?" she whispered to her partner, her throat drying up rapidly.

"Don't worry." Joni's pale pink eyes flicked up toe meet her meister's own blue ones. "You have me by your side, remember?"

"Whether you like it or not we're going to work as a team, so deal with it."

Corvus had begun to turn and walk away until Minami opened her mouth. He quickly stopped mid-stride and with a swift 180, turned to face her before Sulley stopped him with the back o his hand and a shake of the head. She was the other one he tried to fight, though their fight never really kicked off since Sulley talked them both down from it. Corvus respected her for her ferocity and her skill with her weapon but, in Corvus's eyes, was leagues below him when it came to combat prowess. Her weapon on the other hand he deemed weak. Couldn't even stand up for himself. Sulley on the other hand, enjoyed their company and had offered many times to take her and her weapon into the city. In fact he tried talking to most of them but because of his partner, he was sort of alienated from them. It's kind of hard to make friends when your friend wants to fight everyone for petty things.

“She's got a point. I figured by now you'd realize how much you need other people to do things more complicated than punching. You should be more respectful to your peers, Corv. People who don't work together get hurt in times like these.”

Virgil and Dahlia, God, did they get on Corvus's nerves. "Stuck up assholes if you ask me. Think they're better than everyone. Nothing but shit in my eyes." was what Corvus once said about them. But even though he hated them he also had respect for those two. Virgil could fight and Dahlia wasn't someone to dismiss either. Sulley warned him about fighting those two but he was to persistent because "That bastard ain't gonna shove me and walk away without apologizing!".

"I'm sorry did I ask for your opinion did I?" Corvus waved them off. "Why don't you take Butch Cassidy over there to a library or something.

"Corvus! Both Minami and Virgil have points that your missing. We WILL need them since you and I can't soul resonate." Mumbling the last part a bit but not low enough for it to be missed by the group.

"We can resona-?"

"No! We CAN'T, Corvus! Barely! Most of the time it backfires and blows up in our faces because you get so frustrated over something that requires patience that you throw off our wavelengths completely! That's why I'm a bit envious of the group we have because they can and we can't! No offense to you all. It's more a compliment than anything else. Sulley turned to the rest of the group. He was embarrassed slightly by that simple thing. Soul resonance. The ability for a meister's soul to connect to his weapon's. Corvus must have been the only one to screw up a simple task. He turned back to him.

"Minami is right either way you look at it and Virgil only makes her statement more concrete. We're working with them as a TEAM whether you like it or not."

"Tch....Whatever. I'll see you sluts outside." As Corvus walked off his weapon stood there with a slight tick mark on his forehead. Sulley turned and faced the rest of his group.

"I-" He took a deep breath and bowed.

"I'm sorry for his behavior just now. I actually look forward to working with you all and hope that we can complete this mission together with no more mishaps." He stood upright and forced a smile though, even through the wrapping, one could tell it was a tired and fake one. He waited a moment to see if anyone had anything to add before he excused himself to go join with his meister outside.

---

Corvus was leaning against one of the pillars outside with his arms folded and his head down, eyes closed. A few moments went by before he gritted his teeth and with a sharp turn, kicked the side of the pillar.

"God...damn...piece...of shits...FUCK!" Each word represented a kick with the last one causing him to stub his toe.

"Corvus...I want you to listen. We need them a- "

"I know..."

"Y-You do?"

After hobbling for a bit Corvus leaned back against the pillar again and slid down to the ground.

"Yeah... You made your point when you brought up our problem. Your right. We can't but I dunno... Sometimes I doubt it's me."

Sulley deadpanned "It is you."

Corvus rolled his eyes which Sulley replied with a chuckle.

"It's bad enough that we can barely resonate I know that. But it's the fact that we have a team this just makes me feel weak."

Sullivan sighed. "We're far from weak Corvus you know that. When it comes to combat we're one of the best pairs if not THE best. You proved that in our fights we've gotten into with each other AND the students, as much as I disagreed with them. But there is nothing wrong with working with others. Besides...You could probably get a rematch with Virgil. I think he wouldn't mind kicking your ass again hahahahahah!

"OI! Shutup I could kick his ass from here to the end of Death City and back!....Tch. The entire rebutle from Corvus only caused Sulley to laugh harder. Corvus glare turned into a smirk as he looked back at the ground and then towards Death City. "Yeah well...Don't think I'm apologizing to them."

"I doubted you would anyway. Just at least let them know that you're willing to work with them. For my sake please brother?"

Corvus gave him a dismissive wave. "Yeah yeah sure. Whatever makes ya happy." His weapon held out a hand for Corvus to grab as he lifted him onto his feet.

While waiting for a response to what amounted to challenges, and hoping despite his previous win that a fight wouldn't erupt, Virgil took a quick look around. All eyes lay on him, Minami, Corvus, and Sulley, particularly those of Claus. The red-haired kid sported a look of inordinate criticism, though it didn't keep him from watching intently, no doubt anticipating some sort of action. Unfortunately, Virgil couldn't really blame him, as insufferable as Claus' ego was at times. When around Corvus, one always expected some sort of violent confrontation. Few here had yet to personally encounter his temper and strength for one reason or another.

His partner, meanwhile, seemed eager not just to see a fight, but to leap right in. In fact, Claus seemed to be restraining her for a moment, before she leaned back at least. Virgil's eyes lingered just a second longer than necessary on the girl; the haughtiness that irked him in Claus struck him as more warranted in Lena's case. After all, her weapon form served as a perfect soil to his. While he became a more or less normal shield, little miss badass could morph into a huge chainsaw whose very sight filled Virgil with hype. Of course, he mixed that admiration with disdain, but all in all he knew he wouldn't mind getting to know Lena better.

Both would be disappointed, however, when Corvus backed down to converse with his partner, leaving Virgil and Minami vindicated. Though pleased that he'd come out on top over the school bully again, Virgil said nothing, and merely stepped back to wait against the wall for the group to start moving. Though any mention of a definitive 'start' evidently slipped Death's memory during the mission assignment, Virgil nevertheless suspected that the eight teams should head out into Death City pretty soon. When it came, Corvus' parting shot earning nothing more than a slightly quickening of the breath from Virgil's nose, perhaps the shadow of a snort of laughter. To Sully, though, he whipped up a proper response. ”No worries. Even a jerk has my respect if he gets results. We'll work alongside you best we can, right, Doll?”

His meister partner shot him a look for using that silly nickname again before she offered Corvus a smile, though with less than perfect sincerity. ”Sure thing. We'll wind you two up, point you toward the baddies, and let you go. Can't have a mishap when being a pain is the point, right?”

A moment later, Sulley left, and Dahlia's attention shifted toward the youngest and smallest meister-weapon team among those selected: Joni and Fionn. The latter, in Dahlia's eyes at least, appeared to be very nervous. Struck by pity for the white-haired meister, Dahlia took a few steps over and looked down at the shorter girl with a visage of concern. ”Not getting nervous for the first minute, are we? You wouldn't be picked if Death didn't think you deserved it.

It was pretty amazing how quickly things were falling apart. They hadn't even began their mission, and already there was strife within the group. 'How sad' Fi lamented internally 'does Lord Death truly expect us to triumph over these monster, when we can not even triumph over the turmoil within. Should things remain as they are now, then I doubt we will have a chance. Any half competent foe could take advantage of such a division in a group. Although...it looks like things might be working them-self out. I can only hope that this uneasy truce between us can hold until-' His internal monologue was halted when he saw something sparkle on the ground '...shiny...'

His Meister on the other hand, didn't have the luxury of getting distracted by something sparkly. "So...um. What's our next move?" As scary as it was, Ethan just wanted to get this over with. 'The longer it takes for the fighting to start, the harder it'll be. Gah! Why can't we just go do this now!?' His anxiety bubbling over inside him, he made a suggestion he normally wouldn't have made "I say we charge them right now! Let's just get this over an done with right now! It's just like taking off a band aid; the longer we take, the more painful it is!"

Fi was broken out of his shiny induced stupor by the mad ravings of his partner "Fi! Fiii Fii Fi Fiiiiiii." he chastised him

"B-b-but Fi, you know what I'm like. You know how hard it-"

"Fi Fi Fiii. Fiiii Fiii Fi" Jumping out of his Meister's arms and onto his shoulder, he patted him on the head "Fi Fi Fi Fi Fiiiiii! Fiii Fi Fii." He reassured him

"O-oh thank you Fi. You always know what to say to make me feel better." By now, Ethan was tearing up a little, and they both had forgotten that there were other people around them

---

At first it was shock, but then that quickly turned into shame, and fury. Those two feelings should not be put together, but Minami couldn't help but feel them due to the fact that Corvus couldn't set his differences aside, and she was in no way honest enough to be able to blurt out their weakness like Sulley had just done. To be able to set their differences aside was what many of the meisters were doing to complete the mission even though they all truly felt the opposite; including herself. She'd rather show her power than to have to share it with the others, but wasn't dumb enough to leave out the important fact of a cult being too much for them to handle with their limited ability to resonate. Unlike Sulley and Corvus who have an unsteady bond Ryo and her are able to hold theirs for quite a while, but they can't fully resonate. Ryo isn't strong enough to be able to cut well no matter how much he practices which knocks her down a few notches on the power skill level. Because that feeling exist is the reason why their resonance isn't complete which is also the reason as to why she feels ashamed when Sulley admitted their weakness.

Ryo on the other hand was shocked in a way that made him wonder how much Corvus and Sulley have been faking it to make it. They are quite powerful and well-known around the academy, so it would make sense that they'd do their best to keep that weakness a secret. However, Corvus seems to get upset easily that it would be a real struggle to keep their image up while fighting if that's the reason for their resonance to break apart, so it's still a complement in a sense that they were enduring pain to show how strong they are. I don't think I'll bring that to their attention because then Corvus is going to explode, and I don't want to be the reason Corvus starts fighting more people than usual. While pushing that thought away Ryo glanced toward Minami as he wondered why she was acting the way she was. He was ready to have to physically restrain Minami in case she followed the pair outside, but to his surprise she didn't do that. Not that he was complaining since it's not everyday Minami holds back in times like these.

While she was thinking Ryo took a step closer, and put one hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you." she mumbled to him as she snapped out of her thinking.

No problem.

She looked around at the others who were also going to be a part of the mission. How does Corvus actually believe that he needs none of them? Unlike her, Soonue is calm most of the time so she could have a skill that could make this mission be smooth and steady. Frankly, she doesn't like Claus, but does know that he's a valuable asset that Lord Death did good in picking, and Ethan is fun to have around although there's something she always seems to be overseeing with that kid that pokes at her each time she interacts with him. Dahila...She's a whole other story to be fully honest, and would rather not remember it since it involves kickng ass, and being kicked in the ass. Of course I may agree with him to a certain extent, but maybe that numbskull needs to reacquaint himself with the reality that this cult is bigger than his ego.

With that last thought she began walking toward the rest of the group. "Time to make some battle plans!"

Ryo once again put his hand on his forehead as he followed. How is it that one second you're upset, and the next you're blinding others with your excitement?

The situation defused and Claus uncrossed his arms, breaking his chain of thought as Corvus and Sulley headed outside, he had not been listening near the end of the conversation to be honest, lost in his won head as he tried to predict the outcome, he did not expect it to defuse like it did which kind of disappointed him. When Corvus said made his last statement before leaving and called the general group sluts he could almost feel Lena tense as she stood up straight and took a step towards him while Sulley apologized. It took a stare from Claus to stop her, the weapon making a face at him before settling down and stuffing her hands in her pockets.
Now everyone had a moment to think and assess the task they had all been given. Probably to everyone's surprise Ethan was the first to speak up and suggest that they just make a headlong charge, his weapon Fi quickly made him reconsider that plan as the rabbit spoke in words on Ethan could understand. When Minami spoke up with enthusiasm and suggest they start making plans Claus stepped forward.
"I agree, we should meet get everyone together and figure out how to approach this."
He was glad she was seeming more sensible now. He was trying to take change though, in his mind if this was to succeed it would have to be his show.
"Ah good, I think it almost lunch time so while you all are on that I am going to grab some food, anyone coming?" Lena added, moving to walk away with a little wave before Claus caught her by the collar of her sweater. "Aww..." She pouted.

Wow. The atmosphere was so intense and highly volatile, if Winston said the wrong thing, this mission is over before it even began. After Corvus and Sulley had left the room for a bit, Winston heard Minami pipe up with the call for battle plans. Winston clapped his hands together. "Great idea! We should get started!" He said, before he realised that he should probably address the rest of the group too. "Uhm, so, if this is a cult or something we're meant to fight? Then I guess the best step is to... look for clues? I mean, a cult has to have some kind of symbol or relations between members, right? We just gotta figure it out." He explained.

Edge, however, was completely distracted. He practically jumped in front of Ethan and Fi, and put his face closer to the rabbit. "You're... weapon... is a rabbit?" He asked confused, Edge wasn't trying to be threatening in the least, however, the fact that an animal could also be a weapon was incredible! Even so, it was a freaking hammer! Edge was just a simple axe and this tiny thing is a goddammn hammer! It was amazing how his face was so straight even though he could burst with energy of intrigue and mystery simply over Fi.

Winston turned around at his partner, rolled his eyes, and shrugged. "Claus is right, maybe we should find some place that isn't outside Death's door to discuss our plan?" However, through the magic mirror and unknown to everyone, Death was indeed watching.

"Oh, my, my." Lord Death thought to himself. "There's already arguments in the group already! Hmmmm, maybe Corvus and Sulley weren't great matches for anyone, but they needed to learn the value of teamwork, they can barely work with each other. Now let's see? Ethan seems kind of anxious, but his cute pet his calming him. Claus is taking some sort of charge, while Lena is... listening to her stomach. Okay okay, who else is there? Minami, Ryo... yes they're both quiet apart from the situation with Sulley and Corvus. Joni and Fionn, they're quite distant from the group so far... well, it is Fionn's personality to be a bit anxious too. Soonue and Ari are doing fine with the group as are Alex and Aria. Winston is trying to progress the group too but Edge is... well, it looks like he's staring at Fi. Oh well! I'm sure they'll be fine!"

This is shaping up to be an interesting fight...

There was a short pause after Dahlia spoke. Sighing, Joni turned to face Fionn and gave the other girl a small tap on the shoulder. When Fionn looked at her questioningly, Joni pointed to Dahlia and cleared her throat. "I believe she's talking to you, scaredy." Joni said lightly, her voice holding no malice despite the nickname she'd given her meister.

"Oh! Um...I..." Fionn's eyes glued themselves to the floor, her voice sounding like a mouse's squeak. "It's alright, I've just never been on a team with anyone but Joni...It makes me a little nervous..." she was barely audible by the last word.

"You shouldn't be!" Joni laughed. "Once you get out there, just wait and see! I'll bet you kick ass!"

---

Watching things play out Aria found Corvus actions highly amusing as well as highly infuriating, if hadn't been for the fact Alex was there she'd of walked up to Corvus and punched him in the face. Even if Aria was a ranged meister she prided herself in her ability to beat the crap of people with her fists. Although as Alex had explained it was most likely a bad idea to pick a fight other Meisters given the Meisters they where taking classes with where most likely they where more experienced then her and would most likely kick her ass. Although if Aria had bothered to listen or care about what Alex had said was another matter all together.
Still the fact Aria hadn't picked a fight gave Alex small senses of relief and watching Corvus and Sully leave made the feeling of relief stronger now if only he knew as to her reason why life would good but then again trying to find out would like trying to pull teeth form a starving lion while bound and gagged.

Hearing Ethan suggest The they simply charge in and deal with the issue, made Alex face-palm as that was just what he had expected Aria to suggest at some point. It was no surprise to Alex that upon hearing that suggestion she perked up and nodded in agreement to it.
"Yeah le... EEK!" Aria started to say only to get poked in the kidneys by Alex causing Aria to let out a loud high pitched squeak in surprise. To say Aria was embarrassed by noise her partner made do would have been an understatement her face going bright red as smile formed a smile that simply said Alex was going to suffer at some point. Regardless of that fact Aria did get she needed stop and think.

Hearing that they should really find a better stop to discuss there plans Aria snapped her fingers as she got an idea.
"Why not use the schools dance studio. I'm pretty sure no one going to be using it right now and we should all know where it is, not to mention its private so no one should hear us plan stuff. There's a storeroom next to it so we could get come chars if people don't feel like sitting on the floor." Aria stated sounding somewhat proud of her idea. This idea made Alex raise an eyebrow making him wonder where she got that idea from. Alex thought it was a decent idea coming from her and she even provided a reason behind it... which was very unlike her. But that didn't matter even a monkey given enough time could right Shakespeare.
"I...I...I agree... with Ms. Rusksin" Alex quietly stuttered out behind Aria.

Ethan was startled by Edge jumping in front of him and Fi "Gah! Um...yes, yes he is." Ethan answered the strangely energetic person "but he's not a normal animal. In fact, he's probably the smartest person here. I know he's smarter then me at least; he gets straight A without even trying. Well, except for Philosophy. He finds that fascinating, so he tends to put more effort into that class." Ethan was suddenly reminded of the many awkward looking study sessions he had with Fi. Being taught math by a rabbit small enough to fit onto of your head took a lot of getting used to. "He's...surprising good with words. So much so that I sometimes forget that he's a rabbit."

While this conversation was going on, the rabbit in question was occupied with something else; a bee. 'Ah, it's been awhile since I've seen one of your kind here, busy honey bee. I wonder; just how far from home have you ventured in search of pollen? Your's is truly a job willed with peril. There's an entire world outside of your cozy hive, and few things in it are friendly to you. How many have tried to do you harm, I wonder. I doubt I would be able to handle the stress of your job everyday, so I wonder how you can...or can you not feel stress, can your brain not process anything like it?'

As Fi was busy with the bee, Ethan stared at him in silence for a few seconds "he's...uh...probably philosophizing about the bee, both as a living thing, and an individual. He does stuff like this all the time. He may be the smartest person in the room, but he still get's distracted really easily." Ethan then began scratching one of his ears, something that Fi enjoyed immensely if him pusing into Ethan's hand was any indication (which it was).

Though by years Fionn wasn’t too much younger than Dahlia, Fionn’s rather incredible shyness made her seem to the older girl very young indeed. Dahlia offered her a bright, carefree laugh, and after Joni’s reassurance added, “There’s no doubt about it! Even if some of us can seem weird or mean, we’ve got your back. I know you’ll do great!” After flashing Fionn a thumbs-up sign, Dahlia backed away to rejoin the rest of the group, arriving just in time to hear Aria’s adorable squeak. Crossing her arms, she snickered, and a glance at her partner confirmed that his rough features shared her amusement.

When the conversation progressed, however, Virgil grew gradually less inspired. Aria spoke of finding a room, grabbing chairs, and sitting down for a private discussion to talk about the mission like the rampaging cultists were bar graphs at a business meeting. The idea of leaving madmen to their own devices by hunkering down for a good old chit-chat rubbed the living weapon the wrong way. This girl, her own partner, Claus, and Winston all seemed to agree. Mr. Ego himself even speculated taking time out to grab some food, relegating Death’s time-sensitive assignment to a scrap of work to be passed off to next period. Virgil looked down at the supposedly hyper-smart rabbit Fi being cute, and decided that the time seemed right to interject. “Dance studio? Philosophy? Are you all lazy, or nuts? Death said that these cultists are out there killing people right now. They’re doing such a good job of it that he called nine teams in to take care of it. And you guys want to traipse around the school? We should be running, not sitting! Doll?” He turned his one eye on his meister for support.

Dahlia found herself nodding, not to mention walking. She cruised past the other meisters and weapons to the head of the group before she turned partially around. ”Unrefined as it was, he’s got a point. If someone calls the police, the police drop what they’re doing and run, right? We can plan on the way, but at the very least, we should get going.” Pleased, Virgil started after her, his hands laid in his pockets in a satisfied manner. Whether or not the younger teams agreed, they seemed intent on carrying out Death’s orders before the death toll could rise any higher.

---

As Dahlia began to walk away from the group Ryo nudged his meister to speak on his behalf. Minami stared at Ryo for a few seconds before looking to Dahlia who had begun to walk away, and then back at the others "She has a point. Lord Death himself assigned us this mission, so this should be our top priority until we finish it." Minami glanced at Ryo who was nodding in agreement. At least I said what he wanted to say himself. "Though Dahlia," Minami spoke up so the other meister would be able to hear. "I don't think it'd be a good idea to walk off until we've at least established which part of the city we'd take up to look for any clues, or signs from this cult". Dahlia always seemed eager to fight, but without any kind of strategy beforehand they might as well walk themselves into an ambush, and say goodbye to their lives. Of course she was no leader, but it was the best thing to do since they practically had 11 teams, and a large area to cover. Not to mention that they had almost no information from Lord Death about this cult to go on, so they'd have a clear weak spot as a team if they didn't find something soon. Ryo nudged his meister once more as he made a circle with his hand, and made a vertical line from his chin to his stomach. At first, Minami was confused at what he was trying to say, but he then pointed to the sun that was still quite high in the sky. The meister then nodded as he was trying to get her to tell the others his idea for when to communicate.

"I-" Ryo huffed "Ryo suggests we meet after the sun has set in a secluded location to discuss what we've gathered."

Ryo nodded once more as he moved his hand from left to right in front of his throat signaling he was done with suggesting. It's good to suggest something now while everyone is eager to fight because from what it looks like this group will separate soon enough as it is. Getting them to work as a group won't help much at the moment, so recommending splitting up for now would cover more ground. Can't forget it'd also help strengthen the team up in the long run...I can only hope for that outcome though what with fights on the verge of breaking out not long after we've been told we'd all have to work together. Ryo sighed as the thought entered his head, but then began to plan out strategies if they were going to be solo for today. Can't have Minami running around like a maniac.