Mt. Orion

          Adrion and Alia sit next to each other in their homeroom class. Mr. Rivers walks into the class and heads for his desk. "Good morning," he tells the class as he sets his coffee down. The class greets him back in unison. The instructor continues, "I have a special announcement, so be sure to listen because I'm not repeating myself." The whole class focuses on him. Mr. Rivers clears his throat. "This Wednesday, you'll all be going on a special trip that lasts three days. It's a training camp on a mountain the school owns. It's called Mt. Orion, and the purpose of the trip will be to gauge how much stronger you have gotten. Once you return from the trip, that marks the end of the first quarter, so make sure you don't spend too many points. You will only be allowed to bring clothes for those three days and nothing more. That is all from me. If you have any questions, I'll be at my desk."

          Later that day, Adrion steps out of his room and goes to the dining table. Everyone else but Ichiro is sitting by the table.

          "No Ichiro today?" Harper asks Emiko.

          "No, not for the next few days. He got requested for a mission pretty far out," Emiko tells them as she serves food to everyone's plates.

          "Requested for a mission?" Ivika speaks for all of them.

          Emiko replies, "It's much too soon to learn about them. Some of you may experience it next semester."

          "We can't even ask Ichiro about this training camp," Harper sighs.

          "It's to weed out the weak," Alia tells them.

          "Huh? How so?" the other girls ask.

          "All 1st-year students will be split up and given various tasks. Should they fail, they are expelled immediately." Alia informs them.

          "I guess it shouldn't be a surprise considering what this school is," Ivika says.

          "No matter what they throw at us, we're all going to pass!" Harper exclaims.

          They all chat for a bit longer, and Adrion is the first to leave after putting away his dish. He returns to his room and locks the door. Walking past his bed, he sits by his desk, where he has homework laid out. Adrion takes a seat. He taps his left index finger on the front of his right shoulder. "You can come out," he says. The short-sleeved shirt around his shoulder started to expand from something moving about. Adrion makes a slightly angry facial expression, "What are you doing? Only a part of you like we established. You're harder to conceal if you bring out your full self." There was a reply of incoherent speech, which sounded disappointed.

          The expanded sleeve shrinks, and black fluid slides down Adrion's arm. The black mass plops onto the desk and starts fidgeting around. Its shape transforms into an almost humanoid mass that stands forty-five centimeters tall. The black mass has a slightly glossy finish, so some light is reflected, making it look like it has some white streaks. The only other color besides the glossy black is its white eyes and the inside of its mouth, which looks like a human's.

          "Here's some water," Adrion tells the black mass.

          The strange creature puts his hands together and forms a tray. Adrion pours water into it as the creature drinks simultaneously. It drinks more than three times its volume but doesn't grow a centimeter bigger. The creature runs around and jumps off the desk to explore. "Just don't wander out of this room, Dark Splatter." It is indeed a peculiar name, but one that the creature cherishes since it was given to him years ago. Adrion stares at him for a little and smiles. "I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you. I can't thank you enough for breaking me out all those years ago." Dark Splatter pauses and turns to Adrion, who is smiling. Even though you can barely see it due to his dark color, Dark Splatter smiles back and continues running around. Adrion picks up his pencil and works on his assignments.

          Hours later, Adrion's room is dark and silent. The digital clock on the nightstand beside his bed reads "2:50 am." Adrion is lying under his blankets, and he repositions himself while asleep. Dark Splatter, half the size as before, sits on the window sill staring at the rain. He is fond of water. It is one of the reasons it took a liking to Adrion. He has a flashback from many years ago when they first met. All he pictures is Adrion's massive smile full of joy. Lightning flashes, and Dark Splatter turns around to look at Adrion. Adrion appears to be fidgety and once again turns in his sleep. Dark Splatter jumps onto the desk and runs to the edge to jump onto the bed. He waddles his way near Adrion's head and notices cold sweat running down his neck. Adrion turns again to face upward. Lightning flashes again, and once the thunder rumbles, Adrion suddenly wakes and sits up while panting. Adrion spots Dark Splatter approaching his arm. "Sorry, just a bad dream." He gets up from bed and approaches the door. "I'll be back."

          Adrion slowly opens the door and quietly walks down the hall. When he reaches the kitchen, he sporadically moves his hand around the wall, searching for the light switch. Once the light turns on, Adrion closes his eyes and adjusts them to the light. Once he can see clearly, he grabs a glass cup from one of the cupboards and places it on the counter near the refrigerator. He opens one of the doors to the large fridge and pulls out a carton of milk. As he pours the milk, he hears footsteps approaching. Emiko walks into the kitchen, and with her soothing voice, she asks, "what's wrong?"

          Adrion turns around to face Emiko. "Nothing. Just got a little thirsty," Adrion replies, trying to keep his composure from Emiko's sleeping attire, which leaves little to the imagination.

          "Don't lie to me," Emiko sighs.

          "Huh?" Adrion is confused.

          "One of my responsibilities as a dorm matron is to act as a counselor for you guys. One of the passive abilities of my magic helps me sense emotions. I can tell that your careless personality is just a front. It normally wouldn't be an issue, but something has been causing you great stress since day one. I'm here for you if you want to talk." Emiko says, sounding more assertive.

          "So it's practically impossible to hide something from you. Heh,” Adrion smiles a bit. He is then shocked by breaking character. He takes a deep breath. "I wish I could tell you the whole truth, but I can't put you in that kind of danger. All I can say is that I feel like I'm running out of time."

          "How so?"

          "Most students joined this school for fame and an easy road to a successful career. Others joined to test their limits. I'm part of the small group of students who joined because I have no other choice. This school is the highest hurdle, and I came to get stronger to deal with personal issues." Adrion takes a big gulp of milk and sets the glass on the counter. "The first quarter is about to end, and I feel like I've barely grown. Meanwhile, I have no idea how much time I have left."

          Emiko crosses her arms and closes her eyes briefly. "If there are things you don't want to or can't talk about, it can't be helped. I'm still concerned that you feel like there's an imminent threat looming over you. You can always ask me for help. Whether it be to chat or if you feel like you need protection. As for not growing much in the last two and a half months… All purple coats feel like that. You purple coats are the best in your class, so you won't improve much. Just wait a little longer. Once other students become a bigger threat, you'll have no choice but to improve yourself to keep up or surpass them," She says, still sounding serious and assertive. Emiko then relaxes and smiles, "take it from me, an alumna who held the second position in the Platinum Plate."

          "Wait, what?" Adrion's eyes widen.

          "Please don't tell the girls. I don't want them bombarding me with questions. The same applies to you. You won't improve much if you already know what's coming. All I'll tell you is the first day of school was the starting line for blue coats. This training camp is often called the starting line for purple coats," Emiko tells him.

          "I see. Let's hope that's true," Adrion says, then proceeds to finish the milk in the glass.

          Emiko holds her hand out, reaching for the glass. "I'll put this away. You go get some rest before school."

          Adrion hands her the glass. "Thank you," he says with a genuine smile. Emiko seems pleased that she was able to help him out, even if it's just a little.

          Before Adrion steps away, Emiko speaks up again, "by the way. I really hope you didn't bring in a small animal and take it to your room."

          "So you even know about that," Adrion scratches the back of his head and laughs a little. "I can assure you that it's not a creature. I made it with my black fluid magic," he states a lie as a fact. "I'll keep your secret if you can keep this a secret from everyone else."

          Emiko still seems doubtful, "I see then. Well, goodnight."

          "Goodnight," Adrion replies and walks back to his room. He climbs into bed and feels Dark Splatter absorb back into his shoulder. "Sleep tight," he says, then closes his eyes.

- Wednesday

          The sky is perfectly clear as the sun is beaming down this morning. There is a good breeze in the air. Many students take deep breaths to enjoy the clean, high-altitude air. Adrion checks his phone to look at the information that all the students received. It shows him the personalized schedule he has for the trip. Every student has to meet just before the Bronze gates for the trip's orientation. He groups up with his usual crowd consisting of Kazuo, Ringo, and the girls from the dormitory, minus Alia. Once the students complete the small hike, they come across the massive Bronze gates with a stage in front. A tall, muscular guy with short hair is standing on the small stage with a microphone in front of him. There are four others with him, two fit men on his right and two gorgeous women on his left.

          "Holy crap!!" Ringo exclaims.

          Adrion and Kazuo turn to Ringo.

          "That's Team Firestorm! One of the strongest teams in the country composed of alumni from different generations of Cacumen."

          "Damn, you're right. I can barely tell from afar when they're dressed so casually," Kazuo follows up. "Can't believe I get to see Yaketsuku in person. On another note, Vanera and Dragana are total babes in person!"

          "Welcome all 1st-years! My name is Yaketsuku Hirabayashi, the eldest son of the current school's director. It is a great honor to maintain this mountain with my comrades' help and supervise the student's training camp. It is the highest peak in our country and is entirely owned by Cacumen Academy. Currently, there are roughly 1200 of you guys. By the 3rd day, we'll only be left with sixty to eighty percent of you. Many different alumni have been called out to help with this training camp. Their decision is law, and expulsion by their word is final."

          "Alumni are going to be ranking us!" everyone in the group, but Adrion, says shocked and worried.

          "I hope you all brought many points, or you could dip below the minimum required to pass the first quarter. Another thing I should bring up. The color of your blazer will not matter in this camp. Both groups will be mixed with each other as you guys progress upward on the mountain and make it to the Silver gate, which is just below the halfway mark. The students who don't make it to the Silver gates by Friday afternoon will be expelled. That said, some purple coats will be held to a higher standard. These ten purple coats will be evaluated in secret. Some of you may already know based on your entrance exam results, so be careful," Yaketsuku announces in a serious tone. "I wish you all luck. May the powerful rise to the top!" he shouts as the Bronze gates open.

          Kazuo and Ringo turn to Adrion. Ringo speaks first, "based on the entrance exam results… You don't suppose you're one of them. Right Adrion?"

          Kazuo follows, "No, no. He can't be one. His overall score dropped due to nearly failing the second portion."

          "Yeah, but Adrion still got the highest score in the power exam. We all know this school cares more about power. Why do you think Adrion is a purple coat despite his low overall score." Ringo explains.

          "Oh crap, you're right," Kazuo says, looking at Ringo. He turns to Adrion, "Sorry my guy, but you may have a tougher time than us."

          "If that's the case, good luck," Ivika tells Adrion, with the other two girls nodding in agreement.

          "Right back at ya," Adrion replies and proceeds to step forward to follow the massive crowd of students entering the gates.

          "The students are on the move," says a hooded woman looking through a shining telescope. The item vanishes in her hands, and she turns around to a group of suspicious hooded individuals. Including the first woman with the telescope, there are six in total. They stand halfway up another mountain more than 700 meters away. A man wearing a different colored hood from the rest stands and tosses an empty can of beer he was holding in his left hand. You can hear metal rattling as he unravels a chain he's holding in his right hand. At the end of the chain links, a metallic spike is attached that smacks against the ground when he unravels it. A loud thud is heard when it touches to ground, signifying how heavy it is.

          "Let's go kidnap some kids," He says. A gust of wind blows by removing his hood, revealing his scarred face and maniacal smile.