Melfar Academy: The Beginning of a New Start

It was an early morning at the academy, today Vogen has spent half of the night with his crew, repairing the ship. Despite the fact what a week ago, a few members took a like in Vogen and decided to stay in his crew. Mostly because he's a werewolf and they never had a werewolf captain, as well as the fact that he's not as evil and insane as their last captain, who was taken care of during their mission.

 “Onii-san, what are you going to name this ship?” Asked Dorothy, while walking towards him.

“Name well...Either Necrovarg or Kurovarg. Don't know, which sounds best"

“I like the name "Necrovarg" more. It's menacing.” She smiled.

"Oi! The sails are ready captain!" Shouted Marvin, while swinging down on a rope. He was one of the crew members, typical treasure hunting man. Black, curly hair almost fully covers a skinny, wild face and brown eyes.

"Necrovarg it is then, show the sails, lads!" He yelled, then they let the sails fall down revealing dark red ones with wolves on them, the same as Vogen's tattoo. "Now that's a good looking one"

“Not bad craftwork. You didn't waste your time at the Rose with only tattoos I see.” Said Aarina as she walked towards the ship, curious.

"She’s right” Said Shannon, who also was passing by “It’s impressive..."

“It is" He smiled, then walked to the crew "Of course not, but right now, I'm out of gold!" He laughed "Will take a while, I told ya it's a very fine ship! I'm even more surprised on what I can possible improve her with!"

“Improve?” Repeated Aarina.

“Necrovarg has cannons of course, right now only 16, but there's room for 50. Also burning oil, but I have to be careful with that, there's not much of it. Also a ram, puckle guns and chain shots. I'm planning to have carronades and naval mortar, but still a long way. For now I want to focus on its armour, to make it stand a lot, after that will come the rest"

“Makes sense” Said Shannon, while taking a look at the ship.

“When will she leave the docks?” Asked Aarina, as she walked closer.

“Hey, what are you guys doing here?” Suddenly Ren walked towards them as well, joining the rest.

“Oh, mate!” Smiled Vogen, while leaning his hands on the ship “Welcome aboard. Well, Aari, she won’t be leaving anytime soon. Give her about a week and a half, before her first sail with her new captain”

“Captain?” Asked Ren confused “Don’t say it’s your ship”

“She is now, lad” He smiled “I named her Necrovarg, as in deadly wolf. She went through a lot and it perfectly suits her”

“Makes sense, since the captain is a werewolf” Giggled Aarina.

“True. Oi, Lads!” He yelled at the crew “That’s enough for today, gather boys and take a rest. We’ve done a lot of work”

“Aye, captain!” Yelled one of them “Why not celebrate this!?”

“Sorry, mates.” He smiled, while jumping off the ship “It’s too early and I’ve got ten minutes before lessons start. Next time, lads. You’ll have to celebrate it without your captain!”

With that he left the crew to their own business, while walking towards the academy with the rest of the students. Upon entering the buildings most of them waved to each other, while their roads split, since mostly each of them was starting different class.

In the late morning, the school bell rang and students left the classes with a smile, a certain group of them walked towards the hall on the first floor, which is not only the biggest one, but in front of the main entrance as well. It's nicely designed and with many sofa's to rest on, during a break.

Vogen was among them, as soon as he entered the hall, he took a seat on the nearest free sofa for a break, while Dorothy joined him as well.

“Did anyone saw the ranks recently?” She asked.

"No I have not" Azoth responded to Dorothy, while taking a seat "I take it you have increased in rank?"

“Actually I did. I keep an eye on them, since I want to obtain my ship with new ‘possibilities’"

“Do the ranks really matter that much? I've been too lazy to bother.” Yawned Miyu, while taking a seat among them.

“Well, the ranks do tell you something. Like how strong you are and how much you can improve, it also allows you to have new possibilities"

“Samusagi-sempai is wearing a new coloured uniform. A black one.” Sighed Dorothy. I can’t believe I’m jealous over it. She thought.

“Yeah, she's now A. That was fast” He said “Also I heard she’s the new candidate for the Student Council President”

“Really!?” Dorothy almost shouted from surprise.

“Good Morning, I assume you're students of this academy?” A young deliveryman, politely interrupted their talk, while holding on to a large package “I'm searching for a student named Samusagi Ashida-No-Uji." He smiled "This delivery is for her”

“Who’s it from?” Asked Dorothy curious.

"Either Darim's Forge or my father" Samusagi suddenly appeared in the hallways out of nowhere, while walking towards the man "I'm Samusagi, sir"

"Great. Please sign here and here" He said, while handing over a document and pen.

“I wish I could learn that technique.” Said quietly Dorothy.

Samusagi grabbed the pen and signed, before returning it to the man and taking the package from him "Thank you, Have a good day, sir" She bowed.

He smiled as well, thinking that she’s a really cute girl and bowed as well "I wish you the same" He said “Say, do you have some free time in the evening? Like for a coffee?” He asked, wanting to invite her somewhere out.

“Thank you for the offer but I’m not interested in you” She said coldly, what made Vogen almost laugh at how cold her honesty can sometimes be “Good day, sir”

“I-I see….Well, goodbye then” He said surprised, then walked away and left the academy.

“Did he just try asking you out?” Said Aarina, while walking towards Sami.

“Yeah, that started happening quite often lately.” She sighed, while Dorothy leaned forward curious of the package Samusagi received. She placed down the package, then unwrapped it. There was a letter, which she took and something long, wrapped around a black material with her family emblem, a red rose, with a black fox wrapping itself around it, the same fox is on a necklace she gave Vogen. He didn't stop wearing it. She had one necklace as well, different since it wasn't just the fox, but the entire emblem. She started reading, then sighed "Name, huh?" She wondered.

“Name? For what?” Asked Aarina.

"What is it?" Asked Vogen.

“A weapon. Father promised me something, when I reach A rank" She said and grabbed the item, which turned into a bow "I just need to name it"

“Name as in a pet?”

"As in pet name?" He asked confused "Why do you name a weapon?"

“Xalph” Upon hearing it’s named the weapon suddenly turned into an animal. A cat-size feline creature, with white fur and black tiger stripes. It had a long feathered tail and bird-like limbs, with turquoise eyes. It sat on the floor and meowed, while rubbing it’s body against Samusagi’s legs.

"A Wacreor!" He said surprised "I never imagined I'd see one."

“A Wacre-what?” Asked Aarina confused.

"Wacreor. A feline animal that comes from the north in my world" She said, while she petted the animal "Welcome, partner"

And so the break was passing by. Xalph took interest in Aarina’s spider, probably seeing it as a fun toy to play with or a new friend, in the meantime Azoth was talking with Shannon, about god knows what, Dorothy was speaking to Vogen through werewolf telepathy about how she wants to surpass Samusagi, it made him realize that Dory either sees Samusagi as an older sister, meaning sibling-like rivality or is strongly jealous over her. Though if she knew the entire story, she quickly change her mind, since no one wants to end in Samusagi’s skin.

Not because it’s painful, because they wouldn’t be able to survive as long. One event in her life, Arisa’s death and her entire life turned into a living hell, she was forced to suffer through. It makes one ask the same question. Why is she still alive? Vogen wondered that as well sometimes, the thought that wouldn’t it be better if she died? No more pain, no more tears. But there has to be another way for her happiness, a way in which she doesn’t wish for death nor try meeting death herself.

The school bell rang and as soon as the students heard it ring, they raised from their seats and walked back to classes.

The classes came to an end, the training with Arashi as well and the late evening came faster than he expected. Vogen sighed, the training with Arashi was tiring as always, he’s gained more control over the werewolf, but still not enough to fully transform without consequences of it taking over. Even though he’s a C rank now, the control is much more harder than he expected, plus the last time he saw Sam.

He went to the library to do the homework for today, taking a seat near the window. Against lost among his thoughts, a lot of bothered him lately, especially that little girl in his dream. Could it be? Could she be the child Lucifer was talking about?

“Hey, I asked you a question!” Samusagi’s voice woke him from his thoughts and he turned toward her only to soon realize, that she’s leaning closer than he expected. He got caught in her eyes, the lovely emerald eyes, which he hadn’t seen since childhood.

KISS ALREADY, YOU ONII-BAKA!!

Dorothy’s screaming voice in his head stroke him as a lighting, he suddenly caught a huge headache from it and clenched his teeth.

“Are you alright?” Asked Samu worried.

“Y-Yeah….It’s only a headache”

“Dorothy?” She sighed “Stop allowing her to yell all the time, she’s a distraction. If I were you, I’d show her where she belongs. Just growl at her or something, before she’ll make your head explode”

“You know I can’t do that”

“Said the alpha werewolf. That kindness of yours will get you killed one day, the world doesn’t like kind people. I know something about it” She said, while giving him back the notebook “Anyways, thank you. I’m giving back the notebook I borrowed. If you need something in return, simply ask”

“Okay, I’ll have it in mind”

With that she left the library, while he returned to his duties. After an hour, he packed his things and left heading towards the village.

Vogen walked down the streets of the village heading towards Sapphire Rose to check on his work, but during that time his thoughts wondered and wondered each time towards Samusagi and the constant worry about her.

He was blaming himself, all this time asking the question ‘What if?’. It bothered him, that maybe it could all be prevented? Maybe if he told her how he felt years ago, she wouldn’t end up in the state she was now? Maybe it could all end in a different way for both of them? Without the suffering.

What if Arisa never died?

That’s right. It all started shattering, after he death. Not only for Samusagi, but for him as well. His mother got worse, his father started leaving for even longer business trips, then everything was reviled and he was forced to leave his homeworld. The world he was born in, for a Vareos such thing is really hurtful, when you’re no longer seen as one of them.

“I said it’s not a date”

Her sudden voice, woke him up from his thoughts. Vogen looked around, but she wasn’t near, yet he still heard her voice, soon he realized it was coming from the beach and his werewolf hearing caught it through the crowdie streets. He walked towards the beach, curious. Wondering if she’s alright.

He saw Blake fell backwards and instinctively wrapping his arms around Samusagi as soon as she landed on top of him he grunted That did not feel good He thought as they were now both all wet.

"Are you ok?" He asked her. Her clothes were soaked along with her bandages, what made it see-through a bit, he had a hard time not looking.

“Yeah. It just couldn't get any better" She said sarcastically, while sighing.

"I'm glad you’re ok." Said Blake, while he moved a strand of hair from her face.

Even though you had doubts, you knew she'll come back. But still I can feel that you're confused, since you're holding back. Not being honest, even though you love her since childhood.

He looked down, then turned around and walked away, while hiding his hands in his pockets. Sapphire Rose wasn’t far, plus it wasn’t his business.

Why are you walking away then, Mister?

He heard it again, the voice of that little girl, whom he met in a dream. She helped him once, she can’t help again. That question was like an echo in his head. Upon entering Sapphire Rose, he greeted others rather sadly, before turning and trying to focus on his work.

He didn’t know how much time has passed, it seems like hours, days. Then a little girl walked in, with a plushie red rabbit. Vogen didn’t notice, since he wasn’t paying much attention,  since his was lost among his own thoughts. The little girl, placed down her small umbrella, which was wet from the rain, then walked over to Christopher.

“Of course, young lady” He smiled and bowed towards her, before turning to Vogen “Vogen, you have another client. Just sit down on the chair and tell him what you want

“Yes!” She said with a smile, then mostly ran over to the chair and jumped on it with a giggle. “My buns got long mister, can you please cut them a bit?”

At first he wasn’t able to believe his eye, again that little girl. The same, but she seemed far more different than in his dreams. He heard the growling feeling, as if the werewolf was trying to warn him. She seemed harmless, why was it angry with her?

“What’s your name, little one?” He asked, while taking a seat near her and grabbing the hair scissors.

“Irianami, Mister!” She giggled “But everyone calls me Iria, especially papa and mama”

“I see” He said, while starting to cut her hair “And who’s your mother?”

“You shouldn’t ask question you already know the answer to” She said, while a smile “It’s not polite”

He wanted to know, actually he already knew. The similarities. It can’t be coincident and Lucifer himself told him about a child, this little girl is probably her daughter. Even the eyes are the same, the only question left it. Who’s the father?

“I’m sorry” He said.

“You seem sad, mister.” She said “Why did you walk away?”

He stopped, then looked at her. How did she know? She just arrived, more, she’s a child, yet speaks in words he’s not able to fully understand or doesn’t want to.

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re doing it again” She sighed “Letting her got, just like before.”

“It’s not like I have much choice”

“The same scenario, the same history, the same mistake. Even though you regret it, you’re still thinking she’ll be happier without you. Why?”

“I told you.” He sighed, while returning to fixing her hair “I’m not the one she loves, plus I’m not the right person. She deserves someone better”

“You’re right. She does” She smiled “She deserves the you, you’re scared to show. The old boy, who kept on going, despite others telling him to stop.”

“All done” He said. “Irianami”

“Waaah! Lovely!” She giggled, then jumped off the chair with a smile “Mister, watch out for the butterfly. Sapphire colour means inner peace and spiritual healing. It’ll guide you a bit, at least to the point we’re you’ll notice something”

“If you want to help your mother, just met her” He said, while turning to her “She misses you”

“Y-Yes, I do to” She said, while hugging the rabbit “But I can’t. Not yet. Because if I met her now, she’ll reject me”

“What? She won’t, you’re her daughter”

“I am, but I am also my father’s daughter. I share similarities with him too” She sighed and grabbed her umbrella “Don’t worry, mister. When I consider the time right, I’ll come for a visit. Until then, look after mama.”

“I see”

“Make up your mind, mister” She smiled back towards him “Before it’s too late”

And so she left, vanishing into the streets, leaving him to his own thoughts. Things were messed up, but for now he had to focus on work. As hours passed by, the day was coming to an end. All workers were leaving SR, but Vogen decided to stay in order to clean things up. He spent all of his money on Necrovarg’s repairs, so now he’ll need to work longer in order to equip her with more.

He was the last to leave the workplace, Chris left him the second keys, in order to check if everything’s in order before leaving. It was already really late evening, when he locked the doors of Sapphire Rose and walked towards the academy.

The night was quite bright, he looked above to see the moon, only to realize it’s shape. In two days it’ll be his third full moon and despite the fact that his rank is C now, he still has troubles in controlling the werewolf. He was scared. Last time, it bite Dorothy and turn her into a werewolf. If he won’t prepare for the night, others might end up hurt, because of him.

As soon as he entered the academy, all lights were off. Most students were already in their dorms, except one, who was laying on the sofa near the stairs to the second floor. He walked closer only to see Sam, with clothes still a bit wet peacefully napping.

“Oi, Sam!” He said, while shaking her in order to wake up.

“Oh…Vo-kun” She said in a sleepy voice, while slowly raising “Good morning”

“A bit too late to say that.” He sighed “You’ll catch a cold, also why are you’re clothes wet?”

“Ah, because that clumsy idiot kept falling all over the place. Annoying ass, I couldn’t get rid of him” She yawned “I wanted to change, but Melfara was already in the room, so I left and waited here for you. Didn’t know you work longer today”

“Clumsy idiot?” He questioned.

“Blake, I bumped between him and Melfara. Everything’s better, than that little lying brat! And once I got into it, I couldn’t get out. It took long as fuck, I even skipped my training because of that moron” She sighed, while stretching her arms “I hope to never repeat it again”

“Here” He said, while giving her his jacket, then took a seat next to her.

“Thanks” She said, then grabbed the jacket and wore it “I find it funny, how you always knew when to appear“

“What do you mean by that?”

“Just like in the past, when Arisa was alive. When I needed someone around, you both suddenly appeared in front of me” She smiled, while leaning her head on his shoulder “Now it’s just you….This feeling…I kind of like it. It makes me feel a bit safe, when you’re around”

He put his hand on her cheek and slowly leaned closer to her face, his eyes were still lost within hers but closing as he approached her. Then his lips lightly touched hers and she froze for a moment from surprise, or so it seemed. He moved his mouth so passionately and gently that at times, filling her heart with this strange, but warm feeling. That moment time really did stop, and everything was going slow. Then after a moment he pulled away just as slowly as he came in, before wrapping his arms around her.

“I’m sorry” He said “For not saving you that time”

“…”

“I promise, I won’t make the same mistake again. It’s gonna be ok, better. What you're going through...I don't know, I can't even imagine the pain and hell you were forced on. This pain, sadness and loneliness, it's all temporary so attempt to wait for one - more - day” He said, feeling that his heart was racing faster as he paused for a longer while “T-That’s why….Go out with me”

I’ve made up my mind. I won’t let anyone else have her, because I need her, more than others do. Standing by my side. That's why I want to be the one, who reaches to her heart....Because I love her...More than anyone else does.