The new year(Year start Hircine, important)

[Shuya Katsumoto]

“Shall we get this started than miss Alexander? I guess I could do the talking for now…”

Shuya grimaced as he walked up the small stairs that gave passage to the stage in front of the auditorium. Behind him, Victoria Alexander walked casually, some notes in her hands while Shuya’s hands were pocketed in his new suit’s pocket. The watcher had left the school and Shuya had made no attempts in bringing them back. The regular security members who had guarded the school in the past were still around and the entire faculty was present near the stairs, sitting on quite uncomfortably and cheap chairs. The school’s speakers had announced an important speech was about to occur and that every student was expected to be present here. Shuya knew that the students had little to do otherwise anyway and knew they were most likely to be curious as to what this message would be.

Shuya arrived at the microphone in the middle of the stage and took his stand behind it casually, his face giving a relaxed expression. The auditorium was filled almost fully, meaning most of the students had turned up to see what this fuss was about. Smiling at all of this, Shuya coughed in the microphone before starting to talk, ensuring the students knew it was about to begin. The noise was slowly dying until it eventually turned quiet.

“Students… A new year has commenced. After the recent events here, the school board thought it was time to use a different approach at this place… Some of you might know me, some of you might not… but from now on you’ll know me as principal Katsumoto. Next to me stands principal Alexander. We’ve been put in charge of running this school to ensure that it’s result will be no less than in previous years… And we will make it happen.”

Shuya’s eyes gazed through the audience before he continued speaking, a small smirk on his face now.

“With the untimely departure of both Darren Blayne and Tiao Lei Shen, this school is left with no captain or pillar to maintain the peace amongst you students. I assure you, there will still be need of a captain and pillars and I’m sure a lot of you are already striving for those titles… I promise you you’ll all have your chances to gain these titles and those who deserve them will naturally gain them. Also, the school paper is in need of a new editor, applications can go directly to miss Alexander.”

His head turned towards Victoria and he gave a small nod in her direction.

“Now, almost every single one of you has been through some difficult and turbulent times last year… but I’ve noticed as I walked the halls of this school as a student myself, that you’ve felt connected to each other… Let me say that this is a good thing since unity will have a positive effect on us all. Some of you might’ve read about this, but there’s been a new high school in this city… Paragon. We’ll be organizing matches, tournaments and other activities with this school and I would be ashamed if Hircine was to be beaten by this new place… Now, I know things might be difficult to accept, but there will be some changes around here. I guess you’ll find out soon enough. For now, enjoy the rest of your day… from tomorrow on, school life will start for our freshmen and continue for our older students.”

Shuya took a step back as he allowed Victoria to add to his speech or leave it with this. His eyes scanned through the crowd, curious on what their reactions to all of this would be. He knew half of them didn’t care about what he had just said and some would simply be rebellious to him because of the fact that he was now the co-principal of this place. Whatever the case, he had done his task by opening the year in a calm and orderly way… How all the students would act on the following days was something he couldn’t predict just yet… but he and Victoria would be ready to deal with their new found jobs… and with them their new found problems…

OOC:
Thread is open to post, Victoria might post or not before she’s departing for 2 weeks, but that doesn’t change anything about the fact that Hircine’s new year has also started.

[Allen Daughtry]

Deja vu....

Strange how one day a person can find themself in a world they're accustomed to, and the next, they're sitting right in the middle of a foreign land. Strange that, nearly a year later, the Mugenite transfer Allen Daughtry finds himself sitting amongst the crowd of a new school once again, gazing up at his superiors and listening to the small talk of his peers and equals.

But, regardless of the eerie similarities, Daughtry's life was now very different. Having gone from the halls of PHS #381 in Philadelphia, Allen was now attending this Hircine High, a school recognized as one of San Fransisco's best institutes for public learning, and on a higher level, formerly one of the best examples of Corporal Punishment when it was a success. The boy remembered reading news articles about Hircine when he was attempting to figure out the structure of the "System," having read over the failed rebellion one year ago by a student named "Stern Mason," and just recently in the newspapers, he remembered seeing a headline that talked about the recent and sudden death of the school's former Principal during its latest student riot. Where Mugen Hall had been a relatively peaceful establishment - besides the threats by a record label and some abnormal terrorist - Hircine High appeared to be a school of Chaos where it had once been the pinnacle of Order.

This only helped to further instill interest in the former Pillar.

Again, surrounded by fellow students, Allen gave in to the rebound of events and chose to observe his surroundings. Hircine High's auditorium wasn't as massive as Mugen Hall's amphitheater, but it accomplished its purpose. The dark and tall walls and the near-invisible ceiling gave the illusion of infinite space, and the lack of light through the seating rows practically forced an observer to watch the action on the front stage, where two individuals stood poised by the main microphone and a podium. One was a man, the other a woman, and each appeared to be students themselves; they couldn't have been older than twenty-one years. Yet, they were the supposed Co-Principals of Hircine High's new school year. For now, the woman remained silent at the side of the man that identified himself as Principal Katsumoto and his colleague as Principal Alexander, and the man went on to discuss the news of the day.

'He remembers being a student from last year? Jesus Christ, is the school that desperate for leadership that they call upon recent alumni?'

Other factors that caught Allen's attention were comments about whom must have been the former Captain and his Pillar - and, strangely enough, the mention made Allen think back to his own Captain, Gabe Ember - and the need to replace them, as well as talk of another school called "Paragon" that, for some reason, the staff at Hircine planned to hold tournaments with. It was strange to hear members of The System suggest open fighting tournaments so bluntly with a rival school, but it made sense; Daughtry remembered reading a report that nodded to behind-the-table encouragement of fighting outside of school by the former administration and its former Captain, now apparently recognized as Blayne.

Still, Allen was still left completely in the dark. Something felt strange... the tension in the air suggested that an undercurrent of animosity lay underneath the skin of the student body, and something felt wrong. What happened to MacMillan? How did the last school year end? And why was this new school suddenly on the scene, and so quickly?

Part of Allen Daughtry wanted to just lean back and sit quietly, watch as others began to chat and bicker over things, but there was a side of him that felt irritated with the lack of knowledge and understanding, and so, just like he had done nine months ago at Mugen Hall's own orientation, the transfer stood up on his seat, still surrounded by his peers, and gazed up at the stage, his face stern, his eyes still shrouded by his shades.

Tossing his arms casually to his side, Allen yelled up to the two Principals in query, "What, we can't ask any questions? No 'comments' from us? I think it's rude of you to assume we all know what we have to Principal Katsumoto, because I sure don't."

[Ryou Jackson]

" Back here once again." Ryou thought, as he gazed around the auditorium. Who would've thought so much would have happened in one year? Macmillan dead, the Watchers gone for good, and now this. Where one Principal had been annihilated, another had been called in by the administration to fill the spot. Ryou leaned back in the chair he was sittting on, although the chair itself was uncomfortable and pretty much crappy, he'd take it over sitting on the floor anyday.

The two new Principals, one of whom Ryou recognized, stepped onto the stage and begun to address the student body that had shown up. The seats that were to Ryou's left and right were empty, but Ryou honestly didn't care. Might as well listen to what the new Principal had to say. He started by introducing himself as Principal Katsumoto, Ryou recognized the face, having seen him around the school before, but before that, he had no name to place with the face. Now he did. He then went on to introduce his collegue, as...Principal Alexander? So, there would be two Principals at Hircine.

Can't deny it was interesting.

Ryou wasn't paying all that much attention to the intros, he caught the names, but what was said next certainly got his attention. Captain and Pillars. With the former captain and two former pillars gone, there was now a call for new blood to be intergrated. Well, Ryou wouldn't mind becoming a Pillar, although he was the captain of the basketball team, it didn't come with much power, and this would keep him busy, trying to obtain a title of Pillar. Ryou wasn't stupid enough to go right for the big name of Captain, every guy and his best friend who wanted power would try for it, no, he'd go for the name directly below, Pillar. Less power, but still power nonetheless.

" This'll be very interesting..." he murmured, as a smirk started to appear on his face. It seems a new high school had appeared nearby, Paragon, and already, rivalries were starting to form. Oh, nothing big, tournaments here, matches there, including other activities. Maybe the small rivalry established would escalate into something big, who knew? Perhaps, in the near future, Ryou may have the opportunity to go up against them, who knows.

One thing was for certain, this year was going to be anything but boring. And what a way to kick off the new year. Already one transfer was complaining, as he stood up and started yelling at the Principals, asking why they weren't allowed to ask questions, or comment, in other words, trying to get their two cents worth in. Ryou leaned back and smirked at this, with one comment, a lot more would spring forth, let's see how the new authority in the school would react to this.

[Victoria Alexander]

Victoria’s eyes peered over the crowd of students, moving over the auditorium as the speech was soon to start. Sitting in her grey dress slacks and black high neck blouse. Her blue eyes moved over to her new, unexpected co worker as he started with his speech. She listened to his words. His speech covered the necessities which she did not have to re-address when her turn came. All in all it made her job of following after him seem effortless.

Hearing her introduction she rose from the hard wooden seat and ran her hands down her sides to straiten her slacks. Walking in confident strides Victoria made her way behind the podium and looked over the audience. Her eyes ran over the unknown students. Occasionally seeing a familiar Varron face but taking no pause.

“For those that do not know me. My name is Victoria Alexander. You may address me as Miss Alexander. My position here is to make sure each and every student has an equal opportunity to get the best education regardless of their background. I am well aware of the past years difficulties and I am here to correct those wrong doings. I am also here to stay whether or not you think I am fit to stay. Do not judge me on others mistakes.”

She paused folded her hands on the podium before continuing on.

“As Principal Katsumoto has said there will be scheduled events that will be posted in public areas. There will also be activities that regard your attention as well as your studies. Parent - Teacher conferences will be held once per quarter to help retain the needs of students as well as teachers. Please inform your parents that these will be mandatory to help ensure the best education, if there is no parent present please talk to one of our Councilors to assign you to a teacher that will monitor your progress in the year.”

“There will also be openings among the PTA Board as well if your parents should be interested. They can find the information they need within the main office. For those that need any financials help as well as housing please see me after school.”

Looking down at her notes. She believed she had covered all that needed to be addressed at the beginning of school year. If anything should arise she knew that it would be taken care of through news letters and such.

Looking back up, she thanked the teachers as well as the students before turning and making her departure from the podium. She was confident that this year would run smoothly. But who knew what the future would hold.

(Ooc - sorry for the shortness but Shuya covered the basics. See you guys on the 20th.)

[Alkaiser]

Shuya and Victoria, principals at large. "Who would've guessed?"

Steve Barzahd blends among the crowd that listens to the address of the new administrators. He's wondering why some loudmouth is standing on his chair, asking questions that nobody plans to answer. He's wondering why 100 percent of the students are mumbling their distaste for the situation, when 99 percent of them will do nothing about it. He's wondering if Shuya remembers who gave him a pass to kill his predecessor when they were still each other's peers.

Principal Katsumoto was there to tell all of the students the things that Alkaiser had already gathered for himself. Power Struggle: Check. New School: Check. The only question left unanswered for Barzahd was how he would survive as the only in-tact pillar. That was a question he had to answer for himself. Principal Alexander was obviously going to be the good cop, showing a genuine concern for academics, which was constantly overlooked at this school. Granted, most of the students did very well, but that was generally due to their feeling that school would get in the way of smashing face if they let it go bad.

"Maybe I should check in with Tiao and Nathan over at Paragon...ah, who am I kidding. I'm just flat out curious." Naturally, Steve's mind was lingering elsewhere.

[Valencia Donahue]

It might've been strange to see Valencia sitting amongst the students instead of with the rest of the faculty (or ditching the assembly altogether like several teachers did), but luckily, it didn't seem as strange considering her age and how people always seem to have an issue with her eyesight. Instead of hanging out in the library, she just had to know who was going to run the place now that she's working for the school. Meeting the vice principal during graduation was an utter disappointment and she simply looked forward to returning to her shenanigans once the next spineless leader replaced the hell-spawn dubbed Macmillan. To Valencia's surprise, not only was the new principal exuding a confident aura, but there were two principals this time. It confused her for a moment and it was pretty obvious from the furrow in her brow.

Oookkaaayy... So that lady ain't just a secretary... And what does that make the vice principal, chopped liver? Huh... Didn't I meet that lady before? Or seen at least? Ah. Valentines Day, methinks.

The librarian's assistant had to scan the audience at the mention of “editor” and “school paper” in the same sentence. There were lots of independent newspaper groups in Hircine, but since when were any directly connected to the principals' office? Scratch that—Since when did they WANT to be when there were Network codes on every page? Nonetheless, having an official sponsor would mean lots of benefits, especially for a trashy paper like The Howler with Dennis Webb at the helm and an “ambitious” paper like The Trackers with Annette Steadfast willing to tackle any and every opportunity in her face. The Keystone Predator was well enough on its own with its great connections created by editor Richard Maxwell.

This is Annette's and Richard's final year here... When I was still a student, I was just a freelancer. Now that I think about it, when was the last time I wrote something instead of supplying photographs?

Valencia did not know what to make about the news in regards to Paragon. A lot of people she knew transferred there and it'll be pretty weird to see the Varronites versus Hircinian conflict all over again, 'cept the “good school versus bad school” role is reversed and one of the schools didn't necessarily blow up this time. Instead of making a huge deal over it, she thought about the future Captain and Pillars of Hircine. She had to say, the current leftovers aren't exactly influential—She won't lie. The Vietnamese woman was tempted to test some nerves by causing a ruckus instead of letting time embarrass her association to this school. And then... Alexander spoke up. Money. Valencia almost spat into the next row in annoyance. This stunt woman was a starving artist in every sense of the word. Each day she barely gets enough to pay the bill, she's tempted to live at the school like her friends did. It was a weird relationship to hate the source of your only regular paycheck. With a sigh, she got out of her seat and made her way back to the library.

Katsumoto and Alexander... Call me crazy, but I'm bored enough to test some mettle. Let's see if I can do this without an ounce of suspicion... Or getting fired.

[William Fletcher]

He'd sat relatively quietly throughout the entire farce, a hint of distaste on his lips at the notion of a former student and some other random person, neither likely in their mid twenties, apparently being put in charge of the school. Fact was, desperation was clearly set in. However, if they were in the place, it wasn't likely on anything but genuine effort, so despite his reservation, if nothing else, he'd watch and see just what kind of a mess they'd make.

It was amusing, if anything, but that was quickly beginning to lapse with the bureaucractic bullshit that was coming out. 'Those who deserved them would naturally gain them'? No. The person who thought best would get them, who fought hardest. That was it. On top of it all, there were still one or two students left who'd been interim pillars left, and he wanted to know something before the new principal -as much as it soured his mind to consider Shuya as such- decided to take his leave to his nice, comfy office.

Rising from his chair, his full height dwarfing the students around him, he spoke loudly at the youth, barely a year or two older than him. "Oi, Katsumoto, answer this. When Tiao and Darren left, they didn't completely vacate the pillarship. There's a couple o' lads left who held favour wi' them. Are they still fair game tae go after for positions, or dae I just knock fuck out of everyone until ye accept that I'll be the new captain here?"

There was an air of confidence about him, not to mention an ego that few would match, and he wanted his answer. However it was given, though, he'd work it into his own plans to take the captainship.

Barely a moment later, with virtually no time for the new 'authority figure' to reply, he continued. "Well?"

Folding his arms over his chest, the massive muscles straining against the shirt despite it being one of the largest in stock in most stores, he fixed his glare on Shuya the entire time, waiting on his response.

[Shuya Katsumoto]

OOC: Don’t expect this to be long since I technically need to respond to only two students here. *cough* That’s a hint to all Hircine students who haven’t posted… this is the start of ‘your’ year. Yeah…

IC:
Shuya stopped as he heard someone speak up after Victoria’s part of the speech. He had intended on walking away again, as everything that needed to be put out had been put out, but it seemed an unknown individual had to play the role of the so called ‘rebellion student’. Shuya had suspected some stubborn kids to be out there and it would’ve been foolish to think no one would respond to all the new information they were receiving. With a playful smile on his face, the young principal turned around and walked back towards the large group of students, his face showing the spirit of someone who’s planning on doing great things with the opportunities he’s taken… not given.

“There’s a time for listening and a time asking. This here was a time for you students to take in all the new issues that you needed to know. Your class-schedules have already been sent to your homes so you’ll know perfectly well what classes you’ll be following, starting tomorrow. I don’t see why you would want to be given the opportunity to ask when everything is clear. This is a school, what you have to do is gain knowledge and graduate. But in case there are more people who are unsure on matters, let it be known that there are a lot of councilors that can aid you. If there’s something important and you think it needs to be discussed with either me or principal Alexander, you’ll know where to find our secretaries. That will be all for now.”

Shuya turned around once more and walked down the stage, walking past the crowd and towards the main doors, leading to the hallways. However, one voice did sound quite loudly above all the mumbling of the gathered students. An Irish accent of some sort sounded through the auditorium and the mumbling immediately died down again. Shuya stopped his pace and curiously turned towards the point where the yelling had come from and noticed a buffed student. All students in their path had moved to the sides a little, enabling the two men to face each other, over a large distant of course. Shuya had hoped there would’ve been no questions about the captain and pillar positions, but he had known someone was bound to ask about it. In Shuya’s eyes, the pillars were just a means to keep the students busy. They thought they had authority with the titles… sure, they did have more power and rights than others, but their power could always be stripped by another. For now, he would give this student the answer he was seeking.

“I guess you must’ve not understood what I said. I said that those who deserve the title, will gain them. I’ve always been traditional about this, and that will not change. Only the strongest can become this school’s captain and may choose his pillars… or work alone. It is not up to me to call someone a captain… not now in any case, so asking me what you need to do to be recognized as this school’s captain is challenge people you find worthy of challenging and defeat them. Perhaps, like you pointed out, the previous pillars are a good place to start. But let me warn you Irishman, random violence will not be tolerated and is doubtful the way to captainship. A captain may be born by his strength, but we all know they will not hold the title for long if all that remains are enemies…”

For now, that was all Shuya had to say on the matter. He would be the first to encourage students like this one to challenge and defeat other strong fighters, but Shuya knew he could not allow just any form of random violence... As principal, Shuya knew he couldn't let those things slide but as a person, he couldn't respect it either... there was nothing to gain from bashing weak skulls into walls...

[William Fletcher]

ooc: Ack, short. Sorry dude.

ic:

A flicker of bared teeth in a wide grin spread at the pacifistic remark made by the student-cum-principal, and it took massive amounts of energy to Will to prevent from any remarks on hypocrisy towards it.

"Naw, I understood ye just fine, but the fact stands that if I take out everyone in mah way, there'll no be anyone left. Trust me, if ye think ye'll get in mah way, that'll include you too. Don't preach tae me, Shuya, it was only last year that YOU would have been sitting where we are. Ye've got yer title an' that's all well an' good, but dae ye think that ye hold much dominion over the new seniors?"

He strode through the parted crowd of students about half of the way, pacing slowly as he kept his eyes on the marginally older youth in front of him.

"Fact is, what would ye plan tae do? There's no' any Watchers any mair, an' unless ye intend to stalk me an' make sure I behave maself, I fail tae see what yer point is here. I'll take the captainship however it suits mah efforts, Shuya. Jus' be glad I'm no' after your position too...."

Smirking at the remark, he continued in his pace, walking clean past the older male with a slight sidewards glance, the smirk still on his face as he walked towards the exit from the auditorium. He'd respond if anything else was said, but he'd do so without bothering to turn back towards his new 'principal'.

[Sathanas]

Spider leaned up against the door jamb of the entrance to the auditorium, smiling widely as he noted the main points of the principals' speech. He made notes to dig up everything he could on these people, especially Alexander. Spider had an odd feeling about her, one that he couldn't exactly place, but one that warranted significant interest from the journalist.

'It's the start of another year here at this place. With Paragon online I've got some great material. God the rumors that come out of that place get more and more interesting every time I hear them. And with the violence that's starting to spark between these two places I have a feeling things are going to get ugly. And with the school rankings up for grabs, Hircine appears to be waning while Paragon is on the rise. I smell a column.' He thought, but then was distracted by Katsumoto who appeared to be arguing with some form of mutant Irishman.

They seemed to be sparring for authority, and there was no clear winner, as Spider could see.

"Very interesting indeed," He muttered, making a note to track down the irishman for an interview. The Prinicpal too, if he could swing it...

[Kyukaku]

"What the hell?"

Kyukaku leaned forward in his seat, his eyes narrowing as his mouth dropped. The two people that walked onto stage completely dumbfounded the Senior, and he really didn't know how to react.

There was Principal Alexander, or as he had been told of her as Vic. According to Dain, she was Taiku's old squeeze. Kyukaku was sure there was alot more to that story, but if Dain left it out, he did so for a reason. Hell if he was going to ask Taiku about it, either. Then there was Shuya Katsumoto. To put the title of principal in that just blew Kyu's mind. The man who had three senior years, by choice mind you, and got Kyu out of jail when he had been framed. The man had connections, and while the two of them got along fine, Kyu wasn't foolish enough to not see that those connections were on the darker side of business ventures. So what were they doing here? Especially both of them, as a co-principalship?

It was something that Kyukaku couldn't give much thought to, as of course students began to make a scene. One stood up and asked somewhat of a genuine question, though not quite in a genuine manner. That would be one to look for later. Then there was Papa bear, the massive guy that Kyu had seen in the cafeteria not too long ago. Given that guy's voiced ambitions, Kyu had a feeling he'd be running into him soon enough. He also caught glimpse of the redheaded pillar, Alkaiser. That was one old friend Kyu made a mental note to speak to sometime soon.

"Oh, this year'll be fun..."

Kyukaku sighed, rolling his eyes as he sat back again to think about the principals, the adversaries, the allies, the rival schools, and all the violence which was sure to ensue.

[Shuya Katsumoto]

Shuya smiled as the student got closer to him after he had made his point clear to Shuya. Without much hesitation, Shuya made a few steps forwards as well as he responded to what the man had said, before he could continue.

“I know people think that those with a lot of brawls have little brains… I’m not one of those people and therefore doubt you even think you can take down everyone… But that’s not important now… how do I intend to hold dominion over the current seniors? Who said I needed to hold dominion over them? Hell who even said I wanted to… and besides, why would I need to if people like you will take down all the seniors anyway?”

Shuya allowed the student to continue and when he came even closer just stood there with his hands pocketed. He had no idea if this student would assault him here or now, but he knew he couldn’t afford to lose this little game of power play and he also realized the student wouldn’t give in either. He allowed him to walk past Shuya before he gave his response.

“I don’t need no watchers around… they’re no fun to have around. As for that title, time will tell us how that will unfold… and if I were to stalk you… it would only be to see your progress…”

The final part of what Shuya said, he said with a soft voice, probably only noticeable for the student that was confronting him. Shuya allowed the student to leave the auditorium and sighed softly as he shook his head. Turning it up again he recognized Kyukaku standing amidst the crowd. He gave the student a small nod before he turned around and walked through the same door the Irishman had just walked through. Before he left the room however, he spoke up one more time.

“Students, it’s a beautiful day outside so I still don’t see why you’re all still here…”

[Nobu]

For the duration of the assembly, Nobu had been leaning against the far wall, next to the exit in silence. He had arrived late, and discreetly slipped into the auditorium in the midst of the man's speech. Nobu did not recognize the man who was speaking, or the woman standing next to him. The man spoke of the recent departure of the captain and pillars, and how the titles were left vacant, which gained some reaction from the crowd. None of that was of any concern to the Japanese youth, as he did not vy for any of the positions. What the man spoke about next, however, caught the student's attention. He mentioned the new high school Nobu had passed by a few times on his way to school: the Paragon Institute. There was some sort of apparent rivalry growing between the two, and Nobu couldn't believe they were actually going to have sanctioned tournaments between the two schools. He hoped this guy meant fighting tournaments.

The woman took the podium, and introduced herself as Miss Alexander. She a student teacher or something? But why would she be up there... the Japanese student thought to himself as Victoria continued speaking, referring to the man that had just spoken to the student body as 'Principal Katsumoto'. This took him by surprise, as the man looked barely older than Nobu. How could he have obtained the credentials to hold the position of principal in possibly the most reknown high school in the city of San Fransisco? It was perplexing, really, but Nobu began to notice a lot of change happening around the school since the death of their former principal and transfer of Hircinians to the Paragon Institute.

A large figure emerged from the crowd, parted the sea of students and moved forward as if he were Moses. He approached the principal, who had been taking his leave, and began speaking to him with ambitions of becoming the school captain. The gargantuan student exuded an aura of confidence, which Nobu believed was well-deserved; the boy looked like a fighter, and he may have not been skilled, but he sure looked like he was strong, and experienced. The Japanese fighter soon felt the need to test himself against this leviathan, and for the leviathan to do the same with him.

Before the larger student could step through the doors that exit into the hallway, Nobu took a single stride and cut off his path, completely blocking the doorway with his arms crossed. A single hand reached up to brush the Japanese native's mahogany locks out of his face, and his eyes remained closed as he spoke up, his voice calm and lacking aggression. "The title of school captain does not interest me," Nobu took a step forward so that his face was only a few inches away from the leviathan's chest, and allowed his hazel orbs to drift up and bore into the other student's brown ones, "but if you're so inclined to fight and prove yourself worthy of the title..."

Nobu dropped his arms and held them loosely at his waist as he continue to stare up at the leviathan, waiting for him to come to his own conclusion to his statement.

[William Fletcher]

"...You're in my way..."

His voice was low and gravelled, with clear irritance at this pointless act by a youth whose current choice would likely be viewed as a serious mistake if corrections weren't made, and soon.

He stood nearly a foot clear, if he gauged it right, and going by size, was probably about twice the small Asian youths weight. Fact was, to Will, this wasn't even amusing at the moment, and his voiced reaction that followed kept to that train of thought.

"Ye've nae interest in the captainship, thus ye're no' of any concern tae me. Far's provin' maself 'worthy', I hardly think a runt like yersel' is in any position tae question it."

He considered himself quite justified in the remark as well. For the size of the puny youth, Will could very well have likely swatted him away with a backhander to knock him aside if he'd so chosen, but he'd made it quite clear already for those hard of hearing, that his intentions was to eliminate all oppositition to the captainship. The youth in front of him had clearly stated he had no interest in it. Ergo, Will had no interest in this....Glory hunter. It wasn't the first time someone approached him with a serious case of short-man syndrome, looking to big themselves up by taking him on.

"Now, how about ye get oot o' mah way, before ah move ye maself....?"

The veiled threat was quite obvious, not least the fact that one of Wills fists had balled tightly at his side, the hollow 'pop' of his knuckles cracking with the motion an aural reminder that he wasn't just a big guy, he was a mean one at that. If pushed, he didn't pull punches, and didn't think twice of sending people out of Hircine in ambulances. The football team knew testament to that, more specifically, the entire offensive line knew it. Half of them still nursed injuries from Will over the last year...

[Nobu]

The larger student stated the obvious; Nobu had intended to get in his way and provoke him to attack, which did not seem to be the case as the leviathan continued speaking. Behind a stoic visage Nobu clenched his teeth in anger, the hands held at his waist clenching into tight fists at the mention of him being a runt and not being in any position to test the larger boy's prowess. To anybody in the auditorium at that moment the battle that appeared to be on the verge of breaking out seemed like a classic "David and Goliath" match-up. Nobu's opponent definitely held a size advantage over him, having nearly a foot and over a hundred pounds on the Japanese fighter.

The Leviathan threatened to move Nobu out of the way himself, but the Japanese native did not budge. His anger was rapidly building, as his to-be opponent simply wrote him off as unworthy to fight simply due to his size. At least, that's what Nobu interpreted. What was once a fiery, uncontrolled rage in his earlier youth was now a collected, icy rage that only showed itself in his eyes.

Under the impression that his opponent would not be attacking any time soon, Nobu took the initiative, sliding his left foot back and sending out a jolting left straight from his waist aimed directly at the leviathan's solar plexus. The fist would not turn over, instead remaining vertical in order to increase the speed in which it was launched from its position at his waist. As he threw the strike his right fist rose up to give himself a small tap on the temple, where it was held for the time being. Nobu's left hand would snap back following the strike, and take its position tucked loosely against his cheekbone.

[William Fletcher]

A flicker of an eyebrow raising was all Will gave at the initial display of latent anger coming from the small youth, at least until the shift was made and the punch was thrown, sealing the boys fate in the Irishmans eyes. The instant that blow was thrown, he reacted with a savage brutality that reflected his words before, and he hadn't been kidding.

"Oh, ye've nae idea how sorry ye're aboot tae be..."

The shift a moment before the punch was thrown had been the tell-tale sign for Will, immediately he knew that something in the kids head had shorted out (no pun intended), and that he would attack. As such, as the punch snapped out at him, his right fist cannoned up with a horribly powerful uppercut to the boys midsection. The combination of his reach, coupled with a step in towards Nobu which incidentally would cause the punch to land without interference, meant that range was not an issue for him, and with his massive tolerance, the punch would produce no obvious ill-effect to Will. No doubt it would bruise his chest, and the tightening sensation meant some wind had been sucked from him, but pain? He didn't register it, not with this rush in him, not at the moment.

Unless his 'attacker' had serious foresight, there was little he'd be able to do besides hope his other hand was fast enough to intercept the fist, and even at that, there was still the matter of the weight behind the blow, enough to easily knock a small fighter like Nobu onto the ground without much effort in most cases.

Not content to that, however, if by some fluke the boy remained vertical, it would be followed almost instantly by a straight-forward hook from his left arm, aimed clearly for his preys head. If the rising punch to his midsection didn't put him to the ground, the second blow would do so with little effort. Of course, the chance stood that the smaller fighter might be quicker than Will, or at least, should be quicker than Will, but for someone who'd take a straight punching effort at someone of his stature, he wasn't banking much on the mechanics of it kicking in that quickly.

Had Nobu fallen to the blows, Will wouldn't give up at that though. Immediately, a boot would swing out to the grounded youth, intent on striking him as soon as he hit the ground. Otherwise, in the slim but possible chance that he'd been able to keep himself on his feet, he'd pause for only a moment to spit out a single opportunity to the boy...

"Take yer chance here and walk away, o'erwise ye're gonnae end up hurt."

[Nobu]

After his strike had connected with his larger opponent's chest, Nobu felt the heavy impact of a fist thrown from his blind spot connect with his body, no doubt bruising the muscles protecting the fragile bones of his ribcage. The force of the blow shifted the smaller Japanese fighter back a few inches, and although he felt the impact, like with most body shots, the pain would be delayed for a few split moments. Immediately following up on the body shot, his opponent reacted to Nobu's still-standing position by throwing out a left hook. Fortunately, in the sense that Nobu managed to avoid a hit that might have knocked off his head, the sharp pain in his ribs suddenly surfaced and caused Nobu to drop to the tiled ground on his left knee, clutching his ribcage with his left arm as the looping fist passed harmlessly above his head.

Figuring the ground wasn't the best place to be, Nobu gritted his teeth through the pain and capitalized on his current position and his opponent's missed punch. Pistoning his left leg, Nobu used his explosive strength and speed to shoot forward, closing the short distance between the two fighters instantly. His left shoulder hit the larger fighter's hip, knocking his centre of gravity back while his two arms scooped up his left leg off the ground, which was left open due to the left hook. Thrusting up with his hips and straightening his legs out, he managed to slightly lift up the larger fighter, propping him up onto the toes of his right foot and displacing his centre of gravity even more and compromising his balance.

Nobu then used his left leg to sweep the leviathan's remaining leg out from under him while falling forward with his shoulder against his hips and pulling back with his arms, giving him no base to stand on and completing the single-leg takedown in one swift, fluid motion. With his opponent on his back with his left leg between Nobu's knees, Nobu planted his left knee on the ground and extended his right leg to the side, giving him wide, stable base as pressed his full weight on his opponent's chest with his upper body. His right arm reached up and he pressed his forearm beneath his opponent's jaw, pushing his chin up while his left arm held the inside of his opponent's right elbow.

Despite his opponent's size and strength advantage, he would find it difficult to throw Nobu off, given his superior positioning and full weight pinning him to the ground. From here, Nobu would maintain the pin while recovering from the body shot, allowing the pain in his ribs to subside before acting on his dominant position.

[Allen Daughtry]

'Tch, what a political answer. I would have expected better from a former student, but I guess that was wrong.'

The elusive and derogative answer from Principal Katsumoto left Allen in as much of the dark as before, what with how he expected Daughtry to understand all the talk of the last year and its effect on the new one. Worse, he not only suggested that the boy take up his questions with the school's psychotherapists (counselor was just the nice word for 'psycho doctor'), but that he ignore the need for understanding the last school year through questions and instead worry about collecting book knowledge.

'How ironic, and how so very ignorant.'

Gritting his teeth in contempt for the crude slap aside, Allen allowed himself to sit back down as the other principal, Ms. Alexander, went on to explain further bureaucratic matters that apparently needed to be covered, before taking her own leave. Daughtry expected that the orientation was nearly over, but was surprised to find that another second, a much bulkier form than him, stood up and started demanding answers from Principal Katsumoto as well, except now regarding the Captainship. The Irish accent (at least, Allen thought it was Irish, he really couldn't tell the difference, what with the distance and his own fresh experiences with the British) went on to berate the Principal after he received a concluding threat, and mentioned his first name - Shuya. The two men went on to debate whatever it was they cared about, but after a few more moments, Allen's own frustrations with being ignored grew to be too much for him. A snarl still across his face as he leaned forward from his seat, Daughtry stood up once again and made his way out of the aisle, intent on leaving the auditorium.

The whispers and gossip continued as he passed through, but no one spoke a word about him; it was a welcome sense, considering his experiences back at Mugen Hall. He was a loner by nature, after all, and did not like having people talk about him, positively or negatively. He preferred to be one with the crowd, just another face serving the world in his own private way...

It seemed that exiting the dull meeting would not be so easy, however. As he came closer to the exit, he saw that the doors were surrounded by a small circle of onlookers to some event, and as Allen made his way to the edge and slipped his way to the front - he had gotten good at passing through groups, desired or no - the boy noticed the bulky Irishman from earlier now speaking heatedly with some Asian man, and before long, the two were jumping one another as if insults left their tongues.

'Christ, what is wrong with people! And this guy wanted to be Captain, how inconsiderate... how incompetent...'

Allen's frown deepened, and the glare behind his shades darkened, and as the bulky Irishman tossed his own counters to the Asian and was countered back, Allen decided to toss observation and apathy aside and deal with the problem himself.

"Ah... to Hell with this!" Allen bellowed as he jumped forward from the crowd to the back of the large fighter, planting both arms at the small of his back and rapidly shoving forward with all his might, unknowing of the Japanese man's attempt to rid the Irishman of his footing. In fact, Allen had no desire to join the fight or pick a side; he just thought it ridiculous that these two fighters were brawling directly inside of the doors!

"If you're gonna fight..." Allen spoke as he pressed his palms against the Irishman's back, before shoving his body forward with his own legs anchored and his entire weight kicking forward, "Then take it outside!"

Once the Irishman and the Asian were clear of the door, Allen would glance back at the crowd behind him and nod forward, noting to the students waiting to take their leave. He knew that it was possible for the two fighters to jump him in retaliation for whatever way he manipulated their fight, but he didn't care; if he had to, he'd break them both, and if he needed to, he could also slip away through the crowd anyway, and be along his way.

'So starts a new year... dealing with Chaos, and all the shit that comes with it. Damn it all.'