Pactholder (For Emerald_Pheonix)

[Xatarias]

The headmaster wraps an arm around your shoulders, leading you from the grisly scene marring the otherwise tranquil atmosphere of the sanctum.


"Things are well. The cadets are progressing in their studies. None are as promising as you, Alex, or Link were in your younger days, but I imagine several will join the order as monks. We're short on decks anyhow- Not everyone can be a Pactholder after all."


He gives you a sidelong look, gauging your reaction.


"I hope you remember the offer I made you, Kuzuchi. I know it's a lot to ask to put aside your childhood dream, but there is honor in joining the order even without a deck bound to you. I thought perhaps given a bit of time you would... Reevaluate your decision."


There were many that suspected the headmaster of grooming you for inheriting his post. The leader of the Academy typically rose from the ranks of the priesthood and by law could not be a Pactholder. Of course life as a monk wasn't exactly glamorous. Reentering the academy would mean giving up all worldly ties. Friends, family, the gym... Your guardianship of Sandra. 

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Almost immediately as he finished his second statement, Kuzuchi smacked away the headmaster's hand, giving him a strong look as he stopped walking and turned to face him.


"I am sorry, Headmaster, but I still find myself unable to accept. Due to recent developments, I have even more reason not to accept your offer." He states, glancing out the door and spotting Sandra, a tiny smile gracing his face for a second before disappearing as he looked at the priest "There are too many things that I am not willing to give up."

 

[Xatarias]

The headmaster frowns, disappointment evident on his face.


"That is of course your decision. I simply hoped... Well, it's done now. And it looks like someone wants to speak with you."


The old bovine slips away as Sandra pounds over to you, waving a green belt above her head.


"Three belts, Kuzuchi!," She shouts grinning from ear to ear. "They said I needed 'a destructive environment' to challenge me!"


"Constructive," says Terric who apparently took charge of the shark prodigy while you were gone. "She did really well, Kuzuchi. Definitely better than I was even after three years of practice... Sandra, tell him the other part."


The feisty aquatic pouts a bit before muttering, "I gotta take a writin' test."


The rhino nods. "They want her to know the right terminology and martial history. She'll be reevaluated in two months, at which point, they'll see if the jump in belts was warranted. You have some studying to do, miss."


Sandra doesn't look enthusiastic at the requirement, but it doesn't put her out for long.


"But I got a green belt! That's higher than even you were gonna give me! I-I did good, right!?"

 

[Emerald_Pheonix]

Kuzuchi couldn't help it, seeing such an adorable face. He picked the shark up and spun her around, laughing and hugging her close before setting her down "You did amazing, Sandra. Now, when we do get back, we are going to study." He states sternly, looking serious for a moment before smiling "But that doesn't mean I cannot make it memorable." With that, he winks at the shark before looking at Terric, smiling.


"So, are you and Rax feeling better?" He asks, lifting Sandra up and placing her on his shoulder, his tail practically wagging.

 

[Xatarias]

"Well it wasn't pretty at first, but things definitely are better now... Better than they've ever been in fact," Terric says with a stupid grin on his face. "When Rax found me outside, he was yelling and sniffling. I thought it was over, but then... He said some pretty amazing things. I thought we were miles apart emotionally, but... Well, we're on the same page now."


Terric speaks in an even tone, but from the way he flushes, you can tell that the normally stoic is over the moon with happiness. Whatever dirty details of his and Rax's makeup are interrupted by Sandra's insistent questioning.


"You and rax were fighting? Why? Did he do something mean? What're you-"


"Why don't we head over to the ring?" Terric interrupts firmly, adding, "If we hurry, you might be able to give him a bit of coaching, Kuzuchi. From what I saw fighting Alex, he's going to need it. I've never seen her move so fast. She's in top form."


If you were a betting dragon, easy money would have to favor Alex. The lioness simply has more experience and was Academy trained. Still, you could never underestimate Rax. Frustrating as it could be sometimes, the polecat's volatility sometimes proves to be a potent weapon. When Rax hit a slump, it's nearly impossible for him to recover. But when your protege hits his stride, he becomes lethally focused.


The crowds chanting grows louder and louder as you approach the raised platform. Alex is already waiting in the ring. Rax stands off to the side. For all his recent romantic success, the polecat is pale and nervous looking. He tries to give a confident smile when you approach, but it comes out more like a grimace.