God hunt -{KogaGoshi Fantasy AU}-

.t w o.

The eight boys stood in a line that was ordered by age and Goshiki felt very nervous standing at the end. He was rarely called up to see the headmaster. If he was ever needed, Headmaster Washijou would send an assistant to collect him from his classes, in order to prevent too many people from asking questions – he already performed his tests and exams in private; the Academy didn't want everyone to start getting too suspicious about their next star student.

Sitting in his throne-like chair, was Headmaster Washijou. He was a man of few smiles and even fewer laughs, always glaring with his sunken-in eyes. He had dark, sleepless bags under his eyes and a permanent scowl. His white hair was combed back and it made him look a little bit older, if that was even possible.

He cleared his throat, making Goshiki jump a little. This guy always scared him...

"So..." He said, first directing his attention at Tendou. "Any hints as to what I want?"

Tendou narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. He was a crazy, eccentric red-head, with distant relations to a demon, and he had been working hard to perfect his psychic magic – regularly, he'd try to read someone's mind for practice.

"It's got something to do with Tsutomu and his magic," Tendou replied with a frown. Goshiki stiffened and looked down at the floor with a cold glare – he could feel people glancing at him. "Right?"

"That's the gist of it, yes," Washijou replied, nodding in appreciation. "Goshiki is halfway through his first year at this Academy. If, by final exams, he still can't use his magic, I fear he won't be able to make the Peak Selection."

That made everyone tense up and Goshiki look up wide-eyed. The Peak Selection was a group of the best students in the school, who'd get announced once a year, and they were the celebrities of the school, for a lack of a better word. Every student in this room, except him, were part of the Peak Selection – they were the best of the best. The only reason Goshiki was on speaking terms with them was that they all thought he was going to be in the Selection by the end of the year. He had to get in.

Washijou observed the first-year thoughtfully as he continued. "Now, this is something I don't want to happen. Goshiki, here, seems exceptional when it comes to magic, unless it's in a pressurized situation."

"Excuse me for interrupting, sir," Shirabu began, folding his arms across his chest with a frown, "But I don't see what the bra- the first-year's issue has to do with us. If he can't perform magic in a standardised situation, then he isn't really much of a wizard, is he?"

Goshiki looked away, feeling angry and a little hurt. Shirabu didn't really mean to hurt him too much. He just had the uncanny ability to accidentally voice Goshiki's' own thoughts.

Washijou narrowed his eyes slightly. "I know, Shirabu. That's why I am going to make you seven help him perform magic. You are going to train against him, every day, if we have to, until he can perform at the flip of a coin. Understand?"

Reon frowned. "But... We have homework and revision, sir. We can't ignore that."

"All of eight of you will be excused from homework if you comply," Washijou promised.

Taichi grinned. "And, suddenly, all my complaints and hesitations are gone."

.:*:.

There were nine of them, standing close to the wall, ready to unlock whatever was keeping Goshiki's' magic reluctant. The seven Peak Selection students faced the one defective student, and Headmaster Washijou watched from the side.