Paladin's Academy

Act II, Chapter 9: Change of Place

"Where are we going?" Matter asks.

"We are going to Boston," Streetwise smiles, "for a field trip!"

After a few more weeks of diligent study, the first-year Paladins have earned themselves a small reward. Or, at the very least, a calm before the storm. In two months' time, they will have their license exam. Which if they pass, allows them to patrol the streets with adult supervision. And in one month's time, they will have their annual tournament where they test their abilities against each other and witness how far each of them has come. With many stressful activities on the horizon, the faculty has agreed to let the students have some extracurricular activities, particularly outside the Academy. Currently, Streetwise has gathered the entirety of Section 1-2 'Sword' to discuss their outing. 

"Why Boston?" White Mask ponders.

"Avalon Incorporated has invited us to witness the unveiling of their new Z-Reactor Mark 10. Over seventy percent more efficient than the mark 9."

"Were you paid to say that?" TeXXno-KnXXht Julia laughs.

"No comment," Streetwise turns away, "we leave in two days via bus. So, partner up or something. It's going to be a long ride."

Streetwise pulls Gateway aside as the two discuss the class' accommodation. The Paladins discuss possible partnerships between them all. Given that the trip will be a while, a partner to sit beside and talk to might help ease the boredom. It can even help deepen their bond as friends or even something stronger. Dreadnought looks to the crowd to try and find a certain someone to partner up with.

Ever since Dreadnought wrote that letter to Matter, she has been acting less distant towards him. They even have casual talks now. However, it's nothing like how they bonded before. Streetwise's absence isn't helping with that either. With his return to Paladin's Academy, Ms. Winter has been sending him on missions non-stop. To the eyes of an outsider, it's almost as if Ms. Winter was trying to get rid of him. Given this opportunity, Dreadnought believes that this field trip could possibly help amend their distant relationships. Maybe this is the thing that will bring things back to how they were...

"Something on your mind?" Snooze gently asks.

"Just thinking about who I should partner with," Dreadnought responds.

"Isn't that obvious?" Snooze slowly leans closer.

"Right. Of course," Dreadnought smiles. His thoughts linger elsewhere.

For the past few weeks, Dreadnought and Snooze have gone on a couple more dates. However, Dreadnought doesn't remember them well. It's all started to blend together, like a video compilation. He tries not to dwell on it too hard as he looks at other people in the room.

White Mask seems to be looking around the room as well. He walks in circles, mumbling something about 'optimizations.'

Double Trouble twiddles his thumbs and looks down at his desk. Dreadnought has never seen him this nervous. Perhaps he already has someone he'd like to ask? Yet cannot for some reason. 

On the other hand, Sure-Shot beams confidence. It bordering on arrogance. He talks to a few people, asking if they want to partner up. Dreadnought can't really gauge their reactions, but when Sure-Shot starts talking to Matter, he looks away.

Streetwise returns with Gateway as he makes the class settle down. After a few minutes of teaching, he eventually dismissed the class. While the class heads back to their dorm to finalize their partners, Streetwise heads for the war room, for Ms. Winter has something all the pro heroes need to know. He is the last to arrive at the meeting, and Ms. Winter glared at him for all but a moment.