(Outdated) The King of Elements

Retribution

The line moved up and his group was finally next to get their schedule. Directly in front of his group was Sakura. To her immediate right sat Loyalty, and to her left was Joel, both who looked incredibly bored to be there. Beside Loyalty was a thoroughly upset looking Chris Blade, who was spinning a combat knife on the table.

After a height joke directed to Michael and Keiko by Chris Blade, both of whom didn't seem amused by it, it was finally Dre's turn. "So, today's the big day, huh?" Loyalty said to Dre's group, slightly perking up. "Ya'll ready for the first day of class?"

There was a low murmuring among the group as Sakura handed Dre his schedule and box containing the medal. "You guys don't have much to worry about. This year will be over before you know it."

Dre scanned his schedule. A silver flame danced beside his name. Under it was a schedule of his classes; he had sword training with Tiffany Gladestone at 5:00, elemental training at 6:00 with Bianka Bright, supper at 7:00, and Amian History at 8:00 with Demetrius McManus. Wait, Mr. McManus? He's an Amian too? Dre stared at McManus's name in disbelief. Mr. McManus, a friend to the family further back since Dre could remember, was an Amian as well. It made him wonder if he really did fight in a war with his parents. It dawned on him just how much he really didn't know about the people close to him, as well as himself. Who else is secretly an alien living incognito with the Humans?

"If you all will stay there for a second, we will go to the Wayward Marketplace to get your equipment," Sakura said, handing Rose her schedule and medal.

The group nodded in agreement as Sakura began writing on the clipboard in front of her. The line dwindled to a small few. Dre recognized some of the people from school, though he doubted that they would say anything to him. He scoffed at himself for even wanting to be noticed by them.

It wasn't long before Dre heard what sounded like wood clacking against the opal-like floor. He turned to see two people walking towards the table; a deep anger pulsed through his body as they passed. Both had skin the color of honey, one male and one female. The male wore a pair of stone gray hakama pants and a white sleeveless shirt that proudly displayed his muscled arm. His silvery hair was tied into a low ponytail and his left arm was covered in a golden gauntlet. He had a black headband covering his forehead with a blood-red Japanese character written on the front. The female wore a sleeveless, jet-black samurai kimono, as well as jet-black hakama pants. Her brown, curly hair swayed freely down her back, stopping inches away from her hips.

"Retribution," Megumi muttered as the two passed them by. Neither of them seemed to pay much attention to the group.

"Retribution?" Ian repeated.

"That's what's on his headband," Keiko said as she and Michael watched the two carefully.

"Yeah, I'd recognize that symbol anywhere," Michael added in a low voice. "I've heard stories that there was a warrior who was killed by a young boy about ten years ago. From what I've heard, the warrior had 'retribution' carved into his back in kanji. Oddly enough, boy had a slightly tan complexion and silver hair, but he was never heard of again after that-"

He was cut short as Dre walked up to the man. He had finally figured out why he recognized both of them, as well as why he felt that stab of anger. They were both in the group that had pushed Dre's group into the Edge Walkers at the exam. They almost got Dre and his team killed, and now he was going to make them answer for it.

Dre firmly grabbed the male's shoulder and turned him around. He looked outraged as Dre released his grip. "Is there a problem?"

"Your team almost got me and my team killed yesterday! You tell me if there's a problem!" Dre snarled.

"Yesterday?" the samurai muttered, looking lost in thought. "Oh. I know you now. You were the person who was spying on my group. If I recall, I believe have apologized sincerely for that moment."

"An apology isn't enough to cover what you've done," Dre said through his teeth.

"I see," he said as he pulled his sword from his sash and handed it to the girl beside him. "So, how do we plan to diffuse this situation?"

Dre said nothing as he stood in his defensive stance.

"You really don't want to fight me," the samurai chuckled. He put his hands behind his back and stood sideways. "But if you want, I'll let you vent your anger."

The young woman eyes widened as she gripped his sword tighter. "Kamatsu, we don't have time for your-"

"Now, now. He has every right to be mad. I'd want to fight me too if I were in his shoes."

"Hang on, boys," Sakura began as she stood up, "let's just be reasonable-"

Chris placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let the boys let off some steam." Sakura looked uneasy, but finally sat down. "Carry on, you two," he said with a grin.

The few students who were still in the small line were now watching eagerly, some rushed inside the school to get the rest of the students who had already received their schedule. It didn't matter much, though. He was sure that he'd beat Kamatsu before they could return.