Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Author Narration

In the past 600 years, The World turned ugly. The World gave birth to monsters - zombies, werewolves, vampires, sirens, and hybrids - or they just came out of hiding, no one knows.

A long time ago, with the help of some powerful people, these monsters were trapped within the Dark Clouds. The only monsters able to go out are the hybrids,

In The World, those who know how to fight and speak many languages are treasured - they become the monster hunters.

Team lives in the Kanchanaburi, Thailand near River Kwai, an 8-hour Hyperloop* ride from the Dark Clouds.

As a young boy he has learned many skills. He runs and swims fast, knows how to fish and fight, learned many languages.

Team learned from an early age that if he wants to move up in the world he needs to be a monster hunter. Their family is capable and with money, but they are not in the The-World-rich standards.

When he was 9 years old, his hia Tam (older brother - age 15) left home to go to a training center in Bangkok. Hia Tam regularly writes his family emails to tell tales of his adventures and trials. According to hia Tam, the monster hunter training is difficult. Even without fighting actual monsters, they work 10 to 12 hours a day building muscle strength and stamina. The trainers will determine whether the trainees are ready to move on to the next phase of training, where they may encounter monsters.

After 4 years at the training center, hia Tam finally passes to the next phase of training and moves to The Training Academy near the Dark Clouds border. This is where he learned to fight actual monsters and hunting the hybrids.

When hia Tam moved, Team and his family rarely received emails from him. He does call once every month - just to let them know he is still alive. Though this time there are less stories but more reassurance that he is doing well.

Hia Tam is a good monster hunter, he has received a few recognition within the years while he was abroad. With the massive number of hunters in The World, a single recognition is already a big achievement for a hunter, and a few recognition has already made Tam a hero in Thailand.

Now, back in Thailand, Team has made some of friends. Pharm, a kind and intelligent boy with great skills in cooking and chemistry. And, Manaow, a beautiful and cunning girl who is a lot stronger than she looks.

With Team’s strength, Pharm’s intelligence, and Manaow’s cunning - the three have become the Daredevils of River Kwai.

Let me further describe the Daredevils!

Team, the cute-powerful one, always looking for salted potato chips and swimming at the river - even in the cold weather. He has always looked up to his hia, but with Tam's popularity came expectations and trouble he never expected. He often get into fights with people who want to challenge him. Most of the fights he wins, and the few times he lost just makes him want to train more.

Pharm, the caring-smart one, always cooking delicious & sweet treats (feeding Team and Manaow great food). Aside from mixing meal ingredients, he also mixes chemicals on the side. He creates potions to make people strong (or weak), drugs to make people talk (or just plain high) and bombs. Now, you may think: "howdoes a teenager learn these things?" - from his family of course! The Ariyasakul/Trivinij mafia clan has powerful sons, daughters and members keeping them on top.

Last - but no where near the least, Manaow, the naughty-crafty one, always joking around giving the other two smiles. But don't let her beautiful "shy" look fool you, she's the most devious one of the three. The brains behind all the Daredevil schemes. She's also the reason why they never get caught or punished by the police or their families.

Team POV

The last time Team swam in the river is two weeks ago, he was just doing laps across the river banks, fighting the currents to cross back and forth. Swimming is not just an exercise in stamina, it has also become the time when Team over think things.

His friends will be leaving soon to Bangkok's training center and in just one year, he will be going there too. In the past year that he has met and befriended Manaow and Pharm, they've gotten close, and just thinking about being apart from them for a year saddens Team.

On his way back to his starting point, he sees his two friends at the bank talking to each other. As he comes out of the water he hears Manaow say "I don't know why you chooses to swim in the freezing cold river when there is a heated pool at Pharm's house."

"The cold is more challenging, and it gets my blood pumping" Team responds back as Pharm throws a red towel to him, he says "Thanks!" with a smile to Pharm.

"Come on, dry up and get some clothes on. We have trouble to make!" Pharm urges Team to hurry up.

"What plans had Manaow came up now? Aren't you two supposed to be preparing to leave? Your trip is in 3 days."

Manaow gives her signature devious smile, "We're done preparing, all packed and ready to go. Soooooooo, we need to paaaarty!! We're throwing a little party with fireworks at the bridge to say farewell."

"Is this gonna be like the last fireworks party where Pharm blows up a barn? HAHAHA!"

"That was one time! One time, Team! If you hadn't distracted me constantly calling me asking for snacks I would not have mixed the powders wrong. That was totally your fault" Pharm complains with a pout, but sticks his tongue out saying "I'm not giving you the snacks I made today"

"oiiiii! I'm only joking. Feed me Pharm." Team begs while clinging on to Pharm.

"Here! Just stop, you're getting me wet, aiii Team." Pharm says while pushing a box of Luk Chup into Team's hands. And Team just smiles while opening the box and start eating the veggie-shaped treats.

"Ay ay!” Manaow shouted, “Stop fooling around and put your clothes on Team so we can go. We have a party to start!"

The party was attended by most of the families in Kanchanaburi. There were drinks, food and snacks (one can never forget Team’s favorite potato chips).

Pharm is at the edge of the bridge lighting one fireworks after another, lighting up the sky with the best show of colors only he can do. 

Manaow on the other hand is moving from one group of guests to another, saying her kind farewell to the people she know - while making silent threats to the people she does not like.

It was a nice night… As Team looks at the people beside him, he thinks of the next year that will be spent without his friends by his side. He feels the loneliness creeping in…

“I can’t wait until it’s my time to go…” Team silently says to himself.

Chapter Text

Team POV

Crawling… running…

This year has passed in a snail paced but rushed tempo. It feels like time moved so slow but I barely remembers what I’ve done.

Right now, I’m at Bangkok train station with Pa, Ma and Ton. The ride from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok was short but tiring. Lots of teens from different provinces travel to Bangkok to enroll at the training center.

Ton, the youngest Siriyothin - who has not been outside Kanchanaburi - is energetic. He is pointing at different things he finds interesting. “Ma, look at that restaurant, the food looks good. Can we go there to eat?”, “Pa, look at that girl, she’s pretty. And the guy beside her, muscular!”, “Hia Team, looook! Look at that building, sooooo tall!”

“That is where Team will go na luk*” Ma said as we walk towards the building named BTC (Bangkok Training Center).

“Really hia? Ooooohhh you’re so lucky!” Ton is amazed at his surroundings.

Ma is explaining things to Ton “When Team passed his post-enrollment exams and trials, he’ll know what department and floors he’ll stay at. He will go through the basic training like everyone, then move on to specialized training. The specialized training will prepare him before moving to London at The Training Academy.”

“That is where hia Tam is at now, right Ma?” Ton asked Ma, then he looked at me asking “will you see hia Tam, there?”

“Yes.” Ma and I answered.

“But Team will train here first na luk. Training usually takes 5-6 years, but it may be shorter or longer based on how prepared the trainees are. Hia Tam graduated here within 4 years, his trainers have judged him to be ready. That is actually shorter than average. Hia Tam is very good!” Ma continued and sounding very proud at the end.

“Woah!”

We have now arrived at the sign up station. Families are now saying their goodbyes. Team is mostly silent, from the start of the train ride until they’ve arrived at the training center.

“Are you nervous?” asked Pa.

“A little, Pa. Lot of things to live up to you know.” I said.

“Take it at your own pace Team, there is no hurry. You know that your hia is always obsessed with getting things done, he has no patience” Pa said with encouragement.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t worry na luk, we’re always here to support you! Don’t forget to eat vegetables. And don’t always gorge yourself with chips! They are not very healthy” Ma said to me with worry and chastisement. Then with tears in her eyes she hugs me tight.

“Listen to your Ma. And don’t forget to write.” - Pa hugs me as well enveloping Ma and I.

As they let go, I hear, “Hia…”

I look down at Ton, seeing fat tears streaming down his face. “Come here…” I said to him. He comes close and hugs my stomach “You be good for Ma and Pa, okay? Don’t go out without asking for permission. I will not be there to look for you anymore. I will send you lots of emails with pictures too!”

“Yes hia. Write to us and send looooot of pictures!” Ton is now smiling, looking forward to pictures to be sent.

“Go line up now Team” Pa said. “Don’t forget to eat” Ma said. “Su su na hia!” Ton said.

I walk towards the lines waving goodbye with a smile on my lips.

The training center will prepare us further in life. There’s 4 main departments: the combat training, research, sports, and medicine. Each have dozens or more sub groups. After graduation, we have an option to go work in the private sector, or further our studies and go to The Training Academy. Most of those that do further studies end up working for The World government sector.

After the sign up, me and my fellow trainees were ushered into a dark auditorium. The administration and trainers introduced themselves.

In any training center or in The Training Academy there’s no nepotism, there is no special treatment, quite the opposite. When you’re related to anyone in position or with any achievements, you’ll be regarded with a lot more expectations.

Being hia Tam’s little brother, those expectations now fall on me.

After the introduction, the trainees are now being moved out in groups of 4. Each group is random, just based on the seat you chose inside the auditorium. As I am at the very last row, it was quite a wait just to get out.

We walk through the first floor of the building, going through the back doors. The training center is like a big compound. The tall building in front-center houses the administration and trainer’s offices, and the classrooms. At the back is a big courtyard surrounded by mid-rise buildings.

We’re currently at the courtyard, our guide P’Dean (an upperclassmen) explains to us the different buildings and areas surrounding us. The courtyard is the general hangout area for the trainees. There are tables & chairs shaded by trees, benches along the pathways, and gazeebos in the sunny areas, these provide space for trainees to talk and mingle. There are only a few people in the courtyard as there are classes in session.

The building to the right (affectionately named E-Spot by the trainees and officially accepted by the admin) has the canteen on the first floor, higher floors are for entertainment. There are lounges, theaters, karaoke rooms, pool halls, and bars in there. The bars only serves alcohol for legal-aged trainees, but you can order food and non-alcoholic drinks. The canteen serves our basic meals for free (this is included in the enrollment program funded by The World government). You can use money or points in purchasing from the upper floors.

The money comes from previous income, or allowance given by your family, or personal donations given to a trainee from outside the training centers. Donations mostly come from rich sponsors or companies that benefit from graduate services.

The points will be earned during class, clubs and training sessions.

The building at the back is the sports and combat center (named PAIN), a long building with training rooms, demonstration rooms, sports courts, and swimming pools.

The building to the left is the housing (named REM*), us first years will be at the top floor (5). Apparently the stairs will provide exercise…

We were brought into our apartment. It is a 2 bedroom unit with a small kitchen and lounge area. Since most people hangout in the courtyard or E-Spot and food is served there 24/7, there’s only basic items in their living room. Each bedroom has a bunk bed and two small desk with bookshelves on top. Each apartment has a bathroom, with 2 closed toilet & sink and 2 shower stalls.

“I’ll let you guys settle in. You can pick your own rooms. You can go around the center after settling in. There are also club booths in the 2nd floor at BTC, you can check out those out if you guys want to join any clubs. But please avoid going to BTC upper floors since classes are in session. You guys can walk around PAIN but don’t go into any closed rooms. If the doors are open you can observe but please don’t disturb the other trainees. See you guys around!” P’Dean said then left. He’s a nice but cold person.

Once the 4 of us are left alone in the room, I introduced myself to my roommates. “Hi! My name is Team.”
“Hi! My name is Ae”

“Name’s Bumblebee.”

“And I’m Sea!!”

“After unpacking would you guys like to go to BTC F2 to check out the clubs?” I offered, I want to get close to my roommates (and lowkey don’t want to walk around alone…)

“Sure! Let’s check the rooms now.” Bumblebee said.

After looking at the rooms, we saw that they are pretty much identical so we just fought over taking the bottom or top bunk. I ended up getting roomed with Ae, the good thing is that I got my preferred bottom bunk.

Ae and I got back to the living room to wait for Bumblebee and Sea. Once they got out of their room, Ae asked “So, what clubs do you guys want to join?”

“Swim team.” Bumblebee, Sea, and I said. We all look at each other with a little bit of shock, but that was ignored by Ae who said “Really!? That’s so cool, me too!”

We walk out laughing and sharing stories about swimming.

Chapter Text

"TEEEEEAAAAM!"

As Team and his roommates arrive at BTC F2, he heard high pitched voices scream his name. Then two small skinny bodies slammed into his back and side. The two bodies starts hugging him tightly.

"Woah! Pharm how are you? You look different. When did you start wearing glasses?"

"Oi! The training here is sooooo hard Team. It's not only academic, there's a lot of physical and sports training too. Ugh! I hate it!"

"Eiiii! Come on Pharm, you know you like the physical and sports training, you see Phi there everyday!" Says the skinny and beautiful girl. "Ayyyy! No Manaoooooow!" Pharm replied.

"MANAOW! Is that you?" I asked with wide eyes, she still have the same beautify but she's skinier. I guess she did get a lot of physical and sports training too.

"Yes yes yes ai Team! I loooook gooooood! HAHAHAHA!" She evilly laughs. "Oh! Are they your roommates?" she asked pointing to the three guys beside me.

"Yes! This is Ae, Bumblebee and Sea my roommates. And this is Pharm and Manaow, my friends from home." I introduced them to each other.

"Sawadee krap/ka!" they greeted each other.

Ae asked Pharm and Manaow if they know where the swim club sign up booth is. Pharm and Manaow guides us to the booth.

Arriving at the booth we were surprised to see phi Dean and another senior. But phi Dean was not looking at us, he's looking at Pharm, "Sawadee Nong Pharm, what are you doing here?"

"Sawadee krap phi Dean! I'm here to bring Team and his friends. They will be signing up." Pharm says with a smile and blush.

I look at Manaow with a silent question in my face. She just looks back at me with an evil grin and raised eyebrows. I smile back at her with understanding.

"Sawadee krap phi Dean! Pharm here is my friend from home." I said to Phi. I hear a squeal from Manaow and Pharm.

"Oh is that so nong Team? Nong said that you will be signing up for the swim team. I'm the current president." Phi Dean replied, and now I'm the one who was surprised. "And this is phi Pruk, our academic secretary.” He introduced the senior by his side.

Me and my roommates were given sign up sheets and were told that tryouts will be held on Friday.

As we’re walking away I hear “Ai Dean, how’s the sign ups today…” someone started saying, but I was not able hear the rest.

Pharm asked us if we want to go to his club to get some afternoon snacks. But Ae, Bumblebee and Sea wants to explore the rest of the training center, they said they’ll go to E-Spot to get some afternoon snack later.

After separating with them, Pharm guides me and Manaow (mostly me) to his cooking club room. People are busy making snacks and desserts.

”I did not think that a cooking club will be this popular”

”Ai Team, did you know that last academic year Pharm’s club taught our drama club to make Chor Muang? When our club won the best awards, the cooking club became popular as well!” Manaow explained the cooking club popularity to me.

”Really?! That’s great! I did not think you will join this club though, wouldn’t you prefer to join the weapons and ammunition club?”

“That’s a higher year club level. Maybe I can join them next academic year.” Pharm said. “I can still make amazing concoction here” he says with a wink.

Pharm brings several plates of snacks and deserts to our group of chairs. While eating I asked Manaow about her club “How about you Manaow? you mentioned drama club, how are you enjoying the extracurricular activities here?”

”It’s very interesting, the dramas I join gives me some relief from all the studying and training. And the boys! Oh Team, they’re sooooo fine!”

Manaow is starting her dreamy stare into the heavens while thinking about boys.

”You’ve never changed. I’m kinda relieved. Since you’re both in higher years, you guys can tutor me! And I’ll help you with training if I can as payment. Na na na!”

”HAHAHA! You also have not changed. Still asking us to do your homework.”

”But you’ve never done them. So tutor me pease” I softly plead.

”Yes yes yes” they both agreed.

After getting snacks with Pharm and Manaow, I told them I’ll go back to my room to rest and send emails to my family.

We still have the fresher night party in E-Spot to go to this evening so I wanted to rest.

Ma, Pa and nong Ton must have already arrived home by now. I sent them an email telling them about my roommates and seeing Pharm and Manaow again. I describe the training center and the amazing food served. I also sent photos for Tam to look at.

I also sent an email to hia Tam letting him know I’ve arrived here. And asking how his latest mission went.

After sending the emails, I lied in bed looking at the bottom of Ae’s bed. Thinking about how my morning has gone.

The nerves are still there. I can still feel the immense expectation that I’m not sure I can meet.

I’m trying to push the nerves to the back of my mind.

I slowly feel my eye getting tired and my mind going blank.