Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Alright everyone listen up !” Coach Ashton Vargas said as he was looking at Class C of the Sophomore Class. “Today’s PE Class is gonna be a lot more hardworking than normal. Reason being is because I have some preparation involving some of the students. Especially those who are in the Sports Clubs.”

Azul Ashegrotto couldn’t help but secretly groan while listening to the speech. But not because of the speech itself. But because PE is his least favorite subject for many reasons.

He will not deny that his athletic abilities are very poor considering it took him over a year to get use to being on land. But the fact that he has to focus on this kind of nonsense makes him feel humiliated. And it doesn’t help most of his classmates always have to bring up how watching him is ‘plain cringe’ as Ruggie Bucchi claims.

“So PE is not your subject Ashegrotto ?” A female voice asked from a distance which had caught his attention.

Azul nearly felt his glasses fall off his face since he knew the voice very well. But of course he didn’t turn around while trying to keep his composure.

“Why do you wish to know Ms.Voodoo ?” He asked sternly while fixing his glasses. “Are you trying to blackmail me with every bit of information you can find out of me ?”

The girl who spoke to him named Chelsea Voodoo who he has claimed as his recently business rival just giggled while standing next to him. “If I was then it wouldn’t be a fair competition between us would it ?” She asked playfully while running her fingers against his arms teasingly.

Azul tensed up at the feeling feeling his face turn as red as Riddle’s hair. ‘You sneaky gorgeous imp.’ He thought secretly but was also slapping himself. ‘Oh Great Sevens can I stop with that thought process !?’

Chelsea instantly laughed when she saw how red his face was. “Oh my gosh your face.” She said laughing while wiping her eyes a bit. “You really are one to entertain me Ashengrotto.”

Azul could only glare at her but just stayed quiet. He was not gonna let his rival get the best of him. And he was certainly not going to fall for her antics. Or least try not to.

As this was going on some of the other students have secretly noticed and were whispering amongst each other. Especially about how Azul Ashengrotto was getting flustered by the niece of Sam.

“Man Azul’s got it bad for that girl.” A teenage boy whispered as he was watching this while secretly snickering.

“I heard that he’s suppose to be the slimy greedy sneaky business Housewarden of Octavinelle.” A teenage girl whispered in surprise but had a smile on her face of amusement. “But he’s totally breaking over her.”

“It’s like he met his match.” Another teenage boy whispered as he grinned at the sight. “In more ways than one.”

“In the words of Ignihyde’s Housewarden ‘He’s such a simp’.” A third teenage boy said as he imitated the Ignihyde Housewarden Idia Shroud.

“Who wants to bet that if they were in a relationship he would be the sub between the 2 ?” Another teenage girl asked as she smirked going as far as saying a dirty thought.

Almost everyone was secretly whispering, smirking, and secretly laughing amongst themselves as they were watching the banter between the Housewarden of Octavinelle and the niece of the Mystery Shop owner. They didn’t even pay attention to Vargas’s speech anymore. This was a lot more entertaining.

From the distance beyond the group Jamil Viper was trying to pay attention to the rest of speech as he was the one who took it seriously. But it was hard when he heard the whispers and giggles from his fellow classmates.

“Geez is anyone taking this seriously ?” He asked in a bit of annoyance with that classic deadpan look on his face. “What’s so important that they would not listen to the speech and be. . . ?”

As soon as he said that he suddenly looked at the direction that everyone else was looking at. Specifically he was looking at the direction where he finally noticed Chelsea.

He has heard about her being enrolled under the influence of Sam but he wasn’t there during the meeting of her since he had some stuff to take care of at the Scarabia dorm. So this was his first time seeing her. And boy it was not what she expects at all.

‘Is that. . . Sam’s niece Chelsea Voodoo ?’ He thought secretly when he laid eyes on her and felt his face dust into a light shade of pink. ‘I didn’t expect her to actually look. . . Beautiful.’

That is something no one would expect Jamil to say if he said it out loud. Especially given his recent reputation about being rude to about every single female student at Night Raven College without giving any reason why except claiming that they ‘act like victims and want to be treated like Princesses’ as he puts it.

But for some reason he feels that Chelsea has this interesting charm towards her. And that he wants her to be with him. But he doesn’t know the reason why. He just feels this way all of a sudden.

“Hey is anyone listening to me !?” Vargas suddenly shouted which had instantly got everyone’s attention back to him.

“Yes Coach Vargas.” All of the students said pretending like nothing was going on and that they were paying attention.

“Good grief.” Vargas said shaking his head while crossing his arms. “And you all call yourselves Sophomores. I’m expecting a full work out from all of you. Go to a different spot on the field and start doing warm ups. I will be walking around to see how you are all doing. And no talking amongst yourselves. It’s considered a distraction to getting good muscles.”

“Well then I guess I’ll go over to the other side.” Chelsea said before she leaned up to whisper in Azul’s ear. “Try not to overwork yourself. I don’t want my favorite rival getting hurt. At least not too much.”

Azul’s face has turned completely red and his glasses completely fogged up as he stood there watching her walk to the other end of the field to do her warm ups. He looked like he had completely stepped out of reality just by his rival’s comments towards him and he doesn’t know how to react to it.

“Why are you standing around there Ashengrotto ?” Vargas asked as he walked up to him with his hands on his hips looking at him.

The silver blue haired merman quickly snapped back to reality shaking his head while wiping the sweat that formed off of his forehead. “N-No reason at all Coach.” He said trying to regain his composure. “J-Just trying to mentally prepare myself that’s all.”

“I expect you to start your workouts unless you want to be held up in class again for doing no effort.” Vargas said sternly as he gave him a fair warning.

That was the last thing Azul wanted as he instantly didn’t need to be told twice while heading to another side of the field to begin his workouts. For once he was willing to go through his least favorite subject if he wants to get his mind off of whatever antics his rival wants to pull on him.

Though she was at a far distance from his Chelsea was still keeping her eyes on Azul. Not only did she was to observe him more to understand who she’s going up against but there was something about him that made it very interesting to be around him.

“There’s still so much to learn about that boy.” She said as giggled to herself watching him start with pushups and was barely able to do one. “Even with his struggles he’s showing so much dedication to his work. Whether in the Mostro Lounge or even in class. I wonder what else I can learn. Maybe I can use it to get close to his business. . . And maybe him.”

As she said that the black haired girl did have a light shade of pink dust on her cheeks. There is more of a reason why she finds Azul to be quiet amusing but that doesn’t mean she will say it out loud.

“This is the first time I’ve actually felt excited to be around a boy.” She said honestly while secretly placing her hand on her heart. “Considering what had happened back home with. . . Some situations.”

Figuring not to think too much on the topic and focus on class Chelsea figured it was time to start with her warm ups. Standing up from where she was she began to do some basic stretches that could help her body be more flexible.

She didn’t seem to notice but Jamil was watching her from where he was. Noticing that no one else was paying attention not even Coach Vargas he figured this would be his chance to get to her.

“Okay I think that’s enough stretches.” She said as she tried to see what to do next. “Let’s see. What should I do next ?”

“Would you like any assistance ?” Jamil asked speaking to her to get her attention.

Chelsea looked over to face him but her face instantly turned into a frown. “Oh.” She said a bit dully but her her best not to show it. “You’re the Vice Housewarden from Scarabia aren’t you ?”

“Yup.” Jamil said before he let out his hand to her. “My name is Jamil Viper. And your name is Chelsea Voodoo right ?”

Chelsea looked at his hand for a moment but kept her eyes on him with a bit of a glare. “Yeah.” She said dully before turning around to get back to her warm ups not even wanting to acknowledge him.

Though she has no magic she does have her Uncle Sam’s sense of learning about people with the friends in the shadows. And she managed to use that to learn everything she knows about Jamil enough to not trust him or even want to be around him.

‘I’m not even gonna acknowledge him.’ She thought to herself as she tried to distract herself by looking over to Azul once again. ‘Just ignore him and he will go away.’

Jamil was surprised at how she just ignored him so quickly. ‘That is. . . Unexpected.’ He thought to himself as he kept his eyes on her but did have a serious look on his face. ‘I thought she was more welcoming given what I heard about her from some of the other students.’

“Didn’t Coach Vargas said we can’t be around other students because it’s a distraction ?” Chelsea asked not even looking at him but knew he was still there. “Why don’t you go back to your area to finish your warm ups so I can continue doing mine ?”

“C-Come now there’s no need to be so cold.” Jamil said trying to be friendly to get her to open up to him while placing a hand on her shoulder. “This is my first time meeting you. I should have a moment to know you right ?”

“Well I don’t want to.” Chelsea said bitterly trying to make him take a hint while pushing his hand away. “Now leave me be.”

“Why are you being this way ?” Jamil asked as he felt confused at her attitude. “I’m only trying to be nice here.”

“Yeah and not to all the other female students.” Chelsea said rolling her eyes at his statement.

“Where did you hear such a lie ?” Jamil asked trying to pretend that is false as he was sweating nervously.

Before she could even make a remark Chelsea’s eyes were staring at Azul who was now trying to fly on his broom after doing his warm ups. But of course he was struggling a bit.

“Come on you stupid broom.” He said trying to get the broom to cooperate with him. “Work with me.”

“Oh poor Azul.” She said as her shook her head with a bit of a sad smile. “I actually feel bad for him.”

The dark brown haired boy was confused the second the black haired girl mentioned the name of the silver blue haired boy. “So you met Azul ?” He asked sternly as he gave a deadpan expression from the mention of the one person he doesn’t trust the most in Octavinelle.

“Why would you want to know ?” Chelsea asked clearly still wanting him to leave but still was watching Azul hiding the smile she had from doing so.

“Well maybe I should warn you not to get too involved with him.” Jamil said as he crossed his arms trying to give her a warning. “He’s a business man in his dorm. And people who do business are not to be trusted let alone have bonds with other people.”

That statement was enough to instantly anger Chelsea. If she didn’t hate Jamil already she instantly hates him now. Especially making a comment so cruel about people who do business when she’s the niece of a business man and runs a small fortune telling business herself.

“Excuse me ?” She asked bitterly trying her best to keep herself cool but it was obvious her anger was boiling up.

“You probably don’t know this but he has a restaurant at his own dorm and has a habit of getting people to do his dirty work.” Jamil said as he started to talk about Azul to try to get her to not trust him. “Most of the time he will get his goons involve to deal with others they don’t offer their end of the deal. If I were you I would stay away from him at all costs.”

“And who are you to tell me who I should or should not get involved with ?” Chelsea asked as she got more angry but still kept her composure. “Also you’re one to talk. Didn’t you try to use your own Housewarden to do your dirty work during winter break to try to get him expelled ? I’m surprised he still sees you as his friend after all of that.”

Jamil instantly felt his face turn pale from the fact that she knew about that. And she has only been here for at least 2 weeks or so. Not to mention she has no magic.

“H-How did you. . . ?” He tried to ask but couldn’t seem to find the right words to say.

“Just like my Uncle I got friends in the shadows who tell me everything.” Chelsea said as she finally pushed him away. “I don’t want to cause problems. But if there’s anyone I don’t trust here it’s you. So I’m gonna ask you once again. Leave me be.”

Now Jamil was starting to get annoyed with how she’s easily rejecting him. He‘s actually being nice to a girl that he actually finds interesting and possibly likes and she’s being rude to him. This was both offensive as it is difficult for someone who wants to impress a girl.

“Now listen I’m only trying to be nice and. . .” He tried to speak but was suddenly interrupted.

“And I don’t believe you when you say that.” Chelsea said instantly stopping him before he could finish. “Now of you don’t walk away and let me continue my warm ups I will tell Coach Vargas that you are bothering me despite him telling us we need to focus and not distract each other.”

“There is no need for that.” Jamil said trying his best to be civil but at this point it was getting even more difficult.

All of a sudden as of luck was gonna be on Chelsea’s side Coach Vargas came over when he overheard a small commotion. “What’s going on over here ?” He asked sternly as he placed his hands on his hips. “Didn’t I say no talking amongst each other ?”

Jamil instantly jumped while looking over before he quickly cleared his throat. “I apologize Coach.” He said trying his best to come up with an excuse. “I was just. . .”

“Jamil came over to bother me when I clearly told him to leave me alone.” Chelsea said as she instantly threw him under the bus with no hesitation while giving him a dark glare.

Jamil nearly froze up when he heard her say that. ‘What does she have against me when I’m only trying to be nice and wanting to get close to her ?’ He thought to himself question what he did or why she chose not to accept him and just act this way. It didn’t seem fair at all.

“Viper I expected better from you !” Vargas shouted angry that a student who is usually one of the best in his class thought not as great as himself would actually break a rule made by him. “And of all people you choose to bother Sam’s niece !”

“Listen Coach I just. . .” Jamil tried to speak to make an excuse but was interrupted once again.

“You’re going to be staying after class to do some extra training with me as punishment.” Vargas said declaring instantly what he was gonna do. “Hopefully this will remind you what happens when a students breaks a rule and doesn’t focus on muscles with their magic. And that you do better than this. Understood ?”

“Wait no !” Jamil cried not liking that punishment at all. Mostly because if he gets punished he can’t be there for the Scarabia Housewarden that he served Kalim Al Asim and make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble.

“Understood !?” Vargas asked even more sternly as he glared at him with a stern look.

Jamil knew there was no winning this as he let out a sad sigh. “Yes Coach.” He said sadly with defeat in his voice.

Vargas instantly headed back to the other end of the field to check on the other students. Chelsea grabbed most of her stuff to go somewhere else to finish up. But not without giving Jamil one last dark glare to give him a warning.

“I know enough about you to already have you on my list of people I would not want to be around.” She said threateningly whispering to him. “And I do not want to try to get to know you. So if you try to get in contact with me despite me telling you to leave me alone. . . Let’s just say it won’t be pretty. You do not want to see what happens when this Voodoo Priestess gets mad.”

Of course from the distance unknowingly to anyone Azul noticed what was going on halfway to Jamil talking with Chelsea. He didn’t hear the entire conversation but he could tell she was frustrated with him and he could guess it’s because of how disrespectful he was towards girls.

‘Of all people for Ms.Voodoo to run into it had to be Jamil.’ He thought to himself secretly with concern. ‘I don’t know what his problem is with the female students but he has no right to be disrespectful towards them. At least as a rival I know how to respect her to some degree. He better not treat her in the way he’s treated every female student since Ember came here. Because I will not tolerate him doing so to Ms.Voodoo.’

That part was something he will not deny if he were to say it out loud. Chelsea may be his rival but he still respects her enough as a rival and as a woman. He just doesn’t understand why for some reason he finds that attractive.

It was another 30 minutes or so until PE was finally over for the day. All of the students have began to grab their stuff and prepare to head to their next class.

Azul saw Chelsea grabbed her bag and figured he wood check on her just to make sure she was alright. “Greetings once again Ms.Voodoo.” He spoke out while clearing his throat to get her attention.

Chelsea looked over and was a bit surprised to see her rival walk up to her for once when it’s usually the other way around. “Oh Ashegrotto.” She spoke out with a surprised look yet had a small smile. “First time walking up th me. Is there something you wish to speak with me about ?”

“Not exactly.” Azul said as he quickly fixed his glasses. “I couldn’t help but notice that Jamil was speaking to you and make you completely uncomfortable.”

“Oh yeah.” Chelsea said frowning as she crossed her arms. “I heard about how he’s been with all female students since we have been able to enroll in a once All Boys School so I did not want to be around him instantly. But the fact that he decided to be ‘nice’ to me disgusted me since I know it’s possibly an act on his part.”

“You have my sincerest apologies.” Azul said as he apologized for someone else’s behalf that is not Jade or Floyd. “Even I wouldn’t want to deal with that behavior towards him.”

“Aww are you saying you were worried about me ?” Chelsea asked a bit flirtingly as she smirked at him.

Azul tried his best to not get flustered and hide the blush forming on his face while keeping a stern look. “You may be my rival but that doesn’t mean I can’t be concern for you.” He said as he tried his best to find the best words to speak. “I wouldn’t want you to get distracted by something that is irreverent to business. So don’t take this as something else.”

Chelsea just giggled as she grabbed his arms and pulled him closer to her. “Whatever you say Ashegrotto.” She whispered in a seductive tone looking like she would have given him a kiss at that moment.

Once she let him go Azul could feel his whole body freeze up as his face turned red again. Just how does she know to make him feel this way and why ? This makes things more complicated to have her a rival. But at the same time he is secretly starting to like it.

Over on the other side prepared for his punishment Jamil was still keeping an eye on Chelsea specifically with a bit of a stern look. ‘I don’t know why she hates me. . . But I need to change that.’ He thought secretly not wanting to accept a loss. ‘If I want to win her over. . . I have to get on her good side. No matter what it takes.’