Animator vs Animation: The Dark Web

Chapter 11: The Officials (Part 1)

Queen of Hearts gave a satisfied look. " I have matched each of you with one that I think relates to your own potential," she declared. "As for you, Mountain Mist, you are to observe them to make sure everything runs smoothly."

Mountain Mist sighed, looking at the Officials as the Color Gang studied them. "Yes Queen. But if I may..." Her gaze returned back to Queen of Hearts, almost hesitant, but she attempted to keep her composure. "Why us? They are still early in the process. Would it not be—"

"Enough." Queen of Hearts cut her off with a booming voice, shushing the entire room. The Officials and the Color Gang halted in place. Then, she straightened herself as The Dark Lord walked back up to the top of the throne's platform. "I have already chosen you for the responsibility. Don't question my decision again."

Of course, the Officials didn't dare to protest. Looking at the Color Gang, they were now given the task, whether they liked it or not. For the Color Gang, it was an opportunity to learn more and perhaps investigate this connection, as for the Officials, it felt like a burden, a responsibility they had to reluctantly pursue. But for Queen of Hearts, it was one step closer into something greater.

As the Officials and the Color Gang walked in the long hall to the exit, Green couldn't help but feel curious. He remembered the story that Queen of Hearts told about Dusk back at the lecture; his time as a Codeborn Hunter. Green walked to his pace and tapped him on the shoulder, which earned him a glare. However, Green didn't flinch, asking about the scar on his cheek. Dusk looked forward, "Some things are meant to be left secretive. But as for the lecture, it had to reveal itself to serve its purpose."

    Green frowned slightly, expecting a better response than—whatever that was. Before he could ask further, Dusk's pace sped up. As Green tried to catch up with him once more, thinking more questions, there was Red and Wisteria behind. Red's feet dragged on the floor as Wisteria walked with mechanical movements.

    "Stop dragging your feet," Wisteria told Red, his voice sounding aloof at his actions. "You're walking like you belong in a junkyard. If you want to be respected by the Codeborn, then straighten up and present yourself properly."

But Red just turned his head to him blankly, and motioned his hand like a yapping mouth. Wisteria halted mid-step, and he stared at him with a disapproving look as Red snickered sarcastically. "I see how it is. Sarcasm is all you have to offer. This is the amount of maturity that I am going to deal with? Unbelievable." Wisteria finally muttered.

    Up ahead, Blue was making Turquoise's life extremely difficult. He made it his mission to test her patience, mocking her stiff movements and poking the edge of the scar on her leg with his foot. She didn't seem to falter, but her gaze always drifted to the back of the group, where Mountain Mist followed with a watchful eye.

When Blue poked her scar one too many times, she froze in place. "Enough." Turquoise snapped, her voice sharp like it could slice the air. "If you think you're trying to be clever, you're not. You're just being a distraction. If you wish to achieve anything in the Codeborn, then stop being a nuisance."

Blue raised up his hands in mock surrender, but Turquoise's expression softened when her gaze landed again to Mountain Mist. She then refocused, turning back to Blue and continued along. "Discipline is what's going to make you learn," Turquoise said in a lecturing tone. "That is what separates the honored from the weak."

And as for Lemon and Yellow, it was awkward but less brutal than the others' first impressions. They both remained quiet, yet they walked together like Lemon knew it was still her responsibility. Yellow tried to look around the space, acting as if he was busy observing, but Lemon knew of his anxiety. "You don't have to be so tense, you know," Lemon mumbled, tilting her head at him as she echoed in his mind. "You can probably learn a thing or two from this lesson, and it might ease the anxiety."