(Outdated) The King of Elements

First Class

The room erupted into a unified outrage. Tiffany snarled at the sudden outburst. "Silence!" she bellowed, fire shooting out of her mouth. The students quieted as quickly as they started while Tiffany cleared her throat and folded her arms. "Warriors must depend on each other in order to survive, just as you all must depend on your partner to pass this class! Failing your partner here just means you have to retake this class next year, but failing your partner on the battlefield means your very lives!

"It does not mean that you necessarily have to be your partner's best friend. In fact, I couldn't care less about how you interact outside of my class. Inside of my class, though, you will depend on each other, you will encourage each other, and you will help each other, or you. Will. Fail." She exhaled sharply through her nose before continuing. "As I call your name, stand and make a single file line." She picked up a clipboard from the oak wood table and began to call off names.

One by one, students began stood around him, some looked big enough to take down a grizzly bear with just a twig, while others looked as if they would have trouble wielding a sword, let alone fighting with it. As the students began getting into pairs, it occurred to Dre just what kind of partner he'd need for this class, and just about how much was at jeopardy by the luck of the draw. If he had someone who was trained to fight, then he would not only be at a disadvantage for himself, but he would also have the pressure of getting on their skill level weighing on his back. On the other hand, if he was partnered with someone who hadn't even picked up a sword, it would be he who would be dragged down by the unskilled partner. Not that it would make much of a difference, considering that Dre only had half a year of sword practice with his dad.

"Hernandez, Katherine!" Tiffany called, with only a handful of students left. Dre's eyes widened as he saw her stand; honey colored skin, her long hair tied into a high curly ponytail, the look of utter determination, the same expression Kamatsu had at the school entrance. She was the one who stood by him at the entrance. Judging by the fierceness burning in her eyes, she had more than half a year's worth of training under her belt.

Oh, God. Don't let her be my partner.

"Wolf, Ke'Undre!"

Damn you, Lady Luck, Dre thought to himself as he stood and walked to the end of the expanding line of students, Katherine following without a change in her expression.

"You're the one that tried to attack Kamatsu earlier, aren't you," she whispered to him as she stood beside him. "I hope your sword fighting is better than your hand-to-hand combat." Dre groaned as he closed his eyes. If there was one person that he did not want to be partnered with, it would most likely be Katherine, considering how well Kamatsu had effortlessly defeated him. In the back of his mind, Dre had hoped that she wasn't as well versed in combat as Kamatsu was.

"Masters, Jerek!"

Jerek stood with a face that said, "Whoever is on my team is guaranteed to pass." He tucked the clothed weapon in his sash and folded his hands behind his head.

"Charles, Laisha!"

Jerek's arms flopped down to his sides as she stood with a face of murderous intent. It appeared as if the class hadn't known that she was there, as they all looked terrified once she walked towards the line. News must travel quickly at this school as well.

Jerek soon followed with an expression of extreme discomfort. Sorry for doubting you Miss Luck, Dre thought to himself as Tiffany grouped the rest of the students.

She laid down the clipboard and folded her arms across her chest. "Now, for those of you who have not done it yet, please remove your weapon from the cloth."

The students all did as they were told. As they pulled the base of the weapon out of the cloth, many of the student's weapon began to change size and shape. Dre's weapon began to form what looked like a black hand-and-a-half broadsword. It grew heavier as it continued to take shape. Dre felt more pleased with his weapon until it stopped taking shape. "This is it? It's just a wooden sword, and it's not even a katana."

Tiffany walked towards Dre and snatched the sword from his hand. "You are all still Apprentices, so I will not allow you all to use battle ready swords until I see progress made. Until then, don't even think about laying a finger on a real sword," she said as she thrust the sword back into his arms.

"I had originally planned on giving those who failed to follow your leader's direction punishment while allowing you guys to spar among each other, however since you all don't agree with my grading system, I want fifty push-ups from each of you." The classroom was flooded with the student's objections. Tiffany simply raised a hand, making the student's silence themselves immediately. "Fine then. I want fifty more. Count them out. Class is dismissed after you get done."

j