Chapter Text
Johan Andersen ran down the wooden stairs in a rush, almost tripping. She dragged her furry winter coat off the coat hanger. It tumbled and crashed into the ground. She winced and sat down, slipping on her winter boots.
"What are you doing, Johan?" A slightly annoyed tone asked, one she very well recognized. Her older brother was a tall figure with the same teal coloured hair as herself. His name was Yubel and he stood in the hallway with crossed arms, orange eyes glaring at her. His eyes darted down to the coat hanger on the floor, with the coats spread out around it. His eyes turned back up at her.
"Care to explain?" He asked. Johan chuckled nervously. She laughed and started backing towards the door. Yubel glared at her and took a step forward. Johan glanced around, looking for something that she could use in her defence. Yubel took another step forward, and Johan knew she was running out of time. She closed her eyes and raised her arms to shield her face. Yubel just started laughing
"Pick up the damn coat hanger, idiot." He started laughing more. Johan opened her eyes and pouted at him before she went back and picked up the coat hanger.
"There. Happy?" Johan asked, playfully annoyed. Yubel shook his head.
"No." He said.
"Why not?" She asked, eyes narrowing at him and the two had a staring competition for a few minutes, before they both started laughing and Yubel waved at her.
"Get out, idiot, or you're gonna be late for school." Yubel said, making Johan stick her tongue out at him, but she waved him goodbye either way and exited the house. Once outside, she saw the figure of her (only) friend, Jim.
"Jim!" She exclaimed and ran towards the cowboy hat-wearing Australian and hugged him. Jim managed to get a smile out himself, and hugged her back.
"G'day mate, how are you today?" Jim asked, with his oh-so-recognisable Australian accent. Johan felt a smile spread across her face and she stepped back so as to notdelay them any longer. Jim was in his regular outfit, leather pants with a white shirt and a vest on top. He even wore his cowboy hat, which Johan often wondered if it was even allowed. With that in mind, she looked down at her outfit; it wasn't exactly the school's uniform either. She was wearing a plaid brown and white skirt that reached her mid thighs and a light blue shirt with frilly cuffs. But she at least had something like the school uniform; a vest resembling the coats the Obelisk Blue students wore. How she managed this she honestly didn't know, because they had lived in Europe before, and the school there had no dress code.
"I'm good today!" Johan cheered as the two started to walk towards their high school. Jim chuckled.
"Even with those dark circles under your eyes?" He pointed out, although not unkindly at all. Johan poked him in between the ribs, and that was the end of that conversation.
Closing her locker, Johan looked over at Jim, who stuffed some math books into his backpack.
"Are you ready to go?" Johan asked, head tilted. She let out a small yawn; the recent lack of sleep was getting to her. If Jim noticed, he was kind enough to not point it out.
"I would say so." Jim said, closing his locker and the two walked towards their classroom at the other end of the building. Doing so meant walking past the copious hordes of students studying in the hallway, and doing so with Jim and his loud boots meant-
"Oh wow! It's Jim!" A girl swooned, several more turning their heads to look at him.
"Shut your mouth Momoe, he's coming towards us!" Another girl whisper-shouted. Jim was a popular guy. He was charismatic, kind, caring and also quite good looking. But he wasn't only popular with the girls, the boys seemed to enjoy being around him as well. As usual, everyone was ignoring her. She didn't like Jim romantically, but rather the fact that he got so much attention and she got none kind of stinged. It was at times like these she was sad that she didn't have any other friends.
But you have us, Johan!
Johan smiled towards the floating spirit of a creature known as Amethyst Cat. She was a large cat with long claws and purple fur.
I know, Johan replied. It's just that if anyone ever noticed me talking to you guys, they'd call me a schizophrenic.
Amethyst Cat smiled and Johan knew she only tried to cheer her up. Amethyst rubbed her furry cheek against Johan's.
Cheer up, Johan. Things will get better soon. Emerald Turtle said so.
Johan felt a spark of hope bloom in her heart. Emerald Turtle was a wise and old turtle that had a tendency to predict the future. If he said something, the chances of it being true was high. Johan's face lit up.
"Johan, you alright there, mate?" Jim asked, snapping Johan out of her daze. She turned back to Jim who looked concerned. She nodded and her chest long teal hair bobbed along with her head. Jim smiled back at her, the sun lighting up his face. Through the corners of her eyes, she could tell that people were looking at them; staring at him and glaring at her. She turned her face away and started walking, wanting to get away from those scrutinizing gazes as quickly as possible. Jim never noticed the glares and simply thought she got flustered at being caught daydreaming, so he simply laughed under his breath and followed her. Johan looked around in the corridor. What Amethyst had told her made her quite happy.
Rubii bii!
Ruby? What's wro-
Johan walked right into a tall figure and bumped into the lockers lined against the wall. A sharp edge managed to cut her leg and she let out a small squeak of discomfort.
"I'm so sorry." Johan looked up, and when she saw the face of the person, she turned scared. The face had large brown eyes and long blonde hair with bangs that stopped right above the eyebrows. She had bumped into the Asuka Tenjoin, the most popular girl at school, considered the Queen of the Obelisk Blue group. Johan smiled tightly.
"No, I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention," Johan said, apologising best she could. Asuka only smiled but after a few seconds she gasped. Johan tilted her head to the right. "Is something wrong..?" Asuka nodded and pointed at Johan's leg. Johan furrowed her brows. What was strange with her legs? She knew she hadn't shaved her legs for a while but they weren't that hairy. Were they?
"Your leg! It's bleeding..." Johan looked down at her leg and just as Asuka said, blood had started pooling up in the scratch on her leg. It didn't hurt, but it did itch a bit. Johan's eyes widened and she quickly started walking away, with her wild mane of hair covering her face. The other students stared at both her and Asuka in shock; shock that someone had bumped into the Queen and then ran away. There was even a rumour that the Queen was in training to become a Duel Idol, and those are people you don't disrespect. Johan had heard said rumours and wanted to get away before she got herself into trouble. She hadn't been in the school for too long but she liked it, even though she only had one friend. She didn't want to have to go back to her old school in Europe, either. Turning the corner, she stopped briefly and leaned against a wall.
"Hey. What are you doing?" A deep voice asked. Johan looked up, her emerald eyes almost beginning to tear up.
No more... Please...
"Your leg is bleeding. You should go to the Nurse." The person said. Johan knew that she recognised the person, but she couldn't remember at all. The person in front of her had chin-length brown hair in two shades, and sharp, chestnut brown eyes. He wasn't much taller than Johan herself, but that wasn't anything new. She nodded.
"I'm on my way..." She whispered, looking into his eyes. The guy closed his eyes. He was handsome, Johan realised. For a while, it was completely silent. The guy opened his eyes again.
"Well? Are you going to go?" He asked, annoyed. Johan nodded and started taking a step to the left of the person. When she passed him, it felt as if time stopped for a second. A chill ran down her spine and everything went back to normal. When Johan started walking again, the cold sweat ran on her forehead. She groaned.
Are you alright, Johan?
Cobalt Eagle was, as his name suggested, an eagle. He was a warm shade of light brown and his wings were wide. When he spoke, he sounded light-hearted and happy. He made Johan feel cheerful. Usually, at least. Cobalt Eagle was looking at her with a frown. Johan nodded and smiled towards him.
"Yes. Thanks for looking out for me Cobalt." she answered.
Cobalt smiled back and disappeared. Realizing what had just happened, Johan turned her head from side to side to see if anyone had seen her say that. A relieved sigh left her lips when there was nobody in sight. But like so many others, she forgot to look behind her. The person she met earlier still stood there. He had a smirk on his face, and his brown eyes had an almost dangerous glint in them. He stood still as Johan disappeared behind a corner. When she was completely gone, he spun around and walked towards his classroom. Beside him, a spirit appeared. The spirit was muscular and blue.
Neos, I think we've found a budding Duel Idol.
Neos gasped, but nodded. He knew that when his master had an intuition, it was rarely wrong.
What do you suggest we do, Judai?
Judai closed his eyes and started thinking. Nobody seemed to notice the famous Duel Idol standing in the hallway. Judai preferred it that way. Neos waited for Judai to answer him. He was thankful for some peace and quiet. The other spirits were causing copious amounts of trouble for him recently. He appreciated every moment of peace he got.
I think we need to have a little chat with Miss Fubuki.
Miss Fubuki? But Judai... Neos stopped himself from saying anything else. Judai raised his eyebrows and glanced sideways at Neos as if awaiting his response. Neos shook his head, and Judai nodded towards the spirit.
Let's go, Judai said. Neos made a slight nod and disappeared.
"KYAAA! IT'S JUDAI!" It happened too fast for him to notice. In a sudden moment an assault of screams entered his ears. Judai winced, despite having heard it at least a thousand times. He realised a mob of fangirls (and fanboys as well, although they were less seen) had surrounded him. Judai's face wrinkled into a look of fear. Fans were scary, he knew that. Instead, he lowered his head and prepared his finest smile. When he felt ready and prepared, he looked up, and his hair flew to the side.
"Judai smiled at me..."
"No, he smiled at me!"
"Don't kid yourselves. It's obvious that it's me Judai smiled at!" Amongst the arguing of the girls, Judai heard a laugh. He rolled his eyes. He recognised the laugh, but even if he didn't, it would still have been obvious who it was. It was Jun Manjoume, his (semi) good friend and a fellow idol. He could be quite a pain, but people respected him since he did have talent, being a Duel Idol and all. Judai snuck out of the crowd and joined up with Manjoume. Manjoume looked at him and laughed a bit. Judai glared at him and Manjoume covered his mouth with his hand. The other hand tried to wave Judai off. Judai sighed and started walking, and Manjoume followed soon after.
"So, what're we doing today?" Manjoume asked, yawning. He didn't even try to conceal his yawn and stretched out his arms. Judai rolled his eyes at him. Everywhere they went, people made way for them, like the sea did for Moses according to the Bible. Manjoume smirked and puffed his chest out, enjoying the service.
"I need to speak with Miss Fubuki today." Judai stated, trying to keep the information he revealed small. Manjoume glanced at him with roughly furrowed eyebrows. He looked up and down Judai's body. Judai frowned.
"What're you doing?" He asked. The bell rang. Manjoume grinned and walked away, making sure to time his entrance to his class best he could. "Manjoume Thunder" couldn't enter a class like everyone else, after all. All eyes had to be on him. Or so Manjoume said. Judai slapped his hand on his forehead and groaned. Manjoume could be a real pain sometimes. Judai glanced up at the clock above the open windows and his face moulded back to that same look of fear he had earlier.
"I can't afford to be late again!" Judai groaned under his breath, and started running. The sound of his running echoed throughout the hallway. Behind him, the spirits of Neos and Gran Mole appeared.
Judai, Judai, Judai... Neos muttered, and shook his head. Gran Mole, a small and chubby brown mole with giant, sharp claws looked at Judai and frowned.
Oh Judai, will he be alright?
The nurse fastened the plaster on Johan's leg and smiled at her before standing up once more.
"There you go, Johan. Good to go again." The nurse said. Johan nodded and smiled back at the nurse. She stood up and brushed off her skirt before straightening it and walking towards the door. As she opened the door, she remembered that she had to thank the nurse for helping her. She turned around and bowed towards the nurse.
"Thank you for helping me." She said, and walked out the door. The nurse chuckled before sitting down at her desk. Johan closed the door behind her with a gentle pull and walked away from the Nurse's office. She gathered her hands behind her back and started whistling her favourite tune. It progressed over to singing.
"Mune no itami sarakedashite ii yo,
Itsu de mo sono egao
Sukuwarete kita boku nanda,
Ima dake naite ii yo..." She smiled. It was her favourite song and a popular idol sung it. Which idol did not matter to her. She had heard the song played in the school some time, on some girl's phone she presumed. She remembered how the lyrics had clicked with her and for that reason she had tried to find out which song it was. 'Teardrop'. That's what Jim had told her. Soon she found herself humming and singing it a lot. She frowned. She had to stop or people would start assuming she was a fangirl.
What's wrong with being a fangirl?
It was Amber Mammoth, a giant fur-ball mammoth, who asked. Johan shook her head.
"Nothing, I just don't want people to assume I'm one." Without thinking, she replied out loud. She immediately covered her mouth with her hands. She turned her head around in a panic-induced state to see if anyone had heard her. When she couldn't see anyone she let her hands drop down to her chest and let out a sigh of relief. That was twice in the span of a few hours! She really had to be more careful.
"You know, you should start looking behind yourself." Johan jumped and turned around. She felt as if she was ice. In front of her stood the same person as she had bumped into earlier. The handsome guy with the two shaded brown hair and sharp brown eyes. He was standing with his arms crossed, and a serious look on his face. Johan frowned and crossed her arms as well. She was not going to let this person insult her.
"W-Well I didn't know you were there!" She protested. The guy laughed and held out his hand towards her. She held out her hand as well and he grabbed it.
"I'm Judai Yuki." He said, smiling a dazzling smile. As he did, he pressed her hand, and a tiger spirit with a giant horn on its head appeared. Topaz Tiger growled lowly at Judai. At the same time, Neos appeared behind Judai. Johan gasped and gripped Judai's hand tighter. She was oblivious to it though. Judai smirked and Topaz Tiger growled louder. Johan failed to notice the whole incident. Neos appeared beside Judai and growled back at Topaz.
"You have a spirit as well?" She asked, surprised. Judai nodded and dusted off the shoulder of his jacket. Johan waited for Judai to reply. After a little while, he stopped and looked at her again. He nodded once more.
"Yeah. Many, to be exact." Was all he said, only serving to confuse Johan even more. She furrowed her brows and narrowed her eyes while trying to think. Judai chuckled.
"You can let go of my hand now." He said with a teasing undertone. Johan looked down to still see her holding Judai's hand. She blushed and let go of his hand. She joined her hands together behind her back and stood still while looking into his eyes. Judai inspected her eyes. They were bright and shining like emerald gems. Yet at the same time, he sensed something else in them. Yes, Judai knew what it was. She had a mighty spiritual partner inside of her. He didn't know where, or who it was, but he felt it.
"But if you want to, I could hold it some more." He added, winking at her. He didn't know why, but it was fun to tease her. Johan frowned and held up her hand beside her head. He realised she wanted to wave and then leave. Johan wiggled her fingers and waved her hand.
"See you later, Judai. Nice meeting you." She smiled at him and Judai felt his cheeks heat up. He nodded and raised his hand as well. He waved back at her while looking deep into her eyes. Johan took a careful step before she started to walk away from both the Nurse's office and Judai. Once Johan was far out of view, Neos appeared once more. He crossed his muscular arms and started chuckling.
You liiiike her!
Judai immediately turned his head towards Neos and frowned. The spirit had a smirk on his face that Judai did not like. Neos seemed to glow with a determination of some kind.
I do not!
Judai knew he had to protest or he'd get teased by Neos and all the other spirits until the day he died. Neos beamed towards him and chuckled again. Judai glared at him with a murderous glint in his eyes. Neos flinched and disappeared. He changed his plans. Nobody wanted to receive a glare from Judai, not even Neos. Once he was gone, Judai chuckled.
"Excuse me, you're Johan, right?" Johan looked up from her book which was laying on her desk. Asuka stood in front of her. Johan gulped; why was she here?
Be brave Johan... You can do this, she told herself and put on a friendly smile. Johan looked straight into Asuka's eyes. They looked warm and kind, to Johan's surprise.
"I am, can I help you, Asuka?" Johan replied, and mentally gave herself a pat on the back for not stuttering or sounding scared. Asuka smiled back at Johan but didn't answer her question. The silence was nerve wracking. After a few minutes, the door slammed open. Asuka and Johan both looked at the door, but their reactions were different. Asuka seemed half annoyed, half happy. Johan though was pale yet looked composed.
"Geez Edo, what took you so long?" Asuka asked and placed her hands on her hips. Johan looked at the girl named Edo. She had silver hair that reached just below her shoulders and sharp blue eyes. They reminded Johan of Amethyst's eyes, but she wouldn't say that. Edo pulled at her tie and walked over to Asuka and Johan.
"Forgive me, Asuka. I ran into your delightful sister Fubuki in the hallway." Edo apologised in a polite manner. Johan mentally smiled. She liked Edo already, she was polite. But something bothered Johan. Asuka tried to conceal her little giggle by placing a hand over her mouth. Edo still heard it and raised her eyebrow. Johan looked forward and backwards at the two, a confused look plastered on her face. She opened her mouth.
"I'm sorry, can I help you two with something or...?" She trailed off, letting the rest of her words go unsaid.
You don't need to be so polite, Johan. Just tell them you need to go. Something about this situation seems off.
Johan heard Topaz grumble to her, and part of her agreed.
She can at least stay and hear them out, right?
And there was the other part of her, spoken by Sapphire. As she sat there considering her options, Edo and Asuka glanced over at one another.
"Johan?" Asuka asked, but Johan was too deep in thought to notice. Asuka looked to Edo, seeking help and Edo went forward and put her palms down on the desk.
"Hey." She said, but there was no response.
Johan, these girls are starting to suspect something. You might want to respond.
Amethyst said, nudging her head towards Asuka and Edo. Instantly, Johan snapped out of it.
"Um, yes? I'm sorry, what did you say?" Johan asked, cheeks heating up at the fact that she ignored these two. Asuka laughed.
"It's alright, we just wanted to ask if you could come with us." She replied, smiling, but Johan felt slightly cornered. Come with them? Come with them where, exactly? And why? Johan felt her head spin with all these questions.
Johan, calm down. Let's get you out of here, okay?
Cobalt said, and perched on the table, pointing towards the door with his wings.
Now, are you feeling okay, Johan?
Amethyst asked, always such a mother hen. Johan shook her head but smiled.
"I'm fine, Amethyst." The very second the words left her mouth she paled, eyes widening impossibly large and she covered her mouth, looking up at Asuka and Edo, who simply looked at each other and then back down at her.
"Welcome onboard, Rainbow Dragoness." Edo grinned.