Chapter Text
Oh shit.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
An uncomfortable silence filled every crevice of the room, Jabber’s hands were arm deep in Zanka’s bag with no explanation. The only thing that Jabber could manage to muster up was..
“It’s not what it looks like.”
Just before Zanka even entered homeroom, Amo and Jabber had been happily catching up with each other after not seeing each other for a few weeks. The young man was showing Amo a new type of plant he had discovered in his foraging of a small forest just on the outskirts of the city on his phone, only for someone to accidentally bump into his back. A movement too quick for him to react to, he lost his grasp of the phone, slipping into the bag just in front of him. Jesus. What sort of idiot could possibly mess this up?
Now caught by the owner of the bag, Jabber could only feel panicked and try to show off what he was reaching for. A distinct lack of charms rested in his hand, instead a simple matte phone case was what he had held. Those unique brows furrowed in disgust, clearly the misunderstanding was growing bigger by the second.
“Listen.. I dropped my phone in your bag, it’s just difficult to find it.”
Dull blue bore into his face, judging every aspect of him down to Jabber’s dirt covered shoes. Just where did he recognise this striking figure..? Trying one more time, he luckily found his phone, small charms bouncing off each other as he pulled it out. Only then did Zanka’s expression soften a bit, not enough to seem kind but enough for Jabber to take this opportunity to return to his seat.
Amo’s laughs were hidden behind her sleeves, attempting to muffle the only rising humiliation for Jabber. The first day of the new year and there was already an incident that made Jabber believe in his unluckiness. Soon enough a teacher walked in, diffusing the situation before everything could erupt.
“Now. Although it’s the new year, most of you have been here for a while. That’s why I’d like to welcome Zanka Nijuku to the class, treat him with respect and make sure he feels welcomed.”
That’s where he recognised him. Zanka Nijuku, the face of Hell Guard and the role model for a lot of people. No matter where you walked in the city, you’d see his face on at least one advertisement, like a shadow you just can’t get rid of. Promoting every self defense class or tool that the company has ever produced, though everything they made was actually useful. So no one ever had any complaints about seeing Zanka everywhere.
As Zanka was about to sit down, the bell had rung, echoing throughout the halls. Their first period was.. study hall? Oh thank god, it’s quiet and relaxed enough that Jabber and Amo could continue catching up. And it also meant that Jabber could avoid ever interacting with Zanka until the disgust subsided..
The library was filled with small chatter, trying their best to follow the quiet atmosphere of the library and not disrupt it. Everyone went off into their own study groups, working at their own pace.
Creeeaaaakk. All eyes were on the doors slowly opening, ajar enough to see a glimpse of the outside but not enough to see who was coming in. A small stuffed arm waved through the crack, greeting all the students inside, beckoning them to watch further. Quiet laughter echoed across the room, people entertained by the tiny show.
However that show was soon ruined, the doors flung off its hinges without any warning. A large.. teddy(?) was the assailant, thumping its way into the room. Unhinged giggling followed behind, clearly something wasn’t right. Books began to fly, people turning into stationary teddies unable to run away. What the fuck is this???
“find somewhere safe..”
Words whispered into what felt like Jabber’s soul, an urge to leave and find a private area. Without even thinking, his legs picked up and ran, Amo shouting dissipating into the crowd. Around another corner and down a hall, he was finally alone. A bright light shone in front of him, blinding him for just a second, that familiar voice finally speaking again but this time in a small floating form.
“Oh! It’s just been so long! It’s so wonderful to be out and about and oh my goodness is this a school? Are you a student??? I’m getting ahead of myself.. I’m Mankira. The Jinki of creation and luck! And you’re my new holder!”
Information being spewed at the young student seemed to fry his brain, first of all, what was a jinki… and why was he a holder of one? What does any of this mean?? Was he stuck in a dream??
“I can see you’re confused but there’s no time to explain! You just have to get going!! It’s your duty to save that poor person!”
Before Jabber had another chance to ask a question, the little creature disappeared again, the bright light engulfing him instead. His eyes opened, his previously casual outfit now changed into a more heroic style. The rings he favoured so much now sharp claws that retracted at a flex of his hands, and his hair reflecting that new change.
Holy shit.