welcome
Welcome delinquents to PHS #552. A few reminders, no rough housing, no running in the hallways, no cheating, and no talking back to your teachers. Beyond that, enjoy yourselves. After all these are the years you’ll look back on, and remember, you mother fuckers peaked too early.
vote  
credits
Public Highschool #552 was rebooted by Xereon and Aether. Content is copyrighted to PHS #552 unless otherwise stated. The skin is created by Wolf of Gangnam Style. The board and thread remodel is by Kagney and has been heavily edited. Banner Image Credit. Chatbox Credit
|
|
NEW RP DISCORD SERVER. CONTACT "Shugo Yuy#5730" ON DISCORD FOR INFO. |
|
|
|
| | | | |
|
COME IN COME ALL AND WATCH THE SPECTACULAR STUDENTS FROM PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL 552 AS THEY PIT AGAINST EACH OTHER IN BAREKNUCKLE BEATDOWN! Watch as students go toe to toe on this little tournament with an unbelievable budget allocation! See them bite each other in arena made of LEGOS! Make each other bleed in an artificial JUNGLE!, even go as far as making them break bones under an artificial STORM! Really, HOW BIG IS THE BUDGET ON THIS SHIT! SO PLACE OUR BETS AND GO WATCH BAREKNUCKLE BEATDOWN NOW!
|
|
A brand new group is on the making, The Apostles, a Pillar-like group led by none other than our brand new headmaster, Gregoire Girard. A student body that would lead students and enforce the law on this little school of ours. Little is still known about this student body, but who knows? It might just be what the school needs.
|
|
A lunch box is seen last Friday, around 12:37:08pm with an encouraging note packed inside. This appalling display that utterly lacked manliness has left many students stunned and outrage, as some decided, after a long while, to speak out against it.
Full Story Here.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Having perfected our disguise, we search for someone we can't fool.
|
“
|
|
|
|
|
No Group
|
Post by Siobhan Arden on Jul 29, 2015 16:57:59 GMT -5
Siobhan tapped the edge of her pencil against the notebook sheet. It was a long master list to claw her way up the ranks, and she was not making significant progress. She needed to do more, just a little extra on the side to keep up with the pace she had set. Siobhan stared at the paper blankly before shoving it in her bag. There was no reason to dwell on it anymore. Things had to be done, and she was only growing more frustrated. Standing up and making her way from the isolated room, she strode down the empty hall.
Siobhan did not really expect there to be anyone here, and if so she was fairly certain they wouldn't interrupt her. Why would they? The previous incident that had not gone as she would have liked only earned her popularity amongst a few, and even with those few, she was known to be a troublemaker. Not the angle she was going for, but it was a practice shot. Turning the corner, she noticed someone in the left hall.
Her footsteps stuttered before she forced herself to straighten up. Siobhan would not be deterred by them. Hopefully they had forgotten their declaration and she could continue to leave in peace... Crap what was she thinking? Just turn and walk away. Stay calm. Even breathing. Siobhan turned away from the left hallway, trying to calm her frazzled nerves. Interrogation was not on her list of things to do this afternoon.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Never say anything that doesn't improve on silence.
|
“
|
|
Sky Dragon
|
|
|
Dragons
|
Post by Adrian "Valo" Morei on Jul 29, 2015 18:51:45 GMT -5
"No, Arose... that's not how you do this. You're solving for 'x', I don't even know where you got the 'm'..."
Valo was trying to tutor his father figure, Arose. Sure, he was a teacher, but even then, the guy wasn't too great at subjects that weren't his usual. At the end of it all, though, Arose opted to give Valo detention. For acting like he was smarter than the teacher. That's always fun.
Grabbing his bag and sighing, he lifted it over his shoulder and walked out the door. The school was almost empty now, as not many decided to stick around and just got the hell out of here. He wasn't ever fond of this place, but seeing it like this... it was a lot more peaceful, a lot more preferable. It wouldn't be long until the next school day where everything blew up all over again though, so this was something to cherish.
He stood out in the hall, leaning back against a wall as he thought about what to do next. He wanted to go home, but... he took a look at his phone, seeing there were several missed calls. He had been ignoring them for a while, fighting his own personal battles instead of reaching out to anybody. He was always afraid to run into someone he knew, ever since The Wraith entered his body.
Valo snapped out of his thoughts as he heard footsteps, his head looking up ever so slightly to see a familiar woman... It's her... He had wanted to find and interrogate her on his own time, but now it was just the two of them. He wasn't sure if he was up to playing detective so much right now, but... this was the perfect chance to talk to her without any intervention. Whether she stayed and chatted was up to her.
"Siobhan, wasn't it?" He'd speak as she walked by, getting off of the wall. "I'm guessing you had another 'project' to work on."
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Having perfected our disguise, we search for someone we can't fool.
|
“
|
|
|
|
|
No Group
|
Post by Siobhan Arden on Jul 30, 2015 9:34:30 GMT -5
Siobhan paused unwillingly at the sound of her name. So he did recognize her. That was bad. Before she could get ahead of herself and have a mini session dedicated to her trying to rationalize the situation, he continued on.
"I'm guessing you had another 'project' to work on."
What was that? No. Don't say that out loud. Punching his teeth in and cracking his nose on her knee as recompense is about the worst possible outcome of the situation right now. Siobhan closed her eyes, mentally counting to ten, taking deep breaths while turning 180 degrees to face him. Alright, so he was persistent. You couldn't blame him for that. Well you could, but he was an ex-Pillar and Siobhan had to tread lightly. Now facing Valo, Siobhan opened her eyes in innocent surprise, a light and pleasant smile stretching her stiff face.
"Oh! I've seen you before! That's close, but I had to stay after for some homework help. I'm not the brightest..."
Siobhan trailed off with an embarrassed giggle, tucking her hair consciously in hopes to deter him from pursuing the subject further. It was a sore topic with Siobhan and discussing it with him was like rubbing salt on a burn. Hopefully tossing in indications of her being stupid would irritate him enough to walk away.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Never say anything that doesn't improve on silence.
|
“
|
|
Sky Dragon
|
|
|
Dragons
|
Post by Adrian "Valo" Morei on Jul 30, 2015 15:10:17 GMT -5
Homework, huh?
Valo looked at her as she spoke, taking note of her mannerisms. He wasn't sure if she was just really good at acting or telling the truth. Regardless, if he wasn't molded by this place to become as cautious of everyone and everything as he was now, he'd find her act cute.
He stuck his hands in his pockets, resisting the urge to let out a sigh. Was pursuing this woman a wise idea? There wasn't much he feared, but he didn't know if she was physically dangerous or not. Plus, she seemed careful, and one wrong move could land him in trouble. Was she really stupid? Most would call her antics in the PA room dumb, but the way she had the door rigged, the way that speech went off... in a way, Valo found it pretty gutsy, and he had to hand that to her. Nevertheless, she gave him an opening.
"Oh? Well then... if you need any help with tutoring or anything, I'm willing to give you some of my time." He put on a smile. "Least I could do to apologize for the bad treatment my acquaintances gave you before."
He hoped she'd bite. But if it turned into legit tutoring, or that she was purely innocent, he'd sure feel silly.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Having perfected our disguise, we search for someone we can't fool.
|
“
|
|
|
|
|
No Group
|
Post by Siobhan Arden on Jul 31, 2015 10:41:45 GMT -5
Siobhan faltered. Alright, that one was good. It put her in a serious bind though, and she needed a quick moment to get her bearings. If she denied the request, it would mean breaking character. This was the most effective way to deter people from her once they dubbed her stupid, but none ever offered to help! Siobhan wanted to rub her face with both hands in exasperation. Of course any idiot would want help from someone who was smart and powerful.
She couldn't risk putting herself on the spot and basically admitting responsibility for all previous actions she had managed to dodge. Siobhan wanted to scream, but she suffered the sour taste on her tongue. Taking advantage of the quick hesitation to blow out a tentative breath which would hopefully come over as nervous, she shifted her body. Appearing nervous while actually restless was a good approach to this subject.
"...Actually, that would help out a lot! Thanks, uh Valo?"
Ah shit which name was she supposed to call him by? That was just poor planning on her part. Not like the guy left her any chance to either... Siobhan cast her eyes down shyly to the floor before flicking them up to watch through her lashes. She wanted to vomit on the floor. People who fell for this really concerned her. This act was seemingly so fake and so damn sugary it made her sick. Well, it's just a bit longer Sia. He'll leave eventually. They always do.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Never say anything that doesn't improve on silence.
|
“
|
|
Sky Dragon
|
|
|
Dragons
|
Post by Adrian "Valo" Morei on Jul 31, 2015 18:02:33 GMT -5
She agreed, much to his surprise. She could've tried to talk her way out of this, but didn't. With the two of them alone, she could have shown how she really thought and only he would witness it. It wasn't like he'd harm her if she showed some other side of her, but she didn't know that, nor did he have any idea that she was possibly afraid of getting on his bad side. Both were being cautious, it looked to be a battle of wits, even if they weren't showing any animosity towards the other.
"Valo. Adrian. Whichever you prefer is fine with me."
He stuck his hands in his pockets, moving away from the wall he was near. He let his guard relax a little, not wanting to intimidate her by any means. Maybe he wanted to probe for information on what she was really trying to do, but if they could get along, that'd be far better for the both of them.
"I don't really have any plans today, so do you mind if I keep you some company?"
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Having perfected our disguise, we search for someone we can't fool.
|
“
|
|
|
|
|
No Group
|
Post by Siobhan Arden on Jul 31, 2015 21:15:06 GMT -5
A battle of wits huh? Siobhan didn't know whether to be relieved or annoyed. Apprehension built in her shoulders, stiffening her lax form without her realizing. Well, at least she had learned his name preference, that should help keep things light. Others called him Valo more than Adrian, so she would also have to remember that. Siobhan's body reflexively switched stances when he stepped off the wall. Calm down, she hissed at herself, but her nerves were hardwired. This guy would crush her, no doubt, only making her weaker position more evident.
"Well then, Valo, would you mind joining me? I wouldn't mind taking you up on that offer for some homework help."
Was the smile Siobhan picked up from the floor and tossed at him convincing enough? She wasn't sure. Her mind was quickly racing through a layout, scribbling a blueprint of all possible routes. Honestly, her mind had blanked, forcing her to reroute back to his previous offer. Although, having some chemistry help on that project she had been procrastinating over would be helpful. Siobhan also figured that there were plenty of chemicals in there she could chuck at his face and take a flying leap through the various lab windows if necessary. Who was she kidding? The guy would probably take her down before that.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Never say anything that doesn't improve on silence.
|
“
|
|
Sky Dragon
|
|
|
Dragons
|
Post by Adrian "Valo" Morei on Jul 31, 2015 22:43:16 GMT -5
Crushing her, at least physically, was the furthest thing from Valo's mind right now. He didn't seek to hurt her at all. On the contrary, he would've stopped Shugo and the others if they tried to hurt her back during the PA incident. No, if he wanted to resort to violence to get what he wanted, he had other means. Nothing a little snooping of his own couldn't solve, but he preferred a more direct approach and building up trust. Maybe the trust could be genuine at one point, but he wasn't holding his breath. He was certain if he didn't have a reason to be skeptical and they met on better terms, they could have gotten along quite well.
"Of course, I'm more than willing. As long as you're not studying something advanced like... astrophysics or something, I'm sure I can be of some help. Where would you like to go for this?"
Valo wasn't sure if asking her to take them to a destination of her choosing was the brightest option, seeing as last time he was nearly covered in paint due to the rigged door. But he decided to give her the benefit of the doubt for now. He was curious about why she'd go to such lengths, intrigued even. If she made such a bold challenge to the Pillars, then there must have been something about her to give her such confidence. At least, so Valo thought.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Having perfected our disguise, we search for someone we can't fool.
|
“
|
|
|
|
|
No Group
|
Post by Siobhan Arden on Jul 31, 2015 23:29:04 GMT -5
Siobhan wasn't sure if that was caution in his voice or if she was imagining it. He seemed to be very conscious of her body language, and the perception unnerved her. Alright so, the shitty plan Siobhan had tossed together was looking bleak at its best, but it was the only thing she had thought up on the spot. Chemistry wasn't too difficult. She was used to being hailed as an overachiever, and contrary to normal homeschooling throughout elementary years, Siobhan had already moved onto something more challenging.
"-The cafeteria."
Shit. Chemistry lab and cafeteria were too different things, and apparently nervous hunger had overridden her brain. Say something else, say something else! The act would quickly be overthrown if Siobhan didn't follow up with some reasoning for acting like a complete deadpanned idiot seeking food for solace when confronted by a dangerous opponent. Actually, Siobhan's pride had been cut down enough since coming to PHS #552 to allow her to say that she was definitely trying to do a complete 180 when it came to confronting someone like Valo.
"~Ah, you know, it's got more space, tables, and some food to work in peace... ahaha..."
Then why didn't you suggest the library!
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Never say anything that doesn't improve on silence.
|
“
|
|
Sky Dragon
|
|
|
Dragons
|
Post by Adrian "Valo" Morei on Jul 31, 2015 23:48:59 GMT -5
...Then why didn't she suggest the library?
It was probably the most peaceful place here, even in a school like this. That said, she mentioned food, so there's that... there was at least some vending machines to grab something at. At this time of the day, there likely wasn't anyone to disturb them anyway. Minus a few wayward souls, they'd mostly have the giant cafeteria all to themselves.
"That sounds fine to me. Now that you mention food, I'm pretty hungry myself..."
If she had broken pride, he wasn't able to tell. She wasn't the only one whose pride had been cut since coming to this school. It seemed like a lifetime ago when he was just focusing primarily on his studies, rather than fighting an uphill battle and trying to stop people's schemes when he saw fit. Not to say Siobhan was scheming, but she was suspicious enough to at least investigate... and if he was wrong, he could at least be genuine in his mannerisms towards her.
"Well, shall we be off then?"
He gave her a smile before proceeding to walk down the hall in the direction of the cafeteria, walking at whatever pace she decided on.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Having perfected our disguise, we search for someone we can't fool.
|
“
|
|
|
|
|
No Group
|
Post by Siobhan Arden on Aug 1, 2015 0:19:08 GMT -5
Siobhan gave a bitter look to the floor when Valo began turning away. Whatever. The blunder could be used to her advantage. Shouldering the bag up on her shoulder, Siobhan trotted up beside Valo before settling into a nice pace, trying to match his longer strides. It occurred to her that she had never done something like this before. Maybe it would be more pleasant if she wasn't feeling so high-strung and nervous. Everything the ex-Pillar did gave her the indication he wasn't trying to spook her, but Siobhan knew better than to drop her guard.
"Uh, Valo.. if you don't mind me asking, but why are you being so friendly to me? I mean, I'm just a random ghost, and you're well, an ex-Pillar!"
Siobhan wondered if he could hear how fake and light that laugh was. It was an effort to not have annoyance sketched on her face from still having to act like this. At least she got food out of it. The real problem came afterwards when he would be questioning her about the homework she didn't have. Well. That would go over well.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Never say anything that doesn't improve on silence.
|
“
|
|
Sky Dragon
|
|
|
Dragons
|
Post by Adrian "Valo" Morei on Aug 1, 2015 2:10:21 GMT -5
"An ex..?"
Oh, his fight against Vivi. It seemed more word got around about it than he thought. Losing to her, he figured more people would be talking about her, rather than him. But it seems his name was still out there, and he wasn't sure how to feel about that. He thought he wasn't even recognizable anymore after The Wraith turned his hair white, but then she brought it up. Greaaat...
"Ranks and social standing mean nothing to me. You're a person, same as I am. At the end of the day, it's your actions and your heart that defines you. You don't have to be in a position of power to make waves. Even a ghost can ignite a spark in a place like this."
That was his honest answer, no hidden motives or deceit behind it. He wasn't sure if she was probing for a serious answer, but she got one. He himself was a simple ghost once, and he steadily worked his way up. If he could do it, he felt like anyone could.
"That, and... well, you haven't really given me a reason not to be friendly, you know?"
He spoke all while not looking over at her. If there was any looks of annoyance on her face to betray her expression in her voice, he wouldn't catch it.
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Having perfected our disguise, we search for someone we can't fool.
|
“
|
|
|
|
|
No Group
|
Post by Siobhan Arden on Aug 1, 2015 14:39:13 GMT -5
Shit. Siobhan mentally cursed and was tempted to pause in her quick strides to keep up with Valo to smash her face against a wall. Sensitive subject, she knew that and yet her mouth had slipped around the thin filter already there, and probably was pushing at the guy. This was awful. Siobhan might as well drop the act and take the solid punch to the face just to get it over with. Stupid, stupid stupid-
"Ranks and social standing mean nothing to me. You're a person, same as I am. At the end of the day, it's your actions and your heart that defines you. You don't have to be in a position of power to make waves. Even a ghost can ignite a spark in a place like this."
Noble words. Siobhan might have believed him. You know, if she wasn't the blood heiress to a mafia family that spit on words like that. Instead the words brought up a great deal of frustration towards Valo's seemingly careless words. Actions certainly defined a person, but the world had no cares for humble people groveling at the feet of power abusers. Ranks and social standings were all Siobhan knew and Valo stomping on the only ideals she had been taught did not sit well with her. Ghosts were just that, meaningless and translucent in the large shadows cast by those who made waves. She could only remain silent when he continued on, digging past her frustration to plant seeds of guilt.
"That, and... well, you haven't really given me a reason not to be friendly, you know?"
Siobhan couldn't even look at him now. The word hypocrite was branded across her forehead and it was mortifying. She struggled to find a response adequate for the show she was displaying but his words had knocked her off balance. What could she even respond to that? Any approach only worsened the sickness in her stomach, making cold chills and sweat appear. Siobhan couldn't help but laugh grimly to herself.
"You must be an inspiration to the other students at the school. I'm sure many would appreciate those words, and I think it's.. nice.. of you to acknowledge their struggle."
There was a smile mustered in her words although her face was dark and Siobhan couldn't look him in the face. One glance at him and her appearance would fracture. A reason to not be friendly. The revolving sentence was a sharp punch to the face.
"I'm glad.. you don't think of me as an enemy.. Valo."
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Never say anything that doesn't improve on silence.
|
“
|
|
Sky Dragon
|
|
|
Dragons
|
Post by Adrian "Valo" Morei on Aug 1, 2015 15:04:24 GMT -5
Valo and Siobhan, unknown to him, had completely different upbringings. From a sickly child destined to death, saved by some miracle of science. To fighting his way through a brutal orphanage, to being adopted by the wealthy Yuy family. Valo lived amongst the low class and the high, knowing both of their ways of life. But he carried his humble beginnings with him. But if Siobhan told him how she thought, he wouldn't blame her for thinking the way she did.
But an inspiration? Hardly. At least, he didn't look at himself in such a way. He only fought to survive. With all the recent attacks at the school and the city, it was all he could do. Survive, and protect those he cared about. He was no hero, he merely struck down at whatever happened in front of him, sometimes going a bit too far. But it was all a means to an end. This school taught him a certain cruelty that was needed to survive. But he would never wish it upon anyone else.
"I endured that struggle myself. I clawed my way up. With time..." He paused for a moment, taking a glance at her. "...I'm sure you can too."
Whatever Siobhan's ulterior motives, she had something that kept her going. And in the end, even if he agreed with her or didn't, it was something to respect. For all he knew, they could find each other allies someday. But for now, the mistrust is what distanced them.
"You're not an enemy unless you prove otherwise. In this place, you need all the allies you can get."
|
|
|
|
user is offline ●
|
|
Having perfected our disguise, we search for someone we can't fool.
|
“
|
|
|
|
|
No Group
|
Post by Siobhan Arden on Aug 1, 2015 19:19:59 GMT -5
The hope Valo suggested to her gave her sharp pains in her chest. Don't believe in me. Her breathing quieted into tiny breaths as her mind worked through the words. Siobhan felt tears threaten to shine in her eyes. An appreciation for someone like Valo being at the school brought slight affection to her face. Unfortunately, his words were useless. Siobhan heard the angry roars of her father in the back of her head, demanding that the daughter of the Arden family be only the best. And as she had learned over the years, being the best was lonely.
PHS #552 had brought many new experiences to her, and learning to stop and actually enjoy the journey was one she was learning to be grateful for. Siobhan had wondered at one point if status was all there was to it. But she knew that it was ludicrous to wonder that, as long as the chains of her family were draped on her shoulders, there would be nothing but ranks and status. This school was another stepping stone. If you were to be taken seriously in the underworld, being some ghost wouldn't make waves.
"You're not an enemy unless you prove otherwise. In this place, you need all the allies you can get."
Those were bittersweet words. Siobhan knew better. Conditional allies was a more familiar term, and it was a pact formed when both parties had mutual intentions. She wasn't dense enough to not be considerate of Valo's own reasoning, his upbringing undoubtedly formed this to be his core belief. As for Siobhan, the empty promises of her tutors and the anger of her father had been ingested until there was nothing else left besides isolation and victory. She didn't need allies, she never did. The last boarding school was a prime example. Taking down every other, all on her own until victory was in her bloodstained hands and sent her to the next mission of PHS #552.
"Unfortunately Valo, there's no security with allies. I guess if having ambition makes me an enemy, that's a responsibility I'll have to accept. There is no second, third, or fourth best. ...I have to win."
Siobhan felt her appearance drop to the floor and shatter with the tight cap on her emotions. She had to win. There could only be victory. If victory isolated her, so be it. Even if she didn't realize it, the hope to bring her mother back to her was in every irrational action against those above her. The desire to finally bring peace to her father and praise without disapproval was all she was striving for. Allies couldn't even hope to understand that which she did not even realize.
|
|
|
