The Cipher: Locks and Keys

The first day of school arrived, and the air buzzed with excitement as students swarmed the halls of Fairy Tail Guild High School. Lockey found himself caught up in the whirlwind of activity, navigating the sea of faces both familiar and new. He attended one class after another, each teacher providing an overview of their subjects and expectations for the year.

As he made his way to the final class of the day, Lockey was surprised to spot a familiar face seated near the window—it was Adam Viscount, his classmate from the special meeting. Adam noticed Lockey as well and gave him a friendly wave, motioning for him to take the empty seat beside him. With no other seat, Lockey sat beside Lockey.

As the class dragged on, Adam leaned over to Lockey and whispered, "Don't you find these classes utterly boring?" He didn't expect a response, but to his surprise, Lockey replied, "Who knows?"

Adam's face lit up with excitement and happiness. "I knew I could break those shackles!" he exclaimed. Lockey, taken aback by his enthusiasm, asked, "What shackles are you talking about?"

With a grin, Adam clarified, "The shackles that prevent you from speaking. I just knew there was more to you than meets the eye." A faint smile played on Lockey's lips. "I always knew you were a weird one," he said, amused by Adam's quirky demeanour.

Just as Lockey began settling into his new routine, trouble stirred once again in the form of Ethan and his gang. Their menacing presence cast a dark shadow over the vibrant atmosphere as they stalked the school grounds, searching for Lockey. With each passing day, their taunts grew bolder, their threats more vicious.

One afternoon, Ethan and his cronies surrounded Lockey in the courtyard, their menacing presence casting a dark shadow over the peaceful afternoon. Lockey took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation he knew was coming. Just as the tension was about to reach its peak, Lockey's eyes narrowed with determination, and he clenched his fists, ready to defend himself.

However, before Lockey could make a move, a commanding voice cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing everyone's attention.

"That's enough!"

The crowd parted to reveal Rina Rouge, the school's senior president of the first year, her striking red hair flowing behind her as she approached the scene. Ethan and his gang exchanged nervous glances, recognizing the authority in her voice.

"Ethan, if you continue to harass other students, there will be severe consequences," Rina warned, her gaze steely and resolute. "Now, leave get out of here before I report you to the headmaster."

With Rina's authoritative presence, Ethan and his gang had no choice but to flee, their bravado deflating in the face of a formidable opponent. "Will get you soon Lockey, you can hide under authority." Ethan said before leaving the scene

"Are you okay?" Rina asked, turning her attention to Lockey. Her voice was laced with concern, though her expression remained fierce.

As Ethan and his gang dispersed, Lockey couldn't help but wonder why Rina had intervened in the first place. Confident in his ability to take on each of the bullies single-handedly, he questioned the need for assistance. He turned to Rina, his expression a mix of gratitude and bewilderment.

"There was no need for your help," Lockey said, his tone tinged with a hint of pride. Rina's eyes widened in surprise, clearly taken aback by his response.

"Lockey, please don't mind him," Adam chimed in, trying to diffuse the tension. "He's just a bit headstrong sometimes. Thank you for stepping in, President Rina."

Rina's shock began to dissipate, replaced by a hint of amusement as she regarded Lockey with newfound interest. "I can see that, and you could call me Rina", she replied, her lips quirking into a small smile. "But you have to understand, it's my duty as senior president to ensure everyone's safety."

"I can see" Lockey said has he left, Adam following

"Your point is duly noted," Lockey acknowledged, his voice tinged with a mix of understanding and lingering pride. With a slight nod, he turned to leave, his thoughts consumed by the missed opportunity to confront the bullies on his own terms. Adam, sensing the tension in the air, followed closely behind, offering Lockey a supportive pat on the shoulder as they made their way out of the courtyard.

Rina watched them go, her gaze contemplative, as she pondered the enigmatic to them who seemed so determined to handle things on his own. Despite the brief encounter, it was clear that Lockey's presence at Fairy Tail Guild High School would bring with it an air of intrigue and a sense of change that would not soon be forgotten.

As Lockey and Adam made their way through the bustling halls. Adam, being the more light-hearted of the two, tried his best to lift Lockey's spirits by cracking jokes and sharing amusing anecdotes. Though Lockey appreciated his friend's efforts, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to the mysterious card and his newfound powers.

"Is something weighing on your mind?" Adam inquired, a hint of concern etched on his face as he observed Lockey's pensive expression. "You seem preoccupied with your thoughts. " Lockey, momentarily absorbed in his own musings, wondered if Adam had a story of his own that he might be willing to share. "What's your story like, Adam?" Lockey asked, breaking the silence.

Adam's face fell, his eyes clouded with sadness, and Lockey feared that he might have crossed a line by asking such a personal question.

"I apologize if I've touched on something too sensitive," Lockey said, genuinely remorseful.

Without hesitation, Adam reassured him, "No, no, it's alright. It's just... a difficult subject for me. But it's fine. I'll share my story with you." He nodded, signalling his willingness to open up to Lockey.

Adam took a deep breath, preparing himself to share a part of his past that he had kept hidden from most of his peers. "Well, my real name is Baek Viscount," he began, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "But growing up, everyone would always laugh at my first name. They'd make fun of it and call me names like 'bacon' or 'bake.' I got tired of being the butt of everyone's jokes, so I decided to go by Adam instead."

Lockey listened attentively, empathy washing over him as he considered Adam's story. "So, you don't like your name either?" Lockey asked, a frown creasing his forehead.

"No, that's not it," Adam clarified. "I actually love my name. It's unique, and it reminds me of my family's heritage. But I just couldn't handle the constant teasing anymore."

Lockey pondered Adam's words, a sense of conviction settling within him. "You know, if I were in your shoes, I'd still stick to it," he said. "I mean, the name Baek Viscount has a nice ring to it—it sounds regal and powerful. Much more so than Adam Viscount, no offense."

Adam looked at Lockey, a mixture of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "None taken. And thanks, Lockey. I appreciate you saying that. Maybe one day, I'll feel comfortable enough to go back to using my real name."

With that, the conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics, but a newfound sense of understanding and camaraderie had been forged between the two.

Adam's gaze softened as he turned to Lockey. "By the way, why did you ask about my story in the first place?"

Lockey scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Oh, you know... I just wanted to confirm something." His mind raced with thoughts of the mysterious card and his newfound powers, but he knew better than to reveal his secrets just yet.

"Confirm what?" Adam asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Uh, whether you're as much of a bacon enthusiast as I am," Lockey joked, trying to lighten the mood. "Can't blame me for wanting to bond over our shared love of the world's most perfect food, right?"

Adam chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "I should've known. You're something else, Lockey."

As their laughter subsided, a comfortable silence settled between them, the weight of their recent revelations giving way to an unspoken understanding. Their newfound bond would surely serve as a strong foundation for the adventures yet to come.