———

It is your duty?

For you to act like this?

How can you look me in my eyes...

And tell me...

We cannot change for the better!

Have you no soul?!

You are not the person I knew before!

Why can't that you come back to me?

Do you really hate me so?

———

The sky overhead was turning a deep shade of purple fading into orange where the sun was setting below the horizon. The world was beginning to grow quiet, and many were sitting in the dining room of the academy for dinner.

Lightbulb was covered in a few cuts, and bruises. Along with her sweat from the training she was doing with Paintbrush. She wiped the sweat from her face and ducked out of the way from another sword blow. She jabbed Paintbrush with the blunt end to knock them over, but Paintbrush quickly swept her legs. Lightbulb yelped as she full to the ground with a thud, and Paintbrush jumped up and placed their sword next to her neck area, symbolizing they won.

Lightbulb pouted as she sat up. "Again...? What is that... 2–6?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Hahah, yeah... You keep hesitating. You gotta actually fight me." Paintbrush placed their free hand on their hip.

"I don't want to hurt ya!" Lightbulb clutched her spear closer to herself.

"Lightbulb... You can't expect an enemy to treat a fight like sparring." Paintbrush huffed towards Lightbulb.

"I—... I know that! I just...— I'm being trained to protect! How come we can't just... Lock up the enemy?" Lightbulb shrugged.

"You keep bring that up... They aren't realistic Lightbulb... This whole place proves that." Paintbrush pushed.

"No! No! You'll see! I'll do it! I'll get the magic— I'll  set everyone free! Once I'm deemed worthy, we will leave together! Kids only have to train until someone two of us gets powers and become this world's guardians right? I'll do it!" Lightbulb shouted.

Paintbrush felt fear slowly shift into their face. They felt horrible amounts of pity for her desperate grasp to keep her naivety intact. But Paintbrush could tell behind her eyes, there was something telling her she'd fail.

"Even if you did get the powers... Who's to say you won't fail as the same as the last guardians—?"

"THAT WON'T HAPPEN!" She clenched her fists. Her knuckles turned white and the emblem on her hand seemed to be mesmerizing Paintbrush in that moment... Like something about it was drawing their eyes towards it like a magnet.

"O-okay... Okay. Believe what you want... If you're really that dead set, I won't stop you." They reassured putting their hands up defensively in front of them.

Lightbulb backed off, her gaze softened and the silence was thick and awkward. She then sighed. "Sorry... I-I just... Never mind." She stepped away and placed her spear on the rack. "Let's go to dinner alright?" She gave an awkward smile.

Paintbrush stared at her for a second, before they softly chuckled and placed the sword on the rack and followed her towards the main entrance of the academy. "Sure thing." They mumbled solemnly as they walk across the field.

As Lightbulb walked through the dining room she spotted Knife and his friend already sitting at the table. She glanced around but didn't see Bot anywhere. She seemed confused but sat down. Paintbrush waved her off.

Knife turned his head to Lightbulb as she sat down on the other side of him. He crossed his arms with a scowl. "Where were you?!" Knife growled, slamming his fist on the table.

Lightbulb flinched. "Woah there pal! I was just training with Paintbrush!" She frowned.

"Knife was worried sick about you." Pickle crossed his arms with a bored look.

"I WAS NOT. I just... it be a hassle to clean up your body if you shattered." Knife said with a face of annoyance.

"Sure, sure..." Pickle laughed slightly.

Lightbulb sighed and leaned on her palm again. "Where's Bot?"

"Studying, where else?" Knife raised an eyebrow with sarcasm prominent in his tone.

"I don't know what I expected from our family bookworm." Lightbulb giggled, and waved her hands dramatically. Knife still wasn't impressed. She backed off and buried her face in her arms. Her appetite now lost from her bad mood. After a while of the lack of her brother's attention, she got up and left to the dorms. She opened her room's door hearing the slight creak and shut it behind her before landing on her bed within seconds. Today wasn't particularly worse than others, she just... was feeling tense...? Which was odd, since she never felt that way.

The sun now completely hidden by the horizon and mountains in the distance. The sky began to turn deep shades of blues and purples. Lightbulb stared out the window for a while mostly because she had nothing else to do.

Tomorrow would be more of the same,

It was just how things were.

———

Days go by, more training, more studying, more schoolwork. Knife progressively actually showed up to training as he usually did before end of semester exams. He didn't really participate when he was supposed to, but regardless of when he DID train or not he seemed to excel in fighting. And was very strong. He could handle a large sword with ease and and swung it around like different kids with smaller swords. Mephone was impressed, if he put more effort in he'd could be even better than Trophy even, and possible skip a grade. But that was exactly what Knife was attempting to avoid, he didn't want to leave the grade he shared with Lightbulb. He needed to look after all, it's what he promised their foster mother Test Tube. Besides, Knife wasn't here to fight and spar against the other kids like some sort of show pony. He wanted to scope out his competition in exams.

Every year he'd closely watch the fighting techniques of the other students until he finds their patterns, once he does he tells Lightbulbs pointers to directly combat their skills. It helps Lightbulb get through exams much easier. Knife would usually fight hard throughout the exam sparring section, until he was against Lightbulb. Then he'd forfeit, and back off. Lightbulb was usually frustrated by this, but didn't pry. Bot in the fighting area of training lacked brawn. They weren't very strong physically and had a lot of trouble wielding anything larger than a dagger. But, they usually used their small size, and intelligence to their advantage.

The exams that were on paper were easy for Bot, they always passed with flying colours, and came out the top in their grade. Bot's ability to take in and remember information was incredible. Knife struggle more with the intelligence exams. Though he never failed, he never scored that high in anything other than subjects he liked. And would never share those grades with anyone else except Pickle. Lightbulb was moderately good at the paper exams. She'd usually get an occasional A, and average about a B. Some subjects like math stumped her, but she didn't let that stop her. She was near the top of her class, but not quite. She almost just barely fell short due to unnecessary silliness or shenanigans.

Sooner rather than later, exam day arrived. Tomorrow would be the day of the reaping. The day five students would have the chance at greatness. Or death.

Lightbulb felt oddly tense. No matter how hard she told herself everything would be fine, he couldn't help but shake the feeling that something was wrong here. The things this year would go differently. Bad way or not, something was definitely off.

She sat up and stretched out. Her knuckles cracked as she stretched out her hands. Lightbulb then slid out of bed and made her way to the training ground, where her class would be doing exams first.

Paintbrush waved, and Lightbulb perked up and smiled. Her hand raised and she waved back intently. She then walked over and got in line. Mephone went over the rules, which were pretty simple. No killing, no brutal harm, and no outside weapons or tools. Lightbulb frowned at the fact her electricity trick would be useless here.

She grabbed her spear and watched the others duel. Some did good, others did bad. Eventually it was her turn. Knife already gave her some pointers for everyone, and she made sure to follow them closely. She got pretty far, and eventually made it up to duel Paintbrush.

Paintbrush clutched the sword in their hand, and charged. She jumped to the side, and stuck low to the ground, since Paintbrush was taller, it was harder for them to hit with a stable stance.

The sword raised above their head, and Lightbulb blocked with the Wooden section of the spear.

Paintbrush went for another swipe with the sword, but Lightbulb ducked and hit their wrist with the blunt end of the spear. The joints in their hand jolted from the blow, causing Paintbrush to lose grip on the sword. They gasp and stumble back. They're impressed with Lightbulb managing this.

Paintbrush swiftly dove to grab the sword from the ground, but Lightbulb snuck behind and kicked them in the backs of their knees and jabbed the spear close to their neck, breathing heavily, and a grin. Sweat dripped down her face.

Paintbrush put their hands up. They had lost. They give a smile, and Lightbulb smiled back. She then backed up, and let Paintbrush get up and take a seat with the others.

Lightbulb went back to the line with a happy grin. She was very tired, but it was fine. She'd face off against Knife next time. That is, if Knife made it through his duel.

He picked up the claymore, which was wood for the duel so Knife wouldn't accidentally kill anyone. Not that he would regardless since he was pretty skillful.

His opponent was small, his name was blueberry. He had a short sword in hand. He held it firmly in a fighting stance. Knife clutched the wooden claymore tightly until his knuckles turned white, he was ready.

As soon as Mephone signalled for them to begin Blueberry charged, Knife was surprised, this wasn't what he'd planned for...!

Blueberry swung his weapon around towards the taller boy. Knife held up his wooden claymore to block, this kid hit fast, and hard... From what he saw before, he was almost a complete different person! What happened to the lazy kid who barely tried! How did he even get this far?! He felt his teeth grind.

Knife ducked out of the way of Blueberry's attacks and then hit him away. Blueberry rolled back, but managed to regain balance before Knife could win.

Now, Knife wasn't necessarily losing this battle... But he didn't understand what Blueberry was doing... He watched Blueberry's moves, and they seemed to be counting on him to block, and wouldn't hit regardless if he blocked or not. In fact, the more he watched him, the more he saw Blueberry wasn't trying to hit him at all, but instead leaning into his swings as if he WAS.

That's when it hit Knife what Blueberry was doing.

He was trying to tire him out.

His stance and body language was an illusion. It was quite smart. But not smart enough. Knife, instead of blocking, moved his sword out of the way.

Blueberry's eyes widened and fell flat on his face, and Knife was able to Place the weapon near his neck area to signify he'd won.

Blueberry grunted in annoyance. And ripped himself off the ground and dusted himself off. "Lucky bastard..." He said in his dull, but angry tone with furrowed eyebrows.

Lightbulb cheered in the back.

As Mephone was about to call Lightbulb up, Knife stuck the wooden Claymore in the dirt and walked away.

Mephone looked upset. "Again...?! You can't just!"

"I can do what I want old man, fuck off." Knife growled as he walked towards the grassy fields. To his usual reading spot.

Mephone, took a step away a and sighed. "You progress I guess Lightbulb..." he crossed his arms with an exasperated tone.

Lightbulb looks like she expected it, disappointed she didn't get to spar, but would live with it. She'd continue on with the duels as normal.

Bot ended up scoring pretty low, and come out eighth in their class. They didn't really stand much of a chance after the smaller objects were through. They ended up getting knocked down in only a few moments.

Lightbulb ended up getting third in the class after the lucky win with Paintbrush. After which, the two headed off to the academic section of the exams. Lightbulb didn't really study as hard as Bot did, but she could answer most questions relatively easily. And remembered most things. She ended up scoring around a B+ for her total grad. Which for the curriculum the school offered, was pretty impressive to those outside of it.

Bot, scored an A+ with nearly perfect scores. The questions they were handed were answered with ease as they knew and memorized everything and studied hard to expand on it beforehand. The class of older children were completely shocked at their scores along with the teacher who was impressed with Bot since day one. They were placed in the top rankings of the entire school. Of course, they didn't boast. But we're flattered at the praise and congratulations they got.

Knife on the other hand, was dragged to exams by Pickle. Knife groaned and grumpily crossed his arms in his seat. He stared down at the paper looking through the questions one by one, and checking the ones he didn't know off randomly. He didn't study at all, or really pay attention to things he didn't think he'd need to. After all, if he was going to be killed upon graduation he didn't see the point in actually doing the work. He ended up scoring a C-, compared to Pickle's B. Pickle tried to cheer him up afterwards, but Knife was being dark and distant under the stress of the reaping tomorrow. Pickle found it reasonable, and took him someplace discreet. He then pulled Knife close and tried to start up casual conversation to get his mind off things.

They all could use a break.

After the final scores were in and totalled up, Knife was barely passing with a C, Bot was passing in flying colours with an A, and Lightbulb had scored a B+.

Lightbulb sat down in the dining room. She saw Bot across the room getting praise by many students for their intellect and general score. And Knife was no where to be found. She sighed and picked at her food, until a familiar face sat down next to her.

"Is this seat taken?" Paintbrush asked, an eyebrow raised paired with a kind smile.

"Oh! Nope! It's perfectly free pal! Knife is being an ass to me anyway." Lightbulb pouted.

Paintbrush made a plate and looked down towards Lightbulb. "You did pretty good out there. I really wasn't expecting that win... especially since your two wins from yesterday had the determiner of the electricity. Where'd you get that move from?" Paintbrush raised an eyebrow.

"My brother Knife told me. He's good at fighting and gives me some itty-bitty pointers before hand." She says, pinching her fingers to represent how 'small' these supposed pointers were.

Paintbrush chuckled. "You really have life to you..." They giggle. "I hope the next reaping isn't like last year's." Paintbrush shifted to a more solemn tone.

"Me too..." Lightbulb replied. "I hope I'm the one that makes it go that way too!" She smiled.

Paintbrush nearly choked on their food. "You hope to be picked...?!" They laugh sarcastically. "Ha—hahah! Good joke...!" They elbow Lightbulb with a nervous grin.

Lightbulb seemed confused momentarily before chuckling too and rubbing her arm. "N-no! I'm not kidding Paintbrush... I'm going to get the magic. And I'll protect everyone." She said with certain.

Paintbrush seemed disturbed. They shift back in their seat. "Lightbulb... Nobody has been given that status in thousands of years... I-I don't want you getting hurt." They inform.

"No! How many times do I have to say...?!" Lightbulb frowned, "I... I'm going to save everyone." She muttered.

...

The same deafening silence from five days ago rang through both young object's ears. The only thing feeding the deafness of the room was the chatter of the kids around the dining hall.

...

Paintbrush then spoke up, "I didn't mean to upset you..." Paintbrush rubbed the back of their neck.

"Don't be." She put a hand up. "I get a bit... eccentric at times is all. Don't mind my attitude." She put a silly smile back on her face.

Paintbrush was shocked at how fast Lightbulb shifted her mood. "You're... always so quick to see the bright side of things..." Paintbrush laughed. "That pureness of heart..." They put their hand on their chest. "That... Raw light... Don't lose that... Okay...?" Paintbrush placed their other hand on hers briefly by accident.

Lightbulb felt her eyes widen. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her face turned a bright shade of red. These feelings embarrassed her, which wasn't normal. She wanted to keep them inside, but knew for all she knew, this would be her only chance. She opened her mouth. "Watching you in class, I always admired you. I thought you were so cool... And I really care about you. You're the only one other than my siblings to really care about me in this whole dang school..." She laughed.

Paintbrush felt Lightbulb grip their hand a bit tighter.

"And I... I really like you... Like, more than I like sweets— If that makes sense!" She blushed in embarrassment.

They laughed sheepishly with slight confusion laced with amusement, their face turning pink with embarrassment and flattery.

"I know I may not get another chance to say this. Regardless of what I really REALLY hope things turn out... So..." Lightbulb swallows nervously, "I wanted to tell you I may... Have a tiny crush on you...?" She smiled softly and nervously.

Paintbrush flinched, their eyes widen.

"Paintbrush...? Why... Why are you looking at me like that...?"

Paintbrush tightened their hand and let their fingers interlock with the shorter girl. "I... I kinda like you too..." they admit, "I always admired how kind hearted you were compared to most."

"R-really?" Lightbulb held their hand close to herself. "You really mean it? Your serious?" She laughed happily.

"Y-yeah...!" They reply, only to be cut off by Lightbulb squeezing them in a hug so hard they couldn't breathe. "AH— OH DEAR LORD—LIGHTBULB I CANT BREATHE—!" They shout in a strained voice.

Lightbulb backed off. "Sorry! Hahah— I'm just so glad..." She sits down in her seat, and shovels some food in her mouth, her face as red as a tomato.

Paintbrush looked down at her for a few minutes before eating too. They were glad they finally got their feelings out. Ones they've kept bottled up since the elementary section of the academy.

After their meal, caretakers ring the bell signalling it's time for bed. Lightbulb gets up and gave Paintbrush a hug, before waving them goodnight. She then turned towards the hall and began to walk back to her dorm. She went to her bedroom and opened the door. Her face still a rosy pink. She was so happy...

Today was a good day.

Hopefully tomorrow was too.

She laid down in bed and pulled the blanket up over her shoulder, and let her eyes drift shut. After such a long day, her eyelids were being weighed down anyway. It was time for some shut-eye.

———

Knife pulled Pickle close as they both laid on top of the hill. The stars above them twinkled in the sky filled with purples and blues that seemed like splotches of dye in the only black sky.

"We... We'll be fine Knife." Pickle reassured, leaning on him slightly, feeling the grass beneath him.

Knife stared up at the sky with a bleak and solemn look on his face.

"Gods I hope so..."

"I—I really hope so..."

———