[Monster Academy]
The gates of Monster Academy loomed like giants asleep, towering so high that their tips disappeared into the mist. Runes crawled across their surface, glowing faintly silver one moment and crimson, like the gates themselves couldn't decide whether they belonged to angels or devils.
The courtyard beyond was alive with sounds like rustling wings, hooves tapping stone, nervous laughter, and sharp whispers. Angels clustered together on the left, their halos were glowing softly, giving off the scent of wildflowers and rain. On the right, devils lounged with folded arms and crooked smiles, their horns catching the light as their tails flicked lazily. This was not the first time angels have had encounter with the devils, which made each of them stand close to each other, but for the newly admitted supernaturals it was their first time standing so close to their opposites, and the air buzzed with unease.
Valkyrie lingered near the middle, unsure which side to lean toward. She watched the way the angels clung to one another, whispering under their breath, then glanced at the devils who seemed more amused than anxious. Her heart beat faster with every second. This wasn't just a school—it was the place where destinies would collide.
A figure stepped forward from the shadows of the gate. He was short but he carried himself with the calm dignity of someone who had no need for height to command respect, he used his wings to fly across the angels gathered at the left. It was Mr Oscar, the couchman and keeper of all monster academy angels. A silver spectacle gleamed over his right eye, the left bare, and the hem of his coat swept the stone floor with the weight of symbols stitched into it.
"Welcome. Welcome to the Academy of Monsters," he said, his voice voice was rich and warm, carrying across the courtyard. "I am Oscar Veyl, Keeper of Angels, and from this day forward, your guide in the ways of order and light."
He bowed slightly—not stiff, but with the grace of someone greeting family. His short stature and kind expression put many of the angel recruits at ease. Some even smiled.
Then, a tall shadow slid into place beside him. Where Oscar was calm, she was striking. Taller than nearly everyone in the courtyard, with violet eyes that glowed faintly even in daylight, Luna Drael radiated confidence. Her cloak shifted like liquid night, and when she smiled, it was the kind of smile that dared you to look away.
"And I," she said smoothly, her voice carrying a velvet edge, "am Luna Drael, Keeper of Devils. While my dear colleague Oscar will remind you of rules and order, I will remind you that chaos too, has its lessons—sharp, beautiful lessons that carve us into who we are meant to be."
The devils chuckled appreciatively, some snapping their fingers in approval. The angels shifted uncomfortably, though a few couldn't help but steal glances at her with fascination. Valkyrie found herself caught between them—Oscar's warmth tugged at one part of her, Luna's fierce energy at another.
The two Keepers stood side by side, a perfect contrast—short and sturdy against tall and ethereal, light against shadow. Yet their voices blended in harmony as Oscar raised a hand again.
"Today, you stand at the threshold of something greater than yourselves. Angel or devil, it no longer matters once you cross this gate. You are students now. Seek knowledge, and you will find it. Seek strength, and it will be forged within you. But above all—" He paused, looking directly at a nervous angel girl who was wringing her hands. "—remember you are not alone."
Luna tilted her head, her violet eyes sweeping across the devils. "And remember," she added, "to never apologize for who you are. Here, your power will be tested. Your will be sharpened as well. Do not cower from it. Rather embrace it."
The courtyard went still.
Then Oscar clapped his hands, startling a few recruits. "Now! Questions are welcome. You'll find your voices are just as important as your silence. Who wishes to ask first?"
The angels hesitated. The devils smirked but stayed quiet. Then, from somewhere near the middle, Valkyrie raised her hand.
"Yes?" Oscar said, eyes twinkling.
"What if we… fail?" Valkyrie asked, her voice stronger than she expected. "What if we're not strong enough for this place?"
Some of the angels nodded quietly. A devil snorted, muttering, "Then you get eaten alive."
"Hahaha" other devil's laughed in unison.
Luna's lips curled into a grin. "That's not entirely wrong," she said. "But failure here isn't the end. It's a knife that sharpens you. Everyone bleeds at first. The question is whether you get back up and bleed brighter."
Oscar chuckled at her dramatics. "What my tall friend means," he added kindly, "is that strength isn't born in a single day. This academy exists to teach you. If you stumble, we will guide you back. No one is cast aside for faltering. Remember that."
Valkyrie nodded, her chest warming at the reassurance, though she caught Luna's violet eyes lingering on her a little too long, as if the Keeper had already taken note of her spirit.
Another devil boy raised his hand lazily. "So, Keeper Oscar, Keeper Luna… what happens if angels and devils fight? You know… outside the classroom?"
Luna arched an elegant brow. "Then it depends who wins," she said lightly. The devils laughed.
But Oscar shook his head. "Fighting without purpose is foolish. You will be trained to duel, yes, but under guidance. If you throw fists or claws in the halls, you answer to the council. And I assure you," his eyes crinkled with humor, "They can be much scarier than I."
"True," Luna agreed, flashing her teeth.
The walk began. Oscar led the angels along the left side of the courtyard, while Luna guided the devils to the right, though both groups walked together down the grand path toward the heart of the Academy. Runes flared alive beneath their feet, lighting the way. Towers were stretched above, some silver and glass, others black stone veined with fire, as if the Academy itself mirrored both heaven and hell.
They reached the Assembly Hall first, an enormous chamber with banners that shimmered between gold and crimson. Oscar gestured toward the high windows. "Here you will gather for announcements, ceremonies, and sometimes… celebrations. Unity begins here."
"Or rivalry," Luna added with a smirk.
Next was the Dining Hall, vast enough to house a kingdom's feast. Long tables stretched endlessly, divided down the middle. The angels whispered about the heavenly glow of the chandeliers, while devils grinned at the fire braziers that lined their side.
"Meals will test more than your stomachs," Oscar explained. "They will test your ability to sit across from those unlike you."
"Try not to throw food at each other," Luna quipped. "It's terribly childish. Unless you win."
The students laughed nervously. Even Valkyrie found herself smiling.
As the orientation wound down, Oscar and Luna brought the group to a final stop at a set of double doors, each carved with angelic wings on one side and devilish horns on the other.
"Inside," Oscar said, "you will meet your roommates. Those who will walk beside you in your first year."
"And trust me," Luna added, leaning down so her shadow fell over the nearest devil girl, "they will shape you more than you realize. Choose wisely how you treat them."
The Angels and devils exchanged nervous glances. Some whispered. While others smirked in anticipation.
Valkyrie swallowed, her hand brushing the bracelet Debby had given her that morning. She had no idea who awaited her behind those doors, but she knew one thing for certain—her life would never be the same.
Oscar gave one last reassuring smile. "Take a deep breath, children. This is where your story truly begins." And with that, the doors swung open.