Arcade adventure/rap battle

The trio eventually made their way to the arcade, a neon-lit haven of noise and competition. Xolotl wasted no time dragging them to a racing game, his competitive streak shining as he took the wheel. Kaerith slid into the seat next to him, cracking his knuckles.

"Prepare to eat my dust, Xolotl," Kaerith declared dramatically.

Ren stood behind them, arms crossed, already predicting the chaos that was about to unfold. "Try not to crash within the first ten seconds, Kael."

The race began, and the two were instantly locked in a fierce battle, their avatars speeding down a winding track. Xolotl's focus was intense, his eyes locked on the screen, while Kaerith leaned so far into the game he nearly fell out of his seat.

"You can't beat raw talent!" Xolotl boasted as he took the lead.

"Talent? Please, this is pure luck!" Kaerith shot back, narrowly avoiding a crash.

Ren, watching the spectacle, shook his head with a bemused smile. "You're both terrible."

After several rounds of games (and an impressive number of tickets won by Xolotl), the three left the arcade and found a quiet park to relax. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Kaerith flopped onto the grass, arms behind his head, looking up at the sky. "You know, days like this are kind of nice. No drama, no chaos, just… us."

Ren sat down next to him, his long hair catching the last rays of sunlight. "Don't get too comfortable. Knowing you, chaos is probably waiting around the corner."

Xolotl chuckled, leaning against a nearby tree. "And you wouldn't have it any other way, Ren. Admit it—you'd be bored without Kael's antics."

Ren didn't reply immediately, his expression softening as he gazed at the horizon. "Maybe. But don't let that go to your head, Kael."

Kaerith grinned, turning to face them. "Too late."

Xolotl shook his head with a laugh, but the warmth in his eyes was undeniable. They didn't need to say it outright, but moments like these reminded them of just how much they valued each other.

"Alright, enough of this sentimental crap," Xolotl said, standing up and brushing off his pants. "Let's grab some food before Ren gets too emotional."

Ren rolled his eyes but stood up, following his friends. "You're the emotional one, you oaf."

Kaerith scrambled to his feet, throwing an arm around each of them. "And this is why we work, gentlemen. A perfect balance of chaos, logic, and brute strength."

"Yeah, yeah," Xolotl muttered, though he didn't shake off Kaerith's arm.

Ren sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Let's just hope we survive the next meal without you two starting a food fight."

The trio walked off, their laughter echoing through the park as the first stars began to appear in the evening sky.

The following day, the three found themselves in their usual spot—a quiet rooftop overlooking the academy grounds. The cool breeze carried with it the scent of freshly cut grass, and the distant sounds of students bustling below created a gentle hum.

Kaerith leaned against the railing, staring off into the horizon, lost in thought. His usual playful demeanor had dimmed slightly, replaced by a rare seriousness. Xolotl and Ren sat nearby, exchanging glances as they noticed the shift in their friend.

"You've been quiet all morning," Xolotl said, breaking the silence. He adjusted his position, sitting cross-legged on the ground. "What's going on, Kael?"

Kaerith hesitated for a moment before chuckling softly, though there was no humor in it. "Just… thinking about how much things have changed."

Ren raised an eyebrow, adjusting his glasses. "That's vague, even for you. Spill it."

Kaerith turned to face them, his arms resting on the railing. "You guys ever think about who we used to be? I mean… really think about it?"

Xolotl tilted his head, his blue streak catching the sunlight. "I think about it sometimes. But why bring it up now?"

Kaerith ran a hand through his hair, letting out a long sigh. "Because I wasn't always this person you guys see now. Back then… I was a nightmare. I mean, I was wild. Reckless. Dangerous, even." 

" you give yourself too much credit" Xolotl said with a playful grin

Kaerith's mind drifted back to those days. He remembered the chaos he used to thrive in, the adrenaline of constantly being on edge. The fights. The street battles. The way his name was whispered in fear and awe.

He had been relentless, like a storm with no intention of calming. People either wanted to be him, feared him, or tried to take him down. He carried himself with the intensity of someone who had nothing to lose, a walking hurricane of raw emotion and power.

There were nights when he would roam the streets, looking for something—anything—to fill the void he felt inside. He remembered the adrenaline of standing in a circle, fists clenched, daring anyone to challenge him. And when they did, he didn't hold back.

"I used to think being untouchable was everything," Kaerith admitted, his voice low. "Like, if people feared me, I'd finally feel… something. But it didn't work. It just made me angrier. Made me worse."

Ren crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "You're not that person anymore, Kael. People grow. They change."

Kaerith smiled faintly. "Yeah, but it wasn't just me. You two… you're the reason I got out of that."

Kaerith remembered the night everything changed. It was one of his lowest points, and it was Xolotl and Ren who had pulled him back from the edge.

Xolotl had been the one to physically stop him, grabbing Kaerith mid-fight and dragging him away, ignoring the punches Kaerith threw in protest.

"Enough!" Xolotl had roared, his voice echoing in the empty street. "What are you trying to prove? That you can destroy yourself faster than anyone else can? Newsflash, Kael—we already know that!"

Kaerith had frozen, stunned by the outburst. No one had ever talked to him like that before.

And then Ren had stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "You're better than this. You've always been better than this. But if you keep going down this path, you're going to lose everything—including yourself."

Kaerith shook his head, pulling himself out of the memory. "That night… that was it for me. You guys didn't just save me. You gave me a reason to want to be better."

Xolotl smirked, though there was a softness in his eyes. "Well, someone had to knock some sense into you."

Ren nodded, his voice quieter. "We didn't want to lose you, Kael. And we still don't."

Kaerith's usual grin returned, though it was tinged with gratitude. "You guys are the closest thing I've ever had to a family. I hope you know that."

Xolotl stood up, brushing off his pants. "Damn right we are. And we're not going anywhere."

Ren adjusted his earring, a small smile playing on his lips. "Now, can we stop being so sentimental? It's getting weird."

Kaerith laughed, the heaviness in his chest lifting. "Alright, alright. Let's get out of here before I start crying or something. I've got a reputation to maintain."

The three of them left the rooftop together, their bond stronger than ever, a quiet understanding passing between them. They didn't need to say it outright, but they knew—they'd always have each other's backs, no matter what.

—————————

It was lunchtime, and the trio found themselves in an empty music room. Ren was messing around on the keyboard, playing a smooth, soulful melody. Xolotl leaned against the wall, scrolling through his phone, while Kaerith rummaged through some old equipment, pulling out a mic and an old speaker.

Kaerith's eyes lit up with mischief as he plugged in the mic and tested it with a sharp beatbox rhythm. "Alright, boys. Time to settle this once and for all. Who's got the best bars in this crew?"

Xolotl raised an eyebrow, his trademark smirk appearing. "Oh, you wanna do this now? You sure you're ready to get cooked, Kael?"

Ren chuckled softly, his voice as smooth as the melodies he played. "Don't drag me into your mess. But if we're doing this, I'm not holding back."

Kaerith grinned, adjusting the mic. "Alright, then. Let's make it fair. One beat, three rounds. We spit, and we let the rhymes decide. Ren, you start us off. Show us what you've got."

Ren stood up, cracking his neck as he grabbed another mic. He waited for Kaerith to set a beat—something mid-tempo, with a soulful but sharp rhythm. As the bass kicked in, Ren's voice melted into the mic like butter.

🎵 *"Yo, smooth talker, the vibe-walker,

Keep my verses clean like soap and water.

I'm the architect, building lines from scratch,

Every word crafted—smooth, no match.

They call me Ren, no need for the shine,

My flow cuts deep, like a vintage wine.

Soulful with the bars, I don't need to act tough,

I'll sing you to your knees, and that's more than enough."* 🎵

"Alright, alright," Xolotl said, stepping forward as Ren sat back down, looking smug. "Guess it's time to bring some heat. Drop me a fire beat Kael."

Kaerith smirked and switched the beat, adding more bounce and chaos, a perfect match for Xolotl's high-energy style. Xolotl adjusted his mic and let loose.

🎵 *"Yo, chaotic energy, I bring that rage,

Every bar I spit, tear the roof off the stage.

Call me Xolo, the mic my domain,

Hit like a storm, can't contain this rain.

Off the dome, I don't write, it's instinct,

Rhyme sharp, cut quick, like a fresh ink.

Got Juice in my veins, Ski in my tone,

This rap battle? My kingdom, my throne."* 🎵

Kaerith grinned. "You already know." He dropped a heavy, bass-driven drill beat that would make projects proud. The moment his voice hit, it was like a force of nature.

🎵 *"Yo, Kael the menace, straight from the zone,

Heart like a wolf, I don't roll alone.

Used to run wild, now I run the flow,

Bars so lethal, got 'em hitting the floor.

King energy, I'm a god in this game,

in my soul, put respect on my name.

Drill beats, my canvas, I paint with pain,

Out here chasing wins, y'all chasing fame."* 🎵

As the final beat faded, the three of them burst out laughing.

"Damn, I gotta give it to you, Kael," Xolotl said, shaking his head. "You went hard on that one."

Ren smirked, leaning back in his chair. "I'll admit, that was impressive. But I still think my delivery was cleaner."

Kaerith shrugged, his grin wide. "Clean doesn't win battles, Ren. It's about who leaves the biggest impression."

Xolotl crossed his arms. "Alright, alright. Let's call it a tie. We all know none of us is backing down on this."

Kaerith laughed, tossing his mic onto the table. "Fine, we'll call it a tie. But next time, I'm coming for the crown."

Ren leaned over, smirking. "Good luck with that. You'll need it."

The three of them exchanged playful jabs as they packed up their gear, the music still ringing in their ears. It wasn't just about who won—it was about the bond they shared, strengthened by every beat and bar they traded.