The Vast Struggle

[Link Lyons]

"Alright, this is it..Go!"

This was the last match of the class, the whole class gathered to watch as two of the top students began to go all out. Link standing up watching in anticipation of a good show. Link placed his hands into his pockets and leaned back against the wall paying close attention to his students and how they all adored the following fight in front of them. The whole class inched closer and closer, their whole bodies and minds being enveloped into the fight as if they were dreaming of a future with themselves being at that level.

Link took a large breath and a large smile drew across his face at the view of the whole class being so interested. He felt as if he accomplished what he set forth to do, every student in this class had the motivation to keep moving forward and get stronger, not only for themselves but in such a style to help those around them. The whole class was in sync for this whole match.

The match nearly made it till 12 before both of the students were gasping for air from exhaustion, their legs both giving out on them at nearly the same time both dropping to the floor looking forward at each other. A quick chuckle coming from both of them as they both smiled and stood up. The match was over, they both pushed themselves to the limits of exhaustion and showed everything they could.

Link quickly took his hands out of his pockets and started clapping, the attention of the whole room quickly switching over to him. A large smile across his face he nodded gently and looked over the whole class he worded..

"Now..You have all showed me your potential and skill, I am glad to announce that I feel that everyone here has what it takes to have passed this exam. The few of you that barely made the mark will be receiving letters noting your need to continue this class next year to hold your passing mark. If you agree to this letter and continue to study under me you shall be passing this exam along with the rest of the class. That is all."

The students listened as their teacher send judgement upon them all, everybody smiling as a sigh of relief could be heard throughout the whole classroom. A few of the students knowing their place while still happy knew they were one of those students that did not do the best they could and already expected a letter of continuance. Link could see it in each of their eyes, it wasn't sadness or regret it was determination to get started already, to get stronger and advance further into the class next year.

The bell rang and at that moment class was over, the students all looked at themselves one last time. A few of them giving each other hugs as it was their last time in this school. They slowly took their time but soon all left the classroom, everyone waving back towards the teacher as they left.

Class was now officially over, Link sighed and sat down looking at the vacant classroom and thought to himself

~I hope all my classes go over this easily..~ Then the image of Mathios and Gail quickly flashed through his mind and a sigh left his mouth, his smile slowly fading ~Those two are going to be a problem.. tomorrow is going to be.. guuurgle gurgle Squuuiiick.....I'm..hungry."~

Link scratched his stomach and walked out of the classroom towards the teachers lounge to pick up his lunch. On the way he passed several familiar faces walking by him, several he knew were going to be taking his exam today as well. He picked up his pace of walking as his stomach ached him to eat sooner. Grabbing at the doorknob of the teachers lounge he walked inside to see a few friendly faces of the other teachers on break now.

One of the male teachers having a disappointed look upon his face looked like he had just been mentally bitch-slapped, the negative emotions crawling through his skin was sickening to look at, his lips slowly mumbling over and over something so low that Link could not hear it.

Link shrugged and opened the fridge grabbing at his lunch ~ah..Cold pizza..is the best~ he thought to himself as he took his lunch and proceeded to leave the teachers lounge as he could not enjoy it with that teachers mood filling the air. He decided to walk a little closer to the table that held the teacher in such a pissy mood out of curiosity. Upon closing in on the man he could hear the word that was being mumbled through his lips over and over.."Math..ios..Math..ios..".

When that name hit Link's eardrums he couldn't help but want to laugh yet feel for the man at the same time. He smiled holding in his laugh and grabbed at the doorknob opening the door to leave, stepping out of the classroom Link took one more look at the man and closed the door behind him letting out a chuckle just before the door closed.

"Hehe.. So I'm not the only one that kids gotten to. Mathios eh, tomorrow is definitely going to be interesting" Link said under his breath as a smile growing bigger at his anticipation.

Link thought to himself ~I just got to get through the rest of the day, then starting tomorrow I get to finally see what Mathios has got, not to mention Gail has to show me her true self as well.~

Grabbing a piece of pizza from his bag he took a large bite and continued onto the roof where he got himself mentally ready for the rest of the day.

Time went by quickly as the thoughts of the next day filled Link's mind. He quickly proceeded with the rest of the day, going through two more classes of motivated and devoted students. The day was coming to an end and tomorrow was drawing closer and closer.

The day drew to an end and the sun started to set, most of the school's students had already left. Link decided to skip the roof and get home for once. He had a long day to come and needed the rest for once. He walked out of the school passing a few lingering students along the way. Seeing devoted students always brought a smile upon his face, these students were still at school most of them studying late for the next day. He got to the courtyard and looked up at the sky, the sun now completely set and the first of the stars starting to become visible. Link walked slowly home, his place not but 20 minutes away. He lived in a quite area nustled in the big city not very popular for its shops but the homes were all ancient, it was more old fashioned and had yet to be terrorized by the ever expanding market. Link was happy with his place, it was a small one bedroom house at the corner of the neighborhood.

He got within view of his home and smiled, it was a little thing that did not look like much on the outside but inside was a different thing completely. He sped up his walking till he reached his doorstep, pulling at the doorknob he opened up the door.

"Ah..I'm Home." He worded as his body relaxed the moment he set sight on the fireplace. Link grabbed at a log and tossed it on the fire then continued to prep the fireplace for lighting. He lit a match and placed it in the fireplace, a slow rolling fire growing and filling the room with light and warmth.

Link relaxed and sat back on the couch, he leaned his head back and cleared his mind of everything letting the warmth take over.

The day came to an end and Link drifted off to sleep..

[Jin_Karyu]

Ten minutes to eat, ten minutes to play guitar and ten minutes to go back to school. It was asmost twelve by that time. Jin entered the school aiming directly to the library, through the mass of students coming out of the building.

Jin crossed some faces he knew, like this girl, whose name was missing in his memory. He first noticed her beauty and gentleness in his first year. She was helping a guy with his eyes covered, how sweet she was looking. How sweet they were looking, should he say.

What's with me and girls... I'm so sissy, i keep thinking about them instead of talking to them.

Entering the library, Jin walked between the stages to his usual seat. He noticed that Zeiven the booksman was here, like always. Jin liked that man, always asking and returning tranquility.

Jin studied photography for about 3 hours, took a break to go drink water and then finished studying for 3 last hours.

It was then 18:45 and Jin was ready for his photography exam. He headed the way of the class. At this time of day, there wasn't much people remaining in the school. All seemed to go to the same exam: Photography. Jin entered and sat at his usual seat. (He has an ususal seat in every class, and with the size he has, no one takes his seat... naturally)

The exam was so easy Jin knew he would have a perfect score. The whole time he tought about how to invite Ellie to the prom... officially. He thought his first time was shitty and he knew he should show the best of his abilities (social abilities) to have the best chances to recieve a positive answer from her.

Thinking about all these details, important details, Jin walked home peacefully, happy of this first day of exams.

I hope the three coming days will be as easy as this one. Man I need to get a girl... all I think when I see a girl I find attractive is "would she go to the prom with me?" If someone could read my thoughts he would say: "Damn this guys is a moron..." That would be kind of sad... Hopefully nobody has these kind of powers... eee I hope.

Jin entered his room, dropped his bag, ate some food and went to sleep.

My student condition is so bad I couldn't even invite a girl in this tiny room... Even I feel stuck in this place... Imagine if I had to sit close to a cute girl on my bed... I would die. See stupid, I can't stop to think about this situtation... I need to concentrate on my exams and... after... duh its the prom! I cannot take time after exams... I need to find a way... to... Stop thinking and get this girl right now talk to Ell... what?

Jin's eyes openned widely as he tried to explain himself what was that voice he just heard in his head. Like his own voice but coming from deeper than his mind. Some kind of primal instinct expressing itself through his thoughts.

What the fuck? What was that? Ok this is creepy...

"Is someone here?" asked Jin to his room... with a low voice, as he didn't want and answer.

Who talked to me, who is trying to tell me something... stop thinking and get this girl right now it said. Dude that's what I want! You're not helping me there...

Jin laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling.

It doesn't scare me though, some voice talking in my brain... oh shit, there's a voice talking in my brain. Maybe its just my imagination due to the lots of emotion and concentration of this day. It true that I worked hard... and I talked to Ellie, twice. Whatever is happening to me, a long night sleep can just help.

Jin closed his eyes. As fatigue slowly began to take advantage of his body, today's images flew through his mind and...

I NEED THE GIRL NOW!

Jin got up, sat on his bed and openned his eyes along as the light of his room. Jin moved his eyes to every corner of the placed and listened for any noise coming to him.

Was that a dream? I felt as if I was ready to jump off my bed and run to Ellie... to... make... ok now this is crazy... im going crazy, I am crazy already..... (..... is longer than ...) That is truly starting to creep my out. this thing talking to me, or THINKING to me... ohhh, wise I am, starting to understand I am... not at all knowing what to do I am. OK im tired good night brain dude.

Jin let his body fall back... he was greatly tired of this day... and just now he resisted against something, maybe a part of himself. He slept like a log. During the night he thought he heard something again in his dreams, or maybe in reality.

I am going to get what I want and nothing can stop me anymore

[Gail Carrington]

She sat up on her bed, leaning against the wall, hugging her knees. Glancing at the clock, she barely registered the time as 9:30pm, looking out through the sliver of window showing behind the blue drapes to confirm that the sun had set, that big yellow incandescent light in the sky switched off to be replaced by little white LEDs on a black ceiling of evening.

Unmotivated and no longer distracted by the bright flashes on the small handheld screen, her mind moved to unhappier topics. She felt tears stinging her eyes, but refrained from letting them fall. Despite her best efforts, her vision began to blur, and she heard herself sniff.

So…stupid…Can’t even stop myself from crying, I’m so-

She stopped her internal self-hating in the only way she knew how: tinkering. She moved herself up off her bed and to her desk, picking up small wires and bits of metal. Her fingers traced over the soothing, familiar grooves, eyes closed, the hint of a smile playing at the corner of her soft mouth. Slowly, the bits of metal rose, and sat suspended in the air in front of her. She moved them with her fingertips like one would move items on a smart board, gently sliding them over the invisible plane they were aligned on, turning them over with a gentle tap. She selected a few, grabbed some wire, and began threading it through, weaving little nets, attaching indicators where necessary. Her smile widened, testing the circuits with tiny shocks. Overloaded circuits didn’t trouble her; they were part of the learning process.

She worked diligently, her fingers twisting wire ends together, shoving them in compartments, until in half an hour’s time she was left with a small contraption. She christened it Helly, and switched it on. Four metal blades whizzed to life, lifting the small box off the table and into the air. She giggled as it flew around her.

“Helly, give me some light under my bed. I can’t find my other sock,” she said clearly, testing the voice recognition she’d installed, software she’d made for a class and now installed on everything she made that was compatible. The small device whirred and swiveled down, beeping in tones as the light on the bottom angling to shine under the bed. She dropped to her stomach and looked, seeing a plethora of discarded bolts, magazines, game cartridges, cereal boxes, pop cans, and, hiding behind them all, her missing sock. She grabbed it and sat up, letting Helly whirl around her fingers before deactivating it, the contraption falling lightly into her hand. She set it on the table, glancing out her window at the deepening sky. She was just considering starting a new project when there was a knock at the door, a knock she didn’t expect. She turned to it, blinking, and stood, turning the handle. She peered into the hall, security chain still in place.

“Yes?” she said to the boy standing there. She didn’t recognize him as anything more than a student. He was carrying a box, a note on top.

“Hi,” he said. He radiated awkward, but nevertheless motioned her to open the door further. He didn’t look hostile, so she did so, unlatching the chain and opening the door fully.

“Um…Jiji asked me to deliver these,” he said, handing her the box. She took it with one hand, the other still on the doorknob. She blinked, looking from the box to the boy, lingering too long on his face. He shifted uncomfortably, and she faltered, looking at her feet instead.

“Thank…you…” she struggled, her throat closing up as her face reddened. He excused himself, walking quickly, saying something about having to get to bed. She closed the door before she could fully hear his weak excuses.

I can’t deal with people at all, she thought miserably. Why is it every time I try to just act normal I end up doubting myself and proving to everyone that I’m a freak? I’m no good at being social, cept when I’m talking to…

The tears were coming again. She swore under her breath and set the box down on her desk, sitting down. The scrap metal was no longer an endless stream of imagination and possibilities to her now, just a heap of garbage. She set her head down, salty tears running down from the corners of her eyes onto the desk as she watched the red electronic display on the clock change from 10:32 to 10:33, then to 10:34, then 10:35, until she fell asleep hunched over in her chair.

The next time she saw was 6:45, as her alarm rang. Groggily she slapped the button on the clock and sat up, stiff and sore with a crick in her neck. Her eyes stung, and she groaned, remembering how she’d neglected to remove her tear-soaked contacts before falling asleep. She took them out, grabbing her towel with her other hand, and crossed the room to her personal bathroom: while most residents shared a couple group bathrooms per floor, Gail had received a suite, and a special unit had been installed to accommodate for her disability.

She started the bathwater as she put her contacts in their container for disinfecting, then began detaching her legs, slipping into the warm water once she’d finished removing them and stripped the rest of her. The warm temperature and surrounding caress of the liquid did nothing to help her grogginess, but helped ease the knots from her muscles. When she had finished, she lifted herself up with two bars, straining her arm muscles, slipping back into the tub a few times, until she sat on a special seat embedded in the side, massaging her stubs and scrubbing the grease off her stained skin. She struggled, stretching her arms to reach her legs. She felt herself wobble, unbalanced, but succeeded in grabbing the metal bracket that held her prosthetics, and reattached them, biting her lip almost hard enough to pierce skin as the nerves made the connection. She wiggled her toes, flexed her knees, and stood up, wrapping herself in a towel, resuming her daily routine.

It was only when she reentered the room that she remembered the box that had been delivered the night before. Curious, she walked over to her bedside table, opened a drawer, and felt around for her glasses case, opening it and slipping on the pair of blue-rimmed rectangular glasses inside once she’d found it. Vision restored, she walked over to her desk and picked up the package. An alluring smell wafted from it that she hadn’t noticed before, and she opened it, the small card on top falling as she did so. She bent to pick it up, eyeing the delicious looking pastries revealed inside the box as she removed the lid. She took one and bit into it, savoring the multitude of flavors that exploded in her mouth, and looked at the note:

You looked rather unhappy walking to your dorm tonight, so here are some treats from my shop. I can’t stand seeing students sad. These are imbued with some medicinal herbs that should make you feel a little better. Stop by sometime if you want to talk, no appointment required.

Please accept as an apology on behalf of all silly men.

-James “Jiji” Jirith, Counselor

Though the memory of yesterday began to sink in again, she couldn’t help feeling a bit better, smiling wistfully as she took another bite. She had never met the infamous Jiji, but he really must have been as great a counselor as the students said, if he went this far to make her feel better without ever having met her.

Shoving the rest of the pastry unceremoniously into her mouth, she pulled on some clothes lying around: a pair of rainbow socks, long denim shorts (the weather being too hot for overalls), her tool belt, her heavy duty watch (reading 7:48am), and a high necked, thin blue t-shirt. She combed her hair out straight, then tied it up in a ponytail, as she had done almost every day since she had hair long enough to do so. Slipping on her shoes and grabbing her bag, the pastries, and slipping the note in her pocket, she set out. She locked the door behind her, beginning her journey through the hallways in the frenzy of exams, down the stairs, and out into the sunlight for some fresh air before her Technology Optimization exam at 9.

TechOpti…Man, that’s not what I’m worried about, she thought, as the breeze played on her freshly cleaned skin. Self Defense…Oh, man, I’m so gonna fail. So, so gonna fail that. Hard. Why do we have to take SD, anyway? I mean…The teacher’s nice…but…The class…it’s so unnecessary unless you get attacked. What a world we live in! “How to not die when attacked by muggers” is a required class. It’s good for more than that, I guess. Like spousal abuse. Right, cause that’s positive…

She looked up at the overcast sky, light shining through, clouds drifting slightly, peacefully. She could smell a storm, the humidity in the air and the darker patches of clouds to the east were a giveaway, but it would be several hours. The wind picked up, rustling trees, and helped push the humid air around. Everything was very refreshing, including the pastry she took a bite of. Her mood, and thoughts, seemed to improve with each delicious bite.

Then again. I mean, SD’s good for workouts, and it’s helped me discover the capabilities of my Light legs… she patted the right one subconsciously as chewed thoughtfully. And you never know when you might have to defend yourself…It’s not like they’re making us learn martial arts, just basic stuff. I should…I guess…maybe…do okay?

Her feet had taken her across the yard, dewy grass sticking to her grungy pink and blue checkered sneakers, her thoughts so engulfing that she barely realized that she was less than twenty feet from Mathios, standing by a cute girl, looking slightly irritated…but more distracted than anything. He curtly turned around, hurriedly dismissing the girl’s presumed Prom invitation more quickly than usual, head rotating around to face Gail’s direction. His eyes were closed, as if he had a headache, and it gave her the time to bolt behind a tree and press herself up against it, praying that he hadn’t seen her.

All of the pain from her conversation with Mathios flooded back into Gail as the pastry fell from her hand to the ground in her mad dash. She couldn’t tell if he had seen her, but if he had, he’d chosen to ignore her and left anyway. She received quite a few odd looks as she stood with her back to the bark as if she were a character in a 3rd person stealth game…which was precisely what she was imitating, but completely irrelevant.

The wind billowed around her, flipping her hair around her face, the aspen leaves above her twisting wildly on their stems, the leaves flashing her face with light from the reflections in the dew. She held herself, suddenly chilled in the hot summer air, no longer refreshed.

He’s going to be at the SD exam…Oh god, he’s going to watch me fail…Not even that, but I might have to talk to him. Why did I open my stupid mouth?! Now I don’t have any friends. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

She pressed her palms into her eyes, fingers splayed on her forehead, all the comfort brought from breakfast receding at an alarming rate. She made herself move towards her exam room, arriving there with no further incidents, sitting down with a few minutes to start, staring out the window. It was five minutes into the exam that she realized she didn’t have a pencil out. Another five minutes passed, and she hadn’t begun writing yet.

“…Abigail?” Professor Samazoff asked, gently laying a hand on her shoulder. She looked up slowly, blinking, shifting her glasses back up her nose with a finger. Samazoff leaned down to look at her paper; hand sliding to the back of her chair, he looked her in the eye. “I don’t see any answers. Get on it, please. I’d hate to see you fail.”

“Yes, sir…” she answered dully, then began reading the question, eyes slowly flicking over the words, writing down answers that she didn’t have to reach for, a wash of disinterest and distraction all over her face from the ease of the questions, instead of her usual exam intensity.

The exam passed easily in content, but not in heart. Every few words, another unrelated thought flittered through her head, a worry or a concern, beginning as normal as Did I spell that right? and I hope I answered that fully, to What if this classroom suddenly flooded with carbon monoxide?. Eventually her thoughts became so dark that What are the possible escape routes in this room in the event of a zombie apocalypse? became stuck in her mind.

She got so wound up in that thought that she stopped halfway through the final question with forty-five minutes to go, pondering all the possible entry and exit points for a legion of undead creatures to enter from. She decided she would probably liked to have a few people from her SD class there with her, presuming they hadn’t already been turned.

Jin and Raeyn would probably be handy in a fight. Quick, strong, flexible and durable. Definitely Ookami, since he was one of the youngest Terra Ward agents ever, almost legendary with a gun. And then there’s… Her throat stuck as she thought of Mathios again, and simply resumed drawing on her paper with no real thoughts, too afraid to think, in case it made her gut feel worse.

Eventually, she was the last person there, staring at the doodles of zombies attacking the letters of the questions, not even noticing that the professor had been standing over her shoulder for five minutes, gazing down at her pictures with a deepening frown of worry.

“I don’t think you got the brains quite right on that one,” he said severely, pointing to a dismembered zombie attempting to eat the page number in the bottom right corner. She jumped and looked up at him.

“Sir, I…” she began, reddening with embarrassment, hands trying to cover up the doodles. The teacher moved his finger to the last question, which still remained unanswered.

“You might want to finish. Time was up a few minutes ago,” he said, then leaned back.

Hurriedly, she penciled in the remainder of the question and shoved the paper into his hand, eyes locked to the ground. He took it, frowning.

“Abigail…is something bothering you?” he asked. She shook her head no quickly, then slowed, the shake becoming a nod.

“Is it that obvious?” She looked up at him, eyes wide, shining behind the lenses of her glasses. He nodded gravely.

“Look, maybe you should go see a councilor. They can be really helpful with alleviating stress this time of year. Have you ever talked to one before?”

“N-No…”

“Perhaps Mr. Jirith, then. I know a lot of the students favor his attitude,” Samazoff suggested. The name rang a bell in her mind that she couldn’t immediately place, but she nodded.

“Right. Good luck with the rest of your exams then. I’ll see you at Prom?” he asked. She paused in her packing and shook her head again in silence.

“ACC, then?” He switched tracks without missing a beat. She nodded. “Well, that works anyway. See you then.”

“Goodbye, sir,” she said, nodding to him as she left. As she meandered down the hall, distantly wondering how horribly she’d shattered Samazoff’s opinion of her, she felt something shift in her pocket. Pulling out, she remembered where she’d heard the name Jirith, spotting the handwriting on the note that had been on the box.

“Jiji…” she said under her breath. He had been so kind so far, so considerate, and he was acclaimed by the student body. Without really deciding to, she headed off in the direction of his office, terrified but determined.

Perhaps, at the very least, he could give her another pastry.

[Zeiven]

As 5 o'clock rolled around, Zeiven woke up like clockwork. As usual, his eyes shot open and he sat up straight unceremoniously. He looked at his alarm clock and pressed the off button just as it went off at 5:01 AM. He scratched his head and combed his hair back with his hand as he got up. He preferred sleeping shirtless and sock-less but with his pants still on and undone while using no blankets, habits that had always made people laugh. He got up and stripped as he walked to the bathroom. A quick shower completes his wakeup and he pulled out a fresh set of clothes to go with his clean body. Afterwards he walked over to the kitchen and popped open his fridge. He pulled out an apple, an orange, a grapefruit, a cucumber, a pear, a peach, and a pair of cherries. All these fruit looked gorgeous, like something out of commercial. They had better be considering the price he paid for them at that organic shop he loved. His fingers found the tip of knife handle and he flicked it out of a wood block. He nonchalantly caught it with his right hand and laid down his favourite channelled cutting board. Putting the fruits on the board one after another, he peeled, chopped, and diced the fruits, tossing them afterwards into a container with some water.

By 6, he was stepping out with his bag on his shoulder and his glasses on his face to ward against the coming sunlight. With a quick jog, he made his way to the nearby bus stop he always used. He looked at his wristwatch and watched the second tick by to 6:15. As it came close, a bus drove down and stopped in front of him. He stepped onto it and scanned his card against the terminal. He was greeted the usual way by Sandy the driver, "6:15 again sweety". Zeiven nodded and responded with a subtle smile and his flat tone, "Your timing is impeccable Miss Sandy". She knew there was a stop nearer to his home then hers, but he always jogged the extra way because he liked how she was pretty much exactly on time every day. As he waited out the trip, he ate bits of the hastily-prepared fruit salad. As the bus approached the hill, he packed up his leftover food and walked up to the front door. As he stepped out, he heard Sandy shout, "See you at 9:30 hun!" He simply waved over his shoulder.

The walk up to the school was uneventful, few student beings out at 15 to 7. As he stepped inside the building he waved to all the cleaning staff he crossed. He crossed the boundary of the library within minutes and walked into the office. The others would be streaming in soon enough. The work pile was pretty much empty except for the few stray books that needed to be hunted down. He sat down at the front desk and re-opened his fruit salad pot. Another day of exam-ridden students to deal with. Oh well, the day will go by quickly enough.

[Juusho]

Reayn woke up to the familiar sounds he had been for the last two years. The sound of his master opening his door, opening the curtains in his window so the sun would set upon his face, then the sounds of pots and pans and other such cooking tools coming out of the cupboard they were kept in for the morning meal. It was just shy of 7am, the same routine, day in and day out.

Raeyn walked downstairs to the fresh smell of food, making his stomach growl.

“arrrr, yeah yeah, im gonna feed you, calm down.” He said, patting his stomach as he went and sat down in the dining room. “Morning Master!” he called into the cooking area.

“Morning, Raeyn. Sleep well I presume?” he said, sticking his head out from behind the little wall.
“As always. And yourself?” he asked.
“As sound as a baby.” He said, as he brought the first pan into the dining room.
“so, whats for breakfast today?” he said, as he tried to look into the pan before it was set.
“Eggs. Hope you don’t mind.” He said, placing the pan down on the heat pad in the middle of the table.
“Not at all!” Raeyn replied, digging in.

An hour had passed, and he had showered, dressed, and gathered his things for school.

“Master, Im off!” he said, as he opened the door.

“Good luck, and remember what I’ve taught you!” he replied, as the door shut behind Raeyn.

As he arrived at school, he spotted a couple of his fellow classmates for the 9am exam walking into the school. He didn’t know them by name, but he recognized their faces. He continued to walk past them as he approached the meeting spot his group of friends had pre-determinedly set up. No one had arrived yet.

“First today, eh? Not so bad.” He thought to himself as he set his bag down, and sat on the floor, watching people pass. It was barely after 8:15. 15 minutes pass, and Ellie, Reyu and Kale show up, at the meeting point.

“Morning guys, ready for the exam?” Raeyn asked.
“As much as I can be.” Reyu replied, smiling.
“The exam is on the fourth floor today.” Ellie said, pointing at the exam board.
“Well, lets go. We’ll do a little studying in the classroom.” Reyu said, leading the way.

They arrive shortly at the class, being the first ones there, and took their respective seats. Each cracked out their books and started to ask questions to one another until other students arrived, and finally the teacher.

“Good morning class, I hope everything has been well for you so far this exam week.” Said the teacher, Mr. Keyar. “Today’s exam is as most others have been, and im sure you’ve heard the rules over and over. After an hour and a half, you may leave. Good luck, you may begin.” He said, passing the exams to the students, watching them open them in haste, and attack each question.

“Heh, this will go well.” Raeyn thought to himself, smiling and flipping the page to his first question.

After an hour and a half, Raeyn was sitting back, looking at his exam, revising it to see if he had left anything out, missed a question or could add anything to his exam. He double and triple checked it, then got up, and promptly left, saying a farewell to the teacher and wishing him good luck, and exited the classroom. He looked to his left, and saw nothing, then to his right, and nothing again. Nothing but corridor, anyways. He took a seat on the floor, opposite side of the hall, just to the right of the class, for when Ellie and company finished the exam, they could head out.

Another half hour passed, and Ellie and crew came out of the door, looking pleased with themselves.

“Finally, took you guys long enough.” Raeyn said, poking Ellie verbally.
“Yeah yeah, mister smarty-pants.” Ellie said, smacking Raeyn in the arm.
“Ow! Jeez, not so rough.” He said, rubbing his arm, with a smile on his face.
“Anyways, whats the plan now?” Ellie said, turning to the others.
“Well, We have Economics at 5, we can go study for that in the library. Plus, I have a book to return, so it’d knock two birds with one stone.” Reyu said.
“Alright, lets go then. Meet at the library entrance.” Raeyn said, leaving to go to his locker.

15 minutes later, everyone regathered up outside the Library.

“Alright, now that we’re all here, lets go.” Raeyn said, opening the door for everyone to enter.

As they entered, they noticed the library half full. Not that bustling seeing as the only other class is at 5, besides his self defense course at 2. As they entered, they saw Reyu go to the front desk of the library, to the right of the entrance.

“Hello Mr. Zeiven, im here to return my book.” Reyu said, pulling out his book from his bag.
“Alright, Hand it here then.” Zeiven replied, keeping his speech simple, almost uninterested in the student at all.
“Alrighty then, here you go.” Reyu replied, as he handed over the book and his student card.
As he handed the book back, Zeiven scanned it with the library return scanner, marking the book as returned, and tossed it into the pile of books, scanned his card to clear the book from his file, typed a little bit into the school computer, and then handed his card back.

“Anything else you need?” Zeiven asked, in a disinterested tone of voice.
“Nope, have a good day sir.” Reyu said, as he walked off to rejoin the group.

As Reyu rejoined the group, they headed off to the far corner of the library, where it was the most quiet, and quickly set up. Snacks, drinks, books. Everything they needed to study. And before they knew it, time flew by.

“Alright guys, my Self Defense course is coming up.” Raeyn said, pushing his chair back, stretching a little after sitting for so long.
“Good luck, hope you win.” Reyu said.
“Yeah, do your best.” Ellie said, as she handed him a snack. “Eat something, so you wont tire out.”
“Thanks, have fun guys, ill see you in two hours!” Raeyn said as quietly as he could as he walked off.

“Self Defense, eh?” he thought to himself. “That means that im gonna be with those guys. Mathios, Jin, and Gail. This should be fun.” He smiled to himself.  “I know that Mathios is good, though he doesn’t care for the class. Gail is.. well, she’s special. But she is strong, if you push her enough. And Jin is just well, clumsy, I suppose. But he is strong, and I shouldn’t under estimate him at any level. I just hope things go well.” He went over in his mind, as he arrived at the class. “At any rate, I give it my all, and that’s that.” He said, opening the door to the gym, entering and changing into the proper clothes.

He proceeded to sit down in the corner of the gym to await the others. There was 15 minutes until the class began now.

[Jin_Karyu]

I need to wake up

Jin openned this eyes in a flash. The thought he heard in his head was clear and loud. It was his toughts, it was him. The Jin that was born the day his parents died. This voice was his own, in his own mind. No doubt. But was Jin controlling those thoughts? He could not tell.

Jin looked at the clock on the small table beside his bed. It was eight.

Strange... Whatever, this is the easy day of the week. Research procedures at nine, open books exam; SD at two, like I really need to worry; and Forensics at six, this course's exams are for retarded people. Maybe its the best day to go talk to Ellie... yeah.

Jin's last thought gave him a smile. He got up, went to the washroom, did his morning cleaning routine, dressed, ate, took his bag and stopped before opening the door. Jin looked at his guitar.

Maybe Ellie likes music... maybe not. If dad was here he would say something like: "Don't look gay in front of girls, my boy." Man sometimes I loved that man. I hope he's ok where he is... Guess I should do this for him, if he's watching me right now. Or maybe...

Jin had an idea. This idea was so great he thought about it for half a second. Jin dropped his schoolbag, openned it, oppenned his guitar case, put his books into his guitar case and went through the door with his guitarcase strapped to his back.

Oh yeah... I don't want to be you when my geniousness strikes dear... Jin let out a loud laugh filled with joy. "This day is gonna rock I can feel it"

Jin walked to the school like always, and like always, Jin saw students where they belonged... on the school grounds, talking among themselves.

Jin was walking smoothly towards the school door when he noticed this girl with biotic legs. She seemed in anguish, on the edge of falling into tears.

She is in despair, I must help her. Her name is Abigail, she is in my SD class, everyone knows her... without knowing her, I never see her with anyone.

Gail turned back to a tree like if she was hiding from something, or someone. And what a coincidence, this weirdo in my SD class, Mathios, was on the other side of the tree. Some girls behind him looked like they had a bad experience talking to him just before. Jin was walking directly to Gail when Mathios crossed his way. Jin didn't even look at him. The one that deserved attention was Gail. But before Jin could get to her, she turned away and went inside, faster than him. Jin decided to let her go.

What was I going to do anyway... Why did I go her way anyway... What is happenning to me anyway. I feel strange.

Jin was the first to enter the classroom after the teacher. Mr Saron was the teacher of 3 courses Jin had; Research procedures, Law and police apps. and Investigation. He was the kind of teacher you could talk with. He has a great human sense and a vast knowledge, a true man. Jin went to him.

- Hi there sir! said Jin first.
- Hey, good morning Jin, are you ready for the exam? replied Saron.
- Yeah, I didn't study as much as always. I have personal problems these times.
- Well, if you say you're ready, you should be ok. I know you always get good marks. Can I help you with something? Maybe you would like my opinion on something?
- Well thanks for asking sir. Actually you can help me.
- Well feel free to use my advices, said Saron.
- You see sir, I need to talk to this girl, in one of my classes. She's really cute and all and I want her to accompany me to the prom night. I want her to see my real self. Any ideas?
- Hum... this is interesting boy. My only advice is: go to her, tell her exactly how you feel, truly sincere, and if she like what she sees, she'll accept. If she doesn't accept, well she isn't the kind of girl for you, since you were honest with her in you way to be.
- I see, thanks a lot sir, answered Jin.

As students began entering the classroom, Jin went to his seat and put out his things. Mr Saron welcomed every one in the room and the exam went on. Jin did as good as he could to be the most precise possible, since the exam was about precision and elaboration.

At twelve precisely, Jin handed in his copy, bid farewell to his favorite teacher and followed the flow of talking students going out of the room. After few seconds of reflexion, Jin went to the school's cafe, bought six sandwiches and ate them while heading to the library, where he could mastermind his plan.

Jin entered the library, Zeiven was there but gave no sign of interest to the student coming through the door, as usual. Jin went to sit to his usual seat when he saw from the distance that four people were already sitting at his table, eating and studying. It was Raeyn, Reyu, the silent guy and Ellie. Fuck! This Raeyn is sitting in my place, im gonna kil... talk to Ellie ...ight now

Jin began walking toward the table and suddently turned left to a table near, where he could watch over their table through the holes in the shelves while being hidden behind them at the same time. He sat back to them.

Damn, I was going to talk to her without a plan... this is unlike me. Plans to look so gay again...

Jin took out a pencil and a sheet and began scribbling ideas, words, things. Jin went on for one good hour and ended with a serie of ideas. Jin was about to get up when he saw Raeyn passing by and going to the door. The clock was showing 12:40, Raeyn must have been going to the SD exam.

Jin got up, took his things and walked to HIS table. Slowly but with a decisive step.

Damn I'm nervous, I need to cool down, stay sharp and relax. I need to talk to Ellie.

Jin went to sit at HIS place under the questionning looks of his friends.

- Hi guys, greeted Jin to his three companions.
- Hi Jin, said Reyu, what's up?
- Actually I would like to talk to Ellie alone, if none of you would mind. Jin was looking at Ellie for an answer.
- Sure, maybe we can take a walk then, I feel like moving those legs, answered Ellie, trying to hide her puzzled feeling. I'll be back boys.

Jin followed Ellie outside the library. Jin then started walking near the steppes to the higher floor.

- How are you today Ellie?, asked Jin looking at Ellie.
- Fine, I'm happy to find the time I need to finalise my preparations for the finals, answered Ellie, without looking at Jin.
- That's great, I hope you get the marks you deserve. I know you work hard, I see you sometimes.
- And you Jin, how's you day? returned Ellie, finally looking at him.
- Well, I'm starting to have some strange feelings.

Ellie's eyes betrayed her sensation about this answer. Suprise mixed with anguish. That's it she doesn't want. Jin was feeling as if his own body betrayed his mind and his mind betraying his body at the same time. He was unable to continue thinking or expressing himself. I WILL express myself.

Jin spoke quickly and without interruption, like if someone pushed him to talk: "I have trouble sleeping because I hear myself thinking out loud my deep emotions. It frightens me because this will is almost out of my control, on the contrary, it controls my body and mind, like if I was a slave to this part of myself. I feel uneasy around girls and I have problems approaching them and expressing myself correctly. Right now I feel like a fool, I can't concentrate on my exams, I had problems sleeping, I can't stop thinking about you... and... and... I don't know anymore."

The silence that followed was extreme. Like if Jin's ears closed or refused to work. Ellie's face first expressed absolute surprise, her eyes staring at his. When she understood what Jin said, she looked down and opened her mouth to talk.

- I...
- I would feel great if you would just reconsiderate my invitation to the prom, quickly interrupted Jin.

Ellie looked back up to him. Her eyes looked like they were shaking, maybe because of fear or surprise. She paused and reopened her mouth.

- Well...
- I would like to have some time with you... together... time to share with you... to know you better, interrupted Jin, slowly and gently putting his large and strong hand on the side of her small and bare shoulder. Only if you feel fine about that.

Ellie's face went gradually from astonishment to hesitation and then to distraction, still staring into Jin's eyes, like captivated by them. Her eyes were searching for exlications, or truth or anything. She was about to open her mouth again when Jin interrupted her again, but slowly and calmly. This time he had a smooth and reassuring voice, like if his mind's voice had let place to his heart's voice.

"I would like to keep you close... to look for you, for your safety... I need to have something from you, even if its just a true smile... It's beyond my control."

A second after this sentence, Ellie's face became peaceful. More than peaceful... more like pleased. Her eyes slowly began to shimmer with water. She then grabbed Jin's wrist, the one that wasn't on her shoulder.

- It's the most touching thing someone ever said to me, said Ellie. She wiped off her tears with her hand and smiled to Jin, looking into his eyes.
- Wow, I can't believe it... I actually said something nice, replied Jin.
- I will give you my answer. I most gladly accept your invitation to the prom. Ellie added a small reverence to the positive answer Jin was waiting for.
- Thanks Ellie, I think I'm even more happy than you, said Jin, laughing about his joke.

They laughed together for several seconds, both happy and relieved that this uncomfortable moment had passed, also letting go of the other's body part. Suddenly, Jin looked at the clock in the corridor.

- Oh crap! The self-defense exam is in six minutes, I have to go, said Jin, turning towards to Ellie.
- Well, run big guy, you better not be late, I won't go out to prom with a delayer!
- Can we meet here again before your exam? asked Jin, ready to pounce down the stairway.
- Of course, no problem. But please don't tell Raeyn about what happenned, I wan't to tell him, he's my friend after all.
- Don't worry, take care.
- You too!

Jin jumped down the stairs and began running to the SD classroom.

What did she mean, he's my friend after all, what does he have to do in this? Whatever, I don't need to worry, I believe in her honesty, her eyes weren't lying. Don't worry Ellie I'm here now.

[M.H. -Zero-]

“So……m…..a…”

“Mother….. where are you?”

“…S…o…..ma…..”

“Mother…Mother?! Why are there flames everywhere?!”

“ …S..o ….m….a… ”

“What!? Mother I don’t understand what you’re saying?!...please do go!, Don’t leave me…”

“ …Soma….!”

“Huh, what?!” Ookami head sprung from his pillow, awakening from the dream he was having. He sat up on his bed, “Hmmmm… this dream keeps coming back sometimes….but why? Is it to remind me of what I promised her before she….” He clenched the hand supporting him up on his bed into a fist. He began to remember thoughts that he wished could escape him. Things he had seen, and wished, he could un-see them.  He turned his head to look at the clock a on his desk. It read 6:33 A.M. His eyes closed in a sigh of relief. “Well… time to get up I guess. If I go back to sleep for a bit I’m scared il never wake up in time.”

He began with his usually early morning training routine consisting of 200 sit ups, 50 pushups and doing the split against a wall for 20 minutes. Ookami then proceeded to take a nice hot shower. It usually took him fairly long because of the time it would take to wash his hair. Untied, unlike the usual ponytail it is, it reached him almost at the start of his legs. As the water would fall on him, thoughts would continue to occupy his mind, about the previous day. “ Dammit... What did he mean in all that? What does he know about terra ward exactly?  Does that make him an enemy? Hmm… I need to find out more about him, but how? I wonder if Terra ward has any background info on him…“. He turned the water off taking his towel with him and wrapped it around his waist. He walked to the sink inside his bathroom, and whipped the foggy mirror above it. His eyes stared back at him as he looked into the mirror. They were always in the same color they have been since he was young, glowing a goldish yellow.  They remained sharp, as if a look from them can piece your very soul. Staring into his own eyes reminded him of the stare he was given the day before, a stare he would not soon forget. That chilling stare, one so cold it seemed that the very liquids in his body had turned to ice. As if he was staring into the eyes of Medusa, herself. “What the hell was up with that guy’s stare, anyway? And they think MY stare is frightening...”  After drying off, he proceeded to dress up for school. He tends to wear the same usual things: Black sleeveless shirt that just fit him perfectly, usual jean jacket with the collar popped up and the sleeves rolled up, his grayish black jeans, ah beaded necklace with a pendent attached given to him by Aya on his 15th birthday, and finally, his wrist band which no one had ever seen him take off before with the silhouette of a howling wolf on it and the word “Argent” inscribed under that image.  He stepped out, putting on his black running shoes. “Aya said she needed to bring back a few library books this morning. Well, its only 7:30 so we have plenty of time.”

Ookami proceeded to the main elevator, where he was expected to meet Aya in the main lobby. Today their happened to be a line to take the elevator, although Ookami knew not the reason to why so many people were up this early to work. Was there an emergency perhaps? Ookami waited in line and tried to listen to the conversations the agents and office worker were having regarding the problem. Luckily the two lab workers in front of him were discussing just that. “so did ya here what happened? I heard there was some sort of breakthrough in the main systems mainframe. I don’t know if they determined the cause of it, if it was some sort of virus or a hacker trying to break in. I just hope they get it fixed soon or else this will cause problems for everyone here.” Ookami began to ponder upon what he just heard. “Hmmm… a hacker or virus… That would be a bit unlikely. Terra wards computer mainframe should be equipped with the latest and most powerful anti viral program to date. Even a hacker would have problems breaking through seeing as its nearly impossible with the amount of security they’d have to breach…something’s up.” The line continued to move slowly but surely and Ookami had reached his destination point. By 8:30 they had arrived to school. Aya and Ookami proceeded to the school library to return a few books.

“Hello Mr. Zeiven, I got some books for you.” Aya said cheerfully

“Alright, ‘kay thanks.” Replied Zeiven, almost ignoring her while he continued the work on his computer. He took the books and tossed them into the return pile. “Need anything else?”

“No that’ll be all. Thank you, have a good day, sir. Hope you quite smoking.”  She said teasingly.

“Good day.” He responded while turning his eyes slightly towards them. They turned back almost immediately.    

After exiting the library, they decided to head to their classroom for their first exam of the day, history of art. “ Sigh… Another exam that most likely not serve any purpose in my life, greeeeat,” thought Ookami, sarcastically. “That Raeyn guy is in my class though. I hope he didn’t say anything about yesterday. If he did, I’d have to find a way to silence him, and I don’t even want to start thinking about how.” The duo made their way inside the class hoping they’d be the first ones in, but surprise surprise, Raeyn and his friends where already there, studying. Entering through the door Ookami had stopped and looked into Raeyn’s direction. Raeyn turned his eyes towards him and looked at him for a second, and then turned back to continue studying. "He doesn’t seem to be the type to talk shit about other people. Let’s just hope it stays that way.” Ookami went to sit next to Aya, at the usual window seat.              
 
Not too long after the teacher had finally showed up once all the students had arrived. The exam began shortly. “Well, aren’t these questions pretty easy and straightforward, piece of cake.” After the teacher had finished telling him the questions, he began to answer them immediately. Within a mere 50 minutes since the exam started, he had answered all the questions. “Too bad I still have to wait for half the time to elapse before I can leave. Well at least it gives me a reason to wait for Aya to finish. She looks to be struggling a bit.” He looked at Aya as she was twirling her pencil between her fingers, her way of showing that she was deep in thought. The time had reached 11:00 and most students began to turn in their papers. Aya had turned hers in shortly after and Ookami followed pretending he had just finished as well.

“Wow, that test was pretty brutal. I think I sort of messed up part 2 though… oh well”. They headed to the usual spot outside next to the tree they would sit next to while eating lunch. Some of Aya’s school friends had met up with her shortly after. Sam was there as well, but things were still awkward with her and Ookami so he stayed silent as always and sat there against the tree to relax. Sam would sometimes look back at him and then turn away when someone would talk to her. “I really hope she doesn’t actually have feelings for me cause it really wouldn’t work out. She an average and perfectly normal girl, and attractive on top of that, but I would be the problem in all that. It’s not just with her either, but with any girl for that matter. I guess that’s one less distraction from missions at least.” The chatter continued  for a short while until 30 minutes before the next exam, Self Defense. In Ookami’s case, he did not have this exam because of his “special condition”, but Aya still did. He desided to tag along and watch as a form of moral encouragement for her. She wasn’t the best fighter, but at least she new some basic self defense and tricks she picked up from both terra ward and Ookami as well. People began to depart there separate ways as Ookami and Aya reentered the building.

“Hmm, I wonder how self defense is gonna be. Both that girl we saw yesterday, as well as Mathios, are in that class and both seem the least productive from anyone else. I hope the teacher won’t put them against each other cause of it cause it would be awkward for the poor girl.”  They stopped off where the changing rooms were. “You wait here, I’ll be out in few minutes.” Ookami went to lean at the wall closest to him, like he always did. “Hmmm…so Mathios is in this class, eh? This will be a good time to see what I’m dealing with here. I know he’s fast already, but how does he fair in combat?...”.

Five minutes later, Aya stepped out of the changing room. “Alright I’m all geared up now, time to go. Wish me luck, okay?” Ookami nodded at her. They entered the classroom. Aya took her place to ready herself as Ookami went to lean on the wall across from the students in the classroom.                    

[Zanibas]

The lone sound of a teapot was all that could be heard in the room labeled "Mr. Jirith". No hard knocks on the door. No frantic children fretting in the hallways. No counselors doing their best for poor broken souls. This was typical of the second day, where all the students of the Institute were now in full motion. Most of the people who couldn't handle the stress were taken care of yesterday, and wouldn't come in waves until the day of prom. Thus all was quiet until the storm.

James looked at his assignments roster. Empty, clean, unsmudged. No footsteps were coming down the hall, no feet were sounding through the stairs. However, two teacups lay upon the tabletop, awaiting to be filled with Earl Grey. Although there was no one expected today, James knew that someone would be expecting him.

A slow drag sound filled the hall.. The rhythmic slide of shoes on hard flooring, unwavering in its slow and automated beat. Slide. Slide. Slide. The sound of legs dragging a body forward, towards its user's destination.

The rhythm stopped, ending right behind the door. Moments passed without the door opening. Only a slight creak of posture could be heard on occasion. It was only when James opened the gateway himself did the rhythm of life start again. Slowly but surely, he revealed himself to the girl who was secretly awaiting him.

A blonde girl, with brown eyes focused on an indiscriminate part of the floor. She twiddled her thumbs, apparently stuck in a thought process, as she failed to notice the counselor's initiative.

"Well hello Abigail, how are you?" James said, gently smiling at the superfocused girl.

Abegail suddenly returned to this world, signaled by a slight gasp, followed by a deep shade of red covering her face. "Yyyy-yesss." she said, darting her eyes every place except for the man in front of her. "How are you, Mr....Jirith." James could feel the social nervousness in every part of her body.

"Please, call me Jiji. Have a seat over here, won't you?" James said as he gestured towards the nearby chair.

The girl stuttered, "Of course. Of course," as she exercised her legs to see her to her seat. She still was jittery, anxious, and above all else, awkward. It was like she had a cold.

"Please wait a moment as I serve us something to calm you down." James closed the door, and instinctively grabbed his clean handkerchief from his pocket. Picking up the nearby tea brew, by practice he poured the correct amounts of tea for one session evenly between the two teacups. "Sugar? Pastry?" he said, gesturing to a white jar and a couple of pastries respectively.

"Just a pastry...thank you..." said the awkward girl. Her leg was shaking, progressively growing more and more intense as the seconds passed the clock. Any more and it would start rattling the table.

"Please, drink up before we begin. The tea will help you, trust me." James then proceeded to take his own sip of tea, enjoying every drop of the brew. The girl soon followed quietly. In a slow gradient she turned from an approaching nervous wreck to a calm, yet slightly jittery person. Her blush subsided, and her inner earthquake now a slight dull rumble. She finally saw the face of her helper, and at that moment, their eyes said hello as they crossed momentarily. She saw the green eyes of a brown-haired man, whose gaze told of a maturity well beyond his 25 years.

"So tell me," James interrupted as their momentary gaze broke, "What brings you here on a Tuesday?"

With her terror faded, the girl spoke with more confidence, albeit softly, saying, "It's just...I want to first thank you for your gift, Mr. Jir---I mean, Jiji." Although her voice was a soft whisper, her words were sincere. "It's amazing how your food can do that to people." She smiled a bit, and took a bite out of her glazed medicine.

"Oh it's nothing dear. Anything to help out a crying face." he joined in her smile, taking comfort in his work. He passed her another glance, a bit longer. "Well, now that you're here, would you like to share what...Mathios did to bring you here?" His voice rang of experience, hinting,It's okay, you don't have to share.

She got the message. "Well sir, I don't really feel comfortable talking about it, about the situation and all, about Mathios..." she began to lose control again at mentioning his name, and another inner earthquake and sniffle began. However, another gulp of tea and bite of pastry subdued the effects. Her eyes barely held back any tears from spilling. She squirmed subtly in her seat. Despite medical consumption. It seemed Mathios had really done something this time, unlike the others who'd be at complete calm after tea.

He spoke slowly. "Listen...Gail. May I call you Gail?" her head nodded. "Well Gail, remember that you're in control of what you say. I'm only here to listen to the things that caused to to come here." He paused to take a breath, adjusting himself in his seat. "I understand well if you don't want to share anything, and that's absolutely fine." another moment of pause. "However," their eyes met for a third time, with James holding her gaze. "correct me if I'm wrong, but...you do want to say something else other than thank you."

"Well, first..." she paused, and broke the gaze to look at the floor, "Why?"

"Because it was the right thing to do, Gail." he connected another gaze. "Lots of people ignore things that they can fix, and it makes me sad. Even though I don't know you, when I saw you crying because Mathios was being...Mathios..." another pause. "...of course I want to help. So why? Because it's my job." a final pause. A sip of tea. "Because I hate to see kids cry."

Gail began to sniffle again, but not because of Mathios. James poured her another cup of tea as she quickly gulped down the first. She was still jittering though.

"Can you hold out your hand?" she complied. They shook hands. She calmed again.

"I have no idea how people react to my random acts, or how much they actually need the help. However, it's better to do something than stand at the side, even though people might not---"

"But I liked it." she interrupted. "I don't have many people who would...do that. So when a random person like you..." she stopped. "Thank you." A moment of silence followed, with James knowing well what was coming next.

"You see...thank you for not talking down about Mathios. Mathios is like you said, Mathios. He's hard to understand, but he doesn't have bad intentions. He's a good guy, and he tries really hard at life. It's just..." her voice trailed.

"Just?"

"Just that, although he makes me cry, although he's not the most social person, he's leaving me, and...and..." her tears began to well up, ready to be let out. She took down another cup of tea, and finished her pastry.

"And?"

"...And he's the only friend I have!" she let out with a small whisper. Tears were raining on the desk now, with no more sweets or tea to calm her. She shaked quietly, her head hanged, her face red with emotion. She began to get up, ready to escape her troubles again, ready to avoid embarrassing herself in front of another person.

That is, until she felt a gentle push downwards from her two shoulders, from two hands asking her to stay seated. It wasn't a forced push, but a gentle nudge to sit. She looked up, and Jiji wasn't sitting at his desk.

James stood there, placing his hands on her shoulder as she released her emotions again. A couple of minutes would pass until he would say his thoughts.

"Gail, anything I say about your situation, you probably know, and anything I advise to you would sound shallow. All I can really say is..." his voice lowered in pitch. "...I'm listening. You're not alone in this anymore. I can't say I'm your friend. That'd be rude. I won't say you shouldn't be afraid of being alone. That's impossible. I will say though...that you won't ever be alone."

Gail was still sobbing, but it was clear that she was now listening with intent.

"Gail, I place my hands on your shoulders, feel your shaking, and I can tell that you've had it rough. However, I feel your empathy for others, your caring. You're a good person Gail, and I doubt that you'll be alone for long in the future. Life just dealt you a bad hand." James let the statement sink for a moment. "Are my hands bothering you?"

"No, it's fine." she whispered, her watery face slowly regaining control, speaking away from him.

"I mean this in two ways. One, there will be people to support you, who like who you are, and two...there are people out there who are going or have gone through exactly what you've had."

"There are plenty of people who'd enjoy your company, it's just that those people fade in comparison to those who...don't. I'm sure Mathios is a great person for you to hang around, but he's not the only one." James grew his voice. "He may pass out of your life, he may not. But don't ever think that he's only going to be the only one. He may be your first and only friend, but he most definitely isn't your last." he gave the now sniffling girl a soft two pats on the shoulder. "and I would bet anything there are plenty of people sure to come. Just know that you're not the only one who's experienced this. Trust me. I know"

Another quiet moment passed, his hands still on her shoulders as she eventually recovered.

"Now, the next set of classes are going to begin soon. I hope you have a nice day, and if you need anyone to ever listen to in life, just give me a ring." he passed back around to the back of his desk, smiling as the quiet girl got up and began to walk through the door. She paused at the doorway, and twiddled her thumbs.

"Thank you, Jiji."

"Stand up straight, be proud, and good luck on the rest of your exams!" James exclaimed with a newer energy. "Oh, and take this!" he tossed her a small bag filled with tea bags and pastries. "They're both fresh, and I labeled which ones have medicine, so enjoy them soon!"

The rhythm of life began again in Gail, and moments passed as James watched as a straight-postured girl slowly walked forward in life once again.

[Link Lyons]

Yaaaaaaaawn~ The unfocused view of an upside down fireplace slowly focused itself as Link awoke. His whole body stretched out length wise across the middle of the couch upside down with his feet in the air. Placing his hands upon the floor beneath his head he rolled backwards flipping himself slowly onto his feet.

Link took a look around the room then began his daily routine to the bathroom to clean up scratching himself along the way.

Yaawn~Letting out a second smaller yawn Link worded in the middle of the yawn "So todays the daaay~" A smile quickly arched up the edges of his mouth right after the yawn finished.

Link then began stripping off articles of clothing as he reached the bathroom throwing them to the side along the way till completely ready to hop into the shower. Grabbing at the door knob of the bathroom door Link swung it open and took a step inside..

"I~Oh. Hi Kaoru~"

Link excitedly called out as he quickly glanced at her bare body, the light glistened off her pale skin, her long dark hair flipping to the side as she turned back to greet Link with a smile upon her face "Oho~Awake already" She casually looked across the nude figure in front of her and turned on the water for the shower her lips parting slightly as the water poured down her body quietly wording

"So you joining me or are you just going to stand there?"

 The smile upon Links face quickly tilting to one side creating a slightly perverted grin before hoping into the shower after her with haste. He then let out a large stretch as the water hit against his shoulder.

~This is Kaoru, another teacher at the widely famous High Collegial Institute of Saka. One of the more popular teachers known for her looks but widely famous as well for her cold rejections to any come on as well, known to be some what of a secluded woman. Not much is widely known about her by the public as she keeps to herself often. She teaches a last year technology class, Link doesn't ask her too much about work as she has always showed a need to separate work and fun. Kaoru and Link share a very casual relationship and show no real signs of it changing. She holds a key with her to his place that she uses to stop by whenever she pleases.~

Link relaxed his stretch laying his hand upon Kaoru's shoulder and then slipped his other hand down her front side, Link felt a sharp pinching against his backhand and removed his hand from her body as she turned her head still smiling and responded "Not this morning Link, if you cant tell im going to be late for work already, my water heater decided to stop working today and I had to run over here to get a shower" Link's face quickly changing to display a pouty sad puppy look causing Kaoru to start giggling.

Kaoru finished up with her shower with haste and hopped out grabbing at the nearby towel laying across her pile of clothing and toweled off still holding an honest smile, a slight tint of red flushed her face as she looked back at Link in the shower looking over her. She grabbed at her pile of clothes and darted out of the bathroom getting dressed into her knee length skirt and loose long sleeve white tee as she walked down the hallway. Link could hear as her words echoed into the bathroom

"I'll make it up to you tonight if I am not to tireeed"

~But shes...Always tired work nights......~ Link thought to himself before laughing out loud. "Aha..Ooookay!" He yelled back.

He heard the front door close behind her, "Well that was interesting" Link stated to himself and took a deep breath turning off the water as it had already gotten cold. Link then shook his hair dry as he stepped out of the shower and grabbed at the used towel drying himself off. Link then felt something drop onto his left foot, he looked down to notice a frail pair of panties..

"I..ha..hahaha!" Link quickly began laughing as he picked up Kaoru's panties and walked into the living room grabbing at his work clothes pushing them deep into his left pocket

"Shes definitely going to have an interesting day..haha."

Link got himself dressed and stepped out of the door looking up at the rising sun.."ah..This is going to be a very interesting day indeed".

~I dont have but two classes today, starting with that class. I should pick up something to snack on..~

On that mental note Link took to the streets and began walking, not to far from his house was an old fashion ramen shop. Not the most popular place to eat but was secretly known for its perfect taste and homely feel to it. Link stopped by for a bowl and stayed around to converse with the shop owner about old times.

A few hours went by and Link took a look at the clock ticking ever closer to noon upon the wall and stood up declaring his leave

"well man, I gotta get to my students aha"

The ramen shop owner turned his head and waved following Links words "Take care and keep out of trouble!, Try to get some me some more business why dontcha!"

Link continued "Ha! You treat me like im a student myself, also will do my friend!" he then turned his back and began walking towards school.

~I should be barely making it to class on time again~ Link thought to himself, a small smile of deviance slipping from the corner of Link's mouth. He then picked up haste until reaching the courtyard of the school, he looked up at the schools large structural clock showing 15 minutes to spare.

Link's pace came to a crawl as he pushed his hands all the way into his pockets staring up at the clock in front of the main entrance of the school thinking to himself ~This is it..~, a sudden shock of surprise shivered through his left hand pulling him back to reality, the feel of Kaoru's panties snapping him back to reality.

"I should definitely get these back to her!" Link spoke out loud with a rather high tone, looking down at his left hand he had subconsciously pulled them out of his pocket in the middle of the courtyard, a dozen students or so taking attention to him and several or those students started laughing. Link pushed the panties back into his pocket and let out a chuckle of his own while he looked around at his current situation.

~No time to be bothered about embarrassment!~ He started walking with haste, words quickly darting through his head as he himself darted towards Kaoru's classroom.

Upon reaching the door he looked inside, Kaoru acting completely ordinary as if she hadnt noticed the missing essential clothing article. Sitting with her legs crossed in the corner facing a now empty classroom. Link tapped against the doors window getting her attention Kaoru's whole body turning to check on who got to class 13 minutes early for exams.  Upon noticing Link's smile through the window she quickly rose with surprise standing to her feet. Link opened the door and walked inside looking around to make sure nobody was around, he walked closer to her and placed his hand upon her shoulder. Link then explained..

"You..Forgot these"

Kaoru looked down to see her panties sliding out of Link's left pocket quickly being dispersed into her right hand. Just as her panties reached her sight Kaoru's whole face flushed with a cherry red color. Link smiled and kisses her on the nose before noting

"I need to get to my class now, have a good day Kaoru~" Link then turned around and picked up his pace opening and closing the door behind him in a hurry.

~ I'm gonna be laaaaaate!~ He thought to himself looking at the clock at the end of the hallway displaying 11:56 ~Best pick up the pace!~

[Gail Carrington]

The only explanation was that he was a telepathic alien accidentally landed on Earth, born on a faraway moon as a prince of kindness and empathy, crashed here like a psychologist Superman to help the struggling students of the world.

Had he undone years of conditioned awkwardness and mental damage? No. Had he made her a social butterfly who would no longer fear taking to people? Of course not. Had he suddenly made life seem bearable for the time being? For sure.

Mathios was still stuck on her mind, yes, but in a distant, less totally crushing kind of way. Right now, her biggest concern was the SD exam, and with her head tilted down and a determined smile fixed on her face, that no longer seemed like an insurmountable mountain, either: just another challenge.

A challenge I’m bad at and will probably fail, she thought, slowing. She felt the insecurity start to creep back into her, but shook her head forcefully, earning some strange looks from the people around her as she smacked her head a few times with the heel of her hand. No, don’t think like that. I am not worthless, I can do this, I’ve paid attention to the lessons and I know what to do. I don’t even have to win, I just have to do well enough to pass.

But what if you get Mathios as a partner? A little voice taunted at her. She grimaced, then set her face again. It doesn’t matter. I just have to survive the next couple hours and I’m home free. Mathios or not, I’m not going to let anybody fail me.

She blinked in surprise at her own resolve, the feeling of confidence that she only got and turning her stomach into a tight knot of excited anticipation. She couldn’t help but giggle and break into a run towards the change rooms.

“Hey Ookami! Good luck on all your exams!” Gail said as she passed him outside the girl’s locker room; she was so cheerful, she’d just picked the closest person she recognized and spoken to them, casually! She realized this as she closed the door behind her, heart pounding. What was she doing?

Oh god, he must think I’m a freak now! He doesn’t even know me that well, oh, what am I doing? Is this how you’re supposed to be sociable? Maybe, but it’s gotta be weird to see me do it...Bet he’s all freaked out and-

“Hello?” a voice said, ringing in the nearly empty change room. Gail’s heart beat faster as she realized she wasn’t alone.

Of course, that’s why Ookami’s out there, waiting for his friend. Why else would he be hanging around the girl’s...?”

“Helloooo? I thought I heard someone come in...” Aya asked again, poking her head around the bend leading into the larger room, hair down, a confused smile on her pretty face.

“H...Hello,” Gail said timidly, having lost all her resolve that she’d had moments before out in the hallway. Aya’s head disappeared behind the wall again, though her peppy voice continued.

“Oh, Abigail! Hi! Ready for the exam? I’m kind of worried...” she voiced.

“You...mean I’m not the only one?” Gail asked, stepping into the larger area. Aya laughed aloud, but spoke before Gail could run away from shame.

“Of course! We all are. I mean, I’m not that great at this class...And my last exam kind of sucked...” a discouraged tone began to seep into her voice. Gail blinked at her slender form, her long-fingered hand with blue nailpolish loosely holding her navy gym shirt, her shoulders slumped, her face troubled...

“You’ll be fine!” Gail blurted. Aya looked up in surprise. “I mean...I mean I think you’re pretty good, you’re quick and know how to get behind an opponent...”

“You watch me fight?” she asked, pulling her shirt over her head. She no longer looked miserable, but eyed Gail curiously.

This normal conversation thing is hard...I bet I sound like a creep, she thought to herself, blinking furiously behind her glasses. She took them off and cleaned them on her shirt in an attempt to get Aya’s attention focused off her face.

“Y-Yes...I think you’re better than me...” she mumbled.

“Oh, no way. I bet you’d be really good if you tried!” Aya said, the awkward flying out of the room. She started stripping off her pants, revealing cute little blue panties, which Gail had to avert her eyes from, feeling a faint blush creep into her cheeks.

“Tried?” She said, setting her glasses down on the bench, a little grateful that, with her vision blurred, she could no longer see the model-like girl stripping next to her in great detail; she’d been reduced to a blue and flesh colored strip of blur on a canvas of gray stone, tan bench and dark tile.

“Yeah, even Mr. Lyons thinks you don’t give it your all. Are you afraid to?” Aya asked. Gail unbuckled her tool belt and searched unceremoniously for something to hang it on, the metal hook blending in with the bracket behind it. Once found, she pulled her shirt over her head, the back catching on her ponytail and forcing her to tug harder. She could hear other voices echoing around the room as more late arrivals rushed in.

“Give it my all? Um...No, I try...” Gail answered, removing the rest of her garments and pulling her SD clothes out of her backpack.

“But do you try your best? I think Mr. Lyons can tell, you know.” Her giggle cut through the other chatter of “OMG”s and “I’m so gonna fail”s, a clear, innocent sound. She was such an honest, kind person that Gail couldn’t help but laugh a little too, feeding off her warm energy.

“Yeah, I agree. But he’s a good teacher then, if he pushes us to do our best.” She could feel herself relaxing as she slipped on her shorts and shirt, putting her glasses back on to find Aya sitting on the bench, arranging her hair so that it wouldn’t get in her face.

“Oh, definitely,” she said, as she finished putting her hair up. She stood, brushed herself off, and nodded at Gail. “Well, I’m going to try my best, and you should to! Maybe we’ll get paired together! Good luck!”

And then she was gone, leaving Gail with the flurry of chatter from the other girls, who eyed her legs like tourists surveying food at a market at a foreign country. That might have been just because Gail was hungry, though, and she cursed herself a little for having nothing more than pastries and tea before a physically grueling exam.

She bounded from the room; Ookami had left his post, presumably with Aya. She made her way to their special classroom, spotting Aya waiting ready, Ookami leaning against the far wall waiting for her.

He’s a lucky guy, to have a friend like her... Gail thought as she took her place, hands shaking a little. She closed her eyes, partially to help calm and focus her...but partially because she wasn’t sure how she’d react if she saw Mathios. The anticipation grew, but Jiji’s words echoed in her mind. "There are plenty of people who'd enjoy your company," he’d said...

Could that be true?

The seconds ticked by slowly, her finger subconsciously tracing circles around the screws on her legs, eyes still shut, as she waited for the exam to begin. Foot steps echoed in the hall, and her eyes slowly peeled apart to see Jin hustling inside and taking his place.

[Link Lyons]

Link took a sharp turn at the next hallway grabbing at the corner of the wall throwing himself around the corner peeling off the hardwood flooring and continued at his extremely fast and most lively pace. Ahead of him to the left lied the teachers lounge and 2 minutes away the rest of the class awaited his arrival...

"Alright I'm gonna make it to class on time for o~"~Gruumble~"nce!..Fuuuu!"

Link hastily turned and grabbed onto the doorknob of the teachers lounge flinging open the door and rushed to the fridge, he then tugged at the fridge door ripping the door off its hinges and grabbing at his bag of cold pepporoni and beef pizza. Link pulled a slice out and took a bite carrying the bag with him as he dashed out the door in a flash.

Link with a piece of pizza hanging from his mouth came blasting down the last hallway the gym within his eyes reach. The gym's doors held wide open as usual until class were to start. Link sped up his pace to the max creating a blur of what little others could already see running past them. Barely 10 feet from the doorway Link stepped on the breaks causing him to slide against the hardwood flooring of the hallway before giving out to an abrupt stop against the carpeted flooring of the renovated gym.

"I~~~m...*Link looked up at the clock in the gym*..Late!"

..Link quickly put up a large smile as he looked across the whole classroom, the tension in the room quickly dissolving to a less troubling level of so. The class seeing the teacher still being his old self even on an exam date showed to be quite a relief to them all. Well..Nearly all.

Taking one last look around the classroom Link noticed a few things wrong, first being the normally cool and collected Gail that usually by now showed signs of "lets get this over already" and "I got better classes I could be at right now!" had her eyes tightly closed, although not very noticable to the public around her she gave off a very troubled vibe, her whole body showing signs of strain and stress. The next and quite likely the most troubling problem of all..Mathios..Was LATE?!? Link shook his head diverting his attention from the allerting attention of Mathios's absence and began his usual classroom checkup, checking in on all the students and their physical conditions.

Link has always payed close attention to every one of his students and although they were all showing signs of stress from the obvious reasons Gail seemed to be troubled a lot more than nessisary for such a thing. He quickly walked through the room sifting his way left and right checking on each of the students. Upon reaching Gail he slowed to a stop before her causing her eyes to open as she knew the teacher was in front of her.

Link's eyes met with Gail's. "Are you Al.."~Guuurgle~.. Gail's face flushed cherry red at the sound coming from her stumach and she quickly diverted eye contact.

"..Hey Gail" Link worded trying to get her attention again, the class around them too busy talking to themselves and gossoping about "the missing student" to pay any attention to her. Link called out to Gail one more time, this time successfuly getting her eye contact again. He then placed his snack bag of pizza in front of him offering it to her as he quitely stated

"We cant have you not being at your best today, this class is your last chance to show you have the courage to show me your best. I think we both know you have something special about you that you cant be honest about but today you cant let that hold you back. Today, you will have to show me everything you got."

*links right hands pointer finger lifted up pointed at Gail's upper chest as he spoke, a small spark arching off the tip of his finger connecting to her core from their shared affinity.*

Link smiled as he finished talking.

[Mathios]

   A soft clacking sound came from the entrance of the dojo classroom. The already busy room suddenly took  a dive in sonority as it happened, attracting the attention and raising eyes and heads in the same manner as someone speaking when everything is silence. Among those turning heads was the teacher's, in the same movement raising himself to his feet to face the cause of it after giving a quick look to Gail's attention and lifting a finger, demanding a moment. As he shifted his feet to turn, some low voicing of monosyllabic surprise erupted softly at two or three instances. The teacher's eyebrows frowned slightly, claiming the appearance of pondering more than aggravation, as he caught in his sights the one responsible for the subtle commotion; a hand on the edge of one of the double doors,  Mathios was standing and still in his transition from closing the door behind him to walking into class, slowly turning towards the inside of the room. As he finished his rotation, his head came up, like the hauling of the anchor of deep thoughts, eyes slightly and very briefly widened and lips allowing the trespass of an audible breath of surprise and met the eyes of the teacher and students all at once. The teacher's were motionless and the student's were locked to him in an interior turmoil of eagerness to understand and perfect astounding surprise. This was the first time in all of his academic progression that Mathios was late.

   In the split second that it took for contact to be made around everyone's gaze to his form, he averted his eyes to the side of the classroom, his eyes dropping a few inches in his own gaze like ghosts of thoughts and the blurry veil of a minute embarrassment  as he began to walk around the mat stage to the entry podium on the side of the room. He was wearing his usual attire for the Self-Defense , quite out of the ordinary. While there was no dress code in any context at the institute except in laboratory settings of chemical science and only very vaguely in physical education classes, most students chose durable, comfortable clothing in the shades of white or mixing them with blues. And while the students wore clothes that made perfect sense of the uniformity of the class without even discussing it amongst themselves, Mathios seemed to accidentally and perfectly naturally break it. His choice of uniform was composed of long black pants that flowed in open cuffs, folded in vertical lines along the legs, fairly loose and clearly demonstrating great freedom of movement, reaching down to a height that stroked the top of his feet, which were always covered from the start of his toes to the ball of his heel and up to his low shins in white combat bandages. At his waist held the soft belt integrated in his pants which only partially showed the bow through the opening of a long sleeved, equally black shirt that recalled a lot of Hinatian culture in its properties. The shirt itself was kept closed in the front by frog buttons in the same shade and that reached up to the neck to maintain a collar that extended almost to chin-level. The sleeves were pulled back over themselves at the end, ending slightly past the wrists and giving a moderate band of white in a cuff-like manner. Even in physical education classes, Mathios was never seen wearing anything but long sleeved shirts and pants, to most people's curiosity and some other's dismay. As he started his walk and pushed against the door for acceleration with his right hand, spread out against the oak doors, it showed to also be covered by the same bandages as were found on his feet, unlike his left one which was devoid of covering of any kind.

   Initially, Mathios didn't even pay attention to Ookami who was standing against the wall right next to the door.  Slowly his bright blue eyes glided back to the floor in front of him, his face clouded in a mask of profound thinking and the taunt of confusion in his eyebrows, baited but not quite attained, his spiky and fine black hair bobbing at every step he made that connected with the floor. As he made it to the entry area, he stopped and his eyes raised, deep and serious as they immediately plunged inside the teacher's, the classroom still severely silent. He stood there and let his eyes stare at Mr. Lyons for a moment before the one concerned pronounced only a simple nod, his eyes still focused and applied, as he turned back to Gail. Only then did Mathios step up on the elevated mats. As he did, seemingly freed from the pressure of the teacher's observation, his attention then traversed the classroom's eyes, most of which looked away or went back to their friends' faces and immediately restarted conversation or instead began to whisper. He walked behind the line of people from the advanced class, already seated in a line before the large fighting area of the mats facing the doors he just entered, towards his seat, second in line between Jin's, who was first, and Raeyn's. As he walked behind Gail his eyes slightly drifted to her but swerved back in front of him, as if countered by his own regain of concentration. He sat and looked at neither of his neighbours, who were already seated, and looked straight in front of him.

   This was a bit much of new material for the classroom to absorb all at once, many a thing was off in this scene. Usually Mathios, while being absolutely uncompetitive, appeared cheerful in SD class, and the teacher, while unavoidably eventually irritated by his lack of apparent serious will to defeat his opponents in class, always greeted him relaxed and pepped. This occurrence demonstrated none of those variables. None of them even spoke a word to the other attention.

   Added to the complexity of understanding what could possibly be going on in the student's head, the bandage on his hand was immediately noted as something reaching out of the ordinary. Whispers fleeted at half-ear from time to time with speculations and iterations: "Did he hurt his hand? How does that happen?", "What's with him all of a sudden, it's not like him... think even he's worried about the exam?"

   When he sat, he closed his eyes momentarily before opening them again. As he did, he caught sight of Ookami, still standing next to the door. His eyes darkened in an ever so slight frown as they opened at eye level with the spectator before traveling a small distance above the observer's head, unwavering,  his eyes half uninterested and half aggravated, the vessel of thoughts apparently running through his head without rest. Properly seated, his feet under his thighs and hands resting on those, he appeared like nothing could shake him from the train of thought. As he stabilized his gaze on the wall ahead of him, his hands slightly grasped at the cloth of his pants. There was nothing else to do but to wait.

[Link Lyons]

Link smiled as he finished talking then took a turn and swiftly walked back to his seat in front of the class, an all too serious look upon his face as he spoke out to the whole class.

"Today you will all be tested. This is your last day to show me you all have exactly what is necessary in body and mind to pass this class. Remember, I am not here to judge you solely on fighting skill alone but your own determination to survive and pure will to pull more out of your bodies than you have every dreamed possible."

Link turned his attention towards the Advanced class continuing to speak.

"As you all should already know by now, there is more to our bodies than we can even comprehend we all have a precious energy inside many consider Ki, although in this day of age many of you probably scoff at the idea of such nonsense I believe that believing in something greater in yourselves is the key to never limiting your own abilities. The ability to focus that energy and channel it to good use is what we are here for. I believe you have all learned how to fend off an opponent, you have all learned how to use your own energy to protect yourself and those around you.

Today is the day you prove me right to believe such things."

Link stood up and directed his attention back towards the general Self Defense class.

"All those in entry level Self-Defense stand..and"

The room grew with the noise of a dozen students swiftly getting to their feet and the chatter of a curious few who knew not what to expect. All those who were left sitting were Jin, Gail, Raeyn, Aya, Mathios. Ookami watched on not to far from Aya's seating near the back.

"meet the teacher thats going to be judging you!"

The many entry level Self-Defense students showed their obvious dislike for the idea of another teacher judging them, and on such a serious matter as thier Exams too. The room quickly filled with mumbling students chattering back and forth.

A timid voice echoed through the doorway "H..hello everyone ^-^" A 26 year old woman standing in the doorway wearing floral dress.

A big grin grew upon Link's face. "You should all know her but just in case, everyone meet Nurse Lin"

The loud chatter of the students quickly died as many of the male students became captivated at the womans cuteness.

"Cough Cough~" Link quickly tried to break the nervious tension in the room before continuing to speak. "She will be writing detailed analysis on each and every one of you during your sparring matches. Oh and yes you will be sparring just in case you did not get that part. This last test will be to show you have learned everything you can from me. Those of you that pass and show high potential will be getting an extra letter asking for your approval of taking the advanced class. That is all, everyone please go to the outside sparring grounds and await further instructions from Lin"

The class showed mixed emotions about the current situation as they scuffed out the door in a semi-orderly fashion, the echoing conversations and joking about how one was expected to consentrate with such a distraction near them.

"Oookay, well now that thats settled I can now get down to business. You will all be sparring as well, your partners have been chosen by me from what I beleive is a decently even match-up. Everyone please stand and pair up  against the back wall as I call out your names

Aya Vs Raeyn

...You May Begin!

Jin Vs Mathios

...You May Begin!

..and Gail Vs~Me.

...Start.

[Gail Carrington]

“Th...” she began to say, as Mr. Lyons handed her a bag of cold pizza, the flush from her face increasing as she wrapped her fingers around the paper bag. Her voice was cut off, however, with a strange feeling that flooded to her core, a curious tingling sensation that made her breath catch in her throat, made her blink furiously as if blinded by a bright light. She closed her mouth and wet her lips with her tongue, still blinking as she shook her head slightly to clear her thoughts.

That was weird... she thought, then looked back up at her teacher. She opened her mouth to answer his smiling face, but his eyes suddenly darted from her to the entrance behind her. She turned to follow his gaze to see Mathios entering, mysteriously late, exuding the tiniest embarrassment, taking his usual seat two spaces down from herself. She had expected her eyes to well up with unbridled tears at the sight of him, but they didn’t. Perhaps it was overwhelming curiosity of his unheard of lateness, or the strange vibe she was getting from him, but instead of being upset, she was filled with concern and a wanting to know more, especially about his bandaged hand. Her eyes lingered on that for a moment, before she turned back around to face Mr. Lyons, opening the baggy full of food as she did so.

What happened to his hand? Is he going to be able to fight today? When did that even happen? It was fine yesterday... She pulled out a piece of pizza and bit into it’s meaty, slightly chilled deliciousness, tasting the pepperoni and cheese, rolling it around her mouth as she chewed. She allowed herself a glance in Mathios’ direction as he sat down, swallowing and taking more, slightly ferocious bites.

At least I can look at him now. Thank you, Jiji! But still, what if I have to face him? Well, if I can look at him, I can fight him. Better if I don’t though. Why are all these teachers being so nice to me today? First Jiji, now Mr. Lyons? Well, I suppose Jiji isn’t a teacher, really. But still. Hopefully -

Her thoughts cut off with a tiny gasp of pain as she bit her finger, misjudging the size of the last bit of crust and crunching her fingers instead. She nursed them in her mouth, reddening at the look Raeyn was giving her from her left. She quickly crumpled up the paper bag, but not knowing what to do with it, loosened her grip and stared at the floor instead.

The room was tense, she could feel it now. Everyone around her was nervous, in some degree, for this exam, even those at the top of the class. Despite Mr. Lyons’ easygoing attitude, a feeling of apprehension filled every molecule in the room, charging it with an intense energy. It was so unlike her other exams: this energy was full of life, movement, the calm before the storm, adrenaline and sweat, a kind of contact that was absent in all other exams. The mock fight for life, literally in the sense of the class, but also their last chance to show the teacher what they really had.

“Today you will all be tested,” Mr. Lyons began. She turned her eyes on him, listening as he dismissed the novice level students away with a rather nervous looking teacher, before he turned his spirited eyes back on the five higher level students. She followed his direction, along with those around her, to the back wall, balling up and throwing her paper bag into the nearby garbage bin as she did so. Her heart pounded harder in her chest as he surveyed them.

“Aya versus Raeyn!” he announced first. Her heart thumped.

That leaves...Jin or Mathios. Oh my god, neither of those choices are- she started to think. She was cut off by Link’s second assignment.

“Jin versus Mathios...” he said. Mr. Lyons’ eyes ran over both boys before falling on Gail. Her head swiveled around in confusion.

“Bu-” she started, but her question was answered by the teacher’s words, spoken through an encouraging, but challenging, smirk.

“Gail versus...Me.”

She could have died right there. The world phased for a moment as her confusion melted away to sheer nerves. There would be no hope of BSing something and hoping he’d miss her failure from a distance. Her head began to droop, her eyelids closing, but as she heard the high pitched cry from her left as Aya and Raeyn began to fight, her heart beat slowed. Aya’s kind voice of encouragement echoed through her mind, then Jiji’s. Even Mathios’ odd words from over the years came back to her, little compliments or comments that strengthened her resolve.

“...Didn’t you hear me?” the man before her said. She blinked and shook her head. “I said ‘Start’. You phased out. Not hungry still, are you?” he asked, concerned, a little frown on his face. She could feel his disappointment, see it in the lines of his young face, the echo in his eyes.

She would not disappoint anyone today.

“Ready?” she asked. Mr. Lyons blinked.

“What?”

“Are you ready?” she repeated, slowly easing away from the wall, toes curling into the floor beneath them.

“Yes...?” he said, looking at her with both apprehension and confusion, the flicker of excitement in the questioning syllable.

“Good,” she said, directing her face to the ground. She closed her eyes for just a moment, feeling her confidence within.

Then she snapped her head back up and charged. Mr. Lyons raised his hands to block from the front, but she sprang onto her right hand, darting around him, past his left side. His head swiveled, but not in time for him to catch the leg that jabbed out at him, knocking him in the arm and pushing him back a few feet. She lost her balance on her hand and fell, hard, feeling the air rush from her lungs, but she didn’t care; she’d hit him.

She heard his familiar jovial laugh as she quickly stood up, and met his eyes. There was no disappointment in them now: despite her failure to land properly, he had clearly been impressed by the maneuver, but even more so her decision to even attempt it.

So she tried again. She met him head-on this time, remembering from his lessons that repeating the same move twice in a row was a good way to lose; once the opponent learns your fighting style, it’s just a matter of time. She threw weak punches in his direction, easily blocked, but their eyes stayed locked, a growing smile on each of their faces.

“You can do better than this,” he growled at her through his grin.

“You bet I can,” she said quietly. She suddenly dropped down on one leg, lashing out with the other, knocking him off balance. He toppled, but this time managed to grab her leg with his own pair during his fall, and twisted her body face-down on the mat.

She struggled, but his legs were a vicegrip. However, from this angle he was also just as incapable of continuing the fight, so he sprung away far more quickly than a man of his size should have been able to, and was charging her again with an open-palm strike before she could fully stand straight again. The impact of the attack should have been enough to knock her flat on her back, but her Light legs whirred beneath her and locked, keeping her on her feet.

She took the look of surprise on her teacher’s face as a vote of further confidence, so she sprang around him from her crouched position like an Olympic sprinter, attempting to pin his arms behind him. She got one, but not the other, and he spun, elegant as water, and caught her across the back with a firm chop. He twisted his wrist as she coughed air out again, regaining control of it while simultaneously gaining control of hers. Her eyes widened as she felt her arm be pressed up against her back, in the position to break (though nowhere near the angle or pressure needed to).

“Good fight,” he said. He sounded a little out of breath. She struggled a little, feebly, before relaxing, a calm expression overtaking her face.

“It’s...”

With a single mental command, her legs moved impossibly below her, acting as though they weren’t attached to a human being at all, but were rather independent organisms. They flattened and gave way, dropping her instantly. She felt her arm start to pull out of it’s socket as she fell, but the hand that held her opened with surprise as she dropped to her belly. Her legs spread quickly into near splits, knocking Mr. Lyons’ legs apart and sending him toppling down on top of her. His hands snapped out to catch himself, landing on either side of her body, to break his fall. He rolled off quickly, but she was already on her feet, fists out, face red and coated in sweat, eyes drooping with fatigue.

“...not over,” she said, panting heavily, but eyeing him with a determination to keep on. It was clear that she had over exerted herself: the acrobatics she’d preformed were no easy feat, and she had been relying too much on her upper body for support. Though her legs stood sturdy and as fresh as they had been when she walked into class, her arms and fists drooped with the expended effort. Her right shoulder was also in pain, and her shortness of breath from so many falls and his hit to her back was leaving her in a wobbly position.

“Come on!” she challenged, visibly swaying. The teacher before her relaxed his stance, took a few steps towards her, and set his hand on her head.

“It’s over, Gail,” he said, in a tone of gentle finality. She blinked.

“But I can keep going!” she said in a rush. Her eyes and jaw set simultaneously. She felt her second wind surge inside her, her and Mr. Lyons’ hair standing on air with the sudden surge of electricity. She backed away and started to open her fist, the distinct crackle of electricity and sparks flying around her fingers.

Half a second later, she felt a smack across the head, almost playful, but it knocked her focus flat out. She swayed, despite the light impact, which was a curious sight, with her legs perfectly in the fighter’s stance but her torso and arms leaning heavily to one side.
 
“It’s done. Watch the other matches,” he said. The look in his eye told her that he had caught what she’d been about to do. She looked down in guilt, but he tapped her shoulder to make her look up again. He said nothing, but lingered on her face a moment, face now full of pride. She glanced up past her bangs to the hand he still had on her head, smiled tiredly, then walked over to a prime viewing position, close to the wall, where she could observe as the other pairs battled for their passing grades.

[Juusho]

With a quick look around the room, he walked with Aya to the far end of the class, away from the mini fight with Link and Gail, and looked around to see where Mathios and Jin would end up.

"So, you ready for this?" Aya asked Raeyn.
"I suppose so. But I warn you, that my aim in this exam is to pass, no matter what, which means I will come at you with everything I got, and all at once. I figured it'd be fair to warn you ahead of time." he said, looking at her square in the eyes, readying himself, as he stretched.
"I wouldnt expect any less. And I plan to do the same. I have no intention of failing." she said, stretching herself as well.
"Good to hear. Let me know when your ready, and we will begin." he said, standing in his ready position, four paces away from her.
"Ready when you are." she said, readying herself, putting up her regular defensive posture.

As that happened, Raeyn charged forward, sending a sweeping kick to her legs, from the right side. She quickly jumped to the right, as the legs passed under her, then sending a quick kick to his side. Raeyn quickly responded by rolling away, scrambling back to his feet, hands on the floor, reading the situation. As quick as he had scrambled, she had charged forward, sending a chop at his shoulders. He layed flat on the floor, then quickly flipped himself forward, sending his feet up to kick her in the shoulders. That hit landed, and the first blow of the exam had hit. As his feet had made contact, she quickly countered the weight, grabbed his ankles and flipped him over on his stomach, and then twisting his left ankle and holding his leg extended fully with the weight of her left foot on his lower back. Raeyn twisted in pain, but countered by quickly hitting the back of her right leg's knee, causing her to fall over a bit, and struggled free, and then backed off, getting up.

"Skill does not lack on your part, friend." Raeyn said, wiping some sweat from his forehead.
"You dont lack any either. Your a good challenge." she replied, imitating the movement.
"Ready for Round Two?" he said, in the ready position, awaiting a reply.
"You know it." she said, already ready for anything.

This time, Raeyn charged, slicing at her head, which she easily blocked with her arms. Just as easy as she blocked him, she pushed him back a bit, and swung a kick at his head. He blocked that, and then dropped to the floor, kicking at her knees. He missed, barely, and she landed a solid blow to his side. He quickly rolled away, grasping his side, and then got up. He didnt wait, he charged her again, with a different strategy. He started to slice, and just as she put her gaurd up to block, he dropped to the floor, again, and swept her feet out from beneath her. She squeed a bit, as she was taken by suprise, and then he had her right arm in an arm bar, holding it there. Try as she might, she couldnt get out, and submitted, tapping his leg.

"Hehe, good shot to my ribs, that hurt." he said, as he got up, holding his side.
"You gonna be alright?" she said, as Raeyn gave her a hand up.
"I should be okay, but its gonna need ice after this exam." he said, rubbing the back of his head. "Either way, lets keep this going, before I stop too much where I start to feel this."
"Sure, no problem." she said, backing up.

Round three began, and they were starting to get tired. So far so good, they had each landed only one blow, and it was interesting to watch from Raeyn's point of view, where they could keep up at this rate. But now wasnt the time to appreciate, he had an exam to conduct. And so, with that, they went at it again. This time, though, things would turn out differently. As Aya charged Raeyn, he dropped down to the floor, and shot out a kick straight up. Aya easily deflected the blow, side-stepping most of it. Raeyn's following response was to kick with the other leg, after shifting his weight from the first deflection, and that time, it worked. His foot made contact with the lower part of her ribs, winding Aya, almost instantly k.o'ing her from the impact. She crumpled to the floor, and Raeyn scrambled up to catch her. Just as he caught her, she came to for a bit.

"Sorry about that." he said, making a sour face.
"Its all good, it was a lucky shot. Not your fault." she said, smiling.
"Guess this means I win, technically." he said, returning a smile.
"Yes, yes it does. Though that wasnt the purpose of this exam, congratulations." she said, extending her hand to shake his.

And so, they shook hands. Their exam was over.