I have never believed in Santa Claus.

The reasoning should be obvious. Maybe it was just because the preschool teacher pretending to be Santa was so terrible at his job, but that belief never took hold in me. No one ever specifically told me, I figured it out on my own. It was alright though- since I never believed in the illusion, it's not as if Christmas ever decreased in meaning or value for me. Sure it wasn't as "special" as it was for the more naive kids, but it still meant something.

You might think this is where I explain how I lost my faith in certain other fantastical things as well. If so, you've got another thing coming.

On the contrary, my belief that there are supernatural beings, powers, and places out there is raging stronger than ever before. Aliens, time-travelers, ghosts, monsters, espers, evil organizations, and all manner of other things- the thought of finding them is the fuel I use to keep myself going. They might be hiding, or rare, or even impossible for a normal human to sense, but my mind is made up. In all likelihood, we simply haven't discovered them yet- they carry on with their secret lives, just waiting to be found by someone like me.

It's true that there was a time I sank so deep in to despair and apathy that I almost stopped believing. My life was tedious, normal, and didn't look to be about to change any time soon. All my dreams were shattering around me- no mysterious student ever transferred in to my class, no mystical power had ever awoken inside me, no amount of yearning and hoping for the excitement I craved had done me any good. Most of the people I knew told me to give up, none of it was real, it was all just stories and shows. I was doomed to a life just like everybody else's, and it seemed that there was nothing I could do about it.

But right when all seemed bleakest, and I was about to give in and accept the dull "truth" of life, she appeared.

She knew everything I had on my mind before I even said it, and told me with no hesitation in her voice that I was wrong. She said that I shouldn't give up on my aspirations, no matter how much others stood against them- after all, if you only believe what everyone else says, then what does that make you? She assured me, with a certainty I've never heard from anyone else, that those supernatural beings were out there.

But most importantly, she believed in me.

It was a sign that I couldn't have ignored even if I'd tried. Even after she left, her words bolstered me, reigniting a flame that had been on the verge of going out.

She... she was right. Why had I been thinking that just because most people don't believe in any of it, it couldn't exist? Mankind has been wrong countless times before- there are things we know and do today we declared outright impossible less than half a century ago! Computers and rockets, atoms and DNA, the sheer scale of the universe and everything scattered throughout it- at one time all these things were thought to be fantasy, that they could never possibly exist, because humanity as a general whole tends to think it has a completely correct view of the world at any present time. But that's a flawed viewpoint, because all the information about what we think can't be real isn't fact, it's theory, which just means we assume "it can't be possible" until someone proves otherwise.

If that's true, then who's to say there AREN'T aliens, time-travelers, espers, or any number of other paranormal beings in existence even now, that we just haven't found yet? Constant new discoveries have proved it time and time again- no matter how right we think we are, no matter how much we might think we know, reality can send us all scrambling when it slams us in the face with the fact that we were wrong.

Her words made me realize that you can't live your life worried about what others think about you. You have to stand tall and shout to the world just what it is want, and tell it you don't care if everyone around tells you it's impossible, or it can't be done. It isn't their call- the question of anything, supernatural existence included, is up to reality itself, not them. And if someone isn't willing to at least consider the possibility that there might be something out there they don't know about, they aren't worth talking too. Let them babble all they want- they'll only feel that much dumber when you prove them wrong.

It was on that day that I decided that if the supernatural wasn't going to come to me, I was going to come to it. Sure, such beings might be hard to find, especially if they were hiding themselves. But if I never did anything but sit around and wish, I knew that I'd be waiting for a very long time. The passive approach hadn't worked- it was time to be proactive.

For the most part, I stopped trying to find any mysterious powers within myself. If I'm human, I'm human. That's genetics, I can't change that.

But who says a human can't find and be involved in something unbelievable? We've done plenty of amazing things before, after all. Sure, I may not be special, but as long as I don't give up, something is bound to happen eventually.

As I walk up the hill to the high school I'll be attending for the next three years, I reflect on this and smile.

I owe her more than she could ever know.

KHJSKHJS

As I sit down at a random desk, I think over my plans for today. On the inside, I'm excited- checking out a high school for the supernatural is something I've been looking forward too for a while now. Popular fiction seems to think high schools are major hotspots for the paranormal to disguise itself or hide away in, and even if they're just stories, who knows? Perhaps they hold a grain of truth. Either way, it's a convenient place to search- I'll be coming here almost every day, and have the chance to thoroughly examine any suspicious characters.

A man who quickly confirms himself to be the teacher walks in and announces the first order of business. Ahh, introductions. What a chore. I get why they're necessary, but compared to everything else they seem so... trivial. At least I'll get to make myself clear, I suppose.

I've long since embraced the nickname my aunt and little sister so lovingly bestowed upon me. In fact, I think I'll even use it while I'm here- silly it may be, but I'm rather fond of it. The person I am now is different than who I was before that fateful encounter with her. You might even say that it's a symbol and reminder of my quest, despite the moniker not coming in to existence at exactly the same time I made my resolution.

Inevitably, my turn comes around. Fully prepared for what I'm about to do, I stand- I doubt I'll be making many friends after this, but that doesn't really matter. I hardly care about how most people see me anymore. The only thing that matters is finding them. And I plan to let them know it.

That in mind, I make my proclamation.

"My true name is not important. You may refer to me as Kyon. I have absolutely no interest in ordinary humans. However, if any of you are aliens, time travelers, sliders, espers, or any other type of supernatural beings, please come see me!"

"That is all." I finish, sitting back down.

The people in class who didn't come from my old school are staring at me, sheer disbelief in their eyes. Whatever. What matters is that the first step has been taken.

Any supernatural beings that are truly determined to hide, for whatever reason, I doubt I'll be able to find with my typical investigation methods. If they've managed to stay hidden thus far, they're probably pretty skilled at it. It's unlikely I'll be able to sleuth them out just by examining them from a distance, and I can't make friends with everyone in the entire school just to get closer to each of them and check.

Announcing my intent is therefore harmless, and tells any hidden supernatural beings who might need a human confidant or sidekick that I'm open for the position. In addition, it might put any others on edge, meaning I can check people for nervousness or skittishness around me- there's no downside to this plan. That is, assuming there aren't any particularly malevolent types around, but they can't just up and attack me in front of everyone else, so if anyone asks me to go somewhere with them alone I'll just make sure to come prepared.

The sound of flesh impacting wood comes from directly behind me. "Hey! You!"

I turn in my seat- the girl who was up next to introduce herself is giving me a look I can only describe as a mixture of righteous fury and completely incredulity.

Great. Another one who's going to tell me I'm crazy.

"What? Unless you're a supernatural being, I don't want to talk to you."

...Wait, could she be? I wouldn't have expected any sort of immediate response, especially not in the middle of class, but maybe...

"Are you?"

Her look turns near-murderous. Apparently not.

"Says the guy who's an esper himself!"

Wait, what?

"I'm Suzumiya Haruhi, and you just stole the words right out of my mind! First of all, how dare you, and second, you really couldn't think up your own introduction?! What kind of lame mind reader are you?!"

...Is this some sort of bizarre way of teasing me? Stole her introduction? Who the hell else introduces themselves like that? There's no way.

"Hey, as much as I wish I WAS an esper, I'm not. What, do you think I'm lying when I say that's what I'm looking for?"

The response is instantaneous. "No, that's what I'M looking for! If there are any supernatural beings in this school, they can come to me! Not you!"

"Excuse me?"

Apparently the teacher hasn't the patience to put up with this. I don't either, so I'm pleased when the long haired girl sits back down, her eyes blazing in their sockets all the while.

Well, that was certainly the most original method of telling me to give it up I've ever experienced. Accusing me of being an esper and trying to redirect any supernatural interest to herself. How unusual.

Although... could she have been being honest? If she really WAS about to introduce herself the same way, then... perhaps I've found a kindred spirit of sorts?

Hmm. This warrants further investigation. Not today though, too much to do.

KHJSKHJS

Finally, lunchtime. I'll be skipping it today in favor of doing a preliminary scan of the other classes- I find it unlikely that anything will be immediately apparent, but you've got to start simple before trying anything more complex.

At the sounding of the bell I'm out of my seat immediately. And so is someone else- what's-her-name (Suzumiya, I think she said) is making tracks for the door as well, and moves to cut me off. While I'm normally not that competitive, nor terribly athletic, something in me refuses to let her reach it before I do. Back off, I got up first!

We reach the exit simultaneously, and an epic struggle for the door ensues. I'll give the girl this- she's pretty strong. I can't get to the hall with her in the way, and she's not giving any ground.

In the moment I see her knee move, I resign myself- from the position I'm in, I can't dodge that. But if I'm going down, so is she. I make a wild grab for her hair, manage to clamp a fistful between my fingers, and hold on tight.

As expected, the second her leg fully connects I crumple at the waist. I have never been subjected to an attack like that, and hope never to be so again. But my grip on her hair doesn't slacken, and as I fall to my knees and through the open door, she yelps and comes toppling down with me.

For a brief period, we both just lie there, laughter issuing from the inside of the classroom. As much as I've grown used to people talking behind my back, laughter still stings.

This. Girl. That was a dirty move and she knew it. Who does that over a petty squabble?!

I turn my head towards her just as she's doing the same, both of us opening our mouths to speak.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"What the hell is wrong with you?!"

…

You know, I'd thought perhaps this girl was actually a lot like me, but now she's yelling at me because I retaliated when I saw her about to knee me in a rather sensitive area. What's wrong with me? How was that my fault?

Maybe she's not worth asking around about after all. I'm not sure I really want to put up with her any more than I'm already going to have to do so in class.

As I stand up and brush myself off, still in moderate pain, she unexpectedly turns and plasters on an obviously fake smile.

"...Sorry... about that." she says in the least sincere voice I've ever heard. "Why don't you go on and do whatever you were going to do? I think I'm going to sit back down in the classroom for a few minutes."

...Well, I didn't anticipate that, but I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I've got things to do.

Leaving her with a suspicious glance, I turn away and march off down the hallway, though it's really more of a halting plod due to my rather recent injury. Cursing the girl under my breath, I stumble my way towards the next classroom...

KHJSKHJS

It can't have been but 15 minutes before our next encounter occurs. I've just finished looking over one of the classes on the upper floor for any obviously suspicious students (and found nothing) when the practically tangible aura of anger hits me.

My head swivels towards the stairwell, already knowing what to expect. Sure enough, it's Suzumiya. Again.

"For God's sake, do you have ANY original ideas?" she screeches, apparently just as riled by my presence as I am by hers. "And if you're just copying me, what is taking you so long?! I waited practically forever for you to move somewhere faaaaar away in the school, yet here I find you barely one floor away!"

No, I'm not taking this from her. She's the reason I haven't been moving as fast as I'd like to begin with!

"Well, being kneed in the groin tends to slow one down, Suzumiya." I retort, having lost all willingness to be civil after the door episode. "Besides, I can't go too far, or I won't make it back to class in time. Same for you, I'd imagine, unless you don't care about the actual school part of, you know, school."

Okay, to be fair, I'm not exactly the best student myself, but today is literally our first day of high school. Even I can at least make it back from lunch on time on the first day.

Why does she keep saying I'm copying her anyways? Unless I'm somehow subconsciously utilizing some sort of psychic ability that drags information out of her head and makes me think it's my own (which would be pretty useless in most cases I'd think), it seems more like it's the other way around.

I decide to confront her on this before she ends up yelling something else that doesn't make all that much sense. "Also, I'm getting really fed up with this 'copying' business. How do I know you aren't the one copying ME, huh? You introduced yourself after me, you got to the door after me, and apparently you've been checking out the classrooms after me."

At least, I gather that's what she's been doing if she's claiming I'm only imitating her. That should have put her off kilter, now for the final blow- maybe this will get her off my back.

"From where I'm standing, it sure looks like it's you that's the copycat, not me."

I send a cutting, piercing gaze her way to match the frosty one she's giving me.

We must have stood there locking eyes for much longer than it felt, because before either of us says anything more to the other, the bell rings, signaling that we are, in fact, late to get back to class. Oh come ON...

Despite everything, I find myself walking back beside her, both of us sending choler-filled glares over our shoulders that promise oncoming retribution to the other at the nearest opportunity. We're the center of attention as we walk back in, largely due to the way we keep glaring at each other.

Finally we stop, and I slide back in to my seat. Right as I do, I swear I hear someone mutter "Did they hook up already?" to someone else- if I ever find out who that was, they'll be finding themselves on the receiving end of a swift backhand.

KHJSKHJS

As I walk down the hill that I can already tell I'll be tired of having to climb every day by the end of the week, I reflect on my first day at North High.

...It wasn't exactly what I'd expected. I'm disappointed at the lack of leads thus far, but it's only been a day, so that's nothing to be upset over. Not yet, at least.

That girl, however, is a different matter. I don't even know if she's being sincere or not. Is she actually trying to find the same things I'm searching for, or is she just trying to annoy and/or discourage me?

Was it a mistake to come to North High? Not that I had much choice in the matter, but if I'd known this was what I'd encounter, would I have tried harder to get in to a better school?

...No, I don't think I would. This is where she went, unless she stole the uniform for some reason. When I met her, it almost felt as if she herself was hiding something- even if she's probably graduated by now, going to her school can only increase my chances of encountering something supernatural, I'm sure of it.

Suzumiya Haruhi, you're just going to have to deal. I'm not leaving, so either get out or get used to it.

I reach the spot my bike is chained up and clamber on, heading towards home but still in an introspective mood.

Maybe I should try to look at things from her angle. Taking Suzumiya at her word, I "stole" what she was going to say, ended up fighting with her in the doorway, and then was inspecting classrooms at the same time she was trying to do so. Okay, I guess I would be rather angry if someone somehow preceded my every move, but I certainly wouldn't act like... that.

Come to think of it, is it possible she's maybe a gender-switched clone, or female slider version of me? Or something to that effect, at least? That would be incredible, and would explain a lot about what happened today, but if so then we haven't really gotten off on the right foot. Primarily because from what I've seen she's kind of obnoxious, not to mention stubborn.

Regardless, perhaps I can try to make amends tomorrow. Even if she did plant her knee in the worst place you can hit a guy, I'd rather not have made an enemy before the school year even really starts.

Though, if she's not willing...

Well, no one will ever say I didn't try.

For now, it seems we're on "whirlwind update" schedule. This was done literally a day after I finished the first chapter- I don't think I've ever written that fast before. Of course, this chapter is largely just a POV switch of the last one, so that's probably why. ^^; While the story won't necessarily be switching viewpoints every other chapter, I felt that this one was important. The way Kyon sees things is rather different than in canon, after all, and you wouldn't necessarily be able to tell from Haruhi's POV. Sorry if he seems to go on a little long in the beginning, I couldn't trim it much more.

Also, I had literally at least three different directions in mind that this story could go- I feel like I could make an AU off this AU the second I'm done with it. Maybe I actually will. :D

Reviews are the soothing liquid that lets ideas flow smoothly from my brain to the page. Ah, to float down a river of them, such would be bliss...