Sunshine, there ain't a thing that you can do that's gonna ruin my night...Nobody prays for the heartless. Nobody gives another penny for the selfish . -Caraphernelia PTV

The bell rang signaling the beginning of the lunch hour. Akiza stood beside Goodwin watching as teachers filed into the staff room. After a few minutes, Goodwin cleared his throat silencing the whispers.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I'm glad you all made it." Goodwin smiled brightly.

"I would like to take the time to introduce a new instructor, who will be joining us beginning this semester! Please welcome Dr. Izinski!" Goodwin began to clap lightly.

Akiza resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she watched the instructors uneasily and reluctantly clap.

"I look forward to working with you all. That being said, Director Goodwin and I have an announcement to make." She looked over to Goodwin, who adjusted his collar.

"Ahh yes, Dr. Izinski and I have created a test of sorts for you all. The results will impact your future as an instructor at this institution. It goes without saying that you all will need to do your best."

Akiza cleared her throat.

"Right I almost forgot… until this school's students score in the 90th percentile there will be a ban on any kind of romantic relationship. Absolutely no fraternizing among students or instructors alike. You all may be excused, for any further questions or concerns please feel free to speak with Dr. Izinski."

"Good luck doctor." Goodwin said before parting.

"Thanks." Akiza responded sarcastically.

The room erupted into demands as Goodwin left the room. Akiza couldn't believe his reluctance to face the teacher's angry reactions. Goodwin the coward. Akiza waited for the teachers to simmer down to speak up again.

"What the director failed to mention was that the exam will be held this afternoon after school in here. I will be supervising and if that is all you all are excused."

"Hey we need answers!" Someone shouted.

"Look, any questions or comments concerning the new policy I advise you keep to yourselves if you value your job. If not, you're welcome to leave." Akiza quickly shutdown any further arguments.

As she silently challenged the now quiet room, her eyes crossed with cobalt blue for a split second. She cleared her throat and left the room leaving stunned instructors behind.

"What the bloody hell mate!" Jack was livid (more than usual).

Carly was on the verge of tears as she watched Jack stomp around.

"I won't allow this to stand!"

"Then what Jack, huh? Get both you and Carly fired?" Crow spoke up.

"I bet this was her revenge plan all this time! I won't let her get away with this!"

"Jack I don't want to lose my job." Carly whimpered.

"Carly what are you saying?" Jack stopped in his tracks.

"I-I don't want to lose you either." Carly felt some tears roll down her cheeks as she looked up at Jack.

"Oh come on this isn't some soap hour! I say you guys play it safe." Kalin commented causing another argument.

"All I was saying was that Carly and you pretend to break up and just keep your relationship secret!" Kalin put his hands up defensively.

"That's actually not a bad idea Kalin." Misty shrugged as Kalin chuckled.

"Whatever it is you're gonna do, you better do it quickly cause the good doctor is on her way." Crow warned from his place by the door.

Carly wiped her tears furiously, and visibly began to panic. Jack stood with his arms crossed and a scowl marred on his face. They listened as heels clicked closer and closer. The group hushed as Akiza entered the teacher's lounge. She raised her eyebrows surprised at the silent, but occupied room.

Feeling a little uneasy, she made her way towards the coffee machine. She ignored the stares burning into her back. She fixed herself a cup of black coffee and walked out. She was surprised no one decided to confront her. Consumed in her thoughts, she took a sip of her coffee and almost spit it back up.

'God how do people drink this stuff?'

She scrunched her nose up in disgust. A girl appeared before her smiling brightly.

"May I help you?" Akiza questioned.

"Yes Dr. Izinski it's me Tho again."

"Miss Oh? What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to say I don't care what the others say about you. I know the truth; you are kind and brave and I can't wait to be in your class."

"Miss Oh I appreciate your words… just make sure it stays between you and me that I'm not the witch everyone thinks I am."

"Why not?"

"The others they won't understand if you force them. Let them find out on their own trust me."

"Alright I'll keep it a secret."

Akiza smiled quickly.

"I can't wait to have you in my class either Miss Oh, don't hesitate to find me if you need anything."

Tho smiled, bowed, and to Akiza's shock, hugged her quickly then she was gone. Akiza stilled unsure of what to do.

"You sure paint yourself a cold persona, but you really are a softie, aren't you?" A voice surprised her. She turned to face the blue-eyed man from before.

"Excuse me?"

"You drink coffee?" He looked at her surprised.

"Of course." Akiza spat back annoyed.

"Huh." He looked at her face taking in her features.

"Stop staring at me like that."

His eyes kept roaming and searching for something. Then he smirked.

"Drink it."

"What?"

"Come on take a small sip, babe."

"No!"

"Fine then you won't mind if I do this." He grabbed her cup and began to drink and idly walked away.

'What a strange man.'

That afternoon…

Akiza handed out copies of her exam and read her instructions out loud.

"You may begin."

The teachers all seemed in a daze as they took her exam. After 15 minutes, the first test was turned in by none other than the man she had grown to avoid. He winked at her as she took his papers. She in turn rolled her eyes and began to concentrate on grading his paper.

As she went through grading his paper she found herself irritated. The man's paper was flawless. As time went by more and more papers were turned in. She found herself grading furiously and finally when she finished she sighed in relief.

A roaring of a motor caught her attention and she found herself looking out the window.

'When did it get so late?'

She was surprised to see darkness and not even the moon's light shone. She collected her belongings and locked up the staffroom. Tired, she untied her ponytail, slipped off her heels, and against her better judgment, she took off her glasses. Akiza's vision was tired and she figured that since she wasn't completely blind she would chance it for a few minutes at least.

She made her way to the school's gates and out towards the teacher's parking lot. An engine's growl caught her attention, but she had a hard time making out where the noise was coming from.

"Aki?" Akiza almost turned, but realized she knew the voice and she wasn't in the mood to argue. She picked up her pace and began to sprint in a panic.

"Akiza! Akiza wait!"

Screech…

Two arms held her waist as she felt a rush of air mere inches from her face.

"Dammit Akiza! What the hell?!" He turned her face to him and Akiza struggled in his grasp.

"Let go of me!"

"No never again." He embraced her, burying his face in her neck.

"Why are you avoiding me? It hurts you know."

"Hurts? What hurts?" Akiza's mind went to her medical training, but froze when he spoke up.

"To see you like this. Running away from and into incoming traffic rather than acknowledge me."

"What?" Akiza felt the heat of his body burn into her. Yusei raised his head to meet eye to eye. He grazed her cheek with his fingertips making Akiza's heart beat fast.

"Come on, I'll take you home." He ignored her protests and settled her onto his bike nearby.

"Grab on."

"What? No wait!"

"Just hold on tight." As the runner began to move Akiza frantically latched on to the man's waist. She could feel him chuckling as she grabbed on tighter.

The rid took maybe five minutes, but Akiza felt like it had taken five hours.

"You can let go now."

Akiza's face reddened underneath the helmet she wore. She gathered her belongings and cleared her throat as she frantically climbed off. However, in her rush her bag opened and her papers fluttered out.

"Oh no!" She took off her helmet and began to gather her papers.

"Hold on!" She managed to gather most of her papers, but her gaze landed on one specific paper. As she reached for it, she stopped as she saw Yusei's smirking face.

"What?"

Yusei snatched up the paper before she could get to it.

"Hey give that back!"

Yusei smirked as he quickly glanced at the writing before Akiza snatched it up.

"So I'm annoyingly perfect huh?"

"Oh no don't take it out of context Dr. Fudo. I-I meant skill-wise as a teacher of course. You know what? I don't need to explain myself to you!" She snapped and rushed to her apartment abruptly.

She basically sprinted to her apartment and as she shoved her door closed behind her. She leaned on her door and let her body slide until she was on the floor.

'What is happening to me?!'

A knock brought her back to reality. She stood slowly and cautiously to look through her small door hole. She recognized Yusei standing on the other side of the door and she quickly ducked staying silent.

"Hey um Aki um you left your shoes and your glasses on my runner. I would leave them outside for you, but I'm afraid your glasses might shatter if someone passes by and they don't see them."

Akiza sighed and unlocked her door. She slowly opened it and stuck her arm out, refusing to face the man. She heard him sigh and she shook her hand gesturing him to hurry up. He placed her heels in her grasp first. She took them inside and reached her arm out yet again.

He placed her glasses in her hand, but not before his warm hand grasped hers. Skin on skin touching. Akiza realized he must've taken off his riding gloves at some point. He was counting on her opening the door. What shocked her was the softness and unmistakable heat of small kisses.

Akiza's face reddened and grew hot. The interaction was so quickly and fleeting that she almost believed she was dreaming. However, when she managed to pull her hand in, her glasses were staring up at her.

'What just happened?'

XXxxXX

The next day…

Akiza was in her office before the sun's light even peaked through the clouds. Eventually she could hear shuffling and teacher's talking.

"Man did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"That test we took got rid of lots of instructors."

"No?"

"No lie."

"No wonder the parking lot looks so empty. I'm guessing those who failed were fired right on the spot."

"Doofus they probably called them this morning."

"Well I'm just glad we didn't get fired."

"That must mean we did good on that exam."

"Hey! Guys did you look at the board in the staff room?" A third voice interrupted their squabbles.

"Huh?"

"No way they posted that for all to see?!"

"Yeah they put everyone's results and they're brutal."

"What?!"

"How could they do that?!"

Akiza decided to walk out towards the teacher's lounge ignoring the glares aimed at her. She stopped near the group of teachers she overheard.

"Meeting before class in the staff room spread the word." She said without glancing their way.

"O-okay."

"Will do."

She began to walk away.

"You think she heard us?"

"Shut up!"

15 minutes later…

Akiza began to address the group of teachers gathered around.

"Congratulations to every one of you in here. You all have potential."

She felt the tension in the room as she spoke.

"As you can all see only one of you standing before me has managed to impress me with your knowledge. The rest of you did as well as I expected."

The teachers were confused as she continued to speak.

"Now the top-ranking instructors listed on that board will be reassigned to head of each of their respective departments. The rest of you will follow their leadership and their curriculum. I in turn will work one on one with each and every one of them to prepare them and push them to their limits to become the best in the region."

Hushed murmurs erupted between the teachers as Akiza spoke. Akiza ignored them as she kept speaking.

"You all may hate me and quite frankly I do not care what I do care about is the students and the future of this institution. These grades are miserable compared to where they must be. It will be a lot of hard work, but it certainly is possible to get these students to the level they have to be. With that in mind I have created a system in which we will be testing them each week-"

"What?!"

Teachers began to erupt into arguments and she quickly answered.

"How can we expect the best scores out of these kids if their teachers fail to even score above average in a little test like this?" Akiza pointed to the board.

That silenced any kind of protests as some teachers hung their heads in disappointment.

"We will become the best as they become the best. In doing do we cannot be distracted by any means thus our decision of no dating. May I suggest you all give your best and hurry to score at the 90th percentile if you want they policy to be lifted." Akiza swept the room with her eyes only stopping for a split second on Carly and Jack.

"Why would you post the results for all to see?" Someone demanded.

"See what I mean? You can't figure that out by yourselves, but fine I'll give you the answer for you this time. I put them up to make this a competition. If a teacher is at the bottom of the list three weeks in a row, he or she will be dismissed." She smiled coldly.

"You all may go except for those on that list. Please stay behind."

Worried teachers piled out of the staffroom each heading to their respective classrooms. Akiza turned her attention to the group of teachers left behind.

"You all impressed me."

"What with our ability to fail graciously?" Jack grunted.

Akiza smirked as Carly chastised him.

"That right there Mr. Atlas is exactly the reason I chose you. Your character. You Mr. Atlas don't take anything from anyone. You don't care what anyone thinks and you stand your ground even if you're wrong. Mr. Atlas everyone here speaks in murmurs and whispers, but you don't hold anything back. I do warn you Mr. Atlas, I find that temper of yours both amusing and irritating."

"I'll show you irritating!"

"Jack!" Carly held Jack by clinging onto his arm.

"Relax Carly I wouldn't lay a finger on a woman no matter how much of a witch she is." Jack said calming down.

"That is why I have made the decision to place you in charge of our troubled students."

"What? Why me?"

"You won't be pushed around Mr. Atlas. They need you and you need them whether they know it or not."

"Miss Nisaga I need you to keep him in check, so you both will be working together. I do suggest you be careful." Akiza added confusing both Carly and Jack.

"Mr. Hogan, although I do not understand your methods, these kids do. Your students fare better than those in the other teachers in your department do. I want those teachers to adopt a similar teaching style. These students still are only kids. I expect community involvement as well. You and Miss Raven (AN: Total OC) will partner up as field trip chaperones."

"Miss Leblanc, as head of foreign languages I would like you and Mr. Antimony to work together to create incentives and tutoring opportunities.

"Incentives?"

"Competitions for example the rankings we're doing ourselves."

"Understood, but why Bruno?"

"I have my reasons."

"Huh?"

"Kalin and Misty you both will oversee detention."

"What?!" Misty glared at her.

"You want more?" Akiza's glasses gleamed as she adjusted them on the bridge of her nose.

"No." Kalin spoke up interrupting Misty's retort.

"Miss Luna, I want you and your brother working as a team to train these kids to be the best athletes. If you need to recruit other teachers, you may do so."

"Uh sure?"

"What is it?"

"Well, um I, sports?"

"Yes, is there a problem?" Akiza questioned.

"N-no I okay!"

"Dr. Fudo you help those when and where you see fit." Akiza added as an afterthought.

"Really? That's it huh?"

"Yes you are-"

"Annoyingly perfect?" Akiza's face reddened.

"More than capable of babysitting." Akiza continued ignoring the burning.

"Not good enough."

"Fine go play nurse with nurse Martha, or security with officer Mina and Trudge!" Akiza threw her hands up in defeat.

"No I don't think so. I know about Goodwin's conditions."

"What conditions?" Carly asked.

"How do you know?" Akiza ignored Carly's question.

"You aren't the only one who has to report to him you know."

"Well, Dr. Izinski looks like you conveniently forgot." Jack spoke up.

"You partner us all up, but you don't even follow the rules! You expect us to follow these ridiculous demands of yours, but you get an exception, how is that fair?" Jack hounded.

"Jack!" Carly gasped.

"No Carly! For once I agree with Jack." Sherry placed her balled up hands on her hips.

"Sherry?"

As Akiza watched the teachers gather against her, she sighed in defeat.

"Fine! Dr. Fudo, you and Mr. Atlas-"

"No way! I nominate Yusei as your partner." Jack demanded.

"I second that." Kalin spoke.

They all agreed and Akiza sighed.

"Fine Dr. Fudo and I will be working together. Before any of you get any more ideas, the next time something like this occurs you all will be fired." Akiza turned on her heel and headed to her office.

The bell rang to signal the beginning of the school day. Akiza settled herself in her office, when a knock on her door startled her.

"C-come in." She cleared her throat.

To her utter annoyance, Dr. Fudo waltzed right in and sat down in front of her.

"Can I help you, Dr. Fudo?"

"It is my planning period and I thought maybe you'd want me here." He shrugged.

"Well I'm not exactly opposed to any of your methods seeing as your students already score at a 90% in all your classes. In other words, just keep up the good work." Akiza pretty much dismissed him.

"Actually, I had something else in mind."

"Oh?" Akiza perked up curious.

"I wanted to propose that you and I should set up after school tutoring sessions for those who need it."

Akiza paused thinking it over.

"I concur, but you must know Dr. Fudo, I have already begun preparations for a mini study camp of sorts that I will be busy with."

"Perfect then I'll help you and you can help me."

"I don't-"

"You can't do that all by yourself you'll push yourself too hard besides the others can help as well."

"I suppose you're right." Akiza relented.

"Come on let's see this plan of yours." Akiza cautiously showed him her plans.

Soon enough they were working together. Akiza was pleasantly surprised that they worked without any awkwardness or nonsense. As the bell rang to switch classes both Akiza and Yusei stood to leave for their classes.

"Um do you mind showing me where this classroom is please?" Akiza pointed to the map of the campus she always carried with her. "I believe it's class 24b."

"Hmm yeah I can actually walk you there it is on my way."

"Oh um well I suppose if you don't mind?"

"Of course not."

"Thanks."

Yusei led her through students trying to go to their lockers and classrooms.

"So you're taking over the classes that the teachers you fired taught?"

"I suppose some of them."

"You didn't feel any pity?"

"Why would I?" Akiza questioned confused.

"Well, their jobs were snatched away and their lives must've been thrown upside down."

Akiza stopped in her tracks before speaking with conviction. Yusei confused simply stared at her.

"Get this straight Dr. Fudo, I will stop at nothing to get what I want." Akiza looked straight into his eyes with conviction.

"You mean what Goodwin wants?" Yusei challenged.

"I believe this is my room thank you Dr. Fudo." Akiza turned her head, bowed and walked into a classroom full of students.

Yusei headed to his classroom in a daze.

"What had happened to the Aki he knew? Was this woman really someone else?"

The only way he would know was if he could look at her arm. But how?

Akiza was met with disdain in every class she took over. However, as each class progressed, her students began to relax. By lunch time, she felt like the kids were beginning to warm up to her. She walked out of the classroom and headed towards her office for lunch.

As she walked near the teacher's lounge she could overhear the staff complaining about the new system, which she expected. However, a small female voice caught her by surprised.

"I like the new system!"

"What do you know Ruka?"

"Well, everyone assumed she fired those teachers who failed the test we took, but we all failed it terribly. Except some of us, but look we are all still here. Did anyone even bother to ask Goodwin?"

"Well not but-"

"She fired them, because they had no passion to teach. They all felt like they were living an unfulfilled life, so she only gave them a freedom that they didn't know they needed."

Akiza froze shocked.

"What about the unnecessary partnerships?"

"That's obvious! She paired us up with our weaknesses! I was partnered with my brother to learn how to stand up for myself and be more athletic. Jack and Carly make the perfect balance to handle those troublesome teens."

"Okay we get it she's doing everything for our own good, but found herself inside the lounge, her body moving on its own accord.

"I need not explain myself to any of you, but I do appreciate it."

Akiza left to lock herself in her office. Only when she reached her office, she found a group of students waiting.

"Uh can I help you?"

"Actually yes Dr. Izinski we have some questions that we would like your help with." A girl she recognized as Amanda spoke up.

"Oh of course come in."

Akiza was surprised that the students were reaching out for her help already, but she was relieved. The whole lunch break, she spent explaining anything and everything from math questions to English translations.

"Oh I get it now! Thanks!"

The last student left excited and Akiza smiled.

"I'm jealous." A male voice surprised her.

She locked eyes with cobalt blue and cleared her throat.

"Excuse me?"

"Those students clearly admire and respect you already I'm impressed."

Yusei stood in her doorway with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

"I suppose." Akiza shrugged, shuffling some papers.

"Have you eaten lunch yet?"

"Not yet as you can see I was a bit preoccupied."

"Great you can have some of my lunch, Martha packed extra, so I can't eat all this by myself."

Yusei disappeared for a few minutes, but reappeared with a boxed lunch. He sat across from her and began to separate the contents of said box.

"Dr. Fudo I-"

"Yusei."

"Huh?"

"Call me Yusei."

"I think not."

He sighed.

"Fine at least eat this." Yusei slid some food over for her to eat.

Tired of bickering she took the meal and bowed her head.

"Thank you."

They both ate in silence until the bell rang.

"That was delicious Dr. Fudo."

"I'll let Martha know." Yusei smiled.

The rest of that day was uneventful. Akiza found herself in her office late into the night yet again. However, as she locked up her office she realized she wasn't the only one.

"Oh you're still here?" Akiza asked surprised.

"Yeah I've been working on the minicamp activities and I think I know how we can schedule it."

Yusei stood before her excited to show her his plans.

"Strange I was working on the same thing. Let me see your curriculum and plan."

Yusei closed the space between them and Akiza involuntarily stepped back.

"Hey I won't bite I promise!" Yusei chuckled and moved closer.

Akiza ignored the feeling of his warmth and she looked over his proposed plan. They compared their respective plans and together they came up with a revised plan.

"Okay so all we need is a group of teachers who are willing to volunteer to teach the other subjects."

"This is a perfect opportunity for the heads of the departments to demonstrate their abilities. Of course I would have to review their curriculums first." Akiza pointed out.

"Okay how about Luna and Sherry take care of the English classes, you and I can handle the math and sciences, and Crow and Jack can handle the history classes."

"Wouldn't Jack- I- mean Mr. Atlas … be at better assisting you with your math courses?"

Yusei began to chuckle lightly.

"Jack? No, he hates numbers, but he is actually well versed in government policy and laws."

"Fine. I suppose if they all agree to it I'll present-"

"No we will, you and I."

"Okay we will present this to Director Goodwin."

Akiza was tired of arguing this late at night.

"We better do it in the morning."

Yusei said checking his watch.

"Of course."

Akiza nodded. She began to walk off, but Yusei had another idea.

"Hey we're both going in the same direction, so how about I give you a ride?" Yusei asked as he caught up to her.

"Thanks for the offer Dr. Fudo, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline." Akiza kept walking with her gaze set forward.

"Fine, but I'm walking with you then."

"Nonsense you go ahead don't mind me." Akiza shook her head.

"I'm not leaving you alone this late at night."

"Whatever… I can take care of myself you know." Akiza rolled her eyes annoyed.

"Makes me feel better." Yusei stated.

Akiza and Yusei walked out of the school's property and onto the silent streets.

"Here let me help you." Yusei reached for Akiza's full arms and took her papers and books in his.

"Thank you." Akiza was too tired to protest.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. When they arrived at the teacher's dorm Akiza attempted to take her books back, but Yusei refused.

"Let me set them down for you."

"That won't be necessary besides if anyone sees us they'll get the wrong idea." Akiza argued.

"Now hurry up and open the door, because I'm not backing down and the more we argue the longer we stand out here together."

Akiza rolled her eyes.

"Fine. Come in." She huffed.

Akiza opened the door to her apartment and stepped inside the dark room. Yusei followed and closed the door behind him. Lights flickered on illuminating the small apartment. Akiza stood in the kitchen staring at a glass of water.

"You can set them down on that table in front of you."

Akiza had taken off her glasses and no longer had her hair up in a tight bun. Yusei put the books down with a small thud.

"Goodnight Dr. Fudo." Akiza dismissed.

"Yusei."

"Hmm?"

"We aren't at school, so call me Yusei please."

"Fine goodnight Yusei." Akiza looked up from the glass and made her way towards the door.

"Oh um I forgot my jacket at the school." Yusei realized.

"So?" Akiza asked.

"I left my keys in it."

"It's well past midnight Yusei. The school grounds are locked off even to me." Akiza groaned.

"Well, can I crash on your sofa tonight? I'll be out of here before anyone wakes up I promise."

"What about your clothes?"

"I keep an extra outfit in my office. No one will know please?"

"Fine." Akiza walked into her room as Yusei took off his boots and belt. Akiza walked out with a pillow and blanket.

"Here this should accommodate you for tonight." Akiza handed the blanket and pillow to him.

"Thanks."

"Be discrete when you leave." Akiza turned on her heel and disappeared into her room.

Yusei made himself comfortable on Akiza's sofa and began to drift off.

-MMXX

I decided to cut it off there, because this chapter turned out to be really long compared to my other chapters so TBC…