BP: I can't wait until I start school. I have been posted to a new school and a new course, and I heard Poly life is supposed to be fun, and I hope the orientation would be fun too! Though I didn't get the course I really wanted…Well, back to the story, and REVIEW once you're done.
"Shuji, please read the first paragraph from page 42." The teacher in Advanced Japanese class requested. Since there are two Yukimuras, the one with the higher Star Rank, Seiichi would be addressed as Yukimura, while the other is addressed by his first name (Yukimura is also technically older than Shuji because his birthday is earlier, though both were born in the same year).
Ryoma looked down at the said paragraph in his textbook.
'Shinonome (East Cloud)
In the sky
Floating Over My Window
As I gaze upon'
He looked up to see the bespectacled red-head to see him in an internal struggle, as he stayed silent for a long time. Although it is unnoticeable by most, Ryoma distinctly saw him shaking. By rage or embarrassment, he did not know.
"Shino….Shi…" Shuji started reading. "Shit…" there is clear anger and embarrassment in his voice.
"What's his problem?" he asked his seatmate, Atobe.
"His lover's name is called Shinonome." Atobe simply replied.
Ryoma nodded.
"Higashigumo in the sky!" Shuji read out.
Ryoma and Atobe exchanged incredulous looks. Is there such a way to pronounce East Cloud? Everyone in the class had puzzled looks on their faces, as if to comprehend what Shuji just read out.
"He did it on purpose." Ryoma heard Towa mutter to Hessu.
Shuji sat down, and Mikado opened his mouth to ask if he is alright.
"Alright…moving on…" from the teacher's tone, it's evident that she did not expect Shuji to make a blunder in his reading.
The teacher then assigned a Class Exercise for them to do quietly, after explaining some of the more complicated words. Ryoma and Atobe discussed the meanings of the words that were given to them, before filling the passages with the words. They crossed out the used words, since words can only be used once. Although they have banters all the time about random stuff, they work together very well. By the time they finished the Class Exercise and handed in to the teacher, the bell rang, signaling the time for Advanced Biology.
After taking attendance, the teacher started explaining what Biology is.
"Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Modern biology is a vast and eclectic field, composed of many branches and subdisciplines. However, despite the broad scope of biology, there are certain general and unifying concepts within it that govern all study and research, consolidating it into single, coherent field. In general, biology recognizes the cell as the basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of heredity, and evolution as the engine that propels the synthesis and creation of new species. It is also understood today that all organisms survive by consuming and transforming energy and by regulating their internal environment to maintain a stable and vital condition. The study of mainly the life around us is biology." The teacher explained.
"For today, we will be examining what our blood cells look like. Everyone partner up, and choose a workstation. One of you provide the sample of your blood, and examine it under the microscope given. I want a picture of the blood cell by the end of this lesson, with labels of the correct parts. Begin."
Atobe and Ryoma partnered up, and Atobe chose to prick his finger, and placed it on the glass slide provided. He placed it on the stage, and held it on with the stage clips. Ryoma adjusted the position of the glass slide, making sure that the drop of blood is directly in front of the lenses.
Ryoma observed the blood cell, while sketching, and Atobe checked for any adjustments that can be made, while looking into the microscope. He also labeled down the parts of the cell.
Overall, it was a very interesting lesson.
After Biology, it's time for the usual training. The three of them went to the trap-making station, where the trainer showed them a simple, excellent trap that would leave an enemy dangling by a leg from a tree. Hessu is able to use her In to conceal her Nen threads and set her trap that led the dummy provided to dangle from the metal pole she attached her threads to.
An hour and a half later, someone put his arms around Ryoma from behind, and his fingers easily finished the complicated knot Ryoma has been sweating over in order to make a trap. He turned to see Atobe.
"Hey, guys, how's it going?" Atobe asked.
"Fine." Ryoma replied.
"We'll be at the sword fighting floor if you need us Ryoma." Hessu said, signaling to Towa, and they left them alone to talk.
"Did you notice that Ryoma talks the most when Atobe's nearby?" Towa asked.
Hessu nodded. "Maybe he likes him."
"So, brat, what do you think of training so far?" Atobe asked Ryoma, as they headed to the archery station together.
"It's fine. We concentrated on developing out Nen techniques and improving out four basic principles of Nen first, before we started on the weapon and survival skill stations." The archery station had bows made of wood ad plastic and metal and materials he couldn't even name. There are also arrows with feathers cut in flawless uniform lines. Ryoma and Atobe each picked up a bow, string it, and slung the matching quiver of arrows over their shoulders. The expert on this station is instructing them on the best stance to take to hit the target.
Ryoma released the arrow, and the arrow hit somewhere outside the target.
"Not bad, for your first try." Atobe remarked. His arrow had hit the target perfectly.
"Thanks, Monkey King." Ryoma replied, somewhat miffed that he had hit the target, although he knew Atobe had done this before.
Atobe laughed lightly, and helped with his stance. Ryoma aimed, and tried again, and he hit the target.
"Anything to say, brat?" Atobe smirked.
"Thanks...again, Monkey King."
"You can thank me by dropping that nickname." Atobe frowned slightly.
"No way in hell." Ryoma stuck out his tongue, which probably seemed childish, but then again, he and Atobe argue like little kids.
Ryoma wanted to try the bow and arrows again, but lunch is announced, and everyone went to the dining area. Ryoma took a tray and started making his way around the food-laden carts that ring the room. His friends caught up to him at the stew. "So, enjoy yourself?" Hessu asked, giving a knowing smile.
"Not bad. I learned how to use the bow and arrow." Ryoma replied casually.
Towa was taking some dumplings from another cart. "Right, we know you like him."
"What?" Ryoma sputtered
"Yeah, you talk the most around him, and you seem at ease when you banter with him." Towa pointed out. "Besides, the other day, we swear we saw you frown when he was surrounded by a crowd of his fangirls."
"We're just friends."
"Right…" Towa replied.
They sat down together at the table with the third-year friends, Ryoma somehow ending up next to Atobe.
"Where's Shuji?" asked Fuji.
"He was upset that Emerson beat his high score, which is the highest score recorded, in the plant knowledge station, so he's in the Training Center trying to beat his score now." Mikado replied nonchalantly.
"I don't get why he's so upset about being second. He's always going to be second with you in his class." Yukimura pointed out.
"True."
Fuji sighed and shook his head, as he continued to eat. He had been training his latest Nen technique and he was tired. The latest Nen technique is known as False Feelings, which falls under the category Manipulation. It allows the user to detect the emotions/feelings of other people. It also allows the user to control others' emotions, hence the name. After training it extensively, he is still leaking vestiges of aura and he can detect the feelings of those near him. In Joey, who he is sitting next to, he felt hatred, and betrayal, though his face showed nothing. Hessu and Ryoma, on the other hand, are experiencing concern, probably for Joey. They are also feeling a slight guilt towards something. But why?
"By the way, New Year's is coming. Do you want to go my house for a party?" Mikado asked the whole table in general.
All the third years agreed to the invitation, before turning to the three first years.
"How about you guys? Do you guys want to come?" Atobe asked.
"You can go home for the holidays?" Ryoma asked.
"Sure, they allow you to visit your family for celebrations and stuff. You three coming?"
"I don't think it'll hurt to come." Ryoma said.
"I second that." Hessu shrugged.
However, Towa said, "I can't."
"Why not?" Fuji asked. 'Something's not right here.' he thought.
"I don't even know you guys very well. Besides, I don't like parties." He stood up, and presumably went back to train.
"I wonder what's wrong with Joey today." Sanada muttered. "He seems to be in a less-than-happy mood."
They thought Joey had personal problems and decided not to pry.
However, Hessu and Ryoma knew better.
One hour after lunch, Hessu caught up to him, and said, "Ryoma, could you help me and To-chan collect our homework for the remaining lessons, and also tell the teachers where we are? He collapsed again during training due to overuse of his Scarlet Anger, and well, I need to help fix the damage it has done to his body. I sent him back to his room first. I've already told the trainer."
"Overuse of his Scarlet Anger?"
Hessu handed him her notebook. "This should explain it better."
Ryoma nodded, and Hessu teleported away.
After the last lesson, which is Advanced Mathematics, on the way back to his dorm, Ryoma opened Hessu's notebook, which contains the Nen techniques she has seen before and turned to the page where she wrote the functions of Towa's Scarlet Anger.
Towa's Scarlet Anger
A Nen technique Towa has developed naturally when everyone turned on him around two years ago.
Scarlet Anger is actually more of a mode instead of a Nen technique. When Towa activates Scarlet Anger, he becomes a Specialist and he can utilize all the types of Nen to 100% efficiency (Emperor Time), which means he is able to use Pain Packer, a Nen technique in the Transmutation category. Also, his Nen techniques are much stronger and harder to resist when he uses his normal Nen techniques (such as Paper Manipulation) under Scarlet Anger. He also temporarily gains immense aura, which results in a speed and strength boost.
Also, when his Scarlet Anger is on, he can instantly heal any wounds he may sport during this mode. Furthermore, he is unable to feel any pain at all, may it be a physical, emotional, mental, basically all types of pain. He won't feel anything should anything happen to him, so even if he was given a fatal wound, he would not be able to feel it.
As long as he has Nen aura in him, in addition to the unique aura that Scarlet Anger grants him, it is impossible for him to die by any means, as such he gains a form of "immortality" throughout the duration of the activation of Scarlet Anger. He can also use telekinesis and create illusions with his eyes alone, and even see things normal people can't when he activates this. Scarlet Anger may be used as often and as much as desired.
Can be activated at will, but will automatically activate when Towa is emotionally agitated. He cannot get out of this mode unless he is drained of all negative emotion he has been feeling, as Scarlet Anger feeds on negative emotions. He must vent all his pent up emotions, or else the negative emotions may turn inwards, causing him to be unstable.
Note: Every time the technique is used, the user's body deteriorates, and will shorten Towa's lifespan. Also, he will be unable to use Zetsu and experiences intense muscle pain for two or three days. He also coughs out blood after this mode. Requires immediate treatment if blood is seen, or the damage done to his body wouldn't dissipate. May not even remember what he has done during activation. Could even lead to an early death.
'I wonder how long it took for Hessu to heal Towa the last time.' Ryoma thought.
"Echizen? Echizen!" Someone called out to him.
Ryoma turned and saw Mikado and Atobe standing next to him. "Are you alright? You spaced out for a moment." Mikado asked him.
"Yes, I'm alright."
"What's that you got there?" Atobe asked.
"Hessu's Biology notes." Ryoma replied, handing it to Atobe.
He looked at the page Ryoma had been reading earlier. Ryoma could swear he saw Atobe frown very slightly. Finally, he said, "Neat handwriting, brat."
"Thanks, Monkey King." Ryoma snapped back. "But that's Hessu's handwriting."
"Hey! Ore-sama is not a monkey, Ore-sama assures you! Ore-sama is generous and also donates to charity!"
"I'm surprised you don't use your money to buy bananas." Ryoma muttered.
"What did you say?" Atobe asked in outrage.
"Nothing." Ryoma replied innocently. He chuckled inwardly. He has used his Texture Surprise to falsify the notes to look like Biology notes in Hessu's handwriting. He knew if they, especially Mikado, read about the Scarlet Anger, they'll probably demand him to take them to see him. Even if he did, they had Hessu to deal with. True, Hessu is stronger than them, however, after using her Healing Legacy on Towa, she'll probably be too tired to take them on.
"Stop it, both of you." Mikado interrupted. "You are fighting like little children."
"Oh yeah, where's Hessu?" Atobe asked.
"Joey injured himself during training, so Hessu took him back to his room, and gave him treatment. She can heal all living things of almost any wound. She's a Garde, remember? Here's my room, I'll catch you both later." With that, he entered his room, and closed the door behind him.
They went up to the rooftop garden to talk. The problem is someone is already there.
Hessu had sent him to the garden, thinking that some fresh air would do him some good. The spectacular view in the evening may also help things, and Hessu knew how much he liked the rooftops. However, she handed him her Andata in case he needs to make a quick escape. Also, she handed him a Moron Gun, which allows him to discharge powerful punches like an air gun. She said it has a more powerful version of it, the Moron Cannon. It is one of her favourite weapons from Lorien.
Towa turned to see the door opening, and quickly hid behind the bushes. He did not quite want to go back to his room just yet.
"He's telling the truth and lying at the same time. However, I can't tell which part he was lying about." Atobe mused. "My Insight allows me to see any weakness and exploit them, but it can also tell whether one person is lying by seeing the aura flow. Ryoma's one was flowing constantly, however, at some point, I saw it stop flowing for a split second, then flow constantly again. Either he's a good liar, or he DID tell the truth, but not the entire truth."
"Depends on how you interpret what they are feeling right now." Fuji interrupted from behind them, which startled the two of them. "With my latest technique, False Feelings, I was able to sense their emotions when they were eating lunch. Joey felt hatred and betrayal, while the other two felt concern and slight guilt."
"Maybe that's why Joey's in a bad mood." Mikado replied. "But do you know whether he is feeling this constantly, or did he have this emotion just today?"
"I can't tell, unless I use it on him again the next day. However, I highly suspect those 3 can block off their feelings easily. I mean, Hessu is a professional assassin, Ryoma had his parents killed and was on the run for almost 5 years, and Joey is a famous Heavens Arena fighter. I checked the list of Heavens Arena fighters earlier on."
"By the way, how's it going? With finding Towa, I mean?" Atobe asked.
"He's really good at hiding, that's all I can say." Fuji replied. "Not once I saw him on the school grounds, or even in passing at the dorms."
"He must've been a Single Star then." Mikado concluded. "He isn't seen in the Advanced Programme classes and he isn't seen in the Special Star dorms either."
"But what if he got his Special Star badge because he's good at hiding from us?" Atobe asked.
Towa hid and continued to listen to their conversation dispassionately. Eventually, Atobe and Fuji left, but Mikado stayed. They were looking at the city's view from the rooftop. Towa groaned. How long is he going to stay here so he wouldn't be discovered, and can have a nice view of the city at the same time? He had no choice but to use Hessu's Andata to get him back to his own room to rest.
"You have to be careful! Why didn't you escape immediately when you saw them?" Hessu berated him, after he told her everything he had heard in the conversation.
"Don't worry, I wasn't caught. Here's your Moron Gun, by the way." He handed her back her weapon.
As Hessu opened the door, she said, "One more time you do something that risks you getting caught by those third years, Towa Aikawa, I am going to BAN you from going to the rooftop EVER AGAIN! BAN YOU! You hear?"
"Alright, alright." Towa mumbled.
Most unfortunately, the door to Atobe's room opened and Ryoma and Atobe poked their heads out, frowning. "What are you shouting about, Hessu?" Atobe asked. "Ryoma and I are trying to complete our paper for World Civics here."
"Nothing, go back to your room." With that, she returned to her room, closing the door behind her.
"Wonder what that was about." Atobe muttered. "Come on, Ryoma, we still got a thousand more words to go."
Ryoma nodded, and closed the door behind him.
BP: Bad, because I had only like 10 minutes, and I had writer's block. Do review, though!