Aperture

"Wahaha~! Shicchan is still on edge!"

I smirk at Shizune and nod my head smugly in agreement with Misha's observation. Shizune on the other hand, looks far less amused. She silently huffs derisively in mock outrage and promptly cracks her knuckles.

[...]

"Far be it for me to rain on your parade. If I remember correctly it was I who was the last one standing at the end of the evening. Your rebellions were left in ashes. I hardly call that a victory."

That much was true. I was dragged to yesterday afternoon's Student Council meeting, which quickly devolved into what ended up being a marathon game of Risk. Once again, Shizune did quickly move into the lead. Misha and I decided to combine forces to resist. For once, Shizune was actually on the ropes. However she did prevail, and while it ended up in defeat for us, that last stand deserved to be recorded into the annals of history alongside the battle of Thermopylae, the miracle at Dunkirk and the battle of Shiroyama.

I stand from my desk and fold my arms in as a grandiose manner as I can manage.

"True enough that our rebellion was crushed. But the Hisha alliance managed to bloody the great Empress' nose. History will never forget. It is now recorded that the Empress bleeds. Just like everybody else."

Just as Misha and myself dubbed ourselves the Hisha alliance, Shizune granted herself the title "Empress Shizune I, Scourge of the Congo, Hammer of Europe, Mistress of the Seas". I thought it was a touch over the top myself, but who am I to rob her of her fun? Besides, she was the one who had to sign out that mess of words. I'm not sure if it was defiance or simply common sense, but Misha refused to address her that way through the entire game. Much to Shizune's chagrin.

Our dear Empress was now standing up too, boldly responding to my defiant declaration. Her piercing dark blue eyes flashing at the challenge, her grin showing her teeth like a predator prepared to pounce.

[...]

"And history will show any who defy me will be pounded into marmalade. Your little pincer movement from the America's and Asia was certainly bold, and almost effective. But you know you can never beat me."

She steps forward, slowly until she is right in front of me. Her eyes never breaking contact. That wicked grin never leaving her face. Her face is merely inches from mine.

[...]

"But I also know you would still try, and try and try. No matter how often I beat you into the dirt. Isn't that right? Hicchan."

Misha's sing-song voice is a bizarre contrast to the wicked challenge obvious in Shizune's face. I curtly nod my had in reply. Shizune steps back and silently impersonates an exaggerated laugh like an aristocrat from a bad anime.

[...]

"You're abnormal."

I can't help but laugh at her summation. Misha's thundering laugh joining in my chorus. I quickly snap back with my reply.

"So are you. That's why we're friends."

Shizune, ever the opportunist, seizes at my comment and smugly readjusts her glasses.

[...]

"Well since you are indeed friends of both Misha and myself. And friends help each other out I am sure you will aid us in our time of need. Tanabata is coming up and we could really do with an extra pair of hands in assembling the booths."

"It seems that our dear president has to rely on the efforts of others to mask her own incompetence once again."

The voice is quiet, husky and familiar. However, I have never heard that voice so filled with venom. I glance to Misaki, her eyes seem to be boring into Shizune's, her expression an unmistakeable mask of utter disdain.

Shizune, whose complete lack of a poker face is hardly a secret, is clearly taken aback by Misaki's verbal assault as it's translated by Misha. She quickly steels herself, stepping up to the challenge.

[...]

"It is not due to incompetence that I ask for the help of others, Miss Kawana. I simply seek the assistance of people who actually appreciate the efforts we at the Student Council undertake to allow students such as yourself to enjoy the festivities. I would dread to think the entire student body would share such a parasitic approach to others as some people I know who would be so unwilling as to lift a finger to help others."

My mind is reeling from the mood whiplash. Only a moment ago I was whimsically discussing a game of Risk. Now I am staring blankly, jaw agape as my two closest friends stare each other down.

Misaki's eyes narrow at Shizune as Misha translates her reply. I can see the look of worry on her face as she translates. Her voice has lost that sing-song quality, now it is far more subdued. I am clearly not the only one getting nervous. Misaki pounds her palm on the nearest desk, her teeth clenched.

"You are hardly one to talk Ms President. It's hardly a secret that you lost every other council member due to you being completely unable to accept your own faults and shift them on to others. You're the one who has to leap on every new student at the school and badger them to join Student Council. You're the one who has to drag students kicking and screaming. Just because you don't have the capability to organize a bucket of sand at a beach."

Shizune flinches noticeably at Misaki's remark. While Misaki was already agitated from the moment this started, this is the first I have seen of Shizune showing signs of being visibly upset. This situation is accelerating even faster than I feared. My eyes dart towards Misha, the worry if painted plainly on her face. She clearly shares the same reservations about the situation as I do. I nod to Misha briefly before taking Misaki by the arm and pulling her away from her quarry.

"Hisao? I'm not finished!"

She seems to have only noticed me now as she growls her agitation at me, but offers almost a token resistance as I walk her out of the room. I don't look back to Shizune but I have faith Misha should be able to calm things down. Outside in the hall I look around and spot a classroom I am certain is not being used at the moment, quickly leading her there.

I close the door behind us and look at my friend. Her eyes look back at mine defiantly, her arms folded like a spoiled child. I take a deep breath as I approach the proverbial precipice. I need to keep a cool head, whatever has Misaki on edge being antagonistic is not going to help anybody.

"Misaki. What was going on in there?"

Misaki smugly lean back against the desk, her arms remaining folded. I am feeling more and more like an angry teacher scolding an insolent pupil.

"Oh? I was simply putting the haughty queen in her place. Somebody has to do that eventually. I'm sick of her acting like she owns us. She only got the job by default after all..."

I put my hands on my hips and keep meeting eye contact with her. I am definitely not convinced that her outburst has anything to do with Shizune. I am sure my face is displaying my doubts to that fact. I gesture with my hand for her to continue, but she holds her silence. I slowly sigh to myself. I am going to have to take the initiative.

"Misaki. I haven't known you that long. But I like to think I know you at least somewhat well enough to know when something is up. Whatever is going on, I don't think it has anything to do with Shizune. What is it that is bothering you?"

Misaki looks to her left, staring at the empty chalkboard, breaking eye contact for the first time since we entered this room. Her face twisting back into the same mask of anger she had while arguing with Shizune. I already dread what is going to come out of her mouth.

"Why would you care huh? Do you think you can save me? Like some poor helpless damsel? So I can be your trophy for a job well done? Life isn't like that. Some things can't be fixed. And you of all people should know that."

She shoves her way past me and yanks open the door with unnecessary effort. She briefly turns to me, her eyes looking down somewhat dejected.

"Just leave me alone for now Hisao, okay?"

And with that she walks away. I wait a moment trying to get my thoughts together before leaving the empty room. I re-enter our classroom interrupting the English class that has commenced. Ms Miyagi, our English teacher stares at me for a moment before nodding without protest. As I make my way to my seat I notice Misaki's desk is empty.

As I take my seat beside Misha she stares at me concerned, she looks as if she's about to say something but stops promptly herself. I look over to Shizune who appears to be concentrating on the lesson. Although her eyes briefly glance over in my direction repeatedly.

Whatever has happened I can't help but think I have opened Pandora's box.