I've got a small groove going. Might be enough to get me back in the saddle. Who knows, it might be worth it :D

Edit: someone's got an eagle eye. thanks for that :D

First day

I can't help but think...this was a wonderful time of year to enrol.

Not only did we have cherry blossoms, which are probably the most beautiful things to see.

But it was a new year. I could come along and meet people and not be judged...too much at least.

And who knows, it might be worth it. Might make some friends from this.

Let's see...bag with laptop, notepad and stationary, check. Clothes, check. Boots, check. Indoor shoes, packed. As I go over the last of my stuff as I packed I patted myself down, trying to figure out if I'd lost something. Hmm...OH RIGHT! That was it. I looked to the clock. 8AM, I'm running out of time here. I grabbed a chain, with my Cross of Lorraine on it, putting it around my neck, nodding a few times.

"What else is there...hmm...OH, right" I said to myself, grabbing a second necklace, this one with a small locket on it, linking it on my neck...OH right, erm...need to explain this one. Basically a few years ago, we got a...well, technological marvel. A small set of chips and circuits that can, admittedly, fit in a necklace the size of a five pence coin...don't know what one looks like? Well, look it up. But basically, this little marvel is a genius thing. It's been around...5 years now? Somewhere around there, and has revolutionised the world in terms of languages. What it does it allow whoever wears it to understand, speak and read a set language as if it were their own native one. You might be asking how does it work...well, why are you asking me? All I know is 'it does'. It's so expensive that right now, there are only 5 available to the general public, four of which are owned by Apple, the other one being the bank of China. Weird huh? The one I'm wearing is one that is owned by the University I'm attending over here, so technically not general public but still Jon Q. Public. Somehow Educational faculties get one for free, depending on their levels. I just got mine put into the locket. Made it SO much easier. Though they expect me to be able to speak the language fluently by...now was it Golden week THIS year or Golden Week NEXT year...whatever the case, they seemed to have a plan. Who knows, this time next year I might know my Yukihara's from my Yukimura's...not likely? Fair enough. But still, mastery of the Japanese language on the front of my neck...God knows what this little trinket has done for international politics and diplomacy. Heck, if people got this on the general market cheap...whole new age of communications.

But whatever, I'm ready to go for once, heading out the door and booting the plushy Deer to one side, knocking it to the wall, letting it slam against the wood as I walked out. Damn thing...maybe I'll burn it when I get back. But right now, as I walked out the door, changing into my boots and closing it behind me, I had other things on my mind, locking it and flipping the keys around in my fingers before putting them into my jeans pocket.

This was a new day, the air felt calm, warm almost, with nary a cloud in the sky. The wind was barely leaving any kind of effect on me, and Cherry blossoms fell from the trees nearby. I passed the shrine a bit down the road from me, looking over and giving them a bow, my bag over my back and making my hellos to the shrine keeper. Who knows what he's thinking, seeing this British Gaijin just wandering the streets. But as the Elder looked at me, giving me a reserved smile, I can't help but think that he was hiding something.

"HEY!" a somewhat higher pitched, but more relaxed yell, kinda cute admittedly.

I blinked, recoiling slightly as I heard the voice, pausing and turning towards it's origin down the road, seeing another woman waving to me. This woman had long Strawberry blond hair, though ending at the shoulder line, an almost pale face around a set of blue eyes, wearing a denim Jacket over a black t-shirt and a white skirt, going down to her knees. In her right hand she held a sort of folder bag, kinda like a briefcase, jet black, almost leather in appearance, and on her left was a watch, nothing fancy, just a sort of metal bracelet design holding it on. She had a modest chest I'd give her that, and white socks were covered by black trainers. She was waving to me, wearing a single glove on her left hand, fingerless, black, almost like one of those biking gloves you wear. I walked over to her, giving her a small wave.

"You are...Mr Appleby, Correct?" She asked, I nodded, holding my hand out for her.

"Call me Craig, Miss..." I started, the woman bowing to me instead.

"Yukisora Sanada..." Oh, right, customs. I took my hand back, doing a bow back to her with a small smile. "The Dean assigned me to be your guide for the first few weeks of settling in, Craig" …..OH RIGHT! Translation software. Guess it's actually working to make it so that we're saying last names and such. Sweet.

"Oh, well, looks like they've taken things more seriously then I had assumed they would" She nodded, turning and motioning me to follow her, holding her case by her side as I followed her. "Guess I can never doubt the spirit of Japan" She chuckled at this point, turning to me and smiling.

"Well, Craig, I can only assume that you haven't seen much of Japan" She spoke, moving a hand in front of her mouth in some sort of polite manner, though...part of me wonders if this is just a façade. I mean who would want to get assigned to being 'tour guide' for the Foreigner. "How is your accommodation by the way? I hear that you got some very nice rooms" The abode? Oh. I put my hand behind my head, chuckling nervously.

"It erm...it was nice enough. I got a damn good night's sleep" Alright, fine, I lied, judging on her reaction she can tell that from a glance, but judging on the dream, never mind the damn psychotic plushy some ass hole left in there, can you blame me? She gave a small giggle though throwing her arms up.

"I was in one of those last year, so I know what your talking about" She seemed ALL to happy to say that. Like she was gloating or something...but then- wait, what? I tilted my head slightly, scratching just under my chin.

"Waitwaitwait...you're a second year?" I got an upper classman? GENIUS! And at least she's actually kinda cute. Maybe she's meant to be having a day off so I'll owe her...maybe I could offer to take her on a night out on the town or buy her lunch or- hang on, why is she laughing...and shaking her head?

"Nnnnope" goodbye happy image. So long plan of what I was going to do in this place. "I just missed a lot of last year. Shame really" Why is she saying this so matter of factly? "This still technically makes me your Senpai, so try and show some manners" She lifted her free hand up and pointed to her face with her thumb, the rest of her hand closed, giving me a confident wink.

….OK, aside from 'why didn't it translate Senpai?'...she's proud that she failed last year...oh boy...so when should I expect to have been lost to the void of the university halls? 5 minutes time? If that long? Well, at least I can get a good idea of her now. How loud can I say that she's here just for the social aspect of education here? Whatever...I can't really complain. I mean, come on, could you? She chuckled again, looking ahead with her eyes open.

"Oh, right, erm...You might kinda need to know something about the people" She started, and I could see just ahead the hole in the wall made for the gates, people still walking in past the mossy brick walls. I couldn't see over it, as I'm PRETTY sure it's at least double, if not triple my height...and I'm not exactly short. Part of me didn't even take in what she had just said as we were walking to the gates. I gulped, shaking my head before turning to her.

"Erm...huh? Wha?" I asked, as we both turned in towards the place.

And then, I think I figured out what she wanted to tell me. I had heard rumours that the place was divided down the middle with a massive wall.

Now, it's not that bad, but I can see a comparison.

The university is two separate buildings, one to the left of the grounds is a tall building, I'd say at least 8 stories tall, maybe taller, with one of those doors that spins as you walk through it, and two doors next to it with buttons for disabled access. The main reception area looks HUGE...or maybe it's an atrium...I can't tell at first glance. There are a few off shoots, but nothing too huge. There looks like one small link, maybe a hallway or something connecting the pair, with another set of doors, linking to...near enough the mirror of the first building. Only difference is that the left building has a large amount of glass around the staircase on the left building and the mass garden on the right. The grounds were full of people around my age, both genders, but both sticking to their sides. I think Yukisora was surprised that I froze at the entry, stopping and looking at me like I was ill or something, walking over and leaning over in front of me, then gently tapping the top of my head with her fist, like hitting the top of a TV that was going wrong.

"Yeaaaaaah" She spoke, shaking her head. "Should've see that reaction coming" I unfroze, looking to her now and sighing.

"So...big place?" I asked, getting a nod. "Great...well, least I know I'm not going to be alone in the whole scale of things"

"Yeah well...don't ask me why...it's apparently something the board has gone through during it's time" She sighed at this point, and we started walking again, this time heading to the centre section. "About 20 class rooms per floor in the higher sections, giving a total of 800 lecture rooms comprised of 16 lecture theatres, 50 Technology suites, 20 science labs and the list goes on" she explained this, then waving to a small group of girls we passed. "1 massive library containing near enough any piece of literature you would ever need for your studies and work. From Shakespeare to Justin Bieber, from Aristotle to Newton, from Caesar to Hitler. You name it, they have it" and, as a flunker, you know because... "Was better then buying in two separate sets of books" …..waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait

"Erm...two separate sets of books? What are you talking about?"

We got to the door, Yukisora pulling one the green handle and holding it open for me. I walked in, looking around the hallway and seeing the green carpet, the 'wooden' walls (though even I know this is just an interior thing...though it looks very 'Japanese' if that makes sense). It looked nice enough, though there this strange pair of bright yellow lines on either side, with a lot of space for visitors so...what does that mean? Each side had a door, and through it I can see the library. The Desk up ahead was what you'd expect: made to last and holding all the electronics, brochures, leaflets and other office equipment that you'd see from a reception desk back home. The receptionist, at least today, was a man in a suit, and he was zooming around the desk, picking up little bits and pieces around it as he does...whatever it is he does. We both walk up to him, and as soon as we're close to it, she bows. It takes me a bit to remember to do the same as well, and I'm sure he's glaring at me.

"Good morning" She speaks, coming out of her bow. "I'm here with the Exchange student. The dean assigned me to be his guide today" He nodded, gliding along the floor on his chair (must have wheels on it or something) to a computer, pressing a few buttons and the printer springing into life, churning out a small white piece of paper, the receptionist quickly taking it and placing it through a laminator, then grabbing it when done and passing it, as is, to her. I didn't get a good look at it, but the one thing I saw was 'special access' in bold letters on the top, with her picture to the right of it. She bowed again as she put it into a pocket, giving the receptionist a smile. "Thank you"

"So you're Mr Appleby huh?" He asked, I looked back to him, giving him a nod. "Not exactly what I expected when I heard a Brit was coming"

"Well, not to be rude, but your not exactly what I expected when I thought of a Japanese university"

The glare I got back in return when I said that was overwhelming, and, whilst taken aback, Yukisora took my hand, giving a nervous chuckle before dragging me away, heading to the left side, crossing the line before I managed to get my senses back in order, though looking between her and the path we were taking. "Erm...what was that about?" I asked, though, I froze when I entered the next room.

A absolutely HUGE atrium. And I mean huge. Jeez, it'd take me about a minute to cross this thing. Light poured down through the glass ceiling above, with a few snow symbols and things like that. It was cute to say the least anyway. The floor itself was set up with a small lower section, linking to the main entry (I say main but the one linking to the outside) with it's own reception desk. Shops were set up in the walls, various actual shops, manned by shop keeps instead of the vendors around the place selling food and such for yen, something I hadn't expected to see. There was wheelchair access heading up, linking to the main tower, with an offshoot that had a sign next to it, one I couldn't read at this distance. Elevators were around the place heading up the tower itself, along with the traditional stairs. I saw posters around the place advertising various clubs, events, that sort of thing. Though that was when I realised something.

Everyone in this section...was a guy. And I don't mean the odd person was a woman I mean EVERYONE! That was when Yukisora poked her head in front of me again, giving me a smile.

"Yeah, everyone has that reaction...though you'll find that this place is different then your...traditional university" She started, taking a few steps ahead, both hands behind her, holding one another as I didn't move.

"This isn't where I get told that this school has a long and ancient history is it?" I had to ask didn't I? I mean, come on, I know Japan didn't really have this sort of thing until 'The West' came along, but still, it's like asking the history of Honnouji, it's probably a different place entirely these days. She shook her head though, giving me a small laugh in response.

"No, no, nothing that bad" She spoke, waving me off before turning back to me. "This place is segregated. Women on one side, men on the other. Only places we share are the grounds themselves, like the field, and the library"

…...OK...I'm sorry but...what? And why does she look so innocent whilst saying that like it's so damn common? Still, as she produced something from her pocket, I couldn't help but wonder what exactly had caused this. She walked over to me, lifting my hand up and putting the...thing in my palm. I looked down at it, seeing a wrapped up card.

"The map of the place, your card and your time table" she informed me, giving me no real answer. "I'm your escort today so feel free to ask me anything" ….H'oh boy. This is going to be one of THOSE days isn't it.

About...half an hour or so later, Yukisora had gotten me outside my room, the lecturer within taking a quick register, something I wasn't used to back home. She looked through the small glass openings of the wooden door, chuckling a tad. I was sure my stomach was doing backflips. Was it trying to become a gymnast?

"Sweeeeet. Spare chairs at the back. I can hang around" She seemed WAY too happy at the prospect of that, giving me a small thumbs up. "Wonder how much of a stir I'll cause by joining you guys" I lent against the wall opposite, sighing, Yukisora blinking at me. "What's up?"

"Nerves. I mean, come on, I'm a new guy here in more ways then one" She chuckled at my answer, walking over to me and putting a hand on my head.

"Relax. You'll be popular" Why doesn't it seem like she's reassuring me right now? "I mean, take from a gal who knows, Foreign blood is good" and there's my answer, she's a vampire. Of course. It makes perfect sense. Why didn't I see that twinkle in her eye before? "Besides, you're likeable so far" and you know because... "Now come on. Put a smile on your face, relax and go put on a show"

"Enter!" OH GOD THAT WAS THE TEACHER!

I took a small breath, nodding to her and putting on the best smile I could, putting my hand on the metal handle and opening the door, walking in with Yukisora right behind me. I held my bag in my hand, looking to the class, seeing them all stare at me and the girl following me...well, probably more at her then me, thankfully. The lecturer, a tall man with glass, short black hair and wearing what I can only describe as a suit, gave me a somewhat cynical look, holding a pen for me. I took it off him, knowing what he wanted me to do.

I turned to the board, popping the lid of the pen off and catching it in my other hand, flipping it around in my hand and starting to write my name...what was the kanji for this again? Ku Rei Gu? Erm...you know this Craig...AH! THAT WAS IT! Research...zero...request. PERFECT. Didn't take too long to write that. The other part was...I clicked my fingers, smiling as I started writing the second part. A Pu Ru Bi...Beautiful, Enrich, Path, fire...That was how it went right? What? I learnt Kanji before I left. The translator doesn't do text. I had to learn that somehow. I mean, come on, give me at least some credit. I turned back to the class, giving a bow.

"Good morning...I'm Craig Appleby. It's nice to meet you all" I told them, Yukisora took the pen off me quickly, wiping my name off the board and writing it back on correctly...knew I forgot something, it's right to left not left to right. I sighed, shaking my head before scratching the back of it. "I'm...kinda new to this" some of them chuckled, I could hear them already. Yukisora did a bow next to me when she came back, handing the pen to the lecturer.

"Miss Yukisora-" OK, going to interrupt the teacher here, but is that a glitch in the translation software? Surely it should be Miss Sanada? Whatever. "-should be known to you all after the opening ceremony speech. She is the guide to Mr Appleby-" See? It said it right it time. "-and will be accompanying him today. I expect you all to welcome Mr Appleby, and to treat him like one of our own" ….this guy is a git. 'like one of our own'? We're all in this together. "So...Mr Appleby, Miss Sanada-" …...you know, I'm not even going to say it this time. "- if you could take the seats at the back then we'll begin the lecture in earnest" I nodded, seeing the desks in the back right corner near the window, walking over to them, my guide following me over there. We barely got sat down before he began in earnest. And to be frank it was nice that someone who'd already been through it was there to help me out.

No I won't bore you with the lesson. You'd probably stop caring as soon as I got into details on the basics of accounts. I bet right now you're already thinking I'm a boring guy but don't worry, it does improve.

It wasn't long after lesson ended that it happened...nothing bad mind, but...you know how in anime you end up with just about every up ganging up on you to get to know you...yeaaaah. I was busy packing up at this time, Yukisora having already gone outside at this point, though she told me to meet her outside the grounds and she'd show me around the town in about...an hour an a half. I'd packed up my stuff, stood up with my bag over my back when suddenly.

"Didn't think we'd end up with a foreigner"

IS THAT HOW EVERYONE IS GOING TO ADDRESS ME? I turned to the deep voice, seeing a young man with hair that I swear could have him dress up as a fork. I'm seriously, it's brown hair that stands on end with several points on the top. He had a generally flat face, though his nose was pointy, and with blue eyes. He stood about...a few inches taller then me, and a scar on one cheek that, if I had to hazard a guess, was from a close encounter with a stone or something. Like he'd fallen onto a sharp chipping or something. He had a hand on his waist, a blue T-shirt with the words 'Rochelle' emblazoned on the front, and jeans with a silver buckle. I didn't really look at his shoes, I mean, come on, he's saying hi. Behind him is another guy wearing thick set glasses, a few spots here and there and short brown hair, hanging over his ears. All I could tell of him right now was the sweatshirt and the shorts...odd combination for this time of year. Is he hot or is he cold? Which ever one take off the other. SIMPLE LOGIC! He does seem short though...shorter then me at any rate. It took me a few seconds to reply, but I knew I had to make it count.

"What's wrong with that? Expecting me to start preaching how live back home is better?" …..OK, you try thinking of something better to say. He shook his head, giving me a thumb up as I put my bag on.

"Nah, I'm cool with it bro. Been too long since I've seen a Westerner in the flesh" I'm more surprised you've seen a Westerner in the flesh to begin with. "Last one I saw was Rias Gremory...damn she was fine" …..nope...can't be...Not even going to entertain the thought that it might be our buxom devilish friend. He held his hand out for me, this time wanting me to shake it. "Yosuke Minamoto. I'm the chair of the Airsoft society. At least the guys side anyway" Airsoft? OH so this guys in charge of that over this side. Sweet. I took his hand, giving him a firm handshake. "This here is Karami Tsumori" Karami gave me a nod, but remained quiet.

"Nice to meet the pair of you" He gave a loud laugh, one that seemed to boom out, and that caught me off guard as he put his hand behind his head, closing his eyes and giving a toothy grin.

"The manners on new kids never fails to surprise" He let my hand go, grabbing his bag and heading for the door. "From what I've heard, you were a member of your university's airsoft society as well, correct?" I nodded, smiling back.

"Y-yeah...I brought my fourteen with me" He nodded back, Karami grabbing a laptop bag.

"You'd be welcome to join us. We're holding our recruitment drive tomorrow at the Fresher's event" Now I know they don't call it that. Fresher's is our thing, Americans are Freshmen, I don't know what it is over here, but I'm betting it's the American one. "Hell, we're one of the few societies that actually has female membership as well" I raised an eyebrow at this as we walked out the room, Karami and Yosuke either side of me.

"I thought the genders were kept separate"

"Within the university, they are" Karami spoke, putting the sling to his bag over his shoulder. "However, a few societies organise events outside the grounds. Airsofting is the biggest among them. The others are Rock climbing, Anime-" Hold up, they call it anime here? Well, now I know. "-, Library, the Religious societies and...I think the last one is Dance" ok...the last one is the least surprising. Religious societies makes sense as well, and li-wait.

"Library society?"

"Oh yeah...it's the errrm" He rotated his hand around as he tried to think of what he wanted to say. "I believe you call them 'librarians'. Those that take care of the library, making sure the books go back where they belong and such. You know, generally library duties" Can't argue with that then. Yosuke threw his arm over my neck and leaned towards me, smiling.

"Come on Craig, you're going to join us, right? Airsoft could use a veteran like you" a veteran who wasn't very good at the sport.

"I'll...see what happens. I'm still seeing what today will bring" He chuckled again, giving me a playful punch on the arm before putting his hands behind his head, walking along with her elbows raised.

"Well, if ya got any worries, you come to me, right?" He more told then asked. I wasn't going to argue, giving him a thumbs up.

"Long as you don't mind buying the drinks at the bar later" He chuckled again, Karami joining him this time, and giving me a pat on the back. I was serious, he's buying the drinks. We got to the elevator, and I pressed the button to call it.

"What d'ya say to joining us for a bit of food before you head home for the day eh? Get to learn what the canteen is like" I shook my head, walking into the lift after the door opened, pressing the button for the ground floor as the pair followed me in.

"Nah, not today. Thanks for the offer though" They both looked at me in a confused manner, then sharing a concerned look. "Yukisora offered to take me around town" Their concern was quickly replaced by intrigue, then giving me a look that I recognised all too well. "Guys, she's my guide remember? I'm not dating her"

"Sure you're not" Yosuke looked away, giving a wide smile to the metallic walls that I could see reflected back. The door closed quickly, and the lift started lowering.

"Been here one day and already shot a heart. Perfect marksmanship" Karami joined in, pushing up his specks. I looked between the pair, sighing.

"Guys..." They laughed at this, and I couldn't help but feel my face light up beet red.

I think it was about...2 hours or so later, after the pair had given me a tour of the men's grounds (which, might I add, has a bar, a swimming pool, and ATMs along with a long list of things I couldn't help but admire and if I listed we'd be here all day) I was honestly hoping Yukisora was still around after this, and as we went to the gates, Yosuke and Karami both seemed like good guys.

"So, we're all in agreement, Craig here is an awesome guy" Yosuke spoke, patting (I think. It felt more like a slam) on the back again. Karami nodded, readjusting his bag before carrying on.

"So far he's good...but bear in mind Yosuke, Day one" Karami had to be a spoil sport huh? I looked between the pair, chuckling a bit as I put a hand behind my head, scratching it nervously.

"You guys..." I spoke, or started, until I heard something.

"Though, that makes me think..." Yosuke leaned in again, giving me a smirk. "Are Western tastes that...strange in the West?" I opened my eyes, lowering my arms.

"What do you mean?" If he means the necklaces, that's my thing. He shook his head, pointing to my arm.

"I mean that bracelet" Bracelet?

I blinked a few times, the last thing I said before lifting my right arm up being 'huh?' and lifting my sleeve up, and finding something I never knew I'd put on. A red see through kinda crystalline bracelet, the end towards my shoulder being wavy. It was too small to ever have been put on, and as I looked it over, there was no way to take it off. Just...what the hell is this thing?

"N-no" I spoke, giving them a bit of a smile, getting the lie straight in my head. "It's just my taste. Like the necklaces" This seemed to placate them, both of them nodding. "Anyway, I go right here. What about you guys?"

"I need to catch a train so I'm heading into town" Yosuke spoke, then sighing. "What about Karami?"

"I'm in town itself. My father owns the video store" He spoke, pushing up his glasses. "If you ever want to see a show or something, ask me and I'll be able to provide"

"I'm not sure this thing extends to films, but I'll take you up on that" I gave them one last bow, smiling to them as I came back up. "So...thank you very much for the tour lads, but I must be off"

"See you in...2 days then? When next lecture is?" Yosuke nodded to Karami's suggestion, and I smiled again.

"Damn straight. We'll ace this year!" Yosuke almost jumped at this, giving us both a thumbs up. I gave him a smile in return. "Now then...catch ya later matey...add us to facebook later OK?" I nodded.

"Maybe you guys can add me. My name stands out more in this country" I joked, getting a laugh in return. The pair starting to turn away in the pre-sunset sun.

"Take it easy Craig" Yosuke spoke, giving me a small wave, Karami just bowing to me as they walked away. I smiled, turning away and walking away, heading to the meeting point around the corner.

It wasn't sunset...if the weather this morning said anything the sun sets in about an hour...still, it's nice that the place has this fancy shade of orange in the air. I couldn't help but like it, humming to myself as I walked around. I passed a few shops, not really noting what they were, nor what they sold until I saw the alley I was meant to meet Yukisora down, walking towards it, looking down the other end. Aside from a few dumpsters here and there it was...well, empty. The other end of the alley was a low wall...well, low enough for me to climb over at any rate. Seemed like a unusual place to meet up at any rate. I took a few slow tentative steps further down looking down it whilst the shadows built up.

This...is strange. Shouldn't she be here? I mean, come on...she seemed genuine enough.

I heard a strange sound, sorta like a high pitched whirring, a red glow coming from my arm. I looked down, seeing it coming down my sleeve, lifting it up and seeing some weird...rune on the now glowing bracelet. Just...what the hell. And...why do I feel...strange?

This strange flame red glow extended around my arm, flowing up it towards my body before covering my whole body. I don't know how to explain it at all, but...I felt my body change. My arms thinned slightly, my hands becoming more...lithe...almost feminine. I felt my chest get larger, my shirt rising slightly, exposing my belly button, and my waist getting thinner. My legs as well went through the same thing, my boots only staying on because of how tight I'd put them on. The glow eventually retreated, going back to the bracelet before it faded entirely. I looked over myself, finally taking in the changes...and I realised something.

That dream I had this morning...was no dream. That damn doll, the mirror...it was real. I patted my side, feeling the pistol. I could feel a weight on my back as well, reaching over and feeling a rifle, the sling right between my cleavage.

The only thing I had to hope now was that the other part of it was as well.

"Well well...looks like I've finally found you"

I heard the sound of a sword being drawn, spinning around and seeing something I hoped I didn't have to see ever.

Psycho slut from the dream...complete with school uniform. She chuckled, spinning her swords in her hands.

"This...has been a long time coming"

There's always something that can happen at university, but not on this scale.

The dream, the doll...the damsel after me with swords that could cleave steel

I didn't have much choice in this.

Fight or flight...and fists to swords don't end well.