"You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles."
― C. JoyBell C
"You will execute your little 'mission' with the upmost care and accuracy. Do not let me down."
Karlheinz's words echoed through my mind as I sauntered through the hallways of Ryoutei Academy. It was a peculiar feeling. I felt alien and unwelcome in the new place, perhaps even self-conscious. I don't like it; I don't like this place. Hopefully that will change.
"You have also been granted special permission to change the school uniform as you please." I sighed after recalling that little tidbit of the conversation. I really didn't want to call attention to myself but Karlheinz had figured I would have some difficulty with the uniform. And needless to say I did. I had trouble with putting on the school's uniform jacket. The thick and unyielding material wouldn't allow my new left arm through the hole without extreme difficulty.
So due to that obstacle I ended up tying the jacket around my waist in an attempt to include it in my outfit and abide by the social norm at Ryoutei Academy. I wore most of the uniform except for a couple small modifications that I thought were miniscule enough that no one would be bothered.
I wore the red bow that they had provided with the dress shirt and I avoided the skirt like the plague. Granted I had no problem with skirts or their appearance ― it was the fact that I was never satisfied with how they looked on me. It was almost like every other person could pull them off with ease while I looked like an elephant in a tutu. So without a second thought I switched out the skirt with a pair of black pants to emulate the male uniform pants. It's absolutely ridiculous that the girls at this school aren't allowed to wear pants.
Though now I had to jump an even bigger hurdle now that I was here. Blend in and succeed in school while focusing on Karlheinz's mission. No pressure there.
I wrung my hands together nervously. I knew that the teachers would attempt to get me to introduce myself in front of whatever homeroom I got. There's no way in hell we're doing that! I could feel my stomach twist and my body shake lightly. It would call attention to me and I did not want that. I hate talking in front of people! A voice whined. Suck it up! You know we don't get a choice!
I looked around some more at the school on my way to my classroom. The school had an old and vintage look to it with a modern aesthetic to it. This is definitely a rich people school. I thought. My boots thumped against the clean, brilliantly polished tiled floor before I came to a stop in front of a door. Dear Goddess I'm going to look so out of place. I'll bet the girls here look like stereotypical supermodels.
"Room 207. Well, I'm in the right place," I sighed bitterly before giving a strong knock. The noise from behind the door came to an abrupt stop and a single set of footsteps approached the door. Heels. The door swung open soundlessly and I was greeted by a tiny female, the teacher based on her physical appearance. I almost laughed at the obvious height difference between us. I was 5'7" and towered over her a good half a foot. I had always been rather tall for a female.
She stared up at me in shock for a good while before she snapped out of her trance. "Oh! Hello," she said as she scurried to make space to let me through the door. She clapped her hands as she stood at the front of the classroom. "Students, as you all have likely heard, our class will be receiving a foreign exchange student today!" I nodded as I stepped forward. Calm and cool, Amelia. Calm and cool. Just because you're different doesn't mean you're worth any less than these rich kids.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all, call me Reina," I said as firmly and professionally as possible. "You may not go by Amelia during your time there. For the time being your new name will be Reina." I turned to the small teacher for further instruction.
She smiled brightly at her students, "Are there any questions you would like to ask Reina-chan?" A barrage of hands were raised. I felt my hands get sweaty and tingles spread throughout my body. Haha social anxiety is the best. I thought sarcastically. Why can't I just sit down?
There was a decent sized class in the room, the majority appeared to be female. A girl with bleached blonde hair was chosen to speak. "Where are you from?" Oh thank Goddess it's an easy question.
"Romania."
"Alright three more questions class!" I almost groaned at the idea of having to endure this public humiliation for much longer. I was pleased when two more simple questions were fired; my favorite color and if I had a last name which I answered curtly with turquoise and no. I had no interest in prolonging my suffering.
The teacher quickly scanned the room before deciding to call on a male in the back of the room. The male had propped his chin on the back of his hand in disinterest as he stared at me. What crawled up his butt and died? I raised an eyebrow, waiting for the redhead to ask whatever question he wanted.
"What's hell's up with your arm?" he asked as he gestured toward the odd shape my left arm made with the sleeves down. You rude piece of sh―! The voice screeched. I didn't respond to his rude and condescending tone and simply began to roll up my sleeves starting with my right. You wanna see what's wrong with it? I'll show you what's wrong with it you neurotic noodle!
Disturbed gasps and horrified stares followed as people looked at my replacement arm. The entire room erupted into loud whispers, each regarding the possible reason for my missing arm. Ugh I hate this. Oh great let's see who can come up with the most outlandish theory on why the new girl is missing an arm! I was positive that there would be rumors about me flying about the school by the end of today.
"Enough, enough everyone," the teacher said as she attempted to calm the raging class. "Any other questions you have for Reina-chan will have to wait until after class." A loud and collective 'awww' resounded in the classroom. I hate that guy. I sighed at the voice's words. Me too, he just made our job of fitting in here ten times harder. I guess I have to go with the silent and detached personality now.
She turned and walked to the chalkboard. Finally. I took this as an indication that I could sit wherever I pleased. One in the front, one in the middle ― perfect.
Sliding through the aisles at a leisurely pace I chose a spot in the back next to the wall. Being in the back would already indicate that I did not intend to have much social interaction but if I had sat next to the window it would also indicate that I also lacked work ethic. I had to make a good impression (specifically on the teacher) and I would not let my seat choice impact that.
I slid smoothly into the seat smoothly behind a sharply dressed girl. Rich, preppy girl. She, or one of her servants, must've ironed her clothes out relentlessly to get those types of creases. The girl turned around after I sat, her auburn hair swinging in her high ponytail. She made no attempt to converse with me or look at me in general. Oh look she's high strung too. How nice. I sneered mentally. Goddamn rich people.
I let out a sigh and crossed my legs. Aburame-sensei quickly began the lesson of the day, thankfully. I wanted out of here as soon as possible and it seemed she felt the same. I love learning new things except when it's for a grade, I thought bitterly. I looked at the board and almost cracked a smile when I noticed the subject matter we were covering. Poetry.
I had always held a fondness for said literature, though I was not talented when it came to actually producing any. My poetry was on par with that of a seven year old. That didn't usually stop me from trying however. Just like with your poor excuse of singing. The voice inside my head taunted. Shut up.
"Reina-chan, could you tell us what type of poem this is?" Aburame-sensei asked in a poor attempt to catch me not paying attention to the lesson. She probably caught me staring into space like I usually do. I love it when teachers think that they have the upperhand. I may not be looking at you but I can hear you.
I looked at the board where there was a short and simple poem. "It's a Cinquain." I said immediately after reading the five lined poem. Didn't think I knew what it was did you? The petite teacher all by glowed. Looks like I earned myself some brownie points with that answer.
"Indeed it is! Excellent work Reina-chan!" She turned back to the board. I could feel all eyes on me. "Most people get Haikus and Cinquains confused!" Just because I knew one answer doesn't mean I'm a genius people!
The rest of the class dragged on with no interruptions. Though I was completely bored, I knew almost all of the subject matter due to the Ewell's homeschooling. Ewell was a relentless teacher. Taika and I were constantly being taught new subject matter at a bruising pace.
I wonder how she's doing.
I was incredibly happy when the lesson eventually ended and we were all released for our "lunch". If you can even call it that at a night school.
I slid past everyone with little objection, declining any offers to guide me to the mess hall. I had already found where it was and I was determined to get there, get my food, and get out. I had already scoped out the entirety of the school and chosen a couple of spots I planned to frequent. And at this time there was a spot in the courtyard with my name on it. Whoop I love me some food! Shut up.
I swung the double doors to the mess hall open and entered. Of course the room was rather spacious and littered with the usual lunch tables. I sauntered over to the foodline. The lunch ladies stood there and waited patiently for students to arrive. I looked at the food options. Per usual, I have absolutely no idea what the heck it is.
I took two plates of food and slid down the lunch line (I was the fourth person to arrive). Two boys and a girl stood in front of me at the line. The two boys were talking to one another rather animatedly, arguing over food. I was shocked that I could hear the two of them next to me with all of the other people behind me.
"You took some of my food didn't you!" I almost laughed at the indigent tone of the tallest male before I noticed his appearance. Wait a moment.
"No! Why would you think that!" I was shocked when I noticed the other boy's appearance as well. I could feel the right side of my mouth twitch up into a smile. Well I'll be damned.
Not wasting a second longer I crept up behind the pair. "Well, well I would say I was surprised to see you two here but that would be a lie."
The sunny haired blonde turned around quickly in surprise. "Ameli-!" I slapped my right hand across his mouth.
"Don't call me that. Not here anyway." I said quickly before lowering my hand. "It's good to see you, Sunny." I scoffed at his severely personalized uniform. He looks like such a tool.
The boy pouted and crossed his arms. "I hate that nickname. It's so uncool."
I snorted. "And Kou is so much 'cooler'?"
"Yes!" He held up his left hand with his pointer and middle finger up, letting his bracelets jangle. "I'm the world's best idol Mukami Kou!" I grimaced. I didn't really like idols or their little gimmicks.
"Never do that again please."
A large hand was placed on my shoulder. "It's been a while 'ey?" I let a grin make home on my face as I turned to see one of my favorite vampires.
"'Sup Yuma." I said as he ruffled my hair roughly. Woah! Back off bub! I pushed his hand away from hair. "Watch your giant man hands, Old MacDonald."
The tall male let out a loud laugh and paid for his food. I snickered. It had been a long time since I used that joke. I found him to be one of the most relatable and easy to get along with people I knew.
After paying for my own food I managed to convince Kou and Yuma to follow me to my own lunch spot. So with both of them close behind I left the mess hall and made my way to the water fountain in the courtyard.
Sitting down with the two vampires, I took a deep breath. I relished in the relaxing sound of the water flowing in the background and earthy smells. The air was as cool and crisp as the scenery. Beautiful green trees surrounded the perimeter of the courtyard, appearing to glow under the light of the waning Crescent moon. I smiled at the serene nature of this part of this school, goosebumps appearing from the cool temperature. This is nice.
My conversation with the two boys remained light hearted for a large majority of the time. All of the questions usually centered around how life had been since the last time i had seen them and how Taika was doing. The mood only changed when they decided it was time to ask what I was doing in Japan and Ryoutei Academy.
"It's a long story," I sighed taking another bite of the rice ball that I had grabbed from the mess hall. "But in short Karlheinz sent me to this school to look out for any suspicious activity." Yuma tilted his head back in shock, making the messy strands in his bun bounce.
Yuma scoffed, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I leaned back on my right hand, fingering my red ribbon with my left hand. I knew Yuma at the very least would understand my confusion and frustration with the entire situation.
"Your guess is as good as mine."
Kou sighed. "He's always so...so..."
I chuckled at his loss for words. The idol didn't have an extensive vocabulary that much was certain. Perhaps he should spend less time singing and more time reading.
"Conniving, deceitful, underhanded, crafty, need any more adjectives to describe him?" I asked. I felt a slight chill run down my back. I looked around once just to make sure there had been no one else around to hear me. I was glad that Ruki wasn't here, despite my desire to see him. He would be greatly offended if he heard me describe his savior in such a way.
Yuma nodded in agreement. "So where's the little sprout?" I couldn't help but smile at Yuma's nickname for Taika. Ever since we had first met the Mukamis Taika and Yuma instantly developed a strong bond with one another.
"Tai-Tai is doing fine. Karlheinz hired a private tutor for him until he can figure out a way to get him to school." I said. Yuma hummed in response.
"Good." The bell rang loudly, signalling the end of 'lunch time'. "Well see you around Amel―." I gave him a pointed look. "Rei-chan." I almost whacked him for the emphasis on the honorific. We knew each other well enough not to use the honorifics.
"Goodbye, Yuma-san." He snickered, snaggletooth fang showing cutely. I tapped Kou's shoulder. The idol had been engrossed in his smart phone the entire time. "Later Kou."
Kou beamed, "Bye S Raion-chan!" Lion? Really? And with that I was on my way to my next period.
The rest of the night passed quickly and smoothly without any problems. Well, not completely but no problems directly impacted my time. It was mainly this one blonde that received the problems. And by problems I mean three boys that wouldn't quit pestering her. That is until I had enough and I dragged her out of her seat and into an empty one by me so I could keep an eye on her. The boys weren't exactly thrilled that I had taken away their unwilling victim but I didn't give a damn. Serves them right for acting like children. One even went as far as to start screaming at me in front of the class. Did no one know how to raise a child with manners?
But aside from that everything was smooth sailing.
I ran a hand through my damp hair. School had ended at least an hour ago. So with my time I had returned to my quaint two bedroom apartment with Taika and took a shower. I tapped my feet on the floor, letting my fuzzy turquoise socks slide on the laminate flooring.
"Miss!" I chuckled as I heard the soft patter of hooves across the floor.
"Tai-Tai!" I laughed as he jumped onto my soft daybed. He flopped around and wiggled on top of my constellation themed covers.
"It's so fwuffe!" Taika cried, his voice muffled by the soft bedding. His lifted his head, sunset curls bouncing. "What was it like ― school I mean?" His green eyes pierced me deeply, full of hope and childish wonder. I smiled.
"It was pretty nice, I met some people that I know you'll be happy to see." Taika wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Who was it? Tell me please." I grumbled at his pouting face.
"I wanted it to be a surprise but if you really want to know it was Yuma and Kou." Taika sat still for a moment.
"Yuma's here! Yuma's here!" I giggled at his enthusiasm as he fumbled off of my bed and began dancing around.
"Nice moves there, dork." I taunted. Taika quickly launched himself at me afterwards.
"You're happy to see him too ― don't lie!" The faun yelled, shaking my shoulders violently. Well he's not wrong. I played along with his actions and allowed myself to be shaken into oblivion. As Taika continued to shake me and spout nonsense about how attached I was to Yuma I simply flopped on my back and stared at my ceiling. Those glow in the dark stars look so cool up there. I thought as my eyes roamed around the rest of my room. I had a bit of an obsession with the limitless expanse of space and the stories behind the stars.
I couldn't help but smile contentedly. This room had taken quite a bit to conceptualize and decorate but the two weeks I had put into it were worth it.
"Are you even listening to me?" Taika demanded. I gave a hum. "You're not listening to me!" I sighed and looked up at his sitting form. Goodness he's so much like my little brothers.
I let out a light laugh and gave him a soft pat on his furry leg. "Sorry Tai-Tai. What were you talking about?" He sighed.
"I was talking about the Mukamis and how we should try and visit them." I nodded. That was actually an excellent idea.
I tapped my fingers along his leg. "Well what do you say we go watch that one show you've been telling me all about for now?" Taika's ears flicked forward in excitement at the sudden proposition. "Ya'know the one with the ninjas?"
I chuckled as he began to hop around in excitement, giving the show an exuberant amount of praise. Taika waved his hands around wildly, "We should invite your friends to come and watch it with us!" I felt my heart grow heavy, not having the heart to tell him that I hadn't made any attempts to make new friends like he asked. My mood only lifted as he began to go into detail on each character's backstory, attempting to convince me that I would love the character 'Shikamaru'. He's such a―
"Dork."
"I'm not a dork!"