This is the end of the story as you know it, but there is good news. I'm changing this fanfiction into an original story with original characters, etc. It is called Wings of Justice and you can find it with a simple search of "Wings of Justice Tumblr." Unfortunately, I have to change somethings to make it not related to Maken-Ki, so it will be a bit of time to rewrite, but when I finish a chapter, I'll try to immediately post it to Tumblr and probably to Archive of Our Own, depending if you can post non-fanfiction on there. I also had to cut some things that I was planning for the future. I give 100% consent for anyone to use the following ideas for their own Maken-Ki fanfiction... wait, nevermind. Apparently, there wasn't anything I can't use. Anyway, on to the story:

I noticed a surprising number of people were lingering in the hall, socializing. I envied them a little. Everyone knew someone. And then there was me. Not just new in the school or even region. New in the country, new in the culture. I do know Isamu and I could probably chat with Haruko for a couple minutes, but they wouldn't be around. They're upperclassmen. So I went to my next class. I didn't know what the class was, though. Everyone speaks English at this school, but everything is still written in kanji. I had a sinking feeling I was going to need to learn a whole new written language to really excel in this school. Luckily, I had a map and a program of where I needed to go. I matched the symbols on the program to the symbols on the map and found my way.

I was surprised to find the room practically empty. There were some mats and a young woman sitting near the corner. It appeared she was meditating. Her and I were the only ones there. I guess I'm a little early.

"How's it going?" she asked without opening her eyes.

"Oh, uh, fine."

"Good. You're early, you know."

"It appears so. What is this class, by the way?"

"Dueling 101." Oh boy, I'm in for a doozy, aren't I? "I'm your teacher, Miss Ootori." She finally opened her eyes and got up.

"Pleased to meet you." I paused for a second, then bowed. Was that right? Is that racist? I couldn't get a clear answer from her expression.

"Put your name into the hat. I'm going to be drawing from it to see who will be giving an example duel." That scared the crap out of me. I can't fight! I'll get slaughtered! I almost wrote a false name, but I knew that was unfair.

Eventually, more students came, about thirty, each one putting their name into the hat. Class began and Miss Ootori gave us the proper way to duel. I thought it strange that duels are supposed to start with some odd… I don't know what to call it. I guess, the best way to describe it is a speech. Something about the children of the eternal sun or something. I decided not to question it.

Finally, it was time for the names to be picked for the duel.

"Regina Phalange." [Friends] Most people were just confused, but I laughed. At least someone else in Japan had a love for awesome 90's sitcoms.

She kept pulling names. Fake name after fake name. About ten different fake names were called before a real one was. Looks like I wasn't the only one who wanted to chicken out.

"Akari Shiga."

A girl got up with passion in her eyes. I heard whispering from all around the room. I couldn't really make it out, but I could hear a general tone of fear. Hope I don't have to face her. Wait, I shouldn't-

"Nick Omicron," Miss Ootori said interrupting my thought. Well, I brought this on myself.

I walked up to the teacher. "Excuse me. I've, um, never fought before. Well, not really. Could you choose someone else, please?" I asked timidly.

"Don't worry about it, kid. Everyone's got a warrior's spirit in them. You just have to find yours. One fight at a time if needed. You'll be fine." I hope I don't let my "warrior's spirit" out too much. "Still, I'll help you out a little," she said a little quietly. She raised her voice, "For this match, there will be no use of element or Maken. Agreed?"

"Okay, ma'am," I answered. Akari nodded her head.

"Go easy on him. This is his first fight."

"Oh, of course," she sneered, giving a sinister half-smile.

"Well, that was clearly insincere," I said barely audibly.

Miss Ootori gave the little spiel and then we were off to the races… and I was immediately on the ground. She threw each punch and kick with such accuracy, speed, and power I didn't have time to think. I tried to hold my own, but with little luck. She started to throw me to the ground. I instinctively reached out and grab to anything I could hold on to. Next thing I knew, I was on the ground and she was standing in front of me… without a shirt. I realized I was holding her shirt in my hand. Fortunately, I didn't get her bra, as well. She was a little surprised, even startled, and took a few steps backward. I got up quickly.

"Oh, sorry about that," I said, walking towards her and holding out her shirt for her to grab. "Well, he-" A fist came right at my face, surround by a green aura, assumably element. I fell and, as I recovered, I grasped the shirt with anger.

"I tried to give you back your shirt! Your shirt came off and I was being a gentlemen and was giving it back!" I was getting angrier and angrier as I went on. "You were vulnerable. I had a golden opportunity to win this fight, not to mention pull down your bra and expose you to the whole class!" I started to tear the shirt in half. I was losing control. But I didn't care. "But I took the high road and how did you repay my generosity? You attacked me with all you had! I can barely stand to look at you! Don't you ever-" Everything suddenly went black for a moment, then white, and then I was back. I was all of a sudden calm. Akari laid at my feet, injured beyond compare and fighting to maintain consciousness. Everyone around us was silent, surprised, frightened. No! NO! Not again! It's been so much better! I came to this school to get away from it. To end it. Why do I have to be a danger to everyone around me?! I started bawling.

"I'm so sorry! Please don't expel me! It'll never happen again!" Suddenly, everyone started cheering. The teacher gave me a pat on the back.

"You aren't mad?" I asked.

"Mad? Are you kidding? That was fantastic work! You were kind of sloppy, no doubt from lack of experience, but still very effective," said Miss Ootori. "You were losing so badly, but then you became a beast. How did you turn it around?" I shrugged. I truly didn't know. "Well, I think that's enough for today. Class dismissed."

I took off and went to my next class. On my way to my last class, just like Aki said, I got the email:

Come to Room 215 right after school. Your Maken is ready. Time for you to see Maken Seigi No Tsubasa.