I stared out of the arched window at the highest hallway of the castle-like building. In there, I had one thought.
Ever wondered what it's like being a certified man... In a catgirl's body?
Since nobody answered me, I'll answer on their behalf.
For one, it takes longer in the shower with my long hair, so I nipped them short... I still look pretty with my short natural whitish-green hair.
Secondly, I feel lighter than my male counterpart, especially my impressive flexibility. Like wow, I could become a pyramid if I stretched out certain parts of my limbs.
Thirdly, I have legit fluffy cat ears on my head. I feel slightly uncomfortable without my usual ears since I can hear three times higher than my previous ears could. It's annoying, but I guess it can be useful for clumsy ambushes.
And lastly, and honest to God, I feel smarter in this body. I'm not sure if this counts as a catgirl trait, but I'm still adding it if I'm making a comparison. Maybe it's just the body in general since everyone's unique and talented in their own way.
It's hard to describe; I learn faster than my male counterpart... I don't simply memorize lessons and materials, I just understand it as if seeing the joystick as the movement button.
And when I do memorize it in minutes, it's usually in very clear detail. I once thought there's a picture in front of me when I was daydreaming during my exam... Though I didn't really need it, it still helped a lot.
I thought I had Photographic Memory due to lasting an hour or so, but apparently, it's a condition similar to it called Eidetic Memory.
The doctor clarified Photographic Memory usually lasts really long as opposed to mine that lasts for minutes or hours. It's better to describe it as a "slideshow," since I can flip my memories like a PowerPoint presentation only for a brief time...
Yes, hours can be considered "brief" for this occasion.
In any case, it's pretty amazing if you ask me. I hear people with Photographic Memory can remember traumatic events in clear detail without forgetting them. A curse they call it, for those who have it. Though, it could just be media being excessive about random things again.
Now, do you know why I have that trait? The smarts and stuff? Clearly, it's because I'm occupying a body so talented that I pale in comparison to this girl's greatness. Whose body am I occupying? Glad you asked~
It is she, the leader of Rhodes Island's medical projects, profoundly learned in metallurgy, sociology, Originium Arts, archaeology, history and genealogy, economics, botany, geology, and other fields. Simultaneously, active in many projects as a major constituent of Rhodes Island's command system...
Dr. Kal'tsit~! From Arknights!!
'Also my waif—'
Ahem— Anyhow. It's also the reason I remain stiff and stoic around strangers, not because I'm lazy to do so, but because making expressions is almost impossible... It questions me to this day how I was able to have casual conversations around eccentric people with my constant poker face.
And yes, I also have her abilities as well. Like Monst3r, but asleep in my spinal cord right now... Even though nothing has been mentioned about it being literally living in my spine in Arknights—!
Oh, my dearest God, my dearest... fanfic writer? If you're gonna send me to this world as Kal'tsit, at least make my abilities canonically accurate...! Not some internet rumor that's gonna make my spine sentient — ripping in and out of my back to honestly assist me... The sentiment is appreciated, but it excruciatingly hurts like hell!
I'm pretty sure she summons a floating crystal thingy behind her back to summon Monst3r... So what gives? Why am I different from Kal?
Who am I kidding... I bet God is just laughing his ass off right now.
Well, fuck you too, God! Anyhow, no more catgirl traits. I have something more exciting subject I need to bring up.
I'm—
"Good morning, Kal'tsit. It seems you are prepared for the initiation," he quipped, while drinking his coffee, joining me at my standing window gazing hobby.
"Ozpin." I nodded.
Right, I completely forgot that I'm near Ozpin's office, overseeing at a high place. But that's not important right now. We're talking about Ozpin here. That's right.
The show that I scarcely remember—RWBY. A show about colorful teenagers fighting monsters while having kickass CG fights.
The one next to me is my boss, the Headmaster of Beacon Academy, the one that guides Huntsmen/Huntresses to the right path. Headmaster Ozpin!
Unfortunately, his last name is a mystery.
"Of course, it's natural for a professor to show courtesy to our new arrivals. Sometimes, the presence of a veteran Huntsman can be inspiring to others, too many, then it could give unreasonable pressure for the freshmans," he said.
"The amount of free-time professors have is disconcerting," I grumbled, remarks always making things interesting.
"I could say the opposite to you. Balancing both roles can be taxing, especially given the current times," the Headmaster replied. He somehow exuded that sadly while holding that coffee. I wonder why, though.
"I'm well aware of my responsibilities, Ozpin. But this isn't about me."
"Well... If you insist, there's not much to say really, it's simply a favored pastime of ours for such circumstances, since we're occasionally short of students. Few are willing to risk their youth in our line of work, so professors find themselves with free time between their schedules."
"..." I remained silent. I'm content with listening to his dialogue. Him being mysterious and wise is always interesting to hear.
"You're right, though. This isn't about you, but I'm very sure you're not like us either, or rather, I'd imagine so after ascending as a vice-principal of Beacon Academy, fairly quickly. If I'm being honest, it's difficult to treat you like any other companion in mind if I were to mention you even in the slightest."
Ozpin sipped his coffee and continued, his tone professional as always.
"I admire your dedication; however, your companions might question the efficacy of continuing to teach while holding your current position. It could be seen as... 'detrimental' from your colleagues' point of view."
"You're always like this..." I muttered. Really, his constant worries always get on my nerves. I've always proven myself to others, so what am I missing for him to treat me like a capable adult?
Nonetheless, I'm completely aware of his concerns. I'm a professor who has only 3 years of experience teaching in Beacon. So from the perspective of other professors; becoming a vice-principal with low experience is rather unheard of.
You could say I occasionally get harsh treatment from fellow professors, with little to no respect.
But in reality, I've been teaching for more than beyond 10 years of being a professor in my previous life. I pretty much sympathize with them and understand this issue, they probably see my good relationship with Ozpin and Glynda as leverage for getting my current status.
As a solution, I tried to prove my efficiency, proficiency, and competency to gain respect. If they get emotional about it, face them with cold hard logic. Being reasonable backed up with facts has always kept them in line.
That was when I realized I messed up.
I didn't gain the respect I wanted; I got it from fear. I couldn't gain it through the power of friendship. Just because I understand them emotionally doesn't mean I show it! But what more can I show?! I literally have a stone-face that can't express properly!
"I'll take your advice into consideration, though I believe I am managing quite well," I said stoically (see!!), and respectfully.
Look, I tried to be understandable, but if it's one against many of them, I'll have a breaking point. And when I'm at my breaking point, I'll fucking destroy you—with words... of course.
I just wanted my role to be important when RWBY starts... Is it wrong to be a little bit childish?
"Of course," (How dare you— wait, did you just answer me?!) Ozpin said with that reassuring smile that I wanted to rip off. "I only want what's best for Beacon Academy and its students. Especially for you, Kal'tsit. Will you consider taking my advice as the principle of Beacon, vice-principal?"
"Is your advice suggesting that I should focus solely on administrative duties?"
"That is indee—
"Then your request is impossible."
Ugh, stop it already. How many times are you going to nag about this.
"I appreciate your concern, but my methods have proven too effective thus far. My education serves a purpose beyond what may appear on the surface, Headmaster. It's not for you to question."
"Kal'tsit..." He... gently lifts a chin?! What- Why is he staring intently at my eyes?! I'm a man—y-yknow! An-and...
are you really doing that while holding your coffee?
Well, thank God that coffee woke me. What the hell was that trance? Was that a Shojou effect? But that only happens in Anime! Right?!
"When was the last time you've had proper rest?" In genuine, 'Ikemen' concern. Goddammit, is he looking at my dark circles under my eyes? Impossible, I thought I had it hidden with makeup.
Hey, this ain't girly, okay? Stop being uncomfortable; I ain't going for any man! This is just to fit in the show...
"That's personal and confidential." I swatted his hands away like a fly. My eyes narrowed, disgustingly at him. "It's also not your liberty to ask a young lady that, Headmaster."
I stared in his direction and behind him. Heh, I successfully befuddled him with my remark with Glynda (?!) also in disbelief, now marching her way here with her Aura fluctuating. She must've just come in just now and Ozpin's unexpected action.
"Rest assured, I am always at my full capacity when I'm needed." With this, I finalized my statement and made my way out of here. "Keep that in mind, father."
"Kal'tsit, that's not—"
"Ozpin!" Rather than a shout, it sounded like a roar.
"H-Hmm? Oh Glynda, what might—"
"You. Scandalous. Fool! Even your own daughter!!"
"Glynda! This is a misunderstanding— wait—!
Oh yeah. Did I mention that Ozpin is my adoptive father? Did you realize how weird that 'gently lifting my chin' moment was now?
Well too bad, things will only get weirder from then on.
"Still..." I lightly brushed my chin.
That was my first heartbeat... Dammit.