There Are No Secrets That Time Does Not Reveal

-Jean Racine-

Thursday, Week 3…

Location: Japan, Kuoh Outskirts, Westerdyk Residence

?

"How is he?" The President asked, her voice laced with intrigue, curiosity and the slightest hints of worry. Even though I couldn't see the President right now, given that the cow was back at the Club, and I was miles away spying on the new kid's home, It was probably laced with fake concern.

"Just like Kiba said." I responded.

For some reason or another, the new kid had started to obsess over the Student Council and had been trying, in vain, to discover said secrets.

What I didn't understand, was why the cows decided to do this to him. They claimed it was some kind of 'test' but I think it was probably just some sick game they had created to entertain themselves as they decided how to recruit the newbie.

Given what I knew of him, it'd probably be best to just outright ask him if he wanted to become one of them. All this pussyfooting around wasn't doing anything but making him increasingly mentally unstable.

"His entire room is covered with thread. Looks like a detective's office. He's got photo's of pentagrams, old swords, and half a dozen holy symbols strewn across the walls. He's got a screw loose." I reported.

Watching some mental asylum shut-in wasn't what I called a 'fun time' I wanted to eat, but the big titted, fat cows weren't letting me. Damn them.

Skinny-Fat Guy didn't even have anything interesting going on, no dirty secrets for me to blackmail him with, no secret stashes to raid. The loser hadn't even revealed his perverted side.

How did I know he had a perverted side?

Because guys are Perverts. End of Story. Some just hide it better than others.

…

…

…

Except Kiba. But he looked more feminine than most of the cow's that I knew. So he didn't count.

"Alright. That's enough recon for today then. Come on home." President said, and I nodded. "Okay." turning around, I started my journey back to the Club.

At the same time, I noticed a familiar of the glasses wearing cow leaving. It seemed she was also losing interest in Skinny-Fat.

Hunter Westerdyk

Sensing the aura's leave, I immediately stood up, threw the ancient Greek book to the side, and yawned.

Since Monday, I've been watched. Spied upon. Probably by the Student Council at that. It was only by luck that I figured it out, and after a moment's inspiration, I decided to act the part of the insane guy, the guy who couldn't figure out who, or what, was happening or going on. Otherwise known as the tin-foil hat.

So, I just printed a bunch of random bull-crap related to mythology, put it on my walls, and put threads around like a madman trying to prove that Atlantis was real.

Not to say that Atlantis wasn't real… I just wasn't sure if it was actually real, or just a concept. Possibly a collection of stories of supernatural interactions? Maybe an Alien Hotspot. Legends and Myths had elements of Truth, but what that truth was became blurred over time and passage of mouth.

Regardless, I'd managed to catch an oddly clothed bat the other day, with a strange Aura. Not quite the same as the Student Council but similar. Not Literally of course, I simply spotted it, if I actually caught it I could be forfeiting my life.

Initially I had thought it to be proof that they were Vampires, but the differing Aura's could also point towards it being a Familiar of some sort, suggesting that the Student Council were magicians, which was… disappointing, since I was hoping for an easy route to immortality, but I guess being a Harry Potter Rip off was better than nothing.

The fact that the Student Council knew it was me who was investigating them was rather worrying however. How did they figure it out? Perhaps they had some kind of bloodhound or animal with a heightened sense of smell? At the same time though, it could have been a spell that revealed my identity.

The holy symbols were just something I had put up and around, and I'd covered every mythology, Christian/Catholic, Norse, Aboriginal, Shinto, Hindu, Egyptian, heck even Aztec. I doubted they were effective however, if the Student Council wanted me dead they could just make my bus crash, or isolate me and make me disappear. Heck even hiring a sniper wasn't out of the question, Shitori had a worrying amount of cash. Specifically, an amount that wasn't public but was enough to do whatever she wanted on a moment's notice. She bought a park, worth 50k, or basically 5 million yen, just because it looked nice.

Oh there was definitely an ulterior motive, but I just didn't know what. And by now any and all traces of evidence had been erased.

On another note, Yuuma had completely disappeared. I'd looked for any sign of her, but found none. I didn't dare risk calling her phone however, in case the Student Council had taken her out and had it on hand. I wasn't going to risk getting caught by something out of my league just for a chance.

Friday…

"So… how have you been?" I asked simply as I chewed on my peanut-butter sandwich, staring across at the White-Haired Introvert whose name I still didn't know. She merely looked up at me for a moment, before shrugging and looking back down to her cat videos.

She really liked cat's.

Really liked them.

'Nice talk.'

DING DONG DING DONG!

'Ah. The bell. Time for class I guess.'

Standing, in unison with my cat-loving associate, we made our way out from the hidey hole. As we did, my ears instantly picked up a familiar chanting. And as I turned to my right, I saw the source of said chanting. Or to be more specific, who they were chanting for.

'It's the Red-Head.'

Red-Head was doing an excellent job at pretending that she didn't hear her adoring fans. Taking it all in stride. Like she was used to it. Like she enjoyed it.

'Ugh. If she's stuck up I'll slap her.'

Probably wouldn't, she could have hitmen protecting her. Ready to take down the next 'Posh Twat' I suppose, I doubted the student body would even do anything to help me, chances are the only thing they would do is help hide the body.

I went to move past her, when I felt a hand wrap around my forearm, instantly turning around and doing my best not to throw the perpetrator, I saw that the Red-Head had stopped me, her thin dainty fingers wrapped around my forearm.

'Now why did she have to go and wreck a perfectly average morning like that? The hordes will hunger for my blood now.'

I mentally remarked as I stared at Red-Head with a dead expression. "Yes?" I asked. She tilted her head, "Hello. I don't believe I've seen you around here before. Are you new?"

While the masses were saying things like:

"So lucky. I want Gremory-Sama to hold me like that"

And… "She noticed he existed! I'm so jealous"

And the ever so common "Lucky Bastard. I'll kill him."

'Week 3 and she realises I exist. Is she fucking blind or something? Posh Bitch.'

As great the temptation was to make a sarcastic remark, I just didn't have the social energy to say anything. "Yes. I am new here." I responded. Girl still hadn't let go of my arm… reminds me of my first crush in a way. Love at first touch…

'Focus. Now is not the time for memories. The popular girl is talking to me. Possibly marking me as her next victim. Is she going to humiliate me? Sexually shame me? Make me the laughing stock of Social Media? Sucks for her then, I don't have social media, and the social skills of a 1000 year old blind monk from taiwan. Or a sloth. Probably a sloth.'

"Then it is nice to meet you. My name is Gremory Rias. But you may call me Gremory-Senpai. What's your name?" Gremory asked. Ignoring the whispers of jealousy and rage from the simp's, and attempting to note down the faces of the people sending me death threats, I answered with "My name is Hunter Westerdyk. In Japanese It's Westerdyk."

Gremory smiled, couldn't quite tell if it was forced or natural though. So I withheld any internal judgment on how it looked. "That's a nice name. Is it Australian?"

Well. Looks like Gremory was inquisitive, and smart. That or she figured out I was Australian from my accent. Maybe. Most people assumed I was American, or from New Zealand. Always with those two wasn't it?

"No. It's Dutch." I said. Fun fact, Westerdyk meant 'Builder' in Dutch. Apparently. Probably.

That seemed to catch Gremory off guard, her eyebrows raising the slightest portion before she schooled her facial expression. "I did not know that."

To be fair, I wouldn't either if I hadn't asked my parent's. Then again, I doubt most people would ask about their heritage. At least normal people wouldn't.

"So. How are you finding Kuoh? I trust it has been a welcome experience?" Gremory questioned. There was a faint interest in her voice. If I had social skills I might've been able to figure out more, but I didn't. Nor did I really care enough to try and find out.

'In all honesty. It has certainly been more interesting than my past schools. I didn't find evidence of the Supernatural in them. But I can't really tell you that, now can I?'

"It is School. There is no difference… to me." I answered blankly. Gremory frowned the slightest amount, but chose to continue annoying me it seemed, as she quickly recovered. "Surely you have a favourite subject?" I shook my head, "No." Tilting her head, she continued her questioning. "A favourite teacher?" She asked. "No." I responded.

In all honesty, I couldn't even remember their names. Not that I wanted to, I had more interesting things to do then remember the names of the Locals. Like uncovering a potential supernatural presence.

Gremory pursed her lips, but continued nevertheless with her interrogation. "Favourite meal?" she inquired, her voice sounding polite and very kind. Although, being polite and kind doesn't have much effect on a brick wall. "None that they serve here." Truly a travesty, I had taken Chicken Salt for granted it seemed, along with numerous other Aussie meals, Good Vegemite for example, vegemite made anywhere else tasted absolutely horrible. At least the Sushi was good here. "Best Friend?" Gremory said, I shook my head. "Not Here."

Now Gremory was beginning to show signs of frustration, although it could easily be faked, one did not live the 'popular kid' life without learning a thing or two about acting. Now however, Gremory did indeed appear to be at the end of her metaphorical fuse.

DING DONG DING DONG!

Hearing the second bell, I realised that I had been talking with the Gremory girl for far too long, and now I could be very late to my boring next class. "I must be going." I said as I went to push past her and vanish into the crowds. "Do you have any friends?" she asked suddenly, causing me to momentarily pause. Glancing back at her, I barely even turned my head. Now the attention of everyone was solely on me. They wanted to know. Did I have a Friend? Who was it? How many did I have?

With a single word, I answered her question and continued my way to class. Leaving her shocked and surprised.

"No"

Later…

I grumbled internally as I began to heavily regret my earlier decision.

'Why did I have to answer her? Why the absolute fuck did I need to answer her?'

The excitement of being the 'new kid' had begun to die down, and as people made assumptions of my social life I was gradually becoming easily forgettable, a background character in their lives. Something that would usually make me pissed, but given how I had something interesting to actually focus on, that being the Student Council, I wasn't as angered as usual. Not that it'd change anything, I wouldn't be acting very differently to any of the locals anyway.

But regardless, now that I had revealed that I had no friends, the sympathetic train had activated and now the extroverts and friend junkies were everywhere, trying to make me feel better and be my friend. Let me know I wasn't alone.

In doing so, they made my life miserable, and I had developed a desire to knock out half of the student population, and to make the rest disappear. Everyone was either pitying me or patronising me, annoying me or trying to bully me. And thus my life had become hell.

I was reaching the end of my patience, the tips of my rope were fraying and it wouldn't take much for me to erupt. I'd already sent death threats to several students, death glares to some others, and unleashed my killing intent on at least two.

Granted, the latter of the three was because they were perverts and trying to rope me into their antics, so I don't think anyone minded.

How was I supposed to research the Student Council like this? Surrounded by buffoons, insecure little children, attention seeking brats, and moronic bleeding hearts? I wanted to be left alone and now I had little to no chance of achieving that.

'I wonder if I should just bring a sword or something to school. Maybe a gun. Scare the shit out of everyone and get them to leave me the fuck alone.'

Sadly, getting a Gun was proving to be impossible due to Japan's laws, and I wasn't sure if I would be allowed to bring an actual katana or blade to school. I'd need to ask the Student Council and there was no doubt that they would stop me, possible undiscovered loophole or not.

'I need to do something. Join something, a group or whatever. Satisfy the locals and get some time to myself.'

Considering my current options of the school's clubs, the prospect wasn't looking very attractive. Truly, out of all the clubs, the Kendo club and the… Mythological Research Department… I think it's called… were of slight interest.

I loved Manga and Anime, but I wasn't going to spend my after-school hours reading it with other people, not my style.

Swordplay, or I guess Kenjutsu, was intriguing. I did intend to start a sword collection, and I found it rather fun to do. Then again, I enjoyed anything involving a weapon, a target, and hitting said target with said weapon repeatedly.

The Mythological Research Department though, wasn't as attractive of a prospect. After around 10 seconds of research, which involved glancing out the window to see if anyone was there, I spotted Gremory going to it, suggesting that she was a member of the club, and thus my interest died a swift and cold death as I remembered that this was all her fault.

Perhaps I should join the Kendo club, be the number one and invoke fear into everyone's hearts…

No, that wouldn't work. Either I did well or I did poorly. Neither was advantageous to being left alone. The Kendo Club was primarily female, probably only female actually, and was commonly spied upon by perverts. Every single member of the club put genuine effort into the craft, which only made my job that much harder. If I lost and was dead last, then I could become the laughing stock of the school. And if I was number one, then I could become the next 'Knight' of Kuoh. Meaning they'd lump me into the same group as Japanese Prince Charming. Worse than that, I would be willing to bet that the fan cult of his would write horrendous yaoi fanfictions of us. Something that would disturb me to no end.

I wasn't going to change schools though, not unless I could find proof of the supernatural in Kyoto… somehow.

'Perhaps research into Kyoto could provide results…'

It would be best to save such research for another time however, I had confirmation that the Supernatural existed here. Leaving could be detrimental to my rise to power, immortality, and most importantly, divinity…

Frowning, a thought came to mind. Something I hadn't considered before.

'If the Student Council has an aversion to the bible and church, shouldn't that mean that said Church has power?'

Assuming that the Student Council was a rival or enemy to the forces of God, then by extension, said forces of God would exist, and everything related to it, to a certain extent. Meaning that something like the Church should wield considerable power, and theoretically, answers, to the Supernatural. Even more, they could very likely have a direct connection to Heaven, the Angels, and God himself.

'If that is the case then. Then why is the Church so commonly corrupted? It's difficult to believe that Heaven and God would just allow the Church to become such a tainted figure, especially if they are as benevolent as the Bible portrays them.'

This didn't paint a good picture of the Church. If they were subservient to God and Heaven, then they should be kind and caring, not having been corrupted even during Humanities worst times.

Could it be possible that they weren't following the order's of Heaven? Assuming they were actually connected of course. The possibility did exist of the Church simply being a cult of lunatics, praising and following shit they didn't even actually follow. That could align better with the current status of the Church. But if I wanted to align myself with Heaven, then actually having a direct connection to the actual Heaven and God would be best.

If I accidentally aligned myself with a bunch of crazy murderers, I'd die of embarrassment. Then I'd come back and kill the entire Church.

I could simply Pray I supposed, but then, what was the actual chance of that getting a response? Given the millions or prayers that would undoubtedly be coming through every second, one more was unlikely to catch the Big G's attention. Then again, it very well could, and all I needed to do was Pray.

'On the other hand, if God wanted to intervene, or recruit me, wouldn't he have done so already? Perhaps I must find my way to him, to join his forces.'

This was assuming that I could even join those forces of course, and that God was actually active in these matters. The Church might not even be aware of the Student Council's existence.

'I'm just going in circles at this point.'

Internally groaning, I shook myself away from my internal tangent, I could research more at a latter date, for now, I would need to evade the local's attention, school was not over just yet and it was aggravating to be stuck in a room with idiotic morons who only talked japanese, and put more faith in the rumour mill than in their own parent's. Or perhaps that was just their idiotic, sheep-like minds at play. Food for thought I suppose.

Refocusing on the teacher, a middle-aged man who, for all intents and purposes, was exceptionally boring, traditional japanese looks, slightly overweight, the most interesting fact about him was his shoes, which I believed were Air Jordans. Curious, weren't they rather expensive? Of course, if I was wrong and they were not Air Jordans, then this teacher would've been my most plain and ordinary teacher of all time. Now that I actually looked, they seemed to be rather new, and in my limited experience, appeared of impressive make.

Currently, he was talking about Math, in particular, he was discussing a new method for the locals to use when discerning the area of a triangle. I had already learned this method of course, back in my old school. I noticed that some subjects, particularly math, would do reruns of some subjects multiple times, like a refresher course. I personally didn't see the point in that, if you needed to refresh your student's memory about something, especially an entire subject or topic, then was it really important in the first place?

"Hunter could you please solve this problem?" the math teacher suddenly asked, raising an eyebrow, I looked at the question on the board, not exactly an easy one but not particularly difficult either. After a moment I answered "42" fortunately the teachers understood enough about basic english to understand the numbers. I could have answered in Japanese, but that would've taken a bit longer for me to think of, and I could've gotten it wrong. Plus, it was just too much effort.

The teacher nodded and went back to the board, explaining why the answer was 42 and such in Japanese. Which I tuned out immediately, school would end after this period, after which I could return home and further advance my research into the Student Council. Now however, I could investigate their seemingly unreasonable aversion to Christianity.

Later…

"Annoying." That was all I said as I watched my bus drive off without me. It was official, my dislike for the student council was now growing exponentially. Thanks to their aggravating insistence, specifically that of the blonde haired pervert, I had missed my bus. And I couldn't just walk home, I barely remembered the route to home in the first place, plus it would've taken me hours to get there.

I supposed that I could just ask my parents for a lift, but I didn't want to bother them…

"Yo, Little Bro!"

Feeling what little motivation for life I had drain away, I slowly turned around with a blank expression, staring at my older brother as I did so. He was waving at me enthusiastically, too enthusiastically for my tastes, and was motioning for me to walk over to him.

Strangely, Adrian was wearing a business suit, and given Adrian's typical fashion sense, dead and buried it was, I found it difficult to believe that he chose to wear it. Still, I snorted and slowly made my way over to him, a slight grin working over my face as I did so. "Wassup Adrian, how ya been?" I asked. Adrian's grin was all teeth, shining white and large, "Well, I was showing around a friend from work, back in Kyoto, then I saw you and I thought 'Hey, Why don't I introduce my little introverted brother to someone he'll want to talk to, for a change'" I raised an eyebrow at my brother, "Adrian, I don't talk to anyone. Social skills of a rock, remember?" Adrian chuckled, but moved aside, beckoning me to enter the car he stood next too, "Oh I remember, I just thought that maybe making a friend in this place would be good for you." I scoffed, "I don't need friends. I am perfectly fine as a depressed and isolated human." I was being sarcastic, and both of us knew it.

'Actually. Did he say Kyoto?'

"Whatever, just get in the car." Adrian ordered, practically shoving me into the vehicle, a black land cruiser. With Adrian shutting the door behind me, I merely grumbled for a moment, before freezing as I realised that I was not alone in this car. Sitting across from me, in the adjacent seat, was a young blonde haired girl. Interestingly she wore a traditional… miko I believe it was? Outfit. Even as we both sat down, I could tell that she was much shorter than me, and younger as well.

As we both stared at one another, and I put my school bag down, my seatbelt on, and got comfortable, I realised that neither of us really knew what to say to the other.

"Uhh. Hello?" I said after a while, curiosity getting the better of me.

I didn't know what Adrian's job was here, since he evidently had one, logically It made sense for him to be a bodyguard of some sort, so that wasn't surprising. What was surprising, was how he had said he was based in Kyoto, the only other place that I could reasonably go to school. Additionally, this girl was supposedly a friend of his, which, didn't really mean anything since he would call the homeless guy down the road a friend, but since they had come all this way, she must be important.

Chances are, she was the daughter of some rich guy, perhaps a politician or something of the sort, I wasn't quite sure but they would need to be very important, otherwise they wouldn't be able to afford my brother's services, assuming he actually put the prices at their correct numbers for his skill level, and not at the beginner's level like had had done in the past.

"Greetings Heimin, you must be Westerdyk-Sama's brother," the girl said in strict japanese. I didn't recognise the word 'Heimin' but I don't think it was anything good. "Yes. I am." I responded simply. The girl had a high and mighty posture, and attitude it seemed. Which didn't sit well with me, rich, prideful, arrogant bastards got on my nerves.

"What is your name?" I asked slowly, it was becoming clear that this girl didn't seem to like me, and almost certainly looked down on me. She had a growing look of disdain on her face, she obviously didn't want to talk to me, or waste her time with me at any rate. "You may refer to me as Kunou-Sama." Was her response, again with her high and mighty voice. My right eye twitched. This girl demanded respect? With her haughty ass bitch child voice? I had half a mind to slap her.

"Okay. Kunou-Tan" I answered. Smirking viciously at the girl's reaction.

'Tan' was an honorific given to babies. And while I could've easily called her 'Chan' that was also for close friends or lovers, it could also be mistaken for coming from a place of endearment. I wanted it clear that I had nothing of the sort for the child, so calling her a 'Baby' was a nice substitute.

'Although… Most of the time I would've just called her 'San' and been done with it. Why'd I call her anything else… hmmm… maybe she's getting under my skin more than I thought.'

The child was red faced as she glared at me, before huffing and looking away, giving me the silent treatment.

'Jokes on you I'm into that shit… that sounded weird.'

"Hunter, please don't be mean to Kunou. She's actually rather nice… once you get past her princess exterior." Adrian advised from the driver's seat. But I paid my brother little mind, I'd probably revert to calling Kunou 'San' anyway. "Whatever." I said, as I looked out the window. It would soon begin raining at this rate, the clouds were getting darker, denser. Huffing, I took a moment to think back on today's events.

Gremory had introduced herself to me, an unwelcome event in my life, and now I was meeting someone that Adrian was supposedly asked to protect. I had a feeling that there was something else, something aside from the training opportunities that made not only Adrian, but the rest of my family move to Japan. But I wasn't quite sure what.

If Adrian was a bodyguard, then why did I have to come?

'Perhaps it isn't important… not right now at least…'

Something about it didn't feel right. But what?

Location: Kuoh, Outskirts, Westerdyk Residence.

Adrian Westerdyk

Seeing my little brother running back to our house, fruitlessly trying not to get wet, I couldn't help a massive grin from growing across my face. I had umbrella's in the back, but if my little bro had them then what good would that do him? Running in the rain, desperately trying to move as fast as possible to stay dry, surely it would do my brother's youth some good?

"Are you crying?" Kunou asked in disbelief, turning to her I grinned happily, tears running down my face, "Why wouldn't I be? When the youth of my brother burns bright!" Kunou rolled her eyes and muttered, "Weirdo."

"Kunou-Chan. Take that back! I'm not weird!" I cried out.

Chapter 4 is out!

Okay, I know it's a little late, and I apologise for that. Luckily most of this chapter was already written, so it didn't take too long to finish.

Honestly, I actually have little idea on how this story will progress, despite my planning. Of course, this isn't being spontaneously written, but rather I am trying to see how everyone would act, and what would actually happen.

Back on point, as you can all see I introduced a few more characters at the end of the chapter. Adrian, Hunter's older brother, and the adorable Kunou. Whom you guys should know.

Curious isn't it, how Adrian is connected to Kyoto, and Kunou? Something to consider perhaps…

Also, thanks to the guy's who defended me from that guest, it was really nice. Also, VincentFS if you're going to insult my work, please do it constructively.