Assassination Club

by Tythen


Week 1 Friday: A grasping despair

"Gah!!!" Fluttershy opened her eyes in fear. Looking around, she found herself alive in the middle of the night, awoken from a rigorous nightmare. Her head and stomach reeling in stress, she fumbled out of bed and strolled to the bathroom. As the sudden change in light had blinded her temporarily, the shy girl dipped her face in the chilling waters of the tap. Putting her face towards the mirror, she observed her state. Mangled face, messy long hair, and the girl with those appearances. Her mind forcibly recollected her nightmare, causing her to evaluate and reflect upon the week's activities. The new teacher and his aim, her answer to his concerns, and the establishment of the Special Tutorship club. A cause to improve the school's issue. She was willing to help, and many people thought of that as a bright move. She's seen the situation of those who were looked down upon. Her studies and grades were great, well above average, and yet... Everything else of her yearned for help like the others. Trying to shake it off, she turned off the lights and went back to sleep.


It was the last school day of the week, and everybody is always excited for a much-needed break, but for Fluttershy, the nightmare still haunts her mind and heart, giving her a sick and heavy feeling to her stomach. Trying to get rid of the anxiety, she checks her phone on her way to school. What was placed in there surprised her.

CHS Special Tutorship Club Message Board

That's very nice of you to mention me Flutters. Seriously though, remember what I said about gossip? -
Thunderlane

Thunderlane! You joined! - Fleetfoot

I was invited to a private conversation. It would be disrespectful if I didn't participate. - Thunderlane

So, is everyone ready for the upcoming test today? - Soarin

Stayed up almost all night for it. Now it's time for that confidence to take its course. - Thunderlane

Then best of luck to you and everyone! - Flash Sentry


Fluttershy smiled, it looks like Mr Shiota really managed to reach out to Thunderlane, and he accepted him back. Perhaps being happy for him should be the main focus today. As for her, as much as she'd like to share her plight with her friends and classmates, it's something that should be kept personally for now.


Needless as she said to herself, she was able to put her worries aside and focus on her classwork at hand without any open concern. From all her morning periods, and especially to her maths practice test this club session. All five students were accounted for, and they silently did the test, and even called it in early. Whether or whether not they did it flawlessly was not of main concern, rather it was the confidence they brought in during the test. How they managed to put pen to paper and wrote down numerous workings. Nagisa observed each and every student's behaviour and mindset as each came over and handed their tests in with a firm stance, but a calm smile. The moment everyone went back to their seats empty-handed, Nagisa decided to draw it to a close.

"You guys are really confident. Are you sure you don't want to go through a final proof-read?"

"No Sir," came a unified response. Nagisa was thrown back by the unison but nodded anyway.

"Then that's great! Now as promised, I'll tell you what the purposes of the exams are for. Aside from preparing for the real exams and tests, you should also know by now that this will be feedback for the teachers on how we as a club function, and how we apply genuine and proficient tuition. Now, all of these tests will be marked by your Maths Teacher, and he will see whether you guys did well or not! With that confidence, I'm sure you guys took it down. Way to take revenge on your maths teacher right Thunderlane?"

"Whilst I may have deserved some of that, I'm happy to force them back with their own medicine." Thunderlane chuckled. While Nagisa may have smoothed things over with Thunderlane, the runner won't be budging from his back seat.

"Anyways, if the teacher finds your tests a work of art, he's going to highly recommend the students to come here. What more than a good word to invite those to our Club?"

"Are the 5 of us not enough for you sir?" Flash asked,

"Don't be jealous, think of it as widening your comfort zone and learning to properly communicate and work with others!"

"Being persistent does have its benefits, but it's going to take a lot of persistence to get kids like us to help improve on themselves, and even so, they're more focused on their marks rather than themselves." Flash shared,

"But to do well on a test doesn't just mean good constant study, you also need a healthy mindset too. Clear of thoughts, feelings, etc. BUT! There is also a better way to help spread the invitations of the Special Tutorship club." Nagisa continued,

"Which is?" Soarin asked,

"Yourselves! Students are always curious to ask their fellow friends if they survived with something scary or crazy like a tutoring class, punishment in the teacher's office, or even a church service or meditation!" Nagisa laughed,

"Last one's debatable sir." Flash replied, "but then again, some pen pals I have actually had their church activities and camps inquired, so you know what, I take back that statement."

"Curiosity is a powerful thing." Nagisa replied, "but all in all, thank you all for coming and doing the test. I'm happy to call it early today. You guys can go out for lunch now."

"Thank you, sir!" The five students said their farewells in unison as they calmly exited the class. Nagisa smiled, looks like the students are really doing well for a change, perhaps teaching in Equestria isn't so hard as what the others in Neighpon said about 'cultural difference'. If what we show about ourselves are true and trustworthy, then no matter what country you come from, people can understand each other, and the world will be a much less hostile place.

Hostile...

The words rang in his head over and over.

Hmm... Something doesn't feel right about this. What if they do get into trouble? He'd better be there for them.

Wait! But that means he's going to be a nosy stalker like Korosensei was, and that's going to damage the trust between him and the students.

'Oh come on!' He thought to himself, can't they be trusted on their own already!?

You know what, he's just worrying too much... The day is still early and they'll be fine, let's just hope the weekend won't get to their heads. He sighed to himself.

A teacher's got his boundaries, and he's got other things to worry about like payday coming right after school! What food should he buy for next week's lunch boxes? Ah, it's great having prepared enough money for Equestria, saving up and currency exchanges were a horror for him!


CHS Special Tutorship Club Message Board

Hey guys! How did you think the math test went? I think I managed to nail things down! - Fleetfoot

Very simple, which reminds me, looks like someone slipped some very handy tips in my exercise book. - Fluttershy

You too? I've got mine in my textbook! The guidelines on those were exactly the questions similar to today's test! - Soarin

Same here... I have a sneaking feeling it's you-know-who who did that. Just what CAN'T Mr Shiota do, or at least, has some scary side to him? - Thunderlane

I think he's scary enough when people misbehave in his class. Just makes him all the more cool and admirable! - Fleetfoot

He's using it for a good cause, that much is very admirable. - Flash Sentry

Always good and evil for you huh Flash? You haven't changed a single bit when we were just kids. - Soarin

I am honoured for being raised as a soldier. - Flash Sentry

Anyway, I thought why not we celebrate after school? Why don't we hang out together as fellow club friends? - Fleetfoot

That... Actually sounds like a brilliant idea! We don't have after-school sports practice, so we can definitely do it! You guys in? - Soarin

For once, count me in. But it depends on how long we're hanging out. If it's half past 4, I've got to meet up with Cloud and Flits. But that leaves one more person... You in Flutters? Or you've got your own friends and animals to help? - Thunderlane

Fluttershy scrolled through the conversation. Applejack's busy with her family, Pinkie is establishing a party for some music students, Twilight's gone home to study and Rarity went home because of family chores or lack thereof, Rainbow has her practice for her run as she told the entire Neighponese class yesterday, and Sunset wants some alone time today. Fluttershy really could use some alone time too, as the relief of completing the practice test did little to calm her tormenting dream. However, staying alone like this isn't going to help her stomach, and this was a rare new set of potential friends, so she made her decision.

Okay, I'm in. Meet you all by the statue after school? - Fluttershy

Sounds great! See you then! - Soarin

Fluttershy put her phone away. She's made the decision to go, but is her worried state going to upset the mood? The nightmare from before is still haunting her mind, but she's going to see what happens.


Thunderlane and the two Wonderbolts were the first to arrive, while Fluttershy was busy getting her things ready and prepared for next week, then made her way to the entrance.

"Managed to make it." Fluttershy sighed to herself, "Hey everyone!"

"Glad to see you make it!" Thunderlane greeted, "now we've got Brad to wait for."

"So, do you guys have any plans on what to do?" Fleetfoot asked,

"Well, I've actually been to a lot of activities yesterday with Cloud and Flits, I can take you there too!" Thunderlane suggested, "Trampolining, Bowling, the Arcades."

"I'd love some Arcades!" Soarin suggested,

"Always the first to speak up Soarin." Fleetfoot chuckled, "well, I'm happy to go trampolining myself!"

"Hey! Give it back you brat!" An angry command coming from a nearby boy with a hat with green and lime hair in dreadlocks-like style and a beret was calling out against a younger child, dark orange with dark-blue hair.

"B-But I don't know what you're talking about!" The boy responded with a very VERY young voice, the most innocent and sweetest, mixed with a state of confusion.

"Don't lie to me kid! I saw you pick it up from the ground, that thing's mine you know!"

"Oh dear, is that Sandalwood?" Thunderlane spotted, "I've never seen him that angry!"

"I've never seen him pick on little kids either." Soarin replied, "do you think we should help?"

"Hey everyone!" Flash approached from behind, "sorry I'm late, I had a lengthy phone conversation with my little sister. Apparently, our little Brother isn't around CHS for the time being."

"Not now Flash!" Fleetfoot whispered, "something going on over there!" Flash followed Fleetfoot's gaze to see the small feud between the kid and Sandalwood, and his face dropped.

"This thing doesn't belong to you, you jerk!" The young kid struck back, sticking out his tongue.

"Why you little!" Sandalwood stepped back insulted, his anger turning into fury. He grabbed the young boy and pushed him to a nearby wall, "Let me tell you again. What you picked up is mine, and I can prove it to you!!!"

"B-B-B-But..." The boy stuttered, tears rising in his eyes, "H-Help me!!!" He screamed. As an answer to his plea, two hands grabbed the assailant and simply pried his grip off the young boy. Timberwood stepped back in shock of the powerful grip, while the young boy looked up in fear of the Bright orange student between them.

"Harming anyone, especially a young child, is out of the question Sandalwood," Flash spoke, glaring at the student in question.

"Flash, this is none of your business! Stay out of this!" Sandalwood retorted,

"I beg your pardon..." Flash responded, his glare unfazed, "you mean seeing my friend harming my little brother is not my damn business?"

"Grr..." Sandalwood growled,

"Instead of just growling, perhaps you can tell me what's really going on?" Flash suggested, "Brother or not, both sides of the story needs to be heard,"

"But..." The young boy was hesitant about the decision.

"Fine." Sandalwood nodded in agreement, "your little punk brother, he took something from me."

"I-I didn't take it from you!" The boy interrupted, "I found it on the floor!"

"What was the item Sandalwood?" Flash asked, holding his arm to his brother, telling him to stay quiet for now.

"It's a metallic pin that means a lot to me." Sandalwood explained, a little less angry, "I had it pinned on my bag always, and it appeared to have dropped. Here, I'll show you." He presented his gym bag, and pointed to a certain empty area on the bag, "that's where it's always had been. That pin is a recycling sign, the three arrows green in colour and adorned with brass. It was a gift of thanks to those who had volunteered for last year's recycling run."

"Oh..." The young boy's eyes dawned in realisation on what he had done, "so you know a lot about it huh... I just thought it was just a random trinket dropped on the street."

"Hey!" Sandalwood bellowed,

"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to make fun of its significance!" The boy replied. "I'm so sorry that I picked it off the ground without knowing it was yours. Here, you can have it back." Reaching into his pockets, the boy pulled out the metallic pin of that exact description and held it towards Sandalwood. With a grunt completely drained of anger and rage, Sandalwood calmly reached for the pin and gently pulled it out of the boy's hands.

"Sorry for harming you kid." Sandalwood replied,

"Sorry for giving you so much trouble Sandalwood." Flash apologised, "I'll be sure to talk to him about it."

"Forget about it, these kinds of situations happened to all of us when we were young." Sandalwood sighed in disappointment and guilt as he strolled off. Once he was out of the picture, Flash turned to the boy, his younger brother.

"Okay First." Flash replied, crouching down to meet eye-to-eye with his brother, "now can you tell me everything that happened?"

"Y-Yes Big Bro..." First nodded, tearing up again, "Yes, I left early just to come and see you, and then I found the pin on the floor. I didn't know it was that guy's pin at all. So I just kept it. If I knew that it was his, then I would definitely return it!"

"I see." Flash stood up,

"I'm really sorry Big Bro! I know stealing is wrong, and it was never my intention!" First spoke up again,

"Hey," Flash returned with a firm and warm hug, "it's alright. I have been in a situation like this myself too when I was your age. It's no different than finding money lying around, and you know what to do with them right?"

"Of course. I left it there, or place it in a way where it's visible." First answered, continuing to sob "I... I'm so sorry..."

"It's okay." Flash comforted, "you returned it back to its rightful owner, that's what matters. No one's at fault here, it was just a misunderstanding." The four classmates watched from afar, observing everything with different reactions.

"Good thing Flash was here, otherwise things could have gotten ugly," Thunderlane commented,

"Whether it was his little brother or not. Flash will always try to settle disputes and get down to the bottom of this." Soarin added, "heck, that sort of attitude was highly commended by his Martial Arts teacher."

"Whatever he his, I'm glad that someone who's always helpful exists, it would certainly make our world good and better!" Fleetfoot laughed,

Fluttershy stood in complete silence, watching the little boy warm up to a smile and a small laugh from having his hair tousled by Flash, whom is smiling back. Flash's act of kindness, Fleetfoot's words. Does the world really want someone as kind as he is? As she herself is? She remembers a young girl who was yelled at, charged and injured because she helped defend and save a person who had been wronged, and how the young girl and her family suffered greatly for this 'insult' and 'charge against emotional imbalance and frustration'... No... This wasn't just any young girl... And this wasn't just any random nightmare... It was the resurfacing of a dark memory.


Fluttershy felt very unwell throughout the time the group went to their first activity of bowling. Although new to bowling as most are, felt that she herself is unable to play properly. After the 6th Gutterball or so, it began to dawn on her classmates that she wasn't her normal self.

"Are you okay Fluttershy?" Flash asked, "you look rather pale."

"Oh, it's... Nothing..." Fluttershy sighed, "just not doing my best today."

"Hmm..." Thunderlane overheard, it should be obvious to everyone that her voice had a lot of emotional disdain and agony behind it. Something seemed to have spooked her, the question was what.

After the bowling match, the five decided to head to a small quiet spot in the park to buy some cheap drinks at a vendor store and cool down. The Wonderbolts were laughing and celebrated on how both ended tied in first place. Fluttershy on the other hand, she was too much in despair to even enjoy herself as she silently sipped her juice while observing a flock of birds scratching the dirt away, hoping to find some good worms for their lunch or dinner. Flash himself was having his own time as well until a sudden tap on the shoulder got his attention.

"Flash?" Thunderlane whispered, "mind if we talk?"

"Sure," Flash replied, "what's up?"

"Two things that are up. First is Fluttershy," Thunderlane answered, "she looks really broken today. Did you not know that?"

"That much I do," Flash replied, "I can tell myself that something really made her sad."

"It's more than just being 'sad' Brad." Thunderlane replied, "it's like she's been to hell and back. Do you think she should have stayed at home?"

"Well, if I was depressed, I would NEVER leave the house unless the school is involved." Flash replied, "I'd stay, do my homework, try to go to sleep, pray a lot, be very anti-social. But in the case of Fluttershy, I'm sure she has her reasons."

"More like she doesn't want us to feel left out as an entire group, with the club being only less than a week old."

Flash replied, "Interesting observation and theory."

"But... It's so obvious from her face." Thunderlane added, "that she's got a giant burden to carry when she herself has her own problems."

"I see. Should I pay more attention to her next time?"

"If you want to be romantically involved." Thunderlane joked, "but anyway. The second item Brad is about Teach. He never said anything about keeping secrets, so I might as well ask you. Is he actually an... Assassin?"

"Yes." Flash replied calmly, surprising the runner, "he has the skills and proficiency of a good one, and uses it for teaching."

"That's crazy. Not his attitude and personality, but those skills are crazy! I guess that clap of his really woke me up for real."

"What clap?"

"He paid a house visit, parents not included. He and I played a little game of tag, and uh... How does an assassin play tag again?"

"Something dangerous, I'll give it that." Flash replied until he remembered something regarding their teacher, "hey Thunderlane? That reminds me since you weren't coincidentally present in some classes, Mr Shiota's been teaching us some... Drills."

"No..." Thunderlane, "you get to learn how to be assassins? Dang it!" Thunderlane slapped his palm to his face in disgust, "I really should have gone often!"

"Perhaps," Flash chuckled, "but not just for fun or to look cool. It's strictly for self-defence, and they're not real army knives."

"Do you learn how to handle firearms?" Thunderlane asked,

"No, but there was this interesting test after knife-work on Wednesday. A way to focus on our surroundings and perceive disturbances. You can just use your senses, or sometimes your habits."

"Habits? That's a first!"

"It helps sometimes. Whenever I go to bed, I like to enjoy silence going to sleep. So any creaky floorboards or wind would keep me awake, but rather in fear than alertness. Otherwise, like Fluttershy. She'd probably use the local wildlife here as indicators."

"Guys," Fluttershy spoke up, "stay silent." Everyone turned to see their shy classmate stand up.

"Ah, Fluttershy. Are you feeling better?" Flash asked. Fluttershy responded with a finger to her lips. The birds she watched took flight as was quickly flapping their wings away from the park. A common guess is that the birds are done worm-hunting for the day, and head back to their homes. This was different, however. The birds seem to have left in a haste, possibly at the fact that something dangerous was close by. Perhaps it could be a random cat or dog, but this was a quiet spot that they picked, and she hasn't seen any dog or cat in the park today when they entered. Paranoid she may be, but she'd better take the chance,

"Something's watching us," Fluttershy responded and turned towards the tree, the others following suit. "Alright now, come on out wherever you are..."

"Oh!" A man came out from hiding behind the tree, and approached the group in a harmless way, "did you think I was watching you? I'm sorry, wasn't doing anything of the sort."

"Oh snap!" Soarin gasped, "you actually found someone! Looks like you're really putting Mr Shiota's teaching to use!"

"Oh, that's okay sir." Fluttershy quickly changed into a smile, "umm... How are you?"

"Me?" The man asked, "well... I normally come to the park here to relax, having to work for four full days day and night drives me crazy, you know?"

"Oh, I know entirely." Fluttershy nodded in agreement, while she tapped a few words on her phone, "we're high school students. After all, getting up early and studying all day is something tiring. Is that right?" Fluttershy turned to the group,

"Oh yeah, definitely," Flash replied and the others nodded.

"Oh wow, look at the time!" Fleetfoot nervously chuckled, "sorry, we really don't have time to talk now. Enjoy relaxing on the weekend!" And one by one, the four quickly scurry off.

"Sorry about that!" Fluttershy quickly drew the man's wavering attention back from looking at the retreating students, "my friends are not very talkative."

"Ah, I see, wanting to properly spend time with close friends huh?" The man asked, cracking his knuckles and stretching his fingers.

"Well, we all went through a tough exam today." Fluttershy replied, "so we celebrated a little. We went bowling, and came here to relax and cool down at the park!"

"Ah, what a lively young bunch." The man laughed, rubbing his hands and arms "you know you kids have it easy right? Reminds of the time when I was still in my teenage years in high school. Well, it wasn't all sunshine and lollipops or at the very least good. Everyone there were complete nutjobs and all around ungrateful people. I can't say the same for where I am today either. Everyone's a prick, you know that?"

"Oh dear, I'm terribly sorry to hear about such bad memories." Fluttershy apologised, figuring on a way to escape herself. "In that case, perhaps I should really leave you be." She started to inch around him, her back pointing toward's the park exit. "Perhaps you'll find some joy in relaxing around nature."

"Don't worry!" The man laughed again, "I have my ways. It's hard work, but I guess some tension for your hand muscles does make you feel better."

Fluttershy instantly regretted asking that question, it had all become clear. The way he talks, his topic of discussion and his hands, especially the hands. She's unsure whether this man's teenage life was the cause of his true behaviour, but it was the least of her concern. Whatever it is, the man here today was indeed that man who assaulted the students and had just found his next target, five in total possibly, if the other four began worrying about her. Taking little steps back, she uttered a final question.

"Feel better? But... How. How does making others bear witness to your hand muscles... Make you feel better!?"

"Pardon?" The man's cheerful tired face turned grim. What was the girl talking about? Without any chance to inquire, the young girl before him immediately turned tail and ran as hard as she could. It was a split second until he realised the girl's actions.

Oh... Looks like the gazelle found out and warned the pack. Clever thing... But being the lion makes it all the more fun...