//------------------------------// // Week 4 Tuesday: A Challenge // Story: Assassination Club // by Tythen //------------------------------// "Good Morning Everyone!" A young female student spoke into the microphone that connects to every speaker in every hallway, classroom and shared areas. "This is your CHS student council leader Cheerilee live, bringing you today's PAs for quite a long while! Sorry about that, I had other priorities regarding our younger School, Canterlot Junior School! Our first item is regarding our Special Club Contest for this Thursday! It will be taking the majority of the periods between Recess and Lunchtime, so congrats to anyone who has their most disliked class in that session, you're going to miss it legitimately! We've got quite some interesting entries: The Science Club will be creating some chemistry surprises, the Music Club will be playing a small serenade, and the Special Tutorship Club... How interesting! They've got a special drama-like showcase for us!" She hesitated for a moment as she mentioned the last club, then shook it off and continued. "Now the Second Item. In Week 6, we've got our exams! So I hope you've studied for it! Remember to frequently study and get in touch with your classmates, or join the Special Tutorship Club temporarily or not! Just remember to let any of the mentioned teachers know: Mr Shiota, Ms Yada, and Coach Kimura or Coach Justice as you may call him!" "And that's all from me, this is Cheerilee, your Student Council President, Signing off!" Fully exasperated after the announcements, Cheerilee stumbled out of the PA Room, and brought an open bottle of water to her lips, eager to quench her thirst. It sucks that right after the announcements that she has to deal not only with her school work but also her student council responsibilities. As well as being the helper or teacher in training for Canterlot Junior School. So much to do, and so little time to prepare! Perhaps she should have taken Big Mac's advice of taking it slowly but it's really too late at that point. It's also too late for her to notice that a figure around her height was walking towards her just as distracted. Te two bumped together, but not into a drastic and dramatic heap. Cheerilee took her mind out of her problems ready to scold and tell off whoever she bumped into, teacher or student, but who she collided with was an even bigger surprise. "Oops!" A Lapis coloured, azure-eyed teacher apologised with a bow, "So sorry for bumping into you, I was distracted." "It's okay." Cheerilee re-straightened her load of papers and folders with care. As she watched Nagisa dust his arms and clothes off, she noticed something peculiar that wasn't there the last time she saw him. "That's very interesting." Cheerilee pointed towards a Dragon-like Snake in blue flames imprinted on the bottom of his Waistcoat. "Is this your 'Talent'?" "Yeah. Rarity sowed it on free of charge." Nagisa nodded, "we never really wear our 'marks' back in Neighpon, as no one really seems to mind or care. To be honest, I never really gave much artistic thought to it myself. It's really hard to come up with an image that would fit who you are." "Of course," Cheerilee laughed, "after all, I do remember three or more of my students scrambling to discover and describe their talents since a majority of them had done it at a young age." "Seems pretty early." Nagisa discussed, "if it was Neighpon, the idea of our marks and talents would mostly come around High School. Why we even have a parent-teacher discussion regarding our future careers!" "I see," Cheerilee continued, "in that case, did you ever discuss with your parents and teacher on being something strong, violent, any other rough job OTHER than being a teacher?" "I'm sorry?" Nagisa tilted his head, "I mean no offence." Cheerilee explained, "But I've heard plenty of numerous rumours from the students regarding you. A man that gives threatening or horrific looks to his students in order for them to behave." "Oh that's a pretty common concept." Nagisa replied, "But it's only for disciplining people if they're really distracting or offensive towards others. This is a place for study, not for physical and verbal violence." "I hope that rumour yesterday wasn't true." "You mean clapping them to shock?" Nagisa asked, "I'm afraid not. Coming straight from my mouth, I did indeed generate a lot of noise to distort them, but I did apologise. That being said, when I normally did that before, it only affected one person, and it's the one person that was misbehaving." "Mr Shiota, with all due respect, This is Equestria, rules regarding teacher conduct with students are quite strict. I don't know the school rules regarding education in Neighpon, but especially in Canterlot High School, that's a big no-no, right from the Department of Education." "Well, how about I share my way of teaching over some tea?" Nagisa offered, "if you know so much about your country's education, I don't mind sharing you my way of how I did it. If every teacher strictly follows guidelines and regulations, there wouldn't be so much difference or diversity in personality between the teachers, and School would become pretty dull eh?" "Okay then," Cheerilee nodded, "I'm happy to talk, but not at this time. I've got a horrible lot on my shoulders to take off. Would you like to appoint a date?" "Second half of Lunchtime, in my classroom. It will happen right after the Special Tutorship Club." "Ah..." Cheerilee nodded reluctantly, "I've got another issue with that, but that's a different story. See you then Mr Shiota." And with that, the young student teacher walked away gracefully and swiftly. Leaving Nagisa with great interest, "So it seems some students know what they want to be in the future..." Nagisa mumbled to himself, "That makes things all the more interesting." Breezing through the morning class with no more troubles, Nagisa was able to make it without any form of guilt affecting him. As he approached his classroom, he noticed that a student was standing next to the door, nervously to add as well. "Excuse me?" Nagisa asked, "Can I help you?" Nagisa got a bigger picture of the student now. A male student with a Light blue coloured skin and dark blue hair was standing next to his door wearing a normal dark blue polo shirt with a pair of quaver music notes on it. The boy's hair between medium to short in length, and had a spiky fringe on the frontwards, but not as intense as Flash's. "Yeah." The Student shuffled, trying to avoid eye contact. "It's fine to look directly eye-to-eye." Nagisa encouraged, "this isn't Neighpon." "No it's..." The student turned around "... It's nothing to do with nationality." Nagisa gazed at the boy's eyes. Amber in colour, and ambient and light to boot. The more notable feature is a bright white Orthoptic eye gauze patched firmly upon his right eye. "And who might you be?" Nagisa asked, taking the interesting thought aside. "I'm Noteworthy." The boy introduced, "It's nice to meet you sir." "Come in! Come in!" Nagisa opened the door, "We have lots of time before the rest come in." Noteworthy walked in without a word and sat in the nearest chair. Nagisa grabbed the chair next to it and sat opposite him. "I take it you are interested in this club?" Nagisa asked, "Sort of," Noteworthy slowly nodded, "Hmm..." Nagisa examined as he pulled out a notebook, and began scribbling notes. Man, ever since he was at the hospital, he wasn't able to take notes about his students. Now, look how many of them had joined! He's got lots of catching up to do himself. "So Noteworthy, do you have any hobbies or things that you do at school right now?" "For starters, I am a pianist in my 5th Grade. I'm part of the CHS Concert Band and know a few tricks of a handyman." "Interesting!" "I'm also..." Noteworthy took a deep breath, "... A victim of the student assault by that criminal three weeks ago." Nagisa gasped, of all the luck. "I-It must have been traumatising." Nagisa tried to sympathise, "It's okay." Noteworthy huffed, shaking his head, "I've been through worse. I was happy to see that man being outsmarted by the students last Thursday." "Well, what can I say?" Nagisa asked, "they're very protective of their school!" "That's great to hear," Noteworthy nodded, "but as much as Spirit and resolve can bolster the confidence and courage of the man greatly, There's also the matter of skill. I don't think a group of students can pull such a plan. So I looked more into it, and it turns out the students and teachers part of that defence was from the Special Tutorship Club, run by you." "I take it you also heard the rumours about me?" Nagisa prompted, "A teacher with the scariest of smiles and gazes. A man with tricks that meets more than the eye. I'm sure dealing with such a dangerous man isn't out of the ballpark, am I right?" "That was all Flash Sentry's doing, the plan-making." Nagisa replied, "me? I was still stuck in the hospital back then, injured by the very same man that attacked you. I'm not sure the pain I felt is as the same towards you." "I see." Noteworthy comforted, placing a hand upon the short teacher's shoulder. "You don't have to worry about me so much, it’s not as bad as you think. Being mutilated for being weak is much better than being called being weak. At least I'm able to legitimately escape from the usual people who call me a cyclops or a one-eye. From there, it never hurt as bad as compared to those who love to constantly 'remind' me that I'm a disabled person because I somehow angered the Goddess of the Sun for committing such sinful acts inside the womb." "And do you believe in said Goddess?" Nagisa asked, "I'm a Lunarist, Follower of the Lunar Goddess, like Vice-Principal Luna by the way. Besides, I know those people who harass me for being the devil's child are well aware that they have no care with any of the deities that oversee this world. I'd say it possibly explains their obnoxious behaviour." "Not everyone is perfect, and not everyone is nice for that matter." "But at least the people that learn from you, they get better right?" Noteworthy continued, "Thunderlane's always known for his horrendous behaviour with the teachers and some students, but ever since you came in, there's been fewer concerns and complaints about him." "As long as he's still the jerk everyone knows, keeping it lowdown is probably for the better for him." "Mr Shiota, I'd like to join your club." Noteworthy requested, "I want to make sure that I can be a better man, and that people won't look down on me for having this shameful thing." "Then can you do me the honours of telling me the reasons on the eye patch." Nagisa asked, "Disease?" "Sorry," Noteworthy apologised, "but that's not the type of information I share with anyone." "But that's the sole reason why you wanted to join in the first place hmm? So people can overlook your eye?" "Well..." Noteworthy stammered, "You’re not wrong... But I still don't see a proper reason why I should tell you." "Because those who have joined the Special Tutorship Club properly instead of a one-off tutoring session, know the dangers of doing so." "Happy to take it, but it's not a worthy trade on why I got the eye," Noteworthy replied. "Alright then." Nagisa smiled, "Then let's see why..." He took a small glance at the eye-patched boy, discerning him from his facial expressions, mind and emotion. "Okay then," Nagisa stood up, "I think I understand why." "Oh really?" Noteworthy asked, "You’re a doctor?" "No, but I know a complex and intricate soul and mind when I see one. Just one small test..." Nagisa replied, "There is something quite intricate about this classroom itself. Without picking the place apart, can you guess what?" "From the looks of things," Noteworthy looked around, "there's nothing wrong with it at the moment. Anyone who relies solely on sight that is." Noteworthy took a deep breath, closed his working eye and... "Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do!!!" He sang with a deep yet clear tenor voice, the soundwaves echoing across the room with great range. Nagisa was taken aback by his singing, but the rest was silence. "Soundproofed walls." Noteworthy answered, "Acoustic foam within them?" "Congratulations." Nagisa nodded, "You really are a music student. You like playing instruments?" "It is a powerful medium that can shake and allure even the sturdiest and densest of souls," Noteworthy answered, "What would you like to do once you get to College?" "Well, I strive to be a famous musician as obvious as it is." Noteworthy answered, "But my parents tell me I need to have a 'reality check'; a 'backup plan'. So that's the bigger concern." "Hey, Musicians are better off than being a teacher, especially in pay rate." "True, but teaching yields greater merit for yourself, as well as future generations. Have you ever received gifts from your students?" "Touché." Nagisa laughed, remembering the time where he was given a bouquet of flowers from Fleetfoot. "You definitely are more than you try to prove, so let us and the rest of the club help you with that. Welcome to the Special Tutorship Club Noteworthy. Now can you let the others in?" "Sure thing Mr Shiota." Noteworthy bowed and trotted towards the door. "What a surprise!" Thunderlane hooted as he and the rest of the class poured in, "looks like the musical pirate joined the trash to treasure troupe!" "It's nice to see you too Thunderlane." Noteworthy grumbled, "And that you aren't different than usual." "That reminds me," Yada informed, "make sure that you invite Noteworthy to the Message Board if any of you have the chance." "Huh?" Pinkie raised her hand, "what about me? I didn't know of such a thing!" "Oh? Is that so?" Yada laughed crudely, "then there you go! Don't... Forget... Pinkie." "She still hasn't let it go..." Pinkie giggled, "Anyway, I've got your English exams back. You guys wanna hear your marks, or focus on the contest?" Nagisa offered, the students began looking at each other, wondering if they can catch each other's expressions. "Vote of hands," Kimura spoke up, "who wants to hear their marks?" Not a single hand was raised, "So it's the contest then?" Kimura asked, and all the students raised their hands. "Then what are we waiting for???" Yada clapped her hands and pulled out a large box underneath, "I've been busy during Sunday and this Morning. Got my hands on more goods for Thursday!" The class broke into interest and amusement as they scrambled to see what was in the box, while others just casually shifted the room for preparations. "Thunderlane?" Yada cooed, "I have a wonderful gift for you!" "What is it?" Thunderlane grouched, completely detesting the atmosphere of his 'thirsty' and 'stacked' teacher. Yada opened the box's lid and pulled out the first thing on top. A blackish-grey outfit with a special hood that covers all of the head but the eyes. "No way..." Thunderlane's eyes widened. "Is that what I think it is!?" "Complete with your own set of tabi!" Yada pulled out a set of ninja-tabi boots with a pair of tabi socks. "And all a little bit bigger than your normal sizes, so you can grow into it as you get bigger! Give it a try!" "Just so you know, I'll bite just this once!" Thunderlane huffed as he snatched the clothes and put the top robe upon his body, "Well hey! It really does feel like a good fit!" Thunderlane examined himself. "How do you know my measurements?" "Trade secret!" Yada put a finger to her lips with a wink, causing Thunderlane to grouch again. "Cloudchaser? Redheart?" Yada turned around, "I've got two clothes for you! They're not kimonos, but I've managed to make them fit your colour scheme! These are Kosode, short-sleeve robes worn by both male and female and can be used as outside or inside wear." "Yes!" Cloudchaser squealed as she took a Kosode with cloud-like patterns, "it fits me so much!" "Redheart, yours is a bit different." Yada passed another one that was white all over with a red trim lining the edges of the Kosode. "To match the health symbol of red and white, I also brought along a rather large red fabric that wraps around your stomach for health reasons. Fitting for a nurse I think!" "Hmm..." Redheart looked at the items, "it's really nice." "Now there are plenty of other things that I have, small props," Yada replied, pulling out hats and masks. "Feel free to put them on for the ride!" "Now for the other thing," Kimura turned to Flash and Big Mac, "how's your fight going? Any questions?" "Should we show them Mac?" Flash asked, picking up two wooden katanas from the box, "Sure thing." Big Mac nodded as he took one of the wood katanas, and prepped himself in his draw stance. Flash looked at his rather short sword and held it in an awkward position. "You seem dissatisfied," Fluttershy asked, "It's nothing," Flash replied as he spun his blade for practice, then held it in front. "Ready?" "Hya!" Big Mac swiftly launched forward, swinging his in a rotating angle. Flash angled the blade as fast as he could to block the oncoming blow, but the force of Big Mac's swing was so powerful, he had to use his other hand to stop his own sword from flying away. Shrugging it off, Flash delivered an overhead slash, striking Big Mac's sword block. The sound of the clashing wood echoed throughout the room. "Gah, time out." Flash sighed as he withdrew his blade. He began spinning it around, trying to match the flow of the sword with his own. After a few minutes of weapon-to-body positioning, stance comparing, as well as his handling on the sword itself, he gave a sigh. "Yeah, I am sort of dissatisfied." Flash sighed, "Sword training isn't your forte is it?" Yada asked, "Nope," Big Mac shook his head, "it looks like you have more experience with other weapons." "What Mac said," Flash replied, "The Katana is a great weapon, I know and believe so. But from what I've been through, I'm more into weapons that involve two-handed weapons instead of versatile one-to-two hands." "Woah," Flitter gasped, "how can you tell Big Mac?" "Ya see..." Big Mac replied, blowing on his sword to remove any dust or loose splinters, "the Apple Family is quite extensive, even in other countries and nations. We learn a lot more than just apple farmin'." "So that's your family secret." Kimura replied, "And I'm betting that draw stance is from one of your family members who happen to be Neighponese." "You got it." Big Mac replied, "The late Fuji Apple. As his name implies, he's an immigrant from Neighpon and became part of the Apples through marriage, he's the most humble ever. Taught the family a bit of Neighpon or two, before his passin'." "It really is a small world is it?" Soarin chuckled, "And kinda thankful and glad fer that." Big Mac chuckled, "now Sentry. This is the second time we've properly duelled, and ah can tell that a katana's not the weapon fer you. As you said, yer a two-hander, and I'd wager ya had a hand in pole weapons from how ya stand. More specifically Bōjutsu." "Exactly." Flash nodded, "How clever of you to denote my fighting style that quickly." "So Madam." Big Mac turned to Yada, "you happen to have one of em' two-handed stick weapons in there? Quarterstaffs, Bō Staffs." "Oh? Well, it’s a good thing I prepared for that!" Yada laughed, "I've got neither Quarterstaffs nor the Bō, but..." She walked over to the nearby tall drawer where they last saw the bazooka and pulled out the wooden pole with a smoothly carved wooden blade on one side, "I have the Naginata! Catch!" "Thanks," Flash thanked, catching the long-ranged stick without any effort, "you always come prepared Madam. I bet there's a talent out of that." "Give it a whirl!" Big Mac offered as he stepped back, "With pleasure." Flash nodded. Flash moved the weapon around with his two hands, looking at the design of the weapon, and noting the large-like wooden blade area on one side. Once getting used to it, he spun the naginata with great acceleration above his head, leaving the audience amazed. With a quick change of his hand movements, he moved the weapon to his side, rotating the continually spinning weapon, changing from a Flying swing to a Ferris wheel. "Hah!" Flash gripped the naginata near the base, stopping his spinning, and began thrusting the weapon against an imaginary enemy. Each lunge that he made was swift and quick on bringing the blade-end forward and bringing it back. After eight quick stabs, he stepped forward and spun his weapon once again. This time, he lifted his leg and held his Naginata diagonally downwards, but also behind his body. His left arm holding close to the blade which is around his legs, and the other hand gripping close to the un-bladed end close to his head. "Show-off." Big Mac coughed. Letting go of the pose, Flash began slashing the air instead of the usual stabbing. The momentum of his swing and slash were just as fast as his lunges, one could say his attacks are as quick as a flash. The crowd applauded as he finished with an overhead slash. "Now that..." Flash replied, performing one final accelerating spin on his naginata before slamming its base firmly on the ground, "Is my kind of weapon!" "Glad to hear it," Big Mac laughed, readying his katana, "wanna take it from the top one more time?" "Yes sir," Flash nodded, readying his new Naginata. And once again, the two began clashing wooden blades once again. This time, Flash fought better and faster. "Well, it seems that these two warriors will have no problem." Yada laughed, "except... What about the rest of the play? Now that we've got plenty of ideas, how should we plan them out, especially with what little time we have?" "That's something you guys can do together," Nagisa pointed to Kimura and Yada, "You're strict with timed-schedules, and Yada's the best planner. In fact, why did you ask me that question in the first place?" "Unlike you, I've got other things that I had prepped on the same due date. You know! The weapons, the animals, the housing!?" "Of course!" Nagisa nodded, "all the more to work with Kimura!" "Okay then," Yada replied, turning to the Special Operative, "I'm counting on you soldier!" "Yes, Madam!" Kimura saluted, the class grinned at the sight of those two. "I've got a few things in mind for myself." Nagisa asked, "unrelated, but it is mandatory for me." "What is it?" Roseluck asked, "The student named Cheerilee." Nagisa answered, "I don't know a lot of the students at all. So can any of you help me?" "What else is there to know about her? She's got a handful of titles," Thunderlane mused, "CHS Student Council President, librarian, a 'teacher's assistant' in Canterlot Junior High, and an arrogant, Goddess-less, Idealist Bitch. Many wonder whether she's legitimately a student or a fully grown adult in high school." "It sounds to me like you call every girl in our school a bitch nowadays." Flitter pouted, "no wonder why you're on everyone's blacklist." "Care to elaborate?" Nagisa asked, "Cheerilee has a great deal and knowledge of education and planning. She's got quite the education and charisma for teaching too. Grade-A Type-A Person if you must say." Soarin elaborated, "Take me for example," Redheart raised her hand, "As you know, I'm an early nurse-in-training. She's almost the same, except for education. There are many more students around here who are considered the 'ultimate' in their skills or talents, they could leave school without going to College or University, and join the workforce through early experience alone. Cheerilee, well... She's known to be quite challenging for every teacher or student. And while some people agree with her, it's mostly because some interests align and that she's the one who pulls it up. Attitude wise... You may call her a really arrogant and assertive philosopher. The only reason why she's not getting any crap as Thunderlane is because of her polite and mature nature. Sure, she's put up so many campaigns about it, posters and whatnot, but staff and students only do so because they're obliged to as what I heard from the staff." "Skipping steps doesn't seem like a good idea," Nagisa replied, "As Thunderpants said here," Pinkie continued, "She's also a 'teacher's assistant' in CJS, but she's pretty much got a 'loving' grasp on the young students there. From what I know, Thunderlane's younger bro and Big Mac's younger sister attend that school." "So do my siblings!" Flash paused to shout, before snapping back to focus on parrying Big Mac's swipe. "And that's a reason why Thunderlane doesn't like Cheerilee?" "Of course!" Thunderlane rasped, "She's completely the opposite of what Rumble says she is at CJS. She's the most radical challenging bitch that she became so damn unpleasant! There are many things she's trying to push for. Change the canteen, change the playground, change this, change that! This change is too Goddess-damn much!" "And let me guess," Nagisa sighed, "the 'Goddess-less' adjective has something to do with the religious aspect of the school right?" "Don't get me started." Thunderlane growled, "The things I have for her regarding that... There is nothing nice to say about her regarding that. She takes these types of studies out in favour of the damn non-religious or 'social justice' ones... Oh sure, that means it's completely okay to KILL somebody or be as assertive as you want until you get what you want. Go ahead and squash on ants and worms! Check your damn privileges! What is the point of the fucking law if it's always going to change to shit thanks to shitty people!? Rrragh!!!" "Thanks for your brutal honesty Thunderlane." Cloudchaser placed a hand on his shoulder, "We understand." "Well Thunderlane..." Flash added, stopping the fight for a while, "We all live differently. Some people learn that whether in victory or defeat, success or failure, you benefit from it, and you mostly benefit a lot from a loss than gain. Others have learnt that the only way to satisfy or possibly keep yourself alive is victory, and how much you have to fight for it. Tasting defeat for them is something that they can never live with. Some can 'deal with it', while others really can't." "Took it from the Holy Text of Friendship did you?" "Also from my experience of playing video games and watching some Neighponese shows actually." Flash laughed, "From what I've seen in stories, as well as constantly losing to my sister and brother, I took it as a part of learning, hoping that one day I can play with them again. Granted, politics is a different story... But the thing is, it is you exploring things yourself. It's not challenging or trashing your ideals full-force or being preachy, it just shows another perspective of it, and what certain things entail. Granted, I know that's not wha--" "We understand too Flash." Fluttershy laughed, "It’s okay." "Long story short then," Flash replied, "From what you say Thunderlane. Laws? Bills? Words etched on paper or stone means nothing if people don't take it as an example of their behaviour." "Wow." Thunderlane huffed, "And I thought you'd be the lawful moral type of guy." "That's what you get from a changing world." Flash puffed, "The moral compass of this world shifts like crazy. What's Lawful Good may become True Neutral or even along the Evil range." "Someone's been playing Ogres & Oubliettes." Soarin laughed, "Enough about me." Flash sighed, "If any of you think I'm crossing that line of being preachy or an arrogant ass, feel free to stop me." "Don't worry," Nagisa replied, "I think it's going to help me lots when I meet her later." "She approached you?" Noteworthy gasped, "Typical," Thunderlane growled, "As Flash said, we are raised differently. The only thing I have above you is experience through age, I'll be able to discuss with her. So you guys want to continue fighting?" Nagisa asked, "Oh, course." Big Mac replied as he raised his katana, "Get on with it Flash. Your Pole skills are lacklustre." "Maybe because your swordplay is just as bad?" Flash asked, and with that, they began slapping their wooden weapons once again. Nagisa thought to himself... "Hey guys, do you want to know more about me?" Nagisa offered, "And how your three tutors became the people they are?" The 1st half of lunchtime is nearly drawing to a close, and the light-pink skinned girl eagerly waited in front of the classroom, eager and anxious to talk. Despite handling all the work this morning, she did a quick search of the Special Tutorship Club at the moment. There were only 5 students who joined from its initiation. Now, after three full weeks, there are 11 Students attending the club with 3 teachers supervising them at a certain half of lunchtime. In there, people normally go through just tutoring and catching up on either classwork or homework, as well as an occasional practice exam. However, what seems to be the alarming case was this. Students that entered here involved Thunderlane, a student that had the worst attitude with teacher and student, and after two weeks in there, he's been... Sensible. And not to mention Mr Shiota's demeanour. Ever since his staring and clapping, he's brought an infamous streak. Sure he's considered a better teacher than a majority of them, but it doesn't strike the fact that his bad sides were mentioned more than other teachers. There's not a lot of information and ammunition that she can challenge with this... "But... Stay confident with yourself... You can refute all of his claims all at once!" The second bell rang. It's time to fight. "Hey, Cheerilee." Big Mac opened the Tutorship door, "Oh! Big Mac!" Cheerilee blushed, "Gow... How are you?" "Ah'm fine. You here for Mr Shiota?" "O-Of course!" Cheerilee nodded, "his methods of teaching and discipline are questionable and outdated!" Big Mac, though unwavering in facial expression, glared at her, "Ah'm not sure 'bout that... You wanna talk it out?" "That's what I'm here for," Cheerilee answered, "Then come in," Big Mac sighed, continuing the glare. Cheerilee strutted in the room, with all the tables set as a square ring. A lone table sat in the middle with two chairs, one where Nagisa occupied. 'A debate' she thought to herself, 'that much is expected'. But what she didn't expect, was the outside of the ring was lined with chairs, and 12 students were each sitting in one, as well as the two other teachers standing near the teacher's desk. "I was never informed that this debate was going to have an audience," Cheerilee answered, "You're the student council head." Nagisa answered, "And for that, you need to show your fellow students that you are what you mean. That being said, I never agreed to any--" "Well," Cheerilee interrupted, as she looked at her classmates, who were glaring back at her, "Will you refrain from glaring at me?" "Will you refrain from being a bitch?" Thunderlane retorted, "Thunderlane, no." Nagisa snapped, "Do not retaliate. Otherwise, you are just as guilty of what you claimed she is." "Tch..." Thunderlane spat, taking out a gum he's currently chewing, and sticking it underneath his table. "Apologies for Thunderlane's behaviour." Nagisa bowed, "But then again, I think his ways of changing is something that he decides for himself, and not to what others call on him. I'm here to help what he needs, and give suggestions." "I think that gives me enough evidence that you've never actually helped him with his studies at all. Rather you just let him slack off." Cheerilee concluded. "Here," Soarin pulled out 2 Practice exam papers and passed it to Cheerilee, "these are the practice exams of Thunderlane, for Maths and English." "I'm sorry..." Cheerilee peered at the mark placed upon the front of the sheet, as well as the signature of the teacher who marked it. "This is Thunderlane's Maths Result?" "Yep, 7--" Thunderlane smirked, "Let me boast of your merits," Nagisa interrupted, "He has achieved 79% on his Maths Test, and at that time, was ranked 2nd of the Club." "Wow." Was all Big Mac could say, Filled with disbelief, Cheerilee then looked to the English exam paper. "70 out of 100!?!?" "You're kidding me..." Redheart drooped her head, "he actually did so much better than my previous English Exams..." "Thunderlane is interested in reading the texts from Religious Studies. He's learned to shift that same motivation to reading the English texts. That developed his skill for reading and studying texts in general now, though his writing and grammar could have been better. From what I heard, that is what you are trying to take out of the school right? No regard for the History of Canterlot High School or the students who actually find it meaningful in some ways? And leave it to Thunderlane to tell me about it. He's non-religious like you are, and yet he finds you intolerable." "Grr..." Cheerilee growled, "But enough about that, take a seat and let's share." Nagisa offered, "Everyone is quite eager to hear what I've been through!" "Fine." Cheerilee marched through the ring and sat down opposite Nagisa. As she did, Fluttershy pulled out a small tea tray with a peculiar tea set: Two teacups with flower designs, and a Kyusu teapot filled with hot steaming tea. "What is this?" Cheerilee asked as she watched Fluttershy pour the tea into the cups. "I said we should talk about this over tea, so I won't break what I promised." "..." Cheerilee stared back as Fluttershy placed the tea-filled cups on the table, "What's wrong?" Nagisa asked, "I insist. Or do you think you don't deserve it?" "F-Fine..." Cheerilee accepted as she grabbed the hot cup with the fingers. "I'll take what I get." "First off," Nagisa started, "What would you like to talk about?" "Are you aware that violence, especially from teachers, are prohibited?" "Yes." Nagisa nodded, "I am aware, and I've made my amends with whoever I wronged. Or rather... He made his amends to me." "I'm sure the most 'ideal' idea is to send them outside or give them detention," Cheerilee argued, "And if they don't?" Nagisa asked, "What if a student refuses to acknowledge their teacher's commands, and just refutes with the same command? After all, you're the same age as them, you should know!" "Well..." Cheerilee began thinking, "Well..." "It comes down to personal judgement." Nagisa continued, "Granted, I guess rules of a teacher doesn't apply when a School System is completely dysfunctional. Not like CHS, it's a really great place because of it." "Do you know your teacher's conduct?" Cheerilee asked, "Is this a test?" Nagisa asked, "Yes. Basically, a teacher's job is to help educate and teach the students on certain topics according to the school syllabus. They also must maintain conduct among students, Stop fights, stop bullying, count on actions, and so on. Of course, teachers have to do it without harming someone physically, and I'm aware that I did an action as I have mentioned. I've said sorry, he said sorry, and I no longer have the guilt upon me." "Dammit..." Cheerilee growled, "You know..." Nagisa scratched his head, "you're overthinking it. You can get all you need by just asking very simple questions!" "Hmph..." Cheerilee grabbed the Tea and gave it a sip. A sense of bitterness and warmth courses through her mouth, giving a sense of relaxation. "This is quite nice..." Cheerilee noted, "What is this tea? This would be great for relaxing!" "This is Green Tea." Nagisa nodded, "No sugar, no milk, just water and powder. But like many other things, too much of it is no good. What with someone getting a disease after drinking three of them every day." "Okay then." Cheerilee put the teacup down, "Next in hand. What exactly do you do in this club?" "Exactly what it says in the Club description." Nagisa answered, "To tutor those who are falling behind with homework or schoolwork. I'm also there for tutoring. And as you've seen, we're doing practise exams for the upcoming sixth week." "Yawn..." Pinkie moaned, "this is getting boring..." "Then perhaps you want to play Rock Paper Scissors?" Roseluck asked, "Sure!" Pinkie squealed, "Rock, Paper..." "Rock!" Roseluck smiled as she revealed her clenched fist against Pinkie's outstretched Index and Middle Finger, "I win!" "Will you please keep it down?" Cheerilee chided the two girls, "This debate is currently in progress!" "Debate?" Pinkie asked, "I was never told that Cheerilee was coming here with such a thing!" "I thought this was supposed to be a normal discussion," Cloudchaser replied, "This is getting boring... And very, very, Triggering." Thunderlane moaned, "Well, I have something to quell us over!" Flash suggested, "don't tell anyone this but..." He pulled out a small gaming console, "I brought my Neightendo Toggle along. Want to play?" "That's sick Brad! Hit me up please!" Thunderlane gasped with delight, "Catch!" Flash replied, throwing a small controller to him. "What the!?" Cheerilee gasped at the expression of Thunderlane as he eagerly tested and toyed with the buttons on the mini controller, a face of complete joy without the dark and moody expression. "Now now..." Nagisa averted the attention, "If you know Thunderlane, he hates being caught in his unusual image. Only those who he considers his friends of people of high respect, he's not afraid to show other... 'Contradicting' behaviours." "Why should I care about him?" Cheerilee asked, "Because like many others, he too is a student of this school, and everyone here has great potential that can come in the most surprising leagues. Look around you. What can you tell me about them?" "Well..." Her eyes skimmed across every student that who currently attends the club, "I know of Noteworthy. He's been bullied for his eye problems. Thunderlane, CHS' worst student, the Apprentice Nurse Redheart, and the rest of the others are pretty much common students that I don't know the names of." "And that's the aim here, a lot of CHS' students are pretty much known to be forgotten, irrelevant or un-cared for, nothing but apathy and negative hopes from fellow classmates. Seeing them like this, well... It's kind of like me in High School, where I myself was forgotten or harassed for being in the lowest class of my school." "And I should care for their feelings why?" "You're a teacher like me. You want to see your students learn and grow." Nagisa explained, "Think about it. Have you ever spared a thought on what these students can actually bring when they're themselves? And like a parent, should you be with them through thick and thin, pain and pleasantries?" "There is a complete difference between a Parent and a Teacher and what they can do." "Funny you should say that." Nagisa scratched his head, "You really should meet with my mother and my former Junior high school teachers." "Mr Shiota, you are not answering my questions properly." Cheerilee replied, "Every answer you give, requires me to prompt more." "Cheerilee." Fluttershy stood up, "We were told by Mr Shiota that this was a learning or a conversational discussion and he's answering your questions properly. What you're completely unaware of, is that you're trying to compare him to yourself and that you're trying to call him out on certain mistakes that he has conducted during his time in CHS and criticise him for it." Cheerilee drew a blank, did she... No... She agreed... Hang on... "How about I share my way of teaching over some tea?" Nagisa offered, "if you know so much about your country's education, I don't mind sharing you my way of how I did it. If every teacher strictly follows guidelines and regulations, there wouldn't be so much difference or diversity in personality between the teachers, and School would become pretty dull eh?" "Okay then," Cheerilee nodded, "I'm happy to talk, but not at this time. I've got a horrible lot on my shoulders to take off. Would you like to appoint a date?" "I... I... I..." Cheerilee stuttered, now coming to terms on what she had agreed on. Her face turned from determination to a face of realisation, and embarrassment. She looked around the class, now with their full attention back to her, glaring once again. "Take a deep breath Cheerilee." Nagisa replied, "And remember. You didn't come here for a debate, you came here to share. Now once again, I'd like you to ask me any question regarding my teaching life, and don't overthink the questions, be broad." "Then..." Cheerilee mustered, her heavy breathing and pulsating chest clear to see, "How long have you been a teacher for?" "Three years in a Bachelor's degree of Secondary Education that my Mom wanted for me to go, including a one-year internship where I was a student-teacher for High School, kind of like you. Then, 2-3 Years for a Master's teaching certificate and degree at the University of Tsukuma. I worked for about another year back in the school I had an internship with, then took a job offer in Equestria." "7 Years in the teaching job," Cloudchaser gulped, "never knew getting a teaching job involves SO much work, and especially when the salary is way below that of how much work is needed!" "Every teacher understands that." Nagisa sighed, "Korosensei included." "Okay then," Cheerilee continued, "What was the school you taught in like?" "It's a private school, but the class I was assigned to was completely dysfunctional and had nothing but the worst of the worst. Delinquents, bullies, thug-like, you get the gist. The entire class was filled to the brim with dirt, graffiti and gum. Trust me, you would have worse." "The mental image..." Cheerilee choked, "Is enough to tell me, thank you." "Okay then, maybe you're not as bad as everyone thought Thunderlane." Cloudchaser cheered, "I guess you've still got a bit of good in you!" "Didn't I just prove it to you guys for the past few days?" Thunderlane arched an eyebrow, "So that means your as-- death-like nature is pretty much common and frequent in that school." Fluttershy answered, "Do they always threaten you with death?" "First time I came here, the leader of that class said so, I made sure he remembered it, by the very same clap I made yesterday." Nagisa finished, "Same technique then, different result now." Thunderlane countered, "You affected not just him, but everyone in the class. The same happened last Saturday too. When you clapped, it affected a crowd." "Yeah, I kind of thought about that myself too. I know that whenever someone's attention is divided by that time the clap stunner hits, that's when they can get disoriented. From those two examples, I found out that yes, my clap stunner has increased in range and power, and people who are affected by it must have their attention somewhere else." "So in the case of Saturday, everyone had their eyes on the robber who had a gun and was yelling all the time." Flash deducted, "And for yesterday, the student was being the centre of attention for all the students." "Actually Brad?" Thunderlane corrected, "I had my eyes on teach's shadow rather than him directly. What with it changing, I think it was distracting enough as it is." "Oh yeah," Flash remembered, "I was focused on that too." "Remember guys," Nagisa reminded, "Cheerilee is here to talk about our teaching, let's bring back the focus on her." "Thank you Mr Shiota," Cheerilee nodded as she sipped more of her tea, trying to swallow everything that had been said "That leads me to my last question. How did you get into this mess? How do you know all these skills? The staring, the clapping, the shadow, how?" The class fell silent, and turned to the teacher, "Now this is a secret that is for you and you only." Nagisa warned, sipping his tea, "I've been a bit more open now that I trust everyone in this club, as well as the Principal and Vice-Principal. You, however? Well, let's just say you're a very VERY curious heart and giving me demands to spill and confess. As a student, and a young teacher-to-be, I'm happy to share my past with you, but you really should have asked nicely from the very beginning. Okay?" "... Very well," Cheerilee nodded, "This will be between us." "Remember when you told me that if I had an interest in other violent jobs other than being a teacher?" Nagisa asked, "I did. A long time ago, all back when I was in Junior High School with Coach Kimura and Ms Yada. When we were still students, our class was taught in the ways to be an assassin." "..." Cheerilee froze in place after hearing that word. "And with the cherry on top, there was someone in our class that had the highest potential of an assassin stated by teachers and students alike. That someone... Was me." Cheerilee continued staying silent, fear sweating upon her face. "I can tell you're scared." Nagisa noted, "Your facial expressions, breathing and sweating says all. Chalk that up as another skill in being an assassin. Please drink some tea, it will relax you." Cheerilee grasped her teacup and began draining its contents quickly. The young student-teacher was able to breathe a large sigh after the drink and calmed down a little. "Because I was so good at it," Nagisa drank his tea, "I wanted to be an assassin in the future. Korosensei of all people was against it, even if he had been the teacher of assassination himself. But as I continued on with life with my mum and him, I realised that my assassin skills can be used for something greater and brighter, that doesn't involve dark or dull crimes as it naturally brings. Like Korosensei, I wanted to use my skills to help protect and build up those who have fallen behind on their own or forced to, because they can't be themselves." "So your ethos is to guide and protect the weak." Cheerilee simply deduced, "And thus you became a teacher." "I guess I should also add to the Tutorship Club that everyone who comes can find peace and understanding of themselves, as well as to understand others. To find that you have your very own potential and how you are able to grasp it by being yourself. Turn what was perceived as a weakness into a strength." The class looked at each other and nodded in agreement, Cheerilee watched as their glares turned into nodding smiles. "Knowing you Cheerilee," Roseluck spoke, "Since you've been researching hard onto Mr Shiota's nature, did you ever take a thorough look upon what happened last week, where the criminal known as Windcaller attacked CHS?" "No." Cheerilee shook her head, "because it was irrelevant to Mr Shiota." "Did you ever notice that the students that took part in dealing with that man are the students sitting here before you?" Roseluck continued, "Under the wing of none other than our three teachers here." Cheerilee looked to Coach Kimura and Ms Yada, who politely waved back with smiles, and then back to Nagisa, who smiled back with a nod. "Perhaps your fellow classmates can enlighten you with the aim of the Special Tutorship club?" Nagisa offered, "No problem." Soarin stood up, "It was a shock to learn that our teachers here were assassins, but as we got along with them, they showed us what really mattered: learning all about our fellow students too. There were things that we never saw at face value, but once we got together, we learnt so much about each other and ourselves, something we should have learned as friends. I've learned that Flash was part of a military school and Big Macintosh's family is extended beyond Equestria. The little things that we do or have can contribute so much to our lives if we use it right." "I owe them aplenty!" Pinkie jumped up, "I'll be taking a page out of Applejack and be honest. I'm entirely thankful to see Fluttershy stand up for me in a way that no one would ever think about. It's scary, I know. But as a friend, it just makes me really happy!!! So I want to see how I can make people laugh or smile even better!" "I for one," Flash stood up, "Would never affiliate myself with Thunderlane if he wasn't forced here. With what happened between him and Sir, he warmed up to us, we learned more about him and his problematic family, his love for his brother, and his care for others. I understand the reasons on why he is what he is, and I'm happy to call him a friend." "And I," Thunderlane also stood up, "Thought Brad over here was the biggest loser. Everything do-goody and dreamy about him would make me personally vomit. Then I came across him with Teach here, and boy was I in for a surprise. Adding to Soarin's contribution, he's a bloody mastermind that planned out the entire fight last week and completely shredded that creep, and all from his religious personality and upbringing. He's a bigger goody-two-shoes than I thought, and it was actually badass. Let me be honest here Sentry..." He blushed with embarrassment and scratched his head, "What you did was really, REALLY cool, and I'm happy that I learnt all of that about you. I'd borderline say that you're also a... Friend to me." "Ladies and Gentlemen!" Cloudchaser announced, "Behold! A bromance has been formed within us! Let us celebrate this joyous occasion, and let the ships sail!" "Fuc- I mean Eff you Cloud!" Thunderlane lashed out, "I could say the same thing for you and Flits!" "W-Well jokes aside," Flitter chuckled, "I'm really happy and impressed to see that Thunderlane has been more considerate of other people, his friends, and especially schoolwork. Because of that, we also joined, hoping that we ourselves can understand how to be better friends." "All of us understand where Mr Shiota came from, and how different from us he is." Fluttershy replied, "Though we're not all firmly attached to him, we hold a lot of trust and respect for him, as he does for us. He, Coach Justice, and Ms Yada had a very tough life in Junior High School, was perceived as weak and had the mindset that they were weak. The same goes for the majority of us. What he has been fighting for as an assassin and as a teacher, it's proven in the actions that he has taken for the sake of us, for this school." "And that." Nagisa concluded, "Made me what I am today. My teacher wanted to protect the weakness in others rather than exploit them, and with his encouraging, compassionate, and empathetic behaviour, he reached out to all of us in Class 3-E, and we gained many different perspectives to tackle or even stab at the adversities of life, whether alone, or with friends. The same goes for this club, we tutor people to grow stronger in their academics, values and lives while still being themselves and leaving change and their future to their decision and fate. You can say it's a mix of academics and a little bit of rehabilitation or exploration, so you would call this kind of treatment 'special.' Hence, we are the Special Tutorship Club. So... Will this do? Does that answer your questions?" "... Yes." Cheerilee nodded slowly. "Yes, I understand. It truly is rare to hear a teacher admit their care for students, especially from someone who has been taught to kill." "Life is unexpected." Nagisa explained, "But I would never end up here, nor would I have ever succeeded in being a teacher if it wasn't for that unexpected life. I'd probably end up being a burden on my harsh parents and before you know it, I would end up kicking the bucket myself." "Perhaps it is," Cheerilee nodded in agreement, "Mr Shiota, let me apologise for my initial behaviour, as well as my behaviour towards all of you. All of you have taught me something new when I came to challenge you. I'm truly sorry." "Apology accepted," Big Mac waved, "There is just one thing that I just don't agree on." Cheerilee replied, "There are weaknesses that can never become strengths. What is perceived as flawed from others will be there, no matter how much it has benefited for the person. Their weakness must be changed or completely wiped from their body. Only then can they be perceived as strong, by society, and by the Education System." "Miss Cheerilee," Nagisa spoke, "I have initially heard of your 'progressive' and 'radical' ideas regarding education. It turns out that this is your entire personality all along. You bring important things into the discussion, and allow other people to share new things with others should they have the chance. Just now, we heard more about student impressions and opinions on other students and teachers. If you are truly willing, I invite you to join the Special Tutorship Club, and we as teachers and students can help you be yourself." "What!?!?" The class jumped in shock, though Thunderlane shrugged. “Just so you know, I still hate you Cheerilee, and you're still a bitch with your ideas." Thunderlane admitted, "But after hearing the preaching of you and Teach, I'm learning to see things from different perspectives. Your bitchiness is a damn pain, but you're not afraid to speak your philosophical and moral mind. You're definitely not a pussy like Flash in that regard." "Why you--" Flash rose in anger, "And from a different perspective, that shows you being brutally honest with your feelings." Cheerilee returned, "very well, I shall acknowledge. As for the offer... Thank you for inviting me. Unfortunately, I do have many things that weigh upon my life. A student council to run, a Junior School to teach, as well as regular studies. But so you know, I want to let you know that it is an honour, to give me an invite to your club. Thank you for your time sir, and everyone else." Without any other word, Cheerilee slipped through the square ring, and strolled out of the classroom, feeling supremely invigorated. "Sensei?" Fluttershy noted as the door was closed behind them, "I don't think she was satisfied at all. I think she still has something against you." "Your Sensei is just your sensei, and she is Cheerilee." Nagisa replied, "We all have different ideas, some may come from the same noble incentive, and no matter what, there are a few things that we will find disagreeable." "I see," Fluttershy replied, "well, at least she isn't so angry anymore." "Fluttershy, I've been thinking about something." Nagisa turned serious, "Ever since you called Cheerilee out for her 'challenging' behaviour, it was pretty fast." "It was obvious really," Fluttershy replied, "her tone, her facial expression, her breathing, it's like you offended her or something, or found something very wrong with you." "Hmm..." Nagisa observed, "Fluttershy, there's something quite peculiar about what you have just perceived, but I'll leave it for another time. Now, everyone's dismissed. Now, さようならみんな (Goodbye Everyone)." "さようならせんせい (Goodbye Sir)." The students replied, and they left the class. CHS Special Tutorship Club Message Board Pinkie Pie has been added to the group! Noteworthy has been added to the group! Testing! Testing! One-and-a-two-and-a-three!!! - Pinkie Pie I'm all good, thanks for the invite. - Noteworthy You think Sensei's going to be fine? - Cloudchaser I dunno, this sudden challenge seemed quite out of the blue - Nurse Redheart Life is full of surprises. Unexpected, bad luck, you get the gist. - Noteworthy You know, I'm quite curious about something. - Flash Sentry What for? - Soarin Madam's Housing Plan. Since we know that Nagisa's class is going to come here sooner or later, I'd never figure that Yada was going to plan a house for them. - Flash Sentry Why be curious about that? - Thunderlane I'd like to find out about it. Perhaps any of you can help me? It would definitely train our skills as an assassin! - Flash Sentry That's what a THIEF does Brad, not an Assassin - Flitter Oh I didn't say steal it for ourselves. If anything, we can just take pics of it when she's not around. - Flash Sentry Fair enough - Fleetfoot Sir did say that an Assassin has a wide set of skills. Would infiltration and investigation suffice? - Flash Sentry Not to mention stealth. Sounds fun - Big Macintosh Any idea how to get it though? - Fluttershy The teacher's desk in the classroom has specified name labels on its drawers. Madam's one just so happens to be on the largest drawer, possibly a cabinet for files. - Flash Sentry You really are a nosy person Flash - Roseluck Lure Yada and Kimura out, look through her files - Flash Sentry Why not try asking her directly??? - Fluttershy Okay then... How about this? The person who lures her and him out asks the question and lets us know what she answers. If she spills the truth, then we can call it off! If she stays secretive, however, we search. - Flash Sentry Who's going to be the bait, you? - Thunderlane Ooh! Ooh! I will! I will! Me! Me! Me! I've got a big surprise for her and him! - Pinkie Pie We have our volunteer. Do remember to go easy on her, okay Pinkie? - Flash Sentry If this so happens to be a waste of time Brad, you owe me a large bottle of cola, deal? - Thunderlane Deal - Flash Sentry