"Good Morning Everyone, and welcome to another week of Canterlot High School." Principal Celestia spoke to the assembly, "This is your Principal reminding you that Mid-Terms are beginning next week. There is no more than one way to study, as long as you study smart and hard. But if you do find problems on studying, please ask a teacher or your friends, they will be honoured to assist you. I'd also like to inform you that after the exams, there will be a new Hall of Residence available for students of CHS and CJS if you so wish. Details on location and times for open inspections will be located on the School Website and your Email. Please discuss with your parents if you want to seek accommodation in this new dorm. Starting from tomorrow, there is a special programme for all CHS students for a proper study hall in the mentioned dormitory which has been christened, The Koro Gardens."
The students looked at each other with confused looks.
"I know what you're thinking... What does 'Koro' mean? Well, this is a rough Neighponese short translation for 'Unkillable'. Hence, they are the Unkillable, or Unshakable, Gardens." Celestia explained, "and I also know that now you've noticed a Neighponese Motif, yes. Our Three new teachers of Neighponese Nationality are related. Ms Yada, our Substitute Teacher for Languages and many other subjects, is the manager and supervisor for the Koro Gardens. Aside from dormitory matters, you can also email or talk to her regarding club matters, but only on your own free time."
"Assembly is over now. Please make way for your next classes." Celestia finished up,
"Good morning everyone," Nagisa greeted his morning Neighponese class, "today I'd like to review a group of topics in a row. We will start off with recognising and matching the hiragana alphabet to its pronunciation. On my desk..." He gestured to a stack of small but different coloured and patterned packs. "Are sets of playing cards that each has a funny little design, as well as a single Hiragana letter. Each of you will form a pair and with that pair take one box each. Assort the playing cards in a reasonable grid that can be reachable by you and your partner. Hurry up now!"
Understanding every instruction from their foreign teacher, the classmates began standing up and picking our their partners. Once they did, one of each pair decided to step forward and take a box. He managed to count that it was an even number, so everyone would have a pair and not feel left out. Fluttershy with Rainbow Dash, Sandalwood with Soarin, Berry Punch with Ditzy Hooves, and Kimono with her twin brother Obi. It was strange to Nagisa that those two seemed to be named after Neighponese Garments, and yet they seem so familiar...
"The game goes like this. I am going to say a letter, and you are going to match the writing to its pronunciation. If you've been studying, your efforts will be greatly rewarded to anyone who gets over 10 cards: a bag of rock candy like the ones you saw on Thursday. You'll also get an extra bag if you win!" The class had wide smiles at the sight of the colourful spiky-rock candy he pulled out.
"Don't get TOO comfortable with it." Nagisa warned, "if any of you do not get even ONE card..." He glared, "you're reciting the entire hiragana alphabet in front of the class!" The class retracted their smiles at a gulp and nodded attentively.
"But don't let that discourage you!" Nagisa cheered up, "Once everyone's picked their cards, I'll ask them to raise their card up to see if correct. You can take that time to recollect and memorise the words. And before the game starts, feel free to look through the Hiragana cheat sheet I've given you for five minutes, starting now."
"Okay everyone!" Yada called to her substitute class, "today I will be substituting for Mr Meliodas as he's currently at a therapist today and won't be attending school..." She looked at the chuckling and uncomfortable faces of the students. "I assume you guys know his secret already right?"
"He's a pervert!" The student named Carrot Top blurted out, "when he was displaying the coursework and questions on the projector, he accidentally clicked on one of his internet tabs, revealing... Revealing...!" The class laughed,
"Well, I can safely say his behaviour is NOT ignored, hence the therapy!"
"It's a pity that he's actually a great maths teacher, better than Professor Python. Sucks to be whoever's in his class," a male student, named Magnet Bolt, sighed.
"Well to be honest. I'm no slouch in the Maths Department either. You see, I'm a businesswoman who takes her job seriously, and when it comes to Financial Mathematics like Simple and Compound Interest, I know them like the back of my hand. And from the looks of it... That's exactly what we're going to be doing!" The class groaned.
"Hey now, I know that business is a hard thing when you learn about loans and bills, but these things do exist in the real world, and it's important to learn it! If you really have problems, don't hesitate to call me. I'll give you the support needed."
"Yes madam." The Students responded,
"Now, I'd like at least all of you to achieve the basic level, and if you want to shoot further, I've got plenty of harder questions here. But first, I'd like to go through the concepts of Interest rates, and how it affects mathematics."
"Yes Madam,"
"Oh and one more thing!" Yada remembered, "according to the school rules, I will not tolerate any form of student misconduct. First off, you'll regret it if you miss out on studying here. And secondly, I'll punish you... With a french kiss in open public."
"Alright everyone! Today we're going to have a jam-packed session of sport!" Kimura addressed his grass-sitting P.E Class, "aside from our usual stretch of muscles and jog around the field, we're going to have fun in a new sport." He pulled out a Lacrosse Stick, "Ever heard of Lacrosse?"
"Isn't that a sport mostly for girls?" Thunderlane spoke up,
"Thunderlane!" Flitter hissed,
"Well, females play soccer, basketball, rugby, are part of the police force, as well as males being figure skaters, field hockey players and supermodels! I'm going by the chance to explore new activities of sport or whatever life offers, so it offers a wider range of knowledge and wisdom. That is what the school offers yes?"
"He's got a point!" Spitfire spoke up,
"Let's not waste any more time, I'd like a volunteer. How about you Thunderlane?"
"Why is it always me?" Thunderlane grumbled as he stood up from the ground.
"The fact that you're like that is why!" Kimura laughed, "Mr Cursey!"
"Teach!" Thunderlane moped at the childish name, "we have something called respect in Equestria."
"Oh I know," Kimura continued, "same in Neighpon, maybe even further. But to hear about respect coming from you? There's something called 'hypocrisy' here." The others burst into laughter,
"Teach, you need to stop the bloody call-outs,"
"Then you need to stop talking back!" Kimura continued, "If you did that in the special forces, you're going to get more than just a reprimand!"
"And what would that be?" Thunderlane asked,
"Curious aren't you?" Kimura asked, then changed into a bellowing and heroic voice, "100 Push-ups! 100 Sit-ups! 100 Squats, and a 10km run! All on the same day! From there, you know what it means to be disciplined. Now if you end another sentence with a question mark, it's special forces training for you!"
"Are you--" Thunderlane stopped halfway as he was about to question further, realising that it was a good idea to shut his gob and grab a Lacrosse Stick.
"You know I'm kidding right?" Kimura laughed as Thunderlane equipped himself without any other word, "about the number that is. You'll probably end up doing 30 of each, and just a 2km run. Or maybe a warning or two until you get kicked out for insubordination. Any more questions that don't involve being smart-asses?"
"Yes sir, there's something going on outside the school gates," Cheerilee observed,
"Is that so?" Kimura turned around, "very observant of you..." His eyes furrowed at the sight of a man that seemed to act very snarky and authoritative against someone else.
"Verbal harassment," Cheerliee informed, "bullying happens in all ages."
"In that case..." Kimura dropped his stick and walked towards the commotion, "pardon me. This may get a little nasty..."
The class overheard as their foreign coach began dealing with this unjust commotion with varying expressions. Some scrunched their faces in embarrassment at certain words, some had their eyes and mouth open wide in awe, or shrug at the ongoing conflict of wits and words. After five seconds, the teacher walked back without any form of sweat.
"Well?" Cheerilee asked, "what was the fighting all about?"
"A man filled with nothing but 'curses', 'assertiveness' and authorities that was badgering someone who had the faith of a Friendship Goddess on how 'offensive' her Holy Text is and how it does nothing to the issues that happen in the world. The hypocrisy is obvious."
"So?" Thunderlane perked up, "did you punch him up?"
"That's saved for terrorists Thunderlane." Kimura sighed, "I did one better, I turned the verbal tables on him. If a majority decides to reject or push away a law or moral that would sacrifice a little bit of freedom for the sake of peace and conflict, would it not be surprising that things like robbery, domestic disputes, estranged family relations, terrorism, and school shootings ensue? It'd make life easier for the Police and Counter-Terrorist units, and you guys ALL know that's my job in Neighpon."
"Logical." Cheerilee reluctantly nodded, "And?"
"I told the man he's just as guilty as being 'offensive' due to his language and counter-productiveness of bullying others. He told me he doesn't give a 'shit' and flipped the bird at me. I told him 'tell that to a police officer', pulling my phone out as a promise, and he immediately bolted. Actions certainly speak louder and stronger than words."
"And the religious man?" Thunderlane asked,
"Thanked me along with the blessings from the Goddess. I replied that I was just doing my job and some advice to read more of the text he always believes. Whether you believe in a Goddess or not, every blessing or good thing bestowed on you is something worth taking, because every bad thing is going to come at you full blast, and you can't pick and choose which bad thing to afflict you. Laws protect people, not benefit or make things easier for others."
"Wow, you really do live up to the name 'Justice' Coach. Deep and philosophical." Spitfire puffed out as she and the rest took everything in,
"Are you being sarcastic?" Kimura asked,
"Now you're being the smart-ass here." Thunderlane laughed, "and don't worry, justice serves all, whether it's something we like or hate. Of course, I learnt that the bloody hard way. You, on the other hand, you just jump in regardless if it's your job or not, especially someone who's foreign. Keep that work up, Coach Justice."
"Three Cheers for Coach Justice being 'Coach Justice'!" Spitfire rounded up, "Hip hip..."
"Hooray!" The class responded,
"Hip hip..."
"Hooray!"
"Hip Hip!"
"Hooray!!!"
"Thanks for the cheers guys." Kimura bowed, "but let's get back to the matter at hand. We've still got lacrosse to play! Thunderlane?"
"Got it Justice!" Thunderlane nodded, readying his lacrosse stick.
The morning hours of school accelerated as fast and silent as the wind, and almost every teacher was dead exhausted by the time recess rolled through. The three neighponese teachers were ravaged as they scavenged for ways to regain their energy.
"Oh my goodness!" Yada moaned, chugging down a bottle of water, "even for the substitute teacher, it's never easy!"
"Welcome to the teaching club," Kimura panted, wiping his neck and head with a chilled towel, "but hey, it's what we're paid to do, and it's what we personally strive for! Whether it's getting the students to exercise, or carry out justice!"
"I heard," Yada commented, "student gossip spread about how some 'douchebag' was being a bigot to another, and he got rightfully 'burned' by none other than Coach Justice!"
"Also, Thunderlane's no longer calling me 'Teach' anymore." Kimura noted, "I think that's one thing I got, unlike you guys!"
"We all approach things differently." Nagisa laughed as he finished writing up a list of names, "now I need you guys to do me a favour."
"What is it?"
"During the weekends, I've sent a staff message to all regarding the programme. You see, I can only do so much as a tutor, and one that is solely focused on Neighponese. If the students need their best in tutorship on certain subjects, then their actual subject teachers are their strongest helpers."
"Don't you think that's a bit too late with the announcement now?"
"If I didn't notify them early on... Then Principal Celestia would never have spoken about this programme's presence. Luna was responsible for sending all the request emails to the staff members and some of them replied to say that they are willing to help with this programme. We're going to meet up with them so they know what to prepare for."
"So you've emailed them times to meet?" Kimura asked,
"And you guys are going to help me. Here's the list of who volunteered to help." Nagisa handed out a list of names and their appropriate times. "We have almost got a majority of the subjects located here, except History. Here's how it goes."
"We have two Maths teachers assisting us, Professor Python and Mr Meliodas. Unfortunately, the latter is in the hospital but will respond via email. Ms Lita is the representative of our English department, Mr Ramon for Spanish, Mr Trotter for Geography, Mrs Blade for Religious Studies, Mrs Raj for Physical Education, Ms Cia for Art, and from Chemistry, Biology and Physics comes Professor Phos, Eucalyptus and Forsythe respectively. As a bonus, the librarian Ms Turner will be coming over as well. You can find when and where to meet them, and you guys can do that during your rest sessions. I will be having the usual lunchtime session with the club on the First half of lunchtime, addressing them, so you sure you guys can cover them?"
"I hope the giant bath is ready by this week. Hearing all this is beginning to make my shoulders ache." Kimura grumbled,
"That's the first priority dear," Yada laughed, "I want that bath too."
"You guys only had 2 weeks, I had 3, and my shoulder got wounded. See me complaining?" Nagisa asked,
"No," the two teachers shook their heads.
"Then let's make most of our rejuvenation and get ready to start meeting the teachers next period."
"Got it," the two teachers nodded in succession.
"You know, I'm not much for 'shipping'." Nagisa added, "but from the actions of you guys and the looks of the class, you guys have been synchronised in many ways than you think."
"We've been through so much Nagisa," Yada reasoned, "to stick together when dealing with death? Such bonds would rival love! It's like brothers and sisters in arms!"
"But don't spread false lies about this connection. We're really close classmates, nothing else. It would be disgusting otherwise." Kimura reminded.
"Let's do this, as teachers!" Nagisa encouraged,
"Professor Python!" Nagisa greeted the navy blue-gasses and skinned teacher. "How are you?"
"I'm doing great Mr Shiota," Python responded, "I know what you're here for, the Special Tutorship Club programme yes?"
"Of course. As a maths teacher, you'd know your way around numbers and data more than I ever would."
"I'm happy to play my part as a tutor to some really bright kids, at least that's one good thing about this job."
"Not satisfied with it?"
"Yes, but I deserved it." Python explained, "you see, I love the Science from the bottom of my heart, and I took the three science subjects in university to fulfil my love and... It didn't go well because I passed the Bachelor's degree in the three courses with absolutely no flying colours, thus making me unable to enrol for a Master's let alone Doctor's degree. I don't have the money to attend other Universities around Equestria after doing three different degrees, nor could I do any of those three again, so I got a degree in Secondary Education and passed that normally too. When it came to applying for a teaching job, very few schools accepted me, and not for being a Science teacher. So CHS proposed that for me that I could become a Maths teacher from my knowledge of Physics, so I took it and expanded more on my maths. They even allowed me to work as a lab assistant for some of the other Science Teachers, so that's a plus! The only thing against me from this career is my own unsatisfaction, since I got quite a lot from this school, and I'm incredibly grateful."
"Working in School is extremely hard, I can completely understand as a teacher myself." Nagisa nodded, "it won't hurt to ask for a little bit more if you want, but if they say no with good reason, then that's okay. I mean, I'm here for the sake of the students."
"I know, and you're doing a bloody good job." Python complimented, "now about the times to meet, I need to know a few more things..."
"Professor Eucalyptus?" Yada knocked on the open door of the Science department,
"She hangs out in the Bio Lab." A teacher called out, "just down the hallway and to the right. Oh, and remember to hold your nose!"
"Thank you!" Yada called back, following the instructions after leaving the staff room, pondering on why she must do such an action. She came across a double-door entrance with the title 'Biology Laboratory' neatly inscribed on a door sign, with an addition to the number of the room. Knocking once, she waited for a response. When nothing happened, she knocked a second time to receive the same result. She was about to stretch her knuckle for the third time when a sudden ominous force etched the door outwards, spooking the busty teacher.
"Why do you bother me?" The voice of a young woman slithered from the door.
"Oh! Sorry!" Yada jumped, "A-Are you Professor Eucalyptus?"
"Do not call me by my full surname." The woman commanded, forcing pushing open the entire door to reveal her entire self and the origin of the ominous force behind her.
Yada was thrown back at the sight of this pale grey woman with long brunette hair that was well washed but horrifically all over the place like bed hair. Her garments consist of the expected lab coat worn by the Science teachers, though her's was unique that it was splotched and corrupted almost everywhere with black, which peeled away with every sway of the coat, pieces of the lab coat included.
The only thing that was untouched was the symbol emblazoned on the top pocket of her lab coat. A tree where its leafy branches were positioned at the top areas of the tree rather than all around, with its roots stretched across the bottom, the tree of a Eucalyptus. Such a tree would be revered if it weren't for it's 'other' feature, instead of it covered in the colours of green leaves and brown bark, the leaves were plagued with black and poison green, and the bark and roots were pitch black itself. Furthermore, the tree was infested with what seemed to be crows and rodents. The most disturbing thing, however, was that from one of the blackened branches... Hung a skull.
"Now that I look at you..." The pale woman slowly tilted her head, her heavily dark bags under her eyes visible in plain sight, "I've never seen you before... Oh, that's right, you're that new Neighponese female teacher for the substitute department. That probably explains why you disturbed me instead of addressing me directly."
"I'm... Sorry? It's just manners though," Yada explained,
"Not your fault. I hate anyone who sets near my lab, students included. Please address me as Professor Eu from now on."
"I'm Tōka Yada, you can just call me Yada!" Yada greeted with an outstretched hand. The Professor stared at the hand with disgust, then reluctantly returned the shaking gesture.
"Morrie Eucalyptus. As I have stated, I prefer to be called Professor Eu." Professor Eu greeted back.
"Oh!" Yada spotted a similar symbol on the Professor's arm. "Is that your cutie mark? The one on your lab coat?"
"Yes..." Eu nodded, "It's the Ironbark variant of the Eucalyptus tree. The colour of such bark makes it black as a nightmare."
"And... Why?"
"Please, stop wasting my time. You are here to bear the information of your Special Tutorship Club. I have learnt of the venue's location, and the times to attend. I can only take Wednesday and Thursday, so tell those life-wasting children attending the programme that they must be wary of my presence as well as their biology homework and skills for those days..."
"Of course!" Yada nodded, "we'll be sending information to all students tonight for those who are going to attend the programme."
"Very well, our work here is done. Now begone!!!" Eu roared as she slammed the door shut. Yada blinked as she spaced out. Just what the hell was she going on about? And what was with her attire and presentation? Yada picked up various murmurs and mutterings through the open cracks of doom within the doors and decided to listen to everything that this Death-reeking teacher had to say.
"Foolish Neighponese teacher..." Eu mumbled to herself, "Your vibrant colours and words belie your current job. That's right... A merchant, that's what you are... A merchant of deception and persuasion, your lack of a mark will not fool me! I bet you even use your damned Buns of Life to your advantage too!!!"
Yada felt very uncomfortable as she heard all of that. This Biology teacher has... A rather weird quirk to her...
"Hey, Mr Ramon!" Kimura greeted,
"Oh! Buenos Dias Señor Justice!" Mr Ramon greeted, "how are you?"
"I'm great," Kimura replied, "I'm here regarding the Special Tutorship Club Programme."
"Ah of course," Mr Ramon answered, "I got the message. Señor Shiota is quite tight on his information. I'm quite excited to see the student casa for myself!"
"Yeah, it's spacious. I'm afraid to say though..." He noticed an ashtray filled with ash and used cigarettes in an open drawer in Ramon's desk. "Smoking is prohibited."
"Oh!" Ramon jumped at the catch, "Lo Siento Justice. It's just that teaching... It's a stressful thing."
"I understand completely." Kimura nodded, "stress is everywhere. Whether it's competitive ballroom dancing, or working on controversial topics in Politics. It's just that when you're part of your Country's Counter-Terrorism Unit, anything that can prove harmful to the body damages physical performance in the situations of Life and Death."
"But of course!" Ramon encouraged, "you protect the country from threats, and you would give it your all! Now that I think about it... N-Never mind that, I understand your concern."
"So what time will you be able to meet?"
"Tuesdays and Fridays!!!" Ramon responded, "I'll be responsible for bringing all my material, so the students must do the same!"
"Of course, I'll let them know. Thanks for joining this programme."
"Gracias. I hope to see you then!" Ramon waved,
The school bell rang to signify the end of the middle session of classes and the start of Lunchtime. All students poured out of their respective classes to hit their lockers for exchanging books, items and the like, before heading out to the Canteen. Meanwhile, a different set of students made their way to the classroom where Neighponese was taught, also known as the room for the Special Tutorship Club. Only this time...
"You guys are coming?" Fluttershy gasped with delight at her five friends with various exercise and textbooks.
"Temporarily," Rainbow moaned, "we need all the help we can get!"
"It would be amazing to see the core of the club's ability for educational progression." Twilight adjusted her glasses,
"On the other hand, you and Pinkie seem to be learning more than we've been doing," Sunset added,
"Of course!" Pinkie guffawed, "we've got new friends that assist us!"
"Let's not wait any longer." Rarity answered, "can we go in already?"
"Okay okay..."
"Good afternoon class," Nagisa walked in with a greeting, "and welcome to the Fifth Week, the Week before hell begins."
"Good afternoon Mr Shiota!" The Club responded,
"Ah, It seems we have five new faces! But since I never got such notice, are you girls here temporarily?"
"Yes sir, sorry 'bout that." Applejack answered,
"I understand fully. Regardless, at least it shows that you guys are wanting to be confident in your upcoming exams. No fear, I shall do my utmost to make sure you get through this trial."
"Thanks for your support Mr Shiota!" Sunset smiled,
"Hey..." Rainbow whispered, "how have you never been bothered by how short he is compared to a majority of the school? I mean, he's up to your neck!"
"He's 160cm if I recall..." Fluttershy answered, "but his maturity and attitude more than makes up for it!"
"I can say..." Nagisa jumped into the conversation, "that I have been finding ways to bolster my height when I was young. Praying, Drinking Milk, getting pulled from both ends. If you want to know something embarrassing, is that after seven years from Junior High School to a teaching internship, I only grew a single centimetre! And my height has never changed since then..."
The class fell silent with faces of horror, perhaps having a Growth Spurt was a blessing after all.
"Alright, let's not get off track here." Nagisa continued, "as you have heard in assembly, the Special Tutorship Club has created a special tutor programme that Ms Yada has planned for the new Koro Gardens accommodation. In addition to that, we have requested the assistance of various tutors to tackle the many subjects that all of you have a problem with. These tutors are your remarkable teachers who have decided to volunteer to assist you in your tasks ahead."
"You certainly like to think ahead Sir," Flash answered, "and you've got lots of questions covered without us even asking."
"Well," Rainbow asked, "I have still a few questions to ask, but it's very small, so I'll agree with you for a little while."
"Working efficiently means working on time as well as nailing the mandatory parts." Nagisa finished, "then in that case, can I hear your questions, Ms Dash?"
"Where's the Koro Gardens going to be?"
"Stable Street, it's not far from the main Campus. It's close to that not-so-big shopping mall and street market."
"Oh, you mean Wagon Lane? My family and I go there frequently for grocery shopping!"
"And that's also going to be the main food supplies for Koro Manor if I might add." Nagisa finished,
"Next question," Rainbow continued, "and final one too. Which of our teachers are going to be there?"
"I have not received any word from the History Department, but I have from the rest." Nagisa answered, "I assume you all want to share your opinions of the teachers no?"
"Well..." Rainbow hesitated, caught red-handed.
"By all means, go ahead! I'm very curious about all your reactions. Reminds me of Neighponese Comedy shows where they'll always show a few celebs reacting to some joke. Pick a subject, I'll tell you who'll be there."
"I'll start, Art." Rainbow asked,
"Ms Cia," Nagisa answered,
The students' faces twitched simultaneously,
"Is she bad?"
"Not really bad," Thunderlane answered, "it's just... It's what you'd expect of an artist. Sometimes their paintings don't make sense."
"Give me an example."
"There was one art she submitted. She called it 'The Other Side of the Rainbow'." Thunderlane continued, "it's obvious that it was a painting of a rainbow, but the way she did it was so... Mind-boggling."
"Other side..." Nagisa thought, "instead of a rainbow being colourful, bright and uplifting, it was twisted, ugly and full of foreboding and bad omens?"
"Absolutely right," Redheart nodded, "and the fact that she managed to make a rainbow look horrendous that... It made me feel so empty and twisted myself."
"Perhaps I should see this painting for myself..."
"Who's for Maths?"
"Two of them, Mr Meliodas and Professor Python."
"Aww man..." The class groaned simultaneously,
"I've heard about the antics of Mr Meliodas, but what of the Prof?"
"Well he prefers to be called Mr Mel for some reason, but the problem is that he's got quite a perverted behaviour, and almost blows his top for every class for all the little things, such as gum chewing in his class or fiddling with their phones." Roseluck started,
"And Professor Python? He's really lame." Rainbow answered, "he's as generic as teachers can be."
"Despite blandness, he does his best." Flash countered, balancing the scales. "He tries to attend to the students as much as he could, I couldn't think of anyone else suited for the tutor role but him."
"I dare not say it but..." Rarity joined in, "... Biology?"
"Professor Eu." Nagisa answered calmly, followed by a torrent of protests and disagreements from the crowd.
"Nonononononononono!" Rarity jumped to defence, "anyone but her!!!"
"Are you kidding me!?!?" Thunderlane butted in, "the corpse is doing this!?!?"
"I'm completely fine with doing Biology on my own!" Twilight reasoned, "I certainly don't need the help of Ms Eu!"
"P-P-Please no..." Fluttershy began shivering all over, "Every time I go in there... I felt like something dear to me had died..."
"That's quite a reaction," Nagisa calmly observed, "so she's really more than a handful of what Yada reported. And from the looks of it... Scarier than I am."
"Well, you are scary wherever you go," Soarin explained, "but her? She never leaves the Biology lab, and whenever we go in... It smells like death in there..."
"And not to mention the teacher herself. " Roseluck answered, "her way of teaching the class gives nightmares rather than knowledge! Her clothes, the way she speaks, and how she carries out experiments from specimen dissection to bacteria observation, she gets so obsessed with it, it's as if she's trying to raise or create some type of monster with it."
"The dormitory does not have any Gas Taps so no experiments involving fire. It doesn't rule out portable gas stoves..." Yada informed,
"Okay then, let's not talk about her any further..." Fleetfoot ended, "now let's go for a hopeful result... Who's in charge of our Religious Studies?"
"Mrs Blade..." Nagisa read his list, "who else?"
This time, the students sighed in relief and joy. Seeing their faces lifted a large weight off the teacher's minuscule shoulders.
"In one go, why do you like her?"
"We all know that Mrs Blade is a follower of the Friendship Goddess, and even so, she doesn't judge or force people, she knows a lot about our current generation and helps us understand whatever religion we are studying. Sure some people may rise and complain about their own beliefs, but with what many have stated it doesn't hurt to look at different perspectives! But the biggest bonus is that she makes us homemade and delicious chocolate chip cookies. It may sound childish, but pride never convinces our stomachs!" Fleetfoot answered,
"I'll do it better in 20 words or less, she's like you teach. Without the fear factor," Thunderlane answered,
"Hmm... I'm not sure whether that will be the same case for the programme, but I'll speak for you guys," Nagisa assured,
"By the way Sensei," Fluttershy raised her hand, "because you're gathering teachers for this programme, is that why Ms Yada and Coach Justice aren't here?"
"Yes, they are meeting with teachers on when they can meet at the Dorm. Once we've gone through all the teachers, I'll email all students the times and which tutors will be coming on what days. Any further information, feel free to email me."
"Sir, can we talk about two more teachers?" Cheerilee raised her hand, "who are taking English and Geography?"
"Ms Lita will be our English rep, and Mr Trotter is for Geography."
"And I knew that positive streak would be over as it began..." Fleetfoot crumbled, her hopes dashed and crushed.
"Now what are their problems?"
"Allow me to tell you by memory," Noteworthy volunteered, "This is what Ms Lita is like..."
"Alright everyone!" The English teacher announced, "we'll be continuing our analysis in Swishsphere's play of King Richard the Third such as the examples of how Richard was portrayed as a cunning man by defying predestination and family heirs with his own secular Machiavellian means to seize the throne. He coaxed Lady Anne, the woman whose husband was murdered by Richard himself, by abusing the behaviour and courtesy of women to succeed. He then proceeded to silence and eradicate any competitor to the throne, including his own family and young nephews. Though his victory and time asking were short-lived, we now live in a more fortunate time, where his means greatly contributed to progressiveness in society."
"I'm not sure killing others and lying to the masses and Goddesses for self-gain are a step towards progression." Noteworthy raised his hand, "more like the other way around!"
"I don't mean word-by-word Noteworthy. I know what he did were crimes. But because of him, we have the free will where everyone can have the chance to sit upon the democratic throne of Equestria without any 'privileges' and 'rights'!"
"There were numerous controversial events that people raised which the Government made things one-sided, not to mention the current state of the Government right now. We're Land of the 'Free', not Land of 'Chaos'." Rainbow argued,
"Ms Lita! Can you spare us the politics?" Twilight moaned, "teach us actual English!!!"
"Oh, you guys..." Ms Lita shook her head, "you'll understand when you get older."
"A person who seems to speak a lot of her political mind... Politics is unavoidable, and as much as we hate it, it does have a grasp upon our lives." Nagisa listened, "and Mr Trotter?"
"He's more of a light-hearted guy who's more keen on the natural world rather than politics." Noteworthy added, "except..."
"Behold, the wondrous sight of our frozen tundra located down south in our world, and the various animals that call it home. What we are going to see here is a world colder than our own, and how animals as bright as we are, adapt and survive." Mr Trotter spoke in a very fake Spritish accent as he pointed to various images of Antartica on a projected screen.
"You're not that naturalist broadcaster from Great Sprintain dammit!" Sandalwood lashed out, "you're not being filmed for a documentary!"
"We attain feedback from you regarding your teacher tutors." Nagisa answered, "so anything like that can help improve future schedules. That too will also be notified by the email. Any more questions?"
The class said nothing,
"Very well then. Without further ado, let's begin our intensive study, beginning with Maths!"
"Yes Sir!!!" The students yelled enthusiastically.
And after a hard rigorous tutor session in a general mix of subjects, and not to mention finishing off the School day with the afternoon session of classes and lessons, the three Neighponese teachers were finally able to meet together in the staff room, their daily work is done, and their physical and mental energy completely exhausted.
"Well?" Nagisa asked, "what of the rest of the teachers?"
"We've managed to get the rest of the list involved, and uh..." Kimura started, "these teachers surely have a lot of personalities as the students do..."
"The only level-headed teachers we met were Mr Ramon, Mrs Raj, Professor Phos, the Librarian Ms Turner, and Mrs Blade. She even gave me some really scrumptious cookies!" Yada counted using her fingers, "Ms Lita is between level-headed and... not level-headed,"
"And the 'not level-headed' are where the rest lie?" Nagisa asked,
"Ms Cia I understand as an expressive artist, and we know about Mr Mel. But Mr Trotter and Professor Eu well uh... I feel creeped out and irritated by them."
"But I think we can agree that the worst was Professor Forsythe. Or rather... Magus Forsythe as he prefers to be called." Kimura informed,
"How bad?"
"You should see it for yourself," Yada answered, placing a shoulder on their ever short friend. "He's going to be starting Tomorrow along with Professor Phos."
"How was your tutor session?" Kimura asked,
"Vigorous as ever. Went through all the important fundamentals of subjects: The maths that we are learning today, the different types of faiths we know, a reading of an excerpt from Richard III, and all-sorts. I'm just as tired as you!"
"Hey Yada, when will the water for the dorm be ready? I feel like taking a relaxing soak in there!"
"If you're that desparate for an answer, the water should be tested on Wednesday, and it will be fully operational on Friday!"
"That's great. At least we have our ways to rejuvenate and relax!"
"Now that I think about it. Why not invite other teachers to live there too? Or at least be able to use the many amenities we have!" Nagisa proposed,
"Oh! That's no problem!" Yada accepted, "everyone in CHS is welcome! As long as they're fine with 'sharing the same bath'!"
"It always takes time," Nagisa laughed, as he pulled out a book.
"Mr Nagisa Shiota?" The Staff administrator came up, "there are students looking for you... Well, all three of you."
"Who is it?" Nagisa asked,
"One Flash Sentry and Fluttershy." She replied.
"Understood." Nagisa got up, "I'll be there right away."
Nagisa strode towards the staff room entrance as fast as he can with Kimura and Yada in tow. Opening the doors, he came face to face with the two named students with very worried looks on their face. Nagisa, easily discerning their minds and aura of consciousness, felt something was afoot.
"Are we being threatened?" Nagisa answered,
"Here's some more information..." Flash responded, pulling out a folded piece of paper,
"When we were packing up to go home, I saw the door mysteriously left open, so I went forward to close it. It was then I saw that folded piece of paper lying on your desk. So I read it... And... It's not a pleasant one." Fluttershy constructed,
"Fluttershy found me hanging around my own locker. She showed me the letter and... You got to be prepared..." He offered the piece of paper.
Nagisa took the paper with firm hands and unfolded it. As he and his friends read the piece, his brow and face grew dark, firm, solid, along with a sense of anger...
To the Neighponese Teacher of Canterlot High School
Welcome to Equestria! I hope you have found your stay filled with the Equestrian spirit for these past four weeks!
You've seemed to be in a rather calm and comfy spot. A Neighponese teaching job in a very friendly school, a nice and spacious apartment, and pretty much low on funds! Tell me, how much did it feel when you lost your hard-earned money from your own shoulder? I mean, that is what happens when you mess or meddle with things that you should never touch! I do not want you or your peace-protecting friends meddling in this project as this is for the sake of humanity and my country. For results to progress, certain sacrifices must be made.
Then you had to jump in: You owe me for that man. Not for putting him in prison, but what you took out of him. To think there would be someone who had knowledge of my discovery... It is unbelievable, but I am not surprised. After all, it was the same thing that made 'Korosensei', the late God of Death. A man who brilliantly led death everywhere in his wake, but was a fool to hold compassion, peace and anything to protect and strengthen the weak and the conscious. How sickening.
Here is my proposition for you. I want you and your colleagues to throw away whatever old-fashion memory of the Antimatter project you had, as well as your 'beloved' job, and leave Equestria for good. If you do, I will leave you and Neighpon be, and reimburse you generously for your troubles. If not... I will make you leave by force.
Sincerely
Kuro
"..." Nagisa, Yada and Kimura read the letter from head to toe.
"Well..." Nagisa broke the silence, his death-like glaze bought into view, "I think we found our target."
"Kuro huh? Judging from his words, this guy seems to have his motives on progression." Kimura noted,
"It's too early to deduce and speculate this 'Kuro's plan and motives." Nagisa answered, "But there's one thing that's certain... Antimatter for the sake of humanity huh? And the first thing they used it on was to harm people." Nagisa spoke, "to paraphrase Noteworthy... Killing or harming lives are in no way a step towards progression, and definitely the other way around."
"just for the record, we no... The entire school is going to urge you to reconsider you three leaving again." Flash added,
"Of course I know that. But perhaps you forget our objectives here. We came to find out the problems of the antimatter incident, and our current scuffle in Equestria shows that it brought harm to young students like you... And Kuro here admits to doing that. We are staying here without any other word. We as assassins are going to hunt this man down, and we as teachers are going to see you through graduation."
"Not changing your mind," Fluttershy answered, "that's the Sensei I know. He may be small, but he's very brave if not persistent."
"We still exist you know!" Yada reminded,
"Yada, Kimura, I'm not going to join our 3-E class meeting tonight. I've got a programme and email to write up. Perhaps you can send this information over?"
"For the sake of each other, of course, we'll do it!" Yada nodded. Kimura firmly saluted without any word.
"What about us sir?" Flash asked,
"You guys... You've got more pressing matters than dealing with lives here."
"A high grade means nothing if we're dead."
"We'll make sure you and the students will never get harmed during your exam revision. I give you my promise." Nagisa answered,
"Sure thing sir. I've always had my faith in you since recent events."
"Same here," Fluttershy nodded, "We'll just work hard then,"
"You guys go home. Don't worry about the letter. It's directed to me, not to you guys."
"Yes sir." Flash nodded,
"See you tomorrow Sensei!" Fluttershy waved as they turned and left.
"One more thing," Nagisa stopped, "regardless of what I said, stay alert, or at least be very cautious."
"Got it," the two students nodded in understanding and went along their cautious way.
"Alright you guys, there's something I need to do... Care to hear me out?"