//------------------------------// // Week 6 Sunday: 'Rest' for the teachers... // Story: Assassination Club // by Tythen //------------------------------// In for Monday, and out for Friday. Much like a storm, the exam week has passed as quickly as it came, though it may be the most memorable for the wrong reasons. The students finally feel at ease, but for the teachers... It's out of the frying pan of testing, and into the fires of marking!!! Depending on who's who, some would rather spend the time after the struggle of marking and observing to take the weekend as a break, before heavy work in the weekdays. Some teachers decided they should have lunch or do some shopping together underneath the curved glass roof of Canterlot Mall, six of them. "Man..." Lita moaned, plopping her behind on an empty chair while holding a tray of salad heavily weighed down with sliced and creamy avocado. "Finally I get to eat some decent food!" "What? No... Your packed lunch takes the cake with how healthy and tasty it carries. Are you really that not satisfied with it?" Phos shared his opinion. "Which is exactly why I have a great disappointment with a majority of the restaurants around here!" Lita extended, "This is the only dish that gives avocado without having to charge extra!!!" "Judging by the size of it, if you ask me..." Yada chuckled, her face filled with torn pieces of bread and meat patties. "You probably went for the extra and added even more. You must really love avocados." "Yes." Lita nodded with joy, "this is indeed my favourite type of food. It's creamy, soft, and it has a wonderful feeling to it before and after!" Then she looked at her colleagues' dishes filled with Junk Food and returned to her disappointed look. "Would any of you like to try something healthy?" She bitterly spoke, "I can give you some of my Avocado." "What?" Phos looked at his dish, a mellow yet delectable plate of fried rice with plenty of peas, diced carrots and corn kernels, mixed in with the delight of sliced beef. "This is unhealthy?" "Just offering to certain people who needed it the most," Lita continued, ignoring the question. She looked bitterly at Yada's quarter-eaten Hamburger with lettuce, pickles, and cheese; Coupled with a bright Orange Smoothie that hits the borderlines of healthy according to the English Teacher. She turned to face Mr Ramon. His Spinach and Feta Gozleme was packed to the brim with cheese, too much cheese... Too much dairy!!! That cannot be healthy. "Hey-ho," Ramon perked up, "if you're thinking that's too much Cotija in my Gozleme, I can say the same about your Avocado Salad. Too much of one thing is no good Señora." Worst of all though, was Vice-Principal Luna, her Superior, who decided to have a large portion of a high-sugar dessert as an alternative for lunch! She winced as she saw Luna calmly cut a large piece of some Nightmare Night-themed Cheesecake, and fit it all in her mouth with one bite. The only thing decent about it is that she did not leave it as a mess on her face, unlike her junk food buddies. Blade and Phos was the only one who was eating something decent: Stir-fried noodles and Fried Rice respectively. "Since this is the month for Nightmare Night, the cake shop that Celestia always visits are selling their promotional festival cake. She really recommends this one." Luna spoke after delightfully swallowing what's left of the piece, and being intentionally oblivious to Lita's eyes. "In any case..." Yada laughed as she wiped her mouth and face with a napkin, "does anyone have any holidays planned for the term break?" "Don't you think three weeks is a bit too early to start planning ideas for the holidays?" Blade asked, "Well... I'm sure time would fly by very easily. I mean, I almost get a holiday any day!" "Oh yeah, you're a substitute teacher," Phos remembered, "and you're a businesswoman before that!" "That's why I'm happy buying you guys lunch!" Yada smiled, "¿Okay, how rich are you?" Ramon spoke, "¿And more importantly, how did you get rich?" "I'm nowhere near the 1 Percent Ramon." Yada laughed, "But I do take what I learn very seriously in order to make a living. As such, I have the latest knowledge on the Economic Sectors, which country values what, and most importantly the ins and outs of every client I make a deal with. In layman terms, I'm a merchant filled with information and strategies that I had plenty of companies or private clients hiring me. That, and I've also learned ways to conserve money." "Then, in that case, do you have any knowledge on how to teach?" Lita asked, "If she didn't," Luna jumped in, "we would not have hired her. Despite previous occupations, she does have the very basic knowledge of Secondary Education, though just a pass degree on Secondary Education, and it's because of that she's a substitute teacher rather than a full one." "Do you feel like staying with just ONE job?" Lita prompted, "When that job takes you beyond the waters of your Country, my curiosity with culture and other things perk up. I want to implement that to my skills and knowledge," "She has a point," Blade added, "a varied skill set is important. Sure, it may be a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, but since there is so much change that goes on with the world, it really supports a person's adaptability in the workforce." "That's a bit too drastic a change if you ask me," Phos answered, "but I get your point. I also think that it applies credibility to unconventional methods, pardon the oxymoron." "Well, I'm happy to share some interesting cultures on teaching that differ between countries, so you won't find it odd when I do something that's... Different." Yada proposed, "I learnt a little." Luna answered, "but I'm sure either of you would be happy to know huh?" "Well... Honestly yeah," Phos spoke up, "I've never actually stepped foot outside Equestria, so I'm eager to know!" "Well for one," Yada began, wrapping up her litter and scrunching it together, "Teachers and students are fully responsible for the cleanliness of our classrooms, the school hallways, and even the toilet." "So basically no janitors?" Phos asked, "Obvious question, and no. We do need them for things that we can't do like repairing broken things, or really heavy cleaning areas. But as for us... Are we able to tidy our tables and clean the floors?" "Uhh... Yes?" The teachers replied in confused unison. Yada burst out laughing, "I knew it!!! You guys would speak in unison as the students would!" The teachers took a few seconds to scowl at her, spurring her to cough and dial down her humour. "Exactly." Yada continued, "Cleaning duty is very much into our heart and soul that we'd keep our class and school clean, easier than cleaning your house I might add. We're the ones who study or teach in the school, so we'll be responsible for our mess!" "I can understand the importance of cleanliness, but a school is for studying material that is relevant to our society." Lita debated, "spending time on cleaning up our own mess wastes precious time." "Oh..." Yada grabbed her mess, trotted to a nearby garbage bin, dumped it in, then walked back. "... Are 5 seconds too much to ask? And uh... What's with all the posters and advertisements regarding the importance of litter or tossing I see in the School, streets, and subway?" "A very fair point." Blade supported, "and now that I think about it, when students and teachers work together, cleaning a classroom is easy! Not to mention that nurturing this attitude teaches the importance of responsibility and respect for future prospectives. It improves society MORE than you think!" "But... Cleaning toilets? Mopping the floor?" Lita continued, "It's just that... I don't feel like this sort of labour is worth the effort. It's disgusting and it's not fun..." "Oh, my dear English colleague..." Yada grinned, "We DO have an organised way of cleaning!" Yada grinned, "For example, we have a way of mopping the floor. Instead of the conventional mop... Wager a guess? I'm sure some of you had watched some Neighponese cartoons that relate to school. It should be a neat example!" The teachers responded with nothing. Mr Phos raised a hand, "Yes, Moulder?" "I don't have an answer, sorry Yada." Phos apologised, "But I DO know two teachers in our staff faculty that do watch them. They will sometimes discuss in great depth about what episode they had watched. Sometimes, they get into a really heated debate about certain events or characters. Gives me a really big headache if you ask me, despite me telling them to lower the talking." "Really? Who?" Blade asked, "They... Share the same department..." Phos chuckled, a little laugh of sadness "... With me." "Oh..." Yada's face dropped, "I... You have my greatest apology, handling those two." "It's alright." Phos waved it off, "In that case, I'll give an answer." Yada gave up, "when it comes to cleaning hallways, we'd have a wet cloth that we hold down on the floor with our hands, and use our feet to slide ourselves and our cloth across the hallways." "Hmm..." The teachers pictured on what such a scenario would like. A few kids or wearing slippers or going barefoot, their butts sticking out, and running to and fro in a hallway with their bodies bent and crouched low, "I can't say it's good for the back..." Lita answered, "but... I'm sure a kid can handle that no problem. It does seem fun too." "It does sound fun!" Ramon agreed, "A unique procedure for sure." Luna nodded, "for one, it can be seen as a healthy habit, and not as punishment. We could share this idea in CHS and CJS. However, some of the flooring in both Schools are carpeted, so unless they're willing to use a vacuum, it would be hard to consistently get used to cleaning two different spaces." "That's my Neighponese Culture lesson for the day! What about you Ramon? Did you have any unique ways for a school in Mehicolt?" Yada asked, "Sadly, I was born a citizen of Equestria and raised mostly by Equestrian Culture as I grew up. One example is that I have grown very direct and blunt with my communication compared to my parents indirective and sensitive ways. However, I do carry the festivals and traditions of my ethnicity while retaining its culture and communication through my parents, and I do visit Mehicolt from time to time to visit family members." Ramon replied, "but from what I recall, I believe that Mehicolt is somewhat similar in teaching culture here." "Oh, I see..." Yada responded. As she was about to ask another question, a small chiptune song echoed out of one of the teacher's phones: A familiar soothing tune that seemed to go with the reading of a popular fairy tale. A tale of two omnipotent sisters that resemble the Sun and Moon... "If you'll excuse us..." Luna apologized as she pulled the phone to her ears, "Yes. This is Vice-Principal Luna... Is something the matter?" She went silent until her eyes and head perked up in shock. "He HATH COME!?!?" She blurted, Back at school, some teachers decided to tackle the dreadful marking early, and meeting each other was by coincidence, and not organized... Though it isn't surprising that teachers would stay on the weekend at school to do their 'homework'. "My wonderful Sister, as much as I love her, is an infuriating distraction for me to work at our abode!!!" Forsythe explained, "Sounds like being a pain in the ass runs in your family," Eu responded with grit, "Do you really have to take a stab on him and his choices Eu?" Python reasoned, who was spouting a new comb-over hairstyle today instead of his usual spikes. "I mean, his reason seems better than mine. I've got nothing important to do except for this. Besides, the sooner it gets done (with great care), the better for the students, school, and us!" "Fair point," Eu nodded, "his reason IS better than yours, Average Adams. Don't you have anything else to do BUT teacher work?" "Despite being a simple drawing, you cannot overlook his passion and care for the job. Have you forgotten how many times that the Maths papers have their marks released in less than a week of the date?" Cia defended, "As for me, I need to get my paperwork done so I can resume my project!" Cia shared, "Oh GREAT, another victim to Cia's desire..." Eu moaned, "Then what about you?" Kimura spoke fiercely while maintaining his tone, "What's your reason for coming here?" "I have something I must attend to, come the next weekend," Eu responded without showing any signs of fear, "I have started ever since the exam has passed. Finishing it now is the only way that I will not be disturbed by the fear and pressure of unfinished work." "Can you tell us what it is then?" Kimura continued, "No," Eu responded, "you'll just have to guess." "This is just a guess, but is it Canter-Con?" Forsythe tried, "It's one event that's on next weekend, and I'm going too!" "Excuse you!" Eu turned to the Physics teacher, giving a grudgeful and evil look, "as if I'd be part of an event with you! And do you think I'm the type of person to visit such an event where people like to dress up as other individuals, fictitious or real, and parade around for giggles and photos? I am too busy and sane to do something like that!" "Are you sure? Because I know--" "Enough from your mouth drongo." Eu interrupted, "And let me say it again, this 'Canter-Con' does not interest me in the slightest." "... Very well then Nécromancienne." Forsythe nodded in respect, "only because I care." "Then what of you, special ops lapdog?" Eu turned to Kimura, the stench coming from her pointing finger afflicted his senses. "What business do you have here?" "The same reason Python's here for, to finish this and deal with other matters, especially since the Dorm tour is coming soon. Though Yada will be able to take care of that herself, she'll be more than happy to be lent a hand." "Say..." Python asked, "I'm not sure about this... But are the two of you somehow intimate?" "For a long time..." Kimura answered, "Aww..." Cia blushed, "... Since High School..." Kimura continued, "That's... That's bloody cute, not going to lie." Eu added, "... Alongside Nagisa, our other classmates, and our teacher Korosensei." Kimura finished. "Ohhh..." The three teachers dropped in disappointment. "You are a dense man," Eu snapped, "I shouldn't have expected anything more than a Special Ops Dog." "Being dense means being oblivious to an intended intention." Kimura responded, "I simply admitted that the relationship between Yada and me are strong classmates and friends." "Speaking of Ms Yada," Cia jumped in, "do you think you can get her to notify or have a chat with me?" "A message? Alright then." Kimura nodded, "what about?" "A request for my project." Cia elaborated, "I dabble in some personal arts of mine, and a few were nominated for a prize. Classic or Contemporary, they're all beyond ordinary! I use some of them as art examples for the students' artistic creativity to thrive! That being said, I need models for that, and there's no nudity. I mean it." "You seem to have lots of curiosity, muse, and inspiration." Kimura complimented, "Sure I'll let her know. But it's up to her whether she volunteers or not." "Yes, Yes!" Cia punched the air, a look of bliss on her face, "finally a chance to study and draw upon the soul from Neighpon!" "Hmm... Sounds pretty fun." Kimura thought to himself, "You are certainly something..." An elegant voice came from outside. "To rescue those kids with Coach Justice..." "Have I impressed you yet, My dear Principal?" A cheeky gruff voice responded. "Now, I know it's a little bit big... But do you want me to fit in an actual pet door? I think it's best for our top, onion-haired, dog!" "You're never going to let that go are you?" The principal sighed, "I'd rather you forget about doing that, and do what I require of you. Please head there immediately." The Principal commanded, "Goddessdammit..." Kimura clenched his fist in anger, "Enough is enough, Janitor!!!" "Did someone call my name?" The Janitor poked his wrinkled head into the lounge. "Oh!" Kimura jumped, then quickly responded professionally, "there's nothing." "Judging by the open door, I'm sure you've heard what Celestia wanted me to do something..." The Janitor pulled out a giant white sponge cake layered with fine white icing and strawberries, neatly sliced into equal pieces. "Deliver this sweetie straight from Celestia's secret cake stash! Would anyone like a piece for motivation and appreciation for all you've done?" "Aw really? You shouldn't have!" Cia purred, "Believe me, I've seen plenty of news regarding how teachers are getting the short end of the stick in life thanks to many factors. So this is what a Janitor like me can do! Celestia won't mind." The Janitor spoke, "it's also a rare sight, to see the Biology teacher not cooped up in her dark crib." "I came in just to collect something, then they started talking about why they came to school to mark. So I just joined in, sharing my own reasons." Eu moaned, her deadpan and pessimistic tone clear to hear. "Huh, now that you mention it, that's kinda true." Python noted, "last time I remembered you coming out was because Ms Lita did something to you." "If we were to talk more, we'd be missing a lot of time on our marking. But... I don't mind some cake to take back." Eu answered, "Here you go!" The Janitor handed a slice wrapped with tissue to the Biology Necromancer. "And I've got pieces for all of you!" "Wonderful! A beautiful pick-me-up to be sure!" Cia jumped for joy as she took a slice of cake, "Tremendous! It feels like my day of birth all over again!" Forsythe boomed, gleefully taking a slice of cake. "Thanks, It'll definitely help." Python gave a small smile as he took the third slice with a simple gesture. "You have my thanks, Janitor." Kimura nodded in appreciation, taking a large piece. It looked really filling and tempting. "Speaking of which, we know the story that happened between you two on Thursday. Your methods of rescuing the CJS kids from a bomb was extraordinary!" Cia exclaimed, with sparkles in her eyes. "It was pretty cool." Kimura replied cooly, "I got to hand it to you. You know the right tools to carry out your way." "That comes with knowing what you work with, Onion Boy." The Janitor reminded, "The more you are familiar on what you work with, the more confident you'd try things beyond the comfort zone." "I appreciate the understanding." Kimura nodded, "Well go on, eat the cake!" The Janitor encouraged. With the other teachers shrugging that they got the message, the five teachers slowly began munching on the cake. A soft spongy texture, mixed with the thin layer of icing on top of it. It was simple, it was sweet, and there were absolutely no tricks hiding inside it from Kimura's evaluation. "I know what you're thinking Onion Boy." The Janitor started, "If I sprinkle some fun into any of the Principal's cakes, I will lose more than my head." "EVERYONE!!!" An alarming voice yelled from the hallways, the group turned to the door to see their Principal approaching them in quite an alarmed state. "Funny, that was a quick change of emotion from a few minutes ago." The Janitor whistled, "bad nightmares?" "One of them has turned into reality now. Can any of you call Luna?" Celestia asked, "Sure," Cia volunteered and pulled out her phone. "What do I need to tell her?" "We have a few important visitors." Celestia sighed, as she introduced a blue-uniformed policeman stroll into the room. "Sirs, Ma'ams. Good Afternoon." The officer greeted all. "Today you'll be meeting a new member of your staff faculty. Course as you can tell, your new staff member is on parole. I'm sure your principal has addressed you on that correct?" The moment they heard the word Parole, all five teachers froze in horror. The officer read their tense faces and nodded. "I'll take that as a yes." The officer turned back outside. "Now then, come in." The officer took a step away from the door and revealed a man with his head down. He was about 5 foot and 9 inches tall, almost the same height as Kimura and Python. He had short and straight hair that covered all of his head, coloured with silver, white, and a special shade of blue that gives off a slime-like texture when light bounces off it. Other than that, his skin was of polished arctic grey, compared to Eu's pale grey, and dressed in what looks to be tight black work pants and a light blue polo shirt with two front pockets. Wrapped around one of his legs was an ankle bracelet, but Kimura knows that this 'accessory' was a GPS unit to track this man's movements and location, all too common for people on parole. "Well then? Introduce yourself!" The officer commanded a pinch of anger to his tone. "Heh..." The man sneered, looking up to the fearful teachers with a rude smirk, "You just said that Celestia has told them all about me. I'm sure they know my name by now. Can't you see it on their faces?" "Do not get smart with me!" The officer lashed out, "tell them in person!" "Fine then..." The man groaned. "My name... Is Mason Woods. But you'd better be damn sure you call me 'Alloy', cause that's the name I'll be sticking to!" "Bugger..." Eu sighed, gazing into Alloy's amber gold eyes. "As if this day could get any more stressful..." "Yeah... Big matter. Prepare yourself for what I am about to say..." Cia was in the middle of her phone conversation to Luna, "we have one Mason 'Alloy' Woods coming to visit the school right at this moment." A sudden burst of volume pierced through Cia's eardrums. "D-Do you want to come now???" Cia asked, trembling from Luna's booming voice. Well away from all the drama, Nagisa sat alone in the Koro Gardens dorm, occupied with writing down with an important duty after the fight against Pressure Shaker, the Neighponese exam. As a teenager to adult from teaching and being taught, a broken ankle or complete solitude won't be a problem for him, he's been through MUCH worse. But there was one thing that Nagisa couldn't put aside for later reflection, and that was the concern for his students. For one, he was ill-prepared to fight Pressure Shaker, a man who was not influenced by the antimatter tentacles and had the strength as well as the drop on him. After all, he was completely distracted with exam observations, writing up the Neighponese exam paper, and that he would bring a 'tool' or two to assist his fighting abilities. There were some factors that he could not have control of, and the students could understand that. But it still stung him to his very soul, from what he had learnt from Korosensei. Not to mention, it does give a bad impression and respect towards his students. The second was Flash Sentry and his history. So much has happened to him for one week, and his performance was something far beyond what he knows of the boy. For sure, Nagisa was amazed and proud of the boy. He was impressed in his plan and execution against Windcaller, and definitely impressed in his own combat skills and quick wit against Pressure Shaker. But it brought even further questions. He had knowledge of Pressure Shaker on how he moved and attacked, taught by the very person who kidnapped his siblings. What was his name? Mystère Malum. This person seems to know a LOT about the ins and outs of the students and teachers of Canterlot High School. Not to mention that he also knows a lot of the antimatter tentacles that are around Equestria. Is he or is he not 'Kuro'? Nagisa is at a loss for decisions. But that should come at a later time when he talks with his old classmates. As of now, Nagisa has a new determination and a new goal. If his student and students are beginning to improve or have different perceptions of him now, he's got to raise the bar. That means he'll have to make things even more complex in order to challenge them. Perhaps sharing and studying some material for other subjects, and giving them a quiz now and then... Or maybe... He could use some help himself. He carefully moved towards his laptop, and quickly wrote down yet another email. What Kimura did back then was right in a way. Despite giving the heads up to the enemy, he knew that the clever little Clap Stunner wasn't so little anymore. If it can disrupt an entire crowd out on the street as well as a class, the same would have happened then had they not mentally prepared themselves for it. Now, it's time to review his ways of dealing with his special Clap Stunner, maybe even more on his skills and how he expresses himself... It could even help him to teach better! To: shimmersunset@chsmailoffice.com From: shiotanagisa@chsmailoffice.com Subject: I want to learn magic Dear Sunset Congratulations on getting through the exams. I hope you are satisfied and confident in your progress. Now I hope you won't mind me asking you for another request as one who is well versed in magic, as the subject informs you. On one hand, I can see the Special Tutorship Club is making an effort towards their academic grades, but my aims are more than that. I'd like to connect a bond of friendship, camaraderie and cooperation between the members against dangerous odds, something I know that you, Fluttershy, Pinkie and your other friends have been through. Will it be alright if you could teach an old adult like me? Or at least give me some pointers? I've used what I learned as an assassin to help and save people, so surely I can do the same as someone who has uncontrollable Mana and Magical Power. I promise that I won't use it for intentional harm. Don't feel like you're forced into this, it is absolutely your choice. I won't blackmail you either. Best Regards Nagisa Shiota Nagisa stood up and stretched after sending that mail. That's one goal down, and there's many to go till the term ends here. For one, he's got another organised task for the club's growing members. I wonder what next week will bring? Nagisa's Notes Soarin Cornflower Pale Blue-skinned, green-eyed, and Dark Blue-Haired with Spiky. Student of Canterlot High School 14. An older brother figure to Flash when they were young. This was prominent in their childhood within their Taekwondo dojo that they attend. He shied away from Flash on his parents' funeral, due to the unsure knowledge on losing family. 15. Like Flash, he practices Taekwondo (see 14). He stopped it near the end of his primary education. However, it could be possible that he implemented some skills into his soccer. 16. He's now garnering to rekindle that friendship bond with Flash given by his expressions. He still hasn't admitted this out by word (see 14). Maybe perhaps he can do that to extend his social ties? Flash Sentry 17. Updating on 14, his mother was well away from the war zone but lost her life via terrorist invasion. 18. He had an unspecified developmental delay which slowed his learning in Taekwondo and other things. As he grew older, the delay was gone. 19. He has a new guitar that looks like his old one, and an extra instrument, the Neighponese Shamisen. 20. He promises to be a bit more open with his personal concerns to his friends and higher authorities. It was shown a little through his storytelling on Friday with the Club. It could grow. *IMPORTANT* Flash's siblings, Scootaloo and First Base are now safe, and the biggest threat to them (the kidnapper) has revealed his allegiance: Himself. I need to find out who this Mystère Malum is. He may have assisted Flash in fighting off Pressure Shaker, but it seems he knows our every move. He could be a possible worker for the enemy.