Baka and Test – Summon the Beast: Unforgotten Memory

Chapter 8: Gifts, Meetings, and the Underground Network

Note: Taken from the Novel, Manga, and Anime setting.

..

Original Title: Baka and Test - Summon the Beasts/バカとテストと召喚獣

Written by axeloftheflame

Author's Note: This story contains OC/s and is around the timeline of the anime

Forward Note: Welcome to the next chapter everyone, I am happy for all the support this fanfic gets. I will let you all know this, I rarely have the time to write because I get serious writer's block a lot of the time and my Beta editor lives overseas and has college so we rarely talk to get ideas for the story. Anyway, this chapter will show some sides to people from the anime and a bit on the OC. I don't know how much I am actually putting in the stories as I think of these things as I write.

I will say thank you, to everyone who has read this so far throughout the years. I am really happy that all of you like this story. My Beta and I still have many ideas in store for the future, these also include Miharu. I will let my fans know that Miharu is getting a bit of screen time before taking the focus somewhere else. That being said, mare sure to like and face and please give us some reviews. The feedback we receive greatly helps us in the long run. Many thanks and please enjoy.

I don't know who that kid was but I don't care. My daughter seems to care about him, I wonder why? "Miharu, let's go home. You don't need to do this guy a favor. We should let you get home and rest."

I offered her my hand so I could lead her to my car but, to my surprise, she shook her head.

"No dad, let's head to the park first. I want to keep my promise to him." She looked at me with tired eyes. "Please, let's just go there daddy."

I reluctantly gave a nod, "Whatever you say dear. Do you need to go back inside and get any of your things from school?"

She shakes her head again, she looked very tired for some reason which made me worry. I have never seen her like this before. I wish that she would tell me what really happened to her. I can tell that she isn't telling me everything.

I hid a small smile from my daughter when she wasn't looking. She takes after her mother which is the reason for my smile. I'll patiently wait for her to tell me everything. But still, it doesn't stop me from worrying.

I exhaled my breath, I guess I better take her to the park so that we can be done with it already. I really want for her to go home and rest.

"Miharu, you ready to go?" I asked her. Seeing her nod, she heads for my car. I didn't bother hiding my sigh this time around as I followed her back. This was probably going to be a long night, I just know it.

As we entered the car, I looked over my daughter who was sitting on the passenger seat. I started my car as she puts on her seatbelt. I would often sneak a glance at her and I would notice that she was trying really hard to avoid my gaze. I thought of asking her again about what happened in school. But I already knew that it was pointless; I… I really wish that she would let me help her, no matter what circumstance it may be. She is the only one I have now…

"Daddy, please stop." I barely heard her soft voice which almost made me look away from the road.

"Hmm?" I slightly turned my gaze to my daughter and saw her reaching for the door's handle. I immediately made an emergency park on the spot in fear of having her jump out in the middle of the road.

"Miharu don't-!?" I slowly reach my hand out only for her to look at me confused.

"Don't what, daddy? You parked the car so I will obviously open the door, besides, we are already near the park." Upon saying that I noticed that we are already in our destination. "I am just going to drop off what I need to give so we can go home."

"Oh, right!" I can barely hide my embarrassment. I removed my seatbelt and went out the car. There was no way I was going to let her go alone as she is right now.

Miharu rolled her eyes, it was a typical father-daughter moment. "Whatever Dad,"

I sheepishly grinned at her tone, she was sounding like how she used to. Still, I don't want to make her mad or worst, god knows what she is like if I do. Still who was the damn kid who approached us earlier? If he had something to do with her incident then I would like to have a private chat with him.

Tsk, I didn't get his name when I had the chance! Miharu notices me and gives me a weird look. I slightly looked away from her as she turned around and entered the park.

I really want to go home and rest actually, if only I hadn't accepted at that time. Today's events are stressing me out and I would like to forget about it or think deeper on it, whichever makes it easier for me to understand. Still, I gave him my word and I plan to see this through. My dad would have objected, honestly I was surprised he allowed me to do this. I would ignored him either way though.

But what was this feeling? The thought of me handing out these cellphone straps to a girl he, himself, promised to give to her made me feel odd(?). I still wasn't use to this… well I was used to it at some point in the past. But, having these feelings now… with him… was an odd feeling indeed.

I gave a sigh, I can hear my dad's footsteps right behind me. I was happy he wasn't going to leave me alone but sometimes I wished he could take a hint and leave me alone for a few seconds.

He tries to call me out but I continued on my way. The park wasn't that big but still finding the person who Akihisa intended to give that straps to was difficult. Was he expecting me to figure out who she is? He didn't even give me her name, then again, I had forgotten to ask as I wanted to quickly get away from him.

"Hey, Miharu, you ok?"

Again I release a sigh, my father is becoming an annoyance than a concerned parent. I look around and to my relief there weren't many people here. Only a few mothers watching over their offspring.

That was when I noticed a strange sight. A girl, no older than twelve, was alone sitting on the swing. She looked… familiar? It feels like I had seen her before, I don't have any recollection of meeting such a girl though. It seems like she was waiting for someone, she would look around every few seconds waiting for something to happen. Was this the girl that Akihisa promised to give the straps to?

Left with no choice, I will approach the little girl.

"Dad, I want to be left alone for a bit." I told him, turning my head slightly so that I could see him. He stares at me for a few seconds before giving a nod. For a second there, I suspected that he was going to argue with me but held his tongue. He turned and walked back to where he parked the car; I'll be with him soon.

This was my chance, I got closer to her and saw her gazing at the orange sky. I took this opportunity to take the initiative. She seemed happy as I got close enough to talk, a smile spreading on her bright face.

"Ano… excuse me,"

"Hmm?" She turned her head away from the sky and looked at me. I was caught unexpectedly off guard because… she had really cute eyes. D-Did I just think she was cute? What is wrong with me, I am not into that.

"Ano…" I tried to regain my composure before continuing. "Are you waiting for someone?"

It took me a moment to realize that I was a stranger to this little girl. I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't give me an answer, worst case scenario, police would get involved and I'd have to make a run for it.

"Um!" She eagerly nods at my question which actually surprised me. "I am waiting for my Baka-no-onii-chan~"

She had the warmest of smiles that would melt the hearts of everyone around her. She continues, "He told me to wait for him here today. He sent me a text message saying that he was going to give me a gift!"

All this while, I tried to hide away my blushing face. Still, I quickly registered what she said.

"Hold on… Baka-no-onii-chan?" She can't mean him right? I mean, he is a tad stupid-Scratch that, he can be completely oblivious from time to time- but she mention him as a baka. It was all it took me to link him with this girl. Still I wanted to make sure.

"Ano," I called out to her as she returned to playing with the swing for a bit.

"Yes?"

"Would you mind if I see the text message? I can understand if you want to say no seeing as you don't know me."

She ponders to herself with her eyes closed. I gulped slightly as sweat poured down my cheek. To my surprise, she pulled out her phone. I also noticed that she had Ein and Noin strap attached to her phone. She was missing Fi to complete her collection. I snapped out of it after I notice her open her phone and brought it to my face. I saw the message that I wanted to see.

"Hazuki, I know you're still feeling upset about losing Fi. But don't worry! Thanks to that old hag throwing some last minute scavenger hunt I will be winning you another Fi! Wait for me in the park after school is over, I promise to meet you there. If, for some reason, I couldn't make it I will let you know. I can't wait to see you, I want to see you smile again like you always do. It means so much to me. Seeing you always puts me in a good mood, especially since after the crap I had to deal with… oh sorry, I should watch my language… why can't I just delete that swear? …anyways, sorry that I'm rambling on my phone. See ya later. Yoshii Akihisa.

I couldn't hide my surprise, my eyes figuratively became the size of dinner plates. But, for some reason, I felt myself form a small grin. Akihisa was still the same even in his own text messages. This feeling only grew when I finally figured out the reason he eagerly searched for those straps. It was for this little girl.

I put my hand to my chest, I can feel it again. This weird feeling whenever I think about him. What was it? I turned my attention to the small girl as she took her cellphone away from my view before playing on the swing again.

"Mou~" She grumbles in a cutesy manner. "I hope he gets here soon. I need to get home before it gets dark."

Oh yeah, how could I almost forget? Now I know that she is the girl I needed to give the cell phone straps to… I hope she isn't too sad that Akihisa isn't here to see her in the end.

"Ano… I know this may sound weird but I know the person who you are going to meet,"

"You do?" I saw her give me a look of pure surprise. Her eyes were wide and I felt my heart skip a beat in that moment. "Where is he? Is he here?"

She looked around eagerly which, in lack of a better way to say it, forced me not to show her my frown. This girl was really hoping to see Akihisa today, which made me feel even sorrier for her.

"Forgive me, but no… I don't think he will be coming." I told her as she stopped and leans down in sadness.

"Oh… okay…"

She got off the swing and was about to leave but I stopped her.

"Please wait," I told her. "I have something to give to you!"

She looks at me confused for a moment but stayed where she is, I was grateful for her understanding. "It is from him, please don't be sad. I know he wanted to come and see you but he just had something else to do. Well, more like he didn't have any choice in the matter."

I sheepishly laughed at Akihisa's expense. Though I really shouldn't, he was already experiencing enough trouble as it is. I looked at her and saw her give me an odd smile, like she knew that this would happen.

"That sounds like him, always being made to do things he doesn't want to do."

I can't help but give a smile in return. She was absolutely right, seeing as the few times I do see him in school, he always looked like he was getting forced to do something which he didn't like. I shook my head trying to get back on track. The last thing I want is to think about him for anything longer than a few seconds at the moment.

"Anyway, here. I think he wanted me to give you these." I said as I reach into my pocket and pulled out the cell phone straps that he-I mean, we won. When I brought them out, I saw her eyes widen with glee.

"Is that-!?"

I eagerly nod which made her jump in joy. "These are for you. We entered a hunt of sorts to get them and we managed to win. He was so bent on getting them for you that he didn't tell me the reason. Now I understand and seeing you now, I agree that it was worth the effort he put into getting them."

I offered the girl the straps. She took them and looked at them over, inspecting them if they were the real deal. I couldn't help but smile, even a kid like her checks to see if they are real or not. She gives an approving nod and took Fi. She then returns to me Ein and Noin which only confused me.

"Thank you for bringing them to me but I don't feel right taking them all."

"But-"

"Don't worry~" She smiled to me again which made me stop. "I only need Fi. The other two, you can keep them or give them back to him."

Akihisa… "I'm sure that he will understand. I know he went through a lot and it means the world to me that he would do this. It just doesn't feel right that I take them for myself… seeing how rare they are,"

I actually wanted to refuse her but once again I found my guard failing me. I felt a blush go up to my cheeks as she held onto my hands, closing the straps which I held within.

"I want you to keep them as a sign as friendship. You were kind enough to bring them to me and you look like you needed a friend."

I froze. Did I really look like I needed a friend? I came to realize I must have appeared a bit messed up after my breakdown. I haven't had the chance to look at myself on the mirror after I woke up. I must look horrible if this little girl could figure it out.

"You can keep one for yourself and then give the other to my Baka-no-oniichan~ I know he is in need of a friend too! The last time I saw him, he was still the same… but he looked so different, like he was trying to change himself."

I just stood there, staring at this smiling girl in front of me. She innocently looked at me for a few seconds before turning and walking away. She took a few steps before turning around and waving at me. On her hand, her phone with the straps of Fi, Ein, and Noin.

"Sayonara! Oh and my name is Hazuki Shi-" I try to listen carefully but her voice was drowned out by a car horn. I realized that it probably came from my Dad who was now getting impatient.

I gritted my teeth at his actions. He is so going to pay for this. I try to look for the little girl named Hazuki and ask her again but she was already running home. I turned my gaze to the straps on my hand, I took Noin and strapped it on my cell phone. I stared at the blue fox which made me think of my friend… Yoshii… Akihisa…

I need to get home and get some rest. Maybe taking time to relax will help me with these thoughts?

I walk away from the park, reminiscing of the past day's events. I saw my dad waiting for me near the car. I got close and kicked his shin. He yelps as he bent down and held his shin. He looked happy when I did that actually, pointing out that I was being my normal self before I give him another kick followed by a glare. I got inside the car and slammed the door shut.

Akihisa was in a fix. He had no idea how to make of his situation right now. He was passing the time, thinking about what he would have to say the Class D's Class Representative. He believed that he was going for a simple stroll until he found himself tied up with rope and a bag, which obscured his vision with air holes, over his head. He wondered why they had to go through such great lengths to get him. He recalled that they asked him that he would talk to him but when he got back from giving Miharu the straps he was immediately tied up with so many students around him.

"Wonder why they didn't do anything to me yet?" He silently asked himself without anyone hearing. The answer is actually as plain as day but it was only a hunch to him.

"Your guess is as good as mine. Besides, if I had to pick, I would guess it is because they don't care about any other class unless it is their own."

"That would make the most sense," Akihisa agreed with his avatar, thinking the same thing. "You know, you guys don't have to tie me up like this. It is not like I will pose much of a threat to any of you or anything. I came here alone and you guys out number me by a lot."

"We are just following our Class Rep's orders, seeing as he doesn't want to take any chances with you. Some of the students are quite aware of some of your tomfoolery and how it would always help you in the end,"

He had no words for that. It was the only way he could survive in this school. Still, he wondered who that voice belonged to. To him, it sounded female but he was drawing a blank.

"I don't think I know that voice…"

"It would surprise me if you did,"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Akihisa asked casually. It was better than being dragged without anything to do.

"I mean, you don't hang around with a lot of women. And the ones you do hang out with tend to try and hurt you or abuse you."

"Aren't those the same thing? But I see your point." He really had no words to say to this girl. For some reason, he always had the short end of the stick when it comes to talking to girls… but he knew well that it was sometimes his own fault for getting into trouble.

"I can understand your class rep's worrying and why he is taking these measures but can you at least untie my feet so I can walk? I don't like being dragged and these are new boots too. They were not cheap!"

Akihisa's plea fell on deaf ears. He felt them stop causing him to think if they finally got to their destination. He got his answer shortly after he felt himself being led to a chair and remove his binds.

Akihisa winced a little, expecting sharp light to blind him but noticed only the ceiling light shining down on him. Looking ahead, he saw the representative of class d with an empty seat next to him. Akihisa looked around and saw that they were in a shed of some sort.

"Did you enjoy the trip?" A voice called to him. Akihisa wanted to retort the cliché line but held his tongue.

"It wasn't as bad as the FFF when they take me away. But, yeah, it was pretty much enjoyable ignoring the fact that you staged a kidnapping." Akihisa honestly answered. But he wanted to ask something important before they start. "Did you really agree to meet up with me before you sacked me?"

"I did," He visibly nodded but still Akihisa can't properly see him. "But, I needed to make sure you could be trusted,"

"How does kidnapping me prove trust?" He asked raising an eyebrow as the class D rep shrug.

"Don't know," He answered halfheartedly. "It was the best think I could come up with. Plus, I didn't want the other classes to think that we are on friendly terms with class F and-"

Akihisa stopped him right there, "I'm not with that class anymore."

"Excuse me?" He asked a bit offended by Akihisa cutting in. "What do you mean?"

"It means that, even if I may still be a part of class F, I won't be helping them in any wars. Of course, unless, I choose to get involve." Akihisa stared into the eyes of the boy in front of him. "So, not like anyone would care, I am no longer bound to help them in the class wars and I know for a fact that Sakamoto plans to have more soon…"

"How do you know this?"

Akihisa only smirked, sending a chill down the boy's spine. "Easy, he told me himself before we defeated class E. He said he wanted to go after class A… but we were defeated before we were even ready for them."

Akihisa purposely left out the events that led to his life changing decision.

"I see," The class rep nodded. There was no point for Akihisa to lie, he can tell that he had no loyalty to their class rep. "So there is a chance that he will be coming after us as well?" He asked Akihisa, getting any piece of important information out of him.

"Probably," Akihisa answered nonchalantly. "I didn't really get much detail on it. All I know is what I have told you and-"

"Why did you want to meet with me?" He asked getting revenge on his earlier cutting in.

Akihisa stares at him for a moment before answering, "I didn't want to meet with you, I wanted to have a small talk. Student to Student. We are not using the labels of our classes that the school enforces on us."

Akihisa took a moment to make it easier to understand, for both their sakes. "By that I mean not as a student of class D and Class F. To be honest with you, I wasn't expecting to meet you so soon. I thought it would take me a few days at the least, a few weeks at most before you give me a chance."

Akihisa leaned back as far as he could, "So, to who do I owe this fast meeting to?"

The class D rep noticed his boredom. He thought about what Akihisa would gain.

"What's his game? He wanted to talk to me as a fellow student and not a member of class D? Why? Also, the tone of his voice, what's up with it? He isn't even freaking out nor caring that we basically took him hostage. From what I gathered from other students… and a few spiteful class F students… he should be acting out. He is way different back then than he is now."

He stares at Akihisa who was patiently waiting for his response. He wasn't acting out or bothering to even try and escape. The difference in mentality between the two is quite staggering.

"Everyone, please leave," The class rep ordered. "I want to talk to him alone,"

It was an expected outcome that some of his friends, and fellow classmates, complained at him. If you ask him how he felt then, he would tell you that he was glad to be the representative of his class. Still, he shook his head at them and reassured them that he would be fine. Also, he made a promise to their class ambassador and he would at least give him the benefit of the doubt.

At mention of the Class D's ambassador, Akihisa's eyes widen.

"What does Miharu have to do with this? Wait, didn't she say that she was going to try and get me to meet with her class rep? But, she isn't here. I saw her leave with her dad… I guess I am just getting my hopes up on wanting to see her." Akihisa gave a silent sigh. "I really need to stop thinking about her and focus at the task at hand."

It didn't take long before the room was devoid of any students, except for the class representative and the punishment bearer. Akihisa looked up to meet the eyes of Genji Hiraga, the man who took the mantle of class representative for the sake of his classmates.

"Now that we are alone," He gestures all around him. "Talk,"

"About?"

"Look," Hiraga said a bit annoyed. "I am not really in the mood for jokes. Just tell to me what you wanted to say. My class ambassador told me you wanted to talk for some reason."

Hiraga folded his hands on his chest. "She even opted to give up her position as ambassador so that we can meet."

"She what!?" Akihisa asked completely caught off guard. "Why?!"

Hiraga shook his head, "Don't ask me thing I don't know, Yoshii-kun. All I know is that for her to do that, and for a man no less, must mean that something changed about her. I subtly noticed it for a while now but do you have any idea about her change?"

Akihisa for the second time today, had no words to say. He was completely clueless that Miharu would make such a gamble for him just for them to meet. Hearing this only made him bitter about himself. She was a good friend and he ended up hurting her.

Akihisa shook away those thoughts from his head. He needed to focus on the present.

"No, I-" He stuttered which Hiraga caught. "I don't know, well maybe I do. But that doesn't matter. It isn't my right to say anything about what happened."

"Did you do something to her?" He asked inquisitively. This caused Akihisa to stare at him, wondering why he wanted to know.

"Why do you care?" Akihisa's tone came out wrong and Hiraga noticed again. "I am surprised you are this interested. From what I know, she wasn't really nice to men."

"Any man really," They both thought in that moment.

Still, Akihisa irked Hiraga. Their exchanged caused him to twitch slightly from his words.

"The reason I care," Hiraga had a different tone, he no longer held a calm disposition and this caused Akihisa to lean back. "Is because I am her class rep. And it is my job to look out for my entire class. It comes with the title. So, even if she outright despises me to the core or anyone in class, it is my job as their class representative to worry about them… even if they don't want me to,"

Akihisa blinked, this was the first time he saw what it truly meant to be the class representative. "Hmm…"

Hiraga looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "What? I am pretty sure that your class rep has worried about your class before right?"

Akihisa didn't answer immediately, only a small grin present on his face.

"Ha!" He chuckled. "That's a good one."

"Sakamoto caring about our class? As far as I can see it, he hasn't really cared for us at all. What he truly cared about was his own goals! Oh, and he did a good job in using me to do it too! It was quite a shame that I didn't see him for the person what he was before then."

"I see," Hiraga nodded slowly, taking in this new found information. "So, are you the only one he used?"

"Why do you care?" Akihisa spat. "You are class D's representative, not class F. Anyways, yes, I was the go to guy for everything. Even with me being the ambassador, I was and still may be a grunt,"

"Hm?" The displeasure wasn't lost on Hiraga.

"The school… come on, you have to had seen what they do to me. They use me just to do their grunt work. All because of my low grades…"

Akihisa hid his eyes from him. "It was the perfect excuse, they exploited me to do stuff for them using the notion 'to improve my damn grades.' But that never helped, not one bit. Hell! The only teacher who really cared about me was, and still is, Tetsujin-sensei!"

Small tears began falling from Akihisa's eyes. "Why!? What the hell makes it right for the school to call me an idiot and deny me the right to learn just cause my score was bad on a test! They only cared about the higher classes… no one else…"

"Yoshii-kun…" Hiraga realized where this was going. Akihisa looked so pitiful, he never looked so broken before in the times he saw him.

"…look at Miz-Himeji, she failed her test exam and now she is stuck in class F. But… they, everyone agrees, that she should have been in class A. The other teachers have been treating her like she was from class A… how is it fair? …do grades really matter that much?"

Akihisa looked up, dark blue eyes staring at his own green orbs. Tears stream down his face, the dark room which is filled with pain and sadness was his only comfort.

Hiraga couldn't help but feel slightly overwhelmed. He just wanted to get a few answers out of Akihisa and find out the real reason behind their meeting. He is also concerned for his classmate who has lately changed these past few weeks. Before the event, Hiraga noticed Miharu looking melancholic. She was also the last to leave when he came back for a bit to check if everyone was gone. When he saw her leave, he was honestly glad but she looked a bit uncomfortable joining Akihisa… and the boy(?) with him.

Hiraga didn't know what decided him to do this but he came to the conclusion that Akihisa was no threat. He also thought it may be best to show that he would trust Akihisa, even if it was just a little bit.

Akihisa soon calmed down after staring at the floor for an adequate amount of time. The outburst he did weighted heavily on his mind. He had no idea why he let these feelings come out but he has come to terms with it. He can't hide these things forever.

Suddenly, he felt himself getting loose, the rope binding him to his chair came undone. He noticed shuffling of feet and looked up only to see Hiraga sitting back on the chair and moving closer to the light. He sat there waiting, as if taking his time before he would say anything at all.

It was then that Akihisa remembered the reason he came to their class representative.

"Ah. I-" He couldn't speak, his voice weaker than he intended. The reason becoming lost in his thoughts.

"Hmm, Yoshii-kun," Hiraga called from his seat. "If you want, we can talk later. I can arrange for another meeting and this time we won't be tying you up."

Akihisa stares at him before Hiraga continued, "I don't know what happened but I can tell you mean no harm. So, if you want to talk later-"

Akihisa shook his head, wiping the tears away with his sleeve before looking up.

"No, I want to talk now." Akihisa answered. "If I don't and if people see you talking to me, not in ropes, then they will be spreading rumors… then again, maybe it would be better that way. My plans will come through a lot easier that way,"

"And what do you have in mind?" Hiraga asked, wanting to know. "Does it have to do with hearing you out?"

Akihisa nodded before sitting straight up.

"I need you to listen to me to the end. I'll tell you a few things and you can disagree with me if you want; I will understand."

"Okay, I'm all ears."

Hiraga didn't know what to make of Akihisa's idea. He leans back on his chair, trying to get his thoughts in order. They spent some time talking over Akihisa's proposition and Hiraga-in his honest opinion- thought that it was completely insane. He knows that it would be impossible for him to do it and it was hard to figure out Akihisa's motive.

Actually, that was a lie-he knew that from the start-he had some reason to believe Akihisa.

"So, what's your answer?"

Hiraga was at a loss for words, "I don't know what you want me to say. I don't think I want to join you… since you said it yourself, and there isn't a class willing enough to support you also-"

"I don't have my class' support. But I do have a class on my side,"

Hiraga was caught surprised by this revelation.

"Really? Who?"

"I can't tell you. If I do, you may just got after them."

"I see," Hiraga speculates which class decided to join him. He had absolutely no clue. "Very well, I will think about your offer. And…"

"And?"

Hiraga stared into Akihisa's green eyes. "Can you really pull this idea off?"

Akihisa got off his seat, he returned the gaze and shrugs.

"To be honest with you, I don't really know. I just want something to change. Even if it is only a little. I'm not doing this just for me… but then again, I may be lying. But it doesn't matter." Akihisa scratches his for a while before turning towards the door.

"Was that all you wanted to say? Just that?"

"Absolutely," Akihisa answers nonchalantly back to him. "You haven't decided yet on what to do so there is nothing more I need to say,"

Akihisa turned back to Hiraga and smiled. "Still, I hope you say yes. I will need three classes for this plan to really work,"

"Then tell me, besides me and this mysterious class, which among them will you go to next?" Hiraga asked, curious on Akihisa's next course of action.

Akihisa gives a sly smile at the mention of the next class he plans to ally with, "I am aiming to get class C on my side"

"Class C!?"Hiraga asked dumbfounded while rising off his chair. "What are you crazy? Getting a class like that… it is impossible! Besides, in case you haven't known, the class rep there is dating the rep of class B."

"Really?" Akihisa asked a bit amused. "I didn't know that. This could be some useful information you just told me."

Akihisa turned his gaze back to Hiraga's doubtful look, "Also, don't call it impossible. I'm sure we can… come into an understanding… with your help,"

Hiraga stood there confused as Akihisa opened the door.

"I'll think about it… but don't get your hopes up."

Akihisa grinned, everything was going according to plan.

"That's all I ask for," He didn't bother to turn. "Just think about it; I really hope I will hear from you soon. Also, a bit of a reminder, I already have the support of one class… if, you finally decided to join me we will have a better chance for Class C to join us."

Akihisa walked away after he closed the doors behind him. He turns towards the sky with a smile on his face. He then sighed, thinking of the day's events.

"Looks like things won't be easy after all. If what I heard is true, then things are just going to get harder from here. I need to look into their affairs. I'm going to need someone to get me some info." Akihisa ponder on who can help him.

"Hmm, maybe… Tetsujin-sensei? Nah, he wouldn't really give up information about the other students. Damn, I am not getting anywhere standing here! I might as well go home and get something to eat."

Akihisa puts his hands into his pockets and began to walk home. He prays that he can find some food he can afford to eat as his stomach complained to him.

"Ugh,"

..

Nishimura closes his book upon feeling the sun's rays enter his remedial room. He looked at all the students in his class and dismisses them.

"You can all go home! Let this be a lesson to all of you! Keep studying and never let your guard down! Now, get out of my sight!"

Hearing his harsh remarks, the students got up from their seats and started leaving his class. Some were in pairs while others left on their own in a fast motion. He noticed that none of the students even acknowledge the students from the other classes.

"Hmm, I wonder why they are in such a hurry to leave? Guess they want to get home as soon as possible," Nishimura remarked as he looked at his now empty class… all but for one student actually remained.

"Kinoshita-kun, what are you still doing here? Remedial classes are over now." Nishimura called to the third gender party.

"Uh, yes! Sorry, I was just in thought and-" Nishimura stopped him before Hideyoshi could continue.

"I didn't ask what was on your mind. As soon as the day ends, so does my role as your teacher." He told him sagely.

"Right…" Hideyoshi got up from his seat, took a while before going out as he was lost in thought.

Nishimura felt sorry for the confused lad. Honestly speaking, Nishimura's duties as a teacher was never over. Even if it wasn't allowed to show it, he was disappointed in class F with that things that happened. He doesn't agree with the events that lead to today. But, that didn't mean that he would not teach them. He was a teacher, first and foremost, and he had a responsibility to his students… no matter what they did.

A long sigh escape his lips, he picked up his things and left his classroom. It was ironic, that other students would call his class hell or even worse than that. Hearing such rumors actually made him give a sly grin. These rumors made him glad that the students are spreading them. It means that they would study and try harder to not end up in the remedial room.

"Nice to know my teaching are getting through to them. Maybe one day, I can get them through to life." Nishimura inwardly chuckled on that thought. "I wonder where Yoshii is? He seemed stressed out and I haven't seen him since the start of the hunt, though I did notice him on the roof for a brief moment."

Nishimura walked through the now almost empty halls. He opted to check on class F. his homeroom class, and see if anyone was left inside. He noticed Sakamoto and Kouta leave school and they were also with the new student in class. "The child has only been here for a few days… and now she is hanging out with him? I wonder…"

Walking outside of the school, he was surprised to see other students still around the campus and some looked just about to leave school.

Some were actually from clubs but most of them are unfamiliar to him. Nishimura assumes that they were students doing last minute studying before returning to their homes. Honestly, he was glad that they are making an effort. Still, if they proved to be insufficient then he will have them work from the ground up.

"If they fail, I will have to work their young minds into the ground until they become the bright minds of the school that I know they are!" Nishimura declared.

"You know, some people would think you are crazy for shouting out here. Some of them are already traumatized, the students I mean. But, seeing as you are you… I don't think people here would really think it strange, Tetsujin-sensei." A familiar voice raised behind him.

"Hmm?" Nishimura turned around with a smile on his face. He gave the student a pat on his back for a day well done. "Yoshii! Where have you been? The hunt ended at around three in the afternoon, right after your struggle at the school's roof!"

Akihisa apologized for his disappearance, "My apologies, I had some things I had to do and I was sort of trying not to leave school at the same time as Miharu did. Her dad had that look like he wanted to strangle me. I can sort of understand where her hatred for men comes from, more or less. The old man looked really protective for some odd reason too."

"I'm sure he has his reasons, Yoshii. But, do you mind if I ask what business you had to go to?"

"I won't… but I don't really want to say since I plan to stay here for a little bit longer. I need to go and dig through some of the classes in our year. I doubt that they would just tell me about themselves if I asked around." Akihisa explained to him with a tired sigh. He had his hand through his hair, thinking about the day's events that had taken a heavy toll on him. Nishimura noticed this.

"You seem tired… why not come over to my house? I can pour you a cup to drink if you like and we can have a chat about what is bothering you,"

It was a kind offer, something which Akihisa would jump into given the chance. Unfortunately…

"I'd really like that, teacher. Sir. But like you said, if I want something done right… then I need to take care of it myself fast and efficiently before I forget what it was,"

Nishimura nodded, he was proud of how Akihisa has become in these past few weeks.

"I understand. Still, the offer stands, Yoshii. I may have always been hard on you but I only did so for your own sake. It is my job as a teacher to make sure that each students gets the best help they can get. Which is why I hold my classes in the remedial room, so that whenever they fail they are reminded of what awaits them once their scores reach zero." A dark humorous smile visibly appears on Nishimura's face. "I know I may come off as a demon to some of you, but that's just me caring for all of you so much."

Akihisa can feel Nishimura's dark aura starting to escape him. He was used to it by now but it still kept him on his feet nonetheless.

"Haha, I see." Akihisa smiled humorously. "Nice to know that at least one of the teachers here still care for their students… no matter which class they are in,"

"Yoshii..."

"Hmm?"

"I know that, as a teacher, I am not allowed to favorably or get too involved in the class wars but…"

"But…?"

"If you want to get your hands on some information… then try looking for the underground network of students,"

"Huh? This school has an underground network in it?" Akihisa asked in disbelief.

"I know it is hard to believe… but yes, there is." Nishimura crosses his arms, a knowing smirk spreading on his face. "How else do you think your friend manages to take pictures and spread them around without getting caught?"

"Wait!" Akihisa stops him fearfully, the dread creeping him for the first time in weeks. "Y-you know about that?"

"Kekeke, give me some credit kid. Most of the teachers here know about them! We've been trying to catch him for some time now… but he is just too… smart to get caught." Nishimura knows too well how good the class pervert is when he sells his merchandise. "We caught wind that he was using some of this school's underground connections to sell these photos."

"Interesting…" Akihisa said with a smile that made his heart race for the first time. "This is the first time I've heard of this. Thanks to you, I may have just found a way to get what I need."

"Remember, Yoshii, you never heard this from me. I may be a teacher but I would like to keep my image as an unbiased remedial teacher."

"You… wouldn't happen to know where I can find them would you?"

"Nice try, Yoshii. Do you think I would ever mention them if I knew how to in the first place?"

"Right," Akihisa said as he puts down his closed left hand onto his other open palm. "At least knowing about them makes my job a bit easier. Now, I'll just have to find a way to get to them…"

"Well, I wish you luck in what you have planned then Yoshii!" Nishumura yelled as he turned to leave. "Also, my offer still stands if you ever want to have a normal drink!"

Akihisa saw him walk away from the school, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

"Should I have taken up his offer for that drink? Well, it is better than going home alone…"

"I'm still here." A voice said in his head.

"True, but I want to have a normal conversation with someone who isn't in my head." Akihisa shook his head disapprovingly. "Or maybe I'm already crazy and just don't know it. I wonder if the info I am going to need will help me? Or will it just be a waste of time?"

"Do you really need to gather information in the first place?"

"Yes," Akihisa answered confidently. "I need it for what I am going to do; I need all three in order to make my move… at least that's what I can understand from Ironman's books. Who knew he would have such an old school rule book with him?"

"He does look like the kind of man who loves his job. I wouldn't be surprised if he kept that think this whole time,"

Akihisa looked up to the sky, the clouds slowly becoming dark and the orange hue slowly fading away.

"Not all teachers are bad. I always thought he hated me and likes to make me suffer… but, in fact, it was the opposite. He just wanted what was best for me and I took it all wrong. I really wish I could go back and make my younger self see that, instead of alaways cursing for all the forced studying," Akihisa couldn't help but chuckle at the memories of the past. "I still got many ways to go before I can even match up to the power of the higher classes. I may have improved and my scores a lot better now but it isn't enough… I have so much I need to do and I know that this isn't just for me,"

Akihisa took a deep breath, closing his eyes and feeling the rays of the sun caress warmly on his face. He let it go after a few seconds and started walking away from school. For now, getting home is his only priority along with finding some food to eat before what he is about to do come the next day.

"Man, today didn't go so well." Sakamoto complained as he made his way home. "We couldn't even get that idiot to join our class anymore. Well, it doesn't matter as long as we still have Himeji. Our class should be set for any wars that come our way."

Sakamoto then remembered his other classmates that made up the strength of their class, "Hmm, Shimada is also useful when it comes to math. Maybe she can be helpful? Kouta also has uses for his speed, he is still a bit behind with Akihisa's avatar though. That only leaves Hideyoshi, his scores aren't the best and his avatar does not have anything special about it… I wonder if he can help us out with his sister on the next war?"

Sakamoto finally gave a sigh. He scratched his head in annoyance with all the new problems he would be facing soon. The outcomes that happened in school is finally taking a heavy toll on him and morale isn't going well. Many ideas went through his head and he tried to come up with a good advantage that they can abuse but nothing came up, barring a few options he can take…

"Tsk, I got nothing going for me." Sakamoto then remembered the new student that came to class not too long ago. "Did she get home safe? She's fresh meat in our school and with all that has happened today… she still hasn't gotten the chance to check the whole school. I guess I need to give her a tour tomorrow before classes start."

A small grin appeared on his face. "It feels strange that I am concerned for her. Then again, she is the only girl, besides Shouko, who I like to hang around with. Shouko needs to see that I don't like her in that light and only see her as a friend. I am free to like whoever I please and just because the two of us are childhood friends doesn't mean that we need to become that close."

"It really isn't my problem if she doesn't see that… not anymore… dammit! I was so close to getting that idiot knocked out from the hunt then Kubo shows up to save the day! Why would he even give Akihisa a hand? He has nothing to gain by doing it… hmm… perhaps there is more to this? No, they don't even know each other that well."

Stopping in his track he looked at the door in front of him and sighed.

"Guess I'm home. After what happened today, I just want some rest. I need to get ready for some things for the up-coming wars at school. I need to think of a way to get Akihisa back to us." Sakamoto groans, he knew how stubborn Akihisa really is. "Then again, we don't really need him. The transfer student is just like him… in a way. Maybe things will go smoothly? I don't know, there are too many things I need to figure out first. I haven't seen the new student's avatar too. Still, if she has the same abilities as Akihisa then things might just go my way after all."

Opening the door, he walks inside his house. He removes his shoes and places them on their front porch. As he put them away, he heard his name.

"Yuuji~ Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me, mom. Is something up?"

"No, I'm just glad your home. Dinner will ready soon if you like," Sakamoto smiled at that.

"After the day I had, dinner sounds nice!" He said cheerfully. "Call me when it is ready, okay."

Sakamoto was about to head for his room but stopped. Yukino, his mother, gently places her hand on his shoulder, making him look at her expecting that there was something she wanted to say.

"Yuuji... is everything going well at school?" Yuuji had no idea what to make of her question. It was simple enough to understand really so he gave his answer.

"Of course, just another day of dealing with the old hag and her weird ideas for running a school." In other words, a waste of time.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, pretty much nothing new… nothing less."

"Yuuji,"

"Yeah?"

"Are you and Shouko okay?"

Sakamoto lost his composure for a brief second. Why she would ask him now? He had no idea. He had come late many times after school, due to certain reasons. She never asked if something was up with them.

"Shouko must have been here earlier and told her everything that happened(?) No, even after what happened… she loves me too much. Then again, Shouko is mostly unpredictable in her behavior…"

"We are doing fine, more or less. Why would you ask? Well, if there is something, she would tell me. We are friends after all,"

"I see," Yukino somewhat doubts what Yuuji said. "Well, it is just cause she came here earlier and looked like she has been crying for a while. She looked so depressed,"

"Did she told you anything?" Yuuji asked her mother, hiding any surprise.

"No, she didn't say anything. She told me that she wanted to talk to you and waited for a bit. However, she left, probably when she heard me talking over the phone with you. She must've overheard me about your walk home with the new girl."

"I… may have an idea what it is troubling her,"

"Really?"

Yuuji sighed, he never thought the day would actually come.

"Yes, I do. But if she comes by again, tell her that I'm not here or that I am at the new girl's house."

Yukino was visibly surprised, "Uh… okay? But,"

"Hmm?"

"Yuuji, are you and Shouko still dating?"

Yuuji didn't react positively to that notion. He gave a heavy sigh and a weak glare to her mother.

"Listen, mom. She and I have not-nor will we- ever dated. There will be no such thing and we-I don't plan to. We are… the two of us are just friends who grew in the same class together. I never showed any interest in her; I was just being a good friend and you had her took it the wrong way. It never once crossed my mind to go out with her. She just basically pushed her one-sided feelings on me. I am free to make my own choices and who I would like to date,"

"Then," His mother paused for a bit. "Where you the reason she was-?"

He didn't let her finish. "I don't know if I was. But, if so, then so be it. I need to live with what I did to her."

Yuuji couldn't but sarcastically chuckle, "Maybe this will get her to see that I don't like her. She needs to go find someone else that likes… being abused by her. Cause I know that I won't!"

"Yuuji… I didn't know," Yukino looked crestfallen.

"Of course you didn't!" Yuuji yelled though he really didn't mean to. "All you cared about what me going out with her and being friends. When I did tell you about these things all you did was laugh and say that she was just playing around. Who the hell plays around with a tazer!?"

"Yuuji…"

Yuuji stopped abruptly. He saw his mother look on with sadness in her eyes. Yuuji felt guilty and ran up the stairs and slams the door in anger. Yuuji calmed somewhat once her sat on the edge of the bed. He had a splitting headache coming along because of what he told his mother.

It bewildered him, he doesn't understand why his own mother thought that getting subdued by Shouko was-in any way, funny. Still, he didn't mean to lash out on her mother… considering what she has been through-no, she needed to understand that he was tired of Shouko getting her way.

If it means that he has to leave Shouko alone then he would do it.

"I am not going to feel bad for something I wanted for a long time," A small tear appeared on his eye for a split second before wiping it away. "I told her that when we entered high school, that we would just be friends."

It annoyed him so much, "Whatever happens… happens."

He laid down on the bed and looked at the ceiling, a millions thoughts invading his head. The war isn't over yet and he wonders what he is going to do about it. Then, he thought of Akihisa. For some reason, the punishment bearer brought a smile on his face.

"Things are really changing now, aren't they Akihisa?" A small smile appeared on his face. "Let me see what happens now. I'm sure that the transfer students is a part of the old hag's plan. I never really trust her. Why else would she conveniently allow her in out of nowhere at the same time when Akihisa moved out of class? Plus, she's cute to boot."

At this point, Yuuji was talking to himself. He let his thoughts wander around him, reflecting his thoughts out loud.

"I know you are up to something; that's just who you are, doing what you think is right. But, you know Akihisa… I am doing the same. Sacrifices have to be made and you were the stepping stone that I needed to cross."

Yuuji got up after a few minutes of silent thinking. "Now, what to do? Mizuji and Minami could be useful the way they are now. Hmm… I see, the next war is going to be really fun. Let me do a bit of research."

Getting up from his bed, he went downstairs and asked his mother a few questions. The thoughts that linger in him were about what he plans to do in the near future.

Heavy books slammed down on a table near a sofa and a decent TV. He walked over to his sofa and began turning on his TV. He had with him a few files, which he set on the table in front of him and began looking them over. From time to time, he would leave his TV on as background noise so he could grade papers or look on some of the files from school.

"Was it wise of me to tell him about 'that'?" Nishimura thought while skimming through a few notes. "I want what's best for my students… but sometimes, I think our school is doing things wrong."

Looking through his stack of papers, he went through all the classes starting from A through F. However he looked at it, he saw the same thing over and over again. Class A would always have the highest grades while class F would have the lowest. Though, he did notice something. Some people in the lower classes had higher grades than others in their class. A slight discrepancy.

What really surprised him, he saw it more in his own class. Some of the students' grades improved. It could be argued that they should have been in class D, Class E being the most they can get. The lower the grade level, the better the improvement. He wondered why the school doesn't just teach them all that needs to be learned, not just the ones who want to learn.

Nishimura places down the small papers, his thoughts occupying his mind. He regrets that there wasn't anything else he can do for his students. He can't do anything and he doesn't have the authority to do so. Still, he had a bit of leverage.

Even though there aren't many students who look up to him, they are still left in awe at how well he can just appear out of nowhere and take away those who have been KIA. When he does capture them, he begins teaching them of things they didn't know and have them work hard and understand the material in their classes. There was a reason why he can have an ESB in any subject.

So far, it proved to be worth it. The students that were getting better grades were those who experienced his remedial classes. All of them were working hard and it showed on their results.

Truth be told, he was very proud of his work. He wouldn't really show it but when his students personally thanks him, he would smile. They noticed that their efforts were bearing fruit. However, their only regret is that they couldn't be in the classes that proved their worth.

"Sometimes," Nishumura started. "I wonder if… this is even a school anymore. There is so much potential in every student that I encounter. They are like precious gems that needed the care of a master crafter."

A look of deep concern spreads on his face as he leans back. "As long as the school stays like it is now. I fear what happens to the students that get left behind or generally ignored. Even with my help, they just give up on ever getting recognition. But, how is anything that I am saying any different from what the school is right now?"

He rubbed his temples. "Is the school actually at fault?"

"Hmm, there has to be something that can be done. If the students suffer then we fail as teachers! But none of them seem to care about that. They only want to teach their own class, to get them ready for the next exams for their class placements for their next year. Huh…"

He closed the files on his makeshift desk and decided to watch the TV instead to get his mind off school. A small grin forms on his lips when a certain program gave him some ideas on a special class he will handle.

"Things will be… interesting,"

Akihisa placed down a tall glass of sink water on his table, a look of disgust evident on his face. He steeled himself and drank the remaining contents down, trying not to twitch in place. Once he was done, he put the empty glass back in the sink. He went to his living room, ignoring his complaining stomach, and turned on the TV.

"Well, I don't have the money for food right now but at least I still got something to pass the time." Of course, that small hope he had was like standing on thin ice. "Argh, still I wish I had something to eat so this empty void wouldn't hurt so much. Maybe I shouldn't have spent all my money on that custom made coat? Haha, huh… I tell myself that I am smarter now but why do I still make such dumb choices?"

"Maybe I am destined to be an idiot forever…" He said in a moment in thought. "With Tetsujin's teachings, I still lack improvement on other subjects that would even put me on top of anyone in my class."

He brushed his hand through his white hair and removed his contacts. He lays them down on the table, glad to be able to be himself minus the hair.

"I know I wanted to change but did I take it too far with that hairdo and contacts?"

"Doubting yourself is a reflection of how you feel, no one is perfect. People can't be perfect. No one is perfect… not even us avatars,"

"Tell me about it-I mean- besides not being perfect, I am still me. Yet, I still hate myself for my mistakes."

"Are you referring to what you tried to do with your female companion?"

"Yes..." Akihisa confirmed silently.

"We already went through this. You made a mistake and it is done. We can't change the past. So, we move on…"

"But-"

"Akihisa, we ALL make mistakes. And we need to look at them and figure out what went wrong. Use it to grow when we can't take it back. If your friendship ends because of it. Then so be it." Sephiroth's words were harsh and sharp like shards of glass being forced down your throat. "Use this experience to help yourself from making the SAME mistake again. Also, hope that may be one day, soon, you can be friends again."

Akihisa sat there, contemplating the words that his avatar said. "Is that all that I can do?"

"No," He answered immediately. "There are many other options you can take. But, I am giving to you-what I think will be- the best course of action. I may not show much since we just met but I care deeply for you."

A moment of silence reigned his head, "YOU are my SUMMONER. And all of us avatars care out there for our summoner, this is why we carry out the orders you give us."

Akihisa sighed, "That sort of explains a bit of what I had on my mind actually, about the avatars. Also, thanks. I will try my best to move on and learn. But, I'm wasting time. I need to make a phone call to a certain voyeur that I plan to use,"

Sephiroth was silent for but a moment before speaking his mind, "Didn't you say that you do not really trust him?"

"True, but it doesn't hurt to have a bit of trust to the people you thought were friends. Now, I know I can place my trust on anyone of them. But I need a favor and he is the only one I need right now. Tetsujin-sensei gave me a huge hint and Muttsulini is the only person who can get me in,"

"As long as you know what you are doing, I will follow you… as long as you will it."

"Nice to know that if I can't trust anyone, I can still trust myself… and my avatar."

"Meh!" Another voice called from within his head.

"I mean avatars." Akihisa quickly corrected himself. "If you will excuse me, I need to make a call."

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his blue cellphone and contacted one of his contacts under the name 'pervert'. Holding the phone to his ear, he waited for the person to answer, hearing it ring every few seconds. It took a few seconds of ringing until…

"Hello?" It was his voice on the other side.

"Yosh!" Akihisa cheered, glad that his contact with Kouta was still the same. "Nice to hear you sund so upbeat, Kouta…"

"Aki-I mean- Yoshii!?" Kouta asked surprised from the other side of the line.

"Who else is there that sounds like me? Unless… I have a twin somewhere out there-Wait, do I!?" Akihisa asked a bit worried.

Kouta didn't say a word until the right time. "No, you don't. I am… just surprised you called me… after what happened today,"

"The past is the past, as they say. But, if it was true I wouldn't still be mad about you backstabbing me with the others after we lost to Class A. So I guess, I am a little bit mellow about you holding me in place and beating me half to death." Akihisa didn't really mean what he said. Kouta took note of that too and wanted to apologize.

"I'm-" But Akihisa stopped him right there.

"Save that for when you really mean it. You were following orders and as someone with no free will in the class wars… that is all you are, right?"

"No... I make my own choices..."

"Then it was by your choice to hold me in place while Sakamoto enjoyed beating me up?"

"I… I…"

"Can't think of a comeback now are you? Listen, you owe me a lot more than just a few pictures. And no, I don't want them for free. That would ruin you wouldn't it?"

Akihisa was right, Kouta would be out of business if he allowed him to get his stash for free.

"Then, what do you want?"

"I want…" Akihisa held himself before continuing. "Access. I heard that you are part of the Underground Network we have in school."

"Uh!?"

"Hmm, so it does exist?" Kouta silently cursed himself for revealing too much. "I heard it from someone. Don't lie to me, do they exist?"

"Yes…" Kouta relented. "I won't ask how you found out and how you got intel on it. So, why do you want in, if you don't mind me asking?"

"None of your business." Kouta frowned, the usual response. "I have a second request or rather a demand…"

Kouta listens closely, wondering what his old friend would want from him. He had a feeling that he knew what Akihisa wants. Anyone who finds out about the people lurking underground always want the same thing.

"What is it?"

"I want you to get me in." Akihisa said simply. "I can't seem to get in without raising alarms and I know that you won't tell Sakamoto. Cause if you did, it would risk revealing the others right? And if you do that, then the others will end up giving you to the teachers. Firmly wrapped like a Christmas present."

Kouta felt chills go down his spine. He knew the risk of revealing too much and he would not like to risk involving anyone else if he can't help it. He grew silent over the conversation. Akihisa took that as a yes.

"So I take it is yes then?"

Kouta sighed. "I don't have a choice in this do I?"

"You already know the answer to that." Akihisa hinted sarcastically. "I'm sorry that I have to do this but I am doing what I have to do to get what I want. You can call me out and say that I'm doing the same thing that Sakamoto does but I don't care…"

Silence grew over the line.

"I won't justify myself. You can hate me, if you wish. I won't stop you. I don't care what any of you think of me. We are not friends, after all."

Kouta grew silent, a few disheartening moments pass before he spoke. "I understand… you really have changed, haven't you?"

"I have no idea," Akihisa replied absentmindedly. "Just let me know when you are going to take me there,"

"You don't have to wait for long,"

"I don't?" Akihisa asked surprised.

"No," The other line grew silent for a moment with the sounds of paper being flipped. "Meet me at 5 in the morning, in front of the school. Don't be late,"

"Five in the morning!?" Akihisa exclaimed in surprise. Kouta couldn't help but chuckle at his usual reaction.

"Of course… if that's all then see you at five, Yoshii."

"Yeah, later."

Akihisa hanged and put his phone away. He leans up to the ceiling and sighed. He thought of what to do to pass the time. The noises his stomach was making was getting annoying.

"Maybe I can get him to bring me some food?" Akihisa figured.

"Or you can sell some of your stuff that you aren't really using since you will be busy in the near future."

"Hey, I need those books for study reasons!"

"Then sell some of your games," Akihisa froze on the spot. "What good will starving yourself do? It is best to think about what is necessary,"

"Fair enough." Akihisa relented but a glint on his eyes told mischief. "I'll do it first thing in the morning!"

"You are going to play all night aren't you?"

"No… maybe… shut up! You are not my parents!"

"If I was then I would ask you why you are arguing with a voice in your head. Try not to do that in the open, okay? I don't want you sent to the looney bin,"

"Yeah, yeah," Akihisa said, dismissing Sephiroth's attempts to play all night. "I got it! At least I have something to do to pass the time now, haha!"

From within his head, Sephiroth gave a long sigh while the resident who shares the space inside said nothing.

..

Morning came with Akihisa slamming his hand on his alarm clock. He gave a groan, he wasn't used on getting up so early. He looked at the time, it was four thirty in the morning. He stood up abruptly, his head giving him a massive headache.

"Ugh…"

"I warned you not to stay up all night. Did you even listen?"

Akihisa groaned once more, "I don't want to hear about it! I got to get ready and fast. Luckily, the cold water on my shower will wake me up! Besides, I didn't just play video games. I also did my homework and did some… other things… now if I only knew her address…"

"How can you live like this? Also, didn't you already tell her that you were sorry?"

"It gets worst, trust me." Akihisa hinted with a downcast gaze. "Wait a little and you will see what I mean. You have been with me only for a short time and once you do, you will get used to it."

Ignoring the voice in his head, he took a cold quick shower and got ready for school. He left exactly ten minutes after he grabbed his things. It was still a bit cold outside but he wanted to meet with Kouta as soon as possible.

He knew that there was a possibility that Kouta would betray him but he decided to take a leap of faith. He had no time to worry and there was nothing else he can do about it.

Anything else on his mind, he pushed away… for now. He didn't want to dwell too deeply on what he did, a mistake he now has to live with forever. He let out a breath, the cold around him creating a light white smoke in front of him.

There were a quite a number of people up already, getting ready for a day's worth of work. Some of them got up so that they can get into their jobs, others had club activities so early in the morning. It was a nice sight to behold, he only wished that he could share this moment.

He took his time making his way to school; when he was at the front gate, the gates were locked shut. What surprised him was that Kouta was already there, silently waiting while looking at the school mesmerized.

"You almost didn't make it…" Kouta said, not looking away from the gates.

"Sorry, I stayed up doing some homework and playing some games."

"Why?"

"I didn't really think that you would show up since you can always decline,"

Kouta turned his head at Akihisa, his eyes meeting his green ones. "I may not have a choice but I decided to go with it anyways. And…"

"And?"

"I would, at least, would want to try and ear our friendship back."

"Why?"

Kouta didn't answer and turned his head back to the gate. "Let's go, it is almost time. If you had arrive any later then they will not let us in,"

"They?" Akihisa asked as Kouta nodded. He walks towards the gate in silence.

Akihisa followed him, Kouta raised his hand and knocked a few times but nothing happened. Akihisa was about to call him out when Kouta took out what looked to be a small envelop and slip it under the gate.

They made no exchange in the few seconds that passed. Then, the gate shook and the gate slowly opened. On the other side was a female student, who looked about to be in her last year in school.

"Hurry up! You got about one hour before any of the teachers show up!" She said dragging the two inside and closed the gate behind them. "We have some info that a teacher may come here a little bit early so whatever you have planned, do it quick! I won't ask who you brought with you but he better keep what we do here a secret!"

She could barely be heard from her silent disposition. Akihisa wasn't sure if it due to the secrecy of their ways or if it was in her nature.

Kouta gave a reassuring nod as they went inside the school building. Akihisa followed, his only thoughts were "It can't be this easy,"

Massive Author's Note:

Welcome back, fellow readers! I know I haven't updated in a long time but life seems to bring me to reality. I don't have much time to write anymore because I am getting older. That's how life is sometimes.

Also, I am in my mid-20s and I am trying to get into college. Anyways this chapter went into a few things about the cast. I also focused it a bit on Yuuji, the resident master manipulator. I promise that I won't focus too much on Akihisa's angst since I know that if I drag it out people will get bored. The same is said with Miharu so I will try to keep things moving as much as I can. We need to keep the plot moving people!

Some of you may think that Yuuji is acting out of character in this story. Remember guys, this is an Alternate Universe and I am trying to portray him like how a normal person would act to all the changes around them. Even Iron man is trying to be a teacher in this world of strange circumstance. Still, he tries to stay out of it he can.

Now, here is a word to my Beta-reader and friend, Alewar Warinot.

Beta's Corner:

For the love of god, this will be the last time I am doing this. I meant the whole leaving behind my thoughts. I will still stick around to work on this story until I lose interest or I die. Also, losing interest is somewhat of a long shot. Death seems to have an edge on my life than anything.

Anyways, I was surprised as anyone else when Axel contacted me out of the blue. It was around the start of the year, I had to check my inbox to know. He told me the chapter was almost done and I waited for a bit. It was actually a bit of bad timing for me, it was midterm and I am in the middle of working on my own story after so long.

Speaking of which, you guys should check it out! The title is "The World I Only Knows" a story started by Chief93 with me as co-author and which I continued. I am in the middle of ending Kanon's Arc and move on to the other girls.

Remember this guys, I had to drop the chapter I was working on just to get this chapter out for you guys. So would really like it if some of you go out of your way and review my story. I am not asking for much, just leave things you feel would help me out. I worked through this story on the Holy Week!

Anyways, I love this story guys. I won't complain anymore as long as this project reaches its end. We also would like to hear what you guys want to see in the story. You know, give us some ideas and advice. We are working on the story behind the scenes, trust me I have over 400 private messages with Axel talking about the story in a whole.

Since you guys have made it this far, let's talk about spoilers and Easter eggs. Yup, I am calling out the holiday just to give you guys a good day! Some of you guys may have already know where this story is going but can any of you notice anything strange? The cast is making a move and yet there are voices unheard in this story. What are the girls going to do? Why is Nishimura-sensei working so hard to teach his students? Is there a reason why Tawalisi didn't have a single Shoukanjuu in the hunt? I think this is enough for you guys to try and figure out what we plan to do. What everyone in the story plans to do really. Just look closely in this chapter, there are small pieces everywhere but I know that some of you can fill the holes that are missing in this chapter.

That's all guys! Happy Holy Week and Easter! Give us lots of love and leave what you think on the reviews, okay~