[Author's POV]
"You have to do this.... Its you. You are the one. Do it for Yourself, not for us. My child." The female's voice echoed inside the mind of the 7 year old Girl. As she continued to read what was written.
"....." Her eyes were left with no emotion. As if there is none in her case. Even so, the responsibility was tough. But she never gave up.
5 years since then.
" The most worthy as usual, the one Erza Wistaria. " Clappings were heard.
"...." No affection was visible in the eyes. The Stoic face was all she could show. She felt proud but something was missing.
"...."
" Wistaria. You are now a 'Worthy' one, among 'Them' , You will be just fine. "
As the man stood in front of her and gave her a Generous smile.
"Yea..." She whispered with her head down. "I UNDERSTAND. I WILL DO MY VERY BEST!" She spoke with confidence while looking straight to the eyes of the man.
[Author's POV end]
[Erza POV]
I woke up Panting.
"Ha..haaa....I---" I gulped. I was sweating profusely.
"Why 'that' of all things, suddenly?" I mumbled to myself.
Calm down. Its fine. Everything is going great. It will be just fine. I sighed in relief.
Oh right! Today I also have a meeting with Sudou Ken. Also, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.
I ll come back at my promised time. Any problem or interference should not be there.
7.15 AM in the morning.
Class starts at 8.15 AM. I should hurry.
I got off from my bed and stretched my arms out. I really had a 'Heavy' Dream, huh?
Cooking, Bathing, Eating, Dressing. As usual. I did my hair today, I dont even know myself, how I made time. But seems like cooking requires a lot of time.
I did my hair as a ' Behind the head, braided crown and mini-ponytail ' Leaving most my Scarlet hair down. I got Scarlet colored hair from my 'Mother'. Emerald Eyes from my, 'Father'.
7.45 AM. Well, today I just had a 'Sweet Bun'. I wish I dont get Hungry, midway. I sighed.
I wore my shoes and put my hoodie on ; along with my hands inside the pockets. Following my way to Airi's place.
Until, I caught a glimpse of, Airi? Along with Ayanokouji !!
Why are they together? Whats up with that? When did she became 'Friends' with him?
I dont mind though. Everything is fine, anyway. As long as he keeps his mouth shut. Which he will do.
"Hey!!!! Eriiiii!!!!!!!! I am not late!!!" Airi, shouted from the distance as she waved.
Ayanokouji looked like, as usual, stern. While one of his hands were at his pocket. A habit, perhaps?
Airi reached to me and panted. I kept my hands as usual. I dont see any kind of reason to reach out MY hand.
I looked at her while she bent down and her hands rested on her knees.
"Good morning." A usual quiet voice called from behind.
Actually, if you think about it, his voice is really soft and way of speaking is elegant.
Do I have a Voice Fetish? I dont know. Nor I wanted to know.
"Good morning" I said with a small smile. No I dont have any ill-intentions or whatsoever, right now. It was a smile I gave. Purely.
"So...how was your 'discussion'? " Airi asked shyly. "Also, I am very sorry for the inconvenience." She clasped her hands together as a motion of 'Apology'. "Did you guys had any problem?"
To be honest, not really. Your existence or role was nothing big.
Of course, I didnt say that aloud.
I turned my eyes, away from her. I sighed.
"Not really, we didnt find anything." Ayanokouji didnt look like he was interested at anything going on around.
His one hand was at the nape of his neck and one was inside the pocket ; his usual 'expressionless' face ; his eyes 'intentionally' not focused into the scene. Definitely not a helpful guy. Could have helped out atleast.
"Not really, we didnt find anything. We are students anyway. What can 'We' do?" I distracted my focus from Airi to Ayanokouji when I said 'We'.
8 AM.
"Its 8 already just 15 mins left. We ll be late." Ayanokouji alerted.
"Shall we go then?" Airi proposed.
I nodded. We followed our way to the school.
8.15 AM.
Dead-end. The bell rang. Ms.Chabashira came inside , carrying a file along.
"Morning Teacher!" someone greeted.
"G'morning my 'dear' students. Today in your Homeroom. I have some news. Its upto you how you will take it though." She declared.
I focused my eyes on her. She met mine but that was for one second at most.
Some were excited. Some were nervous. Some were totally doing their 'Jobs'.
Well, this is bad. Class performance is a must. But does these counts as the 'Actions'? Must be.
"So, the thing is, you guys are so lucky, that the "Examination" was just a 'Dry-Run'..." She had a calm face.
What? What does she mean? Dont tell me...
"Mam, can you elaborate?" Hirata spoke.
"Seriously? Are you guys really dont know what I am talking about? How can you guys be this DUMB?" She mocked us with a stern face.
Does that mean the class academic performance in the Test was...
"You guys, are lucky with the fact that the Examination was a DRY-RUN because if it wasnt like that some of would have happen to Drop-out of school". She said in a precautionary manner.
Thats it. All solved.
"Drop Out!!??" A student got excited.
The class went into Chaos.
"Can you tell us in a more specific manner?" Kushida spoke. She was worried.
Ms. Chabashira took out a Chart Page. And pinned it with a magnet in the white board.
It was having the students name and the Grades they got in the 'Dry-Test'.
"So tell me what do you see?" She spoke.
"Our names along with our respective grades." Hirata said confused.
"Correct. Passing starts from 43 marks. Now, looking at the Grades. How many unidentified marks can you see?" She asked with confidence. Not a single faltering.
Hirata and Kushida stood quiet. Maybe they noticed.
So you gonna tell us NOW huh? What a bad trick to pull, teacher.
She pulled out a red marker and marked a specified Group of names.
"There are 8 students with below Average Marks."
"We can do better right?" Hirata spoke.
"To be honest, with the kind of students you are, its nearly impossible." She exhaled air.
Impossible?
"But its just the marks... we'll try to be a good student." Someone spoke.
"Do you know what makes this Institution different than others?"
The person who spoke earlier hesitated.
"Its not only your Academic grades, which will decide your 'Drop-out' from the school."
My eyes totally focused onto the situation. Which was bad. She clearly told that the 'Class Performance' is bad.
"I dont quite understand." Kushida said.
"You will understand, when the time comes." She stared at Kushida.
As expected, they showed us something, but in their back they have something else.
What about Points? Wait..
" Your activities regarding your Class performance, Activities outside School building, The way you spend 'Points' and other criterias, define your existence in the School. Do I make myself clear?"
Ayanokouji and I was utterly correct.
"As this rate, you cannot get 'Promoted' to other class. You guys seriously are garbage."
" Teacher, its a bit rude. We did our very best." Hirata said.
Rude? She is just stating facts. With the way it is going, the class is rubbish.
I cannot even tell if its a proper class or not.
"No it is not. Try to accept reality. Well, for now, dont do reckless 'actions', for your own betterment. I dont want any student to drop-out as you are my students. There are other words I really want to convey, but not now, later. When the time will come." She concluded.
"....." Hirata didnt speak.
The whole class' head was down. Were they ashamed?
I dont care. I put my hands on my cheek and supported it on the table.
"So, basically we are the 'Garbage' Students, huh?" I thought.
Does the other classes also had to face this? Who cares.
All the first five periods went as usual. Teacher came and gone. Homeroom ended ages ago. Left the students confused.
What did she meant by, 'other words' ? Chabashira Sae, you are really suspicious. You know that right?
It was Lunch Break already. I am tensed. About the 'Class Performance' though. Not for others but for me. Only if 'those' students be a little correct then... I sighed.
"Hey! Erza! Wanna go now?" The tall figure, of Sudou stood beside me.
I lifted my head a little and eyed him from the corner of my eyes.
"Yes..sure. If you are alright." I stood up.
"Yknow, you dont have to that formal..." Sudou laughed.
"But I am being totally serious here. This was because of the misunderstanding from your side, we are going. All Right?" I said while walking. He was behind me.
We were now at the hall.
"Well...Yea..That is true. Haha." He said uncomfortably. After that he continued, "You know, you really have an uptight personality." He stared at me. In a weird way. He was glancing here and there.
"Uptight personality? Whats that supposed to mean?" I stared at him for an answer. We were on our way to the 'Pallet' now.
"Ah..dont worry. I dont mean anything bad you know..haha..its just that..You are very...um yknow..you are disciplined and um..." He was stuttering. " ..... and c-cute too". He covered his nose and mouth with his left palm as he looked away.
I was shocked at his sudden compliment? Now, thats rare.
" Well, it might be or not be true about me having a Uptight personality, but Thank you for the compliment." I distracted my eyes to the path, while putting my hands into the pocket of my hoodie.
"....No, problem." He looked at me and then his eyes roamed at the front. "Ah--"
"We are here, its 'Pallet' right?" I interrupted him.
"Yes..it is. Its a big one, right? Heard the quality is awesome here. Girls like it very much."
"I see. Shall we go inside then?"
"Yea sure..after you.."
And we went inside.
" Order anything you want." He said.
"Are you sure its 'Anything' ? Also, is something the matter? You look flustered." Whats up with him?
"Ah...nononono.... its totally fine..I mean I am fine..hahaa..yes and order anything you want." He said quickly. Something is off.
Well not like I care about anything beside myself.
"Alright then." I said with my usual face. I turned and faced the counter. "Excuse me, but I ll have the cheapest delicacy here."
"Hey..I told you--"
"Its upto me to decide."
He stared at me open-wided. And chuckled. "As you wish, queen."
Huh? I eyed at him from the corner of my eyes.
We sat down in a nearby table. I was sitting quietly. Until our order came.
"Here you go, enjoy." The waitress said with a cheerful smile.
"Thank you." I said softly.
Sudou paid the bill and was fidgeting. He must be uncomfortable. Well, I guess it cant be helped.
We quietly ate the 'Choco Fudge' cake and there was the cold coffee.
We finished feeding on our delicacy.
"Sudou, since we are equally even, as of now, can I take my leave?" I asked as politely as I can.
"Yea. Sure. No problem." He said. His voice trailed off.
"Thank you for today . I ll take my leave then." I stood and started to go, holding my coffee.
I was on my way.
"Erza! Listen, would you....like to...um...like...go to see my practice...match...today? Perhaps?" He stuttered as he told, arms covering his mouth. He was flustered. Again.
Is that why he was fidgeting back then? Is he really that 'Aggressive' Sudou Ken from CLASS-D? How naive. Guess, everyone has their own different faces.
He held onto my arm.
"How about you first release my arm?" I said, With my usual face.
I particularly dont like making expression and all. Thats too much pressure on my facial muscles. Its better this way.
Sudou, realised what he was doing, and quickly released my hand.
"Sorry." He mumbled.
"I didnt mind, dont worry. So about your proposal, can I go to some other day?" I crossed my arms and tilted my head.
"Other day? You mean you will consider it?" He said it being surprised.
Was there anything to be surprised?
"Seems like it."
"YEA!! SURE!! If you like...can we exchange...numbers? I mean you dont have to if you dont want...to.." He said while scratching the back of his head.
Exchange Numbers?
Well it was just Airi. Also isnt he also the one whose 'Class Performance' is not upto the mark? But he seems energetic regarding Basketball.
I sighed.
"I guess, its fine?" As took my Mobile out from one of my pocket.
We exchanged numbers. And we came back from the café. He was mostly talking about Basketball.
He loves it rather. But he needs to 'Perform' well in Academics and the other criterion. Which I think is that quoted 'Other Words'.
Today, I didnt want unnecessary 'expendiature' done by him on this unrelated 'misunderstanding' issue. That is why I ordered the cheapest one available in the store.
Guess, that marks another step.
The Lunch break was over. The classes went well. Even though, some of 'those' students didnt stop from doing the most illegitimate actions during the class.
Everything is so wrong. Come to think of it. I will have a talk with 'him' regarding that.
[Erza POV end]
[Ayanokouji POV]
( Time back to Homeroom)
"You guys, are lucky with the fact that the Examination was a DRY-RUN because if it wasnt like that some of you would have happen to Drop-out of school". She said cautiously.
Well I guess, she is not wrong, regarding that. According to the condition of the class and students. The performance is below average without a doubt.
If gone like this, we can never promote to CLASS-C. Not like I want to. But maybe the class would like, but that dont seem to be the case.
"Ayanokouji." A stern voice called me from beside. Horikita, it was.
I turned my head and looked at her.
"I have something to negotiate with you. Make time for it, okay?" She said looking forward.
"Mam, can you elaborate?" Hirata spoke.
"Seriously? Are you guys really dont know what I am talking about? How can you guys be this DUMB?" She mocked us with a stern face.
"You guys, are lucky with the fact that the Examination was a DRY-RUN because if it wasnt like that some of would have happen to Drop-out of school". She said in a precautionary manner.
"Drop Out!!??" A student asked excited.
The class went into total chaos. Muttering was heard. Drop out huh? Guess everthing is going according to 'our' observation.
"Can you tell us in a more specific manner?" Kushida spoke. Was she worried?
Ms. Chabashira took out a Chart Page. And pinned it with a magnet in the white board.
"So tell me what do you see?" She spoke.
"Our names along with our respective grades." Hirata said confused.
"Correct. Passing starts from 43 marks. Now, looking at the Grades. How many unidentified marks can you see?" She asked with confidence. This woman sure do have a lot of confidence huh?
"What if I say, 'NO' ?" I said to Horikita regarding her question.
"No, you will come." She spoke assured.
Guess, I will then. Why people want to 'negotiate' with me? I sighed. What a waste of energy.
"Fine."
Horikita nodded in affirmative.
"There are 8 students with below Average Marks." Ms. Chabashira spoke.
"We can do better right?" Hirata said.
"To be honest, with the kind of students you are, its nearly impossible." She sighed. Disappointed? Must be. Ofcourse.
'Impossible?' Well. Yea. True.
"But its just the marks... we'll try to be a good student." Someone spoke from the students.
"Do you know what makes this Institution different than others?"
The student hesitated. He was intimidated. Correct.
"Its not only your Academic grades, which will decide your 'Drop-out' from the school."
The environment was heavy. She clearly told that the 'Class Performance' is bad.
"I dont quite understand." Kushida said.
"You will understand, when the time comes." She stared at Kushida.
When the 'Time' comes? What kind of silly trick is this School, rather this 'Teacher' pulling?
" Your activities regarding your Class performance, Activities outside School building, The way you spend 'Points' and other criterias, define your existence in the School. Do I make myself clear?" Ms. Chabashira stated. "As this rate, you cannot get 'Promoted' to other class. You guys seriously ARE garbage."
Hmm. Garbage. Huh?
"Teacher, its a bit rude. We did our very best." Hirata said. Amusing, he is putting up with her, actually.
"No it is not. Try to accept reality. Well, for now, dont do reckless actions, for your own betterment. I dont want any student to drop-out as you are my students. There are other words I really want to convey, but not now, later. When the time will come."
As usual, she has the right words to put everything back. So it is when the 'Time' will come? Now this is boring.
No one said anything after that. Deprived of words, perhaps? I stared at the heads which were down.
' Reflecting back at your actions was not expected from the 'shameless' class!'. Is this what you are thinking? Ms. Chabashira?
She narrowed her eyes at me? Hmm. Okay?
Well long after that, Homeroom along with 4 periods ended. Everything was normal. I dont care what other students do in class to be honest. But that wont do any 'benefit' to me.
Lunch Break, it was. Saw Sudou come upto Erza. Must be that 'Misunderstanding' thing. Not like it has got anything to do with me, but they were going to 'Pallet' right? Nice place.
They got out of the class, with Sudou following her. She is cool to be honest.
But how did they befriend with each other?
"Can we talk now?" Horikita came upto me.
"Sure." I woke up from my thoughts.
I followed Horikita to the School Cafeteria. I got an 'average' ; not to pricey not too cheap, lunch. Horikita seems to take that one too.
Maybe she is 'checking' up her expenditure too? Real, cautious huh?
"It seems you and Erza are quite close." She stated as she broke the silence between us. Maybe there was 6 minutes of silence before she called out to me?
"What makes you think that?" I continued eating.
"Seems like you both are 'Friends'. She is the type of being distant from others isnt she?" So she was observant about that.
"Are you questioning my relationship with her, like the time before?" I glanced at her.
"No, it simply because, she defended you that time. Which is most likely suspicious for someone who have met another for the first time." Nice.
"According, to your understanding, I might say we are definitely not close." Well ofcourse, we are not. We are just partnering up anyway.
"I see." She said.
"Its not only that thing, you wanted to ask, was it?"
She stopped her movements.
"True. It wasnt."
"Then?"
"Actually truth to be told, I saw her going inside your Dorm Room."
She actually finished eating that fast? Fast Eater huh?
"Oh did you? But do you have any 'Evidence' regarding that?" Well I've finished eating too now.
".....Apparently not. But I've seen you and her."
"Why are you that interested anyway? I thought people dont interest you." I faced her.
" I am not. Its simply because she is different than others. She doesnt stand out, but you both are alike, I suppose."
"What makes you imply that?"
" You both seems close, also all I've ever seen was her talking with you, at most."
" Cant it be because of the 'Academics'?" She maintained the eye-contact with me.
"Well I guess, its supposed to be that. Now, coming to the real question." She wiped her mouth with a napkin. " The Class Performance is low. I hope you know that ,now that Ms. Chabashira told us."
Well, I knew that of course.
"Yea? So?"
" We cant get promoted to the next class like this."
" Well, that has got nothing to do with me."
"Dont you want the same?"
"Do YOU want?" I questioned back. I do not plan on telling anyone my own intentions or so. All I want is a peaceful High School Life.
"I came to this school, because I wanted to be in CLASS-A. I have to. Prove myself." She declared.
'Prove', is a strong word.
"To your brother Horikita Manabu?"
Her eyes were left wide opened for a second.
"That has got nothing to do with you." She tried to change the subject, perhaps?
Horikita Manabu, it is , then.
"Well, true, I could care less regarding that."
"So do you want to be in CLASS-A or not?"
"Do I really have to answer that?" How tiring.
"Its upto you."
"Then, No." I said and stood up to get going to the classroom.
Horikita sat there for a while and then moved.
Sorry not sorry, Horikita, but I am a really 'selfish' person. Either way, you are really observant. Not more than Wistaria though.
Things are getting interesting and tiring too, well some cases.
I wonder when Ms. Chabashira will split out the words of importance.