September 1st, 2089
Terras POV
Today is the long awaited first day of school. Kira and Veronica were so excited that they didnt sleep at all last night. And since they didnt sleep, neither did I as we passed the ti with our usual nightti activities. Terra! Are you ready yet? We dont want to be late! Kira called out as I finished putting on my uniform. Rin, having refused to be left behind, had decided to rge with as a tattoo so she could co along to school. Jeez, Kira. Relax, we still have an hour until school starts! I replied as I finished and stepped out into the hallway.
Kira was fidgeting in front of the door and it felt like she was a racer waiting for the start signal. Veronica stood beside her calmly, although her ears were flicking about, signaling her own excitent. Both had their schoolbags and supplies and they were looking exceptionally cute in their uniforms. Its a good thing that I updated their illusion magic artifacts to make their looks different from before.
Its best to start with a clean slate, especially since Kira now has contacts in the underworld who know what her previous illusory appearance looks like. I made sure to make them look ordinary, with no remarkable features to speak of. No one would call them ugly, but neither would they call them pretty. I have enough on my plate as it is, killing horny high school boys that hit on my girls would be a pain.
Alright, lets go. Yes! Hikari was outside, having patiently waited for us to erge. We walked together to Reijis place to pick him up. Our talk yesterday seed to have invigorated him enough to co to school today. The magic artifact I gave him helps soothe ntal trauma. It cant heal the trauma, but the magic makes it easier to cope with. I also know that at least 65% of his desire to go to school is because he wants to see Kira. He truly is obsessed with cat-girls. But upon hearing the reality of the situation, he agreed to restrain himself. Nevertheless, I chose to demonstrate just how potent my fire magic is to reinforce the Yes Look, No Touch policy about Kiras cat appendages. And so, Reiji has been gifted an additional enchantnt to his wristband that lets him see through the illusion artifacts.
Morning, everyone! Reiji skipped out his front door right when we arrived. Hey Reiji, allow to reintroduce you to Kira and Veronica. Kira is the blond cat-kin, Veronica is the silver-haired dark elf. Ladies, this is Reiji from the ani expo. Kira gave a cheerful wave, while Veronica gave a small nod of acknowledgent. Reiji had a broad smile on his face as he politely responded Im Reiji Okamura! Please take care of from now on!
With the introductions over, we proceeded to school. I had used my magic beforehand when enrolling Kira and Veronica to ensure that all of us were in the sa class together, that way Hikari and I could keep an eye on Kira and Veronica to make sure nothing happens.
I know Im breaking my self-imposed rule to minimize magic usage here, but my stealth casting has improved to the point where a wizard could be in the next room and not notice. Besides, keeping a low-profile on magic has kind of beco a lost cause with a band of demons now roaming around.
Kira and Veronica split off from the group to et with the horoom teacher before class, while the rest of us headed to horoom 2-7C. I took my usual seat in the back corner of the room, Reiji took the seat directly in front of , and Hikari took the seat to my right.
I surveyed the rest of room indifferently as I waited for class to start. Hikari started chatting with so of the other girls in the class, while Reiji was reading a book examining the mythology and origins of demons. Hmm, I guess thats better than simply lying in bed in a terrified state. Whatever helps him deal with it.
Alright class, take a seat. Its ti to start. Kurou Kawaguchi, my horoom teacher from last year, walked in with Kira and Veronica following him. Id like to introduce two new students transferring in this year. Co on girls and introduce yourselves. Kira stepped forward cheerfully and said Hello everyone, my na is Kira! I like sword fighting, tinkering, and bartering! Its nice to et you all! It was Veronicas turn next. She stepped forward and simply said Im Veronica, I look forward to getting to know everyone. Both then went to their assigned seats, which were next to Hikari in the back.
Amongst the many artifacts I had given the two when they moved here, one was a translation artifact. Although theyve started learning Japanese, its nowhere close to day-to-day conversation yet. It also translated their nas into so common Japanese nas. Those unaffected by the illusion will hear their nas as Kira and Veronica, everyone else will hear Akane and Aiko sothing or other. Its more secure this way, since there wont be any mix ups involving their real and false nas.
Now you may be wondering about so of the empty seats in the class. A few of our students were involved with the Pandemonium attacks two days ago and have been excused until they feel fit to resu classes. When they do return, please be sensitive to the difficulties theyre going through. There was a chorus of Yes, Sensei. and class started after that.
During breaks, Kira and Veronica were sward by curious students and had to answer all their inane questions. Or rather, Kira answered them all. She was taking to the whole social scene like fish to water while Veronica was like stone. Poor thing has no idea how to deal with so many talking people.
How are you holding up, Veronica? I asked her telepathically. I feel uneasy. I dont know if I can make friends mingling like this. Veronica thought back. I understand. Theres more than one way to make friends at school, so dont worry. Eventually youll find the right fit. Let know if I can help. Ok, thanks Terra. She had a ghost of a smile on her lips as we finished our brief conversation, imperceptible to all but those who know her the most intimately.
Kira and Veronicas hard work and study these past few months paid off as they had no problems following the material in class. Both of them were well-educated to begin with by other world standards since Veronica was the daughter of the Pri Minister and I tutored Kira whenever I could. The translation artifacts allowed them to breeze through Japanese, since it also covers written language (reading it and writing it). Damn, Im brilliant for adding that function.
At lunchti, Kira went off to chat with Hikari and a small group of girls who she seed to really get along with during the breaks. Veronica chose to keep company and take shelter in the bubble of silence and solitude that surrounds due to my reputation amongst my classmates. School hasnt been as fun for her as it has been for Kira, it seems. Reiji ca along as well, choosing to focus on eating and reading his book rather than talking. Again, this is extrely out-of-character for Reiji, but understandable given whats he has gone through. It seems like his chipper attitude this morning was simply a front.
Nothing eventful happened in the early afternoon classes, although it was rather fun to watch Kira and Veronicas reactions during the physics and chemistry classes. Science to them is like what magic initially was to , and it was hilarious to see them restrain themselves from oohing and ahhing as the teachers did so simple demonstrations. I had to answer all sorts of questions from Kira telepathically throughout the classes. Her curiosity is definitely cat-like and she just couldnt resist asking How? repeatedly.
We were on our last class of the day, physical education, when I realized that I had made a mistake. Things were going well at first, the teacher had decided to just have the class play a ga of basketball after showing everyone the basics. I wasnt concerned about Kira and Veronica showing off too much physical prowess, since I had decided to add the sa restraining/training seals on them that I wear to hide my physical strength. Hikari had them on as well, at her insistence when she saw applying them to the others.
Half of the class was resting while the other half were playing 5-on-5. Veronica was on a team with Hikari, a girl, and two guys while Kira and I were resting. I had no clue who the two guys were, but I think the girl is on the schools basketball team. Adachi sothing is her na, I think. Hikari inbounded the ball to the other girl, who dribbled up the court before giving it up to Veronica who was just within the opposing half-court. The dark elf was just given the ball in a ga that relies on long-range accuracy. Oh shit.
Elves in the other world were among the weaker species based on raw physical strength, but they compensated for it with excellent agility, dexterity, visual acuity, and hearing. These characteristics give elves a natural advantage in archery, fencing, and other such activities. These traits also happen to align extrely well with basketball. I saw her eye the basket with her extraordinary elven eyesight, while shifting her grip on the ball. She went into the shooting motion and smoothly launched the ball, resulting in a short, crisp swish as she made the shot at a half-court distance with ease.
Woah!!!! The spectating half of the class cheered as the opposing team just stared at Veronica. My attempt to contact her via telepathy to cut off what I knew was going to be a basketball clinic failed, as the other team turned the ball over almost instantly after inbounding. The ball bounced over to Veronica, who was again far beyond the 3-point line, and she picked it up and shot it without hesitation. It flew in a perfect parabolic arc and another crisp swish sounded out in the gym.
I was half-tempted to freeze everyone in the room and perform a mory wipe before the mories got too embedded to remove easily (Note to self: work on a better way to wipe mories). I instead chose to settle for telepathically warning Veronica as originally planned. But of course, it was at this ti that my migraines chose to return. Splitting pain radiated in my head, I slled blood and burning flesh mixed with floral undertones, tasted the acidic aftertaste from vomit, heard tal-on-tal clashing, and saw hazy black images in front of .
My poker face held, but I was in no condition to intervene as Veronica proceeded to demonstrate why she was considered a sharpshooter even by eleven standards by not missing a single shot from anywhere on the court. 2-pointers, 3-pointers, free throws, and half-court heaves all ended with the sa swish. The ga ended on a rcy rule with Veronicas team winning by 35 points. The unknown girl on her team approached as they left the court.
Due to my ongoing migraine, I was unable to hear what they talked about. My migraines only ended as Veronica approached with a large (for her) smile on her face. Haruko asked if I would like to join the girls basketball club. Apparently, its a gathering where they play this entertaining pasti all the ti. I accepted. You were right, Terra. I think that I found my fit. Veronicas outpouring of words showed that she was really excited about finally making so connections at school.
I promptly forgot any irritation I had at failing to stop her as I returned her smile with one of my own. Good to hear. Just be sure to tone it down a bit. Aim between 40 and 50% accuracy from now on, okay? I got a nod from Veronica as she understood my point. It was now my turn to get out on the court with Kira, Reiji, and two other guys Ive seen before but whose nas I never bothered rembering. The ga was going on and I gave it the usual minimal effort. The worst of the migraines was over, but I still had a lingering headache. This distracted state of mind is what I bla for what happened next.
One of the unknown guys attempted a lob pass to down in the post as I was fronted by a shorter player. He screwed it up, sending the ball flying higher than intended. It was going to overshoot and go out of bounds. I was too distracted by my headache to notice and adjust, so Reiji decided to yell to get my attention Minato!! UP!! I looked up, saw the ball headed near the rim and thought what any Arican person who watched the NBA would think. Alley-oop. I released from my defender, took a few steps, and jumped. My two hands extended to grab the ball and I then proceeded to slam the ball through the hoop with authority as I descended.
There were various gasps of surprise and awe after I landed, and Reiji ran towards . The fool was yelling That was so cool! and decided that the best way to celebrate was to do a chest bump with . I declined by dodging said attempt, allowing him to fall onto the floor. Why was I concerned about this idiot being traumatized again?
One of my naless male classmates tried to approach , likely to recruit for the basketball club, but I gave him a glare that promised death, despair and general unpleasantness should he dare try to disturb . He scurried away, leaving to deal with the rest of the class who started crowding to ask about my athletic display. Apparently, the awe from the play was enough to overco the general intimidating aura that I exude to keep people away. Help! I dont know what to do with this many people in my personal space that arent trying to kill ! I must have made an amusing face during my discomfort, because Hikari, Kira, and even Veronica were all giggling at my misfortune.
The bell finally rang, signaling the end of class and of school for that day. We hit the showers, got our things, and left. So how did you like school? Hikari asked Veronica and Kira on our walk ho. I cant wait to go back! Kira exclaid. Yes, it was very entertaining. Especially when poor Terra was mobbed at the end. Veronica deadpanned. All the girls and Reiji (who looks enough like a girl to count as one) laughed at that as we walked ho. First day is done, only the rest of the year to go.
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