Shiro Reject 02

Tajima Yuka is Tajima Yuka. That much I am certain of. What I'm not certain of, is the origin of her laid back attitude. She's calm and collected all the time, and I have no idea where she gets it from. It's like she's always thinking "Nothing will go wrong, ever.", and because she truly believes that, she can act as if she's in control of anything and everything. I'm not opposed to this happy-go-lucky attitude, because it allowed her to approach me without any bias or ill will towards me.

"So, you're really a Rook. The whole school is going to be thrown into chaos once word of your arrival leaves this classroom. Sounds like it already has, if my ears don't deceive me." She was being attentive to the chatter happening in the halls, which I myself coudn't pick up on much from inside the classroom. I did however decipher the words "guy" and "male Rook" from lots of the students in the hallway.

"My being here is that bad, huh?" I said.

"It's not at all bad. They're just not used to an environment with a male in it." While I'm sure that most girls at the academy have a home environment with a father(male), I understand that's different, so didn't try to refute Yuka.

"They say people fear the unknown, what they can't understand. So, unfortunate as it is, you'll be the reject for a while until they get used to you. Just make sure you don't forget to show them that they don't need to be wary about you, else you'll be an outcast forever. In my opinion, you'll bring the culture shock this school needs."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"If you want it to be."

"..."

"I'm Yuka. Pleasure to meet you, Shiro."

"..Likewise."

"Let's go to the next class."

I didn't get to go to the next class. Instead, a schoolwide announcement came on over the intercom. "Second year Yamazaki Shiro, please report to the headmaster's office as soon as possible."

"A summons by the headmaster? Did you feel up some random girl on your way to class or something?" Yuka chided.

"It's my first day and you're chalking me up to be some pervert already?"

"Kidding. But truthfully, you could be for all I know. I'm a poor judge of character." That may be, but I acknowledged that she was able to acknowledge her own flaw. My personal philosophy includes the belief that those who can see the flaws in their own character are already improving it just by seeing the mistakes. Not that anyone cares what I think.

"I better get going." I said my goodbye to Yuka, and stepped into the hallway. Stares. Lots of stares. Stares from all eyes. Stares and glares, stuck up hairs, past the wares, as I marched up the stairs. I'm not cut out to be a poet, am I? The malicious looks from every student around continued as I approached the headmaster's office. The doors were large, and opened with a eardrum shattering volume. "Welcome, Yamazaki Shiro. I am headmaster Meari. I've asked you here because a pressing matter has emerged."

"?"

"The student body has reached a unanimous vote to expel you from the school." Already? I just got there! How can I be hated so much?

"I may be the headmaster, but I can not overturn a decision made by the entire student body, including the student council and disciplinary committee."

The disciplinary committee? What did I do? I'm positive that I did nothing bad. Unless introducing myself to the class is a crime.

"However, a student has also requested a duel with you. If you win said duel, your expulsion will be revoked and the students will acknowledge you as a student here at Ataraxia. The student body have accepted these terms. As horrible as it seems, you have no option but to accept this duel if you wish to remain at this academy." I didn't like having such an ultimatum thrusted upon me so suddenly, but sometimes things happen and there's nothing you can do."

"I see." I curtly retorted.

"So, the match is already approv-"

"I'll pass."

"What?"

It was Natsumi's idea to make me attend this school in the first place. I also didn't really get a choice in it, seeing as she called me at the crack of dawn and basically said "You're going to school here.". Why should I be forced to duel to earn the right of staying somewhere I'm not even welcome? If they dislike me that much, then they should have to see me. The way I saw it, leaving the school means escaping the bottom of the fish barrel, and I was being told to fight to stay at the bottom. What kind of reverse logic is that? Working hard to get to rock bottom? It was even more stupid considering I was already at rock bottom by attending the school. I was not having it.

"With all due respect ma'am, my friend forced me to enroll here, hell, she enrolled me herself. I'm here because my friend wants me to be, not because I want to be. If I don't want to be here and I'm not wanted here, then it's of mutual benefit that I take my leave. So, please have a good day. I'll send the uniform by mail."

As I walked back to the doors, I heard a shuffling sound that was peculiarly loud. I turned around. Headmaster Meari was on her knees. Begging.

"Please."

"Don't leave the school."

"What good comes from my staying? Nobody wants me here."

"The student body may not want you here, but most of the faculty, including myself do. The opportunity of educating a male Rook is a once-in-seven-lifetimes opportunity, and Ataraxia can't afford to miss it. Your attendance would be a great help to the academy."

"I'm not interested in being used to boost the academy's credibility."

"It's not just that! Our state of the art facilities can utilize all kinds of science and technology. We can analyze your combat data to create a variety of developments in the 'Rook' field, further improving and helping humanity." I didn't want to seem selfish, because who wouldn't want to help humanity? But, my universal hatred still weighed on me. It's not that I cared that I wasn't welcome, it was that it was better for both me and then that I didn't go to school there.

"That sounds lovely, but I'm still disinterested."

"Please!" This time, she was sniffling and had faint tears in her eyes. "The school has wanted to go co-ed for such a long time, but never could because we only teach Rook and Ash Wraith combat curriculum. Now that we found you, Ataraxia can take a leap in a new direction."

After hearing that, I considered it. Not because she was about to cry, and not because I took pity on her. I have no right to do so. She was doing all she could for her school, and I respected her, and viewed her and I on equal footing, as I should have. Pity has no place in this situation.

"Please." Again she pleaded. Tears started to flow from her eyes.

"You have my full support. I'll do anything you want. I'll even spend a night or two with you." She pushed her jacket off her left shoulder, to slightly expose her chest. "Just please don't decline the duel. This school needs you. I need you.

I got the feeling that she coincidentally had some other circumstance that coincidentally would jeapordize her way of life that coincidentally also involved me. Just a coincidental gut feeling. But what a coincidence the concidnetal gut feeling turned out to be. Not only did it make me reconsider my withdraw from the duel, it was also right on the money. Though I'm not ready to tell that story yet.

I walked towards headmaster Meari, who was still on her knees. I pushed her jacket back up over her shoulder, and wiped the tears from under her eyes. Perhaps that wasn't appropriate conduct to address the headmaster, but I can't say that I regret my actions. "Please treat yourself with higher regard, Headmaster Meari. Offering yourself to me isn't necessary." I told her as I reached my hand out to her. She grabbed, and I helped her up.

"I'll accept the duel, and I'll attend the academy if I win, so rest easy for now." I said.

A smile raised on her face. She briskly moved in, and hugged me very tightly.

"Thank you Shiro. You have no idea how much this means to me." She was right, I had no idea. I didn't understand yet.

"Is this proper ettiquette for an educator?"

"I've already offered to spend the night with you, and you touched my chest, intentional or not," What? I might have by accident when I lifted her jacket back over her shoulder, but that's unlikely. I'm not some sort of lecher.

"So let's just keep this between us. Our secret." She finished, and winked at me with a smirk and blushed. I wasn't sure how to react to that. The headmaster being cheeky and playfully flirtatious with a student. I wonder what she was like in her college days?

"Sure. I'll need your support during the duel. Make sure to be there, okay?" I said. She nodded, smiled, and waved me off as I was leaving her office. Once again, perhaps I shouldn't have spoken to the headmaster in such a casual manner, but as I previously stated I viewed her and I on equal ground. What's more, formalities are out of the picture after that discussion.

"One more important thing,"

"The one you'll be dueling is Sugimoto Harumi. She requested the duel."

Sugimoto Harumi. The hot headed girl who openly protested my very presence as soon as I sat down. No wonder she wanted to fight me. "I'll show you that there's a world of difference between you and I. You'll learn your place after this.", or something like that, is what I imagined she'll say.

"Thanks, Headmaster Meari."

"We're partners in crime now. You can just call me Meari."

Why is she making it sound like we just got ourselves into something scandalous?

Just as I was about to walk out those ear breaking doors, Meari squeezed out the last thing she wanted to tell me. "By the way, the duel is now, so head over to the practical exam gym." Ah. That's important. Couldn't she have told me that earlier?

"Thanks, Meari. Make sure to watch me."

To the practical exam gym I went.

"There you are, Yamazaki Shiro."

There she was. Sugimoto Harumi.

"Sorry. Been waiting long?" If this was a shoujo manga, she would say "No, I actually just got here" or something. But this isn't, this story is, uh, I'm not sure actually what kinda story this is. Anyway.

"You have no place at this academy."

"I know."

"Then why even bother accepting the duel? Why not just leave?"

"Because it's in this school's best interest that I attend."

"And who gave you that idea?"

"Someone important. Someone who you should treat with respect. Besides, regardless of the school's best interest, turning down the duel and walking away would leave a bad taste in my mouth." I actually didn't care about that, not did I really think that it would leave a bad taste in my mouth. Look at me, acting all cool, when I was just talking about how I didn't know where Yuka's "I have everything under control" mentality came from. I guess confidence doesn't need a real source.

"You talk big for someone who's about to eat dirt."

"How do you know that? Did you come from the future?"

"It's obvious that I overpower you."

Harumi has confidence. But, she was a bit too confident. It made her easy to read.

"Next you'll say, 'I'll show you that there's a world of difference between you and I. You'll learn your place after this.'."

"I'll show you that there's a world of difference between you and I. You'll learn your place after this."

"!"

Bingo. Her surprise was immesurable. But, that would have been super embarrassing if I screwed up the prediction.

Over the intercom, the duel commencement was announced.

"Get ready for a reality check. Omega!" She shouted.

Harumi's light essence changed shape into a sword. Shortly after, she charged up an attack with her sword. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I could never have expected the move she made. She built up a large concentration of light essence on the tip of the blade, and fired it at me like a bullet, rather than swinging the sword normally. Her strategy gave her confidence. When the dust settled, she was let down. And surprised.

"Not a scratch. How?" She asked herself. Then she looked at me.

"I made a barrier from my light essence to block your attack." I explained.

"But using light essence to create defense is impossible!" Harumi exclaimed.

I thought then, that it was my chance to show them all that they don't need to be wary of me, that I have value. My lovely friend Natsumi had connected my earpiece to the speakers for the entire audience to hear.

"Everyone. You've been taught that your light essence cannot be used to create barriers or any means of defense. That,"

"Is a lie."

"You might be thinking 'but how could it be a lie if I try to hard to create defense but it never works?', but let me give you the answer. I shouldn't expose myself like this, but I'll be honest to let you all know that I'm a Rook just like you, and I want to learn with you and grow as Rooks with you all. I get that I'm a guy, so you're off put by me, but I'm still a Rook. As all of you know, Rook s use light element, which is a portion of an Ash Wraith's power, and no Rook can use the full power of an Ash Wraith. I can. That's why I can create defense. Lesson over." I told them that I wanted to learn with them, but I actually taught them something. How arrogant of me to think of myself as a teacher.

"Did you catch all that, Harumi?" I asked.

All I received in response was a scream paired with her now tomato red raging expression.

She was ready.

Ready for her last resort.

Tactics didn't matter.

Her confidence was broken. As expected.

I just disproved something that was accepted by all Rooks and researchers as fact. Confidence would naturally be broken if your opponent had time to do such a thing during a battle.

She launched at me with the blade.

Spinning through the air as she soared toward me, I could feel the energy coming from her sword. When she got to me, neither she, nor the sword, could hit me. My barrier was impregnable when against someone of her strength. I'm not knocking her strength, she was incredibly strong. Harumi is one of the top students at Ataraxia. It's just that my barrier was too tough. In the other hand, I created another light element which I formed into a handgun. Suspended in air, still driving into my barrier with her sword, I put the handgun to her stomach. One incapacitating round won me the duel. This is where the audience would normally clap due to their new found respect for the protagonist, but that didn't happen. The crowd was silent. Except for one.

"Woo! Good job Shiro! I knew you could do it!"

Meari was on the sideline, clapping and cheering me. I smiled and waved to her, naturally. I was glad to have the headmaster as a supporter. It didn't matter that she was the headmaster either, I was just happy to have a supporter. I had two actually, Yuka was just silent like the rest. She didn't want to potentially create an awkward moment, she said. I don't blame her. Nobody ever wants to be the one guy who gives applause out of a wave of people who don't. I suppose Meari was proud to be my supporter.

I took Harumi to the infirmary to rest until she woke up. I really didn't need to go the extra mile, but I was bored, so I waited beside her until she woke up.

If this were a shoujo manga, she would arise gracefully and say "Shiro, you waited for me?" then blush and shyly turn her head away, or something. But this is not a shoujo manga.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"I knocked you up during the duel. I'm taking responsibility."

"Excuse me?"

"Sorry. My tongue slipped. I knocked you out during the battle. I'm taking responsibility."

"I don't need your pity."

"I don't pity you. We're on equal footing. You just had a rougher go at this battle than I did. This is just a courtesy."

"I don't need that eith-"

Harumi struggled in pain. I placed my hand on her forehead, to her dismay.

"It seems I've caused you to develop a fever, I'm sorry." I gently helped her lay back on the bed.

"I don't need your help." She said as she blushed.

What's up with girls and blushing today?

"He's trying to make you feel better, let him help you! Stop being so stubborn all the time! Why are you always like this?" The nurse shouted from across the room.

"I'm sorry Shiro, she's really stubborn and cold on the outside, but she's a really caring girl at heart." The nurse told me.

She followed up with "But don't forget about me, I'm a nice girl too." and gave a wink and a chuckle.

"Mom! Stop flirting with younger guys!" Harumi said.

Oh. That explains how the nurse knew so much about Harumi.

"I'll stop flirting with younger guys once one of them becomes my boyfriend."

"I'm sorry, I haven't properly introduced myself. I'm Sugimoto Megumi. Although, you can call me your woman if you want."

I will admit, this was the first time that I had been tempted by a woman in years. I half jokingly replied "I'll think about it."

The infirmary door slammed open. "Hell no! I've already got dibs on him! Shiro is mine! So back off Megumi!" It appeared that headmaster Meari had dropped by to give her two cents.

"Why are you here, Meari?" I asked.

"I'm here to see yo-, er, see how Harumi is doing."

"Harumi is fine, so if you have no business with Shi- Harumi, please leave. You're interrupting my conversation with Shiro." Megumi interjected.

"Is this appropriate for a work setting? You're both fighting over me, a student."

"Who cares!" They said in unison.

The public morals committee probably does.

"Don't act like I'm not here! Shiro was caring for me first, so he's mine right now."

"Don't you hate me, Harumi?"

"I have a disdain for you, not hatred. But I have respect for you now and I acknowledge you as a classmate." There she blushed again.

"Harumi! As your mother, I have the right to any boys you come across. Come on, Shiro, we can have some fun after school."

"I don't get how you can talk like that in front of the headma-"

Megumi grabbed me and shoved my face into her large breasts. No further detail will be given. Use your imagination.

"mmphflsbskdkifjfjdkl-"

"What's that, Shiro? I can't hear you when you're buried between my mountains."

I pulled my head out. "Please don't do that spontaneously."

"That's not fair. You'll let me do that too, right Shiro?" Asked Meari.

"Don't neglect me, Shiro." Harumi said.

"It's lunchtime, Shiro. Let's go eat." A fourth voice said.

"Nice timing, Yuka. Thanks for the assist. I'll see you later, Harumi, Megumi, Meari."

The last thing I heard from the infirmary as I was talking to the cafeteria with Yuka was Megumi shouting at me "How close are you to her that you call her Meari instead of headmaster?" Then Meari replying "I let him touch my breasts." What a handful. No, handful doesn't cut it. What a colossal disaster. No matter, I can't be won over my big boobs alone. It takes a great personality for me to fall for a girl. That means the mature headmaster and the cougar nurse failed to seduce me. That didn't stop them from trying again, over and over.

"It's your first day and you've already added the nurse, the headmaster, and the number two student to your harem. I'm impressed." Yuka said as she bit down on her sandwich.

"Don't make it sound like I'm intentionally trying to collect women for a personal harem. I don't need women."

"But don't you want women?"

"It's rare that I want a woman."

I couldn't tell her that I was tempted by Harumi's mother, even if I was only tempted a little bit. No amount of bluffing would help me escape from that embarrassment. Note that I don't judge if you're into older women. I personally don't mind them myself.

"Don't you want me even a little? Don't I have any appeal?"

"If anything, you have the most appeal of the girls I've met so far. You get bonus points for not having come onto me spontaneously like Megumi and Meari. I guess you could say I like you the most." Even Yuka blushed and looked shy and embarrassed. I suppose it's my fault after all that this happens.

"So, you like me? Is that what you're saying?"

"What I said was that I like you the most out of the girls I've met so far. Don't get it twisted." Yuka pouted.

"Hmph."

"What happened to cool and collected Yuka?"

"I'm still here."

"I'm glad. That's what I like about you."

It's true, the mysterious confidence with no apparent source is a big part of her allure.

She blushed again. Damn me for doing this to women.

"If you keep smooth talking, cool and collected Yuka will disappear."

"My bad."

"It's fine. It's not like I dislike it."

"You referred to Harumi as the number two student? Not number one?"

"She was number one. Now she's number two. You took her spot."

"Eh?"

"That duel was official. Your victory means that you took her place on the school rankings."

"Oh."

"That said, don't be surprised if lots of students have it out for you. Some will want to duel you officially, some will attack anyway without warning, and some will just try to mess with you. Being number one is just like having a target on your back. I'm sure Harumi went through the same things."

"I see. Thanks for the heads up."

"Yep."

"Why are you with him, Yuka? I don't approve of you being near him."

Possessive childhood friend Natsumi approaches the table.