The Substitute

Guest

There was in no way Null could agree into going into teaching. Especially not chemistry despite how great a grasp of that scientific field he had. Either ways, his wards convinced him finally at the threat of money to come to school and participate there as a temporary substitute, as the original teacher has disappeared as of late due to a recent sickness that has overtaken him, leaving his post open. The high school itself was Spartan in appearance though, as everyone had to go through a strict dress code unlike all other public schools in America, whereas this one in Japan, no matter what, has a dress code to abide by. No casual clothing, save for teachers.

Pacing right into the building with a suitcase, wearing a normal long sleeve work shirt with a brown vest, glasses, jeans and a pair of snakeskin boots. He trekked along the bland hallways decorated only with lockers and windows, taking the stairs and unto his biology class to which it remains in the 3rd floor, that 'Professor Emmerich' would substitute for the missing teacher. Pushing the door open, he finds a group of already seated students. Laying his briefcase unto the desk, he turns around, leans his back to the tip of the table, curling his leg over the other with both hands standing as support to hold his weight on the already cracking table.

"Good morning class, I am your foreign substitute teacher for today, Professor Emmerich. Before we start class, anyone in particular have any questions about anything unrelated to the subject?" He shrilly asked with a face scant of emotions in his British accented English. The class should be familiar with it as there is an English class in the school.

Guest

"Yes: what happened to Mr. Libowitz, our other foreign teacher? Is he really that sick?" a quiet voice near the back pipped up. It came from a simple, blond girl, her hair long and some of it was free while being clipped down, the rest in a loose braid in the back. Her eyes were a simple orange-gold color, nothing out of the ordinary from them. The only strange factor would be the way she spoke, dictating that she was a foreign student, but the accent couldn't properly be placed. This was due to her many travels, slowly losing her original accent after listening and speaking other languages, though it could be mildly recovered when she spoke her 'native' tongue, if she chose to. Her uniform was in order, skirt managing to stay a legal school size despite her...living companion, unbeknown to the school. That was living with a pervert for you: try to go to school and they want you to 'cosplay' for them instead. Thanks to the outfit, her height, and lack of aging, she could pull off a teenager if she felt like it, or appear like a teenager who was too busy trying to appear 'mature' and 'older/sophisticated.' At least in part thanks to some red, snazzy reading specks.

Her feline ears were hidden under her long hair, the hair clipped over them and folding them down naturally, and while she'd generally have her cat tail while free to roam, here she knew better, and so was in a sort of "manx" mode. Why was she here? Why not? This once noble girl had never gotten to attend school, and was curious as to how it actually 'went.' You watch enough damned dramas...regardless. Nothing stood out of the ordinary with her, nothing but slight spiritual pressure, but the same could probably be said for one or two of the other students, as everyone had some to a degree. Her name on the roll sheet would be under "Kuroso, Mana" rather than her original name. Just some random set of letters she'd mashed together, much like her present name. The fact that they'd been told their usual teacher was sick fascinated her, and she was curious if he was actually dead or was sick.

On the inside she envied his ability to dress more casually, but she had to get the full experience of this 'school' business. While waiting for the answer she straightened out her skirt, a small knit to her eyebrows as she lightly knocked some dust and dirt from her skirt.

Guest

The sound of footsteps racing down the hall could be heard approching closer to the classroom. His first day at 'school' was supposted to be an important recon mission, which wasn't supposted to be a day of enjoyment, though the young man couldn't help but be excited. In his home he never really had anything like this, and only the noble souls really got an expert education. Being over a hundred, most would normally not have gone to something such as this, but Zeran's curiousity and enthusiasm to try something new was a poison that got him into the situation. Well, at least he looked like a young man, which was probebly why he was the one chosen for this mission. Hopefully, nothing happened that was out of the ordinary, at least, what was out of the ordinary 10 years ago. How much the living had actually adapted to the hollow threat was yet to have been completely analyzed, which was the whole point of the mission. If the people around him had advanced, at least his gigai would block most traces of reiatsui that threatened to get out unwillingly, leaving only a smaller amount to blend in with the expected change of normal human reiatsui.

Skidding to a halt outside the 3rd floor classroom, Zeran openned the door, gasping for breath. Dang his enthusiasm... He wore his uniform, as instructed, but he had forgotten to do two major things. One, was that the top of his white shirt was a black jacket, leather, due to using his motorcycle to get here, and two, was that he was still wearing his sneakers. However, still gasping for breath, Zeran didn't even know the rules were that strict. Looking up, Zeran's azure-blue eyes looked at what appeared to be the 'teacher,' and spoke raggedly, "Sorry sir....It's my first day here and....I got here a little later than I thought I would," in a slightly out-of area accent. Hopefully, this would be good enough to get him out of any trouble that he could foresee, and then just continue with recon. At least, he hoped nobody would be suspicous of what was supposted to be a registered student.

Guest

Paks kept her head down, eyes lowered demurely, vantage point alternately switching from her lap to the top of her desk. Fingers gripped each other tightly, curling until she could apply pressure to her palms easily, jabbing her thumbs into her bony fingers harshly as if the motion alone could keep her heart from pounding and her breath steady. The pressure was not enough though, and she fought from fidgeting in her chair, legs pushing together as she shifted to make a smaller target.

She did not want to be in school. This was not the normal dislike she felt from the other children, bored or un-enthralled with the prospects of learning. No, Paks did not want to be there because school was bad. It was run by the government, and the government put people in jail. Perhaps they were corrupt too, and whatever else people said, but she knew for a fact that they arrested people and it was such a reason that she could not trust an institution of the government. They were most likely set up to brainwash people, or remove them of their own God given rights to thoughts and opinions. And besides, it was school. She had had no need for such an establishment earlier in her life and she was educated as well as any other person by her own regards, so why must she go now? She knew that if she was found once more, everyone would frown and look askance at her. School was bad after all.

But it seemed that such things were not within her control. Paks had been unaware of this thing called "age of majority." She had been considered capable of making her own decisions when she had been with her Mother and Adam so she could not fathom why such a thing was revoked simply because of age. It had somewhat to do with laws, and she was unsure of what those sorts of things entailed. The laws of Japan or anywhere else for that matter had never seemed like a topic of conversation earlier in her life, and Paks could hardly recall much of anything other than disparaging remarks in general about such things.

It had really been her fault, with the wandering and all. But she didn't know that minors were supposed to be attended or something like that, and when those people started asking all those questions she had been unable to just run away. She didn't dare use her abilities for she wasn't supposed to show normal people, and they had most certainly been normal humans. People of authority though and Paks had always been taught that it was best not to disobey such people, and while their questions had been confusing and odd and somewhat disturbing she had managed to avoid answering the really bad ones. But still, they wouldn't just let her go, something about her not being able to take care of herself alone she thought. It was bad enough that they expected her to stay at that place with all the other children, but this stipulation about school was even worse. Because she couldn't remember hearing that staying with humans was bad precisely, she knew that school was bad. But there was nothing for it unless she wanted to draw attention to herself and that was really bad, worse than school.

The whole affair left her feeling very vulnerable, as if her mind was split open and left bare for anyone's perusal, leaving her with no safety, no hiding place. Paks shuddered slightly, fingers tightening as she tried to wade through her rush of emotions to pay attention to what was going on in the classroom. You were supposed to pay attention in school, and take notes or something like that. She had even been given a notebook and all, with crisp blank pages and a black pen which she could write with in smooth script. No doubt their subtle enticement as they tried to corrode her will. She resisted the attempt but still rather enjoyed the feel of ink on paper even if she kept herself aware of the trap in such things.

Guest

An eyebrow shot up at the question, interesting really. He was to be playing the concerned teacher and deception was his forté so to say. Slipping off his glasses, his ice blue eyes squared over the room to find the questioner, the only one within the sea of dull students to which they were ignorant or so he saw them as. Her accent was questionably mixed, and hopefully not that of a French woman, as he recalls hearing her voice pierce the hole which constitutes the ear as skin surrounds it. It was most distinctive as it had a weird tone to it, mixed European most certainly but to which origin is the question in mind. Null or 'Professor Emmerich' as his alias would indicate.

Pulling up his clipboard with pictures of every students, namely since the schooling system has become the epitome of cutting edge education. It was quite easy to find out who she was as the clipboard was animated, a recent student or so it says as he believes. Kuruso Mana. Typical Japanese name with hints of foreign elements in it, perhaps a reputed Gaijin? People within Japan to which they have a half Japanese and half foreign parent. Tapping and curling his fingers at the tip of his clipboard.

"Ms. Mana, Mr. Libowitz has contracted a case of diary flu and is extremely sick, don't expect him to be back that soon... or even at all, he might die off." He shrilled dripping with skepticism and an air of dreadful morbidness. Serious in tone and quite British too in his English. Eyes turn into saucers, attention grabbed by the trespassing truant student in the form of Zeran. Facial expression playing the Stoic, emotionless yet somehow serious in ways. Not his usual demeanor but one of the more seen ones.

"Take a seat." He says, swatting off the boy from his attention for the moment, marking Ms. Mana and the new transfered student as present, next to all other students save for the.... last.... one.

Pak-senna-rion. Paksennarion. The student's name. Looking at the page with the picture, he scanned the room cluttered with students, one of them was an absent minded, looking down at her paper. Blank. Stoic. Empty.

Time to spice it up. Opening up his right palm, he slams it unto her desk, accidentally breaking the entire thing as it tumbled down in the fashion of a stack of cards falling down, finding himself quite aloof right there with a humored frown of shame. He didn't know his own strength. He destroyed the desk. "Care to switch to another desk?" He asked, subject changed already.

Taking steps back, facing the girl still before shifting his weight and turning back. Taking careful steps so not to leave cracks on the way. Clipboard placed unto his desk as he pulled out his teacher's stick, either used to point out things or whack. Facing the entire class, specifically the kid in the middle as his medium. Zeran should be sitting down by now, or so he should think.

"Class, let us begin with this simple question." He shrilled in his British English, "Just what is chemistry? Give me a definition of your own, and not from your text books."

Guest

A simple flu, well, they were known for taking out humans by the masses, and she did wonder if the teacher would live...but no matter. He hadn't been a terribly amusing or even interesting man, just one of those monotone speakers that lulled half the class to sleep. From now on, this class wouldn't be sleeping, not after the shocking display of raw strength Mr. Emmerich possessed whence he destroyed the desk an absent minded seeming girl was sitting at. Looking shocked, she speculated he hadn't meant to do such...but it was still somewhat odd. 'Mana' had to force herself not to laugh at the action, keeping her mildly bored appearance instead. Yep, some people perked up already at that action...silly humans. Might assure the late fellow wasn't late a second time lest he risk losing the desk. Or more by accident. And now wielding the stick Mana was curious what kind of mark would be left on a student if he struck them with that force, figuring the stick would break and skin would be sliced into nothingness.

Best to pay attention then.

Mana was hard pressed to answer, having already asked a question and thus, not wishing to call attention to herself. Her knowledge on the subject was limited as well, knowing it was more of an antithesis to Biology in studying inorganic matter, and chemical reactions concerning the elements...but wasn't sure if that was all, or how much more. Better to let one of the - now - awake students handle it to try and 'impress' their new teacher. Maybe a teacher's pet would even speak up in some ass-kissing attempt. Instead, she allowed her eyes to watch the late fellow make his way to his chair, and the girl's reaction to the need to change desks. For some reason she hadn't really noticed that girl, and realized it was probably due to the need to converge on herself she was projecting, causing her to be less noticeable. Until the act. At least those two didn't look as generic as some of the other classmates, and so kept some of her attention at least for the sake of lack of eyesores.

Guest

Zeran hesitated for a second taking in that look he had just gotten. He would of thought that he would have gotten into trouble first thing, but it seemed that the teacher was more interested in the actual teaching, or whatever else he was doing. Scanning for a seat, he spotted one right next to the window, just a couple desks over from a blonde girl that caught his eye, a pretty cute blonde girl. Don't get distracted you knucklehead, just get to your desk. The joking voice from Aki suddenly rang out through his concousness, almost making him freeze as he walked towards the open desk. He had told Aki to be quiet during this recon mission, but it was just like her to speak up like this, especially when he was eyeing someone. Thankfully though, as Zeran pulled the chair out from his desk, Degaro was keeping quiet toda-

Hearing a crash from behind him, Zeran whirled his head around to see the teacher standing before a student, his palm directed facedown at the remains of a desk. Examining the teacher's expression, he had a strange frown on his face, almost, humorous? A strange face for someone who just ruined a desk, certainly a person to keep an eye on. Remembering he had to take a seat, Zeran turned back to his desk and sat in his seat, his position relaxed as he leaned back in his chair, though not far enough to take the legs up off the floor. Carefully watching the teacher, he noticed a careful body movement, as if restrained. He couldn't help but grin at this. Was the man unable to control his normal muscle movements, or was he a spiritually gifted human that couldn't control his powers? It was amusing either way.

Turning his attention on the person who was sitting at the desk that got 'crushed,' a girl who appeared to have been sleeping at the incident. Slender, but a little to frail for his tastes. Sighing, he wondered why some people would take such bad care of themselves...not that it was any of his business.

Redirecting his attention back at the teacher, Zeran raised an eyebrow at the question. Chemistry huh? Zeran had to learn some of that kind of stuff so that his abilities could be used effectively against others, but it really didn't seem that important, and most of it just came on instinct these days. Leaning foreward, Zeran folded his arms as he went into thinking. He didn't really have to answer, but at the same time he wanted to. Strange how it worked. It was something about elements, wasn't it? Putting it out of his mind, he decided to let someone else answer it. Not getting involved was one of the best ways to observe.

Guest

Paks pressed the pad of her thumb against the end of her pen, watching dully as it clicked down and the metal tip protruded from the end of her pen. The small motion was addicting, captivating in the simple mechanics. If she took apart the pen, what would be on the inside? Those were the contents of her thoughts before she felt the impression of motion and before her. Lifting her head slightly, just enough for her dark eyes to peek from beneath lowered lashes, she was surprised to see the teacher standing before her. There was a flicker of intent, far too quick for her to process before he slammed his hand into her desk, missing her spotless notebook by inches. The wood gave way beneath his blow, and she could feel the force reverberating through the chair she sat in.

A cry of alarm caught itself in her throat, half strangled by a closed mouth as she flinchingly shot to her feet, hands rising to press against her mouth as she paled. Her eyes drifted upward, dull brown orbs widened in shock but she quickly lowered her gaze, unable to meet the man's eyes. Her hands creased the pleats of her skirt, fingers finding their way towards each other unconsciously until they formed a hapless tangle of tension. Bowing deeply, she focused on breathing calmly as locks of brown hair slithered over her shoulders to veil her drawn face. "I'm sorry sir," she managed to work out, rising and bowing once more in succession before snatching her fallen book and pen and looking around the room a bit desperately. Everyone was staring and she could feel their amusement. Whitening more so than she already was, she quickly spotted the nearest empty chair and deposited herself in it. Her attempts to meld into the floor were not all that successful, and she had to suffice with the simple action of sending out an aura of unassuming dullness.

The teacher's words echoed over the silent class as no one seemed to want to give an answer. She was far too mortified to form a sentence even if she knew the answer. Chemistry? That seemed some foreign word for all it made sense to her. She had never heard the term before, which seemed an odd prevalence with most of her classes. Feeling increasingly out of place, Paks smoothed the crinkled page of her notebook fastidiously and looked up towards the blackboard. She did not want to look at the teacher, her body still shuddering in thought alone from his actions. It had not been a threat or anything, and there hadn't been true intent behind the motion, but it was still disturbing enough that she could not calm herself fully. So she compromised by gazing near him at the board, trying to push the feelings of the other children out of her head so that she could focus on his words.

Guest

(OOC: Sorry for the long time it took to post, short pressed.)

The teacher should be symbolically patient yet harsh in this time within Japan. To promote discipline as if this were a military establishment. In this manner, he rolled back the sleeve of his shirt to look at his Rolex watch. Hawk eyes staring down at the time to which the second pointer was to hit 12' o clock, whilst there were minutes still remaining before time's up and the marked question's answer would begin through a simple process of looking through the sheets. Having shrugged off the earlier aloof endeavor he pulled off with the absent-minded Paksennarion. Blue eyes shifting left and right at everyone in the room

A simple felt familiar 'click' prompted Mr. Emmerich to change his attention to the measurer of time on his wrist. With his palm, he softly tapped on the bell to which a 'ting' is heard. "Alright class, give me your questions, one-by-one starting with..." Finger straightens and lengthens in the direction of Zeran. "You." Finger then snaps to mind reader, "And you..." then finally the finger of oppression stops by Mana. "And finally you."

Guest

[ooc: sorry about the wait, still a bit busy]

Okay, so not a soul answered the question, was it really that hard? Well no matter then, onto new avenues with this class. The rude gesture that was pointing...hm...and what questions where they supposed to ask? Unless he was pointing out how clueless they were that obviously they must be teeming with curiosity and ready to spit out some object of interest. It was possible, she was just glad she wasn't first since she had to think one up first. The teacher seemed to have a spark of kindness, not pointing at the clearly traumatized girl first, choosing the deliquently dressed guy a few seats over first. Orange eyes swiveled to stare at him as the finger pointed, taking in another glance - seemed he hadn't yet removed the jacket that stuck out like a sore thumb amongst this crowd. A nice touch really.

Then the oppressive appendage pointed to the shaky girl, and once again Mana's eyes stared at her, not in amusement, just mild curiosity with a side dish of pity. Really, the shock that must've gone into her system after that. Mana herself would be hard pressed not to be jittery after the raw demonstration of strength. Even if it was accidental.

And thirdly: her. Something would come to mind, at least after she forced the biology questions out of her brain. Perhaps it was just easier for her mind to swivel that way, what with the undercover love of blood, and always curious about how people functioned...just not limited to 'normal' people. Sadly none of these questions would be poignant. She could blurt out some witty question completely unrelated to the class, and yet tempting as it was, she deemed it best not to. She'd have to think of one first. As stated, she had time, so she'd configure a question based around Chemistry, not Biology...or Physics, since she had to dismiss one because it was based more around the other subject. Oh...she might have one, now that she thought about it, though might be more history based...but better than not having one at all. Maybe for amusement the natural 'delinquent' looking guy would be the one to come up with something witty to say offhand and get the class to lighten up. That's what happened in those TV shows she'd been watching as of late.

Guest

((Time pressed, can't do a lengthy post.))

Zeran raised an eyebrow when the teacher's index finger directed itself at him, alittle surprised that, even though it was completely random. A question? What question? He was supposted to come up with a definition of Chemistry...not a random question... Inclining his head for a few seconds, Zeran deliberated how to go about it. Should he go with his definition first, then ask the question? He wished the teacher had been more....how do you say....accurate with his assignment. Sighing, Zeran looked over to his right, watching two other students get picked out, one of which, was the very student he had scarred earlier. Not really a good idea in his opinion.

Scratching the boarderline between the black and crimson parts of his hair, Zeran looked directly at the teacher, coming up with what seem closest to a good answer. "I guess...my definition of Chemistry would be...the reactions between elements?" Unsure whether he had gotten this right or wrong, Zeran continued, "But, if I can ask something, sir, what is your definition of Chemistry? And how is it different from other sciences?" This made Zeran blink. He had just asked questions he may not of had to ask, which almost made Zeran hit his forehead with his palm, but he surpressed the urge, cursing his unnecissary curiousity.

Guest

Paks blinked, unable to not see the finger pointing at her in the teachers progression. She felt it immediately, the way her stomach dropped out and she couldn't help but feel hot even though the room had been cool moments before. She didn't know the answer, and now she was supposed to say something? To him? Oh God. How cruel was the world really? She had known school was bad, but now Paks could say that her own personal opinion seconded that particular edict. It was really bad. But how could she get out of it? She would have to wait until the day was over... and then disappear or something. But if she did that those people would try and find her again, and it would be hard avoiding them since she didn't know how they did things. She could just spend a while in the astral plane. The wouldn't be able to find her there, but then again nobody else would either and she might lose the chance of her mother coming to get her.

Paks tried to breath calmly, inhaling for a count of four, holding her breath for a count of seven and exhaling for a count of eight. She focused on the breath work, counting in her head as if she could keep the other thoughts away if she concentrated hard enough. She could plan later, right now there was an immediate danger of sticking out and she could not do that. So she just had to get through the class. And then deal with all that other stuff later.

One of the other students spoke, and Paks realized that next it was her turn to say something. Gripping the leg of her chair tightly, feeling the oddly cold metal against her flesh she tried to think of something that wouldn't be too bad. The other kid's answer threw her off though. Elements? Wasn't the interaction of elements common knowledge, it wasn't all that hard to grasp either so it was odd that there would be a class about it. Wood parts earth, fire melts metal, water quenches fire, etc. Shaking off her confusion, Paks kept her eyes fixed on the blackboard as she spoke.

"Sir, are you looking for the answer to your first question, or are you desiring questions of our own make?"

Guest

Null raised an eyebrow at the statement he got from Zeran, having specifically asked for any questions they have on their parts than the answers on the subject, a wordplay on his part to root out people who weren't paying any attention whatsoever. In this case, it's Zeran. Although it was the seemingly absent minded Paksennarion that was the most attentive one here as she has rooted out the fact that he asked for questions, and not an answer, so to answer them.

"Mr. Zeran, I suppose you should be more attentive as Ms. Paksennarion here has displayed, to which you haven't. I asked if anyone of you had a question to spare, not an answer." The teacher shrilled. Attention turning about to Paksennarion. "As for you, I was in fact looking for a question from anyone of you about this said subject, but now, give me your answers and also after this, we're going to be going to the lab for an interesting thing I have to show class."

(Once answers and questions are given out, please assume that you follow Null to the laboratory.)

Guest

"I suppose my curiosity is more around the need to create a new element..." Mana was staring at the periodic table they had on the inside front cover and next page, eyebrows down in a show of confusion, "What purpose does Californium really serve? Or Einsteinium for that matter?" 'And why the heck such weird and silly names?' she kept to herself mentally. Maybe it was a sort of science based macho-ism or some show of man's greatness in being able to add to the elements on the table. And then give them names related to places and people. "If I had to define Chemistry, however, I'd peg it as the study of these elements, and their changing stated from gas, to liquid, to solid, and sometimes gas to solid." Probably some other spiel too, but she mostly knew it to concern this color-coded table she was currently staring at.

All that business out of the way, the class headed off to the lab to witness whatever demonstration Professor Emmerich had in store for them. Her expression was basically bored as she walked along the outer edges of the group, not immersing herself amongst the gaggle of girls who were gossiping, some about the teacher, others about outside class life. She didn't know them, and certainly didn't care to, vastly more intrigued in whatever he was about to show them.

However she couldn't help herself, her eyes searching out for the one who'd all but tried to cave-in on herself without physically doing so: Paksennarion. With the meager of tactics of sifting through the crowd she came to walk beside the girl as they began entering the laboratory. "So what do you think this experiment will be about?" Mana lightly asked the girl, putting no importance upon the question, so there wouldn't have to be corresponding stress over an answer, though she wasn't sure if that'd actually help or not. But nothing like minor speculation, right?

Guest

Zeran frowned at the response he had just recieved, crossing his arms and leaning back into his chair. He had, infact, given two questions in addition to his answer, so what was the big deal? Probebly some useless teacher crap.... Sighing, he looked at the ceiling as the teacher started lecturing someone else, not really paying attention to anything. This is definately going to be more trouble than I thought.... Heheheh.... Scowling at the ceiling, Zeran felt a stir in his mind, Degaro. He just had to show up, didn't he...? Putting a mental block on Degaro's cackling, Zeran's mind turned back to reality as he looked back at the teacher, just in time to hear,

"Give me your answers and also after this, we're going to be going to the lab for an interesting thing I have to show class."

Since Zeran had already given an answer, he just pushed back against the chair, sliding it backwards so he could stand. Looking at the blonde girl give her questions and answers, Zeran looked her up and down before turning to the aisle between the desks, pushing down against the desk as he got to his feet, then pushing his chair into the desk as he got ready to follow the teacher to the lab. The girl was pretty cute, and definatly a curious one. Something about her seemed....off....not a bad off, but a curious off.

As the teacher started walking to the lab, Zeran followed, just a couple feet behind the two girls that were also picked out. Putting his hands into his coat pockets, Zeran walked into the lab, just as he heard,

"So what do you think this experiment will be about?"

Looking out of the corner of his eye, Zeran saw that it was the blonde girl that had said it, talking to the other girl that was picked on earlier. That made Zeran think of something. Why did the teacher pick someone to answer him that he had pretty much scared half to death a few moments before? Obviously, Zeran thought as he turned toward the teacher, This guy has no decency for others, students or otherwise...

Guest

Paks allowed a soft sigh to escape her as nothing terribly horrific happened after she gave her rather evasive and not all that skillfully rendered dodging reply to their teacher. It wasn't like she could have given an answer to his earlier question anyway, which made his sort of praise seem a bit odd to her ears. Then again, his phrasing was not the most approving either. Her relief was quickly dashed - something Paks was beginning to associate with this whole school businesses in general - as he finished his sentence by saying that she really did in fact have to answer the question on what Chemistry was. There was a merciful God watching her today though, as the two other kids who had been singled out answered before she had to. Which meant she could glean a bit of whatever they were saying and make an amalgamate answer that had some sort of truth to it. Hopefully.

It helped too that the other girl was looking at the text book which Paks idly remembered was sitting in her bag. She had yet to grasp why they had books for each class which they were supposed to be working from. Wasn't it far simpler to work on one subject and one book at a time? Slipping her hand into the bag at her side, Paks pulled the heavy Chemistry book free from its cloth confines and scanned the first few pages wherein there was a brief summary of the subject. Still rather confused after reading it, she looked up only to notice the boy wasn't giving his answer.

"Ah... I believe that chemistry is the study of interactions between matter..." she answered hesitantly, glad that all the students were slipping from their chairs to follow the teacher out of the room. It provided a workable smokescreen for her softly spoken response. Staring down at the tiled floor, Paks stepped precisely in the middle of each square as she walked. Focusing on the interchanging colors which slipped beneath her form.

"So what do you think this experiment will be about?"

She nearly froze in mid-step, head lifting to stare blankly at the girl who had asked the question. To her. How odd, there were plenty of other girls in this class, and surely she was not any more interesting then them. She stared for a moment, quite unsure of what to say until her mind registered the actual contents of the query.

"Eto... I am not sure," she murmured, a rather lackluster response but one none the less.

Guest

(OOC: Sorry for the long wait, was out of muse.)

About that time, Emmerich pulled out several test tubes, two large hunks of metal and a piece of metallic string, setting them each in an orderly and arranged fashion, with precision down to the last milimeter. It was all on top of a black table fit with a material of some sort of metal that gives off a nice white shine. The entire class soon followed suit as they paced right into the room, the laboratory of chemistry, with Emmerich looking at each and one of them, vigilant to a point in order to make sure all of them are watching.

Given metal is his forté, observant eyes followed by a fake yet convincing smile of enthusiasm touches Null's lips. "Class, have you ever wondered if there was such a way to bend metal with a single touch of a finger tip, or even manipulate it down to a molecular point from a touch? That this was possible thanks to something which would be called spiritual? Let me demonstrate to prove my point, as you will see that I will break the metal on a single spot marked by the X." Tracing a line down the cold, scarred, rugged surface of the one hunk of metal known as Titanium, he presses his finger lightly on it. On one specific point outlined by him through the usage of a pencil to which the entire metal simply breaks down. Astonishment followed suit by the entire class save for the three kids, to whom their reaction may vary or would simply be the same. Unknown. Sweeping his hand at the table, he pushes off the scraps of broken titanium metal which should be softer than marshmallow aside. Pulling to his side of the table, another metal. Damascus steel alloy.

"Now class, I want the three of you outlined earlier to push unto the three marked points on the metal heap. One on top, and two to the side. A simple poke will do." He ordered, mentally smiling to himself, eyes betraying him with a dagger for a smile. He knew something and this class was just a staging ground.

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Mana smiled at the girl's response, very much in the same boat as she could only fathom from the myriad of possibilities that would take place. Eyes then turned and wandered over the display of pulling out 'science-y' things, placing them about for students to wonder what would take place before their beady little eyes. Was he going to demonstrate reactions between certain elements or combinations of them? Would something explode? No, didn't seem so, judging by his next words, and Mana had to admit to a mild displeasure at not getting to see something explode as she had in those dramas. Oh, how she was beginning to wonder about their teacher however...

Slowly Mana's eyebrows descended into a confused and hard stare, trying to figure out what the 'mysticism' of spiritual powers were doing in a science class. Or what would be called spiritual, Mr. Emmerich was turning out to be quite the disturbing enigma. Just what was he playing at? Watching his actions though, her eyes widened considerably, as the desk earlier merely looked lucky in comparison! She didn't believe that was something in her capabilities, well, more or less without Yoruyonaka's aid. Right? It was oh so tempting to allow her ears to flex in her surprise at his actions, but they were still heavily bobby-pinned down and encased in her hair at the sides that doing so was hard. Along with the fact it would've given away her oddities plain and simple.

It was hard repressing the initial instinct of disdain, especially given the show. What if that metal gave way like the titanium - though Mana wasn't sure how it would as she wasn't strong like their teacher - and got her dirty? Gods did she hate the idea of that, but if it didn't then she'd bear it and wash her hands later. Skeptically, she asked, "I don't think we'll reap quite the same results as you Mr. Emmerich. And what do you mean by 'spiritual?' I thought this was Chemistry rather than History or a class based on religion, so why bring up mysticism concepts?" Honestly she wasn't sure she wanted to poke the metal, in case it did what the previous had and became dust on her uniform. Though at the same time, she doubted she could, considering he'd demonstrated quite the strength earlier that she was pretty sure she didn't have without the aid of Yoruyonaka. Maybe, but she'd rather not test it out in front of humans.

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Zeran watched the teacher collect various objects, test tubes, hunks of metal, and a string....which appeared to also be made of metal. What relation could there be to test tubes and metal? Surely nothing which Zeran could think of... Leaning against the wall, Zeran blinked and focused his attention on the teacher, who was now scanning the room...probebly to make sure of something. Then the teacher's enthusiastic voice, much different from his tone earlier, spoke out,

"Class, have you ever wondered if there was such a way to bend metal with a single touch of a finger tip, or even manipulate it down to a molecular point from a touch? That this was possible thanks to something which would be called spiritual? Let me demonstrate to prove my point, as you will see that I will break the metal on a single spot marked by the X."

Zeran raised an eyebrow at this explaination. Why would a teacher be trying to teach people about spiritual power in a... what was it again...?...A chemistry class... Narrowing his eyes, Zeran watched as the teacher slowly drew his 'X' onto the metal, then pressing his finger onto the the marked spot, just as the metal started to erode away. Wide eyed, Zeran smiled mentally, his face still neutral except an excited look in his eyes. An interesting power in this human, but how far had it evolved in his lifetime...? This was merely a glimpse of his power, but it was an interesting concept. He could even feel Shikaku also interested in the teacher's accomplishment.

As the teacher moved the remains of the first hunk of metal off the table, Zeran saw the new metal being put up onto the table. However, this metal looked like it had a different tint of color and a different texture than the original. Is he going to attempt to do so on a harder metal, or...? As the thoughts rushed through his head, the voice of the teacher came up, where Zeran stopped his pondering and looked up at the teacher.

"Now class, I want the three of you outlined earlier to push unto the three marked points on the metal heap. One on top, and two to the side. A simple poke will do."

Narrowing his eyes, Zeran nearly glared at the betraying eyes the teacher had on the class. What was the teacher thinking? Something's not right... I know... Hearing the blonde girl to his right, Zeran looked at her as she sported a question of,

"I don't think we'll reap quite the same results as you Mr. Emmerich. And what do you mean by 'spiritual?' I thought this was Chemistry rather than History or a class based on religion, so why bring up mysticism concepts?"

Nodding, Zeran also piped up with, "Yeah, what does this have anything to do with Chemistry?" Though Zeran didn't necissarily have to speak up along with the girl, but something was off here... And this guy was trying to pull something.

Guest

OOC - Sorry this took so long, I have a couple of really busy days on top of each other. And this post was hard to write. XP

"Class, have you ever wondered if there was such a way to bend metal with a single touch of a finger tip, or even manipulate it down to a molecular point from a touch? That this was possible thanks to something which would be called spiritual? Let me demonstrate to prove my point, as you will see that I will break the metal on a single spot marked by the X."

Paks blinked, having watched the teacher set up his workstation with some small amount of attention before he uttered those odd words. She knew there was something unusual about the man, it was apparent from the odd vibes she was receiving from his aura, but his words seemed to compound the issue. She wasn't quite sure what he was talking about. Manipulating metal? Spiritual? The issue with humans, was that there were so many words which meant so many different things. Was he speaking of spiritual in the religious sense? In a psychic sense? Just in an oblique manner? Neither option seemed to fit in with her grasp on what the subject of Chemistry was, but Paks couldn't trust her knowledge in that area. It didn't help that the rest of the class seemed just as confused by the words as she did, the emotion rolling through her and amplifying her own confusion.

All of that was cut off abruptly as the teacher reached out to showcase his words, tracing along the piece of metal without any visible sign of physical exertion. It broke in half, the two pieces clattering against the tabletop loudly. Not as loud as the shock and bewilderment that rose up from the students around her, crashing through Paks' barriers more strongly than the individual feelings she had previously been exposed to. It was too much for her own mind to comprehend, and for a moment Paks simply focused on reigning in control and locking the siphoned emotions off into a corner of her head so that she could deal with them later. Applying another layer to her rather ineffectual barriers, Paks finally drew her attention back to the real world as the teacher gestured at the three students he had singled out earlier.

Paks balked at moving, mostly because she was still dealing with the aftermath of more than her fair share of feelings, but also because the strange impression she got from the teacher had intensified. She couldn't discern any specifics as the room was swirling with projected emotion and too clouded for her empathy to feel clearly anything at all. But the weirdness was still there all the same, bothering her in its vagueness.

There were several protestations after that, but Paks knew that children in school were supposed to listen to their teachers and she did not want to stand out. It was best to just go along with things until she had regained her balance, whatever was off with the teacher was not so important as maintaining normalcy. Hesitantly, Paks stepped forward. Her arm lifted, finger slipping out from beneath the sleeve she had temporarily hid it in, to poke gently at an X in the piece of metal. Withdrawing her hand, hopefully before anyone noticed the odd twist to some of her digits, Paks retreated back to her previous place with the students. Safety in numbers was a concept she religiously adhered to out in the "real world". Whatever the teacher had been talking about earlier it shouldn't apply to her. Even if he was speaking of the energy of the spirit, as her small form held only the smallest traces of that there should be no concerns.

Guest

The man didn't seem to answer the questions, and 'Mana' was really not into the idea of touching that metal - it looked filthy! - so it was convenient excuse time!

"I have to go to the bathroom!" she blurted out, causing a wave of giggles from their classmates at her bold statement. Sure, it sounded improper, but honestly she could care less as this was rather annoying, "Toki-san here will take my place!" Mana continued as she shoved some boy in front of her towards the table, his hand smacking the metal and causing him to give a yelp in pain. But as she turned to leave the classroom for her necessary bodily functions, her hand latched onto the poor nervous girl's, yanking her along as though she'd spoken up too. Quickly she shuffled them both from the room and down the hall.

Yeah, she totally had no plans to actually go to the bathroom.

Instead, and perhaps rather boldly and still clutching the girl's wrist with just enough force to pull her along, but not enough to cause pain, forced them to leave the ground's premises. Far, far too boring here anyways, and she didn't want to stay in that room with a teacher talking about spiritual mysticism. Much too close to sounding like blowing one's cover somehow. Not a soul dared step close to them, too preoccupied with something that sounded like an elusive "intruder" elsewhere. (aka Chesha earlier before the Fudge Shoppe thread).

"Sorry to pull you along, but figured I'd save us both from that dreaded mess," she gave as an apology, turning her head to smile at the girl with full confidence as they rounded a corner and she led her off elsewhere into town...

[exit]

Guest

OOC - Heh, totally rushed. XP

Paks was staring at the piece of metal, sort of; eyes focusing as if she could see through the metal itself and off into the distance. In other words, she was zoning out. She couldn't help it, hardly even noticed it in fact, as the waves of foreign auras washed over her. There was something out in Karakura, several somethings. And they were not nice, the sudden deluge of power along the horizon swamping her mind. It was unbearable, like the room was filled with pressure and all the air had been sucked away. Unable to even make a sound, the only sign of her distress being the paleness of her skin, she stood stock still and tried to make sense of this surge of energy.

As was somewhat common with Paks, locked inside her own mind as she futilely attempted to bolster her barriers against the overwhelming reiatsu, she took no notice of the events going on around her. Including one of the students taking her hand and pulling her from the room. Her body moved without direction, following the girl like a rag-doll sans dragging on the floor. Eventually she did notice the fact that the energy seemed to grow clearing, free from the room full of odd energy signatures and outside, Paks was finally able to clearly discern what she was sensing so far away.

It was not human that was certain. Arrancar. The word made her shiver, as her mind conjured up images from far away. She had never seen an Arrancar, but she knew, they were the closest thing to demons on the mortal plane. Almost as soon as she felt the fear curl in her stomach she registered the longing that came with it. It was the demons who were supposed to bring about the Armageddon after all.

It was the girl's voice which finally broke her out of her reverie. Eyes blinked slowly as she turned her head to stare uncomprehendingly at her classmate and then gradually their surroundings. She blinked again, her mouth opening softly to expel her confusion, "E-Etou..." It was then, free from the confines of school, that she fully registered the girl's own strange aura. Not human either.

----> Topic Exited with Fallon-san! ^^

Guest

Warning: Mature Content

Spoiler:

Guest

OOC: I'm going to say that that was hardly necissary.... -.-" Especially when you're supposted to make a new board for mature content...as I'm led to believe...but heck...your call.... Also, since I'm feeling bored with this topic, and I don't have much time lately, time for a N00b post!!! : D

Zeran blinked and turned watching the girls run away to the bathroom, at least that's what they had said, though it was the blonde who had actually said it. The other just seemed to be pulled along like a rag doll...

Eyes narrowing, Zeran turned his attention towards the windows, seeing Arrancar destroy the surroundings. Seems like the mission was to be put on hold. Saying quickly, "Sorry, nature calls," Zeran ran from the room just as a man entered the door who Zeran passed without a worry, enough room for him to dash out of, then out into the hall and into the parking lot. Why me? Grabbing his helmet off the back of his motorcycle, Zeran hopped on, rammed the keys into the ignition and drove out and onto the road towards the destruction.

OOC (again): lolz XD

Subject: Re: The Substitute Wed 11 Nov 2009, 1:09 am

(French OOC: Vell, vell, vell, it vould zeem zat Mr. Zeran ish not use to ze mature' content. Vell, vone does not need a whole new board for zat, only to state zat there is mature' content, inside ze zhing. Who is ze vone who opened ze spoiler after it said zat? Frenchy, out.)