Chapter 24: The Start Of The First School Saga Arc / Leaving Home

“Well, I guess it’s goodbye to this place.” Said Ryu

They had went to say goodbye to the old man and the old lady that morning

“Hm. I didn’t think I’d miss it too much, but the people here are nice when you get to know them.” Said Suzu

“Finally, I’ll be able to play video games again!” Arata said

“Idiot! Is that literally the only reason you're happy?” Suzu asked, hitting Arata

“Ow! Of course not! I left people to watch over my grandparents, so I’m not all that worried.” Said Arata

“Good to hear, I guess...... But something seems off. This all happened way too smoothly.” Said Suzu

“You call nearly freezing to death smooth?” Ryu asked, frowning

“Not that… just… way too many coincidences have been happening recently.” Said Suzu

“Don’t worry, bout’ a thing. Cuz Every little thing is gonna be alright!” Said Arata, strangely.

“Yeah, fine. You got a point. I think.” Said Suzu, raising an eyebrow.

They got in a large car and drove to an airport, far far away. If you could even call it that. It wasn't much of one.

“Cool! So that’s what a plane looks like?” Suzu asked

“Well, yeah, but there’s much more interesting ones.” Said Arata

Suzu drew a sketch of the plane on ryus hand with a finger, who easily put each shape together into a picture.

“Oh! Wait. You guys said it’s made of metal, right?” Ryu asked, furrowing his eyebrows

“Yeah?” Arata said

“How can something like that fly?” Ryu asked

“Of all things, you question that?” Arata asked

“Well, I’ve never really had a chance to think about it.” Said Ryu

They got in the plane

“Oh. The seats are quite comfy.” Said Ryu

“That’s because this is a private jet.” Said Arata

“Wait, what’s with this? It’s weird, no matter how you put it. Flying us, only three people, on a private jet, just because we got a good score on an entry test?” Suzu asked

“That wasn’t a normal test. It looks the same, but there’s a bunch of different traps in it. The barbed wires were electrified, the rocks could crumble away if you chose one of the less efficient paths, and a bunch of other stuff. And it’s not only the test results that brought this plane here.” Said a lady who walked in and sat on a chair next to them. She swiveled the chair.

“Wait. They were trapped?” Suzu asked

“Yeah, I didn’t notice any of that.” Said Arata

“I thought the snapping and crackling I heard when I went through the barbed wires was weird.” Said Ryu, frowning

“Well, I have no idea what you thought you were doing. It had stated on the recruitment form very clearly that day was going to be using the advanced training exam. You didn’t know that? Anyways, regardless of whether you did or you didn’t know it, you finished the test with passing and flawless times. The wires were lowered, the rocks were harder to grip and some would crumble, the rope could burn your hands if you weren’t careful, the monkey bars were coated in a slippery substance. You aren’t actually even supposed to make it through the test. More often than not, it’s how much of it you can endure that they judge you by.” The woman said

“Oh. That makes sense. Kinda” Arata said

“Did you guys seriously not read the exam paper? Because I can’t.” Ryu asked.

“They let three people around the age of 15 do such a dangerous military exam?” Suzu asked

“We don’t usually judge by age… I mean you guys even completed it, so… besides, our leaders just a little younger than you guys.” The lady said

“Isn’t he like, 7-8? That’s a lot younger than us.” Said Ryu

“Wait, you knew about that, Ryu? How?” Arata asked

“I’m also interested as to how you would know that. It isn’t exactly common, or even public knowledge.” The lady said

“The old man noticed the tech that the soldiers wear and use is similar to limetechs, and their top brass are two children.” Said Ryu

“That’s… actually pretty damn impressive.” Said the lady

“It’s the old man who realized it, not me. I’m just in awe of the fact that someone that young can do… this. I can’t even imagine what someone like that could achieve when they grow up. That would be amazing.” Ryu said

“Well, he is quite incredible. Actually, anything I say would be an understatement.” Said the lady

“Weren't there two kids?” Ryu asked

“Oh, yeah. There’s Evan, our leader, and Kane, the master builder.” Said the lady.

“How old is Kane?” Ryu asked

“A little younger than you guys, around 10. Right now, at least.” Said the lady

“Oh god what is that.” Said Ryu, as his stomach lurched. His ears popped. Everything felt light and tingly.

They had taken off, the jet now flying through the sky.

“Didn’t peg you as a person to get surprised at something like this.” Said Arata

“Well, I’ve never felt this before.” Ryu said

“Same here, it’s a pretty unique feeling.” Said Suzu

“Oh, I forgot. It’s your first time on a plane. I remember that feeling.” Said Arata

“You two haven’t been on a plane before?” The lady asked

“You haven’t done a background check on them?” Arata asked, faking surprise

“Dangit, Arata, I was making conversation! Why must you always be like this!” The lady said, frustrated

“You guys know each other?” Suzu asked

“Yes. I work for his mother, and I also took care of him as a child. Apparently I didn’t do too well, considering how bratty he still acts.” the lady said, crossing her arms

“I’m not that bad, right?” Arata asked

The room went dead quiet

“So, what’s your name?” Suzu asked the lady

“Su. Call me su.” Su said

“Got it. So, Mrs Su, why exactly are you interfering with military affairs?” Suzu asked

“Actually wait, yeah. Why the heck are you here?” Arata asked, the gears in his head trying to turn

“I was told to make sure you don’t do anything stupid. As for my involvement with the military.... Arata, you do know that your mother works very closely with limetech right?” Su asked

“Oh. Now I get it.” Arata said

“Yeah. Oh, do they know who your mother is, or no.” Su asked

“Now that I think about it, I know nearly nothing about Aratas past. Only who he is today.” Said Ryu

“I’ve heard a little bit of it from him. I’m with him almost all the time.” Said Suzu

“Oh my! Ah! Right! Well, MetalCore tech, the company that works alongside limetech is headed by Aratas mother. Kana Metal.” Said Su

“Wait, your last name is metal? Arata Metal?” Ryu asked

“No. Well, yes, but also no. I guess I have two last names. One from my father, which would be Suzuka, and my mother, which would be Metal.” Said Arata

“So the old mans last name is Suzuka?” Ryu asked

“Yup. I think so. Either that or Suzuki. Pretty sure it was Suzuka though.” Arata said

“Hey, Ryu. Do we have a last name?” Suzu asked

“No. We don’t. We were left to die. I don't know anything about our...parents.” Ryu replied, frowning

“Oh. That makes sense, I guess.” Said Suzu

“Don’t they need a family? Like legally? A guardian?” Arata asked Su

“Well. I guess when we get there it would be difficult without one.” Said Su

“Hm. Hey, Su. I can only think of one solution right now, do you have any others?” Arata asked

“Wouldn’t that solution be up to them?” Su asked

“Well, yeah, I guess it’s more of an offer. Wait, what about with you?” Arata asked

“Me? Hmm. I didn’t think of that. Yeah, that works for me. As long as it works for them.” Said Su

“What?” Ryu asked

“Hey, Ryu, Suzu, are you ok with being adopted by Mrs Su?” Arata asked

“Adopted? Why?” Ryu asked

“I think I get it. One of the reasons is to have a legal guardian, right?” Suzu asked

“What’s that even mean?” Ryu asked

“We aren’t adults yet, according to the law. Therefore, there has to be someone to make or approve certain things for us. Correct?” Suzu asked

“Wow. You seem to be pretty good at that. I don’t remember phrasing it that way. And yes, that is exactly one of the reasons. Other than that, you inherit their last name as well. Su, what’s your last name again?” Arata asked

“You seriously forgot? My last name is Kei. Pronounced ki, though.” Said Su

“Oh. Right.” Arata said

“So, it’s up to you two.” Arata said

“I’m fine with it, if Suzu is” Ryu said

“It sounds good to me.” Suzu said

“You accepted that rather easily” Su said

“Well, as dumb as Arata acts, he’s pretty smart. I trust him. It’s better than some random person, plus, you took care of Arata. If you were bad at raising someone, he wouldn’t be ok with this.” Said Suzu

“Yeah. I trust him too. You can’t be a bad person if Arata trusts you.” Said Ryu

“I got it. Though, I have quite a large amount of paperwork to sort through if I want to do this right. Finishing the legal bits might take a little while. I don’t think you’ll be having any problems with it anytime soon. You should be fine while you’re in the academy, too.” Su said.

“Thanks, we appreciate it.” Said Suzu

“As you guys said before, if someone is trusted by Arata, they can’t be a bad person. You weren’t wrong there. You can stay at my place, it’s pretty close to the academy. It’s easily within walking distance, so you can just walk there in the morning.” Mrs Su said

Ryu and Suzu looked uncertain.

“Trust me, it’s a pretty large house, there’s more than enough room.” Arata said

“I can’t deny that. It is overly luxurious. Quite a nice house though.” Said Su

“Well, I’ll be staying in my house. It’s also quite close. It’s in the opposite direction from school than yours though, so we won’t be walking to or from school together.” Arata said

“Woah!” Ryu said

The plane landed

“That was quite a soft landing.” Arata said

They got off of the plane and headed towards a parking structure.

“It’s about a 45 minute drive from the airport to my house, 57 is if I go drop Arata off at his house. Let’s go get in the car.” Said Su

“I heard there was tons of legal stuff you had to go through.” Ryu said, confused

“Yeah… Evans tech got rid of most terrorist attacks not too long ago. It instantly detects and neutralizes any type of weapon that hasn’t been registered. It also scans faces and flips through any information. If someone is suspicious it will automatically knock them out with electricity, and alert security.” Said Su

“Wait, there isn’t any paperwork on us, as far as I know, isn’t that suspicious?” Ryu asked

“You are with me and Arata, and your identification papers are being made as we speak. The machine can actually recognize that, too. It’s pretty neat.” Said Su

“I have two questions. First, how can one person make something like this by himself in almost no time at all?” Ryu asked

“Two people, technically, I don’t know how many people know this, but Evan draws up schematics and Kane builds them. Obviously, Kane has to modify them slightly to be practical and safe. It’s like Evan is the gem, and Kane makes it beautiful enough to go on a ring. It’s actually pretty incredible.” Said Su

“That’s awesome. Second question. Why are you doing all of this for us?” Ryu asked

“Seriously? We’ve known each other for how long, now? You're practically family, I’m just treating you like it right now.” Said Arata

“Thanks. We appreciate it.” Suzu said, smiling

“Okok, then it’s time to move on. Do you guys know anything about the academy?” Arata asked

“I know you don’t.” Said Ryu

“Oi. While you may be mostly correct, I do live here. I went to school in their school system when I was younger.” Arata said.

“You went to a public school? From most of the manga you showed me, the rich guys go to private schools.” Said Suzu

“Wow. Do I seem like that kind of person? No, those schools are boring compared to public schools. Which reminds me, while we are going there on a military scholarship, it is, for the most part, a normal school. So while we will be having special classes, for the most part we will be attending school normally.” Arata said

“Wait, so we will be attending normal classes?” Ryu asked

“Ok, look. Just imagine you're going to school like a normal person. Ok? Ok. It’s just sometimes, instead of a class like pe, students with military scholarships will attend separate classes specialized for them.” Arata said

“How do you know all of this?” Ryu asked

“He read what I wrote down and made a general summary of it.” Said Su

“Oh. I wondered why he suddenly seemed knowledgeable.” Said suzu

“Well, Arata is actually pretty smart. He memorized all of that almost instantly, after all. He just acts like a fool.” Su said

“Yeah, that’s a 100% accurate way of putting it.” Said Ryu

“So, we will be attending high school pretty much?” Suzu asked

“Yup. Enjoy life like a normal student.” Su said

“That's...fine, I never got the chance to live a life like this, it sounds good to me.” Said Ryu, smiling softly

“Yeah, I’ve always wondered what it would be like. I never imagined passing an exam for a military scholarship would take us to a normal high school.” Suzu said

“Yeah, it surprised me, too. I’ve been here maybe once or twice. The place looks pretty nice.” Said Arata

“It’s where you were supposed to be going, if you hadn’t just ran off to god knows where.” Said Su

“Oh yeah. I forgot about that.” Said Arata, hitting the bottom of his fist on the flat of his other palm.

“Don't give me that!” Su said, thumping Arata on the head

“I heard that Evan is the school’s director. Is that true?” Ryu asked

They were sitting on a couch, Ryu was using a tv to learn more about school life.

“Yeah. I dunno why he wants to waste his time here. Apparently he’s focusing on the military program, the one we’re in.” Said arata

“So he might be teaching us?” Ryu asked

“Oh. Of course not. We might see him occasionally walk by, but he’s probably just going to observe our training and make adjustments to the training program. Something like that.” Said arata.

“We start school in a few days, right?” Ryu asked

“Ah. Yeah. Breaks almost over. Oh, that’s what Su wanted me to tell you. Your uniform arrived..... You’re getting pretty used to this, aren’t you.” Arata said, smiling

“My sister’s happy, so I’m happy. We have a lot less to worry about now. Plus, all of this cool technology is amazing. I like this popcorn stuff.” Ryu said, flicking a piece in the air and catching it in his mouth

“It’s like you just got your first gaming console” said Arata

“What’s that?” Ryu asked

“I’ll show you when you come over to my place.” Arata said

“I haven’t seen your place yet. Not that I really can, but still. What’s it like?” Ryu asked

“A normal suburban house.” Said Arata

“I have no idea what that would look like here.” Said Ryu

“Oh. True. Uhhhh. I can’t think of a way to explain it. By the way, do you understand what school is yet?” Arata asked, giving up on explaining

Ryu had been ‘watching’ a bunch of slice of life anime

“Yeah, you sit in class, take notes, do tests, and when you get home you study and do homework.” Said Ryu

“Ok, yeah, good enough. I’ll be there just in case, anyhow. Besides, you need someone to help you with what’s written down, right?” Said Arata

“It’s reassuring to know that you guys are here. Yes, I do.” Said Ryu

Suzu had been next to them asleep.

She woke up

“What are you guys doing?” Suzu asked

“I’m just talking with your brother about school.” Arata said

“Ahh. Ok. We’re all in the same class, right?” Suzu asked

“Welll, technically the classes haven’t been decided, but yes, according to the military training program we are to be together as a unit most of the time. Get accustomed to being with each other. The other scholarship students are doing the same.” Arata said

“There’s others?” Ryu asked

“Yeah. Most of them passed in different batches and different places, so they don’t really know each other. We all passed it together, so we got put together.” Arata said

“Oh. It must suck to have been the only person to pass during your test. It’s kinda hard to get used to new people.” Ryu said

“Yeah. Isn’t that the point, though? Speaking of, is there anybody at this school that you know? Su said you were supposed to go here if you hadn’t come to live with us….. Actually, why did you stay there with us?” Suzu asked

“Ah. Well, for the first question, yes I probably do know some of them. Second, I liked it. It felt right. I dunno, when I’m with you two I feel like I belong. I feel free.” Arata said, jumping on a bean bag

“I know exactly what you mean. It’s nice to have a place you belong. Still, no matter how you put it, others will think it’s weird. Someone born into a rich family living in the slums of a small town in another country? They might think you went mental.” Ryu said

“I can just say that it was to get experience and understand what life is like for people that don’t have everything like me. Besides, it’s mostly true. It’s not like I just stood back and watched you guys work.” Said Arata

“Yeah, you really are a damn good help whenever there’s a ton of people. You seem more fit for that kind of life than this. Hearing about you looking like that, clean as hell with fancy clothes, it just seems weird to me. I recognize you better when you have your hair a mess and your clothes loose. It sounds better than your stiff movements in a suit.” Said Ryu

“Firstly. You listen to what I wear? Second. Yeah. And suits are stuffy. The school uniforms aren’t that bad, thankfully. I can wear those a little loose, and the military program made us custom uniforms. Plus, it’s not like I’m going to a party where dressing up like that’s necessary.” Said Arata

“Yeah. Suzu, you ready for school?” Ryu asked

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I am.” Said Suzu

“Sweet. Arata, you wanna go get some school supplies with me and Suzu?” Ryu asked

“Sure!” Said Arata

“Sweet, free guide! Cha-Ching” Suzu said, posing weirdly

“Where did you learn that?” Arata asked, stifling a laugh.

“Anime. There’s a ton of it on the computer.” Said Suzu

“You can use the internet already?” Arata asked

“Yeah, I was thinking of trying to learn coding soon, actually.” Suzu said

“Wait. What?” Arata asked

“Coding. Like computer programming?” Said Suzu

“You guys have been here how long?” Arata asked

“3ish days.” Said Ryu, tossing another piece of popcorn in his mouth.

“You learned enough about computers that you already want to learn coding. In three days?” Arata asked

“Yeah? What’s wrong with that? Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy to use the internet.” Said Suzu

“Yeah, I’ve been checking out a ton of schematics limetech made public. Suzu drew them for me. I wanted to try and get a job to buy parts and build some of them. The internet has some awesome stuff in it. Suzu says you can buy virtually anything online.” Ryu said. He tossed another piece of popcorn in his mouth.

“Wow. You guys adapted to technology really fast. Usually people take years to figure this stuff out. Did Su help you? I’m assuming not, she probably doesn’t have the time to do much more than have dinner.” Arata asked

“Yeah. I figured out how to use it, and Ryu fiddled with it to see what made it work. It uses signals, or something that is called an Ethernet cable to connect with a giant network with tons of different things. Any subject you can think of, it has it. So I switched it on and looked at the descriptions of all of the programs by searching them up on goodle. Pretty easy. I wanted to know how the programs themselves work, so I looked it up. I’m going to be looking at some coding tutorials later.” Said Suzu

“Yeah, pretty fun stuff.” Said Ryu

“I’m with you guys almost all the time, how have I never noticed this?” Arata asked

“We go to sleep about an hour later than you.” Said Suzu

“You did all of that. And In only three hours?” Arata asked

“Yeah.” Suzu said

“Jeez. Speaking of, looks like it’s time for me to go to bed. Don’t do anything dumb, ok?” Arata said, yawning.

“Got it.” Suzu said

Arata woke up to the sound of an… alarm? It wasn’t the alarm he usually set up. He was being woken up by weird phrases being said in Suzus voice. He looked at his alarm. It’s holographic display had turned into the image of a cat girl maid. He was speechless. Until he spoke, at least.

“Um. What time is it exactly?” Arata asked

The display turned from the figurine into his normal clock display. It turned back after a few minutes.

“What is this?” Arata asked, studying it

“Your new alarm!!” The figurine said. It posed. This caught him off guard. It wasn’t a switch between one pose to another instantly, the figurine had made swift, precise movements with its arms. He looked closer. He noticed that her eyes blinked, she was breathing, and wasn’t perfectly still.

“Um. What.” Arata said.

“Suzu made me. She thought I looked cute. Though she probably didn’t expect me to come out in this form.” The figurine said

“Yes, but… how? Are you an ai?” Arata asked

“I can’t exactly think for myself. I can understand most questions and make an answer from everything I know, if possible.” The figurine said

“Oh, so it isn’t a real ai.” Arata said

“Nope, that would be almost impossible.” Suzu said, walking into his room. She laid down at the end of his bed and closed her eyes, staying half awake.

“Wh-Suzu! What the-“ Arata stuttered.

“What? I did this all the time, back when we lived in the other country, it’s not all that weird.” Said Suzu drowsily

“That’s true. I guess I’m just not used to it here. It does feel normal. though.” Said Arata

“I messed with your alarm clock a bit. Cool, right?” Suzu asked

“Yeah, that’s pretty impressive. You voiced it yourself, too?” Arata asked

“Not for all of it. I just gave it samples of my voice so it could build words and sentences.” Said Suzu

“Yeah. I couldn’t imagine you saying that kinda stuff.” Arata said

“What kinda stuff? What exactly does it say, anyhow? I gave it access to a personality databank I made, but I’m not sure what it developed.” Suzu said, trying, but failing, to open her eyes.

“Well. It’s a maid. With cat ears.” Arata said

“Oh!! I read about that stuff online! They’re super cute!” Suzu said, making a thumbs up while still laying down

“It says weird stuff in your voice, though.” Arata said

“I don’t mind. Think of it as a present. Can I see it?” Suzu asked, prying her eyes open

“Sure, how do I bring it back?” Arata asked

“Say ‘clock, figurine mode’ that might work” Suzu said

“Might? Ah, whatever. Fine. Clock, figurine mode.” Arata said

The clock turned back into a cat girl maid

“It’s that.” Arata said

“I love it!” Said Suzu, climbing towards the alarm clock, still half asleep, so she could see through her blurry eyes

“Well, it’s good to know you’re happy.” Said Arata

“Of course I am. My project was a success, and it’s super cute too.” Suzu mumbled

“Wait, project?” Arata asked

“Yeah, this house was designed by limetech. There’s places you can modify things at. I just made this an ai that can control some of the normally unused functions of different parts of the house. I messed with the section for your alarm clock.” Suzu said

“That’s awesome. But how in the heck did you do it?” Arata asked

“I may or may not have stayed up all night.” Suzu said

Arata noticed the circles under her eyes.

“Suzu, we have school tomorrow. don't forget we need sleep.” Arata said

“Ah. Right.” Suzu said

She laid her head down on the bed and fell asleep

“Fine. Just rest a little. You worked hard.” Arata said

He patted her head. She smiled in her sleep.

It reminded him somewhat of the alarm clock. Maybe the clock had gotten it’s traits from its creator, more than they had both thought.

The day passed, and night fell. Arata picked Suzu up and brought her to her room, laying her down on the bed.

Morning came

“So it’s today, right? That’s why we got up so early?” Ryu asked excitedly

“Yes, now hurry up and eat, or we won’t make it to school on time. I won’t be here every morning to take care of you guys. Act like you did when you went to work.” Arata said

“Ah. Got it.” Ryu said

“Sounds reasonable to me.” Suzu said

“Ah! Don’t forget to bring your bags or the lunch that I made with you.” Arata said

“Got it. Arata, we were fine when it came to work, right? I’m pretty sure we can do this.” Ryu said

“I added popcorn by the way. If you forget the lunch it will get all soggy.” Arata said

“Ahh! Fine! I’ll take lunch, then.” Said Ryu, protecting the lunch in his arms

“No... each of you take your own lunch and your own book bag, ok? Also, Ryu, yours is the one on the left.” Arata said

“I can still smell things, Arata.” Ryu said

“Arata, you worry too much. I’m here, I can help as well. I’ll do the cooking every day for our lunches, too. Ryu, you can just do stuff like cleaning.” Said Suzu

“I’m better at cooking than you.” Ryu said

“Fine, you get both cooking and cleaning, then.” Suzu said, slightly irked

“Sounds good to me. I don’t really dislike it. It’s soothing sometimes.” Said Ryu

“Oh. In that case, I actually will leave it to you. Sweet.” Suzu said

“Guys. Hurry it up. Now! Also, Ryu isn’t going to do any of those things! We are just going to hire people to work here. I dont want Ryu burning this place down.” Arata said. He had his own book bag in his hand.

They all got ready, and headed out the door for school.

“Alright, uh, lets see. Classroom 2-A. So we are on the second floor. Oh, how fitting. We’re seated in the back. That’s pretty nice. Mhmm. Ok, got it.” Arata said as they walked to school. Suzu had noticed other people that were wearing the same thing that they were, heading in the same direction.

“So those are all students of the academy? Except that guy.” Ryu asked. He can hear what people wear. Apparently different clothes make different sounds. There were also a lot of footsteps. It was mostly the footsteps.

“Yeah, it’s a decently large school. We’re almost there. Oh. That’s who you meant when you said except that guy. No, Ryu, he goes here. Good guy. A little bit too normal. He does wear the alternate uniform that’s reserved for the science students, though. It’s not too uncommon. It’s normal to get one if you work hard enough. His passion for science is about normal for someone who is interested in it. He’s probably happy about Evan becoming our principal.” Arata said

“Hey Arata! You're back?” Said a voice

A calming aura surrounded it

“Hey, Ten. How’s it going?” Arata said

“Don’t you hows it going me! You disappeared for ages without a word! Do you know how worried we were?! Jeez. Do you know how glad I was when I heard you would be attending this year? Ah. Who are they?” Ten asked

“Jeez, Ten. I get it. Calm down a little. This is Suzu, and this is Ryu. They are family from where I went when I left. I brought them home with me.” Said Arata.

“Ah, is that why you left? For family? It’s nice to meet the two of you. I’m Ten. Other than being here, there’s not really anything that stands out about me, but if you have questions, you can ask. Aratas information is probably heavily outdated.” Ten said

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Suzu.” Suzu said

“Same here. It’s nice to meet you, my names Ryu.” Ryu said

“Ah. They’re being formal with me.” Ten pouted

“They just learned about life outside of the slums in a remote country a few days ago. Pretty sure their etiquette isn’t going to be the best. At least they try, unlike some people.” Arata said

“What do you mean by slums? Also, they aren’t from this country?” Ten asked

“No. We lived somewhere that wasn’t…good. This place is like heaven, actually. Compared to there. I have Arata to thank for that. It almost makes me fell like nearly freezing to death was a blessing.” Said Ryu, thinking hard

Suzu wasn’t really paying attention, and came back to reality when she heard Aratas' name

“Wait, what. Dear lord! Arata what have these people been through to say that so casually? Are you two ok?” Ten asked

“They don’t find stuff like people dying anything weird at first glance. They’re slowly adjusting to this life, I hope. As I said, they lived in the slums. Of a really poor country, too.” Arata said

“Are you sure they're fine? Nobody who says that is fine, as far as I know. Well, I guess I’ll extend the offer once more, with more emphasis. I’m Ten. If you need any help at all, whatsoever, please just ask. I’ll do as much as I can.” Ten said

“As always, you worry too much.” Said Arata

“Ten, don’t worry about us. We have Arata, he can help us with anything. He’s pretty smart despite how dumb he acts” said Ryu

“Acts dumb?” Ten asked

“Ryu, shush! I have a reputation to uphold.” Arata said

“You care about that stuff?” Ryu asked

“No, but I can’t let the son of a huge company seem like an idiot.” Arata said

“Makes sense. Oh, I got it! Ha. Ha. Arata is always smart. He also always acts smart. I was just joking. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha.” Ryu said monotonously

“Um. I’m already quite aware of how Arata usually acts. And saying ha ha ha isn’t exactly laughing, so that kinda gives it away.” Said Ten

“Wait, really? How!” Said Arata

“Well, you say you try to hide it, but you don’t really do a good job of that. At least, not all the time.” Ten said

“Wait, seriously? Does anyone else know?” Arata asked

“I’m not sure. To most others, you probably still look like a perfect, straight A, student. Though, I’d say that the long trip made people curious.” Ten said

“Does the cover really matter? Even if you act dumb, you get good grades. Isn’t that proof by itself? Those mean that you are smart, right?” Ryu asked

“I wish it were that simple. People might think that I’m using money and influence to get good grades.” Arata said

“I can basically guarantee nobody here would think that… These guys aren’t like the people in comics. Honestly, most of them wouldn’t care. It’s people like reporters that eat that stuff up. The teachers here are very well known for their strict adherence to equal grading and evaluation. You should know that. Even if it’s the second largest company in the world. Besides, I’ve heard that the president of limetech, Is it president? I don’t know, either way, I heard he was going to become the principle of our academy. I’m pretty sure nobody would try anything funny with him here. He has a...unique respect for knowledge.” Said Ten

“You do know that limetechs president and our school director is around 10ish years old, right?” Suzu asked

“Are you serious? Well… it doesn’t really matter, I guess. He made a name for himself at that age. I guess it just shows how capable he is.” Said Ten. It seemed forced.

“Wait, hold up. You actually reasoned out our school director being ten? Even if he has proven himself, don’t people still judge by age?” Arata asked

“This school is made to bring in the open minded. Arata, you yourself have an open mind, but you have a hard time believing that others do, too.” Said Ten

“Wow. That was a pretty damn accurate analysis of Aratas head.” Suzu said

“Hey, Arata, don’t they sell lunches at school, now that I think about it?” Ryu asked, hungry.

“Wait, hold on. Is he blind? I couldn’t even tell until a second ago.” Ten said, noticing Ryus left eye.

“I know, right. He even watches tv. It’s so weird.” Arata says

“I don’t know how, but I can hear things moving and see them. Well, that’s the best explanation, if you understand what I mean. I can’t really see the picture that well, my one eye is a bit blurry.” Ryu said

“Are you still trying to use that eye to see? Doesn’t it give you a headache?” Arata asked

“What’s wrong with his eye?” Ten asked

“This.” Ryu said, opening his eyes

“Oh, Jeez. What happened to it?” Ten asked

“As far as I know, I was born with it. It doesn’t hurt or anything. And there isn’t an injury on the area around the eye. So the injury wouldn’t make sense if it was external. I think that’s what they said.” Ryu stated

“So...you can see things by listening to them? Is it echolocation? No, it seems a tad different, this seems way too sensitive. Also, you don’t even make a sound.” Ten said

“I’m not sure. Don’t ask me, even the doctor I saw when I arrived here had no clue what it was. He couldn’t explain the scar, either, nor why I can still partially see. Well, it detects light and colors. That’s about it.” Said Ryu

“Suzu seems fine, though. That’s good. So Ryu was the only one who was injured there? Or is there anything I need to help her with, too?” Ten asked, concerned

“Nope, Ryu took all the damage for her, all the time. Honestly, she’s probably healthier than you are.... Actually, it’s the same with Ryu. We all came back because we passed the military scholarship test. Ryu got the fastest time out of all of us.” Arata said

“That’s impressive. Wait, you got a scholarship, too? I knew you were strong, but isn’t the test hard?” Ten asked

“It is indeed. And they passed the one that was near impossible, in times that were equal to or greater than the fastest times on the normal one.” Said Su

“Ah, Su! Good morning!” Ten said, enamored by her beauty

“Good morning, Ten.” Su said happily

“Hey Su.” Said Arata

“Wait, we call her mom now right?” Ryu asked

“Yeah.” Said suzu

“Good morning, mom!” Said the siblings

“Ah. Good morning Ryu. Good morning Suzu. You got here on time. That’s good.” Said Su, smiling

“Wait. Su, why are you here?” Arata asked

“Your mother asked me to work here and keep an eye on my kids.” Said Su

“Oh. They will need a lotta help, I will admit that.” Said Arata

“Thankfully, I don’t have to try and arrange the seating order to make sure you three are together.” Said Su

“Yeah, that was pretty convenient. It’s a good thing the director chose to put scholarship students together.” Said Arata

“Wait, you realize he-Ah! Right.” Said Su

“Mom? You okay?” Suzu asked

“Oh. Yes I’m fine. Just remembered something that I had forgotten. I’ll see you guys later!” Su said

“Well, then. That was something. Mrs Su is your mother?” Ten asked

“Yes.” Suzu said

“No one else could be.” Said Ryu

“Wait. Is that what you meant by related? Doesn’t that make them related to Mrs Su, not your family? If so, who's the father?” Ten asked

“It’s a massive story. I dunno, a single chapter could go on for ages.” Said Arata

“Oh. Gotcha.” Said Ten. He gave up pushing for info.

The bell rang for class, causing them to drop the conversation and run, so they weren't late