Type Four - Conflicted
"Are you really going to change out of Class Zero?" Akira frowned at her daughter, "You are strong enough to belong in the class."
"Not all the students think that." Manami replied simply in a weak voice.
Akira sighed, "That is not true. You have the potential and you belong in Class Zero."
"Mother, it's true. I couldn't even defend myself against my attacker." Manami argued, sitting up, wincing as her wound hasn't recovered.
Akira stayed silent. She then allowed a small smile appear on her flawless face.
"You have always been stubborn. But, I encourage you to continue working in Class Zero. You are going to be the Serpent Paladin am I right?"
Manami's eyes widened slightly, before closing them, "It can't be helped if my wound doesn't recover."
"This isn't the Manami that is my daughter," Akira allowed the frown to return, "Manami wouldn't give up, she would continue to fight and move on. Not sit in the infirmary room, being helpless."
Manami narrowed her eyes, before balling her hands into a fist, gripping the sheets of the blanket. She then turned to her mother.
"...You're right. I'm not the type to give up easily. However, the truth is Class Zero won't need me. Therefore I don't need to be in Class Zero." She said in a calm tone that made Akira shiver slightly.
She knew that all too calm tone was when her daughter was being serious. At that moment, the daughter and mother heard whispers outside the infirmary door. Manami let out a sigh.
"Ace, I know it's you. Come in." She called out.
It was silent for awhile, until Ace slowly opened the door. Surprisingly, all those who disliked Manami came to visit her. What didn't surprise her was the fact that both Nine and Sice were absent.
"How are you feeling Manami?" Ace asked the girl, concern in his green eyes.
Manami only shot him a small smile, "I'm fine Ace. It's only a wound."
"A spear wound," Machina folded his arms, "You do know that spear was made by none other than Nine's spear right?"
"Yes I know, but it's not Nine who attacked me." Manami answered, touching the bandaged that was around her waist.
Rem gave her a worried look, "You trust him even though you know he doesn't like you?"
"I don't trust him, but I don't think he'd go this far to attack me. The attacker is who I'm confused about." Manami said.
"Akihito," Seven spoke up, her arms folded in a usual manner, "He was the one who attacked you."
Manami's eyes widened temporarily, before she closes them, "That explains everything."
"You mean, you already figured it out?" Deuce asked the girl, awe present on her face.
"It's not that hard, considering Akihito has been chasing me ever since I've attended Suzaku Peristylium. It makes sense that he would attack me, hoping
I'd come back to Class Thirteen." Manami explained.
"Are you going to go back to Class Thirteen?" Jack asked and Manami could see the hope in his eyes that she would disagree.
Manami stayed silent before answering, "...No, I won't."
[][][]
"What do you mean she won't come back to Class Thirteen!?" Akihito shouted at Sachiko, who had her arms folded with her eyes narrowed at the boy.
"Manami will eventually learn that Class Zero is a necessity for her paladin powers. She will not leave Class Zero." Sachiko explained.
"You don't have your paladin powers! Why don't you go to Class Zero instead of her!?" Akihito continued to shout out his rage, but Sachiko held up a hand to silence him.
"You are wrong Akihito. Manami is the only one out of the five of us to not have her paladin powers." She said as Miharu, Sayuri and Emi went up behind her.
All four of them held a gold mask in their hand, each having a different design from each others. Akihito narrowed his eyes.
"When!? When did you get those powers!?" He shouted as the paladins dismissed their masks.
Miharu placed her hands on her hips, "Years ago. We were chosen ever since we were born. Manami was chosen only just last year."
"We all have a different way of gaining our powers. This is Manami's chance." Sayuri said, a bright smile on her face.
"Manami's power is her heart. If she follows her heart, she will receive her powers of being a paladin." Emi clasped her hands together and placed them underneath her chest.
Akihito glared at all three of them before turning his intensifying gaze on Sachiko. He scoffed before heading in a different direction. Sachiko turned to her sister, who sighed.
"Why does he keep trying to gain her attention when he knows she won't like him?" Miharu asked.
"She's the first to not submit under him and he'll try to make her fall for him. That's how it is in this love triangle!" Sayuri grinned.
"L-Love triangle?" Emi sweatdropped.
"Yes! Akihito, Manami and Nine! Why else would Akihito use Nine's spear to attack Manami? He was jealous of Nine!" Sayuri pranced around the room, a dazed look on her face.
"...I worry for her."
"I think we all do sis..."
[][][]
Two weeks have past ever since the incident and Manami had been allowed to leave the infirmary in the first week. She had a single crutch to support her if her wound was giving her too much pain. Manami made her way over to Class Zero, with Ace at her side. The boy had been around Manami ever since she was released from the infirmary. He was more or less worried about her being attacked again, especially when Miharu had warned him that Akihito has been in a foul mood ever since Manami chose to stay in Class Zero.
"Are you enjoying Class Zero?" Ace asked, as Manami nodded.
"You guys have changed my views on Class Zero. I get along with everyone now, apart from Sice and Nine of course." Manami answered.
"They will eventually warm up to you. Sice is too proud to befriend those not from Class Zero and Nine, well, he never really gets along with anyone." Ace said.
As they made their way into the classroom, Deuce immediately ran up to Manami with a bright smile on her face, "Good morning Miss Manami!"
Manami smiled and ruffled the girl's hair with her free hand and went over to her desk. She noticed that Nine wasn't there. He was probably pranking some other instructor. Manami placed her crutch down as soon as she sat down and Ace stood up while talking to her. Rem joined soon enough, dragging Machina into the conversation as well.
Machina and Manami have got along ever since he helped her during that time where she was injured. Manami had returned his cape after washing it and therefore got along with eachother. Machina had considered her a great friend, just behind Rem of course.
Seven was the next to find Manami enjoyable to be around. The two normally would work together with the underclassmen and help them. Cinque accepted Manami after she had complimented on her battle skills and would normally train with eachother, though lightly because Manami was still recovering.
Trey had befriended Manami, because she helped him with his aiming skills, as they are both skilled in far ranged attacks. King had been able to talk with Manami on the occasion because they use similar weapons.
Queen decided to give Manami a chance, accepting her intellect as one of Class Zero's. [Cater will come in a little later. I wrote this before she was fully announced, but I will fit her in one way or another]
Nine and Sice, unfortunately, were the only ones who haven't accepted Manami as a student of Class Zero. Nine would continue to prank and torment Manami, whilst Sice ignored her altogether.
Kurasame at that moment entered the classroom and everyone moved back to their desk. Nine was still absent and it made Manami wonder what he was exactly doing. Ace sat a seat away from Manami and frowned when he noticed the missing dragoon.
"Today I'll be assigning you your partners for your mission which will take place in the next week. What mission you will receive will be given by myself." Kurasame cleared his throat before reading out the names.
"Ace and Jack."
Both Ace and Jack turned to grin at eachother.
"Queen and Sice."
Queen nodded at Sice, who only shrugged.
"Trey and Cinque."
Cinque grinned at Trey with excitement, who smiled back.
"Machina and Rem."
Rem looked estatic and turned to her childhood friend with a smile. Machina merely nodded with a smile as well.
"Seven and King."
Seven turned to King with a passive face, but nodded at him, who nodded back.
"Eight and Deuce."
Deuce bowed towards Eight, who smiled and ruffled her hair.
"Nine and Manami."
Manami frozed, hearing her partner's name. She let out an inaudible sigh and placed her chin on her arms.
"That's everyone. You'll be given this class time to talk about strategies and abilities, while I go and get your missions finalised." Kurasame left without another word and chatter rosed in the classroom.
"Manami," The dark haired brunette lifted her head to see Queen, "Since you are partnered with Nine, I will tell you he hates to be ordered around. So try not to tell him what to do, because he may rebel against you."
"Why do you even care give her that information Queen? Nine obviously won't be happy to be paired up with her anyway." Sice said roughly, piercing gaze on Manami.
Manami frowned slightly, "...I understand Queen. Thank you."
Queen nodded and headed off, with Sice following her, but not before shooting an evil look at Manami. The dark haired brunette sighed and placed her head on the desk, seeing as though Nine wasn't here to talk to.
"Are you alright?" She heard Eight ask her.
Manami lifted her head up and sighed, "I'm fine Eight. I'm just tired."
"If you want, I will be happy to trade places with you if you aren't comfortable with Nine." Eight offered kindly, but Manami shook her head.
"No, it's alright Eight. You're so kind, but Nine isn't going to kill me." Manami smiled at the hand to hand combat student.
Eight smiled back and went towards Deuce as Manami stood up and went over to the window and looked out of it. Narrowing her eyes, she noticed Nine was outside, laying down underneath a tree. Figuring that he wasn't going to head back to the classroom, Manami headed out into the school yard.
When she made it to Nine, she stopped in front of him as he opened his eyes. Those blue eyes narrowed when he saw Manami.
"What do you want Koizumi?" He asked in his usual rough voice.
"You know, you be more nicer to your partner." Manami frowned, one arm rest on her crutch.
Nine scoffed, "If you're my partner for our mission, then don't expect me to back you up. I'll leave you if you pull me down."
"I don't plan on pulling anyone down."
"With that injury you will."
Manami gently touched her stomach where it had been pierced by Nine's spear. She sighed and closed her eyes.
"With this wound, it prevents me from showing my true strength. I just want to recover quickly." She said.
"Even with all that white magic Rem used on you?" Nine raised an eyebrow.
"Cure only helps to stop the bleeding and restore the wound. The pain on the other hand is still there." Manami explained, wincing when she accidentally hit her stomach against her crutch.
Nine rolled his eyes, "Whatever. Just don't get in my way."
"I don't plan to..." Manami muttered.
[][][]
"Why aren't you happy that Manami is your partner? I would be partners with her." Ace frowned as Nine rocked on his chair in the empty classroom.
"If you like her so much, why don't you and I switch? At least I know that Jack isn't useless." Nine said roughly, arms behind his head.
"Manami isn't useless. Nine, you're not giving her a chance."
"She doesn't need a chance! If she got herself attacked and injured just because she let down her guard, then how do I know she won't screw up on the mission!?"
Ace was taken aback from Nine's shouts, but narrowed his eyes, "How would you know she will screw up? She's not the type to screw up and leave it like that. If she did screw up, she would fixed it."
"How would you know?"
"Haven't you been watching her practice fights against Kurasame?"
"Why should I!?"
"Nine enough!" Ace shouted, slamming his hands onto the desk, "You are not being fair to her! She doesn't deserved to be treated the way you treat her!"
Nine stood up abruptly and grabbed Ace by his collar, "You damn goody! Not everyone has to like her you know!? Even if she's a princess, she will never be a Class Zero student in my eyes! No wonder why she abandoned her title! She was and will always be a failure! Here and back in her kingdom!"
Ace's eyes widened in shock. Both boys heard a sound from outside the classroom and turned to look at it, but no one was there. Nine placed Ace back on his feet and growled.
"Who the hell was eavesdropping on us!?" He kicked a chair in rage as Ace folded his arms.
"...I wonder if Manami heard that." He mumbled, but Nine caught it.
"What made you think it's her?" He narrowed his eyes at the card wielder, who only pointed at the door.
Nine turned around and noticed a single crutch on the ground. He knew only one person who used a crutch and it was the person that Ace just mentioned. Nine frowned, annoyed that he couldn't keep his mouth shut, but he was more annoyed at how guilty he felt for his enemy.
"Are you really going to change out of Class Zero?" Akira frowned at her daughter, "You are strong enough to belong in the class."
"Not all the students think that." Manami replied simply in a weak voice.
Akira sighed, "That is not true. You have the potential and you belong in Class Zero."
"Mother, it's true. I couldn't even defend myself against my attacker." Manami argued, sitting up, wincing as her wound hasn't recovered.
Akira stayed silent. She then allowed a small smile appear on her flawless face.
"You have always been stubborn. But, I encourage you to continue working in Class Zero. You are going to be the Serpent Paladin am I right?"
Manami's eyes widened slightly, before closing them, "It can't be helped if my wound doesn't recover."
"This isn't the Manami that is my daughter," Akira allowed the frown to return, "Manami wouldn't give up, she would continue to fight and move on. Not sit in the infirmary room, being helpless."
Manami narrowed her eyes, before balling her hands into a fist, gripping the sheets of the blanket. She then turned to her mother.
"...You're right. I'm not the type to give up easily. However, the truth is Class Zero won't need me. Therefore I don't need to be in Class Zero." She said in a calm tone that made Akira shiver slightly.
She knew that all too calm tone was when her daughter was being serious. At that moment, the daughter and mother heard whispers outside the infirmary door. Manami let out a sigh.
"Ace, I know it's you. Come in." She called out.
It was silent for awhile, until Ace slowly opened the door. Surprisingly, all those who disliked Manami came to visit her. What didn't surprise her was the fact that both Nine and Sice were absent.
"How are you feeling Manami?" Ace asked the girl, concern in his green eyes.
Manami only shot him a small smile, "I'm fine Ace. It's only a wound."
"A spear wound," Machina folded his arms, "You do know that spear was made by none other than Nine's spear right?"
"Yes I know, but it's not Nine who attacked me." Manami answered, touching the bandaged that was around her waist.
Rem gave her a worried look, "You trust him even though you know he doesn't like you?"
"I don't trust him, but I don't think he'd go this far to attack me. The attacker is who I'm confused about." Manami said.
"Akihito," Seven spoke up, her arms folded in a usual manner, "He was the one who attacked you."
Manami's eyes widened temporarily, before she closes them, "That explains everything."
"You mean, you already figured it out?" Deuce asked the girl, awe present on her face.
"It's not that hard, considering Akihito has been chasing me ever since I've attended Suzaku Peristylium. It makes sense that he would attack me, hoping
I'd come back to Class Thirteen." Manami explained.
"Are you going to go back to Class Thirteen?" Jack asked and Manami could see the hope in his eyes that she would disagree.
Manami stayed silent before answering, "...No, I won't."
[][][]
"What do you mean she won't come back to Class Thirteen!?" Akihito shouted at Sachiko, who had her arms folded with her eyes narrowed at the boy.
"Manami will eventually learn that Class Zero is a necessity for her paladin powers. She will not leave Class Zero." Sachiko explained.
"You don't have your paladin powers! Why don't you go to Class Zero instead of her!?" Akihito continued to shout out his rage, but Sachiko held up a hand to silence him.
"You are wrong Akihito. Manami is the only one out of the five of us to not have her paladin powers." She said as Miharu, Sayuri and Emi went up behind her.
All four of them held a gold mask in their hand, each having a different design from each others. Akihito narrowed his eyes.
"When!? When did you get those powers!?" He shouted as the paladins dismissed their masks.
Miharu placed her hands on her hips, "Years ago. We were chosen ever since we were born. Manami was chosen only just last year."
"We all have a different way of gaining our powers. This is Manami's chance." Sayuri said, a bright smile on her face.
"Manami's power is her heart. If she follows her heart, she will receive her powers of being a paladin." Emi clasped her hands together and placed them underneath her chest.
Akihito glared at all three of them before turning his intensifying gaze on Sachiko. He scoffed before heading in a different direction. Sachiko turned to her sister, who sighed.
"Why does he keep trying to gain her attention when he knows she won't like him?" Miharu asked.
"She's the first to not submit under him and he'll try to make her fall for him. That's how it is in this love triangle!" Sayuri grinned.
"L-Love triangle?" Emi sweatdropped.
"Yes! Akihito, Manami and Nine! Why else would Akihito use Nine's spear to attack Manami? He was jealous of Nine!" Sayuri pranced around the room, a dazed look on her face.
"...I worry for her."
"I think we all do sis..."
[][][]
Two weeks have past ever since the incident and Manami had been allowed to leave the infirmary in the first week. She had a single crutch to support her if her wound was giving her too much pain. Manami made her way over to Class Zero, with Ace at her side. The boy had been around Manami ever since she was released from the infirmary. He was more or less worried about her being attacked again, especially when Miharu had warned him that Akihito has been in a foul mood ever since Manami chose to stay in Class Zero.
"Are you enjoying Class Zero?" Ace asked, as Manami nodded.
"You guys have changed my views on Class Zero. I get along with everyone now, apart from Sice and Nine of course." Manami answered.
"They will eventually warm up to you. Sice is too proud to befriend those not from Class Zero and Nine, well, he never really gets along with anyone." Ace said.
As they made their way into the classroom, Deuce immediately ran up to Manami with a bright smile on her face, "Good morning Miss Manami!"
Manami smiled and ruffled the girl's hair with her free hand and went over to her desk. She noticed that Nine wasn't there. He was probably pranking some other instructor. Manami placed her crutch down as soon as she sat down and Ace stood up while talking to her. Rem joined soon enough, dragging Machina into the conversation as well.
Machina and Manami have got along ever since he helped her during that time where she was injured. Manami had returned his cape after washing it and therefore got along with eachother. Machina had considered her a great friend, just behind Rem of course.
Seven was the next to find Manami enjoyable to be around. The two normally would work together with the underclassmen and help them. Cinque accepted Manami after she had complimented on her battle skills and would normally train with eachother, though lightly because Manami was still recovering.
Trey had befriended Manami, because she helped him with his aiming skills, as they are both skilled in far ranged attacks. King had been able to talk with Manami on the occasion because they use similar weapons.
Queen decided to give Manami a chance, accepting her intellect as one of Class Zero's. [Cater will come in a little later. I wrote this before she was fully announced, but I will fit her in one way or another]
Nine and Sice, unfortunately, were the only ones who haven't accepted Manami as a student of Class Zero. Nine would continue to prank and torment Manami, whilst Sice ignored her altogether.
Kurasame at that moment entered the classroom and everyone moved back to their desk. Nine was still absent and it made Manami wonder what he was exactly doing. Ace sat a seat away from Manami and frowned when he noticed the missing dragoon.
"Today I'll be assigning you your partners for your mission which will take place in the next week. What mission you will receive will be given by myself." Kurasame cleared his throat before reading out the names.
"Ace and Jack."
Both Ace and Jack turned to grin at eachother.
"Queen and Sice."
Queen nodded at Sice, who only shrugged.
"Trey and Cinque."
Cinque grinned at Trey with excitement, who smiled back.
"Machina and Rem."
Rem looked estatic and turned to her childhood friend with a smile. Machina merely nodded with a smile as well.
"Seven and King."
Seven turned to King with a passive face, but nodded at him, who nodded back.
"Eight and Deuce."
Deuce bowed towards Eight, who smiled and ruffled her hair.
"Nine and Manami."
Manami frozed, hearing her partner's name. She let out an inaudible sigh and placed her chin on her arms.
"That's everyone. You'll be given this class time to talk about strategies and abilities, while I go and get your missions finalised." Kurasame left without another word and chatter rosed in the classroom.
"Manami," The dark haired brunette lifted her head to see Queen, "Since you are partnered with Nine, I will tell you he hates to be ordered around. So try not to tell him what to do, because he may rebel against you."
"Why do you even care give her that information Queen? Nine obviously won't be happy to be paired up with her anyway." Sice said roughly, piercing gaze on Manami.
Manami frowned slightly, "...I understand Queen. Thank you."
Queen nodded and headed off, with Sice following her, but not before shooting an evil look at Manami. The dark haired brunette sighed and placed her head on the desk, seeing as though Nine wasn't here to talk to.
"Are you alright?" She heard Eight ask her.
Manami lifted her head up and sighed, "I'm fine Eight. I'm just tired."
"If you want, I will be happy to trade places with you if you aren't comfortable with Nine." Eight offered kindly, but Manami shook her head.
"No, it's alright Eight. You're so kind, but Nine isn't going to kill me." Manami smiled at the hand to hand combat student.
Eight smiled back and went towards Deuce as Manami stood up and went over to the window and looked out of it. Narrowing her eyes, she noticed Nine was outside, laying down underneath a tree. Figuring that he wasn't going to head back to the classroom, Manami headed out into the school yard.
When she made it to Nine, she stopped in front of him as he opened his eyes. Those blue eyes narrowed when he saw Manami.
"What do you want Koizumi?" He asked in his usual rough voice.
"You know, you be more nicer to your partner." Manami frowned, one arm rest on her crutch.
Nine scoffed, "If you're my partner for our mission, then don't expect me to back you up. I'll leave you if you pull me down."
"I don't plan on pulling anyone down."
"With that injury you will."
Manami gently touched her stomach where it had been pierced by Nine's spear. She sighed and closed her eyes.
"With this wound, it prevents me from showing my true strength. I just want to recover quickly." She said.
"Even with all that white magic Rem used on you?" Nine raised an eyebrow.
"Cure only helps to stop the bleeding and restore the wound. The pain on the other hand is still there." Manami explained, wincing when she accidentally hit her stomach against her crutch.
Nine rolled his eyes, "Whatever. Just don't get in my way."
"I don't plan to..." Manami muttered.
[][][]
"Why aren't you happy that Manami is your partner? I would be partners with her." Ace frowned as Nine rocked on his chair in the empty classroom.
"If you like her so much, why don't you and I switch? At least I know that Jack isn't useless." Nine said roughly, arms behind his head.
"Manami isn't useless. Nine, you're not giving her a chance."
"She doesn't need a chance! If she got herself attacked and injured just because she let down her guard, then how do I know she won't screw up on the mission!?"
Ace was taken aback from Nine's shouts, but narrowed his eyes, "How would you know she will screw up? She's not the type to screw up and leave it like that. If she did screw up, she would fixed it."
"How would you know?"
"Haven't you been watching her practice fights against Kurasame?"
"Why should I!?"
"Nine enough!" Ace shouted, slamming his hands onto the desk, "You are not being fair to her! She doesn't deserved to be treated the way you treat her!"
Nine stood up abruptly and grabbed Ace by his collar, "You damn goody! Not everyone has to like her you know!? Even if she's a princess, she will never be a Class Zero student in my eyes! No wonder why she abandoned her title! She was and will always be a failure! Here and back in her kingdom!"
Ace's eyes widened in shock. Both boys heard a sound from outside the classroom and turned to look at it, but no one was there. Nine placed Ace back on his feet and growled.
"Who the hell was eavesdropping on us!?" He kicked a chair in rage as Ace folded his arms.
"...I wonder if Manami heard that." He mumbled, but Nine caught it.
"What made you think it's her?" He narrowed his eyes at the card wielder, who only pointed at the door.
Nine turned around and noticed a single crutch on the ground. He knew only one person who used a crutch and it was the person that Ace just mentioned. Nine frowned, annoyed that he couldn't keep his mouth shut, but he was more annoyed at how guilty he felt for his enemy.