http://harmonizemods.insanejournal.com/ ([identity profile] harmonizemods.insanejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] harmonize_rpg2013-08-10 11:03 am

(no subject)

Who: Students, teachers, officials, various members of the press.
Where: Chitoku campus, meeting hall, then classrooms.
When: Tuesday, April 5, the first day of spring term.
What: Introduction and classes.


Like so many other things on the campus, Chitoku's main meeting hall was impressively huge, clearly able to hold more than the nearly thousand students, faculty, and press assembled within.

Perhaps even stranger than this was the fact that it was two stories underground.

Of course, there was an explanation ready: it doubled as an emergency evacuation site in case of an earthquake--or worse. While it satisfied the inevitable questions from the press, it likely didn't make the situation feel any less strange to the students who had--by and large--neatly filed in and taken their seats. Homeroom assignments had already been given, so with the students, teachers, press, and attending officials in their respective places, it was just a matter of waiting for the man of the hour--or at least the next fifteen minutes.

Principal Yosehira Norihiko was a distinguished gentleman, tall and trim and already going grey at the temples in his late forties. He took the podium once the initial murmuring had faded, and regarded the assembled crowd with a sort of general benevolence, in sharp contrast to the stern-looking Ministry of Education officials with whom he shared the stage.

"I would like to welcome you all to Chitoku Academy for the Gifted," he began. "This day is the culmination of years of tireless effort by the best our nation has to offer. I am honored and humbled to be a part of this project--it will surely be an essential cornerstone of the new Japan we are all striving to build."

He turned his eyes on the sea of uniformed students, seated in careful rows on benches behind the VIPs. "It is my hope that you, our pupils, will learn from their example, and teach those who will come after you in turn, to create a chain of loyalty and harmony between the greatest minds of each generation.

"In the wise words of Emperor Meiji: 'bear yourselves in modesty and moderation; extend your benevolence to all; pursue learning and cultivate arts, and thereby develop intellectual faculties and perfect moral powers'." The quote from the Imperial Rescript on Education had certainly not been used in such a high-profile setting since its abolition after the war, and hearing it resound through the hall now set many astir.

"That was his wish to his subjects, and that is ours to you now: to live up to the name of your school by cultivating both learning and virtue, and to become credits to your nation." And with a long bow, he ended his remarks and left the stage, allowing those better trained than he to deal with the press to take their questions.

Homeroom: 1-ro

[identity profile] harmonizenpc.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 12:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"Good morning! I'm Kiwanami, and I'll be your teacher for literature as well as homeroom. I hope we'll have a wonderful year together."

The woman was small and mousy, with a bland voice and an utterly forgettable face. But she skimmed down the list of students, and looked across the classroom, her eyes came to an abrupt halt on one name--and one person--in particular.

Granted, that was probably not unusual for Chloe. But the way the woman's eyes hardened, and the way she tried and utterly failed to cover it up with a smile, were utterly incongruent with her overall mildness.

Homeroom: 2-ni

[identity profile] harmonizenpc.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 12:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hello, everyone. Ah, my name is Sawatari."

It was clear that the woman had never stood at the front of a classroom before, but there she was, quickly jotting her name down on the markerboard. Amazingly, despite the simplicity of the characters, they were nearly illegible.

"I'll be teaching you biology this year as well. It's a pleasure to meet you all." She spoke softly and formally, ending the short self-introduction with a long bow.

"Now, why don't you all introduce yourselves?"

Homeroom: 3-ro

[identity profile] harmonizenpc.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 12:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Remarkable. Really remarkable."

Meanwhile, Katsura, the ethics teacher who was leading 3-ro, had already wrapped up his own introduction, perhaps a bit too hastily, and was already absorbed in discussing Yosehira's address.

"It's good to know we have someone in charge who sees where the power in our country should really lie, right? Quoting the Rescript and all--that was a bold move right there."

Re: Homeroom: 1-ro

[identity profile] fassade.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 01:45 pm (UTC)(link)
The look she received was not unexpected. The moment the teacher met her gaze and she saw those eyes betray her actual thoughts, Chloe almost wanted to smile. After all that talk during the opening ceremony of 'extending your benevolence to all', it was quite clear to her that she didn't fall into the 'all' category.

Instead of looking down or away like she usually would, Chloe instead steeled her gaze and looked her homeroom teacher in the eye. They said that your eyes were a window into one's soul, and if that were true, she hoped that this teacher saw even a glimpse of the fury that she kept hidden away. The German hoped that this Kiwanami saw just how unafraid of her she really was.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
The doors opened and Mirai was spat out amongst the middle of the student crowd.

There, in that image, was the belief he held about the lecture. A belief that if he shared it would cause at least some annoyance to the principal, ministers and teachers, simply because they were hopeful for him [and others] to be the greatest example they had. So they spoke about unity and harmonisation, hoping one of them would take inspiration from the words and spread that amongst their peers.

"That's the way I like it", "It was a good speech", "Kocho-Sensei must read history or something," he said to the nearest people.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] phantomcloud.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 03:53 pm (UTC)(link)
What Miyume thought or how felt about the lecture weren't clearly evident. Judging from her blank response, it seemed entirely possible that it hadn't affected her at all.

She listened politely to the older boy's compliments on the speech, giving a slight nod of acknowledgment to each statement.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 04:27 pm (UTC)(link)
As the girl nodded along, Mirai nearly threw in a contrary statement. A sharp shock would throw the lamb amongst the wolves quite nicely. He hoped to loosen ties a little and overindulge himself in the game. He hoped to steal himself an audience. He stared down at the younger student as the crowd pushed them along -

There, in the girl's secrecy, he saw the likely failure of his approach. Suppose he wriggled in a different way into her affections, would that give him the same satisfaction? He tipped his head back and his eyes stared down at her as a hand came to run through the hair dangling in front of him.

"And what do you think of his desire for you? Will you be a link in society's chain of loyalty and harmony?"

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] phantomcloud.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"We're already linked for better or worse," Miyume said without meeting his gaze. "There's nothing else to think about."

She bowed her head, giving a little mysterious smile. Whether it was for the older boy's benefit or for her own remained unknown.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"If you shake the chain it rattles, kouhai," Mirai said, countering a few seconds after. "I am sure some people will allow evil to rule them and take advantage of the situation. Really, everyone always has things they're thinking about."

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] phantomcloud.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 05:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"All the better to ensure it's forged strong." A soft, girlish giggle and a sweet smile.

"Are there things you're always thinking about, senpai?"

Miyume tilted her head to look at him curiously.

Re: Homeroom: 1-ro

[identity profile] harmonizenpc.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 06:09 pm (UTC)(link)
For a moment--just a moment--there was a flicker of fear.

But the look that followed was almost worse than the first. For she meant the smile now, the corners of her lips lifting that little bit more, and her eyes narrowed. Just try it, it seemed to say. Come at me.

And then it was gone, and Kiwanami clapped her hands together, the sound sharp in the silence that had momentarily settled. "Now, let's do some self-introductions so we can all get properly acquainted! You're first alphabetically, Miss Abendroth--" the name was mangled, Japanese-fied beyond all recognition "--so why don't you start?"

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 06:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Mirai smiled warmly at this. They started climbing up the stairs with the crowd chattering behind them, walking ahead to the doors with the subway-light streaming through while the way forward and the path below became a sea of people.

"Well, I said everyone. Of course there are things I'm always thinking. I am just fortunate that my thoughts don't have a tongue."

He would rather encourage others to find theirs instead.

Re: Homeroom: 3-ro

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 06:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Mirai assumed Katsura-sensei was daydreaming about the position he would one day take over. He stared ruminatively back at his teacher. To his eyes the man seemed trapped in his position and unable to have options that would let him say something different.

He, however, was not afraid to hide his confidence and raised his arm.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] phantomcloud.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Fortunate?"

For a moment, she looked doubtful, but it quickly disappeared. She appeared to be considering his words very carefully, more than that she had when he had been sharing platitudes about the speech. Or during the speech itself.

She ascended the stairs very cautiously, holding on as firmly to the handrail as she could. Her grip was stronger now than it had been for months but even so, she had yet to regain her health completely. Mostly recovered wasn't the same thing as being fully recovered and she didn't need to complicate it any more by a tumble down the stairs.

"Maybe that would be a fortunate trait, indeed," she murmured to herself. "Do you have any thoughts that do speak?"

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 08:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"I do, loudly. They're difficult to listen to. But like every good senpai I have a great capacity for showing discipline."

He watched his junior cautiously ascend the stairs, but he could not quite tell what her problem was. It might have been any old thing, and even being afraid of such a height. But at last he was able to command the conversation and his image. And it was raised to the level he liked it, where he began introductions.

"Imaizumi Mirai. 3rd year. It is a pleasure."

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] phantomcloud.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hazama Miyume. First year. Nice to meet you, senpai."

Her trek up the stairs was a little slower than either she or the students behind them if their impatient mutterings indicated anything. Miyume suppressed a sigh and quickened her pace a bit more. As a result, her grip on the handrail loosened a bit but thankfully, there didn't look to be as many steps as she'd feared. Hopefully, she'd get to the top without stumbling or falling backwards into the crowd.

Re: Homeroom: 1-ro

[identity profile] fassade.insanejournal.com 2013-08-10 10:53 pm (UTC)(link)
That flicker was all Chloe needed. That millisecond of fear was enough to make the corner of her mouth twitch, almost as if she were trying to smile. If she was going to be stuck with this woman for the remainder of the year, she might as well make the most of it.

The German stood when called upon, standing at her full height and squaring her shoulders. She bowed as was the Japanese tradition, and when she spoke, her voice was in an even tone.

"I am Chloe Abendroth. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am from Germany, and I specialize in piano. I look forward to this year with all of you."

She then nodded, and silently sat back down in her seat. That was probably going to be the longest bit of dialogue she spoke all year. On top of that, she spoke in fluent Japanese with only a very slight hint of an accent. It was surprising how convincing she made that introduction sound even though most of it was a lie; it was not a pleasure to meet them, and she was not looking forward to this year at all. Yet none of that registered on her emotionless face. Instead, she looked calmly at the teacher, waiting for her to call on the next student.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-11 09:42 am (UTC)(link)
It was clear Mirai had noticed the whispering. He stared around and his deep eyes gazed at the students so inquisitively that there was a silence that he was able to smile at. Though it seemed to vanish as soon as he turned his head back to the front.

"Well, I've signed myself to a few clubs. Would you share yours, Miyume-chan?"

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] phantomcloud.insanejournal.com 2013-08-11 08:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"I signed up for the swim club and the writing club. Which ones did you sign up for, senpai?"

The whispers had stopped but only for a moment. In response, Miyume attempted to rush up the past few steps. It was hard to tell whether her hand slipped off the handrail or if she'd simply let go. Regardless, she stumbled suddenly on the steps, her cane skidding across the step she was on and directly into the path of anyone with the misfortune who happened to be climbing behind her at that moment.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-12 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Archery and flower arrangement. They are - "

There was a strange and otherworldly timelessness. A jolt ran through Mirai's body. And in that moment he was certainly at least surprised as Miyume herself. His palm and fingers coiled around the handrail - which was difficult somewhat, as he was trying to support Miyume with his left hand. He began to push her back upright with greater force.

There were a couple of students stopping the flow, their voices tinged with concern. But he gave them a couple of pleasantries. He gave them a friendly apology too, and a warm smile with some assurance that made them happy enough to walk around the two and continue upstairs.

"Are you okay?" His hand was still resting on her lower back; he wasn't entirely sure she would not fall the moment he let go.

It took him some movement, but Mirai allowed himself to stand free of the handrail. After he moved to support Miyume with his right hand instead, he deftly put his foot under the cane. Then he kicked it up, caught it in his left, and handed it over

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] phantomcloud.insanejournal.com 2013-08-12 03:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Miyume nodded weakly as she took the cane from him. Her face had gone even paler than usual and for a moment, something akin to panic filled her eyes. At any rate, she seemed somewhat disproportionately shaken for the event that had transpired.

She did smile at Mirai, a gentle one tinged with equal parts embarrassment and gratitude.

"I guess my hand just slipped," she fibbed, as much to convince herself as well as him. "Thank you, senpai. I would have fallen if you hadn't been here."

The second part of her statement rang completely true, at least.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] burningbow.insanejournal.com 2013-08-12 06:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Mirai stared at her. Whatever was wrong, she certainly was at least lying and intending to keep the truth from him. A cane, as far as he knew, meant something was wrong. He found himself smiling. Secrets were such an intriguing thing to think about that he felt sure he would be solving hers later.

Unfortunately, the whole business made him a little more obsessed. He watched her, admiring the secrecy with which she seemed to shroud herself.

"My help's nothing special, Miyume-chan. I should offer it, though. So I would be happy to walk you to the nurse's office, if you like."

Re: Homeroom: 2-ni

[identity profile] allisnothing.insanejournal.com 2013-08-12 09:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Haruka sat near the front of the door, her cane folded neatly and in her bag and out of the way. She heard a few whispers and could almost feel the occasional looks in her direction but she knew the novelty would wear off eventually.

Just not now, when it was her turn to introduce herself.

She stood and turned slightly before she bowed a little.

"Hi. My name is Haruka Shikata. I specialize in drama. Nice to meet you all."

She promptly sat down and went back to noting where it sounded like people were situated when they introduced themselves.

Re: Hall/reactions

[identity profile] phantomcloud.insanejournal.com 2013-08-13 05:20 am (UTC)(link)
Miyume-chan?

The familiarity with which he spoke her name caught her a little off guard. She looked at him quizzically a moment, giving into a tiny frown.

"The nurse's office?" she repeated softly. "I'm not sure if that's necessary. My hand slipped and I lost my balance. That's all it was."

If she told herself that enough times, maybe it would eventually become true. That was usually the case with most things.

Miyume smiled sweetly at him.

"However, I wouldn't mind an escort to class instead."

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