"Ok, can anyone translate this passage into English for me?" The teacher questioned, gesturing to the paragraph on the interactive white board. As usual, the words made no sense at first, being in kanji. However, it seemed like the body you were in remembered how to read it, so it was only a second before you could understand what it said, the Japanese automatically translating to English in your thoughts; you were confused as to how natural that was, but you decided to see it as a blessing. "Mr Sakamaki?" Ayato stood, clearing his throat.
"Of course." He said, eyes going to the board. "It is said that death is a monster, with deadly claws and an evil grin filled with long fangs dripping with poison. And its eyes; deep black pits of hopelessness that steal your very soul away. So why is it, when I looked death in the face for the first time, his hands were warm as they held mine and smile was kind. His eyes were pure and loving as he pulled me into his comforting embrace. Yes, surely death is a beautiful thing." There was a smattering of applause across the room as he finished, the teacher giving him a smile.
"Beautifully done, Mr Sakamaki." She praised, and you frowned, wondering why the class was looking at such a dark and dreary passage. Plus, everyone seemed to admire Ayato, which in your eyes was just plain ridiculous. Sure, he was smart, but he was also an asshole.
"Ms L/N, would you care to try the next paragraph? I know you're new, but your previous studies should allow for a rough translation. It will help me to find your weaknesses in translation, since I haven't taught you before. Now, please don't feel downhearted if you can't translate it properly; it is a very difficult paragraph after all." You stared at her incredulously. What the hell? She's making me out to be an idiot before I've even said a goddamn word! God I hate miserable suck ups like her. You got to your feet, glancing over at Ayato, who shot you a mocking grin. Teacher's pet.
"The sun beats warmly down upon us; be it not too bright or scorching, it gives us light and protection. The grass like a sea, wind creating wave upon wave of life itself within each stalk. God's work is everywhere you look; the towering forest where the animals make their home, the bright, jewelled fruit of the forbidden tree. We look around in awe, God's creation surrounding us and goodness in our hearts. Our serenity seems as if it will last for all eternity, just me, Adam and all of our animal companions. However, 'tis not to be; a slithering serpent makes its way into my heart, insidious whisperings drawing me in like a moth to flame. Eat the fruit, it hisses in my ear. Eat the fruit, and you can be just as powerful as God. I take the fruit from the tree and cradle it in my palms, the bright red urging me to sink my teeth into the ripe flesh. The serpent watches with a malicious hiss as I raise it to my lips and take a bite. Suddenly, everything is clear, and I realise what a terrible mistake I have made. I am now a sinner, banished from the sacred Eden and cursed for all eternity." There was a moment of stunned silence as everyone stared in your direction. God, what convoluted bull, you thought to yourself in the sudden quiet. Maybe they're stunned at how bizarre the passage was.
"Perfectly translated, Ms L/N." The teacher finally said. "It appears that Mr Sakamaki is not the only prodigy in the class! Well done." You sat down, feeling Ayato's eyes burning into you from three desks over. Bet that smug grin is wiped off his face now. I wish she hadn't said that though...Ayato's obsession with being number one is going to cause me some real issues, the first issue being dodgeball. God he's going to kill me. The bell rung and you groaned, collecting your things and shoving them into your bag. A shadow fell over you and you glanced up to see Ayato looming over your desk, a nasty smile on his face.
"Ready for dodgeball, chichinashi?" He asked, grabbing your arm and pulling you to your feet, dragging you along behind him to a corridor with two doors on opposite sides, one with a female silhouette and one with a male. "This is where we separate, chichinashi. I'll see you on the battlefield."
