Between Shits

Once Zero and I got back Lisa congratulated us on a job well done. I was just about to ask how she knew we did anything, but then I remembered her ability. It was getting late and I had a terrible headache from using my Photon too much. I know that all I created was a few simple shapes, but making a box that big and moving the sphere that fast really took its toll. If I was going to continue fighting like that I needed to think of a more efficient way of doing so. Of course, the obvious thing to do would be making a sword, but that would be lame and uninspired.

All this thinking was hurting my head even more than it already was so I just decided to continue brainstorming later. I was tired and ready to leave. I thought I had done enough for one night so I started to head out the door.

Lisa grabbed me and pulled me back, "Hang on a minute I just remembered something."

"Can't you just do it tomorrow or something?"

"No, I have to do it now or else I'll forget about it for who knows how long."

I looked longingly towards the now-closed door and sighed, "Fine just make it quick."

"Okay, I just need to get down some information about you, and then you can go." She opened up her laptop and spoke out loud as she typed, "Washi. Male. How old are you again?"

"Twenty"

"Twenty years old got it. Next, hair color...black. Hair length...mediu—"

"Is that information really necessary?"

"I'll have you know that I'm very detailed when it comes to these things."

"Alright, whatever floats your boat."

"Height...average. Appearance..." She eyed me from head to toe, "average."

"That hurts."

"Hey, at least I did say it was bad."

"Thanks that's really comforting. Are you done now?"

"Umm, probably?" she said, questioning herself.

She said that she was "very detailed" yet she didn't even ask me my last name or the name of my school. Although, I didn't mind too much because I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. Before she had a chance to change her mind, I left without a word. Eventually, I made my way back to my room and promptly fell asleep.

That night, my dream was quite vivid. In my dream, I remember seeing Zero losing against the three men while I couldn't do anything. They took the hackers away and the last thing I saw was my own head exploding after my Photon was hacked into. When I woke up I was a little freaked out at seeing my own head being blown up. It didn't bother me for too long though because I knew it was just a dream and nothing like that would ever happen.

Today, I was still worried about going to work, but surprisingly I wasn't as worried as I thought I should be. I was able to focus on my classes in the morning and even got some homework done before lunch. While I was eating lunch I began to wonder if I was already getting used to my crazy job after only working once. I mean, on one hand, it's good to not be worried all the time, but on the other hand, it's also a little frightening how fast I was getting accustomed to it.

After I was finished with lunch I was about to head back to my room when someone tapped me on the shoulder.

"Long time no see."

Behind me was one of my few friends I had here at school, Elaine. I had met her during my first year when we were paired up as lab partners for biology. Initially, she came off as a cold, anti-social person who didn't want anything to do with me. However, over time I realized that she was just too focused on her studies to spare time for anyone else. Eventually, I taught her to not spend all her time on school work and enjoy life. She also taught me to get my work done on time and study every once in a while.

"It really has been a long time. What's up?"

Her voice got quiet, "Well, I hate to bother you, but I really need your help with something"

"Look, if I try to help you with your homework it'll only make it worse."

"I'd never need your help with homework, it's about a guy."

Once she said that I instantly knew what she was talking about. Elaine was tall, beautiful, and hard to get which made her the object of many guys' affection. While we were in biology guys would constantly ask me to switch lab partners so they could get closer to her. I always refused because without her carrying me through that class I would've had to put in some serious effort to pass.

"Don't they usually give up after you reject them and crush all their hopes and dreams?"

"First of all that was a little harsh. Second, this one is very...persistent."

I heard the sound of someone running and then a short guy holding a bouquet of roses stopped in front of us.

He thrust the bouquet in front of Elaine and struck a dramatic pose, "Elaine! These roses signify my love for you please accept them. You can't keep denying your feeling for me. Do what's best for both our hearts and go out with me."

"Zeke, for the fifth time my answer is no."

"It pains my soul to see you try to hide your feelings for me. You don't have to keep them in any longer."

I stepped in front of Elaine and snatched the bouquet from him, "She's clearly not into you man, give it a rest already."

"Oh? and who made you the expert on her feelings?"

"She literally told me to help her get away from you because she's very not interested."

"If you really want to stand in the way of our love, I purpose a duel."

"Excuse me, what?"

"A duel. You against me. The rules are simple, we will use our Photons to strike our opponent. Whoever admits defeat first loses. If I win then Elaine will have to go on a date with me."

"What if I win?"

"You won't win, but if by some miracle, you do then I will never ask her out again."

I thought about it for a minute. Winning this duel might actually be the only way for this guy to back off of her for good. Also, it might be a good opportunity to try out a new way of fighting.

"Alright, I accept."

"What are you doing? I asked you to help me out not make it worse," Elaine said, a little upset at me.

"It'll be fine I just have to win and he's out of your hair for good."

"Ahem," Zeke cleared his throat to draw the attention back to him, "we will have our duel in one hour in the courtyard."

With that, he left and I prepared a strategy to win the duel.