When Cocoa and I finally reach the Auditorium, it takes a while to find a seat with the limited choices. It was already packed full of people and we were lucky to get a seat near the front.

"Talk about luck," Cocoa sighs before as we sit down.

We managed to snag these two seats near the end of the isle, mainly to avoid having to wait for people to get up and leave before we'd be able to go ourselves.

There were still 10 minutes before it started, and the sound crew was working on making the final adjustments and check on the equipment for the principal to use. Speakers ran through the auditorium from the balcony seats all the way to the back of the room. There was even a large, drop down screen for if we needed everyone to watch something at any given time.

Everyone was still busy getting shuffled into the auditorium and finding a seat. Because Hitomi High is the largest school around, the auditorium was built almost like an opera house. It was able to fit every student into it, and there are over 10,000 students attending this school, plus the teachers.

"Are you excited, Random?" Cocoa asks me over the crowd.

"I've been excited and curious since you told me back in the hallway," I answer back, trying to speak over the crowd.

Everyone in the room finally began to settle down in their seats as the principal walked onto the stage. He snapped his finger in front of the microphone to make sure there is sound, then pulls out a small notebook in front of him. His lectures usually go on for 25 to 30 minutes. Although informative, they can sometimes be dull. He turns his head to the sound crew and they give him a thumbs up, which means he’s good to go. Taking in a deep breath, he begins to speak.

 

"First off, I like to thank all returning students and new students alike. We strive to make our courses the best and provide you with teachers who can work with you to strive to do better in each category you go through. Here at Hitomi High, no one is favored over another.”

He starts to shuffle through the notebook before continuing.

“To get down to details, you're all probably wondering why you're all here. Rumors have been circulating throughout the school, but I doubt the news has reached any of your ears; only teachers, the staff, school board, and I, know of it."

If that wasn't already obvious. I think to myself.

"This has been in considerable discussion for the past two years and has finally reached a reasonable answer. Many of you, in your final year, have most likely been deciding what classes to take or where you plan to go once you graduate from here. Well, the system we have put into place should help you out with that. It’s a “Class Selection Questioner” that will not only help provide you with a future goal in something that you’ll potentially like, it will list the classes you should be taking along with mandatory classes that will need to be attended.”

His announcement had caused quite a commotion among the students.

“We know this is different and we’ve let you decide what you wish to for the past few years. But this system should be able to more easily condense and help you choose your classes more carefully and consider your future more clearly.
This is not avoidable under any circumstances and is not written in stone; you will be able to attend any classes you want. This is to just help guide you closer to a potential career choice you may or may not have all ready.
My last announcement will be to inform you that due to this, we have hired brand new teachers for various classes and have added new classes. These are still, and will be, hidden from you till after tomorrow when we know the results of your scores and which teachers and classes we should have open and ready.
I hope you enjoy your day and enjoy the start of a new school year at Hitomi High! You’re all dismissed for the day!”

After his conclusion, Cocoa and I sneak out as quickly as possible before the halls become clamored with students. It’s not too tricky to get to the exit from the auditorium and soon we’re both outside, ready to enjoy the remainder of it.

“Want to go to the park?” I ask Cocoa after she finishes shuffling through her backpack.

“Sure,” she nods happily in reply.

We both head down the busy streets of Stratus, waving hi to various people along the way.

We pass by the bakery, “Cake and Bake”, and hop across the street to the thrift shop, “New and Old items”. I stop in there from time to time and find various gadgets and other things for my inventions.

Before the park comes into view, we stop outside Cocoa’s favorite shop, “Hot Cocoa for cold hands.”

Whenever I go to that park to think of new inventions, I run into Cocoa starring deeply into the sign. Her dream is to run a Hot Chocolate shop that serves various flavors from around the world.

“You okay, Cocoa?”

She blinks and then turns to me. “I’m fine, let’s keep going.”

As we slowly depart, Cocoa looks over her shoulder one more time, watching the shop disappear into the distance.