*At the Kazuchika household, Le Fey was chatting with Morgan and enjoying some coffee. As they were talking Ren and Erina came downstairs*
(Ren and Erina): Uncle Morgan!
(Morgan): Greetings.
*Ren and Erina ran over to hug their uncle*
(Erina): You’re here again.
(Morgan): Well I had some business out this way and thought I would stop by and say hello.
(Le Fey): What he’s really saying is, he wanted to see if we were alright since your dad is out of town.
(Morgan): No! I just thought it’d be rude if I didn’t stop by and say hello.
(Erina): Ohh~. Is this what they call tsundere, mom?
(Le Fey): Yes it is, sweetie.
(Morgan): What kind of nonsense are you teaching my niece? Speaking of your husband, I just received word that their mission was a success. They should be back tomorrow morning.
*Ren and Erina’s faces lit up with excitement*
(Ren and Erina): YAYYYY~!
(Ren): Mom! Can I please stay home from school tomorrow?
(Le Fey): No.
(Ren): Oh come on! I really wanna see dad.
(Morgan): You’ll be able to see him when you get home from school. Not to mention you shouldn’t skip over things like this. Value the time you have with your friends before your winter break and learn what you can. Well, I should get going. I have a meeting within the next hour. Have a good day you three.
*Morgan finishes his coffee, picks up his bag, and heads out the door to his car which was a white SUV with a coded lock installed in order to start it. Morgan input the code and drove off*
(Ren): Uncle Morgan really likes school.
(Erina): Yeah.
(Le Fey): Well, that’s because he couldn’t go to school as a kid.
(Erina): He couldn’t? Why?
(Le Fey): When he was around your age he had a frail body. He would get sick easily and ran out of breath quickly. Not only could he not go to school but for his own safety and health he had to stay inside. Because of this he didn’t have that many friends growing up and never got to experience school life. He had to be home-schooled for much of his life.
(Ren): But he was just outside now. Doesn’t that mean he’s in danger?
(Le Fey): Oh no, he’s fine. The good news is as he got older his body got healthier and he was finally able to go outside and live a normal life. Unfortunately, by the time his body was healthy, high school was over for us and we were starting college. I think the reason why he became a teacher is because he wanted to experience that school life he missed out on as a kid.
***
*After a twenty-minute drive, Morgan arrived onto the campus of Brister University. After parking in the garage, he made his way out onto the campus. It was snowing and there was snow on the ground as he walked through the campus to reach his meeting. As he walked, he could see some of the students in the free space making snowmen and putting up decorations in order to celebrate Faven’s birthday which was just around the corner. Some students would greet him as he walked by. Particularly, the female students as some had a crush on him. Eventually, he made it to Larskin Hall. This is where a majority of the professors had their offices at and would get together for meetings. Entering the hall, he made it to the meeting room where a number of professors from different races were already there waiting for the headmaster to speak. The headmaster was an elf with long grey hair and green eyes wearing a dark blue robe with green lining*
(Headmaster Kogpot): I thank you all for making it to this meeting. I know we’re busy with final exams coming up so I’ll do my best to make this meeting quick.
*Kogpot began the meeting by talking about the exam schedule, the hours the campus will be closed during the holiday season and many other things*
(Headmaster Kogpot): In closing, I ask that everyone stay vigilant. There have been reports of car thefts in the area. It’s already been reported that two students had their cars stolen from them off campus. Please report any suspicious activity to the campus police. That’s all for now. I’ll let you all go.
*Everyone got up and bowed to the headmaster as they started to leave. As Morgan was making his way to the door he locked eyes with the headmaster who nodded at him. Morgan nodded back and continued to walk out the door*
***
*Once Morgan made it outside, he began walking to Amnesty Hall for his class. Morgan primarily taught history classes at the university, but would occasionally teach classes on spirits and magic. As he walked a girl approached him from behind. She had long blonde hair tied into a ponytail, fair skin, and light blue eyes. She wore a blue jacket that complimented her eyes, white pants, and white snow boots*
(Blonde-haired girl): Professor Morgan! Professor Morgan!
*Hearing his name, Morgan stopped in his tracks and turned around to see the girl*
(Morgan): Miss Cindy Ripcard. Good day to you.
(Cindy): Good day to you as well professor. Do you have a moment to talk?
(Morgan): Depends. Can you walk and talk at the same time?
(Cindy): Of course.
(Morgan): Then let’s begin.
*The two began to walk toward Amnesty Hall*
(Cindy): I wanted to talk to you about my grade for the semester.
(Morgan): Not this again.
(Cindy): Please professor. You have to understand I need to pass this class.
(Morgan): So does everyone else if they want to earn that history credit.
(Cindy): But my situation is more dire. My parents are threatening to cut my allowance completely off if I don’t pass. I’m barely scraping by as it is since they cut it in half at the start of the semester. Is there anything I can do for extra points?
(Morgan): There is. Turn in your history paper to me by the end of the week like we discussed previously. I gave you two weeks to write eight pages covering the Zoha and Kamahui War. A simple task with plenty of material to work with. Writing eight pages should be no problem.
(Cindy): But that’s too much work. I was hoping for something a little simpler. Maybe something you need more of.
*Cindy opened her jacket to reveal a wad of credits for Morgan to see*
(Cindy): Or perhaps something a bit more. . .physical.
*Cindy gave Morgan a seductive look with lidded eyes*
(Morgan): Two words of advice for you Miss Ripcard. One, don’t rely on your parents’ money to get you out of trouble all the time. Second, treat your body with more respect. Stop trying to take the easy way out and put in the effort to get the results you want.
(Cindy): That felt like three words of advice.
(Morgan): See? Effort. Now get started on those eight pages and have them in by Friday.
*They arrive at Amnesty Hall with Morgan heading inside leaving Cindy alone with her thoughts. Morgan made it to his classroom. It was packed with thirty students from different races. He made it to his desk where he took off his jacket and sat his bag in the chair. He took out his laptop to connect it to the school’s Wi-Fi so that today’s discussion would show up on the projector in the room*
(Morgan): Everyone take your seats so that we can begin.
*Everyone stopped chatting and those who were standing took their seats as Morgan’s notes appeared on the board from the project*
(Morgan): Today we will continue our discussion from the last class about the formation of the Oxliner Union. I suggest taking thorough notes as this will be on the exam.
***
*The class began and everyone was paying close attention to Morgan’s lecture and asking questions. Students who took Morgan’s classes always said that he was tough but fair. He gave you a lot of information but would explain it in a way that was easy to follow and understand. He would never put his students in unfair situations on tests or homework assignments. He always gave them a fighting chance and if they failed they would have no one to blame but themselves. It was because of this that many students liked and respected him. Even those that didn’t like him admitted that they respected his teaching method and learned a thing or two from him. After class was over, Morgan stopped by the university’s café to eat and relax before his next lecture which was in the afternoon. Morgan got his things and made it to the student center. He made his way over to the café where he ordered a BLT sandwich with some green tea. As he enjoyed his meal he got approached by a muscular tiger demihuman who had orange buzzed cut hair and black eyes. Along with the demihuman was a dark-skinned human and an elf. The human had short dreadlock hair that was black and brown eyes. The elf was short with medium length straight light blue hair with red tips and green eyes. All three men wore navy blue tracksuits with green lining*
(Morgan): Roderick. Shane. Perry. I believe I’ve told you gentlemen how I don’t like being bothered during my meal break.
(Roderick): Yes, and I humbly apologize for the intrusion.
*The demihuman bows his head*
(Shane): We wouldn’t be disturbing you unless it was serious. We just found out that they’re moving our matches up to Thursday.
(Perry): No doubt because of exams.
(Morgan): Thursday? That only gives us two days to prepare. Tell everyone to meet in the club room at 4 today. I’ll be a little late due to my class, so get everyone warmed up when I arrive.
(Gojo, Shane, and Perry): Yes sir!
*The three students left once again apologizing for disturbing Morgan’s mealtime. Morgan finished up the rest of his meal and made his way over to his next class*
***
*After his meal, Morgan did his afternoon classes. The first was a hands-on experience with spirits. After that class was another history class. This one was more advanced and focused more on wars. After this class he was done with lectures for the day. It was a little after 4 and Morgan had just arrived at the auxiliary building that was home to the university’s MMA club. Affectionately called the Fight club, Morgan was the group’s advisor. In the past, the club had a history of being a den for troublemakers who would chase away other advisors and weren’t allowed to participate in any tournaments due to their rowdy nature and unsportsmanlike conduct. However, things turned around when Morgan became their advisor. He changed their behavior, they started to win tournaments, did community projects, and helped raise their academic grades. Morgan entered the training room where he saw some club members sparring in the ring, others stretching off to the side, and some spectating by the ringside*
(Roderick): Welcome professor. The team is warmed up and ready to go.
(Morgan): Good. Let’s get started.
*Rodrick calls for everyone to come over. They gather around Morgan and sit down to listen to him*
(Morgan): I’m sure Roderick and the other captains have told you already that the tournament has been moved up to this Thursday. What we originally thought was four days of practice has now become two days. But, I’m not worried. If there’s one thing we excel at it’s adapting to any given situation that comes our way and this will be no different. So get ready, because for the next two days, we will be doing some intense training to prepare for the tournament.
(Junior member): Will Miss Jade be helping us?
(Morgan): I’m not sure. I sent her a text asking her to come over but she says she was busy at the moment. I’ll try again later on. In the meantime, who are we?
(Everyone): The Foundation!
(Morgan): What are we?
(Everyone): The pride of Brister University!
(Morgan): Where do we win?
(Everyone): In the azure ring!
(Morgan): When do we fight?
(Everyone): At the time of honor!
(Morgan): Why do we win?
(Everyone): Aggression and intensity!
(Morgan): All right answers. Now let’s begin!
(Everyone): Yes sir!
***
*For the next two and a half hours the MMA club trained with each other following Morgan’s instructions and strategies. Morgan summoned his spirits to mimic the moveset of their opponents to better train the club members. When it was time for everyone to go home, Morgan made his way over to the parking garage where he was one of the only cars remaining. He unlocked his car and got in*
(Cindy): Wait! Professor Morgan!
*Cindy came running up to Morgan’s car*
(Morgan): Miss Ripcard, is there a problem?
(Cindy): No. I wanted you to know I thought a lot about what you said earlier and I think I came up with a great solution to my problems.
*Cindy pulled out a gun from her back pocket and pointed it at Morgan*
(Morgan): Really?
(Cindy): Really. Now move this way.
*Having no other option, Morgan stepped out of the car and moved to the spot Cindy ordered while keeping her gun pointed at Morgan*
(Morgan): You really don’t want to do this.
(Cindy): You’re giving me no choice. Guys!
*All of sudden four men who were all humans came out of hiding and ran to the car. Two were dark-skinned and appeared to be twins. Both have low-cut curly black hair and brown eyes wearing black pants, black jackets, and brown boots. The other two were light-skinned. One was bald with grey eyes and wore a long-sleeved red sweater with brown pants and white shoes. The last man had extra pounds on him and had brown hair that looked like a messy lion’s mane and a brown beard that covered his face. His eyes were green and he wore a blue jacket with grey pants and black shoes. All four men got into the car as they laughed and smiled*
(Morgan): Easy! That car is brand new. Do your parents know about the company you’re keeping?
(Cindy): Shut up!
*Back in the car, one of the twins tried to start it but it wouldn’t start*
(Second twin): Hey what’s the hold up, man? Start the car!
(First twin): I’m trying but it won’t start.
(Morgan): It’s coded, you morons. It won’t start without the code.
(First twin): Then what’s the code?
(Morgan): Now why the hell would I give you that?
(First twin): Then we’ll just have to beat it out of you. Let’s go boys.
*The four men exit the car and surround Morgan while Cindy steps back for her own safety.
(Morgan): You know, I’ve had a long day. So let’s make this quick.
*Morgan removes his tie and wraps it around his right hand. The bald man attacks first from behind with Morgan delivering a back elbow to his stomach and then grabbing his arm. The first twin tries to attack from the front, but Morgan judo tosses the bald man at the twin and they collide with both men falling to the ground. The second twin attempted to punch Morgan but he dodged the attack to deliver a chop to the twin’s chest with his left hand that brought him to his knees and then delivered an ice punch with his right hand to knock the twin out. Cindy screamed in horror and shock at what she was witnessing. The bearded man took out a switchblade and charged at Morgan who kicked the blade out of his hand and caught it with his left hand just before it hit his car. Morgan then held the blade up to the bearded man’s neck who stood still afraid to move. Morgan then delivered a palm strike with his right hand to knock the bearded man out. The first twin pushed the bald man off of him and returned to his feet where it looked like he was about to release a fire attack with his eyes but Morgan saw him getting ready and threw the switchblade at the twin stabbing him in the leg. The twin screamed out in pain clutching his leg and allowing Morgan to come in and deliver a jumping kick to his face to knock him out. The bald man who recovered from the throw pulled out a gun from his jacket pocket. Before he could fire, Morgan pulled out his wand and fired an ice blast to freeze the gun and hand of the bald man. Morgan then threw a spirit crystal at the bald man. A bright light flashed and out came an ice boxer who delivered rapid punches to the bald man before knocking him out with a left hook. When the spirit landed on the ground, it let out a ‘Woyo’ while pumping its fists in the air before disappearing. With the men defeated Morgan put away his wand and began to retie his tie around his neck. As he did this Cindy moved in and pointed her gun at Morgan*
(Cindy): Hands up.
*Cindy was visibly trembling. Morgan finished tying his tie and began to walk toward his car to retrieve his phone*
(Cindy): Stop moving or I will shoot you.
(Morgan): You don’t want to do that. Look at the barrel of your gun.
*Listening to Morgan, Cindy looked at the gun’s barrel and saw that it was closed off by ice*
(Cindy): When did you-
(Morgan): From the very start. You were too focused on watching my face that you didn’t notice my hand reach into my pocket to grab a spirit crystal and converge my water magic onto your gun.
*Morgan reached his car and pulled out his phone to call campus police*
(Morgan): You’re still here? Don’t you have a paper to write?
*Cindy looked at Morgan confused before he stared directly at her*
(Morgan): Why don’t you go do it so that you can turn it in Friday?
*Cindy finally cracked. She nodded while hyperventilating*
(Cindy): Okay. I’m sorry.
*Cindy threw the gun down and ran away*
(Morgan): *Sigh* Kids.
*Morgan called the campus police who arrived onto the scene quickly. They arrested the four men who they identified as the carjacking thieves. When asked if there were others, Morgan said no. The officer could tell Morgan wasn’t telling the truth but knew he had a good reason why he didn’t tell her and decided to let it go. Morgan then left and drove home*
***
*Sometime later, Morgan arrived at his apartment complex and went up to his room where he was on the fifth floor. He unlocked the door to his apartment and turned on the lights. The walls to his apartment were Yale blue with white frames. The place was neat and organized with two bookshelves containing history books and a wall where he hung his diploma as well pictures of his family and friends. After putting his jacket away, Morgan made his way over to his kitchen and turned on the stove while he took out a pan to warm up some lobster bisque soup he had in the fridge. He poured the lobster bisque into the pan and left it to warm up for about fifteen minutes. During that time he set out two bowls and went to his room to remove his tie and shirt. After he removed his shirt and was left in his white undershirt, he returned to the kitchen to see Jade on his couch wearing a white shirt where the left sleeve was long and the right side had no sleeve. She had on black jeans and wore a red choker around her neck and a red bracelet around her right wrist. Morgan wasn’t the least bit shocked to see Jade lounging on his couch and made his way to the kitchen to check on the soup. While he did, he noticed that his window was open*
(Jade): You’re making something good tonight, professor. I could smell it from outside.
(Morgan): Would you please close the window? You’re letting the heat out.
(Jade): Oh, my bad.
*Jade got up and closed the window*
(Morgan): You know, common sense would say to use the front door. If you wore shoes the superintendent would let you enter.
(Jade): No way. I like having my feet out. Sorry I missed your message today. Hopefully it wasn’t anything major.
(Morgan): Not entirely, but I could use your help at the university tomorrow if you’re available.
*Seeing that the soup was ready, Morgan grabbed a spoon and poured a bowl for himself and Jade*
(Morgan): Soup’s ready.
*Jade gets up from the couch and grabs her bowl and spoon*
(Morgan): So, how was your day?
(Jade): Pretty wild. Yours?
(Morgan): Pretty normal.
*Morgan and Jade sat down and enjoyed their soup as Jade began to tell Morgan about her day*
Author’s Note: And with this chapter thus begins the road to chapter 100. Look forward to that chapter, I have big plan for that chapter but for now let’s focus on this chapter. With the Bludwood arc over, I wanted to take a break and return to Brister and focus on what the other members of Shadow Eye were doing while everyone else was away. I decided to focus on Morgan and give you a look inside his life as a professor. While he’s a part of Shadow Eye, his main job is being a professor. He enjoys educating the minds of youth, challenging them, and encouraging them. For Morgan’s love of school, I originally was going to make his parents educators as well, but I felt the frail body backstory adds more depth to his character. He never got to experience the school life most kids got, and this is his way of trying to experience it as an adult. It also adds a layer of mystery, wondering who his tutor was and a moment of triumph to overcome his illness and live a normal life. Side note, this is also the first time we see Morgan interact with his sister and Ryuuji’s kids. I can’t believe I waited this long to have them interact with each other. So that moment at the breakfast table was a lot of fun to write. I also thought making Morgan the club advisor for the school’s wrestling team was a nice swerve. You would expect him to be the advisor of the chess club, history club, or something non-physical, but nope, it’s wrestling. Unexpected, but at the same time, he fits the role perfectly as a strategist and the team respects him. I actually have a good backstory planned for them down the line. The parking lot scene was actually inspired from the garage scene in Transporter 2. Haven’t watched the movie entirely, but I saw this scene on Youtube and just instantly loved it. Morgan getting the chance to show off, Cindy realizing her mistake, and Morgan giving her one last chance to do the right thing and not turn her in. Showing how much of an educator he is and how much he cares for his students. The last scene of Jade sneaking into his house, making herself at home, and him not being shocked is just classic chemistry for these two my book. Morgan is so used to Jade’s antics by now that she might as well just be a wild pet he has to take care of. Jade values Morgan as not only a partner but a friend she can confide in and feel comfortable around. All and all, this was a chapter I enjoyed writing. It’s honestly one of my favorite chapters and I would love to do more chapters like this, exploring the normal lives of Shadow Eye and their everyday interactions with normal people. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next time on Project Nitsuj.