Sorry, but, I don't really own Battle Royale, the movie/novel/manga, that
this fanfic is based upon. It belongs to . . . uh . . . what's the guys
name once again? I forget already! ::smacks forehead:: It belongs to . . .
insert name here. Well, it doesn't belong to me! That's for sure! Kinji
Fuksaku! That's his name, may he rest in peace.
I am currently obsessed with Battle Royale. I really should invest in the Novel as I'm a HUGE fan of the first movie (haven't seen the 2nd yet) and I just got given the first three mangas yesterday, which I finished reading today and thoroughly enjoyed! They were good! Anyways, This is based on a combination of my knowledge from the aforementioned. I hope that you all enjoy my totally twisted ideas of violent fun!
Please read and review, Battle Royale brought me out of fiction retirement!
Battle Royale: The Final Bout.
By Bubblegum Thai.
Prologue. Welcome to your worst nightmare.
"Suguru! Hey! Suguru! Wait up!"
Suguru Kamazaki stopped dead in his tracks, a small smile tugging on his lips as the soft patter of feminine feet galloped up behind him. His hand tightened lightly on the strap of his satchel and soon, a delicate hand was placed on his upper arm gently,
"Good morning, Suguru." Said a gentle voice as a shorter girl appeared at his side,
"Heya, Yukiko." He greeted with a warm smile and short nod, "I wondered where you were, I've been waiting forever."
"I'm sorry," She murmured, bowing her head, "Mother needed my help this morning."
"Oh," Suguru bit his lower lip slightly, rubbing the back of his head nervously "How is she this morning?"
Yukiko shrugged, focussing on her feet as the pair began to head down the street once again,
"Alright, I suppose." She said with a heavy sigh, "As good as can be expected, y'know?"
"Mm." Suguru nodded in understanding, "Yeah . . ."
They fell into silence once again before Yukiko suddenly brightened,
"I saw the game last night, Suguru! You were great!" Yukiko beamed, "All the girls were cheering for you!"
"Really?"
"Yes! Couldn't you hear them?"
Suguru blushed a deep shade of crimson, shaking his head shyly,
"I guess that I was so wrapped up in the game that I couldn't hear!"
"I cheered for you." Yukiko said quietly,
"Huh?" Suguru looked at her, his mouth open, "Really?"
"Of course! You're my best friend!"
"Oh . . . yeah . . . silly me!" He slapped his forehead, blushing yet again before quickly scrambling to change the subject, "The programme starts tomorrow, huh?"
"Yeah . . ." Yukiko smiled faintly, "I don't watch it though."
"Don't you? How come?"
Yukiko shrugged,
"My parents won't let me." She sighed, brushing back a few loose raven- coloured ringlets, "They never really explained why."
"Oh," He shrugged, "Some people just don't like it, I guess."
"Hmmm." Yukiko mused quietly, turning a corner with the taller boy, his spiky hair causing flame shaped shadows on the pavement in front of them, "Sorry I made you late, Suguru."
"It's alright. We're not too bad off. Akito will be pissed, but," Suguru trailed off, shrugging, "But I'm sure that someone will keep him occupied."
"Someone . . .?" Yukiko smirked, "I won't pry . . ." She continued, wisely, holding up a finger as they turned yet another corner,
"Hi guys!" Called a tall, slender female with long, flowing auburn hair and bright sapphire blue eyes,
"Good morning, Paige." Yukiko giggled, running up to the American teenager with great enthusiasm,
"Hey Yukiko! How're you?"
"I'm good. Sorry we're late."
"That's alright. I'm in no hurry."
"Cool."
"Heya Suguru." Paige smiled, tilting her head to one side, "Good game last night."
"Thanks."
Yukiko began to straighten her black blazer, smiling softly at her friends,
"Oh yes . . . Paige, how'd it go with Kensuke last night?" Yukiko giggled, nudging the Westerner in the ribs slightly with a wink, "Did you have 'fun'?"
Paige raised an eyebrow,
"We're going to be late."
Yukiko grinned and began to bounce up and down as she headed down the street towards the crossing,
"What're you so happy about?" Paige asked as he and Suguru followed the energetic young girl,
"Have you forgotten already you nitwit?"
"Forgotten what?"
"The trip you idiot!"
"OH! Yeah . . . I did forget . . . it just, didn't seem that important to me!"
"Our graduation trip? Not important?!" Yukiko stopped, mid bounce and glowered at the auburn-haired girl, "You're weird, Paige."
"I know."
"I can't believe you except that!"
"Sorry to break it to you, Yuki, but . . . it just doesn't seem that important to me . . ."
Yukiko shook her head and looked at Suguru,
"You're excited, right?"
"A little."
"You guys are boring! I'm going to go find someone else who's excited!" She growled and bounded off down the street, leaving the two in her dust.
Paige sighed and turned to Suguru, smiling,
"You know why she's so over-excited, right?"
"No. Why?"
"Oh, c'mon! You're supposed to be her best friend, how can you not know?!"
"I'm sorry." Suguru responded stiffly, "I don't know."
"Her parents originally wouldn't let her go."
"What?!" Suguru frowned, "Why? That's ridiculous."
Paige shrugged,
"I don't know . . . she said that they said something about her sister and refused. After awhile, they slowly came around, but . . . oh, I don't know . . . Yukiko's parents aren't really very . . . normal, are they?"
Suguru smiled weakly,
"No, they're not." He sighed, "Yukiko's sister died when we were little. They never really told Yuki how and why . . ."
"Oh,"
"But, her family were really close and happy . . . and then . . . one day, Noriko just never came home. Her parents told her that she died in a school accident. But, her mother's never been the same since. She flipped out . . . went completely nuts and, well . . ."
"I see." Paige sighed heavily.
- - -
It was dark as the large coach sped down the highway. Suguru sat beside another boy, his hair came down to his shoulders and was pulled back into a loose ponytail, streaks of reddish-blonde becoming visible and disappearing again in the flashing street lights,
"Hey, Shinji," Suguru sighed heavily, "How much longer do you think that we're gonna be on here?"
"Ages." Shinji replied, huffing, "We've only been on this thing 20 minutes."
"I hate coaches."
"So I gathered." Shinji chuckled, raising an eyebrow, "Hey, Yukiko! Suguru is complaining already!"
"Already?!" Yukiko turned around from her seat in front of the pair, narrowing her eyes at the pair of them, "Ami! Suguru is complaining already!"
"Oh, jeeze!" Ami rolled her eyes, sighing, "Why'd he even come?"
"Now, hang on!" Suguru growled,
"That's a bit harsh, Ami!" Shinji chuckled, "Poor Suguru here, doesn't know what to do now two of the cutest girls in class think he's an ass."
"HEY!" Suguru growled once again,
"Sorry, man."
The small group broke out into fits of laughter, whilst near the back of the class, Paige sat with another small group of girls, all occupying the entire back row. Time passed and sleep began to claim all 40 class members of 9A.
When they awoke, it was cold and dark. Silence was broken by confused murmurs and moans,
"Yukiko?" Ami whispered, clawing her way to her feet, rubbing her head, "My head hurts Yuki . . ."
"Me too . . ." Yukiko mumbled, dazed as she stood, shakily, "Is everyone alright? What happened?"
"Cut the leadership stuff, alright, Nakagawa!" A snide girl snapped from a far corner, "Who do you think you are, anyway?"
"I was just asking . . ."
"HEY! Don't talk to her like that, Ai!" Paige jumped to Yukiko's defence, "She was only being nice!"
"Where do you get off giving ME a lecture, new girl?!"
"Break it up, girls!"
"Don't get in my way, Takahashi!" Ai growled, marching forwards,
"Kensuke . . ." Paige whispered as he stood in front of her protectively, "You don't have to stand up for me, y'know . . ."
"I know." She grinned slightly, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, "Just back down Ai, it's easy to start on people when you're confused, but, just back off of them, alright?"
"Whatever."
"Thanks." Paige whispered again,
"No problem." He beamed. Suddenly the lights snapped on and the class of forty whirled around to face the doorway, where their teacher Mr. Sato entered briskly, followed by two men carrying machine guns both wearing military uniforms,
"Good morning, class 9A."
The entire class remained silent,
"What's going on? Where the hell are we?" Ai finally said, placing her hands firmly on her hips, "What kind of games are you playing?"
"Very good, Miss Takami. One game in particular. A very special game. Tell me, have any of you ever heard of the BR act . . .?"
The entire class reflected a blank look at their teacher who began to rub his temples in aggravation,
"Alright then, The Programme, anyone?"
Everyone gasped and hushed whispers began,
"NO TALKING!" He yelled, slamming his first on the large heavy oak desk at the front of the classroom, "You all should know my rules by now." He sighed, shaking his head, "I won't tell you twice." Everyone blinked, their faces turning white,
"P . . . P . . . please sir . . ." A small girl with short black hair and large dark eyes began,
"Ah yes! Yurika Tokita! What is it? C'mon girl! Spit it out already!"
"Are . . . are you trying to tell us that we're in . . . in the . . . The Programme?"
All eyes focussed on Mr. Sato who grinned wickedly,
"That's exactly what I'm saying."
The class was sent into uproar, one girl, Tomoyo Suzahara collapsed in shear terror whilst her friends all burst into tears, all except for Paige who looked around, frowning, confused beyond belief.
The boys all balled their fists, beginning to curse loudly, Kensuke pulled away from Paige, muttering dark thoughts as he began to advance towards Mr. Sato,
"Kensuke!" Suguru exclaimed, darting forwards and grabbing Kensuke's arms as he lunged towards the older man,
"BASTARD!" He screamed, struggling against Suguru,
"Shinji, help me!"
Shinji was frozen in spot, he soon snapped out of it and dived forwards, struggling against Kensuke, who's scruffy ebony hair scraped lightly against his cheek. Shinji pulled back on Kensuke's arms, trying to control and restrict his movements.
Mr. Sato raised a scruffy, greying eyebrow and snorted,
"Kensuke Takahashi . . ." He chuckled, moving forwards and gently brushing stray strands of spiked hair from his cheek, "I remember when you first came to the school . . . so intent on making an impression . . . getting in with the 'in' crowd . . ."
"I NEVER cared about that shit! NEVER!" Kensuke screamed, spitting into Mr. Sato's eye, "You bastard! You can't do this to us! WE NEVER DID ANYTHING WRONG!"
"Wrong?" Mr. Sato seemed to ponder the notion, "What IS wrong these days?" Mr. Sato backed up and took a somewhat comfortable seat on the desk top, "You kids today . . . think you're all so tough? Fighting in the streets. Back chatting your parents . . . swearing at your teachers . . ." His thin lips twisted into a tight smirk as he began to tug at his tie, slinging it onto the floor, "No. More." He continued carefully, "Someone needs to show you little animals what civilisation is all about!"
"WE'RE INNOCENT!" One girl screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks, her hands clenched into tight fists. Her hair was pulled down into ponytails that trailed down her torso over her ears,
"You think your innocent, Reiko?" He snorted, "Is anyone truly innocent anymore?"
"YOUR'E FUCKED UP!" Another boy yelled,
"Ryouji, so glad that you could join the conversation. I was wondering when the class clown was going to make his input!"
Ryouji furrowed his brow as he stumbled back at a loud, thundering sound,
"Ah, that'll be the demonstration!" The ageing teacher declared as four soldiers wheeled in a huge entertainment unit, complete with large screen TV, "Boys and girls . . . I think that you'll find this demonstration most helpful."
"What are you talking about now . . .?" Kensuke, who was now on the floor beneath Suguru and Shinji questioned,
"Just sit STILL and watch the DAMN video, alright?!" He growled, pressing a button firmly on the remote control,
"Good morning 9A!" A bouncy, bubbly young girl, aged in her late teens popped onto the screen wearing a mini-skirt in combat pattern and a black tank top. She had a microphone fastened to her head, "You're this year's LUCKY class to be chosen for 'The Programme'!" She began to clap enthusiastically, an overly happy grin plastered on her face, "I'm sure that you all know the rules by now . . . but let's just run through them one more time to make sure that all those 'un-cool' people are up to speed with everything!" At this point, she flicked back a stray strand of hair from her face so that it joined the rest, cascading down her back in long, thick ringlets, "It's simple really! The first rule is kill . . . or be killed! All members of the class must kill each other until only one survivor remains!" She held out her right index finger to the camera to indicate 'one', "You will ALL be given a pack, which'll contain two bottles of water, a loaf of bread, a map of the island and weapon. You might get lucky . . ." She grinned at this point, reaching into a military bag and producing a pistol, "Wow! This'll come in handy!" She exclaimed, aiming it at the camera and closing one eye. She giggled, pulling it back and dropping it onto the counter, "Only joking! I wouldn't wanna ruin your fun!" She smirked slightly, pointing to a screen behind her, "As well as your pack, you'll also be aloud to take your own personal bag with you. Now, here is the island that you're all on right now! It's kinda small . . . sorry . . . but your class is a bit smaller than average, so we figured, what the heck?! So . . . yes . . . on the map that you'll be given, the island will be divided by a grid. You'll be free to move about these areas if they're not designated as danger zones. Your teacher, Mr. Sato will be designating your danger zones at regular intervals . . . they will frequently change locations, so watch out! You are all wearing brand new collars! Do you like them?! Oh, I hope that you do!" She oozed sarcasm as she leant forwards with her hands clasped together under her chin, "They will monitor your life signs . . . if you're caught in a danger zone then BANG! Bye, bye kiddies!" She waved at the screen, pouting slightly, "Also . . . if there is more than one survivor after three days, all remaining collars will be detonated by your teacher and no one will win! So don't go getting any funny ideas!" She chuckled, wagging her finger at the camera, "Well . . . happy hunting!" As a final gesture, she blew a kiss towards the crowd and the screen turned blank. Mr. Sato leisurely stood, his back aching as he climbed to his feet from the desk top, turned the TV off and motioned towards the doorway where four soldiers began to wheel in a huge stack of bags similar to the one that had been on the video,
"Here are your packs." He muttered, snatching a clipboard from one soldier, "I will call you, one by one, at two minute intervals in order of your class number."
"P . . .please sir . . ." Paige began, standing shakily on her own in the middle of the dark room, her black pleated skirt dusty from sitting on the floor, "I don't understand . . . I've never heard of the programme . . . is this some sort of sick joke?"
"Miss Stevenson, please look at your fellow class members," He sighed heavily. Paige did as she was told, turning in a full circle and looking at the faces that surrounded her. Tears streamed down girls' cheeks. Boys' eyes were wide with fear. Some were gritting their teeth and balling their fists, others were blank, dazed and confused. She continued to turn until she faced Mr. Sato once again, "Do they look like this is a joke?"
Paige shook her head slowly, sniffling quietly,
"No . . ."
"Then, it isn't a joke, is it?"
"No . . ." She whispered hoarsely, lowering her head, "No, what?!"
"No . . . sir . . ."
"Good girl." He chuckled before clearing his throat, "Now, let's begin!" Returned some papers over, clicking his tongue against his cheek before making a small, satisfied noise, "Right, here we go; Boys #1, Masaru Hijikata."
A boy at the front stepped forwards. His face was blank, but his dark, chocolate coloured eyes narrowed into thin slits,
"Masaru!" A girl with strait, shoulder length hair gasped, darting forwards. He turned to her and smiled softly, nodding ever so gently,
"See ya soon, Hikaru." He said before turning back and catching his pack, bending down, he grabbed his bag and began to jog out of the doorway.
Yukiko watched as he friend, the most popular boy in school ran out first to face his almost certain death,
"Girls #1, Mari Aiida."
"A short, skinny girl with large, thin rimmed glasses stood, wiping her eyes on her sleeve as she lifted her glass, she walked slowly towards the soldiers. She caught her pack with effort and threw it onto her back before leaning down, sobbing to pick up her bag, she seemed to be weighed down as she scuttled from the room, her wails could be heard all down the hall,
"Boys #2, Tadashi Hiraga."
Time passed and more students were called out. Yukiko was in a daze until;
"Boys #4, Suguru Kamazaki."
She looked up as Suguru stood, sending her a warm, wary smile down from his towering height. She blinked as she watched him saunter towards the soldier who threw his pack into his stomach. Suguru caught it with ease, snatched up his bag, slung them onto his shoulder, pressed his fingers to his lips, blew a kiss at the group still remaining and called out,
"I'll see you all soon enough." He beamed, "Good luck."
He disappeared around the corner,
"Girls #4, Satsuki Chiba."
One girl stood and so did another,
"Yurika!" Satsuki gasped as the second girl hugged the first,
"Satsuki . . ." She breathed, squeezing her friend tight, "Friends forever. Never hurt one another. Promise."
"I promise, Yurika." Satsuki whispered, clasping her friend's hands in her own.
Satsuki left and more names were called out,
"Girls #8, Yukiko Nakagawa."
The large group from which Suguru had departed from all turned and looked at Yukiko who was sitting on the edge of their close circle. Yukiko stood to her feet with determination in her eyes,
"I'm off to find Suguru, Masaru and Hikaru." She said casually as she moved towards the large soldier who thrust her pack towards her head. She grabbed her bag, waved at everyone before turning, glowering at Mr. Sato and running off down the hall into the night of the island. She began running down the main path as fast as she could, her eyes darting in all directions in search for her friends.
- - - To be continued . . .
Man oh man! If that's hoe long my prologue was, can you imagine the chapters that I'm gonna have to uphold! Yipes! Ah well . . . I hope that you liked this . . . it's my first attempt at what will be serious, hardcore violence! ::grins::
So . . . yes . . . please lemme know what you think!
I am currently obsessed with Battle Royale. I really should invest in the Novel as I'm a HUGE fan of the first movie (haven't seen the 2nd yet) and I just got given the first three mangas yesterday, which I finished reading today and thoroughly enjoyed! They were good! Anyways, This is based on a combination of my knowledge from the aforementioned. I hope that you all enjoy my totally twisted ideas of violent fun!
Please read and review, Battle Royale brought me out of fiction retirement!
Battle Royale: The Final Bout.
By Bubblegum Thai.
Prologue. Welcome to your worst nightmare.
"Suguru! Hey! Suguru! Wait up!"
Suguru Kamazaki stopped dead in his tracks, a small smile tugging on his lips as the soft patter of feminine feet galloped up behind him. His hand tightened lightly on the strap of his satchel and soon, a delicate hand was placed on his upper arm gently,
"Good morning, Suguru." Said a gentle voice as a shorter girl appeared at his side,
"Heya, Yukiko." He greeted with a warm smile and short nod, "I wondered where you were, I've been waiting forever."
"I'm sorry," She murmured, bowing her head, "Mother needed my help this morning."
"Oh," Suguru bit his lower lip slightly, rubbing the back of his head nervously "How is she this morning?"
Yukiko shrugged, focussing on her feet as the pair began to head down the street once again,
"Alright, I suppose." She said with a heavy sigh, "As good as can be expected, y'know?"
"Mm." Suguru nodded in understanding, "Yeah . . ."
They fell into silence once again before Yukiko suddenly brightened,
"I saw the game last night, Suguru! You were great!" Yukiko beamed, "All the girls were cheering for you!"
"Really?"
"Yes! Couldn't you hear them?"
Suguru blushed a deep shade of crimson, shaking his head shyly,
"I guess that I was so wrapped up in the game that I couldn't hear!"
"I cheered for you." Yukiko said quietly,
"Huh?" Suguru looked at her, his mouth open, "Really?"
"Of course! You're my best friend!"
"Oh . . . yeah . . . silly me!" He slapped his forehead, blushing yet again before quickly scrambling to change the subject, "The programme starts tomorrow, huh?"
"Yeah . . ." Yukiko smiled faintly, "I don't watch it though."
"Don't you? How come?"
Yukiko shrugged,
"My parents won't let me." She sighed, brushing back a few loose raven- coloured ringlets, "They never really explained why."
"Oh," He shrugged, "Some people just don't like it, I guess."
"Hmmm." Yukiko mused quietly, turning a corner with the taller boy, his spiky hair causing flame shaped shadows on the pavement in front of them, "Sorry I made you late, Suguru."
"It's alright. We're not too bad off. Akito will be pissed, but," Suguru trailed off, shrugging, "But I'm sure that someone will keep him occupied."
"Someone . . .?" Yukiko smirked, "I won't pry . . ." She continued, wisely, holding up a finger as they turned yet another corner,
"Hi guys!" Called a tall, slender female with long, flowing auburn hair and bright sapphire blue eyes,
"Good morning, Paige." Yukiko giggled, running up to the American teenager with great enthusiasm,
"Hey Yukiko! How're you?"
"I'm good. Sorry we're late."
"That's alright. I'm in no hurry."
"Cool."
"Heya Suguru." Paige smiled, tilting her head to one side, "Good game last night."
"Thanks."
Yukiko began to straighten her black blazer, smiling softly at her friends,
"Oh yes . . . Paige, how'd it go with Kensuke last night?" Yukiko giggled, nudging the Westerner in the ribs slightly with a wink, "Did you have 'fun'?"
Paige raised an eyebrow,
"We're going to be late."
Yukiko grinned and began to bounce up and down as she headed down the street towards the crossing,
"What're you so happy about?" Paige asked as he and Suguru followed the energetic young girl,
"Have you forgotten already you nitwit?"
"Forgotten what?"
"The trip you idiot!"
"OH! Yeah . . . I did forget . . . it just, didn't seem that important to me!"
"Our graduation trip? Not important?!" Yukiko stopped, mid bounce and glowered at the auburn-haired girl, "You're weird, Paige."
"I know."
"I can't believe you except that!"
"Sorry to break it to you, Yuki, but . . . it just doesn't seem that important to me . . ."
Yukiko shook her head and looked at Suguru,
"You're excited, right?"
"A little."
"You guys are boring! I'm going to go find someone else who's excited!" She growled and bounded off down the street, leaving the two in her dust.
Paige sighed and turned to Suguru, smiling,
"You know why she's so over-excited, right?"
"No. Why?"
"Oh, c'mon! You're supposed to be her best friend, how can you not know?!"
"I'm sorry." Suguru responded stiffly, "I don't know."
"Her parents originally wouldn't let her go."
"What?!" Suguru frowned, "Why? That's ridiculous."
Paige shrugged,
"I don't know . . . she said that they said something about her sister and refused. After awhile, they slowly came around, but . . . oh, I don't know . . . Yukiko's parents aren't really very . . . normal, are they?"
Suguru smiled weakly,
"No, they're not." He sighed, "Yukiko's sister died when we were little. They never really told Yuki how and why . . ."
"Oh,"
"But, her family were really close and happy . . . and then . . . one day, Noriko just never came home. Her parents told her that she died in a school accident. But, her mother's never been the same since. She flipped out . . . went completely nuts and, well . . ."
"I see." Paige sighed heavily.
- - -
It was dark as the large coach sped down the highway. Suguru sat beside another boy, his hair came down to his shoulders and was pulled back into a loose ponytail, streaks of reddish-blonde becoming visible and disappearing again in the flashing street lights,
"Hey, Shinji," Suguru sighed heavily, "How much longer do you think that we're gonna be on here?"
"Ages." Shinji replied, huffing, "We've only been on this thing 20 minutes."
"I hate coaches."
"So I gathered." Shinji chuckled, raising an eyebrow, "Hey, Yukiko! Suguru is complaining already!"
"Already?!" Yukiko turned around from her seat in front of the pair, narrowing her eyes at the pair of them, "Ami! Suguru is complaining already!"
"Oh, jeeze!" Ami rolled her eyes, sighing, "Why'd he even come?"
"Now, hang on!" Suguru growled,
"That's a bit harsh, Ami!" Shinji chuckled, "Poor Suguru here, doesn't know what to do now two of the cutest girls in class think he's an ass."
"HEY!" Suguru growled once again,
"Sorry, man."
The small group broke out into fits of laughter, whilst near the back of the class, Paige sat with another small group of girls, all occupying the entire back row. Time passed and sleep began to claim all 40 class members of 9A.
When they awoke, it was cold and dark. Silence was broken by confused murmurs and moans,
"Yukiko?" Ami whispered, clawing her way to her feet, rubbing her head, "My head hurts Yuki . . ."
"Me too . . ." Yukiko mumbled, dazed as she stood, shakily, "Is everyone alright? What happened?"
"Cut the leadership stuff, alright, Nakagawa!" A snide girl snapped from a far corner, "Who do you think you are, anyway?"
"I was just asking . . ."
"HEY! Don't talk to her like that, Ai!" Paige jumped to Yukiko's defence, "She was only being nice!"
"Where do you get off giving ME a lecture, new girl?!"
"Break it up, girls!"
"Don't get in my way, Takahashi!" Ai growled, marching forwards,
"Kensuke . . ." Paige whispered as he stood in front of her protectively, "You don't have to stand up for me, y'know . . ."
"I know." She grinned slightly, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, "Just back down Ai, it's easy to start on people when you're confused, but, just back off of them, alright?"
"Whatever."
"Thanks." Paige whispered again,
"No problem." He beamed. Suddenly the lights snapped on and the class of forty whirled around to face the doorway, where their teacher Mr. Sato entered briskly, followed by two men carrying machine guns both wearing military uniforms,
"Good morning, class 9A."
The entire class remained silent,
"What's going on? Where the hell are we?" Ai finally said, placing her hands firmly on her hips, "What kind of games are you playing?"
"Very good, Miss Takami. One game in particular. A very special game. Tell me, have any of you ever heard of the BR act . . .?"
The entire class reflected a blank look at their teacher who began to rub his temples in aggravation,
"Alright then, The Programme, anyone?"
Everyone gasped and hushed whispers began,
"NO TALKING!" He yelled, slamming his first on the large heavy oak desk at the front of the classroom, "You all should know my rules by now." He sighed, shaking his head, "I won't tell you twice." Everyone blinked, their faces turning white,
"P . . . P . . . please sir . . ." A small girl with short black hair and large dark eyes began,
"Ah yes! Yurika Tokita! What is it? C'mon girl! Spit it out already!"
"Are . . . are you trying to tell us that we're in . . . in the . . . The Programme?"
All eyes focussed on Mr. Sato who grinned wickedly,
"That's exactly what I'm saying."
The class was sent into uproar, one girl, Tomoyo Suzahara collapsed in shear terror whilst her friends all burst into tears, all except for Paige who looked around, frowning, confused beyond belief.
The boys all balled their fists, beginning to curse loudly, Kensuke pulled away from Paige, muttering dark thoughts as he began to advance towards Mr. Sato,
"Kensuke!" Suguru exclaimed, darting forwards and grabbing Kensuke's arms as he lunged towards the older man,
"BASTARD!" He screamed, struggling against Suguru,
"Shinji, help me!"
Shinji was frozen in spot, he soon snapped out of it and dived forwards, struggling against Kensuke, who's scruffy ebony hair scraped lightly against his cheek. Shinji pulled back on Kensuke's arms, trying to control and restrict his movements.
Mr. Sato raised a scruffy, greying eyebrow and snorted,
"Kensuke Takahashi . . ." He chuckled, moving forwards and gently brushing stray strands of spiked hair from his cheek, "I remember when you first came to the school . . . so intent on making an impression . . . getting in with the 'in' crowd . . ."
"I NEVER cared about that shit! NEVER!" Kensuke screamed, spitting into Mr. Sato's eye, "You bastard! You can't do this to us! WE NEVER DID ANYTHING WRONG!"
"Wrong?" Mr. Sato seemed to ponder the notion, "What IS wrong these days?" Mr. Sato backed up and took a somewhat comfortable seat on the desk top, "You kids today . . . think you're all so tough? Fighting in the streets. Back chatting your parents . . . swearing at your teachers . . ." His thin lips twisted into a tight smirk as he began to tug at his tie, slinging it onto the floor, "No. More." He continued carefully, "Someone needs to show you little animals what civilisation is all about!"
"WE'RE INNOCENT!" One girl screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks, her hands clenched into tight fists. Her hair was pulled down into ponytails that trailed down her torso over her ears,
"You think your innocent, Reiko?" He snorted, "Is anyone truly innocent anymore?"
"YOUR'E FUCKED UP!" Another boy yelled,
"Ryouji, so glad that you could join the conversation. I was wondering when the class clown was going to make his input!"
Ryouji furrowed his brow as he stumbled back at a loud, thundering sound,
"Ah, that'll be the demonstration!" The ageing teacher declared as four soldiers wheeled in a huge entertainment unit, complete with large screen TV, "Boys and girls . . . I think that you'll find this demonstration most helpful."
"What are you talking about now . . .?" Kensuke, who was now on the floor beneath Suguru and Shinji questioned,
"Just sit STILL and watch the DAMN video, alright?!" He growled, pressing a button firmly on the remote control,
"Good morning 9A!" A bouncy, bubbly young girl, aged in her late teens popped onto the screen wearing a mini-skirt in combat pattern and a black tank top. She had a microphone fastened to her head, "You're this year's LUCKY class to be chosen for 'The Programme'!" She began to clap enthusiastically, an overly happy grin plastered on her face, "I'm sure that you all know the rules by now . . . but let's just run through them one more time to make sure that all those 'un-cool' people are up to speed with everything!" At this point, she flicked back a stray strand of hair from her face so that it joined the rest, cascading down her back in long, thick ringlets, "It's simple really! The first rule is kill . . . or be killed! All members of the class must kill each other until only one survivor remains!" She held out her right index finger to the camera to indicate 'one', "You will ALL be given a pack, which'll contain two bottles of water, a loaf of bread, a map of the island and weapon. You might get lucky . . ." She grinned at this point, reaching into a military bag and producing a pistol, "Wow! This'll come in handy!" She exclaimed, aiming it at the camera and closing one eye. She giggled, pulling it back and dropping it onto the counter, "Only joking! I wouldn't wanna ruin your fun!" She smirked slightly, pointing to a screen behind her, "As well as your pack, you'll also be aloud to take your own personal bag with you. Now, here is the island that you're all on right now! It's kinda small . . . sorry . . . but your class is a bit smaller than average, so we figured, what the heck?! So . . . yes . . . on the map that you'll be given, the island will be divided by a grid. You'll be free to move about these areas if they're not designated as danger zones. Your teacher, Mr. Sato will be designating your danger zones at regular intervals . . . they will frequently change locations, so watch out! You are all wearing brand new collars! Do you like them?! Oh, I hope that you do!" She oozed sarcasm as she leant forwards with her hands clasped together under her chin, "They will monitor your life signs . . . if you're caught in a danger zone then BANG! Bye, bye kiddies!" She waved at the screen, pouting slightly, "Also . . . if there is more than one survivor after three days, all remaining collars will be detonated by your teacher and no one will win! So don't go getting any funny ideas!" She chuckled, wagging her finger at the camera, "Well . . . happy hunting!" As a final gesture, she blew a kiss towards the crowd and the screen turned blank. Mr. Sato leisurely stood, his back aching as he climbed to his feet from the desk top, turned the TV off and motioned towards the doorway where four soldiers began to wheel in a huge stack of bags similar to the one that had been on the video,
"Here are your packs." He muttered, snatching a clipboard from one soldier, "I will call you, one by one, at two minute intervals in order of your class number."
"P . . .please sir . . ." Paige began, standing shakily on her own in the middle of the dark room, her black pleated skirt dusty from sitting on the floor, "I don't understand . . . I've never heard of the programme . . . is this some sort of sick joke?"
"Miss Stevenson, please look at your fellow class members," He sighed heavily. Paige did as she was told, turning in a full circle and looking at the faces that surrounded her. Tears streamed down girls' cheeks. Boys' eyes were wide with fear. Some were gritting their teeth and balling their fists, others were blank, dazed and confused. She continued to turn until she faced Mr. Sato once again, "Do they look like this is a joke?"
Paige shook her head slowly, sniffling quietly,
"No . . ."
"Then, it isn't a joke, is it?"
"No . . ." She whispered hoarsely, lowering her head, "No, what?!"
"No . . . sir . . ."
"Good girl." He chuckled before clearing his throat, "Now, let's begin!" Returned some papers over, clicking his tongue against his cheek before making a small, satisfied noise, "Right, here we go; Boys #1, Masaru Hijikata."
A boy at the front stepped forwards. His face was blank, but his dark, chocolate coloured eyes narrowed into thin slits,
"Masaru!" A girl with strait, shoulder length hair gasped, darting forwards. He turned to her and smiled softly, nodding ever so gently,
"See ya soon, Hikaru." He said before turning back and catching his pack, bending down, he grabbed his bag and began to jog out of the doorway.
Yukiko watched as he friend, the most popular boy in school ran out first to face his almost certain death,
"Girls #1, Mari Aiida."
"A short, skinny girl with large, thin rimmed glasses stood, wiping her eyes on her sleeve as she lifted her glass, she walked slowly towards the soldiers. She caught her pack with effort and threw it onto her back before leaning down, sobbing to pick up her bag, she seemed to be weighed down as she scuttled from the room, her wails could be heard all down the hall,
"Boys #2, Tadashi Hiraga."
Time passed and more students were called out. Yukiko was in a daze until;
"Boys #4, Suguru Kamazaki."
She looked up as Suguru stood, sending her a warm, wary smile down from his towering height. She blinked as she watched him saunter towards the soldier who threw his pack into his stomach. Suguru caught it with ease, snatched up his bag, slung them onto his shoulder, pressed his fingers to his lips, blew a kiss at the group still remaining and called out,
"I'll see you all soon enough." He beamed, "Good luck."
He disappeared around the corner,
"Girls #4, Satsuki Chiba."
One girl stood and so did another,
"Yurika!" Satsuki gasped as the second girl hugged the first,
"Satsuki . . ." She breathed, squeezing her friend tight, "Friends forever. Never hurt one another. Promise."
"I promise, Yurika." Satsuki whispered, clasping her friend's hands in her own.
Satsuki left and more names were called out,
"Girls #8, Yukiko Nakagawa."
The large group from which Suguru had departed from all turned and looked at Yukiko who was sitting on the edge of their close circle. Yukiko stood to her feet with determination in her eyes,
"I'm off to find Suguru, Masaru and Hikaru." She said casually as she moved towards the large soldier who thrust her pack towards her head. She grabbed her bag, waved at everyone before turning, glowering at Mr. Sato and running off down the hall into the night of the island. She began running down the main path as fast as she could, her eyes darting in all directions in search for her friends.
- - - To be continued . . .
Man oh man! If that's hoe long my prologue was, can you imagine the chapters that I'm gonna have to uphold! Yipes! Ah well . . . I hope that you liked this . . . it's my first attempt at what will be serious, hardcore violence! ::grins::
So . . . yes . . . please lemme know what you think!