Karate Student
Chapter 7
Family conflict
I woke up with a strange headache, it was pounding on the right side of my brain. I groaned, clutching my head. Pulling on a black tank top, I dressed in my blue GI, tying on my belt and pulling the black shoes on. I was still rubbing my forehead when I saw my father about to leave the house. I rose an eyebrow. "Dad? Where you going?"
He stiffened in surprise. "Nashi, you're up?"
"Yeah, I have to go to school."
He does usually go out in the morning, but he was dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, not the normal clothes he wears when going out. He didn't have his GI on. He was acting suspicious lately which made me a little suspicious. "Oh, just going on a walk. I don't work until later today."
I nodded my head. "Okay, Dad."
He went out the door and I narrowed my eyes at it, then wincing as it caused more pain to my head. He was hiding something. It wasn't that I didn't trust my father, but he was acting strange and I knew he was hiding something. Plus, with that random apartment, I wanted to find out where he was going. Maybe just see who it was he's seeing.
I went out the door and saw him rounding the corner. I closer the door behind me and followed him silently. I ducked behind a couple of buildings. He was dragging his feet and his shoulders were slumped. I frowned in worry, what was bothering him? I shook my head, I can't let this objectify my thoughts. I needed to focus. I shut my eyes tightly and stopped walking, the pounding in my head came back. I rubbed my forehead again, leaning against the wall and making sure I was out of sight. I could wait a little, I already knew where it was.
After the pain passed, I walked forward and saw movement from above the apartment building. It was my father and he was leaving the building, a disturbed look on his face. As he came closer, I heard him mutter. "That damn pervert…"
I raised an eyebrow at that and went to turn away to go to school. I heard a loud yell. "NASHI CORA ARCHER!"
I cringed, he sounded furious. I waved. "Hello, Dad."
He marched over, his face red. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?"
I groaned at the stares I was getting. "Dad, stop yelling at me."
He came to me and pulled me away by the collar of my jacket for a block until I pulled myself free of his grip and snapped. "I can walk." I was frustrated with him and I knew it was on my face.
He gave me a glare of his own before striding toward the hut, I followed him, it wasn't like I had a choice. I always known to deal with him at the moment when did happen.
/ / / / / / / / /
We arrived at the hut and I shut the door behind me. He quickly turned to face me. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, face and eyes set and his weight shifted to his right foot. His serious face and serious stance. "What were you doing?"
I leaned against the door, speaking slowly. "I was following you."
He snapped. "Don't act smart! Why were you following me, your own father!?"
I threw my arms up in the air. "Exactly! Why is my 'father' sneaking around without telling me when you never really kept a secret in your life from me?"
"That is my business and as my daughter, you need to listen to me."
I scoffed at him. "Listen, I am 16 years old. I never had a mother and you raised me. I never really argued with you and did what you wanted. I took up karate because you wanted me to. I never did things that girls or boys my age wanted to do."
He shook his head, face filled with something I couldn't identify. "You never wanted to do those things. You told me you hated them."
"I know that, but that's not the point!"
He also threw his arms up. "Then what is?!"
"I wanted to be given the chance to choose and I never got it!"
"You learned karate to protect yourself."
"From what exactly? What are you training me for?!"
"That's not your concern."
I blinked at him in disbelief. "Not my concern. Ok, alright."
"Nashi- "
"Nope, it's all good."
"Nashi, listen to me!"
I looked at his expression, it was expressionless, there was something hidden in his eyes though. "Promise me you won't snoop on me again."
"Dad, you can't- "
"Promise me!"
I glared at him furiously. "Yes, sir. If you'll excuse me, I have to go to school. I'm late."
I turned away with a frown. He called. "Nashi, let me take you."
"No, thanks Dad, I don't want to interfere."
Before anything else could be said, I walked off. I walked to school, trying to clear my head. I was furious at him and how he was acting. It had something to do with me and I had to find out what. He was always secretive when things came to me.
He made me promise not to look, but all I had to do was not get caught. I walked the rest of the way to the academy.
/ / / / / / /
I walked into school with a bad mood. As much as I tried to ignore my anger from the agreement, I still was. Even if the walk to school calmed me down a little bit. I walked around, not wanting to go to class yet, Mako and Ryuko were just going to annoy me. I didn't like taking my anger out on friends unless they were the reason I was mad.
I walked around some more for a bit before leaning against a wall, sighing. The bell rang and I walked around some more. My head was down as I thought to myself.
I heard. "Hey, Nashi!"
I looked up to see Mako waving at me with a wide grin. I walked over, sitting by Ryuko. "Hey."
Ryuko raised her eyebrows. "What's up with you?"
I shook my head. "Nothing much, fighting with my old man."
She snorted. "I know how that is."
I looked at her, remembered her father was dead, but she didn't seem bothered so I let it go. I was sitting on some large red chains that wrapped close to the school. They were eating that stuff Mako's mom makes. Mako leaned over Ryuko and asked. "Where's your food?"
I shrugged. "Dunno. Don't have any today." I stared into space.
A moment late something was dropped in my lap. My fast reflexes was the only thing stopping it from dropping to the floor. I looked down to see a cover filled with food. I looked up see Mako smiling innocently. Her food was half missing. "Here you go, eat up!"
I smiled on reflex. "Thanks."
I took a couple bites and remembered I loved to eat this stuff. Suddenly a knife was thrown at Ryuko's food. I narrowed my eyes at the boy with a knife suit on. "Ryuko Matoi! Jack Naito, President of the Knife Throwing Club, will take you down!"
I rolled my eyes. "Just deal with it."
Ryuko shoved me. "I was getting to it!" She then turned to the guy above us. "You got some nerve, ruining the lunch Mako's mom made for me! You'll pay for that!"
She took out the pin in her glove, attacking him and destroying him in the next 5 seconds. I rolled my eyes again as I finished my food, but was hating that I now was thirsty. Then this other guy showed up and attacked her. During this, Mako scooted closer to me. I gave her an absentminded pat to her head. Maybe fighting one of these guys will loosen my energy and anger.
I tossed the lid away. The guy was wrapped up in red threads and it seemed he used that to attack. "Nanjing Lily Club President Kagesaburo Kagero!"
He couldn't move and she attacked him in one second. I slapped a palm to my face. "I'm tired of watching this."
Ryuko scoffed, turning to face us. "Are you kidding me? I'm tired of dealing with these losers."
"I am President of the Tightrope Walking Club!"
I crouched suddenly, taking out my pole and expanding it, making sure the blade was out. I share an annoyed look with Ryuko. She stepped back and I ducked the attack with the dumbbell and sliced her with my blade, wincing slightly as the other end of the weight grazed my shoulder. She screamed as the uniform was destroyed.
Ryuko raised her eyebrows. "That was fast."
I shrugged. "I've been training."
I decided to work on speed other than just strength. It might be a way to defeat more One Stars and maybe even a couple of Two Stars. She was pathetic with her being 3 times a normal size and not physically fit like I or Ryuko were.
I walked with Ryuko back to the red chains. I sheathed the blade and shrunk my pole down to size, putting it away. I sat down on the other side of Mako. Ryuko sighed. "A Knife Throwing Club, Nanjing Lily Club and a Tightrope Walking Club? What's the deal with these ultra-specific clubs?"
I shrugged. "I have no idea."
Mako piped up. "They were all part of the Acrobatics Club. They split up because of you."
"Because of me?"
"Yep, if someone beats you, they jump to Three Star status. But since you can't get a Two-Star Goku Uniform unless you're a club president, they found new clubs and are gunning for you."
Ryuko glared. "Say what?"
"More stars mean a better life. They're all desperate."
Ryuko scoffed. "Man, this academy system is really messed up."
I took all this in. "It makes sense that she's getting them to fight Ryuko. But she must know something. She'll never give a Three Star uniform away."
Ryuko and Mako stared at me. "Why not?"
"None of them can defeat you. Hell, I can beat some of them with more training and…you're stronger than me. Why is she doing this, this will just lose her more students to control over as the clubs get smaller…"
I was talking at first, but then I was thinking out loud. Ryuko was saying something, but I was too lost in my thoughts.
Suddenly, I was being pulled by Mako. I stared at the back of her head. "Mako, what're you doing?"
She turned to grin brightly at me. "C'mon! Ryuko's making a club!"
I raised an eyebrow and turned to look at said person. "Really?"
She shrugged, smirking. "If anyone can do it, I can too."
I got what she was saying a moment later. "You're doing this to stick it to Kiryuin then?"
She laughed. "You bet!"
I smirked back. "I'm in, I'll join this club…"
"Fight Club."
I laughed this time. "I like the sound of that, I'm in for sure."
Plus, this could be something that would distract me and keep me from my little hut with my dad. I need to figure this out and being around him with awkward silences isn't going to help me at all.
We stopped at an open area and Ryuko slammed a table and chair she collected as we walked with a sigh that said 'Fight Club'. I removed my hand from Mako's confused. Where the hell did she get all that stuff? I then shook my head, it must have been when I wasn't paying attention. Plus, it's like Mako and Kiryuin with their light thing.
Me and Mako stood to the side of Ryuko as she sat in the chair in front of her table. I decided we might be here for a while so I sat down on the ground. My shoulders jumped back a little as that huge blond guy, Gamagoori showed up. "What are you playing at, Matoi?"
Ryuko smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. "You have eyes, don't you? I'm starting a Fight Club?"
He snapped. "Quit trying to screw with us."
She snapped back, annoyed. "You're the ones screwing with me! You're forcing students to start stupid clubs to go after me. So I'm gonna do the same. Say hello to Fight Club President, Ryuko Matoi!"
He glared at her. "Do you seriously think a club like that will be approved?!"
I raised an eyebrow, scowling as that light came back. I was really not in the mood for her antics. I heard Kiryuin's voice loud and clear. "I'll approve this Fight Club."
Ryuko was muttering to herself and I scoffed, standing up. "There she goes, acting all high and mighty."
Gamagoori looked furiously at me, but didn't speak as his 'precious' leader was speaking and her stupid light that came out of nowhere was still shining, which just made me even more angry.
Kiryuin was speaking again. "Are you trying to integrate in my system, Matoi?"
Ryuko scoffed. "Moron! I'm going to bring your precious system down around your ears!"
I grinned at her, squinting through the blinding glare of the light. Kiryuin said. "How amusing. Try your best not to let it get the better of you." She walked off and before she left while she had her back turned, she spoke. "I'll be waiting to see what you do, Archer."
With that, the light was out and she was gone. I jumped up. "What!? Come back here, now!"
When did I get involved with her?! I glared in the direction in where she was. I wasn't going to do what she wanted or expected of me. I wasn't a pawn of hers. Gamagoori boomed out. "Very well, let's begin the paperwork."
Some One Stars showed up behind him and I eyed them. They stayed stiff though.
I grimaced at the word 'paperwork', slowly losing my anger. Since I moved around a lot, paperwork needed to be done along with homework. Any type of paperwork sucks. When I grow up, the job I wanted would not have to do with paperwork. Meanwhile Ryuko snorted. "You switch gears real fast, don'tcha?"
"Lady Satsuki has spoken. I must abide by her decision. Matoi, I assume you will be president of this Fight Club and not Archer?"
I shook my head. "Nope, I'm not, Ryuko is."
Ryuko exclaimed proudly. "That's right! And I don't need no Goku uniform. I already got my Kamui."
Gamgoori proclaimed. "Understood." He slammed some documents on the table. I remembered what I thought about earlier and backed up. "Club presidents are to submit club activity logs every Friday. At the end of each month, expense files are settled and expense applications for the next month are filed. You must also file a club room use request form, club member organization chart, and family member lists."
I was horrified as he put down stack after stack of paperwork. I was moving back with every stack that came down. I was behind Mako, vowing not to touch that paperwork.
Gamagoori kept on talking. "You are also required to attend Club President Council meetings, which are held every morning at 7 am! Tardiness will not be tolerated!"
I could see her eye twitching and I snickered. She suddenly pointed at Mako. "Um, my friend here is, Mako Mankanshoku, says she'll be club president."
I gaped at what she did. Me and Mako yelled. "WHAT!?"
Ryuko muttered to me. "Unless you want to fill this out."
I stiffened in horror at the papers on the table and gave a false grin, throwing a tense arm over Mako's shoulder. "She's the club president and happy to do it!"
Mako gaped again and Gamagoori left. I helped Ryuko gather the papers and we walked off, me in the middle of the two of them. Mako whined. "That was so, so mean! How could you make me club president like that, Ryuko? And Nashi, you agreed so easily!"
I shrugged. "I don't do paperwork, no matter what."
Mako frowned. "But- "
I shuttered. "No matter what."
Ryuko then said. "Everything's set up. The focus of Fight Club is fighting."
I snorted and said sarcastically. "No really?"
She shoved her shoulder hard against mine. "Shut up! Anyway, like I was saying, when I and Nashi beat up the club presidents, the club's achievements will be recognized and your reputation will skyrocket."
I blinked. "Me?"
She smirked. "Well, yeah. You did say you could fight some of them, unless you take that back?"
I stiffened at the taunt. "Of course I can. Don't you worry about me!"
She nodded. "Good." She then turned to Mako. "This also ups your living situation, right?"
Mako was panicking. "But I can't! Can't! Can't! I can't be club president!"
I waved a hand. "It'll be fine."
/ / / / / / /
The next day was just as expected. I trained the night before, to get ready for the fight I was going to have. It wasn't easy for me like it was for Ryuko. I stood next to Ryuko as she planted the 'Fight Club' sign down. "Prepare yourself! I'm Ryuko Matoi with the Fight Club."
I waved a lazy hand. "I'm Nashi Archer with the Fight Club." I wasn't too excited with the introductions.
We were in front of the club president for folk dancing and her members, who wore weird helmets. Ryuko called out. "Folk Dancing Club President Maimu Okurahama! I'm here to take your Goku Uniform!""
I snorted. "I'm here to beat up the rest of you."
The president blew a whistle. "Suits me fine. Prepare to have the tables turned, sister!"
I stood with her back to back and they circled us. I was kicked and winced. "What the hell?"
I drew my weapon with the blade out and attacked as did Ryuko. They uniforms were done as they flew in the air.
As time went by, me and Ryuko were defeating the club members and Mako did all the paper stuff. To tell you the truth, I was getting sick of it. The good thing to this was that Mako got to move into a bigger place. I was happy for them, they deserved it. They were good people and I knew that from the one night I spent there. I was still in my hut and I didn't care.
I knew my dad decided to stay here and in that hut for a reason. He was planning something and I didn't know what. I knew that was why we were on bad terms. I was right about one thing; the Fight Club was a good distraction from the fighting between me and Dad and that it was awkward. He left before I woke and I trained, ate and slept before he came home late in the night. We ignored each other, either from pride or not wanting to talk about it.
I knew he was still going out, but it had an urgency that wasn't there before. The couple times we did run into each other the past week were awkward.
I was getting ready for my second day of being in the Fight Club and my Dad was at the table, reading something. I stiffened, remembering the fight from yesterday. I looked at him. "Dad."
He nodded back. "Nashi."
I opened my mouth and then closed it. I gave him an expectant look. His eyes narrowed at my look. "Do you need something, Nashi?"
I had scowled darkly at that and stormed off, angry and taking it out on my opponents. The other few times were just as hostile, so I decided to bump into him the least as possible and I knew he was doing the same.
I told Ryuko the day before I was sitting out of today, I wanted to relax and train myself. She shrugged, knowing she'd be fine. Sure, I lessened the work load, but she could handle it. That was another thing that frustrated me, thinking my efforts didn't matter and that was why I wanted to train. I didn't want to be home either, so I was looking for somewhere to train myself.
Looking at the watch on the wrist, I saw it was 8:00 am, therefore, school has started. Ryuko was beating up presidents or she was going to while Mako watched. I wandered around, getting more familler with the sights. I only been to school, alleys, toward the school and Mako's house. Since that wasn't even occupied, not even there.
I walked around some more and found a empty place with an empty hut where no one lived. I was walked inside and cleared up chairs and tables that were in the way, making space. I then trained, did my katas, trained with my blade and worked out with barely a break.
I could actually feel myself getting stronger if that was possible. It was a sort of strength in me that I just knew was there. I looked to see the sun coming down.
I decided to give it a rest, climbing on the roof of the building. I put my hands behind my head as a sort of pillow. I saw myself looking at the stars, it was peaceful to the least. I closed my eyes, letting myself sleep.
/ / / / / /
I woke with pain in my back. I groaned, sitting up and stretching until I felt a few cracks, standing and cracking my back some more. I jumped back, looking at the bright sky. I was slightly sore, then again, I did train all day yesterday.
I did this for the next couple of days, skipping school. I bet it was just more of Ryuko fighting clubs and Mako watching over it all. I needed to train, not go to school.
I just wish there was a way to test my strength. I could train all I wanted and fighting Ryuko would be unfair, she had an insane advantage and that would not be a good way to see how strong I've gotten these past weeks, all it would do is account for failure.
I decided to go for a walk, maybe grab something to eat. I was walking, when I heard my name. "Nashi!"
I looked up to see Ryuko. I smiled, waving back. "Hey, Ryuko."
She came over to me. "Where have you been?"
I shrugged. "Training, why?"
She shrugged back. "Nothing much. Me and Mako got in this big place because the club is doin' good."
I nodded. "That's cool."
Ryuko asked. "Why don't you come to school or something?"
"I don't see a problem with it, sure thing."
"Heyaaaa!"
Suddenly I felt a pain in my jaw and I stumbled forward, slamming on my knees.
Ryuko shouted. "What the hell?"
I rubbed my jaw in annoyance and looked around with a grimace. I saw who hit me, a boy around my age at about 6 foot with brown hair and eyes jump, putting his foot down, staring at me. "Who the hell are you?"
"Nashi Archer, you remember me, don't you?'
I frowned at the stranger. "No, I don't."
He slumped over. "WHAT!? YOU JERK!"
Ryuko was sounding pissed. "Do you know this idiot?"
I blinked. "No, I really don't."
"How could you forget, I'm Yuki Mori!"
My eyes widened. "Oh, yeah! You're the guy I beat up in middle school."
He was furious. Ryuko nodded. "Okay, now that makes sense."
I stepped forward. "Okay, what do you want?"
"Remember what you told me 3 years ago."
I racked my brain for a bit before I remembered. "Yes, I remember now. You fought well."
"Yeah, try perfecting yourself on your speed and come fight me again."
Ryuko asked. "Want me to take care of this guy?"
I stiffened at that, it was insulted. "No. He's my fight."
She understood that. "Okay, hey, I'm going to watch then."
I nodded slightly. "Fine."
She moved with a smirk and I said. "I'll fight you, let's go."
I wasn't going to use my pole though, he didn't have a weapon, plus I wanted to see how my karate strength had built up.
What I did know until much later on, was that a couple others were watching this match in the middle of the street, a couple hidden someone's.
I remembered as much as I could from our last fight and expected there to be more, it's been a couple years since then. I smirked at him. "Come on, then."
I saw his eyes narrow in anger.
I balled my hands into fists, keeping aware. We met in the middle and I ducked the jab to my face, twisting my body into a right round house kick, but he crouched as I jumped over the grab at my leg, landing on two feet.
I let out a huff of surprise and a little respect. He eyed me, but rushed forward. I blocked the right fist to my face, snatching the limb and slamming a knee into his gut. He let out a grunt of pain, stumbling back, slightly hunched over. I darted forward, forcing him on the offensive.
I attacked, punches, kicks and even using the strength I've gained to flip him over my shoulder, which he landed barely by twisting on one foot before landing on the other one. I landed a couple hits, one on his face and the rest on his torso.
But my mistake was that I overreached on a combination of a kick and a punching, forcing myself to be on the defensive and him on the offensive. As I cursed myself, I crossed my hands in front of me, stopping the double kick that was aimed at my chest and pushing him off. He landed lightly on his hands, flipping back to his feet.
His face had a determined look to it. I barely realized Ryuko was watching, she was quiet (which usually doesn't happen) and I was concentrating.
I backed up as he aimed several attacks at me, a combo of punching and kicking. I dodged a punch only to get a kick to the face. I stumbled back with a groan of pain which was followed up by a kick to the stomach. I crouched at the last punch to my chest, slamming my fist into his face with frustration. If I can't defeat him who was wearing normal clothes, I can't hope to defeat those with the strong clothes.
In the end, the fight had to end. We couldn't just keep on trading blows all day. I blocked the high kick aimed at my face, ducking slightly, making sure my shoulder was under his knee before grabbing his lower leg and the collar of his jacket, slamming him harshly to the ground. I also noticed while fighting him that he did use his hands, but he mostly fought with his feet and legs.
He looked dazed and groaned, closing his eyes. He was breathing heavy, his chest heaving. I noticed something strange about myself, I was barely breathing harshly, only a little. My endurance was getting a hell of a lot better.
I heard Ryuko laugh and I whipped my head toward her. I forgot she was there. "That was good!".
She raised a hand with a smirk and I smacked it with a grin. Mori slowly got up, his movements showing pain. "Nashi Archer, it's seems you've beaten me again and gotten stronger."
I smiled. "Yeah and you've gotten stronger yourself."
He face was pulled into a serious expression. He bowed sharply before walking back to who knows where. How did he even find me? I shook my head of the thought, that don't matter? At least I got to test my strength.
After talking with Ryuko for a moment, she said she was going back to school. I said. "I'll come back another day instead of today."
She shrugged, waving her hand and walking off. Apparently her and Mako's family were really living the royal life. It was strange, picturing her living like that. It was weird how people lived here. Thinking about what Kiriyuin did made me clench my fists in anger.
I was walking down the street and noticed a puddle, I saw my reflection. I had a couple of bruises on my face, including under my eyes from lack of sleep. My hair was messier than usual from being outside with my clothes rumpled. That reminds me, I need to get clothes from my hut. I couldn't wear the same ones all the time.
/ / / / / /
A couple of days later, after laying around, following my father another time and training, I decided it was time to go back to school. After pulling on a new GI and making sure the belt was tight enough around my waist, I walked out of my room. I had the harness that held my pole strapped around my chest like usual. My Dad was around and I was thankful for that. I knew we had to talk at some point, but that wasn't now or I didn't want it to be.
I decided to jog the way to school and then jump on the train. I was already running a little late. I hoped on the trolley and saw there was only a couple more people. They were minding their own business, so I minded mine. Plus, I knew they wouldn't want anything to do with me, with my reputation with the school and all.
I walked around, but found it strange that the place was almost empty. I saw someone wandering around, some boy on his phone, typing something. I walked over tapping him on the shoulder. "Oi, where is everyone?"
I wanted to find Mako and Ryuko, see if this whole Fight Club thing was over. I knew Ryuko felt she was about done with it.
The boy said. "The Fight Club is fighting at the stadium."
I rose an eyebrow. "Really?"
He nodded, before going back to his phone. I sent him a strange look before walking to where I was wearing cheering. I walked through crowds and wondered where this place came from. I was all the way at the front, a wall in front of me. I leaned my elbows on the wall. I saw Mako dressed strangely, she was in a nice blue suit with glasses on.
I was close so I heard Mako say. "At last, the day we face off against the Elite Four. Once we win, the Fight Club will be supreme on the Student Council. We'll be respected and showered with luxuries." And she then preceded to laugh like a maniac.
I felt my face twitch with disbelief. What the hell happened to her? Ryuko was right before, she has lost it. Fighting the Elite Four? Greed is a thing, I guess. I never had luxury and I never really cared, maybe when I was younger, but that was it.
Ryuko then walked up, I was relieved, maybe she could tale sense into Mako. Mako said with snark. "Well, look who decided to show up. It's the final showdown, so-"
I frowned when a small paper hit her in the face. I muttered. "What the hell?"
Mako looked at it with confusion and Ryuko said. "I'm quitting the club."
Mako was shocked. "What? What is this, a joke?"
Ryuko said, her tone quieter than usual. "It's not a joke, I'm done with it."
Mako complained. "You can't! We worked so hard for this, if you quit now, they'll sent us back to the slums!"
Ryuko said, her voice hard. "I'm okay with that."
Mako said loudly. "Well, I'm not! I'm never going back there ever!"
A cabinet almost hit Mako and she moved. My eyes narrowed and I jumped crouched on the wall, watching in alarm. The light was then shinning and I growled to myself, of course she going to do something. I looked up, knowing I was going to hate what she was going to say. "President Mankanshoku of the Fight Club. Your Two Star Goku Uniform in that wardrobe. If you wish to keep all you worked for, you must fight and defeat Matoi and Archer."
I stiffened in anger. "What!?" She would put my own friend against me when she clearly sees Mako wants something. I clenched my fists. I jumped down from the barrier, walking forward. I shared a furious look with Ryuko as she snapped at Kiriyuin.
Kiriyuin went on. "If you defeat them, I will grant you a Three Star Goku Uniform."
I glared darker as I walked to Ryuko side. She snapped. "Typical! All you do is play dirty."
I just swore. "That damn bitch! I hate her!"
Knowing her stupid, council was glaring at, I angrily made a face, seething. I was breathing more heavily now then I did during my fight with Mori. It was an anger, I could feel deep in my gut.
Kiriyuin said. "That's your friend's choice."
I moved aside slightly as Ryuko transformed, giving her room. I tightened the belt around my waist, taking my pole out and enlarging it, leaving the blade hidden. Kiriyuin scoffed. "Safe your strengths, you're going to need it for your other opponent."
I was the one that scoffed. "No way is Mako going to-"
A light shinned from the wardrobe. I took a step back in disbelief. Ryuko was also in shock. She put on the uniform which was just a really big cape with a hat and spiky bracelets. I took a step forward. "Mako, this has gone on long enough, stop this!"
"Sorry Nashi, but I can't!"
She darted forward, both our names on her tongue. She was attacking the both of you, I spread my hands shoulder width apart, blocking the hits and objects she threw at us. Well, until one cut me in the shoulder. I winced in pain as one also hit her in the face.
I rolled my shoulder as a nailed bat was on her shoulders. Ryuko blocked it with her scissor. I walked forward as they faced. "Cut it out, Mako."
"No way, I can't go back to being poor. We're living the good life and we're happy now."
Ryuko snapped. "Come on, snap out of it."
I spoke in a hard voice. "She right, you don't want to fight us."
She pushed her away and I pulled my pole in front of her, forcing her to block with the bat. I made sure to apply strong pressure. "Mako, stop this, I know you don't want this."
"I have to Nashi, you don't understand!"
I pushed harder. "What I understand is that you're letting greed control you."
I heard a car and saw her family. I was slammed in the ground, my shoulders hitting first. I groaned at what I knew bruises would show. I heard Ryuko behind me and Mako said to me. "Nashi, I have to do this!"
I was hating Kiriyuin by the second. I looked over to see her parents and brother with the dog. Ryuko called as I rolled to my feet. "Stay back, don't try to call her, she's not thinking straight."
I snorted as they moved away quickly. At least I know where she gets that from. I walked back over to Ryuko, she asked. "You good?"
I sighed. "Yeah."
I grunted in pain as I was forced back to back with Ryuko, tied with golden chains. I struggled and Ryuko shouted. "Come on!"
I felt my eyebrow twitch as her family cheered to beat us up. I grumbled. "Great people."
Being pressed tightly against Ryuko didn't make the pain any better. Ryuko trashed and I firmed my feet to the ground, keeping us still as the family dissed her for money. "Stop thrashin'!"
I heard Kiriyuin's loud voice. "This is human nature, Matoi, Archer. Prosperity leads to greed, greed leads to their downfall, one taste to this and their enslaved! Slaves to a system to which I created. They are nothing more than pigs, pigs in human clothing! Pigs that must be tamed by force!"
Mako was spinning us round and round as she spoke, I was getting dizzy. But I was also getting angry, trembling with it actually. She pissed me off. She couldn't talk about people like that, like she was better.
Ryuko broke the chains and I jumped to one side, sliding on my feet, my pole over my right shoulder. "This is getting stupid, damn her!"
I stumbled back a couple of feet from the explosion of a missile from her uniform. I knew Ryuko was fine. When the dust cleared, her uniform was in that normal form. She was scratched up, but that was it. I cocked my head to the side in confusion. I heard her say. "I'm fine like this."
I looked down at my pole and knew why I wasn't fighting. I couldn't hurt her, no matter if that Goku uniform could beat me. She was a friend, just like I couldn't hurt Ryuko, ignoring her Kamui that could kick my ass. They were my friends and I couldn't hurt them, I wanted to be strong so I could protect those I cared about. Mako, Ryuko and even my Dad, who I was pissed at right now. I could use my strength to hard those I cared about.
I made my pole smaller, tucking it away. I walked forward with narrowed eyes. This beat down, I would take it. Suddenly, she hit Ryuko hard in the face. I couldn't help, but tense. I was hit with a sharp object on my face, making me flip head over heels before landing on my stomach hard. I groaned, balling my hands into fists at the shooting pain in my jaw and cheek.
I stumbled to my feet, feeling the area throb. After that it was a blur. I just know she switched between attacking me and Ryuko. I held my arms in a crossed position so she didn't break all the bones didn't break. I did get hit occasionally in the face, but it was more the torso and legs.
All I knew was that when the sunrise hit, I was aching all over. Then the hits stopped and I saw Ryuko next to me. I bared a grin with bloody teeth. I wobbled for a moment, but was standing straight. Mako was running at us. I chuckled lowly. "What ever happens, happens, yeah?"
Ryuko replied with a smirk. "Sure."
Mako did stop, her fist a couple centimeters from our faces. She was on her knees in front of us. She choked out. "Why…why didn't you guys stop me!? They are going to die if I keep hitting them! My God! How can you just sit there and watch as I'm trying to kill them! What kind of parents are you? And I got to be president, I thought our lives would be better because everyone looked so happy. It's like the whole family was glowing with happiness. But it was all a lie, but none of it was real at all. We let ourselves be blinded by greed. That's what the glow was, plain old greed burning inside us!"
As she sobbed and cried this out, a puddle of tears was below her. I felt a pull in my heart of guilt for her. I've never seen Mako upset like that and I never wanted to again.
Suddenly she yelled. "We'll evil!"
She punched the ground and as Ryuko stuck her scissor to the ground, I grabbed the back of her uniform so I would fly off somewhere. Rock flew in the air as a crater formed. A crater that we were in. I let go and Ryuko walked forward. "I guess now we know the real power of your Goku Uniform, huh?"
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that punch held some power, you could've really hurt us."
Ryuko agreed. "You could've killed us if you wanted."
I smiled at her until she starting crying again and loudly too. "I'm Ryuko, you too Nashi!"
Ryuko laughed lightly. "Come on, let's end this."
I also laughed. "Yeah, no hard feelings."
I found that to be true, I wasn't actually angry at her, not at all. Kiriyuin on the other hand…let's not get into that just yet.
Mako suddenly had that light and I flinched back. "Shit, not that again."
Ryuko laughed again. Mako did some gestures. "Now, Fight Club is disbanded! I'm demoting myself back to being a No Star!"
I smirked widely, looking up at where I knew Kiriyuin was. "That what you get for dragging me into your messes."
Ryuko shouted. "See that! Humans ain't as weak as you say they are! They have the strength to do the right thing when they wanna!"
I shouted. "We don't give a damn about your order and world!"
Ryuko destroyed the uniform after Mako ripped it off. I sighed in relief, at least that's over. I stumbled back as the other in Mako's family came off, begging for forgiveness with clothes, only in their underwear. I frowned. "Why'd the hell they do that?"
Ryuko pointed her scissor at them. "Don't screw me over again, got it?"
I didn't really care, sure I didn't want to get bet up again, but I didn't know them well.
After that was over, Mako asked me. "Do you want to come over for dinner?"
I was about to agree, but then shook my head. "Nah, maybe another time. I have to do something first. Wait, here."
I undid the ties at the sides of my GI top, handing it to her. "Here, just give it back tomorrow."
I was clad in a dark blue tank top. She brightened, putting her arms through the sleeves. "Thanks Nashi, I'm really sorry for before."
I waved a hand. "Like I said, don't worry about it."
/ / / / / / / / / / / /
I walked home, body sore. Dealing with all that with Mako made me realize I needed to make up with my Dad somehow. Even if I didn't agree and would keep on spying and trying to figure what it was out.
I walked into the door and saw my Dad sitting at the table, his face in his hands. "Dad?"
He looked up. "Nashi? What happened to you?"
I shrugged with a smile, sitting opposite him. "Just got in a fight, no big deal."
He nodded, rubbing his forehead. "Okay…"
I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest. "Okay, I'm sorry for spying on you."
I said this as quick as I could. He stared at me blankly for a moment and then laughed, grinning at me. "Even when you're saying sorry, you have to say that as quickly as you can."
I scowled at him and he sobered up a minute later. "Thank you and I'm sorry for exploding like that."
I smiled a little. He raised an eyebrow. "You're going to sleep in your own bed, now?"
I flushed a bit and grumbled. "Yeah…"
As I went to bed, the strangest thing happened to me when I woke up, I was mostly healed.
/ / / / / / / / /
Hours after the battle between Mako, Ryuko and Nashi, The Elite Four and Satsuki were meeting in the usual place. As Satsuki sipped her tea, the others in the room were talking about the battle. Gamagoori was shaking his head. "That was certainly surprising, they all stopped because of friendship."
Nonon scoffed. "They're all weird."
As Hoka muttered to himself and typed up data about the matches, he spoke aloud. "For someone with no life fibers with them, Nashi Archer has been doing well for herself."
Nonon snorted. "She still doesn't have a Goku Uniform."
Sanegeyama rolled his eyes. "Like I was telling you before, she relies on strength, speed and her own training. She's gotten better since the boxing match, which means she's training her ass off."
Hoka spoke up, peering at his screen. "He's right, her stats show increases in strength, durability and speed, allowing her to even beat up Two Stars."
After a moment of silence, Satsuki spoke, drinking her tea. "Things are changing and Nashi Archer is proving to be more interesting then I thought, both her and Ryuko Matoi are."
There it is! It's been a really long time, but it's a long chapter. Writers block was a major reason for not updating, but the plot will be thickening, so maybe I'll put in another chapter. Things are going to start to get interesting.
