Author's Note: So long awaited chapter is finally done! And I seriously mean long. This is the most lengthy chapter I've ever written and I must say I am extremely tired. I will say that this chapter will be...crazy, but I enjoyed writing it. Hopefully, you will enjoy reading it.
UPDATE: It has come to my attention that I didn't connect some things very well so I will add minor adjustments to help the flow of the story. Also, I don't think every one reads all my notes and comments, but I would really like you to read my bottom comment after reading this chapter. For those who review, THANK YOU! It is because of you guys that I can continue to improve. Because I already know what's going on, everything makes sense, but since you guys don't I have to explain it so you can and because you review I can at least understand what you're seeing.
FLASHBACK
Monday Afternoon
"Okay, to start us off, open your books to page 12, chapter 1.1. Remember the formulas and practice numbers 1-21, odd. You have 1 hour to get as far as you can. After that, we'll have a mini quiz. You'll have 30 minutes, but before that I'll start off with an example so watch and listen carefully."
"Wait, wait. We just barely started and you're already jumping the gun. Give us some time to adjust," stated Red giving Green the WTH look. Red, Blue, and Yellow sat together at the front desk with Green in front of the chalkboard and podium. They had just come in and pulled out their books.
Green stared back and nodded, pushing his glasses above the bridge of his nose. "Fine, look them over and when you're all ready, we can start."
Ten minutes later...
"Are you guys ready?"
"..." No one replied.
"Well?"
Yellow grimaced. "I guess it's now or never..."
After 15 minutes of explanation...
"Okay, start the practice. I'll check on your progress in 10 minutes to see where you're at and where you need help."
10 minutes later...
"Red, you're still on the first problem," whispered Blue.
"I can't help it, I tried following the steps, but when I checked the back for the answer, it's different!" he whispered back.
"How far are you, Yellow?" asked Red glancing over at Yellow's paper. Yellow sighed and shook her head. She had barely started the third problem. Math had never been her strongest subject. Blue on the other hand was doing a little better than the other two and managed to complete three problems so far.
Green eyed them from his seat, then got up and headed over. After checking their papers, he spent 5 more minutes explaining the steps once more to them.
"You are allowed to work together, for now. It is a group study,"announced Green.
30 minutes later...
"Yes! Done!" the three students congratulated each other. Green took their paper and analyzed them carefully.
"Good, you finished earlier than I expected. We can start the quiz now. You're on your own."
"Can't we take a break first?" asked Blue.
"After the quiz," replied Green. The group looked sullen.
30 minutes later...
"Times up, turn in your papers," announced Green.
"That was so difficult..." muttered Red.
"I agree...I hope midterms aren't as hard as that quiz," commented Yellow.
"That was NOT a quiz. It's a trap I tell you, a trap," added Blue.
"You guys have 10 minutes. After that, we'll start the real session," said Green.
"Wait, are you saying that was a warm up?" hollered Red. Green nodded.
"We will cover chapters 1&2 by the end of the day. Tomorrow we will cover chapters 3&4. Wednesday we'll cover chapters 5&6. Thursday, we will review everything so you'll be ready by Friday's midterm. We're on a tight schedule so there's no time to waste."
4 hours later...
"Ughh... I can't take it anymore...so sleepy..." mumbled Red laying his head down.
PEW. PEW. SHHHHHH.
"W-what was that?" called out Blue from her day dream.
"H-huh?" wondered Yellow as she woke up from her snooze. Something had darted passed them and began to disperse.
A dusty white smog encircled them, but a dark aura could be felt.
"Who gave you permission to ignore my lecture?" came a low voice.
Yellow and Blue huddled together while Red hopped out of his seat.
"S-sorry, umm I need to use the bathroom, BYE!" Red dashed out the door and out of sight.
"I-I have to go too!" excused Blue and then darted after Red.
Yellow, not wanting to be left with the angry Green, also excused herself.
"I-it's an emergency!" she squeaked before following after.
"I didn't give any of you permission to leave..." and soon he also took after them with a box of chalk in hand.
As Red ran down the hall, he dashed through the corners and passed by a few students and a couple at the western end, but at the speed he was going he barely noticed at all.
Blue also ran down the same path as Red passing an intimate couple, but she had been too preoccupied with her safety that she ignored them.
Yellow soon dashed down the same hall hoping to catch up with the other two. She had never run so fast in her life, even faster than the time she ran in the storm. She hardly noticed the storm then, so how would a lonesome couple bother her?
Green tailed after Yellow and watched her disappear around the corner. After reaching the corner, he saw two figures and assumed them to be Red and Blue so he threw a few sticks of chalk at them only to realize it wasn't them after hearing their voices. Not bothering to check, he ran through the forming white smog created by the chalk and went on to capture the three deserters.
About 15 minutes later, Green successfully captured the escapees and dragged them back to the study room unconscious. Throughout the day, they remained oblivious to the rumors that spread like a plague and paid only heed to Green's testaments (lecture) and punishments (shall they ignore his teachings).
FLASHBACK CONTINUES
Tuesday night, 8 hours into their study...
"Are we done yet?" asked Yellow as she averted her gaze from the text in front of her. Green looked at her and shook his head.
"Not until you learn your lessons."
Yellow, Red, and Blue were seated on the ground with their arms stretched out while holding their textbooks. After hours of lectures, quizzes and practice questions, Red just had to say it. By questioning Green's methods, they found themselves on the ground with textbooks in the air.
"So...how does this help us?" asked Blue. Her arms ached from holding the heavy books. Green instructed them to hold it up without setting them down while reading the examples from the book at the same time.
"Patience and discipline. It seems you need more than just lessons in math," answered Green.
"Bullshit," responded Red.
"Still mocking my methods, I see... You still haven't learned your lesson. Ten more minutes."
"All of us?" exclaimed Yellow. Her eyes were tired and heavy as well her arms. She didn't know how much longer she could hold out.
Green crossed his arms."Group study, group effort."
The trio groaned. This time, they had to balance a bucket with water on their head.
10 minutes later...
"Alright, that's enough. Return to your seats and prepare for a short quiz," instructed Green.
"Let's call it a night, we're all exhausted..." said Blue.
On cue, Yellow let out a small yawn. Taking off the bucket, she set it down before it tipped over.
"Red, you should put yours down, too," said the blonde.
"Huh? What was that?" asked Red barely aware of himself. Standing up too quickly, the bucket of water slid off his head. Before it could fall, he caught hold of the handle...however...
Red didn't notice Yellow's bucket beside his leg so when he stumbled to catch his own, he kicked Yellow's over.
Water spilled over the floor as Blue made her way over, but she slipped on the puddle and knocked Red's bucket into the air, only to land on Green and his papers.
The three gulped. Green remained silent.
"I-I guess that means that's it for today...haha..." Red scratched his head, in an apologetic manner.
"O-oh, look at the time, it's getting late!" shouted Yellow, hoping he'd let them go. "W-we can take the quiz tomorrow at the start."
Green still said nothing.
"Maybe...it's best we...run!" whispered Blue. The trio nodded and ran out the door leaving behind Green.
"...At least clean up your own mess..." Green tossed the wet papers onto the table and chased after them.
Red, Blue and Yellow ran down the hall together once again, fearing Green's wrath.
"It was an accident!" exclaimed Yellow in terror.
"It's no use, he won't listen!" shouted Red.
"If only...If only!" hissed Blue.
"If only what?" questioned the smaller girl. The brunette glanced at Yellow and then at Red. The moment her gaze fell on him, he felt a shiver run down his spine.
"W-what?" inquired Red. He gasped, he knew that look.
"Red..." called Blue to the raven haired boy. A small glint of mischief flashed her blue eyes.
"The demon..." he swallowed hard, "...empress."
"This is your fault," she claimed, "accept your punishment."
"Hey! We're in this toge-" Too late. Blue stopped running and turned towards Red. Winking at Red, she caused him to stumble. Without hesitation, the brunette pulled the raven boy close and lightly pecked him on the cheek. This caused Yellow to gasp in shock and Red to flare. Completely stunned, he stopped in his tracks. A second later, Blue ran out of sight dragging the blonde who too was also stunned by Blue's bold action. They darted towards their room, their only safe haven.
A barrage of chalk bullets raced down the hall and met Red with no escape. The raven haired boy was now completely white and limp.
Green approached the fallen boy and muttered words such as 'sin' and 'atonement' before leaving him behind in the dust.
A while later, Red regained his senses, but struggled to get up. The halls were darkest at the corners and it didn't help that the lights were always dim. He saw a figure slowly approach so he called out for help.
"H...elp..." his voice croaked. The figure stopped.
"Please..." he whispered, slowly crawling over. The figure cautiously backed away from him.
"W-wait..." he moaned, stretching out his hand. "I...need...you-"
"KYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" screamed the figure, whom was actually a girl.
Her earsplitting scream fueled Red a headache causing him to wince in pain. He let out loud moans of pain that would surely follow the girl to her sleep and into a nightmare. As the headache consumed him, his mind blacked out.
The next morning Red woke up in his bed, tired from yesterdays events. As usual, he'd greet Green before they left for classes. Green gave him a puzzling look, but Red seemed unfazed and continued to smile happily without any signs of distress.
"Are you alright?" asked Green, slightly worried.
"Yeah, why? Did something happen?" asked the undisturbed boy. Green didn't answer. Could it be he doesn't remember anything? Did he get hit that hard? After not returning to their dorm room, Green took it upon himself to retrieve Red who laid on the same spot he left him at.
"Green?" called out the red eyed boy, staring back at the owner of green ones.
"Forget it, just focus on today's schedule."
"Huh...okay. Later then."
And indeed he forgot...until...
END OF FLASHBACK
"HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH!" came the thunderous laughter that echoed throughout the cafe. Gold could be seen laughing his stomach off as tears streamed down his cheeks. He rolled around clenching in pain and joy, loving the fact that this time, it wasn't his fault.
"Gold, shut up already," commanded Silver. Although he seemed annoyed, his face was red with laughter, not anger.
The members at the dorm decided to call up the others and inform them about their recent finding and clarify the situation itself. In the past hour or two, they retold their account for the first two days into the group study. However, after hearing their explanation, even Silver had a good laugh.
"Y-you need to calm down. W-we shouldn't be laughing at-at them. Everyone makes mistakes!" scolded Crystal, however, putting up a serious face was just a farce. Deep inside, even she couldn't quite keep herself together.
"...It's not like it was on purpose..." whispered Yellow, but Gold seemed to have caught her words and fell into another fit.
"I think we should just leave him alone, it's better if he lets it out of his system," said Ruby while sipping a cup of tea.
"Oh, so now you show some mercy?" mumbled Red, still embarrassed.
Ruby too had laughed to tears just a moment ago, but had collected himself. It wasn't everyday that something so silly would befall them. "Saph, if you want to laugh, just do it, you'll feel a lot better."
"I-I d-don't...not funny- mph..." Sapphire could not properly form her words as she mustered all her willpower to suppress her laughter. Her body shook as if a wild beast were caged inside her.
"I also want to hear what happened to you four in detail regarding today's encounter," demanded Platina a little stressed, not completely over the outcome. After the revelation, Platina called her older sister to keep the shop open a bit later so they can stop by and get everything out into the open. She needed to know for sure if the older members were really the culprits behind the haunting. Indeed they were, but
"I need to hear everything before I can declare this case closed, despite how overbearing it is," stressed Platina. "So please tell us about what when on today, as of this evening.
"Well...I guess it all started after we last got together in the cafe," answered Blue. "It was after Green reminded us of exams. We got together and...well, we already told you what happened during the first two days and how it relates to the haunting, but nothing really happened yesterday. As for today..."
Flashback
Thursday evening
Two hours into the group study
"Green...I'm so tired...let's take a break," complaine Red, obviously frustrated from the past few days. He laid on the table with his cheek plastered against his studying material.
"You asked that five times within the last hour. You barely got to the third problem and still have seven more. Get half way and I'll consider it."
"But we've been at it for days! Dude, you're killing me here."
"Then die. You're the one who can't afford to fail AGAIN, so why don't you get it together and learn to save your life? If you can't, you die by my hands. Failure is not and option," remarked Green. It was a lose lose situation in Red's eyes.
"...Spartan scholar..." muttered Red.
YAWN. "I can't feel my legs..." muttered Blue. "Eh? Yellow! That's not fair!" The brunette shook the sleeping blonde, but not even a squeak came out.
Blue looked mortified. "Yellow...wake up...if you don't you'll be sleeping forever!" whispered the girl.
"Don't touch me," muttered the sleeping girl.
"Eh? W-what?"
"Yellow..." nudged Red, "...get up before you're caught!"
"Idiot."
"..." Red and Blue glanced at each other.
"Umm...Yellow...ple-" but Blue was caught off.
"Stupid. Brat. DUMB KID," mumbled Yellow, still asleep.
Blue felt the vein throb against her head and clenched Yellow on the shoulders, tightly.
"H-hey, calm down Blue, it's not like she's talking to y-"
"Go away, USELESS MONKEY," muttered the sleeping girl, once more.
That struck a nerve. Red began to painfully nudge the girl awake.
"You better wake up or else..." he whispered dangerously.
"Oho? Did that hit a nerve? I thought you said-"
"Hey..."
Blue felt herself tense.
"Didn't I tell you to focus on your studies? Leave her. I'll deal with her later," commanded Green slightly agitated.
"You silent wannabe good for nothi-" Blue slapped a hand over Yellow's mouth to muffle her insults as Green threw them a questioning glare before shrugging it off.
"Get back to work," ordered Green.
Red glared at him. "Wait, who made you teacher?"
"Come on Green, give us a break...we've been at it for two hours," said Blue trying to avoid the worst case scenario.
"And you've shown little progress. Just who do you think came to me for help?"
Flashback within a Flashback
Knock. Knock. Green stayed rooted in his spot and didn't even turn around. Red had momentarily stepped out and hadn't come back yet, but it couldn't be him otherwise he'd just walk right in.
"The door's unlocked."
The door opened and a head popped into view.
"Umm...hi Green, are you busy?"
No reply.
"O-okay, uh...I wanted to...nevermind," said the shy girl.
"If you want to ask me something, just do it," he sighed.
"Alright..." said the flustered girl.
"W-well, it's my first time asking someone..." the girl blushed, "sorry I'm very nervous."
Green turned around to look at the troubled girl.
"Come in, you can sit on my bed," he egged her gently.
"N-no, that's fine, I'll be on my way-"
"If you're nervous, try to calm down. Standing there with a head floating between a door will make others feel nervous, too." He replied with a slight teasing tone causing the girl to blush as she made her way in.
"What is it that you need to ask me?" asked Green giving Yellow his full attention.
"I-I well...you..that is...how umm...c-can you...if-"
"Yellow...take your time."
Yellow nodded taking in a deep breath and breathing it out.
"If...If you have time...would you...can we..." she gulped, "...study together?"
Green blinked. And blinked again. Suddenly he turned away and slapped a hand over his mouth. In a split second he was suffering from what looked like muscle spasms, until the confused Yellow realized he was doubling over in painful fits of laughter.
Yellow stiffened in embarrassment as a red glow enveloped her face. She must have sounded stupid. Yellow stood up on her feet ready to leave, but was stopped by a strong grasp around her arm.
"Sorry," whispered Green, looking a bit guilty while sitting on the floor. He kept one hand hovering before his mouth, to cover up his smile. When she tried to leave he realized that she'd been hurt by his reaction.
"I didn't expect...that."
"You seemed to have enjoyed it..." she muttered looking away from him.
He sighed. "I didn't mean to laugh...you're mad because it was very hard for you, right?"
She nodded still refusing to look at him.
"I see..." Letting her go, Green got to his feet. "Sure."
"You will?" Yellow looked up to match her gaze with his as hope sparkled in her yellow ones.
"To make up for my actions and...I won't let you down." He let a small smile grace his lips causing the girl's lips to twitch up as well.
"Green...I...tha-"
"Green!" The door burst open revealing Red. "Help me too!"
"R-red! Did you...hear us?" squeaked Yellow feeling a blush coming in. "Oh! Do you need help, too? Maybe...we could study together?" asked the girl shyly.
"Great idea Yellow, what do you say Green?"
"I refuse."
Silence.
"Hey...what's with you? I'm asking you for a favor, hear me out," said Red.
"I refuse," repeated Green once again. The throbbing vein could clearly be seen on his temple.
"I haven't even told you why! Come on, I can't fail that class again!"
"Then get down on your knees and beg. That's the difference between my and your intelligence."
"Y-you can't be serious!"
"Stop!" called Red.
"When have I not been serious?" asked Green with a smirk.
Red looked at Green with exasperation and then it turned into fury.
"Stop the flashback!"
Soon they fell into a staring contest with Yellow standing uneasily in the middle as sparks flew above her. And then-
"I said stop the flashback!" yelled Red.
End of Flashback within a Flashback
"What's wrong, Red?" questioned Blue with a curious expression.
"Remembering that pisses me off," growled Red.
"The feelings mutual," growled back Green.
The best friends were now glaring each other with a shockingly deadly tension.
Sigh. Blue stared at them wearily.
"Guess boys will always be boys..." she mumbled.
Suddenly, Green's phone rang, causing them to break off their glaring contest. Checking the caller ID, Green stepped out of the room.
"Must be someone important," whispered Blue. She then looked at Red who still seemed angry.
"Red, you shouldn't be so mad at him...it was kinda you're fault."
"What part?" he snorted.
"You shouldn't have barged in when they were talking," she answered.
"Huh? But it was my room and you joined us too!...Wait, I thought we were talking about what just happened. What does that have to do with today? Kuh, damn I'm getting mad again. Isn't there some way we can get back at him?"
"Quit being such a child, Red. You're acting like Gold and when did 'you' become 'we'?"
Red placed his elbows on the table and leveled his head into his palms.
"He called you old," deadpanned Red. The sound of a SNAP could be heard in Blue's direction. Looking over towards her, Red saw the broken pencil in her fists.
"Looks like the Unforgiving Queen is on my side," said Red a little worried, but was also glad at the same time. In truth, it was an accident. He didn't mean to release her.
A few minutes later, Green returned to the room finding the room somewhat different than before.
The chalkboards were no longer filled with math formulas, but nonsensical equations instead.
'Green+glasses=NERD' What the hell? It's so stupid...it must have been Red.
There were also a lot of graffiti involving Red and Green as rivals such as them battling one another with Red as victorious.
On the board, another phrase mostly likely done by Red, was written in big bold letters.
'SECOND PLACE'. Score for Red, he definitely got Green this time. The vein on his temples throbbed violently.
Looking over the rest of the boards, Green found a lot of...private things written.
"On the second day of BLEEP, Green BLEEP BLEEP. Then BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP-" recited Blue evilly.
"What's with all the BLEEPs?"
"SHHHH! Let them finish!"
"R...right..."
"During our third year of BLEEP, he also BLEEP and then BLEEP with BLEEP, but then BLEEP BLEEP. So BLEEP got BLEEP and then Red had to BLEEP for Green and they both BLEEP BLEEP this and that. Because he BLEEP they asked the oh so wonderful Blue to help. I found BLEEP who wanted to BLEEP him so BLEEP also BLEEP but it turned BLEEP! Then BLEEP had to BLEEP BLEEP, but it wasn't BLEEP so then BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP-"
"Stop it! My ears are going to bleed!" Red covered his ears trying to block out her words, but it was no good. He knew this moment would end up torturing him too!
Green stood at a stand still, unmoving. Blue wore a devilish smile and released a cunning laugh. A devious feeling seeped into the room.
"Hohohoho! My, isn't this lovely. We're all together again...Shall I go another round with stories? How about the time when-"
PEWPEWPEWPEW. SHHHHHHHHHHHH...
Blue glared at Green unwaveringly as the room clouded with disintegrated chalk. "Do you think that will be enough-?"
"Shut it. If you want to play, go play in a child's pen, but if you're going to mock me, then it's a challenge." Green narrowed his eyes as a shadow masked his face.
Red, on the sidelines, couldn't believe what he was seeing. A match between the Dark Desire of Destruction vs. the Sadistic Spartan Scholar was about to unfold. The match this time, would be a game to test their memories, wits, and weaknesses. Blue had played this game on him a long time ago...he never forgot a second of it.
"Ladies first," smirked Blue. "In the year of BLEEP, you had a BLEEP with BLEEP. But BLEEP didn't like it so BLEEP BLEEP you and you BLEEP BLEEP! Then you BLEEP BLEEP but was so BLEEP that BLEEP BLEEP. You never BLEEP again.
Red's eyes widened. He knew she would use that against him when she had the chance. Now it was Green's turn. He glowered at her. That annoying woman, he definitely wasn't going to let her get away with that.
"Back in BLEEP, you had a BLEEP on BLEEP but you couldn't BLEEP so you BLEEP instead. When I found out about your BLEEP, you tried to BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP so you could BLEEP. Oh, and BLEEP couldn't BLEEP because BLEEP was also BLEEP but BLEEP still wanted to BLEEP with BLEEP. So BLEEP and BLEEP both BLEEP together on BLEEP just to BLEEP BLEEP. You were so BLEEP that you BLEEP BLEEP. But in the end you BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP. Ever since then, you can only BLEEP when you BLEEP so that BLEEP won't ever BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP you BLEEP.
Blue's face twisted into a scowl. Green definitely hit a sore spot. Red saw Yellow trembling in her sleep as if she entered a nightmare. He also noticed her twitch every time BLEEP, BLEEP, BLEEP or BLEEP BLEEP, and on was mentioned. The battle wasn't over yet so he went over to cover the girl's ears to block out much unneeded information.
"Hah, well there was a time when you also BLEEP BLEEP. All because BLEEP was too BLEEP for BLEEP so you BLEEP her so she would BLEEP. Then she BLEEP you and this other BLEEP, but no, you couldn't BLEEP so you just had to BLEEP. BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP because of BLEEP, yet it all leads to BLEEP! So, what are you going to say about that?"
Green just smirked. He let out a small chuckle that sent Red, Blue, and the sleeping Yellow shivers. An ominous aura had burst from Green and it felt like the ground was shaking.
"My turn. First off, BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP because of YOU. Second, I didn't BLEEP, Red BLEEP BLEEP with BLEEP and BLEEP!"
Gasp. "What? That can't be, I was-" Blue couldn't believe what she just heard. Red on the other hand let his rage burst forth.
"That's it, I'm in." Getting up quickly, he knocked his own chair and some of his supplies fell down when he slammed his palm onto the table. His own powerful rage seemed to cloak the room and mix with the other ill emotions. "On the day of BLEEP you couldn't BLEEP and BLEEP all day! I caught you BLEEP on the BLEEP and you BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP! If you couldn't BLEEP with BLEEP then you swore to BLEEP anyone who BLEEP your way. But then BLEEP came along and BLEEP you so you tried to BLEEP back, but it didn't work. BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP and got BLEEP involved. Ever since then you said you'd never BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP until BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP. Well-?"
"I'm not done!" interrupted Green. "On the BLEEP of BLEEP you BLEEP this with BLEEP. Afterward, you BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP and BLEEP although BLEEP was actually BLEEP and BLEEP. That BLEEP was a big BLEEP that you can't BLEEP. Because of BLEEP Blue also had to BLEEP for you to BLEEP. That's why whenever Blue BLEEP you also BLEEP when BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP wanted to BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP and the only way was to BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP. That's why BLEEP doesn't BLEEP BLEEP with BLEEP anymore.
"I-I can't believe this...Blue did you really BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP with BLEEP and BLEEP just to BLEEP and BLEEP with BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP?" asked and exasperated Red.
"I-I... how do you know this?" cried Blue, taking a step back and coincidentally knocked over her own materials. She was completely shaken. The smirk never left Green's face. The powerful aura grew more negative as if leeching from their wavering strength.
"Oh, I forgot to mention BLEEP..." Green said in a low voice. Blue's eyes widened and Red's mouth dropped.
"You're despicable!" she shouted. Green's eyes narrowed dangerously. His eyes almost seemed to glow with despise.
"I don't want to hear that from you. Especially since you're the one who BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP." Red and Blue paled as Green continued.
"That's why BLEEP would never BLEEP if BLEEP ever BLEEP. This was never BLEEP because BLEEP would be BLEEP if BLEEP BLEEP.
"S-stop, I don't want to hear anymore!" cowered Blue. Red too had had more than enough, this dragged on long enough.
"Red also BLEEP and BLEEP too. Everything was because BLEEP BLEEP to BLEEP instead." Green went on as Blue and Red's spirit slowly diminished. The more he spoke, the smaller there presence became.
"That's it! I can't take it anymore!" hollered Red, but before he could make his move he saw Blue's face. It was blank, she had been consumed by the words that rebounded in the room.
"Blue! Get a hold of yourself!" called Red.
"I-I..." stuttered Blue.
"We have to leave! Come on!"
"Leave?...What is that...? Only BLEEP can BLEEP...that's why-"
"Snap out of it! If you don't...then...then..." Red sucked in his breath. "BLEEP IS GONNA BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP BLEEP!"
Blue's eyes dilated upon hearing his words. "N-no..." she whispered.
"Blue! Come on, we're leaving now!" said Red grabbing hold of her hand. He glanced at Yellow and could only pray that she didn't hear anything. Out of all of them, she was the safest. Getting up, he dragged Blue while knocking the desks out of place out of haste to the door and slammed it open accidentally out of anxiety, but then...
"Where do you think you're going? Oh, how about I tell you about the time when you both-" Red and Blue flinched.
"N-NOOOOOOOOOO!" It was a blood curdling cry. They both darted out of the room and away as quickly as they could.
"..." Green stood silently with an annoyed look. He grabbed the box of chalk and stuffed it in his pocket and walked out the door.
"I'm not done yet."
With that, he ended their mind game and started another full blown chase.
"Gold's about to die!" hollered Pearl while on his weak knees. Looking at the older boy, he felt a little better about himself, but in the end... he just couldn't take anymore.
I-I...can't believe this! I...I cried because of this?
Dia stared at his plate, not touching his riceballs. His gaze usually made him look like he was in a daze, but this time, it looked like he wasn't even there, just an empty shell. It was so hard to believe that he lost his appetite.
...Fainted...that's why...because of...so...so... Dia's mind was so out of order he couldn't even connect his thoughts.
"I..c-c...an..t...bre...any..m...re..." wheezed Gold between his breathes. Gold had laughed through much of the story, but right now...he was not suffering from a laughing fit.
Silver also could no longer laugh. He just couldn't believe that his Blue...it was all too...too...much.
Crystal felt an incredibly high degree of pity for the youngest trio after so much effort they put in for the case and the things they suffered through.
Ruby and Sapphire too couldn't find the heart to laugh over the matter. They really, really wanted to do something, but could only remain silent.
Even the young Emerald understood the situation and dared not make a sound.
Platina sat in her seat completely frozen with her lips tightly pursed and eyes unblinking. The story was outrageous and painted the younger children pale.
Even if they dared not comment... there was one truth they all knew too well.
The haunting...the encounters...the chalk...the battle...their seniors...everything...
IT'S TOO CHILDISH!
The three oldest members could only look away shamefully with brightening red faces. Yellow who had been asleep for that duration could only shudder. The pity was suffocating, but she could do nothing about it. The shame also sunk in to her as she knew she was also part of the cause.
"Uh...it's...it's..." Red hesitated to speak. "Your call Platina..."
She couldn't answer.
Silver could no longer stand the silence which was unusual because he normally enjoyed the peacefulness. But looking from their standing point, what part of this was 'peaceful?'
"...We're...waiting on you." He began hoping for her to end it. "Please get this matter over with once and for all...It's RIDICULOUS to stall any longer..." Was his testament.
'RIDICULOUS' was all she heard.
"I...I don't want to interrupt, but...this doesn't explain what happened to Yellow..." remarked Sapphire.
The others blinked. They had forgotten about her after hearing such an out of this world account.
"U-uh...I guess we should continue..." mumble Diamond staring sadly at his riceballs. He couldn't stomach his food and he couldn't digest their story, but the more this dragged on...
The atmosphere turned heavy...
"Yellow..." called Gold. He walked over to her and grasped her hands together. "I can't live in a world without laughter. Please, return my joy to me."
Normally, Crystal would knock sense into him, but currently...they all lost theirs.
This was one of those moments where you can say, 'it's so stupid, it's not even funny.'
"We need to hear your account, now," said Ruby urgently.
"I-I...it's kinda depressing," Yellow looked at them nervously. They all looked at her with serious, but terrified expressions.
"I understand," she replied. She knew what they were thinking, she knew what they wanted.
They feared the contents of her story. They feared the idiocy, but it was a risk they had to take because...once her account is told...
WE CAN FORGET IT FOREVER.
So Yellow began with an honest, "I... don't really know what happened that day. I only know that I was asleep for most of it, but..." They all nodded for her to proceed.
"I don't think I was possessed," she relayed to them.
"Then, what do you think happened to you?" asked Green.
Don't let it be stupid, don't let it be stupid. They chanted in their minds.
"I-I think I was dreaming."
OMG it's stupid!
"B-but!" Yellow panicked, "I-I think it had to do with my memories!"
Huh? Oh...okay. They let out a sigh of relief, however, they still felt a bit edgy. When it concerned Yellow, they knew that things didn't always come out as bright as she was.
"I dreamed that I was in the Viridian Forest again, but it wasn't like the one of the forest fire." Yellow concentrated on her dream, trying to pull out the details of the dream. Surprisingly the moment she brought it up, she could remember almost every bit of it.
"I think I was reliving through one of my memories!" she exclaimed a bit too excited. It was a bit unsettling to hear, but they proceeded nonetheless with wary hearts.
"I was younger than the me in my first dream. I think I was in Kindergarten or somewhere around that age because everyone looked so young and small."
"Everyone?" inquired Red.
"My classmates," answered Yellow. "After school they decided to play tag in the forest. You know how kids are...immature and rash, but we were just kids."
"Where are you going with this?" asked a curious Blue.
Yellow looked at Blue's sincere eyes.
"I was bullied from a young age," she answered quietly.
Silver's eyes widened. Crystal and Platina let out a gasp. Gold and Red, clenched their fists. Everything and everyone was serious by this point.
"You never told me that..." whispered Red. Yellow turned away shamefully.
"I didn't meet you until a few years later, but even then I couldn't. Whenever you were around, I could care less for the world or my problems. With you...all I ever wanted was for you to smile and laugh. If you did, then I could too," Yellow never revealed her feelings for him before, but this bit she could finally say. "You were my first friend."
It finally dawned on Blue why the girl had been so afraid all these years to confess. The connection she had with him was just that important. The others remained silent, eager to learn more. They all couldn't quite find the right things to say. Teasing and poking fun at others was quite common among children and even in later age groups, but even so, they always had a friend beside them. From what they gathered, Yellow was secluded in her childhood years, but Silver seemed the most troubled. He didn't know how to help at all.
"...What happened?" asked Red, sadly.
"In the dream," she continued, "I tried to make friends with the other students, but they all ran away. I remember my mom telling me to always give it my best shot, so I followed them deeper into the forest. I caught up to one of them and grabbed them by the arm and asked if I could play, too."
"E-excuse me! Can I play too?"
The boy pulled away in fear.
"Don't touch me!, he shouted and then ran away. The other kids popped out from behind the trees and started to shout at me, too."
"Stupid, brat, dumb kid, idiot and a lot more..." Blue and Red's eyes widened. " One of the kids even shouted 'go away, useless monkey!' To them, I was just a 'silent wannabe good for nothing.' I-"
"I'm sorry!" cried Blue, shocking the other members. She had Yellow in a tight embrace.
"Why? You didn't say it."
"No, but I-I... got mad when you were dreaming and muttering things at me and really wanted to hurt you."
"I...sort of elbowed you a bit..." Red scratched his head while Yellow looked dumbfounded.
"Ah-! That's why it felt so real when they threw things at me," she exclaimed. "...The pain was real..."
"They threw things at you?" shouted Pearl.
"That's just dirty," growled Gold.
Yellow just smiled and laughed, causing the others to give her a strange look. Did she get hit too hard?
"You don't have to make a big deal out of it, it's just a dream, or memory," said Yellow lightly.
"How can we not? Plus, you were sleep walking!" exclaimed Platina.
"Huh? Oh, I guess so..." her eyes bulged. "D-did I hurt any of you?"
"No, but you had us worried. It seemed like a ghost possessed you."
"I-I'm sorry," Yellow apologized frantically. "I don't remember sleep walking, but the dream did change and I suddenly started walking in the forest by myself. It might have taken place some time after the first part, but I was still a kid, so I probably said some horrible stuff, too."
"Yeah, you were completely different. You didn't even recognize us so I was kinda scared," said Dia.
"Did something happen at that time too?" asked Silver shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
"Yeah, my classmates approached me to pick on me again. I was yelling at them to leave me alone. I tried to runaway and suddenly...I remember falling and there was a red blur...then the dream just ended."
They looked at her with pure concern which in exchange she gave them another bright smile.
"Come on...I'm not brooding over it, so please don't look so worried. Umm, what's that saying..." she wondered, "Oh! Let bygones be bygones! I think that's right..."
Sigh.
"...Fine...but only because we don't want you to worry either," said Blue.
"Deal!"
"...You yelling...I just can't imagine that..." said Sapphire, surprised.
"Haha, Is that so?" joked Yellow. Suddenly the eldest and youngest members froze.
"Guys? What's wrong?" Ruby looked at them with worry.
"No...it's nothing," replied Blue weakly.
Scary...so damn scary...
"Are you sure? You guys aren't looking too hot, better yet you look downright cold," joked Gold.
"...What matters...is that Yellow is...back to normal...yes...normal..." Pearl replied with a flat and stiff tone.
...Cold...wait...what about that gust of wind...? And they turned paler than a dead Snow white.
"I-I'll go make some hot chocolate! You guys keep an eye on them to make sure their conditions don't worsen," instructed the panicked Crystal.
"I'll get out more cakes, we need to bring back their color!" alerted Ruby.
"What happened? They're as pale as a ghost!" exclaimed Gold.
...Ghost...was there a ghost...? Suddenly, they lost their recovered spirit.
Sapphire sent Gold a flying fist.
"Drop dead, you."
The party fell into chaos once more, but after a half hour or so, everything went back to normal.
"So, Platina, what's your call?" asked Gold.
"Excuse me?"
"You're the only one who can declare this case closed, so...what do you say?" he rephrased.
"Oh, that's right," barely remembering her role, she stood up to give her final judgment, earning the attention of everyone in the room.
"After investigating the Haunting of the Junior Hall, I conclude that the array of events that occurred and things related to this subject are due to a number of misunderstandings, both on the instigators and my part. Any further consequences shall be dropped (invalid) and the case closed (forever forgotten).
After hearing her speech, the members cheered. Platina sat back down in her seat, a table away from Green.
"I should apologize for everything we put you and the others through," said Green facing her.
"It's okay Mr. Green, I also misunderstood the situation and turned the ordeal into a bigger disaster. It's best we forgive and 'forget'," said Platina emphasizing the last word. She waited for him to speak, but he didn't. Instead he frowned and rubbed his temples.
"Is something wrong, Mr. Green?"
"Aside from the ordeal, I realized you're back to addressing me formally."
Her eyes widened, "I-I'm sorry! I didn't realize I let it slip! My apologies Mr. Green!" she bowed.
Green sighed.
"That's not what I meant. It's the fact that you're still addressing me formally that's the problem," responded Green.
"But you're my senior and because of our family's relation. I-I... also...admire-"
"Platina, why do you think I don't address you using your family title?" he inquired her.
"Because you're on a higher level than me," she answered.
"Wrong." She looked shocked.
"Try again," he told her, "you're smart, you should already know the answer."
Platina stared at him with confusion. It puzzled her that his reason was different from her own, so she contemplated hard for another reason. Just what could it be?
He says I already know the reason...she furrowed her brows.
Why does he address me casually like everyone else?
And then it hit her.
"Ah..." was the only thing that came out of her mouth and she blushed...He sees me as...as a 'friend'.
"I see, you finally get it." She nodded looking down, embarrassed. The whole time she thought of him as someone superior, someone too high for her to reach.
This whole time...you've thought of me as someone on the same caliber. She smiled looking at the man across her. You're closer than I realized.
Green smiled back placing his elbow on the table and resting his chin on the palm of his hand.
"You're the second girl I had to get that thought through," he told her softly, which earned him a quizzical look.
"The second?" she asked, but her question went unheard. Instead, he looked away and watched the party go wild. She followed his gaze as it shifted from scene to scene in silence. After a while, she noticed that his eyes had been following one person in particular. This time, she too turned to look at the beholder of his eyes.
"Come on! Tonight will be a night no one can forget!" shouted Gold.
But that's exactly what we don't want. The others thought.
"Yellow!" called Ruby, "you haven't sung a duet with me yet!"
"No thank you!" the said girl rejected, but she was suddenly pushed forward.
"Actually, I really want to see this," said Sapphire, "have fun!"
"W-wait, I-I...I'm not ready!" cried Yellow.
Green studied her frantic expression as well as her flustered complexion. They changed from time to time, ranging from startled to frustrated and to much more, but the one that popped up the most was her smile. The members were energetic and pumped and Yellow was swept away in their currents. There were no signs of confusion. Closing his eyes, he briefly recalled her distant look during the ordeal when they found her in her trance.
"Leave me alone!" the blonde exclaimed. "...That's all I ever wanted..."
Her expressions then were cold, empty, frightening, and painful. The older boy continued to observe her with sad green eyes, however, it did not go unnoticed.
So that was you back then...
But suddenly, a loud crack pulled him away from his gaze.
"I-it wasn't my fault!" exclaimed Gold as a seething Crystal went up to him.
As he observed the members, Green couldn't help but think...
Why do I get the feeling we'll have a bad ending?
"Well it's time for us to call it a night. If we stay any later, my parents will freak," said Sapphire.
"Mines too," responded Blue.
"So this is goodnight," said Red.
"Goodnight," they all replied.
"Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight, goodnight!" Emerald chanted.
"That's too many goodnights 'Rald. One is enough." Pearl lectured the little boy.
"No! I have to say goodnight to everyone."
"Don't be so stubborn! Did you event count?"
"Yes! I said goodnight twelve times!" retorted the boy.
Pearl face-palmed himself. "There's thirteen of us, including you. You'd only have say goodnight to eleven of us because I'm your brother and you can't include yourself."
"Hey, don't fight. You're brothers," reasoned Crystal.
"Brother's an idiot," insulted Emerald.
"What did you say? Brat." Pearl gave Emerald a light flick on the forehead earning him a small 'ow'.
"Brother is an idiot!" the boy repeated. "There's 14 of us, see?"
Emerald then proceeded to count starting with himself first. Next was Pearl, then Dia, and then Platina, Red, Sapphire, Gold, Ruby, Silver, Green, Blue, Crystal, and Yellow.
"...twelve, thirteen..." then he pointed at an empty spot beside Yellow. "Fourteen!"
The members glanced towards the empty side and saw nothing there.
"There's no one there," said Platina.
"No, you can't forget the lady in white! She'll be sad!" the little boy yelled.
And suddenly there was a cold gust of wind.
End of chapter 14
Lol, I'm sorry I think I might have caused some confusions even though I worked hard to explain the recent events. If you have any questions, comments, or things you'd like to address, review or message me.
IMPORTANT! Also for those wondering about the 'BLEEP'. That account shall remain secret, unknown, and forever a mystery to outside parties, meaning everyone outside the first generation characters, you and and even I.