There hadn't been a day when they weren't training.
Everyday, no matter the weather, the kids would have to wake up at five in the morning. They would eat a small breakfast and forced to move everyday. The workout room was filled with different equipment and Mr. Jo instructed that they use it all. Even though some of them were too big for the six year olds, they did their best to work around the height disadvantage.
They lifted weights, rode on the elliptical, ran around the house with heavy appliances on their backs, along with an assortment of different exercises. All of this in the span of one day was harmful even for an adult. Putting all of this pressure on a child was something much worse, if not deadly.
But regardless, the kids pressed on.
From the beginning, Ashley continued to push herself. She did everything that was expected of her, no questions asked. Sure she would mess up from time and time, she wasn't perfect. But she would get up and keep going.
Mitch and Clara were a little less quiet about their curiosities but they still manage to stay strong throughout the training.
Jo was impressed by their limits. He would keep giving them doses of Chemical X as well as blood transfusions whenever he thought they needed them. He would notice that the trio were like adult athletes, strong and diligent. Sure, Clara was still bothersome with her whining but all of them manage to hold up amongst each other.
Jo knew that he had to do one final test.
"But what should it be?"
Jo and Him had been together late at night. While the former had been skimming through his notes, the latter was eating some spaghetti he had made for dinner. They were at the dining room table in front of one another and stayed relatively silent until the question popped up.
"What do you mean?" Him asked, popping a meatball in his mouth.
"The kids." Jo stated. "I...don't think I'm done with them."
The taller man crossed his legs under the table, chewing his food and tilting his head. Once he swallowed, he asked. "Not done?"
"No…" Jo stood up, pacing around the room. "I feel like I need more."
"More kids?"
He slowly nodded.
"Well then," Him nodded. "If you think you need more kids, I don't mind. But what about the ones we already have?"
"That's the issue. They're all pushing themselves but I feel like only one of them is showcasing their true potential."
"Who?"
"...You know who."
"Right, so how are you gonna single them out?"
"That's the issue." Jo sighed. "I don't know."
Him crossed his arms as he thought.
Jo needed something as a final test. Something that would push the kids to their limit. Something...interesting.
Him's bright green eyes sparkled. He turned to Jo with a look of wicked excitement. He then slammed his fists on the table with an elated grin, causing his plate to leap into the air and Jo to shriek.
"A tournament!" Him exclaimed.
Jo raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
"Pin the kids against each other! Make them kill each other! It's the best way to get rid of the weak ones and leave the strongest alive."
Jo thought about it a little bit, tapping the side of his head lightly with his pen before smiling brightly. "Brilliant! That's a great idea, why didn't I think of that?"
"Maybe because you haven't slept in weeks and all you've been thinking about is these kids."
Jo blushed, eyes lowered. "Yeah...I guess you're right."
"You should sleep in and relax." Him grabbed his hand with his own. "I can take care of the kids tomorrow."
Jo blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
The shorter man smiled warmly, hugging his roommate. "Oh Him, what would I do without you?"
"I don't know dear, I don't know."
The two stayed with each other for a little while longer, talking about their days and embracing their time together. Soon, it was the dead of night and they went their separate ways.
Little did they know that a certain pink eyed girl was listening to their entire conversation.
"Kids! Time to get up! Breakfast is ready!"
Ashley ran downstairs first when Him called. Her long hair was tied in a ponytail, held together with a scrunchie. She was also wearing a gray sweatsuit and matching sneakers. It was her usual training outfit.
Once she got there, her eyes widened. At the dining room table was an assortment of different foods. Pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, sausages, crepes, biscuits, cinnamon buns, yogurt, anything that was breakfast related was on that very table. Ashley's mouth watered at all of the food. There was so many options!
"Woah!" Mitch exclaimed as he and Clara ran around Ashley to get to the meal. "Look at all of this food! Is it all for us?!"
Him nodded. "Indeed. Eat as much as you want but don't get too stuffed, you kids still have training today."
"Where Mr. Jo?" Clara asked.
"He's resting. It's my training day today!"
Mitch blinked, midway through chomping down a pancake. Ashley nodded knowingly, enjoying some yogurt.
Mr. Him nodded again. "So, once you're done, follow me through this door."
He opened the basement door and gestured to it before walking through it. The kids watched him before turning to one another.
Ashley finished the last bit of her yogurt before walking towards the door. She had mentally prepared for this when she heard Him and Jo talking about it the following night. Sure, she was scared, she had been shaking with every step.
But she was strong. She had to adapt.
"What? You're leaving already?" Mitch asked. "You barely ate anything!"
Ashley knew she was still hungry. But if she was full, she wouldn't be able to properly enjoy herself after the fight was over. She didn't say anything to the brunette, staring down into the darkness of the staircase.
Mitch scoffed. "Alright then, don't answer me!" he stuffed a couple of sausages in his mouth before running past Ashley to get downstairs. "See ya down there!"
"I'm gonna go too." Clara agreed, jumping down from her chair and heading downstairs. "Come on Ashley."
Ashley let out a sigh through her nose. She had time to mentally prepare herself last night. She shouldn't be nervous now! She breathed in and out one more time before nodding, walking downstairs with Clara.