A quiescence flourished throughout the classroom, the monster children focused as their pens and pencils glided across their assignments. Math equations sprawled over their papers, beckoning the students to lend the correct answer; otherwise, that devilish red ink would invade their space.

Like the rest of her peers, little Agatha breathed a soldier's essence, marching through the minefield of numbers with unsteady motions. Nonetheless, she persevered, her journey's end signaled by her teacher, Miss Rachnera, addressing the class.

"Okay, children," she said sweetly, "time's up."

Some of the students melted in their seats, steam spilling out their heads, while most deflated into the hands of their relief.

Overall, a battle conquered.

"Pass your tests down," Miss Rachnera requested.

The students did.

And once their teacher had collected their hard work did she clap her hands together, smiling warmly.

"And with that, your vacation is just around the corner!"

The children cheered, shattering the tense silence with bubbles of sheer joy.

Finally! Agatha thought. Now, I get to spend all day with MC!

Meredith's tentacles wriggled smoothly.

Miss Rachnera waved her spider-like fingers, urging her little ones to deliver back their focus. They did.

"Now, we're not there just yet," she said. "We still have one more hurdle." A grin. "However, I'm sure you all will love this one, since it's time for our annual sports festival!"

Murmurs of excitement swerved through the class.

"As you all know," Miss Rachnera continued, "this is an opportunity to let loose and forget about all the schoolwork for a while. You'll be going head-to-head with the other classes in your grade, both in small groups and as a class altogether. Now, winning is great and all, but what's the most important thing we have to remember?"

"To have fun!" the students answered in unison.

"Exactly! So, even if we don't come out on top, as long as you all try your best out there, I'll be more than happy. I'm sure your parents will be thinking the same thing!"

Nonetheless, several of the children had fire burning in their pupils, their resolve so hot the sun grimaced with envy.

"Now, then," Miss Rachnera concluded, "why don't you all get into groups of four? I'll write down which events will be available in the meantime."

The students obeyed, and like magnets attracting one another, Agatha found herself drawn to Meredith and the girl of the bandages, Banda.

"Yoshi!" Agatha said. "You guys ready? 'Cause we're gonna knock this one outta the park!"

I didn't get to win at the pageant, but if I can come out on top here, I'll get major cool points from MC!

(Even though MC already thinks she's plenty cool.)

"We still need one more," Banda noted.

Agatha glanced around the room, spotting most of her classmates already in their packs.

She did, however, manage to find one stray: a short, human-like girl with long brown hair and diamond-blue eyes. Her outfit consisted of a big purple shirt and a bright yellow cape, alongside white pants and brown boots. Atop her head, a sizable violet tophat beamed.

The monster girl recalled that night in the mortal world.

Perfect chance.

"Heni!" Agatha called out, getting the solo-er's attention. "Come join our group!"

The mortal-like girl said nothing, her lips curving kindly as she completed the quartet.

By then, Miss Rachnera had completed jotting down the events on the blackboard.

Maze Runner

Fright Bite

Mega Blitz

200 Meter Climb

Scavenger Hunt

On-foot Relay Race

"Is everyone in their groups?" the teacher asked.

"Yeeees~," the students sang together.

"Excellent! Now, I'm going to go through the list, and if a team would like to volunteer to participate, raise your hand. Be sure to talk it over with your team first, though. We don't want anyone doing anything they wouldn't like."

The children nodded, and as Miss Rachnera ran through the selections, tiny hands shot through the air. No choice was favored over the other, and each group was more than contempt with their newfound role.

Ultimately, Agatha and co ended up with the scavenger hunt.

"We're gonna shred this like paper!" the demon girl promised.

Banda pressed her finger against her chin. "I thought we were doing the scavenger hunt?"

"It's called figurative language. MC taught me about it! Also something about meta fours, but I couldn't figure it out."

Nonetheless, the girls looked ecstatic to rock the show.

Miss Rachnera, on the other hand, contemplated the list, noticing how one of the events had yet to be crossed out.

"Everyone," she said, "I'm sorry to say this, but it looks like we're short one group. We still need someone to do the relay race. Who would like to do two events?"

Quick as a lightning bolt, Agatha shot her hand into the air.

Meredith quivered.

"Agatha?" Miss Rachnera called out. "Is your group up for it?"

"You bet your buttons!" the little monster girl assured. "We're some speed demons!"

Plus, I'll get to show off to MC just how fast I can be. If they thought I was quick when we played hide-and-seek, they've got another thing coming!

"Does everyone in your group wish to do it?" Miss Rachnera asked. "Girls?"

Banda nodded, while the girl of the hat, Heni, shot a double thumbs up.

The girl of the tentacles hesitated, her face heating up from the scorching spotlight.

"Meredith?" the teacher asked.

Pinned to a corner, the silent demon girl forced a nod, her knees liquifying to jelly.

"Well, okay. If everyone else is all right with this decision, we'll have Agatha and her team do the relay race."

No objections, allowing the quartet to pile up onto their workload.

Jovial chatter soon blossomed between the walls as the children indulged in their anticipation.

Meredith, however, stuck to her wordlessness, reserved as the terror dug itself deep in her heart's chambers.

The girl of the bandages noticed.

They rode upon the dragon's back, zephyr kissing their skin ever so livingly as up above, a sky of serene gray lent its greetings.

Children of all elementary grades occupied the space, sharing either their excitement to return home or their despair of their dreaded homework assignments.

"I can't believe we're still getting assignments," Agatha complained. "The term is over!"

"It's not too bad," Banda argued. "We just have to say what our favorite thing we learned was."

"But I could be playing tag with MC instead!"

"You really love your babysitter, don't you?"

Agatha beamed. "But of course." Her fiery determination bloomed forth once again. "That's why I'm gonna kick some booty at the sports festival! With our team, we're guaranteed two events already, 'cause we're gonna rock it like we talk it!"

Banda wore her agreeance, whereas beside them, Meredith offered nothing, her gaze sinking into the distance.

"Meredith?" the mummy girl asked.

The snap back.

The girl of the tentacles brought her focus back to the here and now, where she apologetically wriggled her head.

Banda couldn't shake off her worry.

"Are you okay? You haven't said anything since we decided on the events."

Timidly, Meredith nodded, her assurance more fragile than paper-thin glass.

The other two weren't buying it.

"Don't tell me . . ." Agatha began. "You didn't wanna do the relay race?"

Ashamed, the girl of the tentacles lowered her head.

". . ."

"You don't think you're fast?" Banda echoed.

A nod.

Now that I think about it, Agatha thought, whenever we played hide-and-seek for recess, I never was able to find Meredith. I wonder if she tried so hard to hide because . . . she knew she couldn't outrun us.

The little demon girl frowned.

"I'm sorry, Meredith. I should've asked if you wanted to do it. I shouldn't have jumped the gun."

Meredith waved her hands.

". . ."

"You think it'll be okay?" Banda asked.

". . ."

Despite her faceless visage, the girl of the tentacles had undeniable stars of resolve glistening in her expression. However, such dazzling dots could barely rival a light bulb, the girl's doubt as monstrous as the vastness of the universe.

Agatha's guilt was no less heavy.

"An inkling of the god's heart . . . Okay.

"A splashert of gifted essence . . . O-Okay.

"A hoppin of paprika . . ."

What the hell are these measurements?

I relaxed in the kitchen of my employer, reading the recipe for grave good potluck as before me, a pot of bubbling black goo grinned atop the stove.

I wouldn't give this to the homeless, I decided.

Behind me, Agatha worked on an assignment from school, although I hadn't seen her move her hands for around twenty minutes.

"Sure smells nice in here," I commented, regardless of the odor strangling my nostrils.

"Mm," the little demon girl hummed, absent-minded.

Okay. How about this?

"I don't think I have much homework tonight. Could play games till the sun came back up."

"Mm."

Time for the big guns.

"I've been thinking about quitting for a while."

Instantly, her attention was hooked.

"Huh?"

"Ah," I said. "And here I thought I was talking to a mannequin."

"Oh. S-Sorry." Her anguish didn't let up.

"You all right over there? Need some help with that homework?"

Then again, I failed at basic math in this world, so maybe I'm not the best choice for a tutor.

"No," Agatha answered. "No, I'm okay. Thank you, though."

She zoned out once more, locking away the present in its entirety.

Time for a babysitter to the rescue.

I washed my hands (thank God for a regular sink), then brought myself over to my babysittee, who only noticed me after I had crouched down beside her.

"What's up, Little Lamb?" I poked.

"You can tell?" Agatha asked.

"Well, considering this is usually the part where you rush through your homework, then beg me to play with you—call it a hunch."

The little demon girl hesitated.

"I think . . . I think I messed up, MC."

"How so?"

She explained her debacle—how she had essentially set up Little Slendy to fail.

Once she had finished, I responded simply, "I see, I see."

"I didn't mean to do that to her," Agatha assured. "It's just . . . I was so pumped to show off to you."

"Believe me, I already know how fast you are. Every time we play together, you make me poop bricks."

The girl's eyes went wide. "You poop bricks?"

"Figurative language."

"Oh."

"Besides"—I brushed Agatha's bangs—"you don't have to show off to me, remember? I already think you're pretty cool."

The little demon girl blushed, although her iota of joy was quickly devoured by her abyss of shame.

"I'm so dumb," she scolded.

"No, you're not," I told her. "You made a mistake. You know what that makes you, Agatha?"

Her innocent eyes glimmered. "What?"

I brushed her hair and smiled.

"Just like the rest of us. You're not perfect, and that's beyond okay. So long as you genuinely try to make right what you've wronged, then, by definition, you are a good person. Okay?"

Thankfully, she believed my message.

Unthankfully, her uncertainty lingered.

"Do you think I can fix this?" she asked.

"Of course."

I kissed her forehead.

"You just gotta believe. If anything, believe in yourself as I believe in you."

Like sapphire flames returning to their meteor, a spark lit in my favorite monster girl.

The next morning . . .

Meredith and Banda lolled in the school cafeteria, the latter enjoying her breakfast while the former clutched her stomach tightly.

"Not gonna eat?" the mummy asked.

The girl of the tentacles shook her head.

Banda frowned.

Just then, Agatha boomed into the scene, her smile explosive as she dashed to her companions.

"Good morning!" she sang.

"Morning, Agatha," Banda replied. "You're looking chipper today."

"Absolutely! That's because I have the plan."

Before any questions could pop off, Agatha pointed her claw at Meredith.

"We're gonna get you faster."

The little Slender's response: a simple tilt of the head.

Annoyed.

Irritated.

Slap-a-monkey-in-the-face outraged.

(That makes sense . . . Right?)

There I was, relaxing in my dorm room, shiny hunting my starter for Shining Pearl (damn RNG) when my oh-so-gracious employer burst into my space.

"MC," he had said, "good to see you."

A feeling definitely not mutual.

"I need a favor."

My stomach twisted at the syllables, and of course, my hunch was on the money, because now, instead of continuing my quest to perhaps BEGIN my Pokemon adventure, I strolled through the pockets of the demon dimension, making my way to babysittee's school.

Something about Malak forgetting to give Agatha her lunch, and how he couldn't go because he had work to do, even though—EVEN THOUGH—he usually works in the night time, RIGHT? That means—THAT MEANS—that when it's Saturday, it's MY TIME, RIGHT?

He's lucky he can steal my soul; otherwise, I'd give him my toes for teeth.

Face-looking-like-ugly-carpet head ass.

Regardless of the wrath boiling in my chest, I handled Agatha's lunchbox with great care, all the way to the front steps of her school.

Nearby, the apparent guardian gargoyle regarded me.

"You again?" he asked.

"In the flesh," I replied.

"No need to brag about it."

I don't . . . I didn't . . . Huh?

"S-Sorry?" I tried.

The gargoyle merely chuckled.

"Just yankin' your chain, mortal! I love my body!"

That's a good mindset to have. Minus, you know, making the human almost faint from being offensive.

"I take it you're looking for Agatha?" the "jokester" guessed.

"Correcto."

He pointed to the side of the building. "I saw her and a few of her friends over by the track. Dunno why they're not in class, though."

"You guys have a track?"

"Obviously. What do you take us for? Neanderthals?"

Before I could smack the stone bastard for his sarcasm, I snatched what little patience I had left and headed in the direction he gestured to.

Lo and behold, after passing the corner did my sights stumble upon a vast track field, just as grandiose as the one from my university. Perfectly drawn curves of white spread evenly across the scarlet synthetic rubber, marking the paths. As for the interior of the oval, luscious blades of grass crowded the space, same as the portions surrounding the outer boundaries. Towards the farther side, a thin forest welcomed visitors.

It was also near there that a familiar trio of monster children spent their time—Little Slendy in the center, with Banda and Agatha on either side. They stomped with purpose across the track, their arms bent as they kept their chins held high.

Are they . . . Are they power walking?

As sudden as a gunshot, something poked me in the chest, squeezing out of me my best "I just lost a life" scream.

"Oh my mick-mack-molee!"

. . .

What does that even mean?

My adrenaline, however, quickly dissolved with the wind as I noticed the elegant feminine attire floating before me, accompanied by a handheld whiteboard and black marker, both also defying gravity.

Sorry! the writing utensil scribbled. Did I scare you? :(

"N-Not at all, Lucy," I lied. "I'm good."

I should just be expecting invisible people to roll up.

Shame on me.

What brings you out here, MC? Lucy wrote.

I lifted the lunchbox I nearly dropped. "Agatha's lunch. Malak forgot to give it to her." A dry smile. "And apparently, when that happens, it's my problem."

So much salt, I'd be getting a heart attack in no time.

Awesome! Lucy replied. As you saw, they're on the track right now, so you're more than welcome to give it right now! :D

"That's good to hear. By the way, what are they doing? Why are they the only ones out here?"

Finished their assignments early. Now, they have free time. Something about "practicing".

Practicing.

Gradually, the pieces fit together nicely.

So that's what this is.

"All right. Thanks, Lucy." I headed for the trio.

Big mistake.

Very big mistake.

As soon as they spotted me, Agatha's smile widened like mad, and she rushed forth, quicker than the most demonic of cheetahs.

"MC~!" she sang.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Relax! Relax! Rel—"

Too late.

With the force of a high-speed semi, my favorite monster girl rammed into me, crushing my bones with a loving hug as she tackled me onto the (thank God) nearby grass.

Banda and Little Slendy followed close behind, minus the spine-shattering embrace.

"Ow . . ." I groaned. "That wasn't very nice."

Agatha ignored me, nuzzling into my shirt.

"MC~. MC~," she said softly. "I've missed you."

"You saw me last night," I noted.

"Too long!"

I sighed.

Little Slendy's tentacles wriggled with delight.

"What brings you here, MC?" Banda asked.

I gestured to the lunchbox that thankfully hadn't been crushed.

"Special delivery."

Agatha happily accepted her package.

"I knew something felt off today!" she boomed. In came another rib-splitting hug. "Thank you, MC! Thank you so much!"

"Don't—ah, ah!—don't mention it." I drowned in the relentless pain.

Fortunately, the universe's biggest hugger let loose, giving me back my sweet, sweet breaths.

"So," I said, "what brings you guys out here? Lucy said you were practicing, but what . . . ?"

Agatha rose to her feet and answered proudly, "We're helping Meredith become the fastest demon alive!"

So, I was right.

I lifted myself up, catching Little Slendy's embarrassed rosy red cheeks.

"For the sports festival?" I guessed.

"You know about that?" Banda asked.

"Agatha told me everything. Had to do all my projects in advance just so I could have the day freed up."

"Rightly so!" Agatha chimed in. "We're gonna shake this jiggy jam up!"

I don't know what that means, and I don't think I wanna ask.

Little Slendy shifted herself uncomfortably.

I sympathized.

"How's the practice coming along?" I asked.

"We're getting there," Banda replied hopefully. "Right now, we're trying to get Meredith's form down to a T."

"That's where it starts," Agatha added. "The foulmation!"

I raised an eyebrow. "You mean foundation?"

"Exactly!"

. . .

It's like talking to Venom.

Yet, Little Slendy's confidence wavered, her gaze never leaving the ground as she tried to make herself as small as possible.

"We've almost got it," Banda began, but her doubt took over. "With only a week left, though, I don't know . . ."

Even Agatha, with all her bravado, stumbled, unsure if she could draw out her friend's greatness.

My calmness steady, I crouched down to be at eye-level with the girl of the tentacles.

"You're not fast?" I asked softly.

A shake of the head.

"Isn't that okay?"

A look of shock.

"I'll tell you what I told Agatha," I said. "Nobody's perfect, and we shouldn't be expected to be perfect. I get it—you wanna win. You don't wanna let your class down. But if they really care about you—and I'm certain they do—then they'll understand what I'm saying too. It's okay to not be at the top." My care boundless, I brushed the top of Meredith's head. "As long as you try your best, as long as you try to push past your limits, then it'll all work out. You may not get the ending you're hoping for, but with the ending you do get, you'll be happy beyond belief."

I brought back my hand, sticking out my pinky.

"I promise."

Despite her barren face, I could almost imagine the monster girl's features—her gaze awestruck as she believed she, too, could rise to the challenge.

Her trust pure, she completed the pinky promise.

It took only a nanosecond for Agatha to join the moment, tackling me once more to the ground.

"You're so cool, MC!" she bellowed. "That's why I love you so much!"

Little Slendy got in on the action, adding herself to the pile as she wordlessly snuggled me.

Even Banda considered.

P-Please don't . . . I begged. I don't know what y'all be eating, but this is too much.

One week later . . .

Only seven days, it took, for the nearly barren track and field to explode into a hub of bustling ghouls and goblins. Decorations had been set up across the premises, all hyping up to no end the sporting events to come. Everything from hurdles of pristine bones (familiar looking) to dodgeballs lit aflame lay across the area, assuring all spectators that things would get . . . intense.

Speaking of us spectators, we had our own area: bleachers which rose by several levels, their base metallic as comfy cushions stretched across where our butts plopped. Families of every student paid their visit, making the seating as cramped as possible. Luckily, I didn't have gigantic ogres for neighbors; otherwise, I would've been flattened like a pancake. No. Instead I had my employer to my side, his digital camera as ready as a drawn revolver.

"I'm not going to miss a single moment," he assured, his eye already staring out the device.

"Dude, they're not even out yet," I told him. "Relax."

"Silence, you cretin! You're not going to distract me from my little Aggie's moments! Not today!"

I turned to Uncle Slenderman. "Can you believe this—"

He . . . He had his own camera; actually, he had a quartet of them, his tentacles just as pumped as he was to capture the moments.

The only daddy not in his doting trance was Mr. Man, but that could be explained by the fact his own daughter was right on his lap.

"Pa!" Wolfette bellowed. "We gotta get this show on the road!"

The wolfman cuddled with his child. "I know, sweetie, I know. We're almost there."

Hearing their pleas, the stereo system roared to life, projecting the announcers' voices across the site.

"Hello, everyone!" Miss Rachnera said. "And welcome to this year's annual sports festival!"

She sat in a booth on the opposite side of the field, speaking into a microphone the same way an NBA commentator would.

Beside her sat a human-esque girl, appearing just a little younger than myself; after being in this world for so long, though, I doubted that was the case. Her frame thin, she wore the outfit of a gray striped blouse along with a black jumpsuit skirt, dark gray socks, and golden shoes. Silky black hair plummeted to her kneecaps, beautiful as they showcased a tint of violet. An addition, two simple bangs fell on either side of her head, revealing her wide forehead as their ends shifted gradually to a more orangish shade. Rectangular glasses shielded her eyes—those rich pockets of blue akin to the ocean deep.

"Principal Ina," Miss Rachnera said, "what do you make of our students this year?"

"Well, first, I'd just like to say that each and every one of our students did a fantastic job with their schoolwork." A gentle tone. "Everyone went above and beyond, and I couldn't be more proud!" Atop her head, her ear-like flaps wriggled. "As for the competition today, I have absolutely no clue what to expect! We've got some steep competition, and I'm excited to see how things shake out!"

"I'm of the same boat!" Miss Rachnera agreed. "So, without further ado, let's get the participants out here so we can get this party started!"

One by one, the various classes of each grade marched into view; their persons differed wildly from monster to monster, but their outfits stayed consistent—a simple gym uniform.

As Agatha and co made their way into the scene, my employer went just as nuts as he did at the beauty pageant.

"Aggie!" he bellowed. "Aggie! Look this way, dear!" 1

His camera went off like a machine gun, nearly matching the pace of Uncle Slendy's, who made full use of his four.

I studied his daughter, who still had a bit of the quivers in her system. As she saw us, however, her body loosened up.

Banda patted on her back, mouthing something I couldn't quite catch. If I had to guess, I'd say it was the timeless message, "You can do it."

Once every class had made its appearance, they all lined up before a podium planted at the front of the track.

Principal Ina brought herself over, surveying the faces of her many students.

"I wish you all good luck," she said. "Remember: the goal of today isn't winning per se; it's about having fun with your peers and family. Okay?"

The children nodded, then placed their hands over their hearts and pledged, "We swear to have nothing but good sportsmanship. May the best monster deliver the best strike."

Best strike?

These are just sporting events . . . right? Like, no one's gonna be throwing hands?

Then again, those flaming dodgeballs were only looking toastier.

Pleased, the principal gave her thumbs up.

"In that case," she said, "let the games begin!"

Over the course of the next few hours, the various grades battled it out with their respective peers. Every event imaginable was up for grabs, from sprinting across a massive maze of obsidian (don't ask me how it appeared and disappeared in the blink of an eye) to those blazing dodgeballs, which, thankfully, didn't incinerate any of the kids. One of them even caught the burning sphere with his bare hands. A wolf boy.

"That's easy," Wolfette bragged. "Talk to me when you can sit through one of Pa's six-hour lectures on the multiverse!"

Six hours!?

Mr. Man stroked his daughter's hair. "You always were a bright listener."

Six hours . . .

CPS-chan, we need you.

Across the chaos, Agatha and co kept to the bench, marveling at the valor of their classmates.

"What is this nonsense!?" Malak roared. "Why is my sweet angel not in the games!?"

Even Uncle Slenderman shook his head in disappointment.

"Maybe they're just not in till the end," I figured.

"Ridiculous!" my employer howled. "Aggie is the epitome of perfection! Saving her for the finale is an awful strategy!"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know I was talking to the Greek goddess Athena. How foolish of me. Maybe you'd like to go down there and coach 'em?"

"I would if I could"—Malak got embarrassed—"but I tried that last year and got a warning."

I sighed.

Every day, I get scared of you a little less.

Regardless, the events carried on, and before I knew it, halftime had rolled past.

"Well, that was an exciting first half!" Miss Rachnera announced. "Wouldn't you agree, Principal Ina?"

The human-esque girl nodded. "Indeed, indeed! The participants really gave it their all! I think we're gonna be in for another close one this year!"

"Now's the time for lunch! Parents, please enjoy your meals with your children! You're welcome to relax anywhere in the city, so long as you return by the beginning of the next hour."

Spectators carried themselves off the bleachers, my group included, and we met with Agatha and co towards the side of the track. Banda's parents were close behind, alongside a very, very tall shadow demon and the human girl from back then.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, shocked.

I thought I was the only mortal in town.

"Gotta represent the person I'm babysittin'," the teenage girl answered, gesturing to the mini girl with the purple hat.

"My sweet Heni!" the shadow exclaimed. "You're amazing as always!"

Malak followed the lead.

"Aggie!" he cried, hugging his daughter tight. "You're doing such a good job!"

Weren't you just mad she was getting no action?

"I haven't done anything yet," Agatha noted. "But don't worry! We'll show 'em who's boss in the second half!"

The other monster girls agreed. Even Little Slendy.

The lot of us strolled over to a nearby park, where Malak had prepared a picnic cloth alongside stacks of bentos brimming with delectable treats.

"From your mother," he told Agatha. "She sends much love."

"Mama!" the little demon girl cheered. She lifted a bento box. "This one's for you!"

Like a family gathering, we all enjoyed the feast, although we warned the girls not to eat heavy. Last thing they needed was unforgivable cramps.

Beside me, Little Slendy chowed down as normally as everyone else.

"Feeling better?" I whispered to her.

Her cheeks went as red as cherries, and she nodded, offering me her fist.

I finished the fist bump.

That's what I like to hear.

Our hour flew by in minutes, and before I could chomp on another spoonful of rice, everyone was back in their places—Agatha and co at the benches, while the others and I found our seats back on the bleachers.

From what the girls told us, they'd be snatching the spotlight pretty soon.

Miss Rachnera gifted everyone our welcome back, while Principal Ina went over the standings. In Agatha's grade, her class fell behind by one point, and seeing as only two events remained, they had to—as the kids say—"win it for the biscuit."

(The kids do say that, right?)

At long last, Malak got to have more pictures of her daughter doing more than just sitting down (albeit he didn't mind either way, apparently).

Agatha and her squad finally got to taste the action in the form of a scavenger hunt. In this challenge, the girls had to draw a scrap of paper from an empty cauldron and find the item written on said paper. Anywhere was game, so long as they didn't leave the premises.

Apparently, my babysittee had a knack for this game, because only within seconds of getting her note did she sprint over and point at me.

"MC!" she bellowed. "I need you!"

"Huh?"

Before I could utter my confusion, Uncle Slendy grabbed my waist with his tentacles and hauled me down to ground level. From there, Agatha grabbed my hand, dragging me over to the referee.

What could possibly be on that paper that you need me?

Well, when Agatha offered her find and showed the ref her scrap, I got the answer:

Odd, yet wonderful,the paper demanded.

I glanced at the monster girl. "Did you just call me weird?"

Agatha rubbed her cheek against my shirt. "No, no, no~. I called you wonderful!"

I don't know whether to be offended or not, but if this helps get the W, I can't hate.

And sure enough, our favorite players snatched the victory, Agatha's group crushing the competition. With this, they now tied the other class for first place.

This also meant the final event would be a rush of anxiety and thrill from start to finish.

"What a showdown!" Miss Rachnera exclaimed. "Class A and M are fighting for their lives in the second-grade bracket! But only one can claim the crown! Your thoughts, Principal Ina?"

"Very exciting, indeed," the principal agreed. "It's down to the wire, and what better way to settle things than with the well-known relay race! As you all know, the students will have to sprint across the track, each one owning a quarter of the total length. Once they reach their teammate, they will hand off their Glowstick of Destiny, and only then can the next person begin their path. We have some fast runners this year, so I can hardly wait for the action! Students, to your positions."

Agatha made her way to her place: the final stretch of the race.

It's now or never, she decided. We got this.

Despite the forced confidence, her nerves still rattled.

"You got this, dude."

Beside her, a short girl wearing a shark hoodie stretched, her ocean-blue irises lively.

"Gotta warn you, though," the girl said, "I'm no joke."

"I know you're not, Gura," Agatha replied. "You won it for your class last year."

"And nothing says awesome like a quick little two-peat. Wouldn't you agree?"

The little demo girl shone her game face, urging the shark girl to chuckle.

"Relax," she said. "No matter what happens, I'll still be havin' a blast."

She outstretched her hand. "Let's have some fun, Miss Agatha."

Reluctant, Agatha accepted the handshake, but as she saw the sincerity in Gura's demeanor, she began to breathe a bit easier.

My own lungs suffered against my unease, my sights never straying far from Little Slendy, who had claimed the third quarter of the race.

That's a good spot, I thought. No worries about a perfect start or end. Plus, Agatha can compensate for her.

But I still had my worries—same as Uncle Slenderman, who seemed to be praying with his hands clasped together.

I don't know who or what you're begging to—I joined my own hands—but I'm in it with you.

Everyone in their places, one of the teachers approached the first set of children.

"On my mark . . ."

He raised his hand.

"Get set . . ."

Stillness.

"Go!"

Off they went, the girl with the purple hat the first of the quartet to strike.

"GO, HENI POP!" my fellow mortal roared. "WHOOP THEIR BUTTS LIKE A KARATE QUEEN!"

The shadow eyed her oddly.

"You gonna support your daughter or what!?" the girl growled.

The towering demon trembled.

I looked to Malak, my expression saying it all: "Aren't you glad you have me?"

Heni's speed zoomed past average, and with ease, she became the first to reach her teammate, Banda, handing off a simple glowstick.

"The first shift has passed!" Miss Rachnera announced. "Heni gives her class the boost they need! Can Banda keep the momentum?"

The mummy girl blasted her feet off the rubber, proving to her ancestors that the ways of sluggish and ominous were long gone. Now came the time to morph into blurs of whitened bandages.

Still in the lead, she made it to Meredith, who quivered as her fingers wrapped around the glowstick.

"Class A continues their dominance! They are keeping the ball rolling!"

"You got this!" the mummy girl bellowed.

Her resolve vibrant, the girl of the tentacles launched herself forward. Sadly, though, her own speed could barely rival a snail's. A few steps in and she already had the huffs and puffs.

It took only moments for her competitors to blow on by.

"A turn of events!" Miss Rachnera noted. "Class M takes the lead!"

Come on, I prayed, witnessing Little Slendy's struggle. You can do it.

As much as I could beg, however, the universe refused to play nice, and as if time had slowed, I watched clearly, helplessly.

Watched as one of her feet got caught on the other.

Watched as the glowstick slipped from her grasp.

Watched as Meredith tripped to the ground.

"Meredith!" Agatha cried.

Gura waited for her teammate just around the corner.

"A dang shame."

Gasps echoed through the crowd as they noticed the little girl's demise.

"Oh no!" Miss Rachnera cried. "Meredith has fallen! This forces Class A into a tremendous setback."

Principal Ina studied the scene, her gaze unwavering.

"It'll be okay," she said evenly. "It is in these moments of despair . . . that we become more than what we are."

Why?

I tried so hard.

I gave it my all.

Why, then, can't I reach the top? Why can't I support my friends the way they've been supporting me? Am I only good enough to disappoint?

On the ground, she lay, her fingers curled.

Am I ever gonna be awesome?

A tear raced down her blank face.

Am I only meant to be a loser?

I clenched my fist, my voice ready to explode from my chest.

However, someone had already beaten me to the punch.

She cupped her hands around her mouth, letting loose her mighty roar.

"MEREDITH, DON'T MIND!"

The words stretched across the dimension, leaving the audience stunned.

Even Gura, who had already begun her path, looked back.

The girl of the tentacles glanced up, catching the determination—the faith—blossoming from her companion's soul.

"You can fall as much as you want!" Agatha howled. "You can drop all the pieces you'd like!"

She recalled those days of before, where her loneliness embraced her like a hollow friend. Then came her hero, ready to vanquish the shadows of her heart.

"I'll pick them up for you!" Agatha promised. "I'll help you every step of the way! So keep going! I believe in you! Always!"

I grinned my stupid grin.

I'm glad you're the one I get to babysit, Agatha.

What am I doing?

She's calling out to me.

They all are.

Her strength returned, the flames of her courage now fresher than the feathers of a phoenix.

I can't let them down! Not here!

Even if my lungs give out,

even if my legs crumble,

I will go beyond!

"Meredith has recovered!" Miss Rachnera announced. "She hasn't given up!"

The crowd went wild, with Uncle Slenderman waving his tentacles like mad.

Principal Ina smiled.

Meredith shot up to her feet, grabbing her glowstick, and for a moment, her speed had tripled what it once was. She dashed across the track, as fast as thought itself.

Thankfully, such a moment was all she needed.

Once she reached Agatha, she passed over the glowstick, then collapsed to her knees. Exhaustion coiled around her like a starving python.

"It'll be okay," Agatha promised right as she bolted off. "I'll win this for both of us."

The shark girl already had the finish line in sight.

"You can talk all you want," she said. "Doesn't matter if you can't walk the walk."

"What is this!?" Miss Rachnera exclaimed. "Agatha is passing the others left and right."

Stunned, Gura looked behind, and sure enough, in came the bold monster girl, her agility divine.

The shark girl picked up the pace.

"You can't be serious!"

I won't fail.

Three meters.

I won't let my friends cry.

Two meters.

I won't be second-rate again.

One.

A few steps later and the leaders of the race were now neck to neck.

"Are you kidding me!?" the shark girl bellowed.

Agatha stole the lead.

"I will get the happy ending!"

My body erupted with euphoria as my cherished monster girl dashed cleanly through the finish line.

"There it is!" Miss Rachnera cheered. "Agatha wins it for Class A, making them this year's second-grade champs!"

"Let's goooooo!" I roared.

"Agathaaaaa!" Malak cried, snapping and snapping with his camera.

The monster girl kept with her momentum, turning herself to sprint towards the bleachers. Once in reach, she lunged forward, latching herself onto me with the loveliest of smiles.

"We did it, MC!" she cheered. "We did it!"

I gave her the biggest bear hug.

The proud father wiped his face, watching with endless delight as his daughter was lifted by her classmates and tossed into the air like a champion.

"Go, go Meredith! Go, go Meredith!"

The girl blushed,

whereas the father clutched his chest.

Every day, I'm thankful you are my child.