Chapter 15: Classes, Classes, and Stingray?
----------------------------
*Note: It's best if you guys can download the Wind Fish midi song from this address:
http://www.geocities.com/zorianhero/windfish.mid
The reason is that there is a lyric in this chapter that you can sing along with the midi
-----------------------------
They went into a side room in an empty hallway. The Enforcer and Mikau had found out that the space in the room was too tight for comfort. Nevertheless, the officer insisted that they should stay in there, for he wanted to propose something to Mikau.
"Can't you just find a bigger place to discuss instead of here?" Mikau whined. His arms had accidentally hit the adult Zora's shoulder.
"Well, this is the most private and most secure area that I can find in your school," the stranger replied grimly.
Sighing, Mikau stared at him. "Ooooookay, so now what? Getting out your handcuffs and restraining me so that you can drag my sorry tail back to the headquarter?"
Shrugging, the Enforcer only smiled. "Something like that."
Mikau's eyes were wild. "Okay, I am outta here." He rushed toward the door.
"Whoa! Hold on there!" He grabbed the child's flailing arms with his big hands.
Turning around, Mikau's face was contorted with both fear and anger. "You want a fight right now?"
Shaking his head, the Enforcer sighed. "Look, you need to calm down. I haven't finished what I am going to say next!" Releasing the kid, he continued, " My name is Ruan Haftil. I have been talking with your mother about your uniqueness some time ago. And I must say that I am impressed. You have learned most of the basic combat trainings that we officers have to familiarize with ourselves before we can earn our ranks. Some of the moves that your mother had taught you are way above the average standard for the Enforcer Department."
Tilting his head, Mikau nodded with doubt. "Uh huh. So my mom's cool. Yeah... keep going."
A stray fish swam around his ankle. Mikau stared down at it.
"Okay, even though you are extremely young, but I think you have the potential to become a wonderful patrol guard."
Mikau felt he couldn't breathe. Had he heard correctly? Had the police actually wanted him to be part of their Law Enforcement?
The Enforcer carried on, "We would like you to join us. We will be training you for six weeks in tactics as well as enhancing some of your actions. You still moved a bit clumsy while battling with Trai back there. We will also be teaching you new attacking moves. Moves that we couldn't possibly teach unless you are a Zoran Hero. We got this old and rare book in our library, but we couldn't use it because no one here is The Legendary Zora. After you have passed the test, you will become an officer like us."
The Mikau burst out laughing. He slapped the male Zora's bare shoulder while maintaining his mirth.
After a while, he forced himself to stop. "Heh. You adults are so funny sometimes. I mean I am just a grade four kid going on to grade five in about another month or so. How in the world can a boy like me help you with your job? Look! I am weak and skinny! Small and Shabom-headed!" Mikau shook his head with wonder. Seeing how the officer stared blankly at him, he explained, "I appreciate the offer, but this is too crazy. The whole thing is crazy. Has the Department gone nuts? They want a kid in an Elementary School to become a part of the patrol team?"
The Zora looked serious. "I am not joking. You are special; otherwise we wouldn't be asking you for your opinion about this proposition. You and I both know that you are skillful at defensive and offensive combat moves. We are trying to help you to hone that skill." He looked sad. "Also, lately our guys on the team are not what they're used to be. They are slacking off. I hope that by using you as an example, I can influence them to work hard. After all, no grown-ups would like to see a kid beating them at their jobs."
Mikau placed his hands and his hip. "I see. So you want to use me like a tool?"
"What?"
"I have already said it before, and I will say it again: I do not like people using me like a gizmo for their own advantage and comfort. I don't care how tempting the offer is, but no."
The officer frowned. "You got me wrong. I mean, yes. I do want you to be an example for my fellow officers. But I also want you to be part of the team. Think about it. You will have a job immediately after a few months. And even if you don't have school by then, you would still have a job for you to gain money. And with the competitive society today, this opportunity is hard to come by." The Enforcer knelt down and placed his hands at Mikau's shoulders while staring at the Zoran Hero in the eye. "We need you. We need your skills, your fitness, and your quick thinking. We need more Zoras like you to keep our society from falling apart. Why, did you know that a week ago, pirates from the Great Bay region had come near our area and had caused some serious havocs?"
Mikau was surprised. "Pirates? Here?" He had heard stories about far away land where there were brutes that raided people's homes for wealth.
"Yes. Ten Zoras were on the dry land doing trades with the Hylians when the pirates came ashore and began their attack. Four people were killed. Six more were injured. My team went there as fast as we could. But what did my subordinates do when we were there? Nothing! They ran away like Skullfish the moment the pirates brought out their mechanical guns! Argh! Just talking about them makes me mad!"
"Riiight..."
"Anyway. That's all I've got to say. Your choice."
Silence slowly filled the room as Mikau pondered about the idea. He lifted his foot to send the fish scurrying away. Well, being an officer was kinda fun actually. Many excitements, along with adventures and so on and so forth. And he could finally get out of the water, seeing new sceneries. Still, he didn't know if it was such a good idea for him to join the society this early. After all, he was still just a kid. The bell signaling the end of lunchtime had ringed. Both Mikau and the Enforcer could hear and could see students rushing through the hallways, heading to their classrooms. The children screamed, yelled, and talked loudly as they pushed against each other.
Waggling his fins, the policeman was indicating that he didn't have much patience left. "You have to make your decision, son. Yes, or no?"
"Hold on! This is big for me okay?" Mikau growled. Finally, he relaxed and faced the Zora. "Yes. I will join with the Enforcer Team. But it better be good."
Smiling, the Enforcer shook the child's hand. "Good to have you on board. I will give you more information about this job later on. I might head over to your house sometimes tomorrow. Thanks. I really appreciate it."
He stood aside, allowing Mikau to head out through the hole in the wall and into the corridor. Most of the Zoran kids were in their rooms already. Mikau said a goodbye to the man. He left hurriedly. The officer breathed out a sigh of relief as he headed toward the main exit of the building.
* * *
"Mikau! You are remarkable!" Students swarmed all over him as the young child came into the classroom.
"Ahhh!" His body was nearly crushed among the weights.
Ms. Cresent floated to the side, grinning from ear to ear. She came near to her students.
Seeing his savior was near him, Mikau shouted, "Ms. Cresent! Get them off me!"
Lifting one 'eyebrow', she laughed. "Really? I thought you wanted some attention."
"That's-" One student hugged him. "Not-" Another student patted his back. "What-" A third student's shrilled scream had inundated his voice. Finally, with a yell and with his astounding strength, he broke loose from the mountain of Zoras that was suffocating him.
"Okay! Leave me alone!" Mikau yelled as he dashed to his seat. Wedged himself firmly onto the rock that was his seat, he was determined to stay there for the remainder of the third period. He felt tired.
"Okay, okay, you guys. Stop it now. Let's start the Singing Class," their teacher clapped her hands while swimming up and down between the rows. Kids quickly went to their desks. "Well, anyone wish to sing any specific song? Raise your hand please."
Everyone's eyes were blinking. The room was quiet. One Zora coughed.
"You guys are..." Cresent muttered. "Oh fine. It's up to me to pick a song from my rapidly depleting memory, again."
She floated there in front of the class with total stillness. Finally, she spoke up, "I know! Let's sing Wind Fish. I've learned that while I was a young Zora, slightly older than you guys. Do you all know how to sing it?"
Everybody nodded their heads. They were pretty familiar with the lyric of the song. Their mother had sung it to them many times in their life. By positioning everyone in a semi-circle, the students' instructor was ready to begin.
"And 1, and 2..."
*Click, Click, Click, Click*
(Music starts)
"Going through... all the way... to the land bey~ond...
Flying through... the whole day... to the sky...
Dreaming of the haven, all the way to the end of the day,
Oh feel~ the sensation~
With time~ that you have~
Feeling wind, with your life, soaring with bright light,
Seeing lands, with your eyes, open wide,
Riding the wind~ and up, going through all the way to the end,
Oh look~ all the white clouds~
With time~ that you love!
................... *Drum Rolls*
(Fast Tempo)
Wiggling, with your tail, along with the wind,
Moving fast, with power, to the sky,
Flying with free~dom, going to have a wild adventure,
Oh hey~ all the lightness~
With no~ pressure!
With the time, of your life, being an explor~er,
Dashing through, all the layers, of the clouds,
Smelling the vapors, that are clinging around you now,
Oh man~ all the blueness~
With all~ the spa~ces!
(Slow Tempo)
Drifting on... with currents... sleeping soun~dly~...
With the time, of your life, floating free...
Seeking with your eyes, hoping to find some lifetime partners,
Oh god~ the loneliness~
With all~ the hurt~ing!
(Fast Tempo)
Singing loud, with your heart, along with the breeze,
Dancing hard, with power, with the storm,
Riding the wind~ and up, going through all the way to the end,
Oh hey~ moving with ease~
With no~ hardship!
With the time, of your life, trying to fly free~
Dashing through, all the layers, of the sky,
Touching the many souls~, that are hovering around you now,
Oh man~ all the warmness~
With the~ gold-en lights!"
After the last voice had died down, everyone cheered. They all loved that song so much!
"That was great, you guys!" The female Zora exclaimed. "You guys are pros at singing!"
Students laughed.
For the rest of the class, they sang different types of songs, learning different types of melodies, notes. A few got choked while they were singing a high key. Some stumbled over the tempo of the music. But for the most part, everyone was happy, including Mikau.
What seemed like a century, the bell had finally ringed. Students had ten minutes of break before starting the final class of the day. As expected, Zoran kids all moved close to Mikau. Some stared at him with wonder while others, such as the females, were looking at him dreamily. Dreamily, not lovingly.
Mikau backed all the way to the wall. "You guys are looking at me as if I am lunch!"
One kid shrugged. "Well, we all think you are awesome. Did you see the faces of those big Zoras? God, it was so funny to watch the color drained from their skin."
Another kid jumped in, "Yeah, and did you see Ruto crying?" He had a really high, squeaky voice.
"Ruto had cried?" Mikau frowned. "Why?"
A girl snorted. "Because she didn't get your heart! Did you know that she's a slut? She is wayyyyy too young to associate with boys right. I mean come on! An eleven years old girl acting all grown-up and all? The image just sickens me." Then she added, "And to top it all off, she loves to show off her expensive jewelries, clothes, and so on." She subconsciously pulled at her dress.
"Why do you guys hate her? I thought she's your friend."
One boy laughed. "Our friend?" He shook his head. "She has no friends. Except those outside of our school. Those Zoras that are in, Junior High, or something like that."
One Zora pushed his way through the crowds. He sat on the table in front of Mikau. His fat, round stomach dangled around his upper legs. His legs were suspending over the edge of the desk. The Zoran Hero grimaced. A Bottom-Feeder. He was not very found of Bottom-Feeders, especially that fat stomach of theirs and the grayish color of their skin. The color was too close to his silvery one. Bottom-Feeders were like clams, searching for food just inches above the ocean floor. Not a true hunter.
"Hey! Did Toto tell you that we are going to have a party after school today?"
"That's right!" Toto yelled from somewhere near the back of the kids.
A few students' eyes went wide with disbelieve. "What? A party? I didn't know that!" Their voices boomed as one.
Shooting an irritated glance at them, the fat Zora continued, "You are coming too, right?"
"Yeah! Mikau's coming!" A few yelled on the top of their lungs.
Mikau chuckled. "Yeah. I'll be there along with two of my other friends."
"Oh? Are they in this school?"
"No. They don't go to school."
The Bottom-Feeder tisked. "Aw, not those in the Black Alley a few blocks away from this building!"
Mikau's smile vanished. "Why? What's wrong? Their low education sickens you?"
Waving his hand, the Zora said, "No. It's just that... well... their lifestyle is not so good compared with ours."
"Well, they are coming, and that's that."
Netchra came wiggling into the circle. "Do you know where the location of the event is?"
Mikau flinched a little. Getting too close to Netchra made him trembled slightly. She was... aggressive... "Um, no. Do you know?"
She sighed while rolling her eyes. "Yes. It's near the Southern Sector, Len Street. Be there at four o'clock today after school."
Nodding, he grinned. "Okay. I know where it is. So I guess I will be seeing you there then?"
She turned away from him. "Maybe. But don't get any ideas." She left.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Mikau muttered. But still, it was nice to see that Netchra didn't hate him as much anymore.
Everyone was howling.
"Oh shut up!" He snapped while blushing.
The fourth period started when Ms. Cresent came into the room.
"Well, class. Just one more period and you guys can be free. Please stay alive with me, so that we can get this over with." Her gaze slid over to a Zoran kid who was sleeping on his desk. "WAKE UP!" She bellowed.
The boy jumped up. "What? Where? Who? When? Why? And how?"
Mikau ruptured out loud, laughing. The whole class joined in.
Cresent tapped her table lightly. "Right. Someone was dreaming Literature Class. Anyway. We are now having Art Class." She stared out one of the open holes in the wall, which was a window. "But since today is such a beautiful day, I have decided to omit it this time."
A few whimpered with disappointment. They liked drawing and painting with different materials. Their dreams were to become a famous artist.
"So!" Ms. Cresent clapped her hands once together. "What should we do? I know, I know, today is the last day before the long weekends. But we need something to do."
"Weekends?" Mikau jerked upright.
"Yeah. Don't you know that?"
"Thank goodness you've reminded me. Otherwise I would have come to the school to find out that no one is there."
Students giggled.
"Hey look! A stingray!" One girl shouted with her clear voice while pointing at the hallway.
Sure enough, a blue flat fish slowly swam into the classroom. Its size was amazing, about a Zoran child's size in length. Everyone was amazed. They wanted to pat him, but the fish sent out series of mini shocks to prevent them from touching him. He swam slowly toward Mikau. Finally, he stopped while looking at the kid without moving at all.
"Uh, okay... so what's up with you?" Mikau asked the marine life form.
The fish gave the Zoran Hero a nudge on the arm. Children watched with slight jealousy. They had never seen a stingray being so friendly to a Zora before, unless of course, you were an Enforcer. Which brought curiosity in place.
"Dusty! Where in the world are you!" A deep, male voice exploded outside the room.
Ms. Cresent went to check whom it was. Mikau continued to look at the animal in front of him. After a few minutes, he gently touched the fish's forehead. Expecting a shock, he gritted his teeth. Surprisingly though, the stingray closed his eyes while emitting a series of musical hums. Students gasped.
"Oh, cool!" The same Zoran kid who was the first to see the guard fish cried out loud.
Laughing, Mikau stroked the slippery head. The animal now moved left and right with glee. It's thin, long tail curled up.
An Enforcer burst into the room with the teacher. He looked left and right for the fish. When he saw Mikau was with his partner, he relaxed.
"There you are, Dusty! Do you know how worried I was? I was afraid that you might hurt the kids in the school." The officer swam toward him.
The fish reopened his eyes, looking at the Zora. It opened its wide mouth while sending out a few more notes.
After interpreting the sounds, the Enforcer laughed quietly. Turning around to face the teacher, he explained, "I am officer Evon. My superior, officer Ruan, had told me to bring this police stingray to Mikau. I do not know why, but this is the order that I've got."
Ms. Cresent was confused. "Really? But why would officer Ruan wanted to send one of his task force members to our student?"
The Enforcer shrugged. "I do not know." Looking at Mikau, he smiled. "Mikau Loencraft. This is one of the best stingray members in our Department. I am hereby giving him to you by the order of my Captain. His name is Dusty. I think you and him will get along just fine."
Mikau patted the fish lovingly. "Thank you," he answered.
"I must leave now. Please carry on with your class." The Zora left quickly.
Ms. Cresent looked at the creature with awe. "Okay. This is getting rather interesting." Gazing at Mikau, she sighed. "Really, Mikau. Ever since you've come to Termina, things for me had just gotten weirder and weirder everyday."
"Yeah. Well, same for me." He laughed.
All the students were now talking excitingly with each other. They asked Mikau if the fish could let them touch his smooth body. The animal only replied by sending out more electric currents, drawing the children back. But all the currents were not directed at his partner.
"Sorry guys. I guess only I can get near to my new friend here." Mikau apologized.
The stingray slowly sank onto the floor, closing his eyes, waiting for the class to be over.
"Ah! The heck with it all. Class is over now. Everyone, get out of here. I am going home to rest. I am going insane now." Ms. Cresent blinked her eyes while packing up.
"Bye, Ms. Cresent! Mikau! Don't forget about the party! See you later!"
The Zoran kids all rushed out of the classroom. Mikau followed, along with his new colleague trailing closely behind.
~End Chapter 15~
Author's Note: Lately, the chapters don't have any more Explanation Notes. I guess that all the things that I needed to explain are already being covered.
Yet, another long chapter. What do you think of the flat fish, the stingray? I think they are cool. The way that they move like carpets in the water. I know the name, Dusty, is awkward for a police fish. But man, in real life we call our pets weird names also (i.e. Bob, Sharky, Japer, Milky, Pluto (!)). So I guess there's no difference here. :D
Okay, enough ranting. Gotta work on my next chapter. See ya!
----------------------------
*Note: It's best if you guys can download the Wind Fish midi song from this address:
http://www.geocities.com/zorianhero/windfish.mid
The reason is that there is a lyric in this chapter that you can sing along with the midi
-----------------------------
They went into a side room in an empty hallway. The Enforcer and Mikau had found out that the space in the room was too tight for comfort. Nevertheless, the officer insisted that they should stay in there, for he wanted to propose something to Mikau.
"Can't you just find a bigger place to discuss instead of here?" Mikau whined. His arms had accidentally hit the adult Zora's shoulder.
"Well, this is the most private and most secure area that I can find in your school," the stranger replied grimly.
Sighing, Mikau stared at him. "Ooooookay, so now what? Getting out your handcuffs and restraining me so that you can drag my sorry tail back to the headquarter?"
Shrugging, the Enforcer only smiled. "Something like that."
Mikau's eyes were wild. "Okay, I am outta here." He rushed toward the door.
"Whoa! Hold on there!" He grabbed the child's flailing arms with his big hands.
Turning around, Mikau's face was contorted with both fear and anger. "You want a fight right now?"
Shaking his head, the Enforcer sighed. "Look, you need to calm down. I haven't finished what I am going to say next!" Releasing the kid, he continued, " My name is Ruan Haftil. I have been talking with your mother about your uniqueness some time ago. And I must say that I am impressed. You have learned most of the basic combat trainings that we officers have to familiarize with ourselves before we can earn our ranks. Some of the moves that your mother had taught you are way above the average standard for the Enforcer Department."
Tilting his head, Mikau nodded with doubt. "Uh huh. So my mom's cool. Yeah... keep going."
A stray fish swam around his ankle. Mikau stared down at it.
"Okay, even though you are extremely young, but I think you have the potential to become a wonderful patrol guard."
Mikau felt he couldn't breathe. Had he heard correctly? Had the police actually wanted him to be part of their Law Enforcement?
The Enforcer carried on, "We would like you to join us. We will be training you for six weeks in tactics as well as enhancing some of your actions. You still moved a bit clumsy while battling with Trai back there. We will also be teaching you new attacking moves. Moves that we couldn't possibly teach unless you are a Zoran Hero. We got this old and rare book in our library, but we couldn't use it because no one here is The Legendary Zora. After you have passed the test, you will become an officer like us."
The Mikau burst out laughing. He slapped the male Zora's bare shoulder while maintaining his mirth.
After a while, he forced himself to stop. "Heh. You adults are so funny sometimes. I mean I am just a grade four kid going on to grade five in about another month or so. How in the world can a boy like me help you with your job? Look! I am weak and skinny! Small and Shabom-headed!" Mikau shook his head with wonder. Seeing how the officer stared blankly at him, he explained, "I appreciate the offer, but this is too crazy. The whole thing is crazy. Has the Department gone nuts? They want a kid in an Elementary School to become a part of the patrol team?"
The Zora looked serious. "I am not joking. You are special; otherwise we wouldn't be asking you for your opinion about this proposition. You and I both know that you are skillful at defensive and offensive combat moves. We are trying to help you to hone that skill." He looked sad. "Also, lately our guys on the team are not what they're used to be. They are slacking off. I hope that by using you as an example, I can influence them to work hard. After all, no grown-ups would like to see a kid beating them at their jobs."
Mikau placed his hands and his hip. "I see. So you want to use me like a tool?"
"What?"
"I have already said it before, and I will say it again: I do not like people using me like a gizmo for their own advantage and comfort. I don't care how tempting the offer is, but no."
The officer frowned. "You got me wrong. I mean, yes. I do want you to be an example for my fellow officers. But I also want you to be part of the team. Think about it. You will have a job immediately after a few months. And even if you don't have school by then, you would still have a job for you to gain money. And with the competitive society today, this opportunity is hard to come by." The Enforcer knelt down and placed his hands at Mikau's shoulders while staring at the Zoran Hero in the eye. "We need you. We need your skills, your fitness, and your quick thinking. We need more Zoras like you to keep our society from falling apart. Why, did you know that a week ago, pirates from the Great Bay region had come near our area and had caused some serious havocs?"
Mikau was surprised. "Pirates? Here?" He had heard stories about far away land where there were brutes that raided people's homes for wealth.
"Yes. Ten Zoras were on the dry land doing trades with the Hylians when the pirates came ashore and began their attack. Four people were killed. Six more were injured. My team went there as fast as we could. But what did my subordinates do when we were there? Nothing! They ran away like Skullfish the moment the pirates brought out their mechanical guns! Argh! Just talking about them makes me mad!"
"Riiight..."
"Anyway. That's all I've got to say. Your choice."
Silence slowly filled the room as Mikau pondered about the idea. He lifted his foot to send the fish scurrying away. Well, being an officer was kinda fun actually. Many excitements, along with adventures and so on and so forth. And he could finally get out of the water, seeing new sceneries. Still, he didn't know if it was such a good idea for him to join the society this early. After all, he was still just a kid. The bell signaling the end of lunchtime had ringed. Both Mikau and the Enforcer could hear and could see students rushing through the hallways, heading to their classrooms. The children screamed, yelled, and talked loudly as they pushed against each other.
Waggling his fins, the policeman was indicating that he didn't have much patience left. "You have to make your decision, son. Yes, or no?"
"Hold on! This is big for me okay?" Mikau growled. Finally, he relaxed and faced the Zora. "Yes. I will join with the Enforcer Team. But it better be good."
Smiling, the Enforcer shook the child's hand. "Good to have you on board. I will give you more information about this job later on. I might head over to your house sometimes tomorrow. Thanks. I really appreciate it."
He stood aside, allowing Mikau to head out through the hole in the wall and into the corridor. Most of the Zoran kids were in their rooms already. Mikau said a goodbye to the man. He left hurriedly. The officer breathed out a sigh of relief as he headed toward the main exit of the building.
* * *
"Mikau! You are remarkable!" Students swarmed all over him as the young child came into the classroom.
"Ahhh!" His body was nearly crushed among the weights.
Ms. Cresent floated to the side, grinning from ear to ear. She came near to her students.
Seeing his savior was near him, Mikau shouted, "Ms. Cresent! Get them off me!"
Lifting one 'eyebrow', she laughed. "Really? I thought you wanted some attention."
"That's-" One student hugged him. "Not-" Another student patted his back. "What-" A third student's shrilled scream had inundated his voice. Finally, with a yell and with his astounding strength, he broke loose from the mountain of Zoras that was suffocating him.
"Okay! Leave me alone!" Mikau yelled as he dashed to his seat. Wedged himself firmly onto the rock that was his seat, he was determined to stay there for the remainder of the third period. He felt tired.
"Okay, okay, you guys. Stop it now. Let's start the Singing Class," their teacher clapped her hands while swimming up and down between the rows. Kids quickly went to their desks. "Well, anyone wish to sing any specific song? Raise your hand please."
Everyone's eyes were blinking. The room was quiet. One Zora coughed.
"You guys are..." Cresent muttered. "Oh fine. It's up to me to pick a song from my rapidly depleting memory, again."
She floated there in front of the class with total stillness. Finally, she spoke up, "I know! Let's sing Wind Fish. I've learned that while I was a young Zora, slightly older than you guys. Do you all know how to sing it?"
Everybody nodded their heads. They were pretty familiar with the lyric of the song. Their mother had sung it to them many times in their life. By positioning everyone in a semi-circle, the students' instructor was ready to begin.
"And 1, and 2..."
*Click, Click, Click, Click*
(Music starts)
"Going through... all the way... to the land bey~ond...
Flying through... the whole day... to the sky...
Dreaming of the haven, all the way to the end of the day,
Oh feel~ the sensation~
With time~ that you have~
Feeling wind, with your life, soaring with bright light,
Seeing lands, with your eyes, open wide,
Riding the wind~ and up, going through all the way to the end,
Oh look~ all the white clouds~
With time~ that you love!
................... *Drum Rolls*
(Fast Tempo)
Wiggling, with your tail, along with the wind,
Moving fast, with power, to the sky,
Flying with free~dom, going to have a wild adventure,
Oh hey~ all the lightness~
With no~ pressure!
With the time, of your life, being an explor~er,
Dashing through, all the layers, of the clouds,
Smelling the vapors, that are clinging around you now,
Oh man~ all the blueness~
With all~ the spa~ces!
(Slow Tempo)
Drifting on... with currents... sleeping soun~dly~...
With the time, of your life, floating free...
Seeking with your eyes, hoping to find some lifetime partners,
Oh god~ the loneliness~
With all~ the hurt~ing!
(Fast Tempo)
Singing loud, with your heart, along with the breeze,
Dancing hard, with power, with the storm,
Riding the wind~ and up, going through all the way to the end,
Oh hey~ moving with ease~
With no~ hardship!
With the time, of your life, trying to fly free~
Dashing through, all the layers, of the sky,
Touching the many souls~, that are hovering around you now,
Oh man~ all the warmness~
With the~ gold-en lights!"
After the last voice had died down, everyone cheered. They all loved that song so much!
"That was great, you guys!" The female Zora exclaimed. "You guys are pros at singing!"
Students laughed.
For the rest of the class, they sang different types of songs, learning different types of melodies, notes. A few got choked while they were singing a high key. Some stumbled over the tempo of the music. But for the most part, everyone was happy, including Mikau.
What seemed like a century, the bell had finally ringed. Students had ten minutes of break before starting the final class of the day. As expected, Zoran kids all moved close to Mikau. Some stared at him with wonder while others, such as the females, were looking at him dreamily. Dreamily, not lovingly.
Mikau backed all the way to the wall. "You guys are looking at me as if I am lunch!"
One kid shrugged. "Well, we all think you are awesome. Did you see the faces of those big Zoras? God, it was so funny to watch the color drained from their skin."
Another kid jumped in, "Yeah, and did you see Ruto crying?" He had a really high, squeaky voice.
"Ruto had cried?" Mikau frowned. "Why?"
A girl snorted. "Because she didn't get your heart! Did you know that she's a slut? She is wayyyyy too young to associate with boys right. I mean come on! An eleven years old girl acting all grown-up and all? The image just sickens me." Then she added, "And to top it all off, she loves to show off her expensive jewelries, clothes, and so on." She subconsciously pulled at her dress.
"Why do you guys hate her? I thought she's your friend."
One boy laughed. "Our friend?" He shook his head. "She has no friends. Except those outside of our school. Those Zoras that are in, Junior High, or something like that."
One Zora pushed his way through the crowds. He sat on the table in front of Mikau. His fat, round stomach dangled around his upper legs. His legs were suspending over the edge of the desk. The Zoran Hero grimaced. A Bottom-Feeder. He was not very found of Bottom-Feeders, especially that fat stomach of theirs and the grayish color of their skin. The color was too close to his silvery one. Bottom-Feeders were like clams, searching for food just inches above the ocean floor. Not a true hunter.
"Hey! Did Toto tell you that we are going to have a party after school today?"
"That's right!" Toto yelled from somewhere near the back of the kids.
A few students' eyes went wide with disbelieve. "What? A party? I didn't know that!" Their voices boomed as one.
Shooting an irritated glance at them, the fat Zora continued, "You are coming too, right?"
"Yeah! Mikau's coming!" A few yelled on the top of their lungs.
Mikau chuckled. "Yeah. I'll be there along with two of my other friends."
"Oh? Are they in this school?"
"No. They don't go to school."
The Bottom-Feeder tisked. "Aw, not those in the Black Alley a few blocks away from this building!"
Mikau's smile vanished. "Why? What's wrong? Their low education sickens you?"
Waving his hand, the Zora said, "No. It's just that... well... their lifestyle is not so good compared with ours."
"Well, they are coming, and that's that."
Netchra came wiggling into the circle. "Do you know where the location of the event is?"
Mikau flinched a little. Getting too close to Netchra made him trembled slightly. She was... aggressive... "Um, no. Do you know?"
She sighed while rolling her eyes. "Yes. It's near the Southern Sector, Len Street. Be there at four o'clock today after school."
Nodding, he grinned. "Okay. I know where it is. So I guess I will be seeing you there then?"
She turned away from him. "Maybe. But don't get any ideas." She left.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Mikau muttered. But still, it was nice to see that Netchra didn't hate him as much anymore.
Everyone was howling.
"Oh shut up!" He snapped while blushing.
The fourth period started when Ms. Cresent came into the room.
"Well, class. Just one more period and you guys can be free. Please stay alive with me, so that we can get this over with." Her gaze slid over to a Zoran kid who was sleeping on his desk. "WAKE UP!" She bellowed.
The boy jumped up. "What? Where? Who? When? Why? And how?"
Mikau ruptured out loud, laughing. The whole class joined in.
Cresent tapped her table lightly. "Right. Someone was dreaming Literature Class. Anyway. We are now having Art Class." She stared out one of the open holes in the wall, which was a window. "But since today is such a beautiful day, I have decided to omit it this time."
A few whimpered with disappointment. They liked drawing and painting with different materials. Their dreams were to become a famous artist.
"So!" Ms. Cresent clapped her hands once together. "What should we do? I know, I know, today is the last day before the long weekends. But we need something to do."
"Weekends?" Mikau jerked upright.
"Yeah. Don't you know that?"
"Thank goodness you've reminded me. Otherwise I would have come to the school to find out that no one is there."
Students giggled.
"Hey look! A stingray!" One girl shouted with her clear voice while pointing at the hallway.
Sure enough, a blue flat fish slowly swam into the classroom. Its size was amazing, about a Zoran child's size in length. Everyone was amazed. They wanted to pat him, but the fish sent out series of mini shocks to prevent them from touching him. He swam slowly toward Mikau. Finally, he stopped while looking at the kid without moving at all.
"Uh, okay... so what's up with you?" Mikau asked the marine life form.
The fish gave the Zoran Hero a nudge on the arm. Children watched with slight jealousy. They had never seen a stingray being so friendly to a Zora before, unless of course, you were an Enforcer. Which brought curiosity in place.
"Dusty! Where in the world are you!" A deep, male voice exploded outside the room.
Ms. Cresent went to check whom it was. Mikau continued to look at the animal in front of him. After a few minutes, he gently touched the fish's forehead. Expecting a shock, he gritted his teeth. Surprisingly though, the stingray closed his eyes while emitting a series of musical hums. Students gasped.
"Oh, cool!" The same Zoran kid who was the first to see the guard fish cried out loud.
Laughing, Mikau stroked the slippery head. The animal now moved left and right with glee. It's thin, long tail curled up.
An Enforcer burst into the room with the teacher. He looked left and right for the fish. When he saw Mikau was with his partner, he relaxed.
"There you are, Dusty! Do you know how worried I was? I was afraid that you might hurt the kids in the school." The officer swam toward him.
The fish reopened his eyes, looking at the Zora. It opened its wide mouth while sending out a few more notes.
After interpreting the sounds, the Enforcer laughed quietly. Turning around to face the teacher, he explained, "I am officer Evon. My superior, officer Ruan, had told me to bring this police stingray to Mikau. I do not know why, but this is the order that I've got."
Ms. Cresent was confused. "Really? But why would officer Ruan wanted to send one of his task force members to our student?"
The Enforcer shrugged. "I do not know." Looking at Mikau, he smiled. "Mikau Loencraft. This is one of the best stingray members in our Department. I am hereby giving him to you by the order of my Captain. His name is Dusty. I think you and him will get along just fine."
Mikau patted the fish lovingly. "Thank you," he answered.
"I must leave now. Please carry on with your class." The Zora left quickly.
Ms. Cresent looked at the creature with awe. "Okay. This is getting rather interesting." Gazing at Mikau, she sighed. "Really, Mikau. Ever since you've come to Termina, things for me had just gotten weirder and weirder everyday."
"Yeah. Well, same for me." He laughed.
All the students were now talking excitingly with each other. They asked Mikau if the fish could let them touch his smooth body. The animal only replied by sending out more electric currents, drawing the children back. But all the currents were not directed at his partner.
"Sorry guys. I guess only I can get near to my new friend here." Mikau apologized.
The stingray slowly sank onto the floor, closing his eyes, waiting for the class to be over.
"Ah! The heck with it all. Class is over now. Everyone, get out of here. I am going home to rest. I am going insane now." Ms. Cresent blinked her eyes while packing up.
"Bye, Ms. Cresent! Mikau! Don't forget about the party! See you later!"
The Zoran kids all rushed out of the classroom. Mikau followed, along with his new colleague trailing closely behind.
~End Chapter 15~
Author's Note: Lately, the chapters don't have any more Explanation Notes. I guess that all the things that I needed to explain are already being covered.
Yet, another long chapter. What do you think of the flat fish, the stingray? I think they are cool. The way that they move like carpets in the water. I know the name, Dusty, is awkward for a police fish. But man, in real life we call our pets weird names also (i.e. Bob, Sharky, Japer, Milky, Pluto (!)). So I guess there's no difference here. :D
Okay, enough ranting. Gotta work on my next chapter. See ya!