Author's note: Merry Christmas, everyone! Be sure to enjoy this brand new chapter!

Battle Royale II: The Game

Chapter 3: Origin Part 3

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

20:00 PM, Six Days Before The School Trip

"Hey, that's my makeup!" Natsuko exclaimed as Sayako cleverly took her eyeshadow when she wasn't looking.

Both girls, along with Erika and Kazue, were with Ibuki on a night out. The girls were planning to take advantage of the Christmas trip, and flirt with as many of the boys as they can.

However, Erika was too busy with her relationship with her boyfriend, the good-natured Yuusuke Kagawa (Shiroiwa Junior High, Class 3-B, Ninth Grade, Boy #2). She even bought him a present that she would only give to him on Christmas Day.

"Too bad, it's mine now!" Sayako told Natsuko as she stuck her tongue out.

Meanwhile, Kazue had been staring at Ibuki with contempt as the red-haired girl was flirting with a man much older than her. Puffing on a cigarette, the short-haired girl sighed as she gazed over at the other girls.

"Ibuki...someday, I'm leaving this gang, and I'll do what it takes to trump over you...someday." she said to herself.

Meanwhile, Ibuki had been enjoying the older man's company. "Maybe I'll give you a blowjob for free. What do you say?" she asked.

"Sure, that would be a pleasure!" the man replied with a grin.

Ibuki smirked before going down on him. This caused Kazue to stand up and walk over to the other girls, and Erika took notice.

"Kazue...what's wrong?" Erika asked.

"Ibuki's nothing but a whore, that's what. Why is that she's always sleeping with every guy she picks up on? God, why can she give me and the others a chance to have fun, too?" Kazue said as she clenched her fists after dropping the cigarette and stomping it.

Erika nodded. It was said that Ibuki was raised by a single mother, who had occasionally took to the bottle, but had encouraged her daughter to not end up just like her.

"But what about the Christmas trip? Ibuki said that we were going to seduce the boys in our class, including Yuusuke and Keiji." the girl asked.

"Yeah, but count me out. Ibuki took my boyfriend from me, and I'm not in the mood for a little mischief during the trip." Kazue said.

"I'm...sorry to hear that." Erika said with a frown, allowing Kazue her privacy.

Meanwhile, Natsuko and Sayako were discussing about their potential targets. "What do you think? Should we go for Keiji first? I hear he's a real hottie." the blonde asked her friend.

"Definitely Keiji. He's such a hunk, no wonder the girls in the school are all over him. I even hear his father held a rebellion that backfired. Now he's imprisoned along with his bodyguard." Sayako replied.

"But at least we can still pursue Keiji, no matter what." Natsuko said before both girls giggled with glee.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

9:05 AM, Five Days Before The School Trip

A punch, then another, and finally a spinning kick...

Keigo Aoyama (Shiroiwa Junior High, Class 3-B, Ninth Grade, Boy #17) had completed his kata for the morning. Tall, athletic and handsome, he had long, dark hair and rich brown eyes.

He was also skilled in the art of karate, as well as being a black belt. Although he looked tough, he was actually a friendly, easygoing young man who loved helping others out when they were in need.

Keigo was also close friends with a classmate from elementary school, Shiori Araki (Shiroiwa Junior High, Class 3-B, Ninth Grade, Girl #3). She was described as having long reddish-brown hair in a ponytail and piercing green eyes.

Although Shiori was hot-headed at times, she also acted docile when around others she cared about, especially Keigo. Even though she would never admit it, she had a crush on him since they first met in school.

However, Keigo had a love of his own, in the form of Mizuki Akagi (Shiroiwa Junior High, Class 3-B, Ninth Grade, Girl #10). She had long, lustrous black hair in the style of a Hime cut, as well as blunt bangs and soft grey eyes.

Mizuki was also a member of the tea ceremony club, and was considered to be very kind-hearted and shy, the ideal Yamato Nadeshiko. Yet she seemed rather unaware of Keigo's feelings towards him.

"Hey, Keigo." a voice called out to Keigo, allowing him to turn around.

"Oh...hello, Shiori. Did you sleep well last night?" he asked.

"Of course. Although I'm really excited about this Christmas trip at the lodge. I simply can't wait to go skiing!" Shiori replied with a smile as she offered Keigo a water bottle.

"I agree, although I'm not interested in skiing, but rather relaxing in the springs and reading." Keigo said.

"That sounds cool. Uh...did you see Mizuki yesterday?" Shiori asked.

"I saw her at the courtyard. I tried to talk to her, but she blushed and giggled, before running off. I decided to write a letter to her, and put it in her school locker." Keigo replied.

"Right..." Shiori said as she crossed her eyes, before she added, "Did you...ever give me a letter, by the way?"

"A letter? To you?" Keigo asked, taken by surprise. A small blush appeared on his face before he chuckled and said, "Not yet...but you may never know."

Shiori grinned. It was going to be the best Christmas trip ever...

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

10:00 AM, Five Days Before The School Trip

Meanwhile, Mizuki was feeding birdseed to the birds in her garden, content with her surroundings. She considered the Christmas trip as a golden opportunity for her to see if she was able to reciprocate Keigo's hidden feelings for her.

However, Mizuki also knew that Shiori had a secret crush on him, as well. She hated to be jealous, but seemed uncomfortable every time she saw them together.

Nevertheless, Mizuki smiled as she stood up and saw her mother approaching her. "Mother...do you believe in love?" she asked her.

"Dear Mizuki...you do know that love is a very special thing. I'm sure you'll understand. Why do you ask?" Mrs. Akagi replied.

"Well...there's this boy named Aoyama, and according to my friends, he has a crush on me...but I don't know how to respond. What should I do?" Mizuki said.

"Don't be afraid to take the opportunity to confess your love for him. If you do it successfully, he might return the sentiment." her mother replied.

"I hope so...I really hope so." Mizuki said as she crossed her fingers with a small smile of hope.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As I said before, Happy Holidays! Keep in mind, though that the Origins arc for this story is probably going to be pretty lengthy in the number of chapters, but do be patient for the real story to start. Until then, ciao! And feel free to review!

With love for my fans,

Chrissy