Welcome back everyone to the story so some big news HoppsHungerFan or A.K.A HoppsRJ has decided to help me with both this story and my Total Drama story but don't pester him about plot lines and everything from those stories he still like you is in the dark about most plot lines he will mostly help me with Free Time Events specifically Makoto's most of the time for this story and for Total Drama he will help me with the challenges. Also in other news my poll about the perks are still up so if you want to go to my profile and vote on that please do anyways let's get right into it.
Gym 11:00 AM
Ichiro's POV
"Here's an idea, give us fifteen minutes to rest and, we will have an Olympics of sorts. Last person to drop out wins for their team. Sakura and, Nekomaru will be the refs of sorts I guess and, Makoto and, Kaito will sit out Kaito isn't feeling great and, Makoto isn't really conditioned," I proposed.
"I'm game," Leon agreed.
"Let's do this," Akane roared.
"We'll take you chicks down," Mondo challenged.
"Yeah right," Aoi smirked.
"You boys are going down," Tenko exclaimed.
"It is settled then, I guess. So Nekomaru, what should we start with after they rest," Sakura asked,
"Let's start with suicides then go from there," Nekomaru smiled, "Man, this is going to be the shit," Nekomaru shouted.
"Hey you know what guys, since both myself and, Kaito aren't competing we'll just leave if that's ok," Makoto asked.
"Of course, Kaito make sure you get yourself checked out you don't look so good," Nekomaru spoke, worried for one of his students. The two thanked Nekomaru and took their leave, Kaito probably to the nurse's office, and Makoto to probably the cafeteria to socialize.
Suicides were like literal hell for us, we had to run twenty-five in a row and, in this competition, we agreed that the last to finish or first to drop out would be eliminated so, five challenges would be taking place unless all of one gender dropped out before that point. Akane's and Aoi's endurance was quite literally speaking outstanding they finished way ahead of myself and, Leon who was able to finish before Tenko and, Mondo but, sadly Mondo just wasn't naturally fast as he was strong because of his size he was practically lumbering up and down the court.
After it was over Nekomaru gave a knowing smile as if he already was planning on how to improve upon Mondo's abilities, then we moved on to push-ups, as a stand-alone exercise it doesn't seem like much but, after fifty in a row, it starts to really hurt. We each went one at a time and, the loser would be the one to do the least amount of push-ups. I was able to get to fifty-three before failing, Akane made it to seventy-two, Tenko fifty-six, and Aoi with forty-three. Leon was the last one to go and needless to say he pulled off a clutch victory for the boys by getting a total of fifty push-ups. Leaving Aoi to go sit with Mondo on the bleachers.
Next were sit-ups which like push-ups are not much as a stand-alone exercise but, with everything we've done up to this point, needless to say it was a tall order. I was able to get to fifty-six before giving out, Akane like the endurance beast she is got eighty, and Tenko got sixty leaving Leon or me to be eliminated no matter what but, in the end, it was Leon that lost only getting forty-nine of them. Before the final challenge, the last thing we did were gassers, which are a sprint of two down and backs across the gym length, since most of us were pretty tired Nekomaru only had us do ten which was just perfect for me because gassers were a staple in football conditioning. So, both me and, Akane breezed right through it leaving Tenko the loser and, eliminated.
The final round was between me and Akane, and the two judges decided that a sparring fight would be a great way to end it basically sealing my fate as second place. The competition commenced and, Akane came charging at me but, thanks to my talent I was able to cut to my right and sidestepped her using her force and weight against her, but she spun right around and low swept my legs and knocked me off my feet and, on to the floor. I quickly got up and readied myself again but, before I could she flipped over me and punched me right in my back sending me right to the ground, I got up a lot more slowly this time, but it was too late she had already tackled me and pinned me to the ground, so I was forced to tap out leaving her the winner.
"Well I guess that seals it the girls win then," Tenko cheered.
"Yeah I guess chick," Mondo grumbled.
"Yeah but, that will change next time," Leon spoke up.
While the others were talking, Nekomaru and, Sakura approached me while I was still laying on the floor beaten and broken from Akane. They helped me up and, I smiled and thanked them in return. Then Nekomaru spoke.
"I like what I saw from you today, you really have some heart, and get that girlfriend to start coming she could use this," Nekomaru exclaimed.
"She isn't my girlfriend she is just a friend but, I'll see if she wants to start coming but, I'm sure she will," I replied.
"That sounds great Ichiro, I believe we are done for the day so, you and the others may do as you please for the day," Sakura spoke. I thanked them both and left to the nurse's office to see if I could get something for the aching pain in my back from Akane.
Gym 11:05 A.M.
Makoto's POV
I'm panting heavily as Nekomaru calls out another break. After finishing some five hundred push ups, sit ups, assisting Mondo, Sakura, and Akane, all of whom are leagues stronger than I, I could barely catch my breath when I move to the bleachers to sit next to Kaito. He's still smiling after all of this but sweat drips down his brow into his white towel. "Hey Naegi," he starts. He sees my nod and throws his head back with an even more exhausted smile. "Shit man, Nekomaru is really pushing us, I d-don't think I'll be able to keep up."
"Y-Yeah," I tremble through the pain. "I don't really know how I got roped into this."
"Aw come on man, you held up really well there. Who cares that you didn't do as much as those big guys?" he says, pointing to Nekomaru, Akane, Sakura, and Mondo. "I'm sure if we keep at it we'll be up to either Aoi or even Mondo level of endurance."
"W-W-We?" I panic. "I'm not sure if I quite want to continue."
"You're tapping out?"
"Sorry man." The pain in my body has now focused on my thighs and stomach. I can barely breathe as is and I drop from the bleachers.
"Hey no shame in quitting. I can't overexert myself and if it'll make you feel better I'll join you."
After talking with Nekomaru about my leave from this...this drill and Kaito's insistence in progressively overloading-whatever that means-Nekomaru lets us go. "DON'T LET IT GET YOU DOWN MOMOTA AND NAEGI! I WILL WELCOME YOU BACK ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO RETURN!"
"You think our eardrums would survive if he and Taka ever got into an argument?" Kaito jokes aloud. The two of us have a decent conversation regarding the odds of an asteroid striking us, freeing us, before we split ways, myself going into the kitchen and Kaito going into the sauna.
I heave and push the kitchen door open to see a clean, organized, and immaculate scene. As I step forward a blur of black criss crosses in front of me. "Oh," the other individual in this room, notes. "My apologies Mister Naegi."
"It's quite alright, Kirumi, right?" I ask. "Or is it Miss Tojo for you?"
"Any is fine with me Mister Naegi. I just live to serve."
I flashed a small smile that's mirrored shortly by her. "What are you up to? All of us are just finishing breakfast and I would have thought that you would have finished sooner."
"Mister Naegi, as a professional housekeeper I must remain vigilant. After we lost Teruteru, perverted as he may be, I've been working much harder to cook and provide for us all. Actually you all have been quite well behaved so it's not so much work as it is simply preparations."
"So what are you making now?"
"It really isn't much, it's just some coffee for Mister Amami, some tea for Mister Togami and Miss Fukawa, and a delicacy for Princess Nevermind of Novoselic. The delicacy is the hardest but obviously, if I can hold a conversation with you then it's really not much of an issue."
"Then what would be an issue for you? If you don't mind me asking Kirumi."
"If those who I am serving tell me to serve them something, I will fulfill that task to the very best of my ability. Of course this means that I must remain diligent."
"Do you ever get tired?"
"Tired? Yes," Kirumi says with a sigh. She moves over to an oven and pulls out a small saucer sized dessert. "But it is simply another day in the life. For king, country, and citizens I do it dutifully. While you're here can you hand me a small morsel of sugar?"
"Yep," I say quietly. I pull out a big metal container from a cabinet labeled white sugar to find a small measuring spoon within. To my surprise, the spoon is labeled to measure out exactly a morsel of sugar...however much that is. I fill the spoon up and give it to Kirumi as she swings the pastry around. "What exactly is this that you're making for Sonia?"
"In Novoselic puffin is considered a delicacy, so this is but a tame meal of Puffin Substitute mince meat pie," Kirumi says nonchalantly. "It has to be served in exactly 3 minutes for the best of the odor to emanate from the bread."
"I can take it out for you," I offer immediately.
"Oh thank you Naegi. I'll head out with you in case it gets too much. The tea is just about ready so I'll follow you when you do."
"Honestly Kirumi, I bet you could put in half the effort you do and it'll still be a thousand times better than anyone else here," I compliment.
"Ah, but no one here expects less than 110% of what i truly do. It's second nature for me."
"I wouldn't do that," I say hesitantly. "This game is stressful as is but-"
"Mister Naegi I appreciate your concerns very much but this is actually a method of me to
destress. Though, if you would like to help out, the kitchen is always open."
"Just show me the ropes and I'm sure that I could learn," I say as, Kirumi smiles warmly as she pulls out yet another cup.
I'm about to continue when the kitchen door bursts open. "MADAME LUDENBERG VERY MUCH DESIRES HER TEA RIGHT NOW!" Hifumi screeches as he barrels towards another kettle. He's making a mess as he swings the kettle under the faucet and splashes what looks like black tea all around.
"Actually Mister Naegi," Kirumi starts. "You can hand out this puffin pastry now. Just please put it down with your left hand. The left hand is good luck for some Novoselican royals."
"That's the job for me, one of the ultimate lucky students." I smile brightly and grab the tray as Kirumi goes to wrestle the faucet from Hifumi's meaty hands. Gently I head out into the kitchen, where Sonia is waiting eagerly. "Sonia, Kirumi told me to hand this out to you."
"Why thank you Naegi," she says kindly. "Please put it down with your left."
I hand the pastry off to her and head out of the cafeteria. The momentary distraction did a lot in removing the pain I feel from the thighs but now the pain has moved to my arms. I wonder if there's gonna be a good place to just lie down nearby.
Nurse's Office 12:15 AM
Ichiro's POV
After the massive beating I took from Akane I went to the nurse's office in search of some advil and ice packs. As a football player or I guess former one now, the wear and tear that you suffer through training starts taking its toll on you at some point in your playing career. For me it was during high school that it started to become a problem and, that workout session definitely did not help me one bit. I moved through the hallway towards the nurse's office in hopes to finding Mikan so she could help me find what I needed. But, I guess Kaito beat me to it, or so I thought.
"You sure this will help the coughing" Kaito asked, holding up an orange bottle with a white cap that contained an assortment of the same pills.
"I-I'm positive Kaito, t-these should help you breathe better," Mikan confirmed,
"So, I guess I'm going to have to stop working out then if I want this lung issue to go away I guess," Kaito said, disappointed to have to stop working out.
"Y-yes, for at least the next week until you see i-improved results, then you could p-probably work out like normal again," Mikan commanded.
"Alright nurse, you got it," Kaito shouted as he gave Mikan a salute making Mikan giggle slightly.
"You know guys, if you don't want anyone to find out about this I would have kept our voices down," I said walking through the doorway, shocking the two out of their conversation.
"How long h-have you been there," Kaito asked nervously.
"Long enough," I replied, "So, are you going to tell anyone, or are you just going to keep this to yourself," I continued.
"Why do you want to know," Kaito pressed,
"So, I know whether to keep my mouth shut or not," I replied,
"No, I'm not saying anything to anyone," Kaito responded.
"Then I won't say anything, anyway if you don't mind me asking, how bad is it," I questioned.
"W-we don't know, the e-equipment here isn't enough to actually determine what K-Kaito has," Mikan spoke this time,
"Well if it has anything to do with coughing, it's probably something in the lungs or quite possibly throat or nasal passage ways," I suggested.
"Y-yes, that would be most likely," Mikan agreed, "B-but if you don't mind me asking, h-how do you know that," Mikan asked.
"No I don't mind Mikan," I smiled, "As a child I had really bad allergies to pollen and stuff like that so, I indirectly learned a lot about breathing and other stuff that can be the results of those types of allergies," I continued,
"What do you mean by indirectly," Kaito inquired.
"Well my parents were the ones to do the research, they just told me everything they learned," I explained. Then the conversation seemed to end and, Kaito decided that he would take his and thanked Mikan for everything before heading to the cafeteria presumably for lunch.
"So, Mikan how are you and Hajime doing," I smirked.
"I-I don't know w-what you are t-talking about," Mikan stuttered clumsily through her response,
"Oh come on only someone as dense as Makoto wouldn't be able to see the connection between you two," I smiled.
"W-we are just f-friends and that's h-how we will keep it," Mikan spoke somewhat angrily,
"Alright alright, you guys are just friends, but hey you never know," I quipped, which Mikan responded with a pout. "I'm just kidding anyway, the reason I was originally here wasn't to spy on you and, Kaito. I was wondering if you had any Advil or ice packs," I continued,
"W-Why do you need that, did you get h-hurt," Mikan asked worriedly.
"No no... well yes but not against my will… sort of. Akane and I were in a sparring match and, let's just I didn't do so hot," I replied,
"W-why would you do that," Mikan asked,
"It's a long story," I told her.
"We have until d-dinner, which is f-four hours away, I think we have p-plenty of time," She mused.
"Oh alright then, it starts like this…"
Arcade 3:38 PM
Ryoko's POV
I was in the arcade playing one of the racing games alongside Chiaki, while Chihiro and Mahiru watched us. Chiaki was leaps and bounds ahead of me, but at least I wasn't last which was something right? But, I was able to pull through before handing my spot over to a very intimidated Chihiro who looked as if she was meeting The Mountain from Game of Thrones. But while the other three messed with the racing game, I began to head over to the ticket counter to see how much I needed for one of the many prizes on the board. I really wanted the box of photos, which seemed to be really important, but compared to the other prizes it was nearly impossible to get because ten thousand tickets were needed, compared to the five thousand for weapons and the four thousand for bears.
Little did I know someone had just walked up behind me, unintentional or not it scared the living hell out of me.
"Ryoko where the hell have you been," Nekomaru announced from behind me.
"Ah, jeez Nekomaru you shouldn't scare people like that, this isn't the place to do that type of thing," I scolded, "And what do you mean where have I been, I've been in this school locked up with you and the others," I spoke agitated at the demanding question.
"Like why weren't you with us this morning at our morning workout. You friend Ichiro was there and, even Makoto, who is by far one of the least athletic was there," Nekomaru criticized,
"I would rather attempt to enjoy myself here before, I eventually die here like…" I trailed off at the end realizing that I was letting my emotions get the better of me.
"Didn't you have to work hard to get where you are now, don't you want to improve upon what you already have," Nekomaru reasoned, "Why not get better and get your mind off this horrible experience," Nekomaru continued.
"Fine I'll join you, but on one condition," I agreed.
"What's the condition," He questioned.
"That you help get that box photos up there," I spoke, pointing towards the box in question.
"What's so important about that box to you that you need my help to get it?" Nekomaru inquired,
"If the bear put it as the most expensive item, then it must be important somehow," I explained,
"Hmm, alright I agree but, I ain't all that good at arcade games," Nekomaru replied somewhat glum.
"Hey don't worry big guy, help is help, that's all I care about," I smiled, "Anyways it's starting to get close to dinner, maybe we should head to the dining hall, so we can get all the food before Akane eats it," I joked.
"Yeah, Akane sure can eat. She could probably eat the whole kitchen out of food if we let her," Nekomaru quipped as we left for the dining hall. We made our way from the arcade where Chiaki, Mahiru, and Chihiro were still playing the racing game from earlier.
We made our way through the hallway towards the dining hall, it was around four fifteen so Twogami and Taka were probably already there with Kirumi. But we were also joined by the likes of Makoto, Sonia, and surprisingly Kokichi. We took our seats towards the middle of the set of tables and chatted amongst ourselves. After a bit of time more and more people began to enter the Dining Hall for another dinner filled with happy chit chat and, speeches and announcements from the groups self proclaimed leaders like Taka and Twogami. Hopefully today would be a nice long and happy dinner.
Who am I kidding-with Kirumi cooking of course it will be
Cafeteria 7:45 PM
Makoto's POV
"And with that, there has been no progress on finding a way to escape," Taka says with a dejected sigh. "Nonetheless, we mustn't give up on the pursuit of true freedom. On that note, I am open to suggestions as to how we can remain united."
Today I was able to convince Kirumi to get some help for these big meals and to also not work as hard. To all of our pleasure, the food is still great, Hifumi, Mikan, and surprisingly Maki have been able to help out to make several meals of a somewhat decent chicken, duck, and the occasional poffin substitute." I head up from my table to the main buffet line to grab a plate of collard greens and mashed potatoes and bump into the head chef herself. "I do hope that this array of vegetables is to an acceptable standard," Kirumi states.
"Don't worry Kirumi, it's definitely great, you have nothing to worry about."
"Yes," Kirumi muses. "I am surprised with how good Miss Harukawa is at cutting but surprises do result in great things most of the time." She saunters off with a tray of some more specialized cutlets and I return to my table with a new set of utensils.
The rest of dinner went by uneventfully. I noticed out of the corner of my eye Fuyuhiko and Peko taking the other seats far away from me as possible. I've just about finished my plate of greens and head up to dump the refuse into a receptacle when Fuyuhiko steps up. The two of us bump into each other and I dump the greens over Fuyuhiko's well pressed suit. "FUCKING SHIT!" he shouts. "CLUMSY FUCKWIT, Do you have any fucking shit better to look for rather than your own two damn feet?!" Fuyuhiko yelled
"Fuyuhiko I'm sorry," I say, taken aback.
"You should be!" he shouts before I can further explain. "Your family should have had better to do rather than-"
The two of us are cut off with the swift draw of a bamboo sword. "Fuyuhiko remain from your outbursts for now if you would. Mister Naegi didn't cause much irreparable damage." I hear a huffy breath come from Fuyuhiko's direction as he storms off, stomping all the while. "Please excuse him and his diminutive anger issues," Peko says simply. "I have met a lot of guys like him and they simply need but two hours or more to get situated."
"I've been to school with a couple of guys like that," I hesitantly say.
The conversation enters a bit of a lull so I take the time to grab some ice cream from the dessert bar. I return with a scoop of pistachio ice cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, blanketed by fudge and gummy bears. I sit two seats away from Peko as she holds out her bamboo sword and polishes her glasses while doing so. "Don't you want some ice cream, Peko?"
She turns to me with a harsh glare and bluntly states, "No. If my master and his family have any indication to suspect that I am slacking in my duties to remain physically fit and in fighting shape then my life is on the line." She brandishes her sword before putting it back on her back.
"My...my apologies Peko," I say quietly. Out of the corner of my eye I see her eyeing the fruit bar and seemingly contemplating it. "Fruits are healthy, aren't they?"
"Yes they are," Peko says quietly. "They are a good source of comfort. Didn't get too much of them on the streets with how I was raised."
"Do you have a favorite in particular?"
"Apples," she says monotonously. Once again, the conversation dies down and she leaves to grab two whole apples.
I look from the table as she sets the two apples up in a row. She uses her bamboo sword to cut the two of them each in two pieces. She takes the four pieces in her hands and picks out two of them to cut down further. "I do hope that I am not disturbing you mister Naegi. I have always found apples to be both a great fruit and a great training tool."
"I mean you're just cutting them," I say. "You hardly got apple juice on me so I'd have to say that's a great cutting job you're handling."
"Apples are much more sturdy than oranges, watermelons, and lemons. They provide a crunch that drowns a lot of the chaos. They don't last long enough if you ask me," she sorrowfully notes. She goes to grab two more apples and hands one over to me. I take a bite out of the apple and she muses, "Never been a fan of eating apples like that." I mused,
"Maybe this is how I like these apples, huh?" I joke lightly
To my surprise Peko manages to break a small smile as she continues to slice more apples from the fruit bowl. The conversation quiets down once again and I turn around to notice that the cafeteria is essentially empty apart from me, Peko, Ryoma, Maki, Kaito, Togami, and Toko. I stand up with a stretch and proclaim that I'm heading off for the night.
Out of the corner of my eye I see Peko casting an approving glance before she begins to eat her apples. The room seems to be thinning down in conversation, which makes sense because nighttime is just about coming. The halls are dying in activity so I decide that now is a good time to retreat to my dorm.
I change out of my hoodie and shoes into more comfortable slippers and pajamas. With my hands behind my neck I stare up at the ceiling and just wait for sleep to come to me.
"Attention Students, it is now ten P.M, nighttime has come and now the common areas will be shut down, and water will not be turned on until six A.M tomorrow. Sleep well kiddos, may murder not hunt your dreams." I close my eyes after monokuuma's announcement, unsure of what dreams come again.
Well another chapter in the books, again I would like to thank HoppsRJ for the help and, like I said he will be along for the ride and, I hope you all enjoyed the story. My Pokémon story should be out around mid August and my Total Drama story at the latest will be late August for those that read those stories that read this one. Otherwise that's it for me for probably another month.