Title - The Student Council and The Service Club
Disclaimer - I do not own Bakugan Battle Brawlers… Only the OC's here!
A/N – Greetings, everyone! It's been a long time I last updated, I know (Coz my laptop broke down and most of my plot was in it). Anyway, I have started writing again! So I hope you'll continue reading ahead. And as usual read and review! ^^
This is hard time for all of us so please take care of yourself and others around you. Stay safe and stay strong.
Thank you for all the reviews, support and patience! And to show my appreciation, I made this chapter longer than usual. Hope you enjoy reading!
NikoDarkfire – Glad to know that you have enjoyed reading so far! Happy reading! ^^
XxAnime159xX – All in due time, dear reader! Thanks for reading!
Anonymous mouse – Thanks a lot for such a nice and detailed review! It encouraged me a lot. And so this chapter is based on their bonds so do check it out please!
Lokks – Thanks for reviewing. I don't think Shun is perfect… Well, I did show some of his flaws in previous chapters while trying to keep him in his character (I think, Usui from Kaichou wa Maid-sama is more perfect than Shun from here). Here, Alice is more focused on study and friendship so she mostly neglects (or she's oblivious) any other feelings of affection, mostly romance. Anyway, I'll try to improve and clarify things more. Thanks for an honest opinion!
Guests – Thank you for reviewing! ^^
"…."- Speaking
'…..'- Thoughts
"Italics" - Flashback
Chapter 35
No One's POV
Class 1-1, Homeroom
"Ne, Julie-san, which class's idea was chosen?" a guy asked Julie who smiled.
"Is it from our class?" a girl asked Runo.
"What are they talking about?" Dan asked Baron who shrugged.
"Don't you know? It's about the fundraising event!" a guy beside them told them.
Dan was on his feet as soon as he heard it. He was about to ask what the event was when their teacher entered the classroom. And as usual, he greeted his teacher along with other students.
"Good morning, Sensei!"
"Good morning, students! Get back to your seat, everyone!" the teacher greeted back and the students took their seats. "I have news for you! It's about fundraising event and I know everyone is excited!" she added with a smile and a girl raised her hand up in question.
"Sensei, why do we even need such event? A school like ours has enough funds and sponsors" the girl huffed and continued "Besides, I can ask my father-…"
"Uh-huh. Our school is efficient enough but… everything isn't always about money. Besides, where's the fun if everything is obtained so easily?" the teacher pointed out and turned to whole class "Anyway, moving on…"
"There will be two events on the same day" the teacher announced, gesturing two with her fingers. "Five hours of Community service and each class will be distributed in groups for this. Your class representatives will be given details later" she paused when the class looked uninterested.
"Can't we just hold an auction or something like that? Or a sale?" a guy asked.
"Well, we can but… I'm sure you all will something more from these selected events apart from raising funds, dear students" the teacher said and smiled.
The teacher tapped her desk and continued "Another one is…. the movie night!"
"Booooo…" There were sounds of boredom across the classroom… except Runo and Julie.
"Well… I know it sounds boring but there's a surprise!" the teacher pointed out. "I'm sure everyone who missed out our school's award winning play would like to see it, including your parents… So this is your chance to see it!" she said.
"EHHH…?!" the class exclaimed in surprise, except for a few.
"They've decided to show it like a movie?" someone asked.
"Yes. Isn't it great?" the teacher smiled.
"Ehhh?!" Dan and Baron exclaimed in surprise.
Now there were whispers of excitement and surprise and the students seem to like the idea.
"Now that's good. I'm also looking forward to it!" the teacher smiled at Runo and Julie.
"Sensei! Baron and I are gonna be on screen!" Dan exclaimed and grinned.
"You mean… you two are in it?" the teacher looked shocked.
"Yup" Dan and Baron grinned while a few students snickered at their teacher's reaction.
"Oh god…"
Class 2-1, Homeroom
Shun pinched the bridge of nose and sighed as the teacher continued to speak about the details of fundraiser.
"…!" Alice and Mira stared at their homeroom teacher who had just announced the fundraising event news while the rest of the class accepted the idea.
"Okay. Silence everyone" the teacher said and continued as he sat at his desk. "And there will be a meeting after school for the class representatives with the student council. Kazami-san?" he said and looked at Shun who stood up.
"Yes, Sensei. We'll take care of it" Shun said and the teacher told him to sit.
"Okay now. You can share your views among yourselves but please be quiet" the teacher said in dismissal.
At that, everyone looked at Shun and Alice as if wanting to talk to them but no one left their place since the president gave them 'leave me alone' look. On the other hand, Shun was thinking something instead of fundraiser. Anubias had told them he was there to look for some girl and after seeing him reuniting with his 'childhood classmate' which happens to be Alice, Shun was certain the girl Anubias was looking for was Alice. What's more, he had seen Anubias 'lurking' near the Service club so many times. He knows because he's on petrol duty.
Shun sighed and leaned on his desk. He did thought of going with Alice to Noriko's party but his grandfather was visiting today. He was slightly worried for Alice because of the stunt his fan girls pulled last time but he knew they wouldn't hurt Alice. He had warned them last time and he knew they wouldn't want to be on his bad side.
Alice sighed and told Mira "This is so embarrassing… but the Drama club will be very happy"
Mira nodded "Yeah". She glance at Shun and said "But how come they decided it? I mean… Community service is fine but… even Kaichou-san agreed to show that play? He want to be more popular or what?"
"No. He was the only one against it" Ace cut in and smirked in amusement, sitting on his seat behind Mira.
"Don't barge in our conversation" Mira shot him a glare while Alice giggled.
"How come it's decided then…?" Alice asked Ace.
"Well…"
Flash back…
Student Council Room
"Come on! Who would want to watch movie anyway? More or less buy tickets" Julie complained. "I say we should choose again!" she told the others.
"But-…" Marucho shook his head.
"Complain all you want but we chose it fairly. No double takes, Julie" Shun stated and Julie pouted.
"But we should make it something interesting and-…"
"I'm not going to change what's decided" Shun told Julie.
"And what are we going to do about our promise?" Runo cut in which grabbed everyone attention. "I mean, you recall what Julie had said while announcing about the fundraising event, right?" she said.
"Yeah. I told them to make it interesting!" Julie exclaimed.
"And also, there'll be a surprise for those who helped us on such a short notice" Ace reminded and the others sighed.
"I thought of giving them free passes or something like that but…" Shun said.
"Well, we need to think of something else" Ace pointed out.
"Hm. I think so too. If we just reward students like that then it'll be like we have taken their efforts lightly and they won't volunteer next time for help in anything. We don't want them demotivated, right? So think of something that'll encourage other students too to get involved in helping others" Shun said.
"Isn't that what Service club do?" Julie commented. "See? He's also influenced by them" she whispered to Runo.
"Hold on… I think we can do this" Marucho cut in and got the attention of others. "Instead of showing any other movie, which might have already seen by many, we should show the Play itself on the screen!" he pointed out and the others raised their eyebrows.
"That's a great idea! Right, Kaichou?" Julie grinned at Shun.
"I object" Shun stated.
"Hmm… It'll surely show our appreciation to the students involved in it. It's a good idea to make it up to them" Runo smiled.
"I object" Shun pressed.
"Right. This is pretty good solution and it solves all the problems. Good job, Marucho" Ace patted Marucho's shoulder who smiled sheepishly.
"I just recalled that many of my classmates couldn't see it but they really wanted to watch it" Marucho said.
"I vote for Marucho's idea!" Julie exclaimed, putting her hand up.
"Me too!" Ace and Runo added.
"Can't you hear me? I said I object!" Shun cut in.
"It's three against one, Kaichou" Ace smirked.
"It wouldn't have been any better" Runo added and shrugged.
"Complain all you want but we chose it fairly, Kaichou" Julie laughed at Shun's glare.
End of Flash back…
"Oh…" Alice and Mira chuckled and glanced at Shun who was taking a nap at his desk.
"You're really sleeping?" Ace nudged Shun with his ruler.
"Shut up" came Shun reply as he opened his eyes to glare Ace but his eyes landed on Alice who was smiling. "You're going to that party today, right?" he asked Alice.
"Yes" Alice replied while Ace and Mira listened. "You going?" she asked, hopefully.
"No" he replied.
"He would but his grandfather is visiting today" Ace cut in and smirked at Shun's glare.
"So he would've have gone if his grandfather wasn't visiting?" Alice asked, curiously and Shun turned his head other side.
"Maybe"
Club Hours
"How come they're still talking to each other?" Noriko glared at Alice from a few meters away along with her group.
"They weren't until two days ago…" Celia said.
"She's following him more now… What could've happened?" Noriko frowned.
"Well, the rumors have died down… and I think Volan-san has something to do with it" Kaila said.
"Did you notice that Anubias-san also talks with her?" Celia pointed out as she glared at Alice.
"I heard they're childhood friends" Kaila said.
"Is it even true? It can be a lie, you know" Noriko told them.
"Sometimes, I think all the cool guys are from her side" Celia sighed out.
"Yeah. She's just pretending to help with that club of hers but she just wants attention" Noriko said and turned to leave as she added "I'm going to show what her place is"
"Anyway, let's go home. I have to get ready for the party!" Noriko exclaimed and left along with her friends.
Meanwhile…
Service Club room
"So you're really going to the party?" Dan asked Alice who nodded.
"I don't really want to go but… You know why I have to. It's a request too" Alice told him.
"How come they didn't invite me?!" Dan complained.
"Well, brother was invited too but he declined. He has something to do" Mira said and looked at Keith.
"Hn. They called me a star" Keith boasted to irk Dan.
"Show off" Dan huffed.
"Do you really want to go?" Baron asked Dan.
"Nope. I would rather spend my time in arcade" Dan shrugged and grinned.
"I still think you shouldn't go, Alice" Mira said. "I don't trust them coz they're Kaichou's followers. Also, he isn't going" she pointed out.
"Don't worry, guys. I'm going there just for few minutes. And they assured me they won't harm me" Alice assured.
"Aa… Their reputation and all, right? Fine… but be careful" Keith told her.
"I will"
Noriko's Birthday Party
"…" Alice was surprised with the grand party hosted by Noriko.
Alice glanced at the invitation card in her hands. She was at the correct address. This part of the town was where rich people reside and Noriko was one them. She thought of calling Mira to join her as Keith and Mira live somewhere in neighboring area but Mira told her that Keith was taking her somewhere with him. She sighed. She was wearing a white knee length dress with light purple cardigan over it and boots. She straightened her hair and grabbed the invitation from her bag before entering in.
"Oh! There you are!" Noriko smiled at Alice. "Thanks for coming!" she said and glanced behind Alice to look for Shun.
"He… didn't come. Sorry…" Alice said, apologetically.
"It's okay…" Noriko sounded upset, Alice noted. "Anyway, let's go meet my friends. They're eagerly waiting to meet you!" she said and dragged Alice with her.
"…?!" Alice gasped in surprise when a glass of some juice splashed over her hair, face and dress which stained pink.
"Oh my!" Noriko exclaimed in fake surprise, gaining attention of nearby guests.
"Sorry! I'm really sorry!" Kaila, a friend of Noriko's, said to Alice. "I slipped over something…" she lied and Noriko smirked behind Alice who wiped her face with a napkin.
"It's… okay…" Alice looked uncomfortable as she dabbed the stain on her dress with tissue but it had already soaked, ruining her dress.
"Kaila-chan! You should have been more careful! You ruined her dress and hair!" Noriko pretended to scold Kaila.
"It was an accident… I'm really sorry!" Kaila said.
"It's alright…" Alice cut in but Noriko kept ranting.
"It's not okay" Noriko cut in and turned to others. "It's nothing… Just a small accident. You guys carry on!" she told her guests.
"Noriko-san, let's not make a scene and get Alice-san some other clothes?" Celia cut in.
"Yeah, let's do that" Noriko and Kaila agreed.
"No-no. I'll just wash this off-…"
"Come on, Alice-san!" Noriko dragged Alice away with her.
"Phase one, complete" Kaila stated.
With grins on their faces, Kaila and Celia high-fived and they waited for Alice to get back.
Meanwhile…
A guy with a bluish purple hair named Gus watched the scene and shook his head. He wouldn't have attended this party if Noriko hadn't send invitation to his family and he had to go as their fathers know each other. He had obviously seen what Noriko and her friends were up to and the ginger haired girl was oblivious. Of course, he knew Alice because he had played volleyball against Bakugan High. Moreover, he was Keith's friend before entering high school. It was another thing that their schools happen to be rivals but the two were still friends. Besides, he didn't know other Bakugan high students like he knows Keith except Keith's sister Mira. Keith had informed him that his friend Alice was going to this party and if something happens, Keith had told him to call him since he had something to do. He watched as Alice was dragged away by Noriko while the other two high-fived and he knew something was up. Without further ado, he pulled out his cellphone and called his friend…
"Hey, Keith"
Almost half hour later…
"I knew this dress would suit you! It's like it's made for you only!" Noriko spoke as she dragged Alice with her to get to her friends.
"I… uh…" Alice was looking at her red and white frilly dress.
"There they are! Let me introduce you to my friends!" Noriko said and stood before a group of people. "Hey, guys! Here she is! Gehabich Alice-san! The star of the show!" she introduced Alice.
"Are you sure…? I mean…" a girl said, eyeing Alice critically.
"Why is she wearing a waitress costume…?" said a guy and Alice looked surprised.
That's when Alice noticed that her dress was similar to the waitresses that were serving in Noriko's party. Noriko had given her a waitress uniform to wear…
"Coz she's one. I mean, she works as a waitress sometimes" Noriko waved her hand, dismissively. "But her acting skills are good" she said.
Alice was now very surprised and felt embarrassed. She didn't understand how to react to such situation. Noriko and her friends were being very friendly in school but she didn't understand their motives. It was still a surprise to her that they would try to embarrass her in front of others and all she could do was avert her eyes but the people were everywhere.
"I know! For instance, she can play as a maid for us too" Noriko stated and motioned a nearby waitress to come closer with the drinks.
"What are you-…?" Alice was now shocked when Noriko thrust a tray of drinks in her hands.
"There!" Noriko and her friends laughed.
And all Alice could do was stood there, feeling insulted while the others looked at Alice. Some gave looks of sympathy while some looked uninterested while Noriko and her friends continued enjoying Alice's distress.
Meanwhile, Gus stood amongst crowd and waited for Alice to speak up. He suddenly recalled the Cinderella story while looking at Alice. He didn't know what Noriko's problem was and why Alice wasn't retorting. If it were him, he would've thrown that tray on Noriko by now and a few punches as well. Well, she did have restraint to hold her ground, he noted. He sighed. Noriko had always been like that and he knew she was trying to break Alice. He heard few more words related to 'being poor' and comparison of status and no one stopped Noriko. Maybe Alice needed some courage to speak up? Whatever it was, he had enough…
"-…work on weekends to earn some-…"
"Come on! What's wrong with working anyway?" Gus cut in and walked towards Alice, halting Noriko. "Doesn't that mean she isn't relying on father's money?" he taunted Noriko.
Alice looked up at that and Gus could already see tears forming in her eyes. She recognized him as a student of Vestal Academy from volleyball match.
"You stay out of this, Grav-san" Noriko said.
"Heh. Come on. I ain't here to watch this drama" Gus said, dismissively. "And where's the surprise you told us about?" he asked.
Suddenly, there were some whispers amongst the crowd and Alice wasn't the center of attention now but some people at the entrance.
"Oyi, make way, dude"
Alice looked surprised when she heard Dan's voice. She turned to see and found the Service club and few of her friends making their way to her.
"There she is!" Mira greeted a surprised Alice and patted her shoulder. "Sorry we're late" she shrugged.
"She seems to have already started with drama… I mean, act" Chan Lee commented, glaring at Noriko.
Noriko and her friends were dumbfounded to see the others in front of her. Noriko was about to speak but paused when she saw Keith behind Mira. On the other hand, the guests looked amazed and interested to see the cosplayers in the party. Noriko glanced around and noticed that her plan had backfired since many of them looked intrigued to see the 'cosplayers' in the party.
Keith was wearing his costume of Prince Spectra from the Play and Dan wore Sir Daniel's clothes. Baron was in his King's character while Mira wore Queen's clothes from the play. Joe was in Taylean's costume while Chan Lee played the Oracle's role.
"Noriko-san, you started the act without us already?" Keith said, giving a plain look at Noriko and her friends. "We aren't late, are we?" he stated.
"I don't think so" Baron shook his head.
"What's going on…?" many questioned around.
"Don't you get it? Alice-san and Noriko-san are just acting because these guys were late. And Noriko-san was just supporting the act by being an evil mistress! You know… Like Alice being the Cinderella" Gus answered the confusion and covered up the set up. "Right, Noriko-san?" he shot a fake smile.
Noriko forced a smile at Keith's glare and said "Y-Yeah! This was just a small act"
"That's a really unexpected surprise, Noriko-san!" someone from the crowd said and few more compliments followed for Alice and Noriko's act.
The crowd started clapping, unaware of the commotion and set up.
"Yeah. She played her role very well" Dan said.
"Maybe I'll recommend her to Fabia-san for some evil role next time" Joe said with a smile.
"Ha-ha! You're so funny, Joe-san!" Noriko forced out.
With that, everything went back to normal and the cosplayers became the star of the party.
"Hey! Can we take a picture with you guys?" someone from the guests asked.
"Of course" Dan grinned.
The party continued but the only people who weren't enjoying were Noriko and her friends. Noriko was furious now but couldn't do anything as the Service club and the so called Alice's friends had arrived to save Alice again. Even 'Keith-senpai' was here when he said he was very busy to attend when she had invited him. Noriko's friends had gone quiet since Keith was present while Noriko cut the cake and everyone wished her. On the other hand, Alice was very grateful to her friends yet again. They were by her side when she was in trouble again.
"Thank you…" Alice told her friends who smiled back at her.
"And?" Mira crossed her arms in the front, looking pointedly at Alice who smiled sheepishly.
"And I'm sorry…" said Alice and Mira sighed.
"Now don't start with your rant, Little sister" Keith stated and Mira gave him a curt nod.
"I just didn't want to come but anyway…"Mira shrugged while Alice continued apologizing. "It's fine, Alice. At least, I got out of that boring convention" she said and Keith glared at her.
"Hey! It's science and tech convention! It's not boring" Keith stated.
"It is" Dan, Baron and Chan lee countered.
"See?"
"Oh… I'm sorry you had to come here because of me…" Alice said.
"Don't worry about it, Alice. We were in the game arcade" Dan said, pointing at Baron.
"And… We were hanging out in the park" Joe told Alice with a smile. "And you were in trouble so we had to come" he added.
"Right" Chan Lee grinned.
"Thanks again, everyone… You guys are the best" Alice smiled. "Wait… How did you know…?" she asked, confused.
"Because of my friend Gus Grav" Keith said and tilted his head to point at the said person.
"Wait…" everyone looked surprised since it was the guy from Vestal academy from the volleyball tournament.
"Thanks to him, I knew about the situation and called the others. And since we didn't have much time, I also asked for Drama club's help and so Joe's here" Keith explained.
"Thank you…" Alice smiled at Gus in thanks. "Also, thanks for earlier. I'm Alice Gehabich" she said.
"Welcome. Call me Gus" Gus said and the others introduced themselves to him. "Now since we're all here, let's enjoy the party!" he added with a shrug.
Some Time later…
"Can we just go home?" Mira questioned Dan who was busy posing for the camera with some unknown group.
"Like this?" Dan tried another pose, ignoring Mira.
"Let's just leave him here" Mira said and the others laughed when Dan exclaimed "NOOO!"
"What happened to you?" Baron asked Dan who looked horrified.
"I haven't tried the loin tips yet!" Dan exclaimed, recalling his favorite dish and was about to run off when Mira grabbed his collar.
"They don't have any" Joe told him.
"But I haven't tried all the food!" Dan struggled against Mira's hold "Let me go!"
"We're leaving now" Mira insisted. "Brother, it's-… where's brother?" she glanced around with others when they didn't see Keith.
"I know where he is! I'll go and-…!" Dan tried but Mira cut in with a glare.
"You're not going anywhere"
"I'll call him" Joe shook his head and pulled out his cellphone.
Meanwhile…
Noriko and her friends were at some corner, angrier than before since the situation didn't turn out like they had planned.
"I can't believe it!" Noriko exclaimed with clenched fists and continued "This is just-…! That Alice! I'm going to-…"
"Try anything again and we won't be this forgiving" Keith cut in the rant and the girls gulped.
"K-Keith-senpai… I… W-we were just joking-…" Noriko paused when Keith put his hand up to stop her.
"I'm not joking" Keith told her. "I mean it, Noriko-san. I'll take this personally next time" he stated, his face plain and Noriko's anger reached its peak.
"W-what's so special about her? You all follow her like she's some queen!" Noriko blurted out.
"…" the other girls looked surprised with Noriko's outburst while Keith looked unperturbed.
"Even you, Keith-senpai. You said you won't come when I invited you… But here you are for her! Not only you but there are-…!" she said but Keith cut in.
"Aa… you're right. But that doesn't seem to be a problem" Keith understood that Noriko meant 'Shun' by 'others' but didn't comment.
"I just don't understand… She's just a commoner! Why are you all so-… so obsessed with her!"
"Do you know the term 'true friend'? I think not" Keith ran his through his hair and exhaled. "Besides, being rich doesn't make you better than others" he countered.
"True friend, huh? For all you know, she might just be using her charms to keep you all around her" Noriko argued. "She even managed to catch your attention" she scoffed.
"Enough! Your thoughts are all wrong so you'll only see the wrong picture" Keith was annoyed now. "You're judging her when you don't even know her" he stated with a glare.
"I know what she-…" she was cut off when Keith put his hand up to silence her.
"We don't follow her. We're always by her side and that's what friends do" Keith said. "We love her for who she is but you won't understand. Anyway, I was here to tell you to stop meddling with my friends" he told her and left.
"…" Noriko stared at Keith's back while the other girls sighed in relief.
"N-Noriko-san…?" Kaila finally spoke but paused when Keith turned and took a few steps back to them.
"One more thing… I'm not the one to speak like this, especially to girls but you made me say" Keith told them and his face turned more serious. "Do not make me your enemy" he emphasized on each word and finally walked off.
"Y-y-y-yes, Keith-senpai!" the girls chorused and stuttered out as they had never seen Keith like that.
Everyone knew that Keith doesn't show much interest in many things even if he's interested but today they learned something more… that when it comes to the people he considers friends, he would go to such lengths as far as to threaten the ones he considers a threat to his friends.
"Noriko-san! What were you doing! He's Keith-senpai!" Celia exclaimed, wide eyed.
"Yeah! Why were you arguing with him?" Kaila said in disbelief.
"Are you okay? He didn't even wish you on your birthday"
"Heh! That Service club is always causing problems!"
"That's right…" Noriko spoke. She frowned as she continued "That Service club is the main problem"
To be continued…
A/N – And… to be continued! Hope you enjoyed reading this really long chapter! It focused mostly on friendship and bonds and I hope you liked it. Well, see ya in the next chap! But before that… do review, comment and share your thoughts! Take care! Thank you! ^^
Peace~