Karate Student

Chapter 8

Battle Royal

I know I haven't updated in a while, a good 6 months, but other than writers block for this, I haven't really been updating much. College has taken most of my attention for me to do anything else. I hope this chapter was worth the wait.

My dad was waiting for me as I wore my usual attire to the kitchen table. Maybe to make up for arguments in the past. I may be annoyed and even angry at him, but he was still my father and I trusted him, I trusted him all my life.

He smiled. "Nashi? Sleep well?"

I nodded, grabbing an orange from the bowl on the table and peeling it automatically. "Yeah, I'm actually mostly healed from my fight with Mako yesterday."

His eyes widened and he looked me over. "You are?"

I nodded, grinning. "Yep."

I noticed the way his eyes darkened and lines tightened around his mouth and eyes. "That's good." He said, standing up. "Keep an eye on Kiriyuin for me. Tell me if anything strange or worrying happens, okay?"

I nodded automatically. "Yeah, I know."

He smiled again. "Good, see you later, Nashi."

With those words, he walked out the door. I don't know if I was mistaking it, but I sensed a worried stumble in his step. Shaking off my feeling, I put my special shoes on and made sure the harness with the shrunken down pole was strapped correctly and the weapon was actually in the holder.

I ate another orange, tossing both peels in the garbage. I then walked out, deciding to run instead of using the trolley to get to school. I needed to make sure my training didn't stop or that I don't slack off. I left the hut and started running, making sure to make an even pace so I didn't get tired. But I felt I was going too slow, so I sped up, ending up at the school faster.

I suddenly heard a commotion and saw a lot of people gathered. I rolled my eyes. "I can guess who caused this commotion."

I jogged forward until I was in the crowd, surrounded by people. I could see Satsuki Kiriyuin. I felt my chest boil in anger from yesterday. I can't believe she used Mako to get to us, Mako, one of the most kind and innocent minded people I've known from my travels.

Kiriyuin started talking. "Today! We embark on the complete overhaul of the Student Council! If you participate, you have free reign to attack you're peers. There are no restrictions on weapons or tactics. Those who survive will meet here in 7 days. These survivors will then fight to claim their social standing. A fight for change! An election in a form of a battle royal!"

I scoffed in disgust. She just wanted us to kick the shit out of each other. I would never attack most of these students. Most of them were 10 times weaker than me and I wasn't bragging either. I can even take on two stars to a point, attacking the weaker ones would be making me a bully and I raised not to be one. If I ever thought about it, I had no doubt my father would kick my ass and for good reason too. He's told me many times in the past my strength and training are to protect myself and others.

Kiriyuin said next, her voice just as loud as before. "Unlike traditional elections, you will not choose someone to represent you, you will represent yourselves! Your status! Your strength! Your way of life! In 7 days, at 8:30 am, the survivors who has assembled here will have a Sudden Death Run Off! And if you emerge victorious, I will personally grant you a Goku Uniform, now Honnoiji Academy, fight!"

I rolled my eyes, I had no doubt I had some sort of reputation considering how loud Ryuko was and I was friends with her. I shrugged it off after a minute, I'll deal with the problem as it comes. No need to worry about it now. And the stupid death social standing match thing wasn't for another week.

I shook my head at the thought and went to find Mako and Ryuko. I moved ahead of others and my eyes widened at the cocoon that covered the top of the school, where Kiriyuin was. What the hell was that? Probably from a plan or scheme of Kiriyuin's. I then got to a high vantage point, looking over everyone as they started tearing each other apart. Did they really care about that social standing crap?

Then again, thinking of Mako, they did care, about living somewhere like that. I narrowed my eyes when I saw Kiriyuin's four lap dogs passing me, knocking people away as they were attacked. I heard. "Oh, look. It's the karate monkey!" It was the pink haired short girl.

I growled at that, crouching suddenly so the three people that went to attack me, flew over my head. Before anything else was said, I hopped down and resumed to look for Ryuko and Mako, I couldn't see them anywhere.

Shrugging it off, I decided to skip most of this week's schooling. There would be no point anyway, I would take the time to train.

/ / / / / /

A couple days into the week and I was losing my patience. I was working out in the small yard of mine, my GI top gone and tied around my waist. I was clad only in the pants and a tank top, my feet bare too. I was practicing the motions, making sure they were perfect and swift. A punch, then a kick, a combination and them a blend of moves containing kicks, punches, blocks, flips and swift turns. As I did this, I was making sure to breath evenly.

I did this for a good hour. I could feel the sweat clinging to my neck and face. I stopped and rolled my shoulders with a sigh. Before I could drop and start with the push-ups, I felt the ground shake a little and in the distance, I saw people fighting. How could I see that far? I shook the thought off, they weren't that far away.

/ / / / / / / / /

The next morning, I trained again and remembered something.

My father should be home soon, he told me he was going to work late, said he'd train with me with my weapon. I was wearing the full GI this time, belt and everything. I wanted to be able to fight in my GI in a real fight even if I was sweating through my clothes.

As I trained more, working on my strength I noticed it was getting to be later, the sunset in the sky or close to it. "Hey, Nashi!"

I looked up to see my dad. "Hey, Dad."

He looked at me and around the yard. "You still training?"

I nodded proudly. "All day."

He raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you tired?"

I shook my head. "No, it doesn't bother me."

He frowned at me, but nodded his head. "Fine, but- "

"Hey Nashi!"

I looked up to see Ryuko and Mako on a scooter. I waved. "Hey."

Mako chimed. "We're going on an adventure, wanna come?"

I looked at my dad. "Uh…"

Dad grinned, his eyes warming over as he looked at the people I could call my friends. "Go ahead, you can train with your old man any day."

"Dad…"

He chuckled, ruffling my hair. "Go on, have fun. We need to talk later anyway."

I did my best to withhold my grimace. "Ah, okay. There any room, Ryuko?"

She chuckled, shaking her head. "You can try, I guess. C'mon."

I threw my leg off the seat and Mako moved closer to Ryuko, squeezing her stomach tightly. I was relieved half my butt wouldn't be hanging off the seat. Ryuko muttered. "It's okay, Senketsu."

My father eyes sharpened, eyes locked on her clothes. I shifted a little, my hands lightly resting on Mako's shoulders. Not too tight, but tight enough to give me balance. "Let's go."

We sped off. It was quiet and after ten minutes, Ryuko asked me. "You fighting in this thing?"

I shrugged, loving the way the wind hit me in the face. "Maybe, I don't know. If I find someone strong enough, then yeah."

She nodded her head. "Makes sense."

She asked Mako. "What about you, Mako?"

Mako laughed cheerfully. "Naw, I'm a no Star, there's no point, y'know? And besides if I don't fight, it's like getting a vacation for a week."

Ryuko sounded amused. "You got a point there."

Mako said loudly to be heard over the roaring wind. "Me and the fam are going to be cheering you two on in the Sudden Death Run Off."

I quirked a grin. "Thanks Mako."

Ryuko said. "Roger that."

Soon enough, she stopped the bike and I had to plant my foot on the ground so we all didn't tip off. I got off the bike first, then I held it for Mako and Ryuko was the one to get off last. She put the kickstand on so it didn't crash to the ground.

I looked around with a frown of confusion. We were standing on front of a burned down place that could've only been a mansion. Mako asked. "Where are we?"

She sounded just as confused as I was. Ryuko's voice was quiet for once. "My Dad's place."

My eyes widened in surprise. Mako exclaimed. "Wow! This dump?! I guess you're poor just like me, aren't ya?"

Ryuko chuckled, shaking her head. "No, I didn't live here when it was like this. It used to be a really nice mansion before it burnt down."

She gaped again. "Hey, wait! Does that mean you're loaded?!"

I snorted and Ryuko scoffed lightly. "Of course not. My mom died a little bit after I was born. My dad was a scientist, he was always in his lab. He and I didn't get along all that good, so he shipped me off to a boarding school. I was always getting into fights there and by my first year of high school, I was a straight up punk. And then six months ago, I got a note from my dad saying he wanted to talk. So, I came back, but…there are times that I hated the old man, but his dying was a wakeup call for me because I realized I didn't know anything about him."

She walked forward, taking her scissor and slamming it into the ground, bending over it. "But I decided right then and there, I'd find out who killed him and why. What he wanted to tell me and find out what this is! But I still haven't got any answers. I also want to know why he made you, Senketsu."

She transformed and went through the rock and down below. I was silent during her speech and I realized her dad died here. I wouldn't say anything about it, some things didn't need to be said. I nodded my head in respect, before letting Mako climb on my back. I grunted as her arms locked tightly around my neck. I crouched and jumped down after her, bending my knees so I didn't blow them out.

Mako cheered in my ear. "Wow, Nashi! You jumped far."

I smiled a little. "Thanks."

I crouched a little lower, allowing Mako to crawl off me. I flexed my fingers over my neck. She had quite the grip.

Ryuko was in shock. "Nothing is here."

I looked around and realized she was right, whatever was here, is gone now. "What was here before?"

Her voice still sounded shocked. "Clothes mostly."

I shrugged and Ryuko helped us both above ground. Mako suddenly asked. "Hey Nashi, what about your family?"

Ryuko stopped walking toward the bike and they both looked at me. I looked away shrugging again. "My mom's dead too, she died in childbirth. Couldn't get fixed up, don't know much about her. My dad is a traveling martial artist, he taught me everything I know. I've been all over the country. Been doing it my whole life until we decided to come here."

Mako suddenly smiled. "Well, I'm happy you came here, Nashi! You're an awesome friend!"

I blinked at her, then flushed red in embarrassment. I could feel it from the tips of my ears and neck. Me and my dad weren't 'mushy' like that, Mako still surprised me when she was. No one has ever said something like that to me. "U-uh, thanks."

Ryuko let out a chuckle or two, grinning at me, but not saying anything. She didn't have to, I could read it in her expression and that made me more embarrassed. I scratched the back of my neck and looked away. I looked up at the sky. "We goin' back yet?"

Ryuko let out another chuckle or two, nodding. "Yeah, c'mon."

Mako let out a cheerful laughing, following Ryuko to the bike. The sky was a burnt red. I had to move a little closer to Mako as she fell asleep, a snot bubble coming from her nose. I smiled in amusement, hanging my arms on her shoulders.

Ryuko was talking to herself. "I was hoping to find a clue in one of those big piles of fabric."

It was silent for a moment and then she said. "I guess."

I shook my head. It seemed she was talking to her clothes again. I learned to ignore it, believing it more and more to be true as I hung around her that whatever she was talking to was real. I didn't say anything, but tilted my head up and closed my eyes, letting the wind hit me full force.

Suddenly a weight hit my chest and my eyes snapped open in shock, holding onto the shoulders of a knocked out Mako and hooked my feet behind me, on the cage in back of me. The bike stopped and I blinked a couple of times in confusion.

"Ryuko?"

"Ah, crap!"

I realized something. "It died?"

She sighed angrily. "It died!"

I groaned with a sigh. "Of course it did."

When did my luck ever turn out good? Mako woke up and I let go as we got off the bike. Ryuko was pushing it and Mako was walking behind it. I was walking beside Ryuko, on her other side where the bike wasn't.

Mako said. "Well, that sucks. Dad got you a messed-up scooter. Sorry about that."

Ryuko shook it off. "Naw, the gas gauge is busted, is all."

I sighed. "Yeah, but now we have to walk."

Ryuko rolled her eyes at me. "You're not helping, Nashi."

I snorted, shifting my jacket better around my shoulders better and tightening my belt around my waist. "I wasn't trying to."

Mako laughed at me. "Silly, we'll find a way."

Ryuko smirked, but rolled her eyes at me again.

Mako said. "Hey, Ryuko?"

She looked back. "Yeah?"

Mako was smiling brightly. "You're not alone anymore. You got us in your life and by us, I mean, me, Nashi, my family. We all love you lots and lots. You know that, right?"

Ryuko smiled back. "Of course, I never doubted it for a second."

I wouldn't use love, I barely set it at all, but I sent a warm smile in both Ryuko and Mako's way, showing I really did care about them. They were the only real friends I ever had.

Mako said. "And Nashi?"

I nodded at her, knowing she'd say something that'd make me go red in the face again. Mako smiled. "Me, Ryuko and even my family care a lot about you, we love you two."

I smiled tightly. "Thank you, both of you."

Mako grinned wider. "And I know that your mom isn't here anymore, but I bet she loves you like your dad does."

I froze and stopped walking. I looked away from them and blinked hard. All I know was that I was born and my mother was dead, a life for a life. I knew my dad loved her, hell, I bet he still loves her from the rare times he talked about her. I knew my father cared about me, he raised me all these years. But I did wonder…

I shook my head harshly. "…thanks."

It was silent and then Mako said loudly and cheerfully. "I know what we should do, let's hitch hike!" She pulled out a sign. "Look! Three young girls and we need a ride. Don't worry, we're not picky!"

I gaped at her, leaning down slightly. "Mako! Don't say things like that!"

She blinked innocently at me. "Why not?"

I fidgeted in place. "Well, uh, you see Mako…"

I looked at Ryuko for help, but she looked between grinning at me and slapping a hand to her face. A car suddenly zoomed past and I stumbled back, wheezing at the dirt and smoke that got stuck in my throat.

Ryuko screamed. "Hey! Watch where you're going, you jackass!"

I stood up straight, messaging my throat for the second time today. "Damn."

The car then came back and I had to blink a couple of times to see if what I was seeing was real. It was a nice car, though it was pink. But the person in the front seat was Gamagoori. "Something wrong, ladies?"

Mako gaped in awe. "Wow! I hitch hiked a ride with Gamagoori!"

I ran a hand down my face. "I'm sure that's not a good thing."

Ryujo sighed. "Ah, great! Are you following me around?"

Gamagoori said, in that deep tone he had. "Calm down, I have no intention of fighting you here. I'll wait until the Sudden Death Run off. I won't fight either of you now." He looked over at me for a moment and then said to all of us. "Get in."

Ryuko gaped in complete shock. "Why?!"

I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "Why would we do that?"

I mean, the guy was technically one of our enemies. He shot me and Ryuko a glare, his tone serious. "I am the appointed chair of the Disciplinary Committee of Honnoiji Academy. And when I see a student in need, it's my duty as a committee member to help that student out. Even if it's you, get in."

I frowned at him, thinking about it. He did seem too honorable to do anything too horrible. Ryuko was still shocked. "But we can't just- "

My eyes bulged in shock when Mako ended up in the back seat. She cheered. "These seats are comfy! Is this a new car? Looks new!" She was jumping in the seat, laughing to herself.

I groaned, holding the bridge of my nose with the thumb and forefinger. "I can feel the headache coming."

She then jumped out and went near the hood. "Must be. It's all sparkly and clean! Let's go for a ride, Ryuko! Nashi! Come on! Get in! Get in! Let's go!"

I shared a suffering look with Ryuko, but then I shrugged. "Okay."

Ryuko sent me a look. "Nashi!"

I shrugged again. "It's fine, let's just go."

I went in the back with Ryuko and Mako. I was in the middle of them, my arms resting on the back of the seats.

It was nighttime and quiet as we drove toward the school and then Mako started singing. "Hey! We're all going on a ridey-ride to Hell. Hey! Upside down and round to town! Hey! Going to the track and crash into a wall! Hey! Rear fender bender! And into a wall!"

Gamagoori's tone was annoyed. "Matoi. Make her stop that god awful singing."

I snorted as she was still singing in the background, that song that made me grin in amusement. Did she make that up on the spot?

Ryuko was smirking. "Hey, when she's on a roll, nothing can make her stop."

Gamagoori grumbled. "Archer."

I grinned wider. "Nope, she's not stoppin'."

Gamagoori grunted. "Not even a red light could stop, Mankanshoku."

Mako leaned forward, fists balled in front of her. "That's right! Because the traffic lights in my life always flash yellow!"

Gamagoori nodded. "Proceed with caution, great philosophy."

Suddenly, I heard a loud honking noise, that had me stiffening up, my head snapping around and my right hand going toward my lower back, where a shorter version of my weapon was in its holster. I looked around to see where the noise was on the previously empty road.

To our side was a strange car with an even stranger horn. Gamagoori said, annoyed. "I hate drivers who don't follow the rules of the road. This is a no passing zone."

I scoffed. "What rules don't you hate being broken?"

I was ignored except for the angered growl.

Two guys with full helmets and grey suits on, a black undershirt underneath it, point guns at us. I glared and hovered over Mako, going to cover her body if necessary. I knew Ryuko could handle herself.

I saw their fingers flick and threw myself on Mako, flattening her and me to the seats. I let out a grunt as Ryuko cried out and hopped on my back. "Down, you two!"

Looks like we both had the same idea. I could hear the automatic fire above us and that made me tense my muscles quickly in reaction. I heard them ping on the metal of the car and almost grinned, I bet Gamagoori was going to be pissed off. I shook my head slightly, now was not the time for that.

There was a loud whipping sound and then I felt the car speed up, Ryuko easing off my back. I slowly got up too, going toward my lower back, grabbing my staff and bringing it to full size, the blade gleaming on the front of one end. I also saw that Ryuko pulled out her large scissor blade. She was standing on her seat and I got up on the trunk of the car, easily spreading my feet shoulder width apart and finding my center of balance so I wouldn't fall.

Ryuko snapped. "Who the hell are they!?"

Gamagoori said, the car still speeding up. "You didn't hear? The Automotive and Airsoft clubs merged to form the Automotive and Airsoft Club. Don't worry, they're not after you. Even if they got their hands on your kamui, they couldn't use it. Maiko Ogure found that out the hard way."

I felt a twitch forming in my eyebrow. That fake girl was very annoying, she made a bad day ten times worse. Ryuko seemed to realize something. "So, they're after yours."

My eyes widened at what was coming. "Freakish car ahead!"

Mako gaped. "Woah! Ryuko look!"

It was a huge car, the red on the front shaped like ragged teeth showing it had life fibers in it. The one driving it with wild pink hair yelled. "Nice clunker, Gamagoori! But is it fast enough to escape me, Ryosuke Todoroki, president of the Automotive Airsoft club? Let's find out!?"

Ryuko said. "They're gaining. Looks like we picked the wrong car to get into."

I said, moving so Ryuko could also get on the trunk with me. "It's not a problem. We dealt with worse than this at the school."

Ryuko seemed to think about it and then nodded in agreement. It came to our side again and I turned on my heel facing them and feeling the rumble of the car under my feet.

Gamagoori said. "They're fast. But it takes more than speed, it take skill!"

Suddenly the car was spinning and I yelped in shocked horror. I slammed down on my knees, gripping the staff under my arm and grabbing on tightly to the leather seat in front of me, which was hard enough. I heard Mako and Ryuko scream too. I shut my eyes so I didn't feel the whiplash.

I heard Gamagoori laugh and I felt like punching him. Then he said. "I'm out of control!"

Ryuko snapped. "No shit! That's what happens when you crank the wheel like that, you ass!"

I agreed. "Seriously! I thought you followed the rules of driving. I'm pretty sure this is not a rule you're meant to follow!"

Ryuko said. "Where'd you learn to drive, on a go-cart track!"

She let out a yell and we stopped when we smacked into a wall. I let out a pained yell when my head smacked into the seat I was holding on to and the blade from my staff, cut into my underarm, close to my armpit. I winced with a curse. "Dammit!"

Ryuko groaned somewhere to my right. "You okay, Mako? Nashi?"

I also groaned, sitting up and turned back toward the trunk. "Yeah…"

My eyes widened in shock at about two dozen cars pointing their headlights at us. "That's more than I thought there would be."

Ryuko just chuckled. "You guys think you're all that, huh?"

I sighed, getting up, feeling the blood drip down my arm, the skin pulling painfully. I got off the car, my shoes smacking into the ground. "I guess now I have to get involved."

Suddenly Gamagoori said. "You stay out of this, Matoi. Archer."

My friend was confused. "Why?"

I got it though. He had to be feared for a reason. "You handling this yourself?"

He nodded, walked forward, toward the cars. "Yes, it is my mess. So, I'll handle it." He stood in front of us firmly.

The guy in the front from earlier with the crazy pink hair said. "You're cornered, big man! When we get through with you, you're gonna be bawlin'."

He stepped forward a couple of long steps getting closer to his enemy. "It will take more than you lousy punks to make me cry! But even if I did shed a tear, I'd just wipe the damn thing away! And then put you down."

I gaped at his speech and then whispered. "That's so badass."

Ryuko smacked my arm hard. "Are you serious, Nashi!?"

I shrugged at the look on her face, wincing at the sting from where she hit me. "What? It was a cool speech."

She rolled her eyes, but I heard a chuckle or two from her. By this time, Mako joined us, standing on the other side of Ryuko. Ryuko muttered at the 'eye' of her uniform. "Yeah, she is."

I didn't even want to know what she referring to so I was not going to ask. Meanwhile, the pink haired guy said. "Ha! You're all talk and no action! Light him up!"

I took an involuntary step back at the rocket missile aimed at us. Ryuko guarded Mako and I stepped in front of her, firming my feet and crossing my arms in front of my face as the weapon exploded. I moved my arms, expecting to see an injured Gamagoori, but he was fine, standing as firmly as before.

I blinked in shock. "What?"

He shouted. "Three Star Goku Uniform: Shackle Regalia!"

I took a step forward in interest, what was his power? I've seen Sanageyama's, but what was his…

Getting over their fear, the enemies shot him repeatedly. I felt myself pale at the multiple attacks. Before those attacks, I had Mako and Ryuko duck behind the car hood with me. He may be resilient to bullets, but the three of us weren't.

Ryuko gaped in shock. "That thing is hard."

The armor was amazing, was that really because of life fibers, whatever the hell those things were. He started shaking and then he groaned. "Ah! Yes! More! Punish me! Ah! I've been such a bad boy! Punish me, it's like your whipping my heart! The more you punish me, the stronger I get. Just like I was back then!"

I was horrified listening to this and by the look on her face, Ryuko felt the same way. I did two things in my shock and horror at some strange thing he was doing. I yelled out loudly. "WHAT THE HELL!?"

Then I slapped my hands over Mako's ears. "Do not listen to this!"

I was not stupid, I knew how he sounded, I was not stupid about stuff like that, I was just not interested in it. Mako asked. "What are you doing, Nashi?"

I let go and repeated. "Nothing. Don't listen to this."

"Ah! And that's how I met Lady Satsuki! I waited two years for her to graduate. Just so I can enroll in Honnoiji Academy with her. She gave me this Goku uniform as a reward for my loyalty."

I felt myself nodding my head in respect. I could respect that, loyalty for another person. Though his was a bit insane.

Ryuko shouted. "Wait! How old are you?!"

"I'm turning twenty this year!"

I watched as whatever he was wearing seemed to be expanding. He was 19?! I knew he looked older than he was, but I didn't actually expect it to be true. Some people just look older than they are.

Mako said. "I always thought he looked older."

I rolled my eyes. "No shit, but seriously!"

"Are you gonna talk or fight!"

I took a step back as the cars smacked into the tall man. Seriously, how much damage can that suit take. Gamagoori laughed. "Ah, yes! The more punishment I take, the harder I get."

Mako was staring with wide eyes. "Wowzers, he's old and perverted."

I sent a horrified look at her. "You know about that!?"

Before she could answer me, he growled. "It's not perverted- "

I yelled, still a bit horrified. "It is so!"

He yelled out, louder than before and a deeper growl in his voice. "It's not, Archer! It's converted! As soon as I reach my climax, the power that is building up inside of me, it will explode!"

I stumbled back a couple of step, getting horrified. "Oh my god, stop it!"

I held my staff tightly in my right hand, still tense to where I didn't want to put it away, even if somehow Gamagoori seemed to have it handled. He roared and these vines shot out, knocking all the enemies away, explosions following the action. My mouth dropped open in shock as I used my right forearm to automatically shield my face.

The vines seemed to surround him, and I felt Ryuko pull me down with her in a crouch, I didn't look at her, gaping at the sight in front of me in frozen shock.

Gamagoori growled. "Three Star Goku Uniform: Scourge Regalia!"

Soon the enemies were done and Gamagoori was changed back into his regular clothes. I couldn't help, but remember him from before and stared blankly in awe. It was close to the feeling I had when I saw the power of Sanageyama before and when he used his power. It was a strange feeling in my chest and I sighed, blinking.

I collapsed my weapon, putting it back in the holster at the small of my back. We silently got in the car and it was quiet. I was lost in my own thoughts. Soon we stopped and I blinked. "What's going on?"

Ryuko told me. "I'm fillin' up my bike."

I nodded. "Ah, okay."

I saw we were in a gas station and I got out, opening the trunk, reaching for the bike, lifting it with a grunt and set it in front of Ryuko.

She nodded. "Thanks."

She went to fill it up. I said. "Hold on."

I went inside and went to grab something to eat, just a bag of chips to munch on. It was pretty empty and I paid quickly. I ate through the back as I walked out of the little gas station.

I heard Ryuko say sarcastically. "Okay, Dad."

I snorted and Gamagoori looked over at me. "See you both at the Sudden Death Run Off. I'll make sure to pick the perfect spot for our fight."

She blinked. "Wait, what?"

I just look at Gamagoori, an excitement stirring in my stomach. "See you then. You're strong."

He nodded seriously. "By the Sudden Death Runoff, we'll see how strong you've become."

With that, he sped away, dust spinning behind his wheels. I couldn't help, but grin in excitement.

Mako asked me. "Are you scared?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Why would I be?"

Mako replied back. "Well, he's a Three Star."

I stared off at where he sped away. My grin widened. "No, I'm not. Not at all." Strangely, I wasn't lying either.

/ / / / / / / /

Ryuko dropped me off and I saw it was still dark out. It had to be late, around midnight or later. I came in, flicked on a light and saw my Dad working on some kind of paperwork. He looked up with a smile when he saw me, moving his glasses that were perched on his noise. That was the only thing he needed them for, to read. "How was your trip with your…friends?"

I frowned slightly at that, most things he did was deliberate, I noticed the pause and he meant for me to notice it. "…Good. I'm going to bed, we still on for training?"

He nodded, pushing his simple glasses closer to his eyes, peering closer to the papers he was looking at. With a tired sigh, I upholstered my weapon and put it on the floor, changing into sleeping clothes and going to bed.

The next couple of days were done in training, either by myself or my dad. Speaking of him, he seemed nervous lately. I don't know what about. Maybe not even that, tense would be a good word for it. The question was, why was he tense.

My dad taught me maneuvers with my staff, smoother than the motions that I used before. How to easily switch moves from the middle, front and back of the staff and then using the blade in defense and offence.

It was three days until the week was up and when I would go back to the Academy. I was training outside with my dad. He had his own staff and he was teaching me how to use it better, better than before.

He paced slightly in front of me. "Now, you can use your staff well, but not good enough. Half of the moves and attacks you make need to be automatic thought and motions. You hear me?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir." I tended to be more formal during training at times. He showed me how to block and attack smoothly, knocking me down over and over again to the ground, waiting for me to get back on my feet. It reminded me of one of my biggest goals. To be able to beat my father in a match, a fight that depended on strength and no tricks.

As the day went by, I trained with the staff on my own, practicing what he taught. I'd eat, sleep and then train with him on the moves I practiced when I was training solo.

So, by the time seven days hit from when Satsuki Kiriyuin gave her speech, I was almost vibrating with energy.

I was wearing my GI like usual, with the belt tied around my waist. This time, my dad gave me a higher belt, a purple one. I remembered when he gave it to me.

Just yesterday, we were training again. I blocked an attack, this time fighting Dad hand to hand. I twisted on my foot, moving my neck to the side. I was getting a lot better and sometimes I felt like I could almost see the attack before it hit me. I then kicked at him. He grabbed my ankle which I was planning on and swung a fist into his gut, kicking off with my other foot on his chest and giving a backflip, landing on my feet.

I grinned wickedly. Not giving him any time to rest and putting him on the offence, I attacked. He dodged the punch to his jaw, giving me one of his own. I stumbled back, feeling my jaw twinge in pain. I righted myself right away.

I then went on the defense, blocking and getting a couple of hits myself. We were both damaged and bruised up. After a while, Dad stopped and I did too. He was grinning at me, that warm look of pride in his eyes. I grinned back, feeling my ears go red. "I'll be right back, wait here."

He jogged back into the house and came back a moment later, something behind his back. He held it toward me and I stared in awe. It was the purple belt, a higher-ranking belt than I had currently. "Dad?"

He smirked. "You've grown stronger since we got here. It's time to showcase that strength, Nashi."

He took my current belt on and put the newer one on tightly, which was something he did every time he gave me a new belt.

Before I walked out, Dad said, leaning against the wooden table. "You be careful, kid. Okay?"

His eyebrows were furrowed together tightly, a telltale sign he was worried about something. I nodded at him though, he was always worried these days. "I will, don't worry about it."

He nodded. "I know, you are strong. Have a good day."

I nodded back, walking out the door. "You too."

It was around 8:00 am, so instead of going to follow Dad to find out what he was up to, I would go straight to school by taking the trolley.

I walked into the school, pushing past people. I grimaced when I saw they were bruised and beat up. Well, most of them are. I actually saw Kiryuin's body guards in the crowd, like they were students too, except they were in perfect shape.

I rolled my eyes, but didn't bother looking for Ryuko or Mako in this insane crowd. I crossed my arms over my chest and watched with a glare on my face at the red circle over the top of the towers. All I had to do now was wait.

/ / / / / / / / /

Toshiro Archer, dressed in his GI walked over to the school, Satsuki Kiriyuin's project. She certainly was as confident as her mother. Did so in a different style, but was as confident. He met Aikuro Mikisugi in his home, knocking on the door. He heard. "Come in."

He opened the door to see Aikuro looking out the window, one foot balanced on its sill. He was just thankful that this time he was wearing his shirt and pants. He knew what their organization was called, but his long-time friend took it too far. "It start yet?"

Aikuro shook his head, not looking from the window. "Not yet. Come here if you're gonna watch."

He walked over, every step deliberate. He stared down at the crowd, seeing the young Kiriyuin going to stand to face everyone. "Is that girl fighting?"

Aikuro chuckled. "Ryuko or your daughter?"

Toshiro growled in a warning. "Aikuro."

Said man just laughed, his shirt slipping off. "Whatever you say."

Toshiro snapped, pushing the shoulders of the shirt back on. "And for God's sake, keep your clothes on!"

Aikuro asked, voice more serious. "If your daughter sees me?"

Toshiro frowned. "Let her, don't tell her about me and how I'm involved yet. That will be my job."

For the first time, Aikuro looked at his friend. "One day, Nashi will find out about all this, rather soon than later."

Toshiro scowled deeper. "I will protect her until then. You aren't telling Matoi everything either. Makes it worse that the one of the people she makes friends with is her."

Toshiro looked out the window, like he could see his child standing among the many people surrounding the area. Aikuro replied. "It might not be so bad that she is."

Toshiro glared at him. "And why not?"

Aikuro shrugged. "It's making her stronger."

Toshiro grunted, not wanting to agree and they both then kept silent, ready to watch another plan by Satuski Kiriyuin.

/ / / / / /

I watched as Kiriyuin stepped on her platform, her sword smacking into the building floor in front of her loudly. Obviously, something used to get out attention and it worked. Everyone's eyes were on her, including mine.

She spoke then, loudly and clearly. "Students of Honnoiji Academy! For the past week, you've fought long and hard. However, your fight has only just begun! Welcome, to the Sudden Death Run Off! Every battle for the past week has been recorded and now we know who the survivors are. Based on what happens today, I will determine who will acquire Three Star Status!"

I frowned as the place started to shake. "What the hell!?"

I firmed my feet to the ground and readied myself for an attack. Suddenly pillars with spikes on the ends which reminded me of No Tardy Day came from the ground, I counted six of them. People were hanging off the spikes since the pillars came from underground.

I frowned in confusion and then Kiriyuin said. "The six pillars are your next challenge. Fight your way onto one and be a front runner in the election!"

My mouth dropped open in shock. "What is she playing at?"

The pillars weren't all cluttered together either, they were scattered about, in a circle formation type shape. People started running and I did see Ryuko, slamming through people. I saw the four bodyguards going to the other pillars.

I gave a determined grin. "It's mine!"

I ran forward, slamming into people with my shoulders and feet, running toward the pillar everyone else wanted. I took my staff out, mid run, opened it to full size (mindful of the blade), and struck people left and right, running as high as I could, slamming into the top of one spike.

I put the oversized staff in the holster so it went past my waist and shoulder. I then climbed the spikes, scraping my knees and arms on the points, but on the last one, I jump high and landed on the top. I grinned widely, looking at everyone below me and saw the one who made it on the stairs go back down. I was breathing heavy, more from excitement than fatigue.

Ryuko was actually closer to the middle, the rest of the people on the pillars surrounding her. I was right, it was me, Ryuko and Kiriyuin's four bodyguards. The fighting for the whole week seemed like a joke for the weaker kids.

I heard. "Nashi!"

I looked over at Ryuko and grinned, waving a hand. "Ryuko!"

My head snapped toward Kiriyuin as she started speaking. "Well, well, well, the Elite Four sticks up to their name."

I heard the pink one, who's voice started to piss me off when I heard it once said. "Did you expect any different?"

I frowned. Why is she speaking so loud?

I heard Gamagoori's voice boom. "Lady Satsuki! We, the Elite Four would like to place an additional rule for the Sudden Death Run Off."

I scowled. "What?"

I was ignored. Sanageyama said. "Each of us want a shot of facing Ryuko Matoi in a fight…and I want a shot at facing Nashi Archer in a fight too."

I stiffened in shock, snapping my eyes to his. Even if he was blind, he shot a wide smirk in my direction. I bared my teeth in something of a grin back.

The crowd was screaming in shock. The pink one said. "We're gonna fight her anyway, we might as well do it on this grand stage." She waved a hand. "And I don't need to fight the karate monkey."

I snapped. "Did you just call me a monkey!?"

She made a 'huh' sound. The other one, the weak looking guy with blue hair, glasses and a snow coat said. "It would be an explosive finally to the Academy's first election, don't you agree, my lady? I also have no need to fight, Nashi Archer. I can simply watch."

I growled at them. I knew I wasn't as strong as Ryuko, but I could still fight and I was training! I want to be taken seriously!

Kiriyuin nodded her head. "It would, at that."

The place was shaking again and I snapped. "Not again!"

I took off the staff from my back and in one smooth moment, stabbed it into the ground in front of me, keeping me in place. A thing came from the ground. It was round with sharp edges. Something like a television screen seemed to be on every side. It was in the middle of us all. I made my guess that we would fight on it.

Kiriyuin said when the shaking stopped. "A King of the Hill Final Battle! Matoi, you will fight the Elite Four. And Archer, you will fight Sanageyama and Gamagoori. If you win, Matoi, I will tell you the details of your father's death. Archer, if you win your matches, I will grant you a request of any kind that you ask me for."

Ryuko said. "Bring it on."

I just looked levelly at Kiriyuin. "I accept your challenge."

"I will be the first to face you, Matoi."

Before either of them could say or do anything, Kiriyuin said. "Stop, there is one more thing."

Gamgoori gasped harshly. "Lady Satsuki?"

"Before the Elite Four fight either Matoi or Archer, another fight will take place."

I was confused and I'm sure everyone else was too. Even the Elite Four was confused, by the looks on their faces.

Kiriyuin said next, shocking me deeply. "Matoi and Archer will fight until the other is defeated."

My mouth dropped open in shock and I dropped my weapon in disbelief. The crowd screamed in bigger shock than before.

Ryuko asked. "What are you playin' at?!"

I didn't say a word, too shocked by the twist in her own election that Satsuki Kiriyuin made.

/ / / / / /

Toshiro's eyes were wide with shock. He could ever speak for a moment, taking in what just happened. Aikuro sent him a wary look. "Toshi?"

The old nickname slipped out and Toshiro flipped out. "Is she insane!? My daughter is going to be killed!"

Toshiro (turning red in anger, but eyes flickering in fear) was going to run out the door and stop this. Aikuro shouted. "No, stop!"

He grabbed him around the shoulders. Toshiro said through gritted teeth. "Don't try to stop me. I don't want to hurt you."

Aikuro blinked and let go. "Okay."

Toshiro righted himself, but before he could move, Aikuro took his needles out and stabbed his friend in places that would freeze him. Stop him from moving, but still be able to listen and speak a little. Aikuro, in his slouch stood in front of him. "Listen, Toshiro, you need to let her fight. If I let you go, will you let me talk and not leave."

"…yes…"

He removed the pins just as quickly as he used them. "Listen, Ryuko won't hurt Nashi too badly, we both know the outcome of this fight."

Toshiro rolled his neck, pacing angrily. "Nashi is my daughter, you can't have her fight that…that…beast!"

Aikuro narrowed his eyes. "Ryuko's not a beast. She's strong, yes? And I know you don't hate her."

He rolled his eyes. "Of course I don't, but my daughter doesn't need to get involved."

"She already is and you know it. Plus, your daughter is more resilient than most, you know that."

Toshiro leaned against the wall and sank down until he was sitting. "I never thought she would be."

Aikuro stared down at him. "We all thought that. Times change, old friend."

Toshiro felt pain and guilt pull at his chest. "Yes, they do." In a quieter voice, he muttered lowly. "I didn't mean it."

/ / / / / / / /

A couple of days before this, Satsuki Kiriyuin was working with tech genius and hacker, Houka Inumuta. "You want five pillars, my lady?"

Satsuki was drinking her tea, as she usually did these days, staring off in space. Sanagayama was beating down the compaction, her old friend Nonon was doing the same thing, but at a much slower and selective pace. Her ever faithful shield was driving as he wanted to do as he just got his new car.

She frowned in thought. "A new change in plans, add a pillar."

Inumuta stopped typing on his computer. "For Nashi Archer, I presume, my lady?"

Satsuki nodded. "Yes, after watching her this past week, her progress has interested me."

Inumuta just nodded, adding the extra pillar in his data. He thought to himself of all the data he could collect on Nashi Archer now that she would be fighting, however Lady Satsuki would decide to do it.

Later on, when she explained the plan to the other three of the Elite Four to add the karate fighter in, Nonon rolled her eyes. "Really, she's a little monkey version of Sanageyama over here."

He scoffed. "Shut up, midgit. Lady Satsuki, I'd like to fight her."

Gamagoori nodded seriously. "As do I, Lady Satsuki, she shows much skill and I would like to test her strength."

Satsuki gave a simple nod. "Very well."

Nonon, leaning against a couch asks. "What if she doesn't go on the pillar."

Satsuki replied. "It's a test. We will see if she takes it. If someone else gets it, well, I have a plan for that."

All four of them nodded. "Right!"

/ / / / /

Wow, I can't believe it's been half a year since I posted, at least these chapters aren't short. Sorry, for the cliffhanger. But we saw other point of views.

Hopefully I can update more. I have summer vacation for two months, so that gives me more time.

Thank you for my reviews.

Kelsy Patterson (Guest): Happy you think it's awesome. Sorry for the wait.

UsagiAngelRabbit: I'm so happy you love my story. It seems you are my number one fan and I'm sorry you have to wait so long. As for her own kamui. I don't know, I do know I have some plans for Nashi, things are really setting in motion now. Hope you like this chapter.