FILE 13 - A Busy Day, Part 3

Previously on FILE 12, Nanari and Nakumo were forced to either pass the exam or be grounded for 2 exams. This can heavily devastate Nanari's relationship with Billie Jean even more.

6:35 AM, Jamiroquai High School

Nanari and Nakumo stepped out of the car, their faces etched with desperation as the door closed behind them. The driver sped away, leaving them to their fate.

"Nanari, do you know any way for us to cheat?!" Nakumo pleaded, dropping to his knees with exaggerated drama.

Nanari stood there, her expression a battle between stern resolve and silent panic. Inside, her mind was in turmoil. She could either cheat using her Stand, Ants Marching, and risk everything, or face the test and inevitable grounding, which felt like walking into a lion's den. But the real kicker? If she got caught, she would lose the trust of Billie Jackson, her idol, the embodiment of hardworking perfection. Her heart clenched at the thought, a crack showing in her resolve.

"Always the goodie two shoes," Nakumo teased, a smirk playing on his lips as he mocked his sister's dilemma.

Nanari shot him a look that could freeze time itself, her internal struggle magnified by the weight of her options. Cheat, and lose everything she stood for, or struggle through, and possibly lose everything anyway. The irony wasn't lost on her, and a wry smile crept onto her face.

"Shut up, Nakumo..." She muttered as the weight of her predicament pressed down on her like a ton of bricks. This wasn't just about a test anymore; it was about the very core of who she was, the kind of person she wanted to be.

"But wait... Nobody has been able to see my Ants Marching, except those with the same 'special power'..." She thinks to herself as she looks at Nakumo, "Maybe I could help him..."

Nanari's eyes narrowed as she held out her hand, summoning a small, mechanical ant. "Nakumo," she whispered, her voice steady despite the turmoil within, "do you see this-"

Before she could finish, a sudden jolt disrupted her concentration. A female student crashed into her, causing Nanari to stumble. The impact knocked the mechanical ant from her hand, and she barely caught a glimpse of the girl as she sped away.

It was Aiya Aizawa, her face a mix of panic and apology, "I'M SORRY!"

Behind her, a second girl, Tetsu Otohime, the most famous student at Jamiroquai High School, followed closely, a bucket of paint dripping down her expensive school clothes, as she screamed out, "YOU DID THIS ON PURPOSE!"

"I'm sorry! I swear!" Aiya's voice rang out as she darted through the crowd, disappearing into the school building. Tetsu, with a furious glare, chased after her, her pristine reputation stained by the mishap.

Nanari's stumble caused her to land awkwardly, her elbow coming down hard on the ant. A sharp pain shot through her, and she winced as she felt a familiar warmth trickle from her nose - a telltale sign that one of her ants had been destroyed.

"What was that?" Nakumo asked, his attention diverted by the chaotic scene, completely oblivious to the significance of what had just happened to his sister.

Nanari wiped her nose, frustration boiling beneath her calm exterior. Before she could respond, two male students rushed over, looking equally apologetic and concerned.

"Hey!" Lobo spoke up first, his voice filled with honesty and naivety, "Sorry about that! Aiya didn't mean to do that!"

"Same here, on behalf of Master Tetsu," Kuro added, his tone formal yet sincere, "we're truly sorry for the inconvenience."

Nanari forced a smile, brushing off the pain and the sudden shift in her plans. "It's... fine," she said, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of exasperation. She could still feel the lingering sting in her nose, a reminder of how close she'd come to exposing her secret.

Nanari got up from their help before they rushed off again. She wiped her clothes as she muttered to herself, "Looks like today is gonna be one heck of a journey..."

As she walked into the school, something felt off. Normally, she could slip through the halls without anyone giving her a second glance, but today was different. Whispers followed her like a shadow, and she could feel the eyes of every student in the corridor fixated on her and Nakumo.

"Is that the new hall monitor for today?!"

"I heard Billie wanted to pick up some chick so he quit school today."

"Must be nice being the son of the principal and able to pass your duty onto someone else."

Nanari could feel her anger simmering beneath the surface. Her hands clenched into fists as the gossip swirled around her, each word stoking the fire inside. But before she could let it boil over, Nakumo, sensing her anger, gently nudged her arm.

"Sis, let's just go to our class." He suggested, his voice calm and soothing, trying to steer her away from the growing storm.

"Right..." Nanari replied, her voice laced with sarcasm as her face twisted into a comical mask of despair. "To our death..."

She trudged forward like a prisoner marching to the gallows, her feet dragging as if weighed down by the sheer dread of what lay ahead. The hallway seemed to stretch out endlessly before her, each step echoing in her ears like a countdown to impending doom.

Her phone received a message from Jaycol Brown.

CHAT LOG

Jaycol Brown: Hey Nanari, as my assistant, all you need to do is to keep students in check during recess and the final period.

Nanari Hayashi: Got it, sir.

Jaycol Brown: Please don't be so formal. God, you're reminding me of my son. Good luck, you'll need it.

Nanari Hayashi: Right... I'll do my best!

After Nanari shut down her phone, she and Nakumo trudged up the stairs to Class 6-E, each step echoing with a sense of impending doom. The weight of what lay ahead pressed down on them, making the climb feel like a never-ending ascent. Nanari's mind raced, her thoughts consumed by the terrifying prospect of what failure would mean.

If they failed, they'd be grounded for two weeks. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal for Nanari, but now, it felt like the end of the world. The thought of Billie Jackson's face - his usually stern but kind eyes turning cold, his mouth drawn into a disappointed frown. It was too much to bear! She idolized his hardworking nature, and losing his trust would shatter her.

For Nakumo, the idea of losing video games for two weeks was a nightmare in itself. His fingers twitched, already missing the feel of a controller. The thought of those endless days without gaming felt like torture, a punishment worse than anything he could imagine.

With each step, the pressure mounted. The stairs seemed to grow steeper, the walls closing in as if mocking their resolve. Nakumo's voice trembled as he whispered, "Sis, I can already feel the Game Over screen... it's like the final boss is waiting for us at the top."

Nanari's heart pounded in her chest, the fear of Billie's disappointment gnawing at her insides. She could almost see his face in her mind, the disapproving shake of his head, the look of betrayal in his eyes. It was a look that would crush her, break her spirit, and haunt her for the rest of her days.

She let out a deep sigh, trying to steady her nerves. Her face twisted into a mask of fear, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she muttered, "To our doom..."

The climb to the second floor felt like an eternity for Nanari and Nakumo, each step dragging them closer to what seemed like inevitable doom. The hallway stretched out before them, dim and foreboding, the shadows cast by the flickering lights adding to the ominous atmosphere. Jamiroquai High School had never felt more sinister, as if some dark force was lurking within its walls, waiting to devour them, or perhaps it was just their overwhelming anxiety.

Class 6-E was at the far left of the second floor, the door standing like the entrance to a haunted mansion in a horror movie. As they approached, they spotted their friend, Ryoko Watanabe, leaning against the wall, a broad smile on her face as she flipped the page in her literature notebook.

"What's so funny?" Nakumo spoke up, curious about her demeanor.

Ryoko looked up, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I'm gonna ace this test!" She declared with absolute confidence.

Nakumo's eyes widened with a mix of awe and desperation. "But how?!" He blurted out, his voice betraying his anxiety.

"Could it be..." Nanari rubbed her chin as she thought about it. "Two weeks ago, Ryoko said that she unlocked some special power within her. The question is whether it's the same type of 'power' as me."

Ryoko's smile widened, her confidence unshaken. "You'll find out soon enough." She said cryptically, before turning and heading back to class.

Ryoko Watanabe, Class 6-E's resident loudmouth. She has a big mouth and a knack for making sure everyone's secrets are known before you can say "Oops!"

The bell rang, its shrill sound echoing through the corridors as students hurried back to their seats. Nanari and Nakumo took their places, the weight of their impending fate settling in like a heavy fog. The classroom buzzed with nervous energy, everyone on edge.

Then the door opened, and their homeroom teacher, Matsuda, walked in. He stood at the front of the class, a slight smile on his face. "Sorry, class," He began, "Mrs. Tsuki is sick today."

A wave of relief washed over the room. Nanari and Nakumo joined in the collective cheer, feeling as though they'd been granted a last-minute reprieve from a death sentence. But their celebration was short-lived.

Matsuda raised a hand, and the room fell silent. "That doesn't mean the test will be postponed," He continued, his voice calm but firm. "I'll be the substitute."

The cheer died in their throats, replaced by a collective groan of despair. Nanari's heart sank, and Nakumo slumped in his seat, the brief glimmer of hope snuffed out in an instant. The dread returned, heavier than before, as they realized there would be no escape from the test, no last-minute miracle to save them.

The classroom was engulfed in silence, despair hanging in the air as the reality of their situation set in. They were doomed. No one had studied, not even a little. The dread was mutual, spreading like wildfire among the students who sat frozen in their seats. The weight of the upcoming test pressed down on them like a boulder, crushing any hope they had left.

Nanari, however, couldn't shake the nagging curiosity gnawing at her. She stole a glance at Ryoko, who sat at her desk with an unshakable air of confidence.

"What did she mean by 'ace the test'?" Nanari's mind raced, trying to piece together the mystery. She knew for a fact that Ryoko hadn't even cracked open a textbook last night. Instead, she'd watched her friend indulge in a carefree shopping spree, bags filled with clothes and accessories, not a study guide in sight.

Nanari's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Something wasn't adding up. How could Ryoko, of all people, be so sure of her success? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but before she could dwell on it further, Matsuda's voice cut through the silence like a knife.

"Alright, class, settle down. The test is starting now."

Nanari's heart skipped a beat as she reluctantly pulled out her pencil. She glanced at Ryoko one last time, hoping for some clue, but Ryoko simply winked at her, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Whatever Ryoko had up her sleeve, Nanari could only hope it would somehow turn their shared doom into a miracle.

7:35 AM, Class 6-E

"Remember class, you all have 120 minutes to finish. You may take a break during recess, but be quick about it, I'll grant only 5 minutes extra after the time is up." Matsuda spoke up.

He began to carry a huge stack of papers on him. 1 was the sheet to write in essays and 1 was the subject sheet. The subject was 'Willy Loman's Constant Reminiscing and Thinking of the Past."

Nanari froze, the words on the subject sheet blurring together as fear surged through her. This was not just difficult - it was a nightmare. A glance around confirmed her worst fears: every single student was paralyzed, faces drained of hope. Everyone except Ryoko.

Ryoko was already writing, her hand a blur as it flew across the page with unnatural speed. Nanari's breath caught in her throat as she noticed something peculiar. A faint, almost imperceptible aura surrounding Ryoko. A spectral yet mechanical hand seemed to hover over her, guiding her pencil with precision and purpose. "Was this the power Ryoko had been hinting at?" Nanari is still curious about Ryoko's words.

"If it has to come to this..." Nanari's mind raced. She had no other options, no backup plan. If she didn't act now, failure was certain. Summoning every ounce of her resolve, she discreetly called upon her Stand, Ants Marching. A tiny mechanical ant emerged, its metallic body glinting as it set off on its journey toward Ryoko's desk. Each step felt like a gamble with fate.

The distance between their desks was just a few meters, but to Nanari, it felt like miles. "What if someone steps on it? " The thought shot through her mind like a bolt of lightning. If that happened, she'd get a nosebleed - a dead giveaway. Matsuda would notice immediately, and then what? The whole class would see her, blood dripping down her face, and they'd know. They'd all know.

Her imagination spiraled out of control. What if she passed out right there in front of everyone? What if Billie saw her, crumpled on the floor, a failure in his eyes? Would he ever trust her again? The shame, the humiliation - it would be unbearable. Her reputation, her perfect grades, and everything she'd worked so hard for would be gone in an instant.

Finally, the ant reached Ryoko's desk, crawling onto the edge of the test paper, its tiny legs moving with a purposeful rhythm. Ryoko didn't even flinch. Her focus remained unbroken, her pencil never slowing. It was as if she was oblivious to the tiny intruder.

Nanari took a deep breath and focused, willing the ant to do its job. Using its delicate antennae, the ant tapped out a message in Morse code, a code only she could decipher. The mechanical taps were a lifeline, sending over fragments of insight that Nanari desperately scribbled onto her sheet.

"To an unusual degree, The Death of a Salesman..." She wrote on her paper, her hand trembling as she kept one eye on Ryoko, ensuring the ant remained unseen and not killed.

But then, Matsuda's voice cut through the silence, sharp as a knife. "Mrs. Hayashi."

At that moment, Nanari's heart nearly stopped.

"I know you won't cheat," Matsuda looked at her as he continued, his tone softening slightly, "but please, don't look at other students. I know you're worried for them."

The words hit her like a sledgehammer. Matsuda had always held her in high regard, proud of her achievements, and her integrity. If he found out what she was doing, that she was cheating... The thoughts of his disappointment were unbearable. Worse still, she imagined the look on Billie's face - how could she ever face him again if he found out she'd betrayed his trust?

Her hand faltered, her pencil hovering over the page. The stakes had never felt higher. She had to make a choice, either continue down this path of deceit or accept whatever fate awaited her with honesty.

Her mind flashed back to the nightmare scenario. Blood poured from her nose, Matsuda's shock, the whispers spreading like wildfire through the school halls. She could see it all so clearly, and it terrified her.

Seconds dragged on like hours as Nanari focused intently on the Morse code from the mechanical ant. Each click and tap of the ant's tiny antennas and legs seemed to stretch time, her anxiety mounting with every passing moment. Just as she thought her nerves would snap, the bell rang - a release from the academic battlefield, though it was temporary.

"Alright, who wants to go to the bathroom? Make it fast if you can." Matsuda's announcement was met with a mix of relief and apprehension. The classroom buzzed with the collective sigh of students grasping for a brief escape from the oppressive weight of their exams. To Nanari's surprise, only Ryoko raised her hand to request a bathroom break, and Matsuda granted it without hesitation. Instinctively, Nanari decided to follow, her curiosity piqued.

She dashed through the halls, her heart pounding with a mixture of relief and dread. She slipped into the restroom just after Ryoko, the sound of her footsteps echoing off the tiles. As she rounded the corner, she was struck by a surreal sight: a mechanical robotic body slumped on the toilet, lifeless and strangely out of place. Ryoko stood beside it, reaching for a notebook with an air of casual nonchalance.

"Oh hey, Nanari-" Ryoko greeted as she noticed Nanari's confusion about the mechanical robot sitting on the toilet. Before Ryoko could elaborate, Nanari cut in, her voice sharp with urgency. "What is that?"

Ryoko's eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across her face. "Oh? You can see my 'Stand' as well?"

"Stand?" Nanari repeated, her brow furrowing deeper in confusion. "What even is a Stand?"

Before Ryoko could respond, Nanari's concern cut through. "More important question, why are you cheating?!"

Ryoko's gaze was steady as she nonchalantly flipped a page of her notebook. "You're one to talk, Nanari. Don't think I didn't see your Stand… It was the ant. I was just soft not to crush it."

Nanari's eyes widened in horror as the truth of her secret was laid bare. "Sh#t! Please don't tell anyone!"

"Deal," Ryoko said with a calm, almost sinister smile. "As long as you don't talk about the hidden cheat sheet here."

"Wait, what?" Nanari's confusion deepened. "This is a secret hideout for cheat sheets?"

"Yep," Ryoko confirmed nonchalantly, placing the notebook on the robotic Stand. With a commanding tone directed at the robot, Nanari felt some sort of unnerving presence as Ryoko spoke the singular word, "｢Voyager｣."

Instantly, the robot's eyes flared to life with a harsh electric blue glow. Electricity crackled through its metallic frame, casting an eerie, pulsating light across the restroom. Nanari watched in stunned silence as the robot's fingers, now imbued with an almost otherworldly precision, reached for the notebook.

Ryoko issued another command: "Read."

In a heartbeat, the Stand sprang into action. The mechanical arms moved with a blur of speed and efficiency, flipping through the pages of the notebook with a frenetic pace that defied belief. The pages turned so rapidly that it seemed as though the book itself was nothing more than a flickering mirage, each turn a testament to the Stand's unparalleled speed and dexterity. The mechanical Stand absorbed the contents of the notebook in mere seconds, its efficiency both mesmerizing and chilling.

"Let me explain, Nanari." Ryoko walked toward Nanari as she boasted about her Stand's speed, "This is called 'Voyager'. I named it that way because it could beat you before you even blink!"

Humans generate bio-electricity, an electrical current produced by nerves that controls muscle movement and reflexes. When you touch something hot, sensory nerves instantly convert the heat into electrical signals, which the brain processes and quickly sends back to prompt a reflex. Muscle contractions also rely on ion flow, creating electrical charges that trigger movement.

Voyager amplifies this bio-electricity, enhancing speed, agility, and reflexes, enabling the user to perform extraordinary physical feats with remarkable precision and swiftness. This can also be used on itself.

Nanari's brow furrowed as she struggled to keep a straight face. "So, all this time, your big secret is that this 'Voyager' you called just super fast? I was expecting something a bit more mystical."

Ryoko's smirk widened. "Well, it's not like I have a flying unicorn or anything. Just a fast Stand."

"Alright, alright, let's keep this between us, Miss Hall Monitor," Ryoko said, her grin widening. "You wouldn't want the class finding out about our little cheat sheet escapade, would you?"

Ryoko continued, "If you want me to stay quiet, you'll have to cut me a deal. How about a free pass for running in the hall today?"

Nanari shot her a flat look. "Fine, fine. But only for today, Ryoko. I'm not making this a habit."

As they returned to class, Ryoko looked comfortably self-satisfied. Nanari's thoughts wandered, "Can I really trust her?" She glanced between her test sheets and Ryoko, feeling a mix of apprehension and relief.

Stand Info:

『Stand Name』- Voyager

『Stand User』- Ryoko Watanabe

Stats:

Power - C | Speed - A | Range - D

Durability - A | Precision - E | Potential - C

The test began its final stage, with 60 minutes left on the clock, will Nanari complete it before any of her secrets are revealed?!

TO BE CONTINUED IN

FILE 14 - A Busy Day, Part 4