Chapter 87: Mind, Body and Spirit

Monika: "Okay everyone. I do believe that should do it for our speed poem activity."

Natsuki: *Sigh* "Thank god."

Monika: "Since we finished early today. Why don't we have free time now?"

Natsuki: "Sounds good to me." She walks away while stretching her arms.

Monika: "Perhaps we could all relax after a long day of class. What do you say guys?"

Everyone agrees before heading back to their seats to put away their poems. After putting away their poems and grabbing whatever they needed. They all formed into groups once again. As they do, Michael himself takes this time to stretch his upper body to get a good stretch before looking around to see who's in who's group. In the first group he sees Hina and her gang on one side of the classroom chatting while on the other side he sees Sebastain, Sky, Senna, and Clyde having their own conversation. He would then look behind himself to see Ronald, Johnny, Yuri, and Natsuki had form a circle using the desks to what looks like a study session as he overhears Johnny asking Yuri some questions on how to solve problems, he's having difficulties with.

Michael: (Seems like everyone is busy. Sayori is not here because she got in trouble with the teachers earlier, but where's Monika?) He looks around the classroom one more time and finds Monika in the teacher's desk going through her phone. (Wonder what she's looking at? Oh well it's none of my business. Guess I'll just use this as an opportunity to relax.) He takes a deep breath while shutting his eyes. Before long he would soon start taking calm breathing before drifting off to sleep.

Pure white, pure bliss, pure silence as only footsteps can be heard. The snowflakes falling down so calm and slow while two children walk through the pure white snow. A young boy holding hands with a girl a little younger than him.

?: "Where are you taking me?" The young girl asks.

? 2: "There's a cool place near here. Thought we could get out of the house and check it out."

?: "Then why didn't you bring your friend along?" She pouts to herself.

? 2: I thought it would be best if it was just us two. We don't get to spend much time together ourselves."

?: "Whatever you say." She smiles to herself.

? 2: "We're here, so what do you think?" He shows off a field of flowers surrounded by pure white snow.

?: "Wow" She looks at the field of beauty.

? 2: "Cool right? It's just like that scene in your favorite movie."

?: "It is." She takes a few steps forward and turns to the boy with a smile on her face. "You're the best big brother a girl could ask for. Love you, Michael."

Young Michael: "I love you too, Michelle. Never forget that." He pets his baby sister as she smiles brightly.

? 3: "Michael? Michael?"

Michael: *Gasp* His eyes shot open.

Monika: "Are you okay?"

Michael: "Y-yeah, why wouldn't I?"

Monika: "You were mumbling to yourself and I got worried." Michael doesn't respond instead, had a look of depression. "Are you okay? Did you have a bad dream again?"

Michael: "No, not really. Just had a dream from the past." (The only one I enjoyed.)

Monika: "Do you want to talk about it?"

Michael: "Its fine, really." (It's all fine now.) "So what about you? How are things going?"

Monika: "I'm good, just had to deal with deleting some junk mail."

Michael: "You couldn't just empty the entire thing?"

Monika: "I wish I could, but I had to check to see if I had anything important sent to me."

Michael: "Ah, that makes sense. So any good ones?"

Monika: "In junk mail?"

Michael: "Pfft, no." He chuckles to himself causing Monika to giggle.

Monika: "In that case no. Just junk mail."

Michael: "I see." He looks behind himself to see Ronald and Natsuki had left Johnny and Yuri alone. The two are still working together.

Monika: "So tomorrows the day, right?" He looks to her. "Your day with the guys."

Michael: "Yeah"

Monika: "I hope you boys have fun and get swole." She smiles.

Michael: "Sure, sure." He smirks while stretching his neck.

Johnny: "So is that how I know the difference?"

Yuri: "Indeed"

Johnny: "Oooooh ok." He writes down what he just learned.

Monika: "Want to join them?"

Michael: "Huh?"

Monika: "Come on. We could get our homework done here before we head home." She grabs his sleeve and drags him to them.

Michael: "Hey wait I need to grab my things first." He quickly grabs his backpack.

Yuri: "You will need to keep an eye on that." She points at Johnny's paper before noticing Michael and Monika walking towards them. "Oh good afternoon, you two."

Johnny: "Sup you two."

Monika: "Hello to you too. How are things coming along?"

Johnny: "Still a pain in the ass. Why is English so hard, man." He leans back to stretch.

Yuri: "I managed to show him when to use certain phrases when writing."

Monika: "That's good to hear. Bet you've been doing better in English class?"

Johnny: "Yeah, I guess so. Went from D to C recently."

Monika: "Well that's good. You're improving."

Yuri: "Indeed, we are very proud of you. Your hard work is paying off."

Johnny: "Man, stop it you two. It's super embarrassing now." The two girls giggle to themselves. "So what brings you both here?"

Monika: "We just thought we could join you two in studying, if that's okay with you two?"

Johnny: "Cool with me."

Yuri: "Indeed, you're more than welcome to join if you like."

Michael: "I noticed Natsuki and Ronald were working with you two earlier."

Johnny: "Ronald wanted to take a nap before we head home."

Yuri: "Natsuki wanted break time and went to use the restroom. She also said something about grabbing a snack and I would assume she's going to do her usual Manga reading when she comes back."

Monika: "I'm guessing all that work got to them?"

Johnny: "Earlier me and Ronald had gym class so it kinda took a lot out of him. Seemed like our study session finally knocked him out."

Monika: "That makes sense."

Yuri: "Shall we start then?"

Monika: "I almost forgot the reason why we're here." She, along with Michael, took their seats and the four of them began working on their homework. "So what are you two working on right now exactly?"

Yuri: "I'm teaching him the difference between affect and effect."

Michael: "Oh those two words. Yeah, those gave me trouble too."

Johhny: "They're still giving me problems." He says while erasing.

A couple of minutes had passed by.

Monika: "Oh Michael, you misspelled a word right there." She points at the incorrect word.

Michael: "Wait I did?"

Monika: "Yeah, it's supposed to be spelled as Ma'am not Mam."

Michael: "But I always spelled it like that and no has said a word."

Monika: "Huh, odd?" Michael erases the misspelled word while Johnny chuckles to himself.

Michael: "I know you ain't one to talk Mr. I Don't Know The Difference Between There, Their, and They're."

Johnny: "Man why do gotta open up old wounds?"

Monika: "Alright you two, settle down."

Yuri: "Indeed, we still have much work to be done."

Johnny: "Yes ma'am."

Michael: "Yes dear."

Yuri: "D-dear?" She blushes while the others chuckle.

The rest of the day went by smoothly as they managed to finish their homework before calling it a day. After club hours came to an end. We are met with Michael and Sayori walking home together as usual after he waited for Sayori to be let go of detention.

Sayori: "And that's how I lost my homework."

Michael: "Mhm, sure. Whatever you say."

Sayori: "But it's true." She pouts.

Michael: "Still not buying it."

Sayori: "Hmph, none believer." Michael rolls his eyes. "So you excited for tomorrow? Hanging out with the boys." She lightly punches his arm.

Michael: "I guess so?"

Sayori: "Something on your mind?"

Michael: "I'm just worried is all. I'm afraid of what could happen if things don't go well."

Sayori: "Ah I see."

Michael: "Do you think I'm over thinking it?"

Sayori: "No I don't think you are. I know how those two act so I understand where you're coming from."

Michael: "You do?" She nods to him.

Sayori: "I was in your shoes too when it comes to Yuri and Natsuki."

Michael: "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Sayori: "Everything will turn out ok and even if it doesn't at least you tried."

Michael: "I suppose you're right. Thanks, that really helped me feel better."

Sayori: "Sure thing." She looks ahead as they reached his house. "The sun set is so beautiful don't you think?"

Michael: "It is."

Sayori: "Even the sun has to rest only to repeat the same cycle again and again. I wonder if it ever felt tired repeating it every day?"

Michael: "…" He looks to her thinking he saw a sad expression on her face but to his surprise he saw the opposite as she stared at the twilight with a big smile. A look of satisfaction of being able to see it with her own two eyes. The rays of the light bounced off her eyes making them look crystal clear. As he saw this, he cracked a smile. (Guess I got some inspiration for a poem.)

The two kept staring at the sun setting as the rest of the day went by.

Meanwhile.

Johnny: "Phew, glad that's all over and done with." He cracks his neck.

Ronald: "Good thing the kids were being obedient this time. We might have lost some sleep if they weren't."

Johnny: "Tell me about it. I don't want to be tired before we start lifting weights." He plops onto his bed.

Ronald: "You're taking this very seriously."

Johnny: "Why wouldn't I? Lifting weights is my thing after all. Don't forget I was the Wrestling Team's Captain."

Ronald: "I know, I know. The trophies and medals are right there in front of me on your wall."

Johnny: "Ya damn right."

Ronald: "So you excited then?"

Johnny: "Mmm, maybe a little I guess."

Ronald: "You guess?"

Johnny: "Can't remember the last time I had a good work out man. Pushups and pull ups aren't cutting it anymore. I could barely break a sweat no matter how many I do."

Ronald: "I noticed even after doing a hundred you didn't look tired at all." He leans back against the wall. "So what do you plan tomorrow?"

Johnny: "Mmm, I was thinking chests first then biceps after. What about you? Got any preference? Biceps, chests, glutes, or abs?"

Ronald: "I'm not sure about that. I'm not much of an athlete as you or the others."

Johnny: "What do you mean by that?"

Ronald: "I mean. I'm not a wrestler like you or a swimmer like Sebastain and I'm nothing like Michael or Clyde."

Johnny: "What do you mean by Clyde and Michael?"

Ronald: "I well I mean."

Johnny: "Now that you brought it up. I do wonder how Michael knows how to fight. Maybe he took some karate classes or maybe he took boxing lessons? His punches hurt like hell that's for sure." He rubs his lower jaw.

Ronald: "Mmm"

Johnny: "Well whatever, so what do you want to work on?"

Ronald: "Oh uh … I was thinking …maybe …"

Johnny: "Yeah?"

Ronald: "I could start with my arms?"

Johnny: "Ah I see. So you want to work on the guns, nice." He gives his spiky redheaded friend a thumbs up.

Ronald: "We should head to bed now. We're going to need all the rest we can get."

Johnny: "Tell me about it. Night man." He tucks himself in.

Ronald: Night bro." He turns off the lights before putting himself into bed.

During this time at a different part of town. The nighttime getting late but still up as the sounds of a keyboard can be heard.

Click, Click, Click*

?: "Hmm" He stops to think before typing again.

Click, Click, Click*

"Maybe if I change this scene?" A sudden knock can be heard. "Yeah!"

The door opens revealing an older looking man. This man is shown to have brown short hair accompanied with a beard and silver eyes. He also looked a bit chubby but built like an ox.

"What is it dad?"

?2: "Wanted to see how you were holding up. You barely ate dinner earlier. Something Wrong Clyde?"

Clyde: "Yes, I'm fine, just wasn't hungry today."

Clyde's Dad: "Mhm, have you packed up your things for tomorrow?"

Clyde: "Yes dad, I'm not a stupid little child anymore."

Clyde's Dad: "Says the boy who got in trouble multiple times in 4 months."

Clyde: "Whatever old man."

Clyde's Dad: "So how's school been? You haven't said much and I didn't hear any complaints from your teachers."

Clyde: "It's been alright I guess."

Clyde's Dad: "And that club you joined with Senna?"

Clyde: "It's been ok."

Clyde's Dad: "I see." His son looks at the ground before looking back at him again.

Clyde: "I did start a friendship with someone though."

Clyde's Dad: "You did?"

Clyde: "At least I think I did."

Clyde's Dad: "Eh, I'll take it. I'll leave you be but make sure to get plenty of sleep tonight."

Clyde: "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know, good night." His dad gives him the look of doubt. "Tch, just let me finish this section then I'll go to sleep."

Clyde's Dad: "Thought so. Night boy." He closes the door.

Clyde: "Night." *Sigh* "Great I lost my concentration. Whatever, I'll just do it another time." He turns off his computer and heads to bed. (I'm only doing this for you. No one else.) He shuts his eyes before drifting to sleep.

Meanwhile, at a different location.

Sebastain: "Workout clothes check, bottle of water check, personal hygiene items check. Looks like I got everything I need for tomorrow. Hmm, can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something." He looks around his room before setting his sights on his drawers. "Ah, that's what I almost forgot. Michael mentioned the gym has a pool. Can't forget about my swimming trunks." (Then again.)

Knock Knock*

"Yeah!?" His bedroom door opens up as a middle aged old enters. This man had dark skin but not nearly as dark as his son just slightly lighter. He has a bald head with a lightly trimmed beard but is also well dressed. He is very tall, perhaps just as tall as Johnny and he is known to be the tallest in the club.

"What's up dad? Need something?"

Sebastain's Father: "Just wanted to stop by and see if there's anything you need for tomorrow?"

Sebastian: "I'm good. Got everything ready so I'll be heading out immediately."

Sebastain's Father: "I see, but you might need some of this for yourself and your friends." He hands his son some cash.

Sebastain: "Oh! Thanks dad, you didn't need to, but much appreciated."

Sebastain Father: "You stay safe out there, ok? It's been getting really bad out there lately."

Sebastain: "I will, don't worry."

Sebastain Father: "If you say so. I'll be heading off to bed. You should too as well."

Sebastain: "I'll get to bed in a little bit. Night dad." His dad smiles and makes the peace sign before leaving his son's room. With his dad gone he took a sigh of relief before looking at an old photo of him and his parents.

(Been 3 years since my parents divorced. Dads been working hard and taking care of me while mom is out there living it up with her new boyfriend. I see mom every once in a while, but only when Dad is not around. No point in hiding it, the two of them don't see eye to eye anymore. The only time they do is when her boyfriend isn't around. Not going to lie it still hurts knowing things will never be the same but what can I do?)

He shakes his head. (Gotta forget about it sooner or later. Gotta focus.) He turns off the lights and tucks himself into bed. (I'm going to need all the rest I could get. It's going to be an intense day tomorrow.) He takes a deep breath before closing his eyes. Ending today's events.

The following morning.

Bzzt Bzzt*

The phone alarm goes off.

Michael: *Yawn* "Morning already?" He attempts to turn off the alarm while his eyes remain shut. "Come on man." He keeps trying to turn it off blindly but soon had enough and just opened his eyes up to shut it off. *Yawn* "Should have just schedule the whole thing an hour later." He gets out of bed and does his morning routine. After finishing he puts on some workout clothes, a simple tank top and shorts covered by a jacket and sweatpants before heading downstairs to get breakfast and to catch the upcoming bus.

Sebastain: "Alright, I'm heading out now dad."

Sebastian's Father: "Wait how are you getting there?"

Sebastain: "Uh, the bus?"

Sebastian's Father: "What time do you got to be there?"

Sebastian: "Roughly forty minutes."

Sebastain's Father: "Just give me a minute. I'll get my shoes on. I'll take you."

Sebastain: "You sure?"

Sebastain Father: "Yeah, I got errands to run anyways. Get groceries, make a deposit. We're out of cheese and ham."

Sebastain: "If you're ok with that then sure." His dad nods before grabbing his shoes, wallet, and keys.

Meanwhile.

Johnny: "Come on Ronald! We need to catch the next bus or we'll be late!"

Ronald: "I'm right behind you." The two are seen running to the nearest bus stop.

Johnny: "Phew we made it in time." He says as the bus gets ready to make its stop. "God why is the schedule so God damn picky?" He says while breathing slightly heavy.

Ronald: "We would have made it time if you didn't eat all those burritos last night." He tries to catch his breath.

Johnny: "The hell do you want me to do about it? I was hungry."

Ronald: "Maybe next time cut back on the beans."

Johnny: "Not my fault there good beans." His short friend shakes his head.

During this time.

Clyde: "Good thing this place Michael showed us isn't that far from my place." He says while looking at a map on his phone. "I should be there at a steady pace." He continues walking.

After some time had passed. Clyde was the first to arrive at the gym. With time to spare he decided to look around the area and admire how large the building was compared to the others around it. After some time had passed, a car parked in front of him and out came his clubmate.

Sebastain: "Oh you got here first?"

Clyde: "It's not that far from where I live."

Sebastain: "So you just walked here?" Clyde nods. "Oh, by the way this is my dad. Dad, this is Clyde my clubmate from the Literature Club." His dad gets out of the car to greet him.

Sebastian's Father: "It's nice to meet." He shakes Clyde's hand.

Clyde: "Like wise."

Sebastian's Father: "Thank you for being friends with my son. I hope he doesn't cause you too much trouble."

Clyde: "No, he's fine."

Sebastain's Father: "That's good. Sebastain, I'll be heading out now. Call me when you're ready to come home."

Sebastian: "Sure, see ya later." His dad gets back into the car and drives away.

Clyde: "Your dad seems nice."

Sebastian: "He's a good man. Couldn't ask for a better dad."

Clyde: "Mmm"

Sebastian: "What about your dad? What's he like?"

Clyde: "My old man is a pain in my ass, but I guess he's a hard worker, so there's that."

Sebastian: "Oh, that's cool. So this the place?" Clyde nods. "Wow this place is big compared to the others around it. So we're just waiting for Johnny, Ronald, and Michael to show up?"

Clyde: "Yeah, they should be here soon probably."

A couple of minutes later a bus can be seen from a distance from where they're at. After the bus makes it stop, out came.

Johnny: "Finally we're here. Damn this place is huge."

Ronald: "Never seen a gym that big before. Then again, I don't go to gyms at all." He notices Clyde and Sebastian sitting on the stairs leading to the building. "Oh hey look Clyde and Sebastain are here already." He points to them.

Johnny: "Ah shit here we go again." The two walks towards them.

Sebastian: "Yo, you two made it." He gives them both a high fives followed with a fist bump while Clyde gives them both a peace sign with a straight face.

Johnny: "So we just missing Michael?"

Sebastian: "Yeah, he wasn't in the bus with you?"

Johnny: "Nope, so next bus could be it." The next bus shows up. "Oh speak of the Devil."

Ronald: "Yeah but could it be his?" The four of them look intently as the passengers walk out of the bus.

Michael: "Made it. Huh?" He sees the guys staring at him. "The hell are they staring at?" He walks towards them. "Hey everyone. I'm here now." He gives them all a high five and fist bumps. "Did you all wait long?" Clyde looks at his phone.

Clyde: "Only been waiting for 10 minutes."

Michael: "Oh sorry about that."

Sebastain: "Don't worry about it. We were just talking while we wait for everyone to show up."

Michael: "That's good. You all ready?" The four of them nodded with Johnny flexing his arms. "Alright then. Follow me." He enters the building first with the others following him.

Worker: "Hi Hello. Welcome on into Zeke's Fitness Gym." The five of them greet the woman working in the front desk. "Is this your first time?"

Michael: "It i- I mean yes, it is. This is our first time."

Worker: "Wonderful, would you five be interested in a membership. It only cost thirty-five dollars. If you apply, you get access to our facility for a full month instead of paying ten for every visit."

Michael: "No, we're fine paying the ten. The offer sounds tempting but we don't have that much money to spare for every month."

Worker: "That's fine but the offer is still there if you ever change your mind."

Michael: "I'll think about next time." He gives her the ten dollars.

Worker: "Alrighty then. I just need to check your ID and give you this temporary membership card. With this card you can come and go from the gym until closing time."

Michael: "Alright then." He gives her his ID card.

Worker: "Hmm?"

Michael: "Something wrong?"

Worker: "I felt like I seen you before?"

Michael: "Really now?"

Worker: "Hmmmmmmm. Must be my imagination? The person I was thinking about had longer hair than you." She hands him back his ID and gives him his limited membership card. "When you reach the doors. Swipe that card to enter."

Michael: "Ok got it." He walks away so the others can register too. (It's been awhile since I was here. It must have changed a lot since then?)

Johnny: "Yo, ready to sweat?" He slaps him on the back.

Michael: "Of course I am. Who do you take me for?" He swipes his card and enters the gym.

All the guys entered as they all looked around in amazement of how large the place was. The wide first floor was filled with weights and machines. As they looked up, they saw the place had a second floor. The second floor had a large gap for them to see the upstairs area had bikes. To their right was the changing room where they change and take showers, and on their left was the pool area. While up ahead is the snack area where they could eat and drink what they brought with them or purchase food from the vending machines.

Ronald: "Wow this place is bigger in the inside."

While the four boys move up to take in the scenery. Michael remains in the back staring blankly at the gym with a small smile on his face.

Flash Back*

The sound of something getting hit can be heard.

?: "Come on! Punch harder, faster!"

Michael: "Tch, Hya!" He punches the punching bag six times at incredible speed. "Gaaa!" He falls to his knees struggling to catch his breath.

?: "Good job. You completed all your training for today."

Michael: "Great" He continues to catch his breath.

?: "Here." He hands him a towel and a bottle of water. "With the progress your making. You're definitely gonna win the tournament and face off against Maurice."

Michael: "Assuming I even stand a chance against him. That man is built different."

?: "So are you man. If only you had more confidence in yourself then you win."

Michael: "You're over selling me, Evan."

Evan: "I'm not it's true. You just need more motivation in your life. Something that could push you over the edge." Michael looks up at his friend with a confused look.

Flash Back Ends*

Michael continues to stare blankly at the gym while his friends continue to admire the size of the building.

Johnny: "Man so many equipment's to use. I don't know where to start off?"

Ronald: "Pretty sure we can work out every single part of our bodies."

Clyde: "With the amount of options. I don't think we're be able to walk tomorrow."

Johnny: "Ha, maybe to you but not me. I can handle the soreness just fine." He punches his own hand to pump himself up.

Clyde: "Too bad the same can't be said for your brain."

Johnny: "The hell do you mean by that!?" Clyde shrugs. "You son of a bitch."

Michael: "Alright, that's enough you two. If you got the energy to fight, you got the energy to train." His friends look towards him. "Come one guys. Let's not waste a perfect day to train our bodies and minds. We got a long day ahead of us and we haven't even stretched or done our warmups." His friends looked to each other before looking back at him all nodding in sync. "Alright then let's begin our stretches."

He leads them to an open area where they could stretch without bothering anyone else in the building. After doing some stretches and warmups. The real fun begins.

[The Anthem by Good Charlotte]

Sebastian: "Come on! Three more to go!" He shouts out at Johnny who is struggling to finish his sets of bench presses.

Johnny: "Fucking shit." His body starts to wobble as he manages to get one more in. "Fuck!" He puts the bar back on the rack. "Holy shit that already kicked my ass."

Michael: "Well you are using the heaviest weights they got." He says while spotting Ronald. "Come on. One more."

Ronald: "Gaaaa!" He manages to push the bar up before placing it back on the rack. "Phew, I really am weak." He sits up. "You guys are built different."

Michael: "Don't worry about it. We all got to start somewhere."

Ronald: "I guess."

Clyde: "You guys all done?"

Michael: "We are. Ready for the next activity?" Clyde nods.

A couple minutes later.

Clyde: "Fuck." He sets the dumbbells away. "My biceps are pulsing." He looks over to see Johnny using the heaviest set they have with Michael just following behind him in terms of weights. "You two really are meat heads."

Johnny: "Jealous?" He says with a smug expression.

Clyde: "Hardly."

He looks over to Sebastain and Ronald both still doing bicep curls with Ronald using the smallest set they have. Despite using the lowest. Ronald still seems to be struggling a lot trying to curl them up. Soon enough.

Ronald: "Gaa!" He puts the dumbbells away, breathing heavily. (Damn it. I'm struggling with smaller weights.)

Clyde: "…"

After doing some biceps. The five of them decided to take a break before continuing on with triceps.

Sebastain: "Kkkk, Come on." He struggles to continue doing more lying triceps extensions. "Fuuuu" He almost dropped the bar before Clyde stopped him and lifted it away from him. "Ahhhh. Thanks. My arms. Oooooh."

Clyde: "Feeling like jelly now?"

Sebastain: "Yeah"

Clyde: "Take a break if you need to. We're getting ready to do glutes."

Sebastain: "Nah, I can keep going. Just got to let my arms rest from doing more arm workouts."

Clyde: "If you say so."

The two walk towards the other three as Michael gets ready to do hip thrusts.

Sebastain: "Forty-five-pound barbells?"

Ronald: "Not quite." He adds another forty-five-pound barbells.

Sebastain: "Holy shit that much?"

Michael: "Yup"

Sebastian: "Can you really lift those without hurting yourself?"

Michael: "This ain't nothing to me. Just got to do one hundred thrusts."

Sebastian: "A hundred!? Damn your butt is going to made of steel!"

Michael: "Going for those iron buns." He gets in position with Johnny being his spotter and begins his workout of doing one hundred hip thrusts none stop. Soon enough he manages to finish it just like that.

[Song Ends]

"Oof, my ass is burning."

Johnny: "Ayo?"

Michael: "You know what I mean." Johnny continues to smirk.

After everyone did their sets. It was time to do some shoulder work outs.

Ronald: "Tya! Ka!" He pushes himself to lift the dumbbells over him as he could feel the burn on his shoulders. "Kk, come on. One more." His arms start to struggle as he tries to get one more in. (Not like this. Not like this. Not in front of them.) His arms gave out causing him to drop the dumbbells. "God damn it."

Sebastain: "You good?" He says while still doing his set.

Ronald: "Yeah, just got exhausted."

Sebastain: "Want to take a break?" He sets the dumbbells down gently.

Ronald: "I think I've done enough resting. Just let me know when you're all ready to do the next one."

Sebastain: "Sure."

Ronald looks over to Johnny who's doing the same shoulder workout as him but with heavier weights.

After finishing their sets. The five of them decided to move on to the next thing the gym had to offer. Since the five of them had been working out none stop, they decided to rest by walking around as they tried to find what to do next. Soon enough, they came across something that caught Johnny's eye.

Johnny: "Check this out guys. They got a punching bag." He lightly taps it with his knuckles. "You guys down for a couple rounds? See who can punch the hardest?"

Clyde: "I'm down. I'll pretend it's your face."

Johnny: "Grrrr, why you son of a bitch."

Sebastain: "Just start already." He says with a tone of annoyance.

Johnny: "So who wants to go first?"

Clyde: "I'll start off." He gets in position while Johnny steps away. "HiiiiiHaaaa!" He punches it once causing the bag to move. As it wobbles, he punches it again with his other fist before repeating it again. Soon enough he gave the punching bag a few more hits before ending it with a big one. "Ahh" He shakes his hands in agony. "Things a lot rougher than I thought."

Johnny: "Step aside. Let me show how a real man fights." He gets in position and begins punching the bag a couple of times causing it to wobble like crazy but not missing a beat. "Hya!" Ending it off with a big one. "Hmph" He smirks with satisfaction. "That's how it's done." He faces Clyde as the two have a stare down.

Sebastain: "If you guys are done flirting. I'll be taking my turn now."

Johnny: "What do you mean by that!?"

Clyde: "As if I flirt with this stinky man."

Johnny: "I've been sweating! What do you want from me!?"

Sebastain steps in front of the punching bag and takes a stance as he gets ready for a punch.

Sebastian: "HA!" He begins punching the bag a couple of times before stopping. "Ah" He feels the pulsing through his hands. "Man that hurts. I don't know how you two can do it."

Johnny: "This was part of my training when I did wrestling."

Clyde: "Didn't even know you wrestlers use your fist. Here I thought you only grab and shit."

Johnny: "What are trying to say?"

Clyde: "I'm saying that's bull and you know it. Bully."

Johnny: "Tch!" The two stare down.

Michael: "Enough you two. Step aside it's Ronald's turn to try it out."

He looks to the red head and gives him a nod. After saying that both Johnny and Clyde moved away from each other to let Ronald pass. Before punching it, he gave the punching bag an observation. Squeezing it, lightly tapping it, spinning it, and slightly lifting it.

Clyde: "Any day now!" Sebastain elbows him to the side causing him to roll his eyes in response.

Ronald: "Hya!" He punches it once and felt immediate pain on is right hand. "Ahhhhh!"

Johnny: "You ok?"

Ronald: "I think I popped my fingers." He slowly moves his fingers around.

Johnny: "Do you need ice?"

Ronald: "Yeah that be great." He walks away while Johnny rushes to get some ice. When he returned, he handed his short friend the bag of ice for his hand. "Thanks. I think that's enough for me today."

Sebastain: "Do you want to call it day?"

Ronald: "No, you guys can keep going if you want. I'll just keep count for you all." Sebastain nodded. "Anyways I think it's Michael's turn now."

[Symbiotic by Starset]

Michael takes a deep breath as he walks towards the punching bag.

Ronald: (It's time to see him in action once again.)

Johnny: (When we fought, he punched me and my gang like his fist were made of iron. I wonder how hard he's going to punch it?)

Clyde: (Last thing I remembered was the time he punched that one dude so hard he went unconscious in a single hit. So Michael, what's your story about that? How did you become like this and who trained you?)

Michael: "Whoooo." He takes a stance. Fist ups like a professional boxer.

?: "Hold your fist up like that. Don't leave a blind spot open and focus on your target."

A voice from the past speaks to him.

Michael: "Haaaaaaaaa!"

He began punching the bag multiple times so fast it was hard for the others to keep up. As he does images from the past started to flash before his eyes. A couple of faces appeared in front of him. Bloody bruised faces. He continues punching the bag completely forgetting his surroundings as the gym started to change. No longer does he see himself in the gym, he came with his friends. All he saw now was a cage surrounded by people cheering as he continues attacking his opponent.

?: "Uppercut him now!" Michael does what he was told. "He's open! Aim for the gut!"

Michael: "Tya!" The crowd roars in excitement. While he fights, the image of his opponent went blank while also losing his hearing. "Huh?" The blank man soon turned static before turning into a complete black silhouette. "Wh-what?" Soon the silhouette started regaining color as he now faces a man with piercing orchid purple eyes.

Gasp*

The sound of gun shots can be heard from the distance.

?2: "You took my woman, so I'll take your friend's life. Now face me!"

Michael's face trembles in fear as the man smirks but soon faced his fears. Gritting his teeth as he goes for a fully charged punch. Shattering the man and the area like glass bringing him back to reality but soon realized what he had just done when he regained himself.

"Huh?" He sees the punching bag flying off the hinge split in half as the sand spreads all over the place. "Um?" He looks over to his friends as they all share the same expression of shock to what they just saw.

The Boys: "0o0"

Michael: "Oops. This is awkward. Hehehe."

Johnny: "…"

Clyde: "…"

Sebastain: "…"

Ronald: "Bruh"

Employee: "What happened here?" She looks at the mess that was made.

Michael: "I kinda punched the bag too hard that it broke off."

Employee: "I see. This thing is old. Maybe it got rusty?" Michael looks over her shoulder. "I might need to talk to my boss about getting a new one. In the meantime I'm sorry this broke on you."

Michael: "Its ok. We all had our turn before it broke."

Employee: "That's good to know." She leaves to go see her boss.

Sebastain: "So what now?"

Johnny: "We haven't done abs yet. Saw some things we could use to build muscle and burn fat."

Sebastain: "Cool, let's check it out."

Michael: "You guys can go on ahead. I'm gonna go use the restroom."

[Song Ends]

Sebastain: "Sure thing." The four of them walk ahead while Michael leaves at a different direction to find the restroom.

Michael: "Ah." He splashes water onto his face before looking at his reflection. His lips quivering as he sees images of a guy he once knew with a smile on his face. A gentle yet devious one as more from his past flashes before him. The image of Sara and Jason both smiling to him. His eyes widening as he remembers the times he spent with them. (Stop that. That life of mine is gone. Evan is gone and Sara is out of my life. All I have left now is Jason. No that's not true. I have them now. I have people worth fighting for instead of just surviving.)

He clenches his fists and dries off his face before heading out of the restroom. (Alright, now where could they be now?) He looks around but doesn't see anyone around. (I don't see them around. Maybe they went downstairs?) He heads to the first floor. "Huh? I don't see them here either." (Where did they go?) "Ah!" (They probably went to the pool area.) He walks to the entrance. As he does, he sees one of his friends sitting on the edge of the pool.

"Sebastain." His friend looks behind himself.

Sebastain: "Oh hey Michael."

Michael: "Where'd the others?"

Sebastain: "Clyde went outside to take care of a call, and Johnny and Ronald went to grab a snack."

Michael: "I see." He looks at the large pool. The place was empty as he saw no one around. "You not going to swim?"

Sebastain: "Eh?"

Michael: "You were part of the Swimming Team."

Sebastain: "Was"

Michael: "That shouldn't stop you from taking a dip."

Sebastain: "Yeah but… I would rather take in the scenery. Maybe next time."

Michael: "If you say so." The two stay near the edge in silence. Sebastian remains seated on the floor while Michael himself remains standing. "Hey Sebastian. I've been meaning to ask but what got you into swimming?"

Sebastain: "It's kind of a stupid reason."

Michael: "Can't be that stupid if it inspired you to be where you are."

Sebastain: "Yeah, I guess so. You won't laugh, will you?" Michael shakes his head. "Ok, you see. When I was a kid. I once saw this movie about a swimmer who wasn't allowed to be part of a team. Can't even compete for a tournament due to his appearance."

Michael: "Was the movie based off of someone in real life?"

Sebastain: "Yeah. It was during a time when things were just different. When people couldn't get along cause they looked different, but it didn't hold the Main Character down. He kept fighting the system and to show he belongs with the pros. It was a struggle but seeing his determination. It really puts a spark in my own body. I thought that if he could do it with all the obstacles in his way.

Then I could too with less. I used that as inspiration to motivate myself to push myself to the limits. That I don't have room to talk after witnessing what he went through and soon enough all my efforts pulled through. I became who I am and became the number one in our team, but now that I'm kicked out of the team. I don't know what to do with my life."

Michael: "…" He sits next to him. "I don't think your journey ends there yet."

Sebastain: "Eh?"

Michael: "I may not know much on how all this sports stuff works but I don't think it's the end for you yet. Yeah, your high school career is over, but I still think you have a shot in college. Think about it. If the Main Character went through all those trials to be where he is then so can you. Fighting your own battles. Imagine in the future. An athlete who worked hard to be on the top in high school only to lose it all with a bad reputation only to rise up a better person in college. Wouldn't that be an interesting movie."

Sebastian: "I doubt the part where I join the Literature Club would be considered interesting."

Michael: "Or it could show there's more to you than meets the eye." Sebastain starts chuckling.

Sebastain: "I guess you have a point. Thanks."

Michael: "Anytime."

Johnny: "Yo, there you two are." The two boys looked behind themselves to see the other three. "Do you guys want to call it a day and get something to eat?"

Both Michael and Sebastian looked to each other and nodded.

Michael: "Yeah, sounds like a good idea."

Johnny: "Alright, then let's hit the showers and put on some fresh clothes."

The guys leave the pool area to shower. While Johnny leads, Michael remains behind. Looking at his friends. As he does he see images of his old friend group.

Sara: "Hurry up or else we'll leave you behind."

Jason: "Come on Sara. Cut him some slack."

Sara: "Whatever"

Jason: "Woman"

Michael: "Um" He felt his back get slapped as someone walks past him.

Evan: "Don't Mind her. Come Michael. Let's go. I know a great place for burgers."

Michael: *Gasp* The image of his old friend group soon breaks as he now stares at his current friends walking ahead. He smiles to himself before picking up the paste to catch up.

"Hey guys! Wait up!"

End of Chapter 87