Chapter 5: Why I hate This Place

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: High University- Cafeteria)

(Scene: Baku is seen in the cafeteria with his friends)

*The cafeteria served pretty good food for breakfast and lunch; the school administrators worked hard to make sure it was free to the students as well. They could choose from very healthy choices like fruit, milk, and salad, or go get some burgers, fries, pizza and soda. The cafeteria was very large and spacious, consisting of practically two areas that were connected to each other with plenty of tables and seating, inside and out.

*One room was where all of the preppy and popular kids sat together carefree and only really stressing over their none-problems such as who's dating who and keeping up with teen trends. In the other room was where everybody else sat; nerds, geeks, jocks and tough guys, along with edgy and introverted students and their cliques had their tables they liked to occupy.

*The students would be making fun of each other, making beats off of knocking on the tables, and just being louder than the otherside. The cafeteria itself wasn't even segregated by class, social status or anything. It has just always been this way, and everybody silently agreed to it for some odd reason. Baku and his friends sat on the not so preppy side of the cafeteria.

[Baku]: Guys, I swear to the freakin' Goddess, Princess Savannah spoke to me in Astronomy class! She even said my name!

[Barrtio]: *Unbelieving* Ehhh... I don't believe in you, I think you’re full of shit…

[Finn]: *Unbelieving* Yeeaaah... You probably just said something stupid and embarrassed yourself…

[Baku]: Why won't you jerks believe in me!? You guys suck…

[Millia Grendar]: *Smiling* Don't worry, Baku! I believe in you!

[Baku]: *Sigh* Sorry Milly, but for some reason, getting affirmation from you on this matter, doesn't really matter…

[Barrtio]: So, what do you guys want to do after school today?

[Finn]: Let's take a vote on who doesn't want to come here tomorrow. All for not coming to school tomorrow say, "Aye".

[Barrtio and Finn]: "Aye!"

[Baku]: Sorry guys, but I still want to keep my promise to my mom.

[Millia Grendar]: And I want to help Baku study.

[Barrtio and Finn]: *Uugghh*... Laaammmeee…

*The crew hears shouting coming from across the cafeteria, it's Badass Julio and his goons harassing Leonidas Quark and his geek squad.

[Badass Julio]: HEYYY!!! WHICH ONE OF YOU FREAKIN DUMBASSES SABOTAGED MY RESEARCH PAPERS!!! THEY WERE EACH SUPPOSED TO HAVE 30,000 WORDS AND ONE OF 'EM ONLY HAD 22,683 AAANNNDDD IT GOT A C-!!!

[Leonidas Quark]: *Nervously* H-h-hello Mr. Julio, sir. Uhh... I-I err, I was the one that did all 5 your Old Literature research papers each with 30,000 words and 15 cited sources--

*Julio lifts Leonidas up by the cuff of his uniform collar.

[Badass Julio]: *Grrr* DAMN IT, QUARK! YOU FUCKED ME OUT OF MY STRAIGHT A RECORD! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU JUST COST ME!?

*Baku gets up from his table, fed up with Julio.

[Baku]: Okay, fuck this bullshit!

[Millia Grendar]: Baku! Wait, stop!

[Barrtio]: C'mon, Finn!

[Finn]: Right behind ya!

*Baku confronts Julio and his goons who are terrorizing Leonidas and his geek squad.

[Baku]: *Angrily Shouts* YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT! LEAVE HIM THE HELL ALONE!

[Badass Julio]: Baku... What the hell do you want!?

[Baku]: *Staring intensely* I told you... to let go of my friend…

[Badass Julio]: Friend? You mean this dumbass!? This nerdy loser idiot is your "friend"? ... Ehh, okay…

*Julio drops Leonidas to the floor and faces Baku.

[Badass Julio]: *Grinning* Now you got my attention… Because as I recall, you seem to have forgotten where you belong...

*Julio shoves Baku and the half of the cafeteria where they sat beings cheering for a fight. People on the other side were confused by all the noise.

[Crowd of students]: *Ecstatically* FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

[Baku]: *Sigh* Oh great, now all these jackasses want a show... *Thinking to himself* This is why I hate this place… Everybody’s so blinded by only thinking about themselves, that no one even bothered to help the kid getting tossed around in the first place. On top of that, they rather see a fight break out as opposed to maybe getting one of the many utterly useless teachers to step in and do something about this dumbass…

[Baku]: Then again, what did I expect from this shitty school… It’s like I said before; you're either a popular and filthy rich Royal who no one would dare bother, a nerdy loser that nobody knows or gives a crap about, or a dumbass that bullies the geeks that no one stands up to… But what does that make me? Just an idiot who does things and puts himself in situations he can’t handle or get himself out of before thinking about it… I’m totally outnumbered by this dumbass and his band of idiots… So what do I do?

*Barrtio and Finn come to the side of Baku.

[Barrtio]: Everything okay here, Baku?

[Finn]: We don't want any trouble here, gentlemen.

[Baku]: *Sigh* *Thinking to himself* My friends are here to bail me out, again… Thanks guys…. Everything's fine. We were just wrapping things up here.

[Badass Julio]: Oh, really now? I thought you had some business to handle with me and my men here. Well if we are done, let me leave you with a parting gift…

*Julio takes a cup of soda and dumps it over Baku's head ruining his favorite outfit and then pushes him onto the floor, sitting in a puddle of soda as the crowds cheering intensifies.

[Barrtio]: *ANGRILY SHOUTING* OH HELL NO! BAKU, YOU JUST GONNA LET 'EM DO THAT TO YOU!?

[Finn]: *SHOUTING* BAKU, GET UP!

*Baku remembers Millia’s words.

[Baku]: *Quietly* ...Guys calm down, it's not worth it…

*The crowd starts booing at Baku and his friends.

[Badass Julio]: *Scoffs* Yeah, that's what I thought, you little punk… Remember where you belong, field scum...

*Julio and his crew leave the cafeteria. The crowd of students dispurts, displeased with the outcome of the altercation. Baku quietly gets up off the ground soaking wet.

[Barrtio]: Baku, you okay dude?

[Finn]: Baku...?

[Baku]: ....... *Smiling* Hehe, I'm fine guys. I just want to know if you’re okay, Leo?

[Leonidas Quark]: B-B-Baku, I'm fine! Really, I am! Thanks for helping out me and my friends just now, I really owe you one!

[Baku]: *Cleaning himself up* It's not a problem! Just start doing my homework for a while instead, kay?

[Leonidas Quark]: Okay!

*The bell rings ending the lunch period.

[Baku]: Well, there's the bell, time for gym class guys… For better or for worse… Anyways, I'll be seeing you, Leo!

[Leonidas Quark]: See ya, Baku!

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: High University- Track and Field)

(Scene: Baku and his friends appear outside for gym class. They stood grouped up at a large field that served many different sporting functions)

[Mrs. Strong]: *Enthusiastically* Alright, soldiers! Let's begin our warm ups!

*Baku and his friends begin their stretches and such.

[Mrs. Strong]: Alright, troopers! Line up for a three-lap jog!

[Finn]: *Ugh* I hate running…

[Millia Grendar]: *Sigh* Stop complaining fatty, you need to do more cardio so you're better prepared for our next heist, and maybe your big round tummy won't compromise things like last time.

[Finn]: I thought we agreed that wasn't my fault…

[Millia Grendar]: We didn't agree on anything, you moron…

[Barrtio]: Hey, Baku! Bet I'm still faster than you!

[Baku]: I want to call bullshit, but I'm terrible at pacing myself at jogging. I much rather just run or sprint... Whoa, check out Savannah and her friends in their gym clothes…

*Princess Savannah and her friends are seen sitting on the bleachers. The princess and Lady Akamiko's gym uniforms were perhaps a little too small for their well developed bodies, and Lady Yamabushi was doing some stretches before joining the other students.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: You guys aren't participating today?

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Naaah, I'm too pretty to sweat.

[Halenday Medellon]: *Smiling* Go have fun, sweetie!

[Princess Savannah]: *Flirtingly* Break your legs, my darling.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Yes, Princess. I shall decimate my opponents, for you…

*Ayurielli lines up with the rest of the students on the track, making everybody around her nervous. The cold aura and dominating presence she gives off is strong enough to make even the most masculine football players and gym jocks shudder.

[Mrs. Strong]: Alright, warriors! Remember to pace yourselves, don't overdo it... Aanndd *WHISTLE!!!*

*Ayurielli immediately rockets past all of the students leaving everybody in the dust as they try to pace themselves.

[Millia Grendar]: *jogging* There's goes Lady Yamabushi again. She’s as epic as ever, as expected.

[Barrtio]: Seriously, was she a war goddess in a past life or something? Screw this, I'm gonna catch up to her! *Starts sprinting*

[Baku]: Damn it, I want to sprint, but I know that if I do, I'll expend too much energy too quickly... Fuck it, I'm going for it. I'M COMING FOR YOU BARRTIOOO!!! *Starts dashing for Barrtio*

[Finn]: *Sweating and panting heavily* Hey guys, don't leave me behind!

*The run is nearing its end; however, nobody was able to catch up to Ayurielli Yamabushi who finished running three laps in less than five minutes and is completely unfazed by the raw energy she just exerted.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Are the other students done with their run yet? I've been waiting for approximately 10 minutes now…

[Mrs. Strong]: Ah, Lady Yamabushi. You're already done with your three-lap jog, I see. Perhaps I should attempt adding an extra layer of challenge for such a gifted royal, such as yourself. So, will I be seeing you at this evenings kendo event?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Yes, ma'am. Today I intended to implement a new technique into my combat style. Even though the competition will be nonexistent as per usual, today's matches will bring me up to 50 consecutive victories since the start of the school year.

[Mrs. Strong]: Hahaha! The confidence is "strong" with you! I like it!

*Baku and his friends finally finish their jog. Barrtio attempted to keep up with Lady Yamabushi, but he failed miserably, as even his 5'10" at 150 lbs athletic build and ebony skin was left drenched in sweat.

[Barrtio]: *Huff* Damn it, she really is inhuman… She was done with her run entirely before I finished my first lap...

[Baku]: *Huff* *Huff* Hooolllyyy crap... I shouldn't have sprinted that hard… I feel like my lungs are on fire….

[Millia Grendar]: Are you okay, Baku? Mrs. Strong told you not to overextend... Want some cold water?

[Baku]: *Wheezing* Yeeesss…

[Finn]: *Huuuuffff* *Huuuuffff* Heyyy guuuyyysss... I made it... Hey, Millia, can I have some of your ice cold water, pleaseee???

[Millia Grendar]: Sorry, Finn, but I only have enough for me and Baku.

[Finn]: *Huff* *Huff* Y-you can't be serious?

[Millia Grendar]: I'm totally fucking with you right now, but I'm focusing my attention on Baku because I care about him more than I do you.

[Finn]: Y-you're cold-blooded!

[Millia Grendar]: I'm not cold-blooded, I just don't care about you... As much…

[Finn]: That's the same thing!

[Mrs. Strong]: *WHISTLE* Alright, gladiators! Now that we're done with our warm up, it's time to play DOOODGEBAAALLL!!! Split up in two teams and get those balls flyin'!

*The students split up into two teams of twelve, dodgeballs of differing colors are spread erratically about the court.

[Barrtio]: Alright you guys, let's try to get picks early on and get a numbers advantage!

[Millia Grendar]: Cool, you guys do that and I'll stay back and just pass you the balls that land by me-- ... *Bop* H-hey, wait a minute!

[Mrs. Strong]: *WHISTLE* Millia, yoouu're out!

[Millia Grendar]: *Sniff* S-sorry guys, I suck at competitive sports…

*Millia walks off the dodgeball court teary eyed.

[Finn]: Damn it, they got Millia! The enemy team is gonna pay- *Bonk* Hey! I was in the middle of a monologue, you jerks!

[Mrs. Strong]: *WHISTLE* Finn, yoouu're out!

[Barrtio]: Geez, we're dropping like flies. But we've barely got any hits on their side. Baku! What's the plan!?

[Baku]: What!? C'mon dude, you know I'm not good at making plans on the fly! Besides you’re the mastermind behind all of our escapades!

[Barrtio]: Escapades!? What in the world are you using advanced English in gym class for!?

[Baku]: What are you talking about? That's third grade grammar, fourth at best!

[Barrtio]: What the hell!? You damn nerd! Has Leonidas rubbed off on you or somethin-- *Boink*

[Mrs. Strong]: *WHISTLE* Barrtio, yoouu're out!

[Baku]: Oh... Sorry for distracting you there, buddy…

[Barrtio]: ... Welp, good luck without me…

*Barrtio spirits away from the dodgeball court.

*On the opposite side of the field. Ayurielli picks up a lone dodgeball.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: ... With this dodgeball... I shall eliminate my targets at once…

*Ayurielli launches the ball at an insanely high speed with a mean spin on it. Amazingly, she takes out another six players in one-shot purely by it rochetting off of the targets and none of them being able to catch it.

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: ... This game is unentertaining to me... I am done playing now…

*Ayurielli slightly tosses a ball to Baku which he catches, causing her to drop out of the game.

[Badass Julio]: What the crap was that!? You're just gonna give up!?

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: I never give up, you fool. I just decide when I'm done participating in these childish games… I’d rather spend my energy elsewhere, like a dojo...

*Ayurielli sits with her friends on the bleachers.

[Mitsune Akamiko]: Wooow... That was super cool, Yuri-chan!

[Halenday Medellon]: Elegant as always, my little milkshake!

[Ayurielli Yamabushi]: Please don't try to flatter me, you guys… It was never even a challenge…

[Princess Savannah]: *Flirtingly* You're so cute when you act edgy.

[Baku]: Well... At least I don't have to worry about Ayurielli anymore... Here's my chance to take out Dumbass Julio for what he did earlier at lunch…

*Baku throws the dodgeball at Julio with all his strength while he’s distracted, but the badass catches it one handed without even looking.

[Badass Julio]: *Scoffs* Oh, I'm sorry. Was this meant for me?

[Mrs. Strong]: *WHISTLE* Baku, yoouu're out!

[Baku]: *Shocked* *Thinking to himself* What the hell!? He caught the damn ball without even facing me... How the crap did he do that!? Damn it, now I'm out too…

*Baku turns around to walk off of the dodgeball field.

[Barrtio]: BAKU, WATCH OUT!

*Baku tries to react, but not before--

*BIIINNNKKK!!!

*Baku blacks out.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: High University- Nurse's Office)

(Scene: Baku wakes up in the nurse’s office surrounded by his friends)

*Baku wakes up in the nurse's office with a black eye.

[Baku]: *Uugghh* ... Where the hell am I?

[Finn]: You're in the nurse's office, Baku…

[Barrtio]: How you feeling, little buddy?

[Baku]: I'm fine guys... Don't worry about me…

[Millia Grendar]: *Angrily* Just what in the world is Julio's problem with Baku!?

[Barrtio]: I don't even remember the exact reason why anymore… But ever since third grade he just gradually became more and more of a complete douche throughout the years… He’s a problem in and out of school. We’re always having to fight his dumbass followers because they hate us like their jackass leader...

[Finn]: Yeah, we definitely cut him off at the point his harassing became malicious, and that started back when we were kids… But still, none of us ever did anything to make him straight up hate us… Now we have to watch our backs out of school too... It’s just stupid that he hates us the most for no reason...

[Millia Grendar]: *Annoyed* No, he hates Baku the most for no reason and it’s not fair! What the hell does Baku have that he doesn’t!? He’s a freakin’ peasant! That sounds so childishly petty just thinking about it! If it weren’t for the fact I can’t use any power in my royalty status to get that bastard expunged from the school, and restrained from Baku forever-- *Grrr!!!* It pisses me off like mad!

[Baku]: Millia, I said I’m fine… Quit yelling, and please, calm down…

[Millia Grendar]: *The pink haired girl looks down to the floor saddened* …...

[Nurse]: Okay, Baku. If you’re feeling better, you are free to go. Just remember to keep ice on your wound until it reduces in its intensity.

*Baku and his friends leave the nurses office.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Main City- Main Street)

(Scene: Baku and his friends quietly walk home from school)

*Baku quietly walks home far ahead of his friends who quietly follow him carrying with him his still dampened clothes.

[Barrtio]: …

[Millia Grendar]: …

[Finn]: ... B-Baku...?

[Baku]: *Voice shaking* I'll see you guys t-tomorrow…

*Baku splits off from his friends leaving them behind and runs headed towards the Crystal Fields.

(Setting: Crystal Fields: Baku's Home- Kitchen Area)

(Scene: Baku comes home from school and faces his mother)

*Baku enters his house as his mother is preparing a meal.

[Nicolatrice]: *Smiling* Welcome home, Ba- *Shocked* *Gasp* !!!

*Baku's mother sees what happened to him and drops a bowl of cream out of intense shock.

[Nicolatrice]: *Frantically Worried* Oh my Goddess, Baku! What happened!? Are you okay!?

[Baku]: I'm fine, Mom…

[Nicolatrice]: *Still Worried* Tell me what happened! Did someone hit you!? This is all my fault! I shouldn't have made you got to school if you didn't want to!

[Baku]: Mom, I said I'm fine, really. A big door just swung open on me. The nurse told me to keep ice on it until it recovers...

[Nicolatrice]: *Teary eyed* B-Baku...?

[Baku]: I'm still feeling dizzy, so I'm going to lay down now. Goodnight…

*Baku turns his back to his mother and goes to his bedroom and closes the door on her, locking it and separating himself from Nicolatrice. When Baku is finally alone, he throws his book bag into his bed with force and slowly begins to breakdown.

[Baku]: *Sniffling* *Teary eyed* *Thinking to himself* Damn it! Why the hell am I so weak…!? Why do I have to rely on my friends so freaking much to protect me… !? Why do I have to be the weak one!? ... I want to be the one strong enough to put that miserable piece of trash in his place... But how the hell am I going to do that... If I can’t even freakin’ protect myself...

*Baku falls asleep for the night trouble minded.