Author's Note: Hey guys! Busy busy! I've decided to make the MC speech a blue colour. Everything else will be white! Please let me know what you think.

Chapter 20.5: Miko

-Mayu Ryusaki’s POV-

[swoosh, swoosh]

It’s dawn. A powerful melody echoed throughout the empty streets. A symphony full of passion and vigor causes your heart to race.... Like sticks beating a drum, the wooden blades were beating the air; it was a symphony of swords. All the students in the dojo sang in unison as they continued their morning ritual. In the midst of the raging fire was a flower. A beautiful flower. Her sweet fragrance was her aura; her pale petals was her skin. Tall, slim, and dignified. This flower was named Mayu. Mayu Ryusaki.

“Keep swinging! 100 more to go!” (Mayu)

[hah! hah! hah!]

“Mayu that’s enough. It’s time for school!” (Master)

“Yes grampa~” (Mayu)

Mayu was excited. Today was a special event that’s only held twice a year at Fukuoka High; today was the sports festival! Mayu quickly showered before donning her tracksuit. Her long black hair swayed in the wind as she jogged towards the school entrance. It was still early in the morning, she was expecting to be the first one there. However...

“Oh! Morning Mayu!” (Sora)

“...” (Mayu)

Mayu ignored Sora as she continue to jog past him.

“Hup! One-two-three. One-two-three” (Sora)

“Tsk” (Mayu)

Can’t you keep to yourself? So annoying.

Mayu never spoke to Sora before, she recalled seeing him several times throughout middle school, but every time their eyes met, she had the sudden urge to strangle him. Mayu continued to stretch as the other students slowly made their way towards the yard. By the time the last student arrived, the principal stood at a makeshift podium.

“Hello Students. Today we will hosting our tradition Autumn’s Sport Fest!” (Principal)

The principal's speech was typically drawn out and boring. Mayu was impatient; she wanted to start the games. Mayu lived her whole life for this very moment. She wanted the whole school to know just exactly who Mayu Ryusaki was, and the sports fest was the perfect opportunity to do just that. As the principal’s speech came to a close, he pulled out a black gift card from his pocket.

“Oh, I almost forgot! The top five students with the most points will receive a $200 beautification coupon for the game Golden Age. I heard it’s rather popular with the youth nowadays” (Principal)

“Kyaaa!” (Student)

“Woooh! I’m pumped!” (Student)

“Wah! I want it!” (Student)

The principal just lit a fire in everyone hearts! Everyone wanted the prize. The students eagerly followed the teachers' directions as they formed groups of 10. Mayu found herself in the same group as Sora.

“Tsk” (Mayu)

The first challenge was called ‘the cross walk’. Several wooden beams were suspended above the ground. The objective was a tightrope act, students had to cross the beams to the other side; falling off meant restarting the course from the start. Mayu was first up.

“Number 78, go!” (Teacher)

Mayu gracefully made her way through the course.

“Time! 38.4 seconds! Good job 78!” (Teacher)

Obviously.

Mayu sat down while waiting for the remaining students to finish.

“1 minute, 12 seconds! Good job 132” (Teacher)

Heh. Pathetic.

“Okay, last up, 13” (Teacher)

Mayu wasn't expecting any competition among the 1st years. She continued to close her eyes as she enjoyed the cool breeze against her skin...

“Time! 36.8 seconds! Good job 13!” (Teacher)

Wah?!

Mayu eyes were wide opened. The thought of someone beating her in a physical challenge was unbelievable! She looked up to see who the mysterious person was.

Tsk.

It was Sora. Mayu continued to glare at Sora as they made their way to the next obstacle. This time she was ready to stomp Sora in the next challenge. In front of the students were a series of ropes hanging above and between several platforms. The ropes were like vines hanging off trees in a dense tropical jungle, they were positioned so that the students would be able to swing from one platform to the next. First up again was Mayu.

“Number 78, start!” (Teacher)

Mayu made quick work of the obstacle, she was efficient, clever and athletic. The students and the teacher applauded as Mayu landed gracefully on the final platform.

“Time! 2 minutes, 8.2 seconds! Good job” (Teacher)

Next up was Sora. Mayu was slightly out of breath but her eyes were full of determination, or should I say, vengeance. She carefully watched Sora’s every move...

“Number 13, start!” (Teacher)

Like an ape in the wild, swinging through the Amazons, Sora was in the zone. He propelled himself forward, giving him enough momentum to bypass every other rope. His movements were fluid, no hesitation could be seen on his face. As Sora finished the obstacle, everyone’s mouth was wide open.

“T-time! 1 minute, 51 seconds!” (Teacher)

“Wow! Did you see that?” (Student)

“No way, that wasn't human!” (Student)

Mayu was now staring daggers in Sora’s back. How was it possible for anyone to beat her? Mayu had been training with her grampa ever since she was 8. She had to sacrifice her time, friends and family to reach, what she believed as, the pinnacle of human physique. She was lean, hardly any body fat! Her toned legs and arms were seductively deadly weapons, her thin waist only distinguished more of her physical prowess. Mayu was mad.

“Okay students, gather around at the starting line” (Teacher)

The next challenge. A 5 km jog around a designated city block. Teachers were located throughout the route to guide the students in the right direction. Everyone took their starting pose. Mayu wasn't even looking ahead, she was glaring at Sora the whole time.

“Ready-Set-Go!” (Teacher)

With a wave of the flag, the students took off. Each obstacle had their own point system. Most challenges were worth 5 points, some 10. However, this one was worth a whopping 50 points! The points are distributed by ranking. The top 10 students for each event will get a perfect score, while the other students score diminished depending on how they ranked. Mayu couldn't care less about the points, all she wanted was to beat Sora!

Mayu burst of speed put her first. She was grinning as she left all the other students behind in the dust. Halfway through the race, Mayu heard loud footsteps approaching her. She started to get goosebumps. Who was it? Who was fast enough to catch up to her? Turning her head, her jaw dropped as she recognized who it was. Sora.

“Dammit!” (Mayu)

Mayu started to pick up the pace, she had to get Sora off her tail!

“Hey! Watch out!” (Sora)

“Hu-” (Mayu)

[crash]

Mayu ran straight into a cart full of watermelons. The heavy cart toppled over, landing over her legs. She screamed in pain as the cart owner heaved the wooden cart off of her.

“Are you alright?!” (Cart owner)

“Hey! Are you okay?!” (Sora)

Mayu was frustrated. She knew the race was over for her. There was absolutely no way she could compete. She pouted as she watched Sora help the uncle reload any salvageable watermelons.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Thank you lad. Please take care of the little missus” (Cart owner)

“Don’t worry sir. I’ll handle it from here” (Sora)

Mayu wasn't paying attention as Sora walked over to her. She watched as the other students jogged by without even batting an eye at her misfortune. Evil thoughts ran through her mind. How despicable humans were, not even lending a hand to an injured person. Everyone just wanted to prize. As she was lost in thought, Sora’s faced popped out of nowhere!

“Hey Mayu! Are you listening?” (Sora)

“What?!” (Mayu)

“I’ll carry you to the infirmary” (Sora)

“I don’t need your help!” (Mayu)

Mayu got up from the ground, however the pain was sharp. She didn't realize, but both her legs were hurt. She couldn't put any pressure on either ankles.

“Ow!” (Mayu)

Before she collapsed, Sora caught her by the chest.

“Hey, it’s not safe to walk when you're injured” (Sora)

“I know that!” (Mayu)

“Then let me carry you!” (Sora)

“C-can you stop groping my chest?!” (Mayu)

“Opps!” (Sora)

“Eek!” (Mayu)

Without Sora’s support, Mayu fell on her hands. She glared at Sora as he made an apologetic expression. Mayu watched as Sora squatted down, giving her his back.

“Hop on. I’ll give you a piggyback ride” (Sora)

Mayu was reluctant but Sora was right. She needed medical attention. She didn't know if it was a sprain or a fracture. Mayu pulled herself over Sora’s shoulder and linked her arms as Sora tucked his hands under her knees. It was a slow trek, since they were halfway, Sora continued ahead towards the finish line. Mayu mind lingered over the harsh training she’s been through as a child. The training caused her to be disciplined, responsible and independent...perhaps too independent. She never relied on anyone besides her parents and grandparents. Mayu didn't like the feeling of receiving help, especially from someone close to her age.

As they continued, Mayu finally noticed how intimate their skin contact really was! Her breast were pressing against Sora’s back, his hands were rubbing against her thighs! How indecent! Mayu started squirming as she continued to pull on Sora’s ears.

“Hey, let me down!” (Mayu)

“Wha-stop that! We’re gonna fall!” (Sora)

[thump]

As predicted, Sora couldn't keep his balance as Mayu continued to bang on his head. oddly enough, Mayu soon found herself in an even more indecent position! Arching over her body, with his hands on her chest, was Sora. Their eyes locked for a moment as Sora started to blush.

“S-sorry” (Sora)

“G-get off me!” (Mayu)

Kicking Sora off wasn't the best idea. The pressure on her foot made her cringed as Sora backed off. Mayu heart just skipped a beat in that intense moment. She never had a boys face so close to hers. She sat up as she mull over how unfortunate it was to be stuck with Sora! Out of all the student, why ‘Sora’?! As she continued her train of thoughts, Sora picked her up like a princess and started to walk.

“Wah! Hey!” (Mayu)

“What?” (Sora)

Mayu started to smack Sora across the face. She was pissed.

“Why don’t you just leave me alone? I'm sure you want the prize like everyone else!” (Mayu)

“No can do!” (Sora)

“Why not?!” (Mayu)

“Cause a hero doesn't leave anyone behind!” (Sora)

*doki-doki*

Mayu started to blush. Since when was Sora this cool? Little did she know, Sora was just reciting a line from his favourite childhood cartoon. Mayu wrapped her arms around Sora’s neck while pressing her cheeks against his chest. She never noticed how fit Sora was. His chest was well developed and his arms were toned. She couldn't figure out why she hated Sora before, looking at him now, he didn't look half bad.

“H-hey! Stop looking at my breast!” (Mayu)

“I-I’m not looking!” (Sora)

“Hentai!” (Mayu)

As they reached the finished line, the teacher ran up towards them.

“Hey! Is everything okay?!” (Teacher)

“I think she sprain her ankle, can we get the nurse to look after her?” (Sora)

“Of course! Stay right here! I’ll get someone to come over” (Teacher)

***

Later that evening, Mayu had time off from her daily training thanks to her injury. She decided not to waste time lingering around and log into her favourite game. As she got into her capsule she kept thinking about Sora, she couldn't get him out of her mind.

Welcome to Golden Age! Player detected

Welcome back Miko

A single room. Looking around, Miko recognized one of her party member, AwesomeDude.

“Hey Awesomedude, you’re on early” (Miko)

“Yeah! Just making some extra potions as a precaution. I saw you during the sports fest, everything okay?” (Awesomedude)

“Y-yes. Why are you asking?” (Miko)

“I saw Sora carrying you to-” (Awesomedude)

“W-wait!” (Miko)

“Huh?” (Awesomedude)

“Did anyone else see?” (Miko)

“I don’t think so” (Awesome dude)

“Good.... Please don’t tell anyone, okay?” (Miko)

Miko averted her eyes from Awesomedude. She couldn’t gasps her true feelings. Just this morning she hated Sora’s guts, now she wanted to...

Get a hold of yourself! There’s no way I could like someone so lame...

As she continued to watch Awesomedude craft, the rest of the gang finally arrived.

“Hey, everyone’s here?” (Archer?)

“Obviously! What’s the point in having -Hawk eyes- if you’re gonna asked such stupid questions” (Silentblade)

“Shut the fuck up Blade! I’m just checking!” (Archer?)

“Hey, stop arguing guys, the ship is here!” (Awesomedude)

The group of 5 boarded the ship. It was a large wooden vessel with 3 huge sails. On the side of the ship, a metal plate with the words ‘St. Marie Voyager’. As the last person entered the ship, the captain made his grand appearance to the deck. He was a tough looking sailor, no older than 30. If it wasn't for his eccentric fashion sense and flamboyant posture, you would probably mistaken him for any other sailor. He cleared his throat before speaking to the crowd.

“Listen up! Our destination is the demon continent! This is a one way trip! Anyone caught without a ticket gets to spend the night sleeping in the brig!” (Captain)

“Harharhar!” (Sailors)

The captain gazed around the audience before raising his hand.

“...Alrighty men! Hoist the sails! We’re off!” (Captain)

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