#zexade

It wasn't a long walk surprisingly, the train station was only a 10 minute walk and the laboratory that Miyuki works on was just the next station over. The problem was, the transportation was slow, with a sudden stop every 5 minutes because of crowds of animals around the railway, which is why it took 30 minutes just to arrive at the laboratory. Miyuki arrived and gave the security guard her card while she entered the lab and walked towards the library. The library was a big triangle-shaped room with bookshelves that is probably around 15 metres reaching the ceiling. She looked around but there was no one in the room, she sighs in relief and looks at us. “If there are any people who come in, hurry and hide okay? This laboratory is filled with high-tech and smart scientists, they could easily spot that you aren't on our planet if they found you. Now go and research what you want, here's an alarm if you need my help,” Miyuki instructed, giving me a bracelet with a yellow button. We all nodded as she left the room, “So, try to look for information about Yeolara and see if there is a map to go back to Zexade from Yeolara.” They all nodded, we all spread out and looked around for any information in each bookshelf.

The books I've found so far aren't even what I'm supposed to find. Mollusks and Where to find them, Genetics with Animals, and other unusual study books. I sigh, I've checked my side and looked to Kaina or Shigene if they found something. It seems Shigene is too busy reading about spacecraft books while Kaina is focusing on finding the books. I sat down close to my side of the bookshelf and took a break. After a few minutes, I felt someone tap on my shoulder. I opened my eyes and saw that Kaina was the one who tapped me on the shoulder and I can see that Shigene is looking at a book on the table that is in the middle of the room. I got up and walked to Shigene with Kaina. “Kaina found something,” Shigene moved aside to show the page, and I saw a map. 

The map showed The Galaxy of Palioxis, in the far left is a yellow planet Yeolara, while the far left is Zexade. Beside Yeolara is a red flaming planet named Xiutania, Siyestia is a royal blue planet, while Vilvion planet is the colour of white, but for some reason I couldn’t find Racarro’s planet. “If you turn the page here, you can see the descriptions of the planet.” Kaina showed, turning the page. I read all the planets descriptions;

-Yeolara, A planet known for its old school materials, without the use of technology other than lights and aircrafts, they can survive in the wild easily. Known for having the most Jaguars and is safe for all wild and endangered animals to live in. Yeolara could be called the kindest and welcoming people, but if you cross them they can fight with the help of nature.

-Xiutania, A planet known for its mighty people and hot temperature. Anybody outside of Xiutania who tries to enter and visit or even just step foot on the planet could die immediately due to the hot temperature. Without Xiutania’s Rose Quartz, the planet might have already disintegrated and turned into ashes already. Other than the environment, Xiutanian’s are known to be hot-headed, aggressive, tough and strong people. 

-Siyestia, A planet known for its rich water and cold temperatures. Their planet and Xiutania’s are the exact opposites. While Xiutania is known for its hot environment, Siyestia is known for its cold environment, even though they are the exact opposites of each other the 2 planets have the closest relationship than any other planet. Other than temperature, Siyestia's mines are filled with crystals and many other things, which is how Xiutania have their rose quartz. 

-Vilvion, A planet known for its high wind that always lives with eolic energy, due to the strong wind they always have everyday. Vilvionese believes that if the wind calms down meaning that everywhere is peaceful. Vilvionese aren't the kind of people who would start a fight, nor would they want to continue, They simply leave when a conflict happens and defend themselves, which makes them called cowards.

-Raccaro, There's… nothing. “What happened to Raccaro?” Kaina asks. It turns out that a page of Raccaro is ripped. “Because it's an uninhabited planet.” Someone said, we faced the source of the voice and saw a person in a lab coat arms crossed. “Now that you got your information, It's my turn.” She said entering the room and locked the door behind her. “Sit.” She ordered and we hurriedly sat down on the chairs while she took the one across from us. “Who are you?”

“M-my name’s Hitoka, Hitoka Uwahori.. This is Kaina Kokyou and Shigene Kawabayashi, Ma-am..” I stutter as we three look down at our feet.

“You're not from here? Are you? And I mean a different Planet?” She asked as our eyes widened, well I guess we're going to jail and die here.. I slowly looked up a little and saw her smile and chuckled.

“I see, well, welcome to Yeolara, Zexades.” She said, our eyes widened as we never told what planet we came from. “Silly me, I'm the Discoverer of Yeolara Fusa Yanohara. Poor Miyuki thinks she hid this secret well. It’s alright though, I just need your permission letter and you're free to go.” The Discoverer said, putting her hand out. We sheepishly looked at each other, “You see Mrs. Discoverer..” Shigene starts talking. “We never were supposed to be here, We were just in a competition until suddenly POW! We launched to another planet. So yeah, something like that and our spaceship is broken so we’re trying to get out of the planet here, not stay..”

“I see.. Then I have no choice but to do this to you.” She said, forcing us to wear a purple glowing Bracelet. “Please show this to Miyuki, I want her to come into my office tomorrow by 3 pm sharp, I hope she knows that she has to come. Well I got to go now, have a nice day!” She waved and left the room. After she left I sigh, We’re in big trouble..

(Michine Susukida POV)

“Ok we're going first! Take care guys!” Miyuki said as she left with Hitoka, Kaina and Shigene. We waved them goodbye and went back inside, I spotted Syuuken eating coughs and drinking some spills, making me concerned. Syuuken then grabbed his bag and looked towards us. “Are you guys ready? I need to run some errands.” We all nodded and got ready to leave.

After going out, we can see a lot of people running back and forth everywhere in the market. Syuuken took the lead and went inside the market while we followed him behind. Looking around, the things Yeolara sells are different from Zexade. They’re selling Wood, weird shaped fruits and a live flapping creature out of a water getting cut, with- a microwave canned food? I sigh loudly not getting how they were able to survive eating Canned Food. Usually with Zexade it would be filled with iron or Meat, Nuts, Granola bars- Now I want a Granola bar. “Michine?” Kasuka asked

“Huh? Oh yes, it's just- so different, Yeolara and Zexade, I'm not used to seeing what they're selling.”

“I agree, how is it possible to have a creature on water?” Riho joins in.

“You guys don't know about fish?” Syuuken then asks while paying for his groceries. We all shook our heads no as we looked at Syuuken who’s eyes had widened. “What about Birds?”

“You mean like that annoying Cockatoo or Parrots?” Tatsuru asks, gritting her teeth remembering a Cockatoo’s sound.

“No. Like a Bar-tailed Godwit or Flamingo? At Least an owl??” We shook our heads again.

“Wherever you guys come from must be so isolated!” 

“Syuuken, what are those green paper in the poles?” Kasuka asks, pointing on a brown pole with green papers coming out of the pole.

“You mean trees?”

“What’s that sticking out of the trees?”

“It's called branches, if they're small and weak it's called twigs.”

“What about that eyesore origami?” Tatsuru pointed.

“Those are flowers, You guys don't know about Nature??” Syuuken said in disbelief. “Then how are you living without plants?” We all shrugged. “We just get it, we don't really know how.” He sighs and leads us to a shop. 

“Ma’am! I'd like to send the groceries to my house, Grime Row”

“Ok got it! Thank you for your goods, we’ll send it to your door in 45 minutes, have fun!” and old lady said appearing from the counter out of nowhere

“You trust an old lady?” Tatsuru scoff

“That old lady is the most trustworthy person in this area, if anything happens she could be here to help us. Now you all follow me, We’ve got a lot of learning to do.” Syuuken ordered us. We followed him to a place full of trees and he spoke again. “Where we are at, is called a forest, Tropical Forest to be exact. It's a place where there are nature everywhere, Animals, Plants-”

“Trees?” Kasuka cut him off.

“Yes. Trees too, Hintry Jaguar Grove is a hot, moist rainforest where it rains all year long. Thankfully not today yet. Be Careful of the veins, now Let me show you.” 

We looked around the place in awe, it was a beautiful sight with flowers on the ground following the path, trees were possibly 10x taller than us like they could reach the sky surrounding us, the smell was refreshing and not filled with smokey gas. I can hear creatures with wings singing a tune and I smiled at them. I focused on the tune they were singing and hummed a melody that popped into my mind. I grabbed 2 twigs on the path and played some beats, turning my speakers on. 

(Music)

After I finished I heard applause, and I looked into the corner of my eye and saw Syuuken and the girls applauding me. “As expected from Michine!” Kasuka cheered. I smiled and bowed to everybody. “Amazing!” Syuuken complimented.

“Thanks!-” Suddenly a loud growl was heard, We looked around in a panic, 

“Jaguars..” Syuuken mumbled

“What's a Jaguar?” Tatsuru asks worriedly, we all walked backwards huddled together looking for the said Jaguar. Tatsuru picked up a bigger twig that seemed stronger, Riho and Kasuka clenched her fist while I got my speakers ready. “Jaguars are the third largest cat species in the world,  they don't actually attack you, unless you provoke them so don’t be seen like you want to attack them. Just have your weapon get close to you just in case, but don't hold it out, So I want your hands away from the weapons.” Syuuken ordered. We slowly let go of our weapons and waited for Syuuken’s orders. “Look up,” Syuuken said in awe, we look up to a beautiful pair of White and Black Jaguars hanging on the trees. The black Jaguar then dropped down in front of Syuuken and carefully walked towards him. Syuuken got on his knees and petted him. “Sorry, we didn't know, we won't interrupt you guys again.” The Jaguar purred and got up. “Lets go, they were in the middle of mating, I guess with Michine singing, it surprised them and interrupted their mating.” We all blushed from the information and we hurriedly left while Syuuken waved goodbye to the Jaguars. “That was embarrassing.” Riho groaned.

“Tell me about it.” Tatsuru said.

“At Least we know some information about rainforests?” Kasuka tried to lighten the mood. They all then started to talk about what they learned in the rainforest, while I walked behind them, Syuuken beside me. “Well? What do you think of nature?” Syuuken asked.

“It's fine, really interesting and fascinating.”

“Well, I hope this inspires you to grow trees now”

“Maybe, but I don't think any tools could do that.”

“All you need is soil, water, sun, and a seed-” Syuuken coughs violently.

“Are you okay?!” I panic, patting his back, small droplets of blood start to come out of his mouth. After he calmed down he said. “It's fine, I'm fine, don't need to worry.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, Let’s go somewhere else, Follow me.” Syuuken said walking faster. I hope he’s okay..

‘SLAM’ Mr. Ogurita thumped his hand on the table of his office, phone calls ringing non stop filled with the teacher's panic and parents complaining. “Mr. Ogurita, we need to do something, the student’s parents want answers, even Mr. Kawabayashi wants to know where her daughter went!” Mr. Ogurita’s assistant said.

“I get it! We are trying our best to find the answer too, so please! Tell the parents we are on the search and they must wait for some update.”

“But sir-”

“GO!” Mr. Ogurita shouted, pushing his assistant out of the office. The assistant was stunned by his actions, but after realising his surroundings he smirked, pulled out his phone and dialled a number. “Boss, it has happened, our plan is exactly what we expected. At this point, everybody will know the truth and the Discoverer will fall down!” 

“I'm impressed, Sadayori. Tell me, how were you able to switch USB’s?”

“That Kawabayashi girl is so naive, I just bump her into a cafe she was in after her meeting. Quickly switching the USB she dropped.” Sadayori explained.

“I chose the right person for this job, I bet she didn't notice the colour of the USB because of your charms huh?”

“I don't want to be narcissistic but yes, she even asks for my number.” He groaned.

“How about the launch?”

“Launch and was able to cross the border. They're currently in Yeolara, you can also track them in the link I gave you before Boss.”

“Good, keep up the good work and I’ll consider giving you a raise. But just remember. If you do something funny, you’ll know what happens to your family.” The other end of the call said and turned off. Sadayori sigh, turning his phone showing a picture of  a girl and him together.

“Hang in there, Sada will save you.”

We look out the window and see a spaceship coming towards us, “What's that..” Riho asked. Suddenly a claw that was attached to the spaceship reached us, we held on to each other as the spaceship shakes. “What's happening??” Shigene panicked.

“Everythings gonna be okay, Kaina! Try to get in contact with that spaceship!” 

“Are you crazy Captain??? How are you sure that contacting the spaceship wouldn’t worsen our situation?”

“We should just cut that claw from our spaceship!”

“No Tatsuru! First of all we dont know what that claw is capable of, Second this spaceship came from Yeolara and we know nothing about this planet! The best option we have is to talk it out with them and see why they’re here.” Riho explained.

“Hello? Can anyone hear me?” A voice appeared and Kaina fixed the call. “Yes, Hi we can hear you, can you please tell us why you're grabbing us?”

“OH! Humans!! And they can understand us!” 

“We aren’t humans, we are people from Zexade, I'd like to talk to you about the reason your class is in our spaceship.”

“Oh! Because it's not safe to be in our planet's atmosphere without a proper pass, Don't worry! We’ll help you to be safe, please let us drag your spaceship to land.”

“We?” Kasuka asked.

“Oh! There's more people in! Syuuken, we need to go fast! Start the boost up!” The person on the call said and hung up.

“What just happened?..” Michine asked confuse.

“I think we need to sit down, everybody! To your seats.” I told them as we hurriedly went to our seats and brace ourselves for whatever’s gonna happen. Suddenly the spaceship was pulled so fast, thankfully we sat in our chairs. If it weren't for the chair we would be at the back of the spaceship. I just hope we can get back to Zexade soon.

“Welcome! Come in! Come in, we’ve cleaned up a little bit. Come sit sit!” The said girl invited us to her small dining table. There weren't many chairs so Kasuka, Kaina, me and Tatsuru stood up while the rest were seated. We safely landed in Yeolara and the couple invited us to their house.

“I'm sorry, but who are you? How come you let a stranger, actually 7 strangers into your house?”

“That's because Miyuki likes to help. Let me introduce myself. I'm Syuuken Imatara, she's Miyuki Saihara, you are?” He asked. 

“Hi.. Im Hitoka Iwahori, this is Kasuka Fukuhara, Tatsuru Setan, Kaina Kakyou. The ones sitting are Michine Susukida, Riho Nozoi and Shigene Kawabayashi, were from Zexade.” I introduce myself and the others. After saying that, both the couple’s eyes widened.

“So.. what are you guys doing here? How were you able to get here?” Miyuki asks, leaning forward on her chair. 

“That's what we're confused too, we know we're not supposed to be here but somehow our spaceship drove us here.” Riho explained.

“I think you need to check on that, Miyuki go help her please.” He said petting and kissed her head, “I'll go Lunch.”

“Ok! Let's go, let's see the problem with your spaceship.” We all got up from our seats and led Miyuki to our spaceship.

I look at us and notice that Michine wasn't following us. I tapped Kasuka on the shoulder and whispered “I'm gonna find Michine, we need our Technician present, take care of the group for a moment while I'm gone. If she ask anything, let Shigene or Riho answer it.” 

“Got it, go get Michine.” Kasuka thumbs up as I go back to the dining room. The door open slightly, but before I open I heard Michine say something; “Are you sure your okay? You were coughing a lot after Miyuki left.”

“Yes I'm fine, just a cold I guess.”

“Ok..” “Are you sureeeee your okay?” she asked again.

“Yes I'm fine!” I look through the door gap and seeing Michine’s hand in his forehead, probably feeling his temperature.

“Your temperature seems fine, you sure sure?”

“Yes, please go, Miyuki and your friends might be looking for you right now.” Syuuken said, taking her hand off of his forehead.

“Ok.. But are you sure sure su-”

“Michine, there you are, lets go I think the others are there already.” I said stepping in, stopping Michine from making Syuuken mad. “Ok! See you later,” We both left Syuuken in the dining room and walked our way to our spaceship. It was quiet in the way, very unusual for Michine to be like that but I didn't start a conversation too. “Hitoka,” Michine said. “What does it mean? If you're coughing up blood?” My eyes widened, taken aback by what she said.

“I-i don't know, I think there’s a disease causing it but I don't know what the name is.”

“I see..”

“Is there something wrong?” 

“No, it's fine, I'm just curious. Let's go faster! They might be waiting for us” Michine smiled and hurried her walking, I catched up to her to the spaceship and as we enter we heard shouting. 

“Listen here Riho! I am an Engineer! I know my stuff around here!”

“Says the person who mispronounced cable and Kabul '' Riho rolled her eyes to Shigene.

“Guyss, no more fighting please! Miyuki is here” Kasuka said, trying to stop the fight.

“What's happening?” I asked entering the room with Michine

“Just 2 girls fighting about mispronunciation. Miyuki’s checking the USB” Tatsuru shrugged. We went to her Riho’s workspace where Miyuki is to look at the data, “So? Anything wrong?” 

“It seems the USB controls the way you're going, it says here you're going to Yeolara and… huh.. This is weird? I can't see your next destination?..” Miyuki starts typing away on the keyboard. “It seems you're going to 5 other planets after Yeolara and then go home.”

“What?!” Shigene shouted. “Are you saying that we have to go to 5 other planets to go home?? There's no U-turn? How am I gonna go home?? My allowance?? The expensive brand in ambassadoring?? My reputation???” Kaina then caught Shigene dramatically fainted, I could even see Riho roll her eyes.

“Don't worry guys! I can take care of this, I'll have to go to the local library and some tools to make the USB go back to your planet! Thank god I'm going to work tomorrow!” Suddenly a song was playing, we all looked at each other finding the source of music. “Oops! Sorry guys, Syuuken must have set an alarm for me.”

“What is that annoying song?” Tatsuru gritted her teeth.

“It's me and Syuuken’s song! Baby You! Here listen!” Miyuki said as she turned on the song.

Honey baby you Baby you 好きになっちゃうよ

好き好き好き 好 Kiss me baby

君にあげる 世界一の愛してる

Honey baby you Baby you 好きになっちゃうよ

好き好き好き 好 Kiss me baby

他の誰にもあげないで 愛してる

ほらまたすぐ目が合ったし

Everyday Everywhere 繋がっていたいよ

あーまた期待してばっかで

もう白黒つけたいけど怖いの

「スキ」って 2 文字が言えない

友達の方が楽なんだけど

You know I love you

なんでこんな恋って苦しいの

“It's one of the songs I treasure the most! Anyway, let's go back, Syuuken must be finished at this time.” We all nodded our heads and left the spaceship towards the dining room before seeing Syuuken taking out plates. “Syuuken! Let me help” Miyuki said, taking the plates from him and placing them on the table. We all sat down comfortably in the chair and talked about our spaceship problems. “I just had an idea.” Shigene says her eyes lit up.

“Of course we're not gonna bring the whole team with us to the local library, and because Syuuken has a day off, why not 4 of us join Syuuken on his day off? Maybe learn about Yeolara while we still have the time to be here, it's like a free vacation!” 

“Well Syuuken?”

“Sure.. Just be on your best behaviour, got that?” We all nodded. 

“Shigene and I definitely need to come with Miyuki, so.. Who else wants to join us?” I asked, I saw Kaina’s hand being raised and I gave her a smile, “Kaina will join us then, we would need someone who can help identify and research some stuff. Kasuka I trust you will take care of them?” She nodded and smiled.

“Well I guess it's getting late! You guys should get some rest, I have 2 guest bedrooms fit for 4 each, you guys can sleep there. Me and Syuuken have our own don't worry! Have a good night!” Miyuki waved us goodbye as we went to the said guest bedroom. I slept with Shigene and Kaina in 1 room, while the rest were in the other room. Let's just hope we can get out of here as fast as possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once we entered the classroom, a lot of our male classmates offered seats beside them to Kasuka, as usual Kasuka rejected all of their offers and sat beside me in the front of the class. 

We heard footsteps entering our classroom and saw Mr. Ogurita holding his tablet and getting on a step stool, wanting to announce something. “Students, you have recently had a quiz this morning in first period, am I right? Now, Let me inform you all about the reason we told you to do the quiz. The school has applied to everybody in the whole school to join The Spaceship Science Fair. From the 1st year to the 9th year, we teachers will be deciding groups and each will have at least 1 in each year. I hope you know that this fair will be graded for your science class. So please do your best and I mean it. your seniors may have failed us, but we won't let you fail this year. We will announce your group this lunch. You will meet your teammates this afternoon in study building. Now let's review the test shall we?” I slumped in my chair, I'm definitely gonna fail this year like my seniors. Kasuka patted me, comforting me. I guess it depends on who my teammates are I guess..

That evening, I was told to go to the private study hall number 309 on the third floor. I held my breath in. Here goes nothing I thought to myself as I entered the room. I looked around the room and recognized familiar faces like Kasuka and Michine who are currently running to hug me. I continued to look around while being squeezed by Michine and noticed Riho and Shigene from the cafeteria earlier. Sitting far apart from each other, looking away from each other with 2 girl between them. 1 giving a serious watch between them while the other was just on her tablet.

“Your late.” The girl said with a stern look. “Your name, year and ranking now.”

“Uhh Hitoka Uwahori, 9th year and currently in the..”

“Hold up, I see you.” Shigene said, stifling her laughter. “You're that senior who got the lowest rank in the whole school, am I right? Pathetic” she chuckled as I looked down. I could feel everybody staring at me and judging me, I felt someone touch my shoulder, I looked up to see Kasuka beside me. “Hitoka was just startled and couldn’t focus right, she’s actually really smart and strong!” Michine tried to defend me. As much as I appreciate it, I’m nowhere close to that Michine..

“Then prove it.” I look back seeing Riho standing up.

“Why don’t you do chapter 17 quiz 5 in your 9th year ebook?” Riho said, handing her tablet filled with all the years of ebooks.

“And try to hit that dummy over there.” The serious girl said, giving me her stick and pointing to the dummy at the corner. “Oh Riho! The poor Senior! Dont force her to pass a test that only your selfish brain could do.” Shigene said sarcastically but it seemed to piss her off. 

“Like you could do any better? And i'm not a selfish person like you Shigene, with your ‘daddy’s’ money and all, I’m starting to think you bought your way to the number 1 top!” 

“Ugh! You always think that! Why can't you understand that I'm not one who takes advantage of my dad’s money? You're always assuming the worst! No wonder why-“

“Guys pls dont fight!” The girl who was on her tablet finally spoke.

“She speaks.” Shigene said. 

After a moment of silence we heard the door open revealing Mr. Ogurita at the door. “Ah! I see everybody is here now?” We looked around and noticed that we were missing year 2, 3, 5 and 8.

“We’re missing some grades.” The serious girl said.

“We did that on purpose, sorry, we didn't have much 8th years so we switched with 9th years. 3 was also in a shortage of students so we put in an extra 4th year. The 2nd and 5th years that were supposed to be in your group didn't want to join this fair and left the university for good, which is off but oh well. How is everybody feeling?”

“I'd like to change groups pls!” Shigene shouted. “Mr. Ogurita please! Or else I'm telling my dad!”

“I'm sorry Shigene, but the Discoverer was the one who chose the group. Not us teachers, and investors.”

(The Discoverer, he's really old right now but around his 20s he is the founder of Zexade. Guide this city for 50 years and is told to be human as it was him. Who brought Humans to Zexade.)

We look at each other, “The discoverer has also chosen the captain for this group, so Hitoka, you will be their captain in this group?” My eyes widened as everybody faced me. Michine and Kasuka smiled and gave me thumbs up. I sigh and nodded, Mr Ogurita seems delighted, 

“Oh here's the USB, this is filled with all the information you need for the competition. It includes the map, data of the spaceship and all the other necessities. Now I must go introduce the other group about this competition, Bye!” He hurriedly left, handing me the USB. 

After Mr. Ogurita left and I sigh as I sat on the chair nearby. “Guess we should get to know each other first. Hi, I'm Hitoka Uwahori, I am your senior in 9th year and I'd love to work with you all!” They all look at each other then join me to sit down. The serious girl introduced herself first. “My name is Tatsuru Setan, I'm in 6th year. I was ranked highest in the driving test.” 

Kasuka then coughed, interrupting Tatsuru. “Hi, I'm Kasuka Fukuhara and I'm the oldest here, also a 9th year, and we are tied in first place, so you're not the highest.” 

“Whatever. You, quiet girl.” Tatsuru said, pointing to the girl who had been quiet in the whole situation.

“Uhm.. Hi, I'm Kaina Kokyou, a first year student.” She said shyly.

“My name is Shigene! Shigene Kawabayashi!” Shigene introduced. “As you know, my father has generously invested in this university and all blah blah, but I'm also smart as I am the Highest ranked student in Engineering obviously.” 

“That obviously your father took care of.” Riho mumbled, Shigene glare at her then said. “Oh Riho! It seems you're SO excited to talk, why don't you stand up and talk with that mouth of yours that you always couldn't shut up in class?”

“Shigene I swear-“

“Ok! I'll go first!” Michine interrupted them. “Hi my name is Michine! I'm a 4th year student and.. it's nice to meet you! Fun fact I love music so much that I made these speakers to protect myself!” She showed everybody her speakers in her waist.

“Information that we don't need to know but oh well. Let me introduce myself properly.” She glared to Shigene. “My name is Riho Nozoi, I'm a 4th year student and I want us to win this competition. So enough introduction and lets get started.” She got up and took the USB from me and put it on her laptop.

“Oi Riho,  isn’t it a bit rude to do that to our new captain?” Shigene said.

“Well we’ve wasted 30 minutes bickering and introducing ourselves. We need to catch up and work with this immediately.” Riho said. 

“Based on the data of the spaceship we need 2 pilots. A co-pilot and a pilot. Well in this case, Tatsuru and Kasuka, you guys decide who will take that job.” Kasuka and Tatsuru then glance at each other, smiling bitterly. “Settle the debate later, Michine, I'm assigning you for a Technician job. Kaina, Navigator-”

“Woah woah hold up Riho, Isn't it supposed to be the captain’s job?” Kasuka asked. Everybody agreed and Riho sighs. “Fine, what do you think, captain?” Now everybody faces towards me.

“W-well, we need to see Kasuka and Tatsuru skills to decide on the job.” I said looking through the laptop for more information. “I think Michine deserves to be the technician, and Kaina as the navigator also matches. Shigene as the engineer, and Riho it seems the only option left for this is programmer, and I think it's a perfect fit for you.” Everybody nodded.

“So what should we do first, Captain?” Tatsuru asked.

“Well there is already a list here, so let's just follow the list. But first decide the pilot and co-pilot.” I said taking the USB out of the laptop. “And we need to keep this in a safe place.”

“You can hand that to me, I have a very well protected safe.” Shigene flexed as Riho rolled her eyes behind her. “Are you sure you aren't gonna get it confused with the fake one?”

“I'll tell you that I wont get myself confused with it. You can trust me Hitoka.” I smiled at her and gave her the USB.

“Shall we go to the field now?” I asked and they all nodded their heads.

“Let’s go over there,” I said going to our station and prepared ourselves to ride the spaceship.

“Shigine could get me the USB drive? To set up the map they have given us,”

“Here you go,” Riho plugged in the USB.

“Is it just me or does the USB look different?” Asked Michine.

“Not really probably the lighting that's why it's lighter I guess, no need to worry.” Kasuka reassured me. 

After a few minutes we all saw a guy that is probably the staff as he was dressed as every teacher came towards our station, “I'm sorry, it seems that we have told you the wrong station, your station is actually over here. Please follow me.” We nodded as we brought all of our stuff towards the station on the other side.

“Hellllooooo students of Zexade University in Stem! I hope you had a good night's sleep because today, you will be exploring the area with a spaceship! Now let me tell you the rules now, please do not go outside of the border if that is possible, if you are lost you can just press the emergency orange button. Foods and supplies are enough for you to last about a week which is more than enough, The event will start once you are launched! The launch will be automated by us and then we will leave every responsibility in your hands. Shall we start?”

We got into our spaceship and wore our helmets,

“Is everybody ready?” I ask.

“Yes captain!” 

“Pilot, Co-pilot? Let’s drive” Tatsuru and Kasuka nodded to each other as they got ready for the launch. Then.. BOOM! We were launching, but farther than what we expected, we were holding on our chairs. I don't think we are supposed to launch this far, are we going to pass the border?? “Kaina what’s happening?? Aren’t we supposed to launch at least 7 km away? Where are we going?” 

“Captain! I don't know what is happening! I cant get any signals from the university either! If this doesn't stop we’re gonna get out of the Zexade barrier, we’ll be off the planet!” 

“Kasuka, get ready!” Tatsuru said.

“What?!”

“This spaceship is definitely not going to stop even if we get out of the Zexade planet at least we can help avoid asteroids as pilots, So hurry and get the wheel ready! Captain!” Tatsuru called me. “What should we do?”

“I-I don't know! Just avoid the asteroids at least until we’re in the clear, Kaina checks where at Zexade are we close at,” I panicked.

“Riho! The USB has no signals of Zexade!” Kaina told her

“What? That's impossible! We have the same USB as far as I can remember.” Riho quickly checked the USB on her laptop, then she stopped. “Shigene! What did you do?!”

“Me? I didn't do anything!”

“You were the one who held the USB!”

“I swear I've put it into my real safe vase! Not the bait one! And you said at the start it looks the same!” 

“Don't blame this on me, you're the one who has been holding it the whole time since yesterday!”

“Enough fighting you two!” Tatsuru shouted.

“Uhh guys?” Michine warn, A huge asteroid came forward, “Tatsuru!!” Everybody looks at the front wide eyes. Tatsuru grunted, pulling the wheel to the left trying to avoid it. It hit us, at the back of the engine. “Shit! Michine check what's happening?” Tatsuru asked.

“The back engine is stuck! If we dont fix it the engine will force itself to work and it could break! We’ll be lost in the galaxy if we don't fix it and we won't be able to drive this, Shigene I need you to wear a suit and go outside to fix it this instant!” 

“While we’re still in the air?” I panic,

“It's okay! I can do it! Captain, watch my back!” Shigene hurriedly went to the back wearing a suit as I catch and attach a rope on her, “Be Careful of the asteroids,” 

“It's okay captain, I can do this.” She said and got out of the ship as I held the rope tightly. 

“I see asteroids stuck in the engine, big ones! It's gonna take awhile so please help me avoid the other asteroids to not make more of it stuck.” Shigene said into her mic.

“Ok Hold on, I'll try to find a safe space,” Tatsuru said. I held the rope tightly as Tatsuru made a sharp left turn. “I can't go fast! You need to fix the engine immediately so we can get out of here!” 

“They're big, I need help!” 

“Michine, I need your help and hold this, I’ll help Shigene” I said.

“Got it captain!” She got up and held the rope as I put the suit on and tied myself on the rope bringing my own tools. I then met Shigene, the asteroids were big enough to get stuck in the engines and there were also a lot. “I need you to hold them while I try to pull out.” Shigene give instructions while I followed. “It works!” Tatsuru said at her mic. “Full speed!” 

“Wait Tatsuru! They aren’t inside yet-“ Kasuka tried to warn but Tatsuru pressed the break, the spaceship was very fast, it was so fast that me and Shigene were being pulled by the roped. “Riho! Help us a little?!” Shigene shouted at the mic,

“Tatsuru! We need to slow down! Shigene and Hitoka are still out there! Michine must be suffering for holding them while we’re at full speed right now!” Riho told Tatsuru, but it seems that she wasn't hearing her. Suddenly Kasuka took over the wheel, “which way Kaina?” 

“Go Right!” Kaina said, Kasuka turned the wheel to the right and we have finally gotten out. We all sigh with relief as we are finally in a safe area where asteroids won't be able to hit us.

“Michine, can you bring us in back?” I asked as she agreed and pulled both of the ropes. 

“Thanks Michine,”

“You're welcome!” 

“I told you to slow down!” Someone yelled.

“Uhh guys?” Kaina appeared at the door. “We need help here.” Me and Shigene got out of our clothes and hurried to see what's going on inside. We see Tatsuru and Riho having an argument, Kasuka was holding Tatsuru, because it seems that she could want to kill Riho. If looks could kill, Riho would be dead. “Woah woah woah! Calm down guys, we were just in a panic, at least we’re fine!” Shigene said going in between them.

“You have no right to say that! Look where we’re at! Don't you see we’re outside of THE Zexade planet border? If it weren't for you giving me the wrong USB we wouldn't be able to be here in the first place!”

“Excuse me Riho! You were the one who said they look the exact same even after Michine asked you!” Shigene said back, then a full blown argument between Riho, Shigene and Tatsuru happened. Kasuka, me and Michine were all trying to solve this problem and hold them back from going into a fight. “Guys?” Kaina said, interrupting us all. “Is there something wrong Kaina?” I ask going towards her desk.

“I got signals.. But not from Zexade,”

“Who is it then?”

“Yeolara?” All of our eyes went wide hearing the planet’s name.

I was running as fast as I could until I heard a sound. “MeowW” I immediately looked up. A cat is being tied into a balloon and is being lifted, the cat keeps meowing as other passersby look up and panic calling for help. I sigh as I look at the time and the cat, The cat is in danger yet I'm late for class.. What should I do? 

I shook my head and sigh. I climb on a lamp post and jump towards a near window, I switch something in my shoes into  ‘anti-gravity’ and jump towards the cat. I grab the cat and switch back my shoes back to ‘normal’. I safely landed and untied the cat from the balloon. He licked my hand and left me to an alleyway. I smiled, facing away from the cat, then I realized the time “Oh shit! I'm late!” I hurriedly sprinted and was the last to enter the university gate. “Made it..” I panted as I collected myself.

“You may have not been late from the gate closing but you definitely will be late for class!” A student shouted, I groaned and continued running for my class. 

I suddenly bumped into a girl, she quickly faced me and suddenly I heard a very loud song making me cover my ears. “AAAA” I shouted, tumbling over and closing my ears. “Oh I'm so sorry!”

“It's fine..” I said, opening my ears and grabbing her hand to get up after she turned off the song. “That was loud.” I said tapping on my ears.

“Yeah.. sorry, its just- reflex, I thought you were a guy who was gonna touch me. Are you okay?”

“Yes I’m alright. I must say, that is an impressive machine.”

“Thanks! I'm not really a strong person so I try to find alternatives in defending myself! The name’s Michine Susukida.” 

“Hitoka Uwahori, it's nice to meet you. What class are you?” I asked as we shook hands.

“4B!” Michine said as I nodded,

“I see.. junior, i'm in 9C. 5 year difference I guess.”

“Guess so. Can I ask you a question?”

“Go on,”

“Why were you running before?” I gasp as I remember that I'm late, “I'm so sorry! I'm running late to class, Bye! See you another time Susukida!” I left in a hurry and climbed the stairs to the 9th floor.

I entered the class and bowed “I'm so sorry for being late!” 

“Uhm.. Uwahori, the teacher hasn’t arrived yet, you can sit,” one of my classmates and seat mate Kasuka Fukuhara said, taking her bag out of my chair. I sat on my chair and sigh in relief, “Thank god I wasn’t late this time!”

“You really are lucky! Thought this was gonna be your 7th time, good thing the teacher is now late.” Kasuka said as I nodded my head agreeing with her. 

Kasuka Fukuhara is a friend of mine I've met in my 6th year, she was the only one I’ve hung out with the rest of my university life. She is the prettiest person in my year and has always been popular with boys. She's not only pretty but also kind, she would always help me with school, go do donations or just buy us lunch if we didn't bring any money. People tend to forget and underestimate her from her looks but actually she is really good when it comes to driving, no matter what transportation is, she has the same skill as her father I guess.

“I would be dead if I was late. Oh right! Isn't this the first time a teacher is late?”

“I think so, so much for ‘Always be on time! I respect your time, you respect my time!’ I knew he was lying.” She said mimicking last month's lesson. I laughed with her and suddenly the door opened, making the whole class silent. Our teacher Mr. Ogurita arrived, writing ‘Spaceship’ on the board.

“Ok Listen class! Please open your ebook to chapter 5 and do quiz 1, you are only allowed to go to the bathroom 3 times no more. Answer as many questions as you can, you have 3 hours.” We hurriedly opened our tablets and did the quiz. It was filled with engineering spaceships, technology in a spaceship and our planet's history. 

Far in the quiz I felt someone tap my shoulder, “I just finished the quiz, be careful there’s a surprise driving test in the end.” Kasuka warned. I nodded and continued focusing on my quiz. So far? it's going bad, it's harder than what I expected.

“3 hours have passed, turn off your tablets everybody,” the teacher said as everybody in the class put down their tablets. “Here is your ranking,” It was shown on the front board in our class. I saw Kasuka’s name in the top 15, as expected. If there is anything to do with driving she is always good with it. I got back to reality, realizing that I was nowhere, where’s mine?..

There it was, at the very bottom with 50 points. Compared with the highest who has 230 points gap, 

I sigh as I realize my ranking and slumped on the table. “It's ok Hitoka! I bet you did your best! you can do it!”

“Thanks Kasuka..”

“In the quiz, there are 6 sections, Engineering, Technology, History, Identification, Science and Driving. Class dismissed.” 

I sigh, knowing exactly I didn't make it to any of the sections, what even is this quiz for? 

“Come on! I want to see what section we got the highest,” Kasuka said, suddenly a of boys asked.

“Kasuka! Do you want to see them together?”

“Oh! no thank you! I'm with Hitoka bye!” She politely declines as she drag me outside to the canteen.

We grab our lunch as we open our phones to see who ranks the highest. “Engineering: Shigene Kawabayashi”

“Driving: Tatsuru Setan, Kasuka Fukuhara” tied in first place? Didn't know that was possible.

“Identification: Kaina Kokyou” A first year? Amazing skills.

“Science: Riho Nozoi” seems like she’s in 6th grade,

“History: Riho Nozoi” Again??

“Technology: Michine Susukida” Michine? Feel like I've heard that name before..

“Hello! Itsssss Michine!!” Someone then said to me, making me jump. I turn around seeing Michine,

“It's nice to see you again.. Meet my friend, Kasuka.” 

“Kasuka?!!!!! YOU MEANT THE KASUKA FUKUHARA WHO TIED FIRST PLACE WITH TATSURU SETAN??” She shouted getting closer to Kasuka.

“Yep! That's me, Hi!! I'm guessing your name is Michine Susukida right?” 

“She knows me!” Michine shake me hard, then she cleared her throat. “Yep, it's nice to meet you!” Michine held her hand out as they both shake hands.

“Say, how did you 2 met? I thought that Hitoka only has 1 friend? Not to be rude Hitoka.” Kasuka said and I gave her a weak thumbs up, so tired from being shaken.

“Actually, We just met this morning. I actually want to invite you to eat lunch with me Hitoka, Kasuka. You can join too if you want.” Michine said.

“I'd love to! Let’s go Hitoka” Kasuka said carrying me to the cafeteria with Michine.

In the cafeteria we had a good time with Michine, she makes everything funny and we all had a good laugh with her jokes, “Excuse me!” someone said, we turned around and saw a girl in her 6th year looking all so fancy. Everybody in the cafeteria mumbled and some even called her out like she’s some sort of celebrity, they all gathered around her. “I said, excuse me!” and people finally made their way. “Must’ve felt good huh? Being the ‘center’ of attention?” A girl with glasses said, rolling her eyes.

“Oh my dear Riho! It does! Why? Are you jealous?” 

“Not really, At Least I dont have people invading my personal space Shigene.” she talked back. 

“I see..” Kasuka said and Michine nod too. “I heard Shigene Kawabayashi is the daughter of one of the investors in the school, that’s why people look up to her.” Kasuka said.

“They both have been in the same class for 6 years yet it looks like they’ve been like this longer, there’s a rumor going around that Shigene Kawabayashi and Riho Nozoi have been rivals since kindergarten.” Michine added as I listened tentatively. 

We minded our business and started talking about the quiz and about Michine, but we were then interrupted when Riho and Shigene are arguing in the back, making a scene in the cafeteria. They sure do fight a lot..