[IMA]

(i apologize if what i type would offend some people...)

In the past, wars are everywhere and even now, it still exist.

War is nearby. War is everywhere. Thinking that war can be stopped is truly naive but having that way of thinking probably has its own perks too. Having that thought in mind, the government decided to build a Military Academy. Philippines was the first country to build that academy since they lack military power. Other countries observed if it will go well or not and unexpectedly, the project was a success. Countries all over the world, first started experimenting by adding it in their electives. Those who took those as their classes, did better in the field and had a higher percentage of surviving. At first, the United States didn't act but because of the fear that weak countries would betray and surpass them, they joined in too for the sake of keeping the countries in check and also for the competition.

Philippines built the very first academy, second is Japan. Both countries are good for training because of its climate and terrain. The only problem was that in the Philippines, there is no such thing as snow and that was where they lack. Since other countries come and go to different places to train, they proposed to go International for the sake of the speed in transferring and lowering the cost. There are three (Main) International Military Academy and those are located in Canada, Japan, and Philippines.

Japan's Uniform:

Philippines' Uniform:

Canada's Uniform:

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Profile: (Japan)

Name: Nishino Ayumu
Nickname: "Hitman"
Appearance:

Age: 14
Weight: "Fit"
Height: 5'5
Birthdate: May 10
Specialty: Sniping (she can shoot anything with pin-point accuracy as long she can see the enemy no matter how far by using appropriate weapon)
Extra: All military schools have the Military elective when they attend middle school to college. Ayumu attended that elective from her first year of middle school.
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Profile: (Philippines)

Name: Selina Lopez
Nickname: "Assassin"
Appearance:

Age: 14
Weight: "Fit"
Height: 5'5
Birthdate: June 14
Specialty: Close Combat and Sniping
Extra: Her hobby is stargazing in the countryside. She is addicted to anime and manga so she usually pester Ayumu. Selina took lessons about military stuff since she was a child but she has common sense about the outside world. Her father was strict at her but when she entered middle school, she has the freedom to enjoy her school life.

__________________________________________________________

Date: April 15, X110
Country: Japan
Location: IMA --> Chairman's Office
[POV: Ayumu]
__________________________________________________________

"What do you mean by that, Chairman? Why do I have to go?", Ayumu replied angrily.

"Why are you against by the idea of being a transfer student? It's not like you'll spend the rest of your life there. Also, having a change of scenery would help improve your adaptability.", said the Chairman.

Ayumu sighed. "Why do I have to go? Is it because of my grades? My performance? I will improve it immediately if that is the case.", she replied calmly.

The chairman showed her a file. The file contains picture of Japanese Military Students. "Nishino-san, do you recognize some of this students?"

"Yes. They are the students who went missing. Hmmm.. Some of them transferred to the... Philippines?", having the conclusion that Philippines was behind the people who went missing, she had a horrible expression in her face.

The chairman quickly replied, "What you're thinking is wrong, Nishino-san. Well, at first I thought that way too but they had the other people found and those students are now under rehabilitation. They also asked us for help. It seems that they are also missing some people within and outside their country."

"So, you want me to investigate?", Ayumu said with a troubled face.

"Yes. But don't worry, I asked them to help you. Though I don't have any idea how many are assisting you. Anyway, I want you to investigate who are missing and who are the people that kidnapped them. Keep your profile low and don't cause trouble as much as possible. Also, your uniform will be replaced."

"Why does it need to be replaced? I think it's fine the way it is.", Ayumu replied with a confused expression.

"I forgot that this is your first time going overseas. When you transfer overseas, you will have the same uniform as them and you will receive a pin that has the symbol of the country where you came from.", the chairman replied and gave her new uniform and pin, "Pack your things. Tomorrow will be your flight. Good Luck, Nishino-san."

"Yes.", Ayumu replied and opened the door. Before she closes the door, she looked at the Chairman and said, "Say, can you do me a favor, sir?"

"It depends on what you are asking." the chairman looked at Ayumu.

"Can you send some of my friends to the Philippines? When the time comes, I might need a back-up."

"Alright. I will send someone but I won't promise that it will be your friend. If you need someone to aid you, it will be the one who is in par with you. If you are having trouble, I will send them to you."

"Thanks!", Ayumu left the room and became cheery for a bit.

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Date: April 16, X110
Country: Philippines
Location: IMA --> Airport
[POV: Ayumu]
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Ayumu waited for the teacher that will pick her up. She roamed around the airport for a bit and returned. She saw someone near her luggage and she approached the woman, "Excuse me but, are you the teacher that's supposed to pick me up?"

The woman replied, "Yes. I apologize if I'm late. Something came up in the school. Please follow me. We'll ride the jeep to the school.", she grabbed the student's luggage and both of them went inside the vehicle.

Inside the vehicle, Ayumu was tensed as she feels like everything is going too fast. "Um, if you won't mind, can I ask you something?", Ayumu started the conversation and it took her a lot of courage to talk.

"Yes, please ask me as much as possible. Also, please relax. I won't eat you.", said the woman and chuckled.

Ayumu felt relieved, "Then, can you first tell me your name?"

The woman looked surprised for a bit and smile, "My name is Joan Mendoza. I am the adviser of your class."

"I see.", she held out her hand, "I am Nishino Ayumu. My surname is Nishino and my first name is Ayumu. I heard that the rule of names in each country is different."

Joan took her hand and shook it. "I'm impressed by your knowledge.", she lets go of her hand.

"The chairman said that there will be someone who will help me in the investigation about the missing people. Are you the one?" she asked.

Joan had a surprised look in her face. "Does it mean that you don't know who you will be working with? This will prove troublesome.", she reached for her pocket and brought out her cellphone.

"Um, troublesome? Me?", Ayumu said with a nervous, annoyed, and irritated voice.

"Apologies. That's not what I meant. I said a while ago that something came up in the school that is why I was late, correct? Your partner is associated with that 'something'. We thought you already knew who it was." Joan messaged someone in her cellphone and a few minutes later, she received a reply. "It seems that you will be able to meet her in your dorm."

"I understand. I also apologize for what I said earlier. This is actually my first time studying in a different country so please correct me if I did something wrong." says Ayumu in a serious manner.

"Don't worry about it. I'll give you one advice. As much as possible, show respect. Well, when it comes to your partner, you can shout at her but be polite sometimes. We, Filipinos, are understanding but, if you cross a line that you shouldn't, guess what the two most common things happen.", says the adviser in order to tease her.

Ayumu became very nervous and she said in a weak voice, "Umm, if I have to guess Ignored and Bullied?"

Joan laughed, "Ignored and bullied? I don't think so. Is that common in Japan?"

Confused, she replied "In some schools, yes. Why are you laughing?"

"Nothing, really. It's just that you're too serious. Anyway, what happens is that well, you are some times ignored but if you apologize, they will probably forgive you. The other one is that they will tell you about your past. Again, please be understanding and don't give out secrets so easily. Anyway, we are near the school. Please prepare yourself. Another advice, if something happens, no matter what follow me.

Ayumu replied, "Yes.."

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Date: same day ; 2.00 PM
Country: Philippines
Location: IMA ---> School Grounds ---> In front of the Dormitory
[POV: Ayumu]
-------------------------------------------

The vehicle stopped. "It seems that I dozed off. That was unsightly." she thought to herself.

"Ah! It looks like you are awake, yes? Anyway, we are here." Joan exited the vehicle and opened the trunk to get the luggage out.

I also exited the vehicle and closed its the door. "Thank you for getting my bag out. I apologize if I slept, even though we're near the school."

"It's alright. It's actually quite a relief for me if you slept. Things will be a little hectic for you, most likely when she is your partner. Follow me please." Joan took the luggage and entered the dorm. The teacher and I both filled the paperwork and a student ID and a key, probably for my room, was given to me. The both of us headed to my room.

"Um, can you tell me who my partner is? I'm kind of interested since you are only referring to her as 'she' and 'her'." Ayumu, again, started the conversation.

"Well, she did told me to give you little information so I guess. Your partner's name is Selina Lopez. She one of the best student in this country, so of course she is popular and respected. Others consider her as a rival too, within or outside the country. Also, your partner is her only. Well, there are other people who will help you too in your investigation but, we prefer to do it by pairs for the time being so that you could deepen your relationship. Does that answer your question?" Joan said casually.

"Uh, yes it does. Wait, Lopez kind of ring a bell." Ayumu thought about it and remembered, "Lopez? As in Lopez, the family that created the IMA?"

"Yes. I'll give you an advice though. Ms. Lopez doesn't like being respected because she is from that family, okay? Well, she has her circumstances so I think it's better to ask her herself."

"I understand." Ayumu kept quiet after the conversation died down. Joan stopped and looked at the door.

"We are here. I wish you good luck. Last thing I want to say to you, please do bear with her and I apologize in her stead." Joan left quickly and Ayumu was left with those confusing words.

She decided to knock on the door but before she had done so, the door was opened.

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Date: same day ; 2.30 PM
Country: Philippines
Location: IMA Dorm ---> Ayumu and Selina's room
[POV: Ayumu]
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The door was opened by a girl. She asked me if I was Ayumu and I told her yes. She let me inside the room. I was speechless.

"My name is Selina Lopez. Well, nice to meet you, Nishino Ayumu-san." she held out her hand.

I held her hand, "Yes. It is also a pleasure to meet you.", I let go of her hand.

Selina went to her bed and smiled a bit, "Is this your first time seeing this kind of room? I thought that Japanese people have this kind of rooms."

"W-well, yes, some but, I never saw one personally before. A room full of anime figurines, bookshelves full of manga, and a drawer full of anime DVDs." she said while pointing at the objects.

"Come now, please do respect my hobby. Compared to my house, this is nothing. I have full set collections of the characters. I also have dakimakura of many anime characters and my game collections are also complete. Well, it's not like I didn't expect this kind of reaction. To tell you the truth, this is only an entertainment for some people. I just got obsessed to it, that's all." Selina said casually.

"But still, to have this much. Can't you deliver some of these back to your house, even in my bed there are a lot of your property. It's not like I don't like watching anime like Fairy Tail and other ongoing series but still. It's not like I care about your hobbies but please do take care of your property. I won't be held responsible if I accidentally stepped on one of your figurines." I sighed and tried to move carefully as not to step on any other things that Selina owns.

"Alright, you win. Please step out of the room for now. I'll clean it up."

"Okay, then. But please do not lock me out of the room."

"Yes, yes." Selina said while carrying my luggage out of the room.

I felt that I was kicked out of my own room. 5 minutes later, the door was opened by her and she let me in. The room doesn't even have a single speck of dust on it and the room doesn't have figurines either. Though the manga and DVDs are still there, it really didn't bother me as it can serve as entertainment. I went to my bed and started to organize my belongings.

"What? Not even a single thanks?" That's kind of cold, don't you think?" Selina said while reading her manga.

"Ah, I'm sorry. It's just that the room was so clean, I found myself speechless." she said and looked at Selina.

"Oh, I see. Well, thanks. Anyway, are you going to rest?" she talked but still reading her manga.

"Yeah, the trip was long and this is my first time going overseas so... please let me rest." I said and lay down on the bed.

"Well, it's not like anyone is forcing you not to sleep. Just relax. It's still our summer vacation and you will be a first year in June. Well, have a nice rest. If you ever want a tour, just tell me, I'll happily give you one. I'm always here anyway." Selina closed the book she was holding and went to her bookshelf to read another chapter.

"Yeah, I really appreciate it. Thanks." And I slept until night.

The next day...

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Date: April 17, X110 ; 5.00 AM
Country: Philippines
Location: IMA 1st Year Dorm ---> Ayumu and Selina's room (404)
[POV: Ayumu]
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I woke up. I believe it was five in the morning. I continued to organize my things and I also fixed my bed. I changed out of my pajama and put on my clothes for training. I went for a jog for about an hour and went to the gym for muscle training. After that, I returned to my room and showered. I went to the cafeteria to have breakfast.

"Can I sit next to you?" said by a girl.

"Yeah, sure." I just said casually and not caring even one bit about who she is.

"Thanks, then." The girl sat across me and I recognized her face. It was Selina. I was a little surprised because as I recall, I didn't saw her when I went out for a jog. Well, it could just me not paying attention to my surroundings but still.

"Seems that you are awake now. When you woke up this morning, you were making a lot of noise when you were organizing your things and I even called out to you 'cause you're so noisy. After you finished organizing, you changed to your gym clothes and went for a jog, correct? I even followed you and called your names a few times but no reaction. Well, seeing as there was no hope for you, I just went to my room and slept again. Can't believe I'm calling your name and you didn't even notice until you see my face." Selina laughed as she was telling the story and I was embarrassed about it. I know that my cheeks are turning red because my face felt hot.

Embarrassed, I just simply said, "I know already so please stop talking about it."

"I apologize" she laughed for a bit more and stopped. "Well, jokes aside, I was planning on evaluating you. But since it was your first time attending school in another country, I just let it slip. Your time should be open for today, yes?" Selina looked at Ayumu seriously.

"Y-yeah, it's open. I really didn't make any plans when I came here. It was on a spur of the moment actually." I said nervously.

"I see. That's good." Selina continued to eat her food.

"Um, do we have anything to do today?"

"Yeah, you could say that. After breakfast, I will evaluate you. I'll just ask some few questions and I will evaluate your physical strength. It really wouldn't take that long. A few hours maybe. And if we have time, I will discuss how the school works and how the investigation about missing students is coming around."

"Are things really that hectic here?" Ayumu asked and was waiting for a very good response.

"No, not really. There are no new episodes that could be watched and I don't feel like flipping pages and reading today. Might as well, turn this day interesting." Selina let out a huge sigh. After finishing her food, she came to get seconds. "Well, I might be one of the top students here but the reason why nobody wants to partner with me is because I am REALLY lazy. Well, it's not like I don't like doing those things but they are disturbing me. Whenever I am watching a series and marathon of an anime, they would interfere. I really don't like that. My concentration in watching disappeared when they interfere."

"Actually, anyone will be angry if you did that. I am finished with my breakfast. Are you going to evaluate me now?"

"When I am finished."

(Ayumu) "I'll just wait for you here. I'm done anyways."

"Thanks."

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Date: same day ; 8.30 AM
Country: Philippines
Location: IMA ---> Training room
[POV: Ayumu]
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After Selina finished eating her lunch, we went back to our room and changed our clothes. We went to the training hall. There are a few people practicing there. She made me sit there and she left. She returned a few minutes later and had a folder on her hand. She sat across to me and flipped through a few pages.

Probably after seeing the paper's contents, she made me change in my gym clothes. I changed out of my uniform. After I changed, she made me run a hundred laps around the gym. Then, she made me sit again. Selina flipped through some of the papers.

"Question one: If you are told to kill someone, will you do it?" Selina asked.

"It depends. If their reasoning isn't enough to persuade me, I will not kill him. But if evidence shows, I will do it." I answered.

"Question two: Will you betray your own country for the sake of saving the world?"

I thought about what the correct answer and I became quiet.

Selina looked at me and said, "You really don't need to give me a correct answer. Just give me your honest opinion."

I felt that she can see through me. I answered hesitantly but honestly, "If it is to save the world... I would probably betray my own country. As long as there is evidence, I would... do it."

She smiled faintly at me and her face became expressionless and looked at the files. "What if the evidence is wrong? What if your country was framed? What if you are the one who was being used?"

"I will search for the truth, even if it would cost me my life." I said with a firm resolution.

"I see." Selina said and was writing something on the file. I peeked but I got caught. I just laughed it off.

"You are quite interesting." Selina said and smiled a bit.

"What does that mean?" I became angry a tiny bit when she said that but I was also quite happy.

"Nothing really. Question three: Human Nature... well, you could say that human instinct is to always dominate and rule over the weak. The early law states that every people are equal. Meaning that dominating over the weak is unacceptable. If you are to choose one of these, what is it that you prefer?"

"Um, is it alright if I give my opinion?" I asked.

Selina looked up at me. "This test is to evaluate your personal opinion and personality. Does that answer your question?"

"Yes." I thought about what I will answer. Lost in thought, I forgot the question she gave me. I asked Selina and she repeated the question for me. I answered.

"I really have no preference. If one of those two would disappear, the world would change dramatically fast. In my opinion, our instincts and the early laws should be always together. Our instinct would help us survive in this world and whenever we crave for more, the law would help us with our decision. If I were to say, our instinct is our driving force and the law is like the warning sign and the limit."

"I see. Say, are you always this serious? I mean, do you even relax?” she sighed and looked at Ayumu, waiting for her response.

“Whatever do you mean? This test is to evaluate the personality of an individual, correct?” I look back at Selina.

She laughs. “You really are interesting. Anyway, please do your training. I will take notes of everything you do from here. After you finish doing that, you can rest for a bit and have a shower again. I will wait for you here. Also, if you want, I can bring you your clothes?”

“I happily accept your offer. Thanks!”

Ayumu started her training. She did ten laps around the gym and did some exercises. She did five pull-ups, fifteen sit-ups, and twenty squats and did four sets of it. She went to the weight training room. She did twelve lat pull downs, twelve shoulder raise, ten bench press, and other weight lifting exercises. The last in her list is to run for about ten laps around the gym, carrying a dummy that weighs seventy kilogram. Selina took notice of this and told her to either do ten laps while carrying a thirty kilogram dummy or do five laps while carrying a seventy kilogram dummy. Ayumu picked the first choice and proceeded doing her thing.

She rested for a bit and hit the shower. Ayumu felt refreshed and waited for her roommate for her change of clothes. Selina arrives with Ayumu’s clothes and a bag filled with snacks. She gave Ayumu food so that the possibility of her fainting will be lessened. She ate the food given to her by her partner and after that; they went back to their room.

“Say, do you need rest for today? It must be tiring since you only came here and you’re already doing some hard work.” Selina said worriedly.

“It’s alright.” I said while touching the tired parts of my body. “I would actually prefer eating lunch than resting. I’m hungry.”

I noticed Selina looking at the time. It was 11.17 at the clock. “Say, do you want to eat outside?” Selina asked.

“It’s fine with me to eat here. Why?”

“No. We are going to eat outside. When we’re at it, I will tell you about this school’s system, the regulations, and about the investigation.” Says her.

“Thanks.” I replied, “So, what should I wear?”

Selina said with a serious expression, “Plain clothes. Something that would blend in and NOT stand out.”

“O-okay then.” Confused by her words, I still did what she said. Not knowing what plain ordinary clothes here are in this country, I wore some frilly clothes and Selina got angry. She lent me one of her clothes and I wore it. She said that the clothes I’m wearing now are fine and we went off.

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Date: same day ; 12.30 PM
Country: Philippines
Location: Mall of Asia (MOA) ---> Teriyaki Boy Restaurant
[POV: Ayumu]
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When we arrived at the mall, it was already late and we decided to eat first, explore later. We are now inside a restaurant. We are now only waiting for the food to arrive.

“Do you always come here when you eat?” I started the conversation.

“Yes. They make delicious food in here and I highly recommend this place. Though it is quite expensive.” She chuckled a little bit and looked around the store, acting like a person who only first came here. In a small voice she said, “My first advice to you here is that always be alert. Check your surroundings first, look at the people’s faces and don’t attract unwanted attention.”

“Yes. I already did that though, when I entered the restaurant.” I replied in a soft voice.

Selina smiled a little, “Good work. Anyway, the food is here. Let us enjoy it.”

“Yes!”

We ate our food and left. We looked at different shops in the mall and played some games. I looked at my watch and saw that it was 5.23 PM. We certainly took our time enjoying things. We noticed that it was becoming dark out and decided to leave. Walking towards our car, Selina stopped and bought food from a street vendor. She gave me one too. I didn’t notice it at first when I came here but it seems that there are many people from different country hanging around here.

“Say, are all these people study at our school?” I asked curiously.

“Yeah. The reason why I told you to wear plain clothes is so that you won’t be spotted by the students. I would just introduce you in the school as a friend of mine who I met in Japan.”

"Why do you need to tell a lie? Can't you just introduce me normally?" I asked curiously and the feeling I had that time is irritation.

"My surname is Lopez, correct? You already know that since our adviser told you. Many students wanted me as their partner so that they can boast me to their friends. I don't like that since I already experienced it since I was young. My nickname is 'Assassin' because I was alone during my middle school years. It's not like I don't have any friends but when it comes to partners, I always work alone. The reason why I want to introduce as a friend from Japan is because I personally picked you to become my partner."

"I am happy that you personally picked me as your partner but, you still haven't answered my question."

Selina sighed and had a troubled expression on her face. "I know that in my part, I am being selfish and my selfishness will affect you. If they find out that I made you my partner because you caught my interest, I'm pretty sure that they will bully you. And I don't want that."

"With all due respect, I believe that I am not that soft to feel down just because of a simple bullying. And most likely, it's not my fault that you caught my interest, it's yours. If you voice out your opinion, I think that some of them will try to understand. If they don't understand you, maybe they are not that clever after all." I replied to her angrily because I felt that she was underestimating me.

I glanced at Selina's face after I replied to her and I saw her show a gentle smile. "I'm sorry. My tone made it seem like I was looking down on you. I apologize." she said. We arrived at our car and entered.

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Date: April 17, X110 ; 5.25 PM
Country: Philippines
Location: Car (now driving to School Grounds)
[POV: Ayumu]
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Selina started the conversation. "Like I said before we came here, I will tell you about the school's system. Our system is currently being revised since a lot of students don’t agree with how things are going. Well, the one we're using is still the normal one until the next school year. Students will be allowed to be in groups, but they will be assigned to the people they will be compatible with Skill wise. The problem is the student's personality since they feel that their group mates aren't that suitable for them or they feel that they are inferior. This is where the trust within them collapses. That is the one that should be fixed. Well, the new system is lax about whom you’re group mates with. An individual can create a group with their friends. The maximum people within a group should only be six. The only part where we became strict is about the groups. Every three months, there will be a test wherein they will evaluate if the teamwork of the group is effective or not. The new thing about this system is that you can be partners with one individual who are in the same year as you are, underclassmen, or upperclassmen.”

"I see. If you compare the two, the new one is better." I replied.

"What is your system in Japan, Ayumu?" she asked with interest.

"Our system is 'Free for All' in middle school."

"That must have been difficult, being alone whole three years and also being competitive." she said, impressed.

"The high school level, I believe is also the same as your normal system and I think that the chairman has no intention of changing that, for now."

"I see. Well, people look at things differently mostly when the society that an individual lived in is a big influence to them.” Selina reached for the bottom of her seat and took out a suitcase. She opened it and showed me a big pile of papers which are about the missing people. She showed me one of the file and gave it to me.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Profile:



Name: Yoshino Hide
Age: 17
Specialty: Close Quarter Combat
History:

>Transferred to Japan's IMA at her second year of high school
>Went missing in December 10th this year
>Ran for a position within the student committee
>Grades are above average except for CQC and Sniping
>CQCs are high and her sniping ability is slightly below average
>Returned 'home' after 115 days (April 3)
>No need for rehabilitation, hospitalized for injuries when she fought the people in order to escape
___________________________________________________________________

Profile:



Name: Kirisaki Mio
Age: 18
Specialty: Creating and Disabling Traps
History:

>Started the IMA course from the beginning
>Went missing February 1st this year
>Member of a Volleyball Club
>Have good grades
>Placed 29th out of 100 in her year
>Returned 'home' after 63 days (April 3)
>No need for rehabilitation but hospitalized for a a few days because she broke her hand when she set the trap off.
___________________________________________________________________

"What do you think of this, Ayumu? Can you give me your opinion with just the two of these profiles?" Selina asked me and I felt nervous. I began inspecting the profiles.

I looked at the files carefully. "Well, if I have to say, they are involved in school, they have good grades, returned the same day, and they were hospitalized." I finished talking.

I looked at Selina. She nods and looked at me, probably expecting me to say one more thing. Again, I looked at the files. I noted the day where the two of them went missing and it was three months apart. "After the test..." Unconsciously, I spoke my thoughts out loud. I felt embarrassed. I cleared my throat and continued, "After the evaluation, they were abducted. They both specialize in ground."

"Yes, that is correct. After they were released out of the hospital, we asked them a few questions." Selina reached for the suitcase and brought out a recorder. "This recorder contains the questions and answers of those two." She pushed the play button on the recorder.

(Interrogator) "What is your name?"

(Student #1) "Before I tell you my name, tell me where I am first. How can I say something to a stranger my personal information?"

(Interrogator) "You are in IMA school grounds here in the Philippines. Your name?"

(Student #1) "Why am I here?"

(Interrogator) "I already told you where you are, now please tell me your name."

(Student #1) "Alright. I am Yoshino Hide. Now, tell me the reason why I am here."

(Interrogator) "We just rescued you when you were abducted. We don't know who the responsible person in this case is but we have the intention to find out. We will need your assistance in order for him to be caught. We ask of you to tell us what you experienced when you were kidnapped. We are well aware that trauma and fear may resurface and we also give you the right to stop when you have enough. But please tell us the truth."

(Yoshino) "Yes. It happened a few days after we took the evaluation in our teams. I was the one who made my team lose points though it was only a little. Those girls ignored me for a while. In my opinion, I did well. The grades weren't even posted yet they were already giving me the attitude that I was the whole reason we lost. In my locker, I saw a letter. It said in the letter was that if I ever wanted to be forgiven, I should go to the back of the school at midnight. Well, I did that because I don't want to be ignored even if we weren't friends from the start.

(Interrogator) “Do you still want to continue?”

(Yoshino) “I want to. Anyway, at the back of the school are other students too. Most of them were in the failing teams and others are people who had low grades.”

(Interrogator) “How did you know that they had low grades?”

(Yoshino) “I was in the student committee. My job was to check the failing students and if possible, assist them. Well, returning to the story, those are the majority of people. I asked one of them but no reply. Everyone was told to be quiet, even me. One of the people there said, 'If you truly want to be forgiven, step inside the vehicle.' Well, I did what I was told.

(Interrogator) “Who are the people that told you to be quiet?”

(Yoshino) “I honestly don't know. From what I remember, there are a lot of them. There are six on the ground and there are more hiding in the trees and buildings. They used a silenced assault rifle though I can't remember what type they are. In my opinion, they were professionals. They are trained. From the way they stand, the way they walk, the way they hold their guns, it's like they graduated from military school. Or maybe they are just trained by military people or something.”

(Interrogator) “Do you want to take a break?”

(Yoshino) “Yes. Only for a bit.”
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“So, what do you think so far?” Selina asks.

“Like Hide-san said, they seem to be professionals. I can't deny that. Though I do wonder how she knew there were more in the trees and buildings. As I recall, our dorm have curfew rules. If she is one of the people in the student council, I don't think she will really break those rules. Students working in the committee should be role models for the students." I say. Playing the first record again, I came to a decision. "Hide-san is lying. I am sure about that."

I look at Selina. The expression on her face is serious that it is quite intimidating. "Understood. To be honest, we are really not needed to investigate this kind of things. Past events like these, the perpetrator only takes students and whenever they return some are missing and still MIA. The higher-ups probably want us to be taken hostage so that we will experience it first hand." she lets out a sigh. Selina leans forward and says something to me in a small voice. "In my perspective, the higher-ups wants us to disappear."

Surprised and shocked by what she said, I just reply in a small voice "What do you mean by that? Can you explain it to me more clearly? Please don't tell me you were only testing me."

Selina looks at me seriously and gives me a fake smile. Honestly, it made me sick. She replies, "Ah, yes, of course. This is only a test. It seems that you took me too seriously. Next week, we will meet the other groups. I am not informed how many there are but they said there are others. It seems that we have arrived. Let us go?"

We step out of the car and proceeds to our room. Selina quickly locks the door and closes the curtain and window. "I do apologize with what I said." she says without even looking at me. I will explain it to you everything later. Let's have dinner first, okay?"

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Date: April 17, X110 ; 7.30 PM
Country: Philippines
Location: IMA --> Cafeteria
[POV: Ayumu]
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Still confused by what she said, I remain quiet. All the way to the cafeteria, none of us spoke words between each other. I smelled delicious food but the taste doesn't match its appearance. The food for today in the cafeteria are Filipino foods. They serve such delicious foods that I can probably eat them everyday. I sit beside Selina and eats quietly.

"Hey. Sorry about what I did in the car and in the room. I can't talk about it here in school grounds since I don't trust some people in here." Selina whispers to me.

"If you don't want to talk about it, then tell me clearly." I replied with a small voice. "And why are you even telling me these now? For all we know, those people who you do not trust could be listening to us." I add.

Selina takes one bite of her food and says, "Yeah... Ah, I forgot to tell you. Are you free tomo-?"



"Lopez! I challenge you to a duel!" a girl says in a loud voice. From her tone, one can easily tell that she is arrogant and annoying. "So, who is she?" I ask Selina.

"She is from New York. The name is..." Selina pauses and looks at the arrogant girl with a smile on her face. "Say, what is your name again?" she asks teasingly.

The girl seems flushed. Annoyed, she said in a loud voice, "I am the third daughter of the Bridget family! My name is Sarah Bridget, remember who I am! How many times have you forgotten my name anyways?" she asks. I smiled secretly and chuckles. I continue to eat my food and finishes. I put it with the stack of used glass plates. I return to my sit.

"Yes, yes. I apologize. I know who you are. Making you flustered is fun so I always say that. Sorry." Selina says to Sarah. She looks at me and says, "Ayumu, this is Sarah. Well, you probably heard her name. Anyways, Sarah, she is my partner. Be nice to her, okay?"

Sarah looks at me, "Yes, it's nice to meet you. I apologize for my rudeness and talking loudly during your meal." she looks back at Selina, "So, about what we talked about earlier..."

"Yeah... Can you gather them all? I want to talk to them." Selina replies. Their conversation exists between the two of them and I didn't bother to ask them about it.

"Ayumu." Selina calls my name. "You are free on all days until school, right?" she asks.

"Yes, I am. Are there some things that needs to be done?" I ask her back.

Selina pauses and replies, "No, not really. Actually, we have plans for vacation and I don't want to leave you alone here." she drinks water and resumes, "If you don't want to come with us, it's fine but the other members who will help us are also going to be there." She looks at me. "So, what do you say?"

I thought about it for a second. "Sure, why not? By the way, how many are there? The people who will help us, I mean."

"There are five pairs, excluding us so basically seven pairs." Sarah cuts in. "At first, you will be confused but please remain calm at all times. Also, there will be no evaluation there. If they say that to you, just go with the flow or tell them off." she adds. Her tone of voice is apologetic and I became more interested in those members.

"They will just make fun of you, Ayumu." Selina says. She chuckles and seems that she's having fun.

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Date: April 18, X110 ; 9.30 AM
Country: Philippines
Location: Palawan - Selina's Private Island (on the way to the island by boat)
[POV: Ayumu]
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"Woah! This place is awesome!" I said, amazed with how clear the water is.

"You know, you are acting like a kid!" Selina comments. I look back at her and I forgot that Sarah was with us too.

"Well, I am still a kid. Might as well enjoy being one!" I said to my partner, grinning like an idiot. I walk at the front end of the boat and sits, enjoying the breeze. I close my eyes and lay down. The sun shines down to me and the light felt nice. The boat shook a little and it surprised me. I open my eyes and see Selina sitting next to me. I tried to raise my head but it seems that she held it down.

"Hey? What?" I ask her.

"If you raised your head immediately, I am pretty sure that you will throw up and I don't want this clear water to be polluted by your puke. That is why." Selina replied to me.

"Come on now, guys. I know that we are here for fun and some for work but can you please hurry it up? We don't have all time." Sarah yells to us. Her voice is far away and the way Selina was gazing, I am guessing that she is already on land.

"Alright, alright... We're coming!" Selina replies to her. She looks to me again, "Don't rush sitting and standing up. You just took a nap so your blood circulation hasn't circulated around your body yet." and she lets go of her hand. She stands up and offers her hand. "Need some help?"

Before I take her hand, I tried to stand up on my own. The boat was rocking and I lost my balance for a bit and regained it. "Thanks but I don't need it. Let us go?" I ask her and smiles.

Selina smiles gently, "Alright then. Please follow me!" she steps out of the boat. We walk from the boat to the beach. The water reaches up above our knees. Cold water welcomed us and made me comfortable.

We reached the land. My clothes are soaking wet. Selina is still in front of me and seems to walk faster. I tried to catch up to her, matching her pace.
(this is her clothes)


There are many houses near the ocean but Selina ignored it. We hiked the mountains and reached a large house which is Selina's.